Looking for a camera phone under ₹20,000 to capture your special moments? We've got you covered with a list of top contenders in this budget range.
In the dynamic landscape of smartphones, there's a continuous quest to strike the perfect balance between features, performance, and affordability. For many, a camera phone that delivers exceptional photography without breaking the bank is the ideal solution. The sub- ₹20,000 segment of the smartphone market has evolved rapidly, offering a plethora of innovative options that cater to photography enthusiasts, multitaskers, and budget-conscious consumers alike. As we step into November 2023, this segment is witnessing an exciting convergence of technology and affordability.
The demand for top-notch camera phones under ₹20,000 is ever-growing. Users today rely on their smartphones not just for communication but also for capturing life's most precious moments. A good camera phone under this budget bracket should excel in photography, but it should also offer a seamless and enjoyable overall user experience.
The best camera phones in this range are expected to feature at least a 48MP primary camera or equivalent, ensuring that users can capture clear and detailed photos. Features like image stabilisation are increasingly important as they contribute to steadier shots and better low-light photography. Multilens camera systems, such as ultrawide and macro lenses, add versatility to your photography, allowing you to explore different angles and subjects. In addition, the presence of night modes and larger apertures greatly enhances low-light performance, ensuring that your photos remain impressive even when the sun goes down.
However, camera performance is only part of the equation. The best camera phones under ₹20,000 are also expected to offer an excellent display. A crisp and vibrant screen ensures that you can enjoy your photos and videos to the fullest. Moreover, satisfactory overall performance, including a good processor and ample RAM, ensures that your smartphone runs smoothly, even when handling multiple tasks.
With all these considerations in mind, the following list outlines the top camera phones under ₹20,000 available in the Indian market as of November 2023. These phones strike a balance between camera quality, overall performance, and affordability, making them worthy contenders for your hard-earned money.
1. Redmi Note 12
The Redmi Note 12 boasts impressive features that promise a seamless and vibrant user experience. Its Super AMOLED display, with a sharp 1080x2400 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, delivers stunning visuals and smooth transitions. The display's peak brightness of 1200 units ensures clarity even in bright conditions. Powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen1 6nm Octa-core 5G processor, clocking in at up to 2.0GHz, it guarantees high performance and energy efficiency, aided by the Adreno 619 GPU. The camera setup includes a versatile 48MP AI Triple camera, an 8MP Ultra Wide sensor, and a 2MP Macro camera, providing diverse photography options. Plus, the 13MP front camera captures striking selfies.
Specifications:
Operating System: Android 12, MIUI 14
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen
RAM: 6GB
Storage: Options for 128GB, expandable with microSDXC
The Oppo A78 5G offers a superior mobile experience with its ColorOS 13 and generous 8GB of RAM, which can be expanded up to a whopping 16GB, along with 128GB of internal storage expandable up to 1TB. This ensures a super-smooth and responsive performance for multitasking and running demanding applications. For photography enthusiasts, the AI camera setup combines a 50MP primary rear camera and a 2MP secondary camera, capturing crystal-clear details and vibrant images. The 8MP front camera is perfect for high-quality selfies and video calls. The device features an attractive Oppo Glow Design and a 6.56-inch 90Hz Color-Rich Display, providing immersive visuals with an 89.8% screen-to-body ratio.
Specifications:
OS: Color OS 13
Camera: 50MP + 2MP and 8MP Selfie Camera
Display: 6.56-inch, 90Hz.
Memory & SIM: 8 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM, 5G
Battery: 5000mAh with 33W Super VOOC charger.
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
Pros
Cons
Long battery life
Software optimisation could be better
Solid build
3. Realme Narzo 50 5G
Realme Narzo 50 5G is a phone that comes with Android 12 and has super storage and RAM that will keep your phone's speed running and intact even if you have many apps installed on it. It has a quick-charging battery and a smooth processor. The 6.6-inch FHD+ display delivers vivid visuals, while the 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, ensuring you stay powered up. The phone features a 48MP + 2MP rear camera setup, allowing for stunning photography, and an 8MP front camera for high-quality selfies. Lastly, its substantial 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM, expandable up to 256GB, ensure smooth multitasking and ample storage for your apps and data.
The Realme Narzo 60X 5G is another great choice for a camera phone under ₹20000. a It comes with a 50 MP dual rear AI camera setup that produces vibrant colours, bringing your photos to life. The ProLight imaging software in this device lets you take photos in the dark while keeping the details. Additionally, it also has an 8 MP front camera for taking all the selfies you need. Running on Android 13 with Realme UI 4.0, it offers a smooth and user-friendly experience. Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ processor and equipped with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it ensures snappy performance and ample storage space. Moreover, the 6.72-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals. The device also features a 5000 mAh battery supporting 33W wired charging.
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, featuring superfast 5G connectivity with support for 13 5G bands, ensures rapid data speeds and seamless connectivity. Under the hood, it's equipped with the robust Exynos 1330 Octa Core 2.4GHz processor, built on a 5 nm process, delivering both power and efficiency. The camera setup includes a 50 MP primary camera, accompanied by 2MP and 2MP sensors for versatile photography, while the 13MP front camera captures stunning selfies. It runs on the latest Android 13 with the One UI 5.0 interface for a smooth and intuitive user experience. Moreover, with a large 6.6-inch LCD boasting FHD+ resolution, this phone offers crisp visuals.
Specifications:
Operating System: Android 13, One UI core 5.1
Processor: Exynos 1330
RAM: 6GB
Storage: Options for 64GB and 128GB, expandable with microSDHC
The iQOO Z7s 5G boasts a 6.38-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a stunning 1300 nits peak local brightness, delivering vibrant visuals. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 64MP OIS Ultra Stable Camera, accompanied by a 2MP Bokeh camera, ensuring excellent photo quality. The 16MP front camera captures stunning selfies. The camera features include Ultra Stabilization video recording, Micro Movie Mode, and more. The 90Hz refresh rate guarantees smooth interactions, and the Schott Xensation UP glass protection adds durability. The 44W FlashCharge ensures rapid charging, with a 50% charge achievable in just 23 minutes and 11 seconds. Additionally, gamers will love the Ultra Game Mode, Motion Control, and the 1200Hz Instant touch sampling rate, ensuring an immersive gaming experience.
The TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G features a powerful 50MP primary camera with a wide f/1.6 aperture. This main camera excels in capturing detailed and well-lit photos, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios. Additionally, a 0.08MP depth sensor is included to enhance background blurs and create stunning bokeh effects, particularly in portrait photography. For selfie enthusiasts, the smartphone sports a 16MP front camera with an f/2.0 wide aperture. The presence of an LED flash ensures well-lit and clear self-portraits even in low-light conditions. In terms of video recording, the TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G can shoot videos at 1440p resolution at 30fps, delivering high-quality video content. Beyond its camera capabilities, the phone has a vibrant 120Hz PS LCD that offers smooth and detailed visuals.
The Lava Blaze 5G is a budget-friendly camera phone under ₹20000 that packs quite a punch when it comes to photography. Its primary camera, situated at the rear, boasts a 50MP sensor, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor and a VGA camera. This versatile setup ensures that you can capture high-resolution, detailed images and experiment with depth-of-field effects. On the front, an 8MP selfie camera, equipped with screen flash technology, helps you take clear and well-lit self-portraits, even in low-light conditions. The presence of a front flash, which is implemented as a screen flash, ensures that your selfies always look their best, even when you're in dimly lit surroundings. Moreover, the Lava Blaze 5G supports high-definition (2K) video recording, allowing you to create sharp and vibrant videos.
Specifications:
Operating System: Android 12
Processor: Mediatek MT6833 Dimensity 700
RAM: Options for 4GB and 6GB
Storage: 128GB, expandable with microSDXC
Display: 6.52 inches, IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels resolution
Rear Camera: Triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has impressive features across the board. Its camera setup is headlined by a high-resolution 108MP main camera, accompanied by a 2MP Depth-Assist Lens and a 2MP Macro Lens for versatile photography. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera captures high-quality self-portraits. The rear camera offers various modes, including Hi-res 108MP, 3x Lossless Zoom, and multiple video options. The phone sports a 6.72-inch display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. Its FHD+ resolution of 1080x2400 pixels, 16.7 million colours, and high brightness of 550 nits delivers vibrant and sharp visuals. The 5000mAh battery, combined with 67W SUPERVOOC Endurance Edition, guarantees lasting power.
The Vivo Y56 5G is another camera phone under ₹20000 that combines impressive camera capabilities, including a 50MP Super Night Camera and 2MP Bokeh Camera for detailed and artistic photography, with a 16MP HD Front Camera for clear selfies in various lighting conditions. Its 16.72cm (6.58-inch) FHD+ display offers vibrant visuals, while 5G connectivity ensures fast internet speeds. The Eye Protection mode also ensures comfortable extended usage. The innovative Extended RAM 3.0 technology effortlessly allocates up to 8 GB from the ROM to supplement the RAM, allowing for seamless multitasking. With a generous 128 GB of storage, expandable by up to 1 TB, you have ample space to record and preserve cherished moments.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G impresses as the best overall product with its outstanding features. It boasts a versatile camera setup with a high-resolution 108MP main sensor and a 16MP selfie camera. The 6.72-inch display offers vibrant visuals with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Powered by Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.1, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB storage, it delivers swift and efficient performance. The device's 5000mAh battery and 67W wired charging ensure lasting power. With Corning Gorilla Glass for durability, it's a top choice for those in search of a well-rounded and high-performance camera phone under ₹20000.
Best value for money
The Realme Narzo 60X 5G emerges as a standout value-for-money smartphone due to its impressive specifications at an affordable price point. Its robust Mediatek processor and 6GB of RAM ensure multitasking and gaming are smooth. The 50 MP main rear camera offers impressive photography capabilities. The 6.72-inch high-refresh-rate display enhances the overall user experience. Additionally, the device's large 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging ensures extended usage without frequent recharges.
How to find the best camera phones under ₹20000
To find the best camera phones under ₹20000, focus on key aspects. Look for devices with at least a 48 MP primary camera and features like image stabilisation for clear shots. Check reviews and camera samples to assess real-world performance. Consider devices with multiple lenses like ultrawide and macro for versatility. Pay attention to low-light capabilities, as devices with night modes and larger apertures tend to perform better. Additionally, ensure the phone offers a good display and satisfactory overall performance.
FAQs on camera phone under ₹20000
The main features that one should look for in a smartphone in this price range are good RAM and ROM, a good camera and a long-lasting battery. These features will ensure that your phone is durable and gives you a good experience.
For impressive low-light performance, the TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G, with its 50 MP primary camera and f/1.6 aperture, is an excellent choice.
The Redmi Note 12 offers expandable storage options, allowing you to increase your storage capacity, which is handy for storing photos and videos.
The Lava Blaze 5G allows for high-definition (2K) video recording, producing sharp and vibrant videos.
The Oppo A78 5G features an 8MP front camera for high-quality selfies, ensuring you look your best in photos and video calls.
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