It's hard to find a smartphone that can offer good quality photos and videos at a low cost. As a rule, only expensive flagship models costing 60-70 thousand rubles are equipped with good cameras. However, let's try to research the market and select the most interesting options that should be ideal for those who like to post their photos to Instagram.
Cheap smartphones with good cameras
Google Pixel 3a is the best choice
It's worth starting, you guessed it, with the Google Pixel 3a. On Ebay, a smartphone can be purchased for about 20-30 thousand rubles. In maintained condition, it will cost 13-15 thousand, which will be just an ideal option for those who need to spend the least amount of money for the best camera on the market. What is the Pixel 3a capable of? It is equipped with a 12.2 megapixel main camera and an 8 megapixel front camera. These numbers may seem ridiculous to many, but let's see what this camera can actually do:
In terms of image quality, the Pixel 3 XL performs even better iPhone XR, and this despite the fact that the latter costs almost twice as much. For those for whom this comparison was not enough, suggests comparing 3a with iPhone XS:
Google Pixel 3a photo sample
Google Pixel 3a photo sample
Google Pixel 3a photo sample
Google Pixel 3a photo sample
Google Pixel 3a photo sample
Google Pixel 3a photo sample
Essential Phone PH-1 – Budget Option
You can buy a device on Ebay for 5-8 thousand rubles. For the money, this is a great camera phone. It is equipped with two 13-megapixel cameras with laser and phase detection autofocus, f / 1.9 aperture. One of the cameras is monochrome, which allows the smartphone to get more details during the picture.
Sample Photo Essential Phone
Sample Photo Essential Phone
It is worth noting that the smartphone supports various modules. For example, a 360 degree camera. The case materials – titanium, ceramics and glass – will pleasantly surprise many.
Xiaomi Redmi K30 – if a good module is important
The phone is priced at 15 thousand rubles and offers a new module Sony IMX686. Sure, Xiaomi has always had software problems, but don't underestimate the IMX686. The smartphone does an excellent job of shooting video. No glare like on the Note 8 Pro. But the quality of the photo, of course, many may have questions. Although it all depends on who is in the hands of the device. Again, the IMX686 is a great module and in the right hands it can perform well. By the way, the Vivo x30 pro is equipped with a similar module, which costs 40 thousand rubles.
Sample photo Redmi K30
Sample photo Redmi K30
Nokia 7.2 – great value for your money
Officially in Russia, the phone can be purchased for 18 thousand rubles, and for this money it is quite a good camera phone. It is equipped with a triple camera with a 48MP sensor and ZEISS optics. It has a cool HDR screen, gets an upgrade to Android 10 and has an interesting austere look and premium body materials. Nokia 7.2 is a great option for those who are tired of the colorful Chinese style of modern smartphones.
Sample photo Nokia 7.2
Sample photo Nokia 7.2
Sample photo Nokia 7.2
In good light, the photo quality of the device shows the same results as the Pixel 4, iPhone 11 or OnePlus 7T. However, it is not suitable for videographers or those who like to shoot in low light. In this case, the camera turns pink for some reason. We propose to discuss this effect in Telegram.
Nokia 9 PureView is the perfect low-cost flagship
In Russia, this smartphone is estimated at 50 thousand rubles. Yes, that's a lot, but just look at how much detail the device provides the user with RAW images:
The quality of the pictures is really decent. The device has 5 cameras with ZEISS optics. Sample photos:
Sample photo Nokia 9
Sample photo Nokia 9
Sample photo Nokia 9
Sample photo Nokia 9
Sample photo Nokia 7.2
From all this, we can only conclude – if you want a really high-quality camera with realistic colors – Nokia 9 will be a very cool option even taking into account its rather rather big cost, but it is still cheaper than iPhone 11 or the flagship from Samsung. Cheaper options are presented above. The most balanced is still the Pixel 3a – it is suitable for almost everyone who likes to take pictures often and upload photos to Instagram.
Don't be afraid to order devices from Ebay and share your opinion in the comments below. Which device did you find most interesting?