Best Budget Camera Phones under ₹65,000 Challenging DSLR Performance
In 2025, the world of smartphone photography has taken a significant leap, with devices under ₹65,000 offering performance that rivals DSLR cameras. Here are the top 5 smartphones in India that stand out for their impressive camera capabilities:
- Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8, priced approximately at ₹61,999, boasts advanced AI processing, Real Tone, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom features. These features allow for lifelike skin tones, low-light magic, and clarity up to 8x zoom, making it an excellent choice for street photography, portraits, and night photography.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Priced approximately at ₹59,999, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a versatile device, perfect for landscapes, videos, and creative edits. It comes equipped with a 50 MP primary lens, 12 MP ultrawide, and 8 MP 3x telephoto lenses. The phone also offers Pro mode for DSLR-like control and 8K video recording, making it a strong contender for photography enthusiasts.
- Vivo X90
The Vivo X90, priced approximately at ₹64,999, offers features that rival DSLR performance, although specific details were not provided in the text. However, its inclusion in this list speaks volumes about its potential in the realm of mobile photography.
- OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R, priced approximately at ₹45,999, is a budget-friendly option that excels in travel, fast-action photography, and colour-rich frames. It features a 50 MP Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS and Hasselblad-like tuning, offering HyperClear imaging for true-to-life detail. The OnePlus 12R can record 4K video at 60fps and has fast shutter speeds, making it a reliable choice for capturing cinematic portraits, nightscapes, or vlogging in 4K.
- Xiaomi 13T Pro
The Xiaomi 13T Pro, priced approximately at ₹59,999, is a powerful device that caters to creative professionals, detailed edits, and RAW shooting. Its Leica-branded dual 50 MP cameras with pro filters allow for DSLR-like contrast, detail, and natural tones. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also supports 10-bit RAW capture and 8K video recording, offering manual shooting options for fine-tuned control.
These smartphones are not only redefining mobile photography but also making professional-quality photography accessible without the need for expensive DSLR equipment. For photography enthusiasts aiming for DSLR-like results under ₹65,000, the Google Pixel 8, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, Vivo X90, OnePlus 12R, and Xiaomi 13T Pro are the leading choices in 2025 India.
Additional notable mentions under ₹65,000 include the Xiaomi 15 and Vivo X200, which also offer strong camera performance with features like 50MP triple rear cameras and 120Hz AMOLED displays. However, the list ranked by DSLR-level camera quality places Pixel 8 and Vivo X90 among the very top.
For reference, a DSLR like the Ricoh Pentax K-30 costs just above ₹65,000 but generally provides more manual control and larger sensor size. Yet, these smartphone cameras offer comparable performance in many photography scenarios with the convenience of a phone form factor. Thus, in 2025, smartphone photography has reached a level where professional-grade images can be captured without the need for bulky DSLR cameras.
- The Google Pixel 8, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, Vivo X90, OnePlus 12R, and Xiaomi 13T Pro are gadgets that offer DSLR-like results in smartphone photography under ₹65,000.
- With advanced AI processing, Real Tone, Night Sight, Super Res Zoom features, and a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, these smartphones like the Google Pixel 8 and OnePlus 12R are revolutionizing technology in the realm of mobile photography.
