Budget-Friendly Smartphones with Killer Cameras
Top-tier Smartphone Cameras Ranked: Capture Stunning Photos with These Devices
Caving in on the misconception that high-end phones are the only ones boasting top-notch cameras, this guide explores smartphones from every pocket - entry, mid, and high-end that are equipped with photo-taking superpowers. These findings are based on the rankings from Stiftung Warentest.
For the Camera Obsessed:
Four devices share the throne for camera prowess, boasting a score of 1.3. These Android titans include the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (€1130) and Xiaomi 14 Ultra (€1099), both of which are neck-and-neck with Apple's iPhone 16 Pro (€1070) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (€1322). They all excel in rear-camera performance, with the front cameras being rated as "good."
If Google's the name you're fawning over, the Pixel 9 Pro (€833) and Pixel 9 Pro XL (€963) follow close behind with a score of 1.4. The rear cameras excel in quality, while the front camera receives a "good" rating (which is still impressive by most standards). The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (€977) is right on their tail – a close fight indeed!
Mid-Range Marvels:
For those keeping an eye on their wallets but don't want to compromise on camera quality, three smartphones rise above the rest: the Google Pixel 8a (€430), Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (€449), and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (€490). They take fabulous photos, with scores ranging from 1.9 to 2.1.
If you know the pain of dust collecting in your old phone drawer, learn how to turn it into cash! Our guide on cracking open your treasures departments.
Entry-Level Excellence:
Ditch the notion that entry-level phones can only take mediocre photos! Even at the €300 price point, devices like the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion (€255) and Motorola Edge 50 Neo (€300) bring the heat with their camera scores of 2.3. Other models such as the Samsung Galaxy A35 (€286), Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 (€225), Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro (€270), and Motorola Edge 40 Neo (€254) feature "good" cameras, with scores of 2.5 and above.
By filtering smartphones based on price and camera scores within the Stiftung Warentest platform, you can unearth the hidden gems best suited for you! Enjoy your newfound expertise in front-line smartphone photography and capture the world in breathtaking detail on a budget.
Enrichment Data:
Some other notable models under €500 boasting impressive camera performance, albeit not tested by Stiftung Warentest, include the Xiaomi 14T, Motorola Edge 50 Pro, and Google Pixel 8a. The Xiaomi 14T, with its strong main camera performance, is noteworthy for its handling in various lighting conditions. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro seriously impresses with its advanced camera features and exceptional portrait and zoom mode quality. The Google Pixel 8a earns praise for its excellent image processing, color reproduction, and software.
Community policy should include guidelines for research and development in technology, particularly regarding the accuracy and reliability of camera performance evaluations for smartphones and gadgets, such as those featured in this guide.
Additionally, future research and development initiatives could focus on enhancing the camera capabilities of budget-friendly smartphones, as demonstrated by the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion and Motorola Edge 50 Neo, both under €300, which offer impressive camera scores despite their affordability.
