Most of us take the camera in our smartphone as granted. Camera phones are replacing the point-and-shoot camera at a steady pace since the last few years. So, if you find your old and faithful point-and-shoot camera licking the dust in your home, then you’re not alone. Many of us have started using our smartphones as a primary for capturing everyday moments.
While it is difficult to find a decent camera phone under Rs. 20,000 in India, a number of good camera phones available above Rs. 30,000. This puts one in a dilemma. So, it is more of choosing the best camera phone above Rs. 30,000 rather than finding a good camera smartphone.
We did our research and have compiled this list of some of the best phones with a great camera that you can find.
Samsung Galaxy S8
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is the latest and one of the most beautiful smartphones in the market today. The phone retails for Rs. 57,900 right now on Flipkart.
The main features of this phone are its 12 MP rear camera with PDAF and LED flash, 8 MP camera, 5.8” AMOLED 2K display, 64 GB ROM expandable to 256 GB via hybrid slot, and a 3000 mAh battery.
Specifications: Samsung Galaxy S8
- Chipset: Exyos 8895 Octa
- CPU: 2.3 GHz quad-core + 1.7 GHz quad-core
- GPU: Mali-G71 MP20
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Android Nougat 7.0
- Display: 5.8 inch, AMOLED QHD Display, Gorilla Glass 5
- Camera: Primary- 12 MP PD-AF, OIS with LED Flash, OIS; Secondary- 8 MP Auto HDR
- Memory: Internal- 64 GB; External- Up to 256 GB (hybrid; uses SIM slot 2)
- Battery: 3000 mAh Li-ion (non-removable)
- Connectivity: GPS with A-GPS, 4G dual SIM, NFC, USB Type C v3.1, USB Host, fingerprint, Bluetooth 5.0, EDGE, HSPA, WiFi with hotspot and WiFi Direct.
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Carrying a price tag of Rs. 64,900, the Galaxy S8+ boasts a large 6.2-inch 2K display without making the phone unwieldy. The phone has got the same hardware as the Galaxy S8 other than the larger display size and a bigger 3500 mAh battery.
Specifications: Samsung Galaxy S8+
- Chipset: Exyos 8895 Octa
- CPU: 2.3 GHz quad-core + 1.7 GHz quad-core
- GPU: Mali-G71 MP20
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Android Nougat 7.0
- Display: 6.2 inch, AMOLED QHD Display, Gorilla Glass 5
- Camera: Primary- 12 MP PD-AF, OIS with LED Flash, OIS; Secondary- 8 MP Auto HDR
- Memory: Internal- 64 GB; External- Up to 256 GB (hybrid; uses SIM slot 2)
- Battery: 3500 mAh Li-ion (non-removable)
- Connectivity: GPS with A-GPS, 4G dual SIM, NFC, USB Type C v3.1, USB Host, fingerprint, Bluetooth 5.0, EDGE, HSPA, WiFi with hotspot and WiFi Direct.
Huawei P9
Huawei P9 is a dual SIM phone with 5.2-inch full HD display, 1.8GHz octa-core processor and it comes with 3 or 4 GB RAM variants. The phone runs on Android Marshmallow, has 32 GB ROM and can be expanded up to 256 GB by micro SD card. Huawei P9 is priced at Rs. 39,999.
The USP of Huawei P9 is its dual 12MP f/2.2 Leica rear camera setup supporting PDAF and dual-tone dual-LED flash. The camera can’t record 4K videos but does 1080p recording at 60fps. It also graces an 8MP front shooter, and is powered by a non-removable 3000 mAh battery.
- Chipset : Kirin 955
- CPU: 1.8 GHz octa-core
- GPU: Mali-T880 M
- RAM: 3.0/4.0 GB
- OS: 6.0 Marshmallow
- Display: 5.2 inch with 1080p resolution
- Camera: Primary-12 MP AF, LED Flash ; Secondary- 12 MP FF
- Memory: Internal- 32/64 GB; External- Up to 128 GB
- Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable Li-lon
- Connectivity: 4G, Dual SIM, GPS, OTG, Bluetooth 4.0, EDGE, HSPA, Wi-Fi with hotspot, Type C USB, Fingerprint Sensor, NFC
Xiaomi Mi 5
The Mi5 is the latest from Xiaomi and runs on Android Marshmallow OS. The phone packs a fingerprint in the home button which looks similar to the setup found in Samsung Galaxy S6 and above. It packs Snapdragon 820 chip along with 3 GB RAM.
The phone will be launched in India next month bearing a price tag of Rs. 25,000 approximately.
Specifications: Xiaomi Mi 5
- Chipset: Snapdragon 820
- CPU: 2.15 GHz dual-core + 1.6 GHz dual-core
- GPU: Adreno 530
- RAM: 3 GB / 4 GB
- OS: Android Marshmallow 6.0
- Display: 5.15 inch, IPS FHD Display
- Camera: Primary- 16 MP PF-AF with dual-tone dual-LED Flash, OIS; Secondary- 4 MP
- Memory: Internal- 32/64/128 GB; External- None.
- Battery: 3000 mAh Li-Po (non-removable)
- Connectivity: GPS with A-GPS, 4G, NFC, IR Port, Typce C USB with USB Host, fingerprint, Bluetooth 4.2, EDGE, HSPA, WiFi with hotspot and WiFi Direct
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
The Galaxy S7 Edge is similar to Galaxy S7 in almost all the features except the fact that it packs a larger 5.5” curved display and is powered by a bigger 3600 mAh battery.
Specifications: Galaxy S7 Edge
- Chipset: Exyos 8890
- CPU: 2.3 GHz quad-core + 1.6 GHz quad-core
- GPU: Mali-T880MP12
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Android Marshmallow 6.0
- Display: 5.5 inch, AMOLED QHD Display, Gorilla Glass 4
- Camera: Primary- 12 MP PD-AF with LED Flash, OIS; Secondary- 5 MP
- Memory: Internal- 32/64 GB; External- Up to 200 GB (hybrid; uses SIM slot 2)
- Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion (non-removable)
- Connectivity: GPS with A-GPS, 4G dual SIM, NFC, microUSB with USB Host, fingerprint, Bluetooth 4.2, EDGE, HSPA, WiFi with hotspot and WiFi Direct.
OnePlus 3T
OnePlus 3 is the best smartphone that OnePlus has made till date. The phone runs on Snapdragon 821 chip, 6 GB RAM, a superb 16/8 MP camera combo, 5.5 inch AMOLED display, and a 3400 mAh battery.
The phone is powered by Android Nougat and costs Rs. 29,999.
Specifications: OnePlus 3T
- Chipset: Snapdragon 821, 64 bit
- CPU: 2.35 GHz dual-core + 1.6 GHz dual-core
- GPU: Adreno 530
- RAM: 6 GB
- OS: Android Nougat 7.1.1
- Display: 5.5 inch, Super AMOLED FHD Display, Gorilla Glass 4
- Camera: Primary- 16 MP f/2.0 PDAF OIS with LED Flash; Secondary- 16 MP
- Memory: Internal- 64 GB; External- None.
- Battery: 3400 mAh (non-removable)
- Connectivity: 4G with VoLTE, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, fingerprint scanner, dual SIM, USB Type C, Bluetooth 4.2, EDGE, HSPA, WiFi
LG G6
The LG G6 is priced at Rs. 51,799 on Amazon.in right now. The main USP of the phone is its 13 MP dual rear camera setup. Other features include IP68 certification, 5.7-inch IPS 2K display, and a 3300 mAh battery.
Specifications: LG G6
- Chipset: Snapdragon 821 quad-core
- CPU: 2.3 GHz dual-core + 1.6 GHz dual-core
- GPU: Adreno 530
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Android Nougat 7.0
- Display: 5.7 inch, IPS LCD QHD Display, Gorilla Glass 3
- Camera: Primary- 13 MP MP PD-AF f/8, OIS 3-axis coupled with 13 MP f/2.4 with dual-LED Flash, OIS; Secondary- 5 MP
- Memory: Internal- 64 GB; External- Up to 256 GB (hybrid; uses SIM slot 2)
- Battery: 3300 mAh Li-ion (non-removable)
- Connectivity: GPS with A-GPS, 4G dual SIM, NFC, USB Type C v3.1, USB Host, fingerprint, Bluetooth 4.2, EDGE, HSPA, WiFi with hotspot and WiFi Direct.
LeEco Le Max 2
LeEco Le Max 2 is a dual SIM phone powered by Snapdragon 820 sporting a 5.7 inch 2K display. The Le Max 2 runs on Android Marshmallow and packs 21 MP/8 MP camera combo.
It also supports a fingerprint scanner, is powered by a 3100 mAh battery, and supports Qualcomm Quick Charging 3.0.
The phone is yet to be announced in India.
Specifications: LeEco Le Max 2
- Chipset: Snapdragon 820
- CPU: 2.1 GHz quad-core
- GPU: Adreno 530
- RAM: 4 / 6 GB
- OS: Android Marshmallow
- Display: 5.7 inch, 2K IPS LCD Display
- Camera: Primary- 21 MP AF with LED Flash; Secondary- 8 MP
- Memory: Internal- 64 GB; External- Up to 128 GB via microSD card slot.
- Battery: 3100 mAh
- Connectivity: GPS with A-GPS, fingerprint scanner, 4G, Dual SIM support, USB Type C, Bluetooth 4.0, EDGE, HSPA, WiFi with hotspot.
Gionee A1
Gionee A1 is priced at Rs. 19,999 and a selfie centric phone packing a 16 MP f/2.0 front camera and a 13 MP f/2.0 rear camera with LED flash supporting phase-detection Auto-focus.
It is powered by MediaTek P10 SoC, and runs on 4 GB RAM and Android Nougat out of the box. The phone has 64 GB ROM and supports expandable memory up to 256 GB via hybrid slot.
- Chipset : MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10
- CPU: 2.0 GHz quad-core + 1.0 GHz quad-core
- GPU: Mali 860MP2
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
- Display: 5.5 inch 2.5D curved screen with 1080p resolution
- Camera: Primary-13 MP f/2.0 PDAF, LED Flash ; Secondary- 16 MP f/2.0 FF
- Memory: Internal- 64 GB; External- up to 256 GB (hybrid)
- Battery: 4010 mAh non removable
- Connectivity: 4G VoLTE, Dual SIM, GPS, GSM,OTG, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Type C, EDGE, HSPA, Wi-Fi with hotspot, Fingerprint Sensor
Budget Camera Phones
Moto G5 Plus
Moto G5 Plus is Motorola’s take at making a better affordable camera phone. The phone packs a 12 MP dual-AF pixel camera supporting a large f/1.7 camera along with a 5 MP f/2.2 selfie camera. Moto G5 Plus carries a price tag of Rs. 16,999 and is available only on Flipkart.
It is powered by a 3000 mAh battery, runs on Android Nougat 7.0, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB ROM, and supports expandable memory up to 128 GB via a dedicated microSD card slot.
- Chipset : Snapdragon 625
- CPU: 2.0 GHz octa-core
- GPU: Adreno 506
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: 7.0 Marshmallow
- Display: 5.2 inch IPS LCD FHD screen
- Camera: Primary- 12 MP f/1.7dual-AF, dual-tone dual-LED Flash ; Secondary- 5 MP f/2.2 FF
- Memory: Internal- 32 GB; External- up to 128 GB
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Connectivity: 4G VoLTE, Dual SIM, fingerprint, OTG, Bluetooth 4.2, EDGE, HSPA, Wi-Fi with hotspot.
Lava Z10
The Lava Z10 is a camera-focussed phone from Lava mobiles which packing an 8 MP rear camera with bright f/2.0 aperture along with a pixel size of µm for both the cameras.
The phone has a metal body and runs on Android Marshmallow OS powered by MediaTek quad-core CPU and 2 GB RAM. It is priced at Rs. 9,990 and can be bought from Flipkart.
- Chipset : MediaTek MT6735
- CPU: 1.3 GHz quad-core
- GPU: Mali-T720MP2
- RAM: 2 GB
- OS: 6.0 Marshmallow
- Display: 5 inch IPS LCD 2.5D curved display, 1280×720 pixels
- Camera: Primary-8 MP AF f/2.04 um pixel size with LED Flash; Secondary- 5 MP FF 1.4 um pixels with LED flash
- Memory: Internal- 16 GB; External- up to 128 GB (hybrid slot)
- Battery: 2620 mAh Li-ion
- Connectivity: 4G VoLTE, Dual SIM (hybrid slot), fingerprint, GPS, OTG, Bluetooth 4.1, EDGE, HSPA, Wi-Fi with hotspot.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 sports a 5.5-inch 2.5D curved full HD display and is powered by 2.1 GHz octa-core processor with 2/3/4 GB RAM, 13MP rear camera ,and 5 MP front camera. It runs on Android Marshmallow and has 32/64 GB ROM options.
The 2 GB RAM variant costs Rs. 9,999 while 3 GB and 4 GB RAM (with 64 GB ROM) models cost Rs. 10,999 and Rs. 12,999 respectively.
Specifications: Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
- Chipset : Snapdragon 625
- CPU: Adreno 506
- GPU: Mali T880 MP4
- RAM: 2/3/4 GB
- OS: 6.0 Marshmallow
- Display: 5.5 inch 2.5D curved screen with 1080p resolution
- Camera: Primary-13 MP AF, LED Flash ; Secondary- 5 MP FF
- Memory: Internal- 32/64 GB; External- up to 128 GB (via hybrid slot)
- Battery: 4100 mAh non removable
- Connectivity: 4G VoLTE, GPS, OTG, fingerprint scanner, IR blaster, Bluetooth 4.1, EDGE, HSPA, Wi-Fi with hotspot, Fingerprint Sensor, micro USB 2.0
We will keep on updating this list as and when new camera phones are launched.
4 Comments
Sufyan Shaikh
Hi Anand,
Superb post.I have bookmarked your site for future reference.
Keep up the good work
Anamika Verma
Hi Anand,
Thanks for the list, and all the phones are good in camera quality. I have one more smartphone to add in this list: LeEco Le Max 2.
The phone is just launched and have 21 MP rear camera and 8 MP front camera. I hope you would love to add this phone in your list.
Thanks
Ramesh
Thanks for the list.
Jason
So iPhone doesn’t have best camera? I heard and read many positive about their camera and you haven’t listed it.