Looking for a phone with a great camera that won’t break the bank? Good news—you don’t need to spend over $1,000 to get flagship-level photo and video performance. Here are the top camera phones under $500 that deliver stunning shots for any purpose.
📸 1. Google Pixel 7a
Arguably the best camera in this price range, thanks to Google's advanced computational photography.
- 64MP main + 13MP ultrawide
- Incredible night and portrait mode
- Clean Android experience and long-term updates
📱 2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
A powerful mid-range phone with Samsung’s trusted camera hardware and vivid AMOLED display.
- 50MP primary sensor + 12MP ultrawide
- Super Steady video and AI enhancements
- Expandable storage and premium design
🎥 3. iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone with flagship-level image processing powered by the A15 chip.
- 12MP rear camera with Smart HDR 4
- 4K video recording and Deep Fusion
- Lightweight and pocket-friendly
🔍 4. OnePlus Nord CE 3
This phone surprises with its camera performance, especially in good lighting and portrait mode.
- 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor
- OxygenOS with fast performance
- Great color accuracy and dynamic range
💡 5. Motorola Edge (2023)
A sleek device with flagship features at a mid-range price, including a surprisingly good camera setup.
- 50MP main with OIS + 13MP ultrawide
- HDR video recording and ultra-wide selfies
- Clean UI and 144Hz OLED display
✅ Final Verdict
You don’t need to go flagship to get flagship-quality photos. These smartphones under $500 offer exceptional camera systems, AI processing, and 4K video—all while keeping your wallet happy.
Pro Tip: For best low-light performance, go with Pixel 7a or Galaxy A54—they outshine most rivals in night photography.