A collection of several budget smartphones arranged to highlight their camera modules.

The Best Budget Camera Phones of 2025: An Enthusiast's Guide

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the world of smartphones. For years, I’ve watched as flagship devices costing well over $1,000 have dominated the conversation about mobile photography. But in 2025, that narrative is becoming obsolete. The technological advancements that were once the exclusive domain of the ultra-premium have finally and decisively trickled down to the budget and mid-range sectors. The result? You can now buy a smartphone for under $500 that can capture images that would have been unthinkable from a dedicated camera just a few years ago. ...