Choosing the best camera phone under ₹20,000 or ₹25,000 is a challenge, especially with so many options and mixed reviews online. If you’re seeking a camera-centric smartphone in this range, here’s an in-depth look at your choices with a candid perspective—plus all keywords are highlighted for clarity.
The Reality of Camera Phones in the ₹20,000–₹25,000 Segment
Many buyers expect a lot from camera phones in this bracket, often influenced by YouTube videos and social media recommendations. However, after years of testing and comparing, it’s evident that consistent camera excellence is rare in this price band.
Common Pitfalls
- Moto H60 Fusion, Moto H60 Stylus:
- Performance lags with processors like Dimensity 7300 or Snapdragon 7S Gen 2.
- Even basic tasks can make these devices feel slow.
- Not recommended for their camera or general performance.
- Majority of Phones (₹20,000–₹22,000 range):
- Many models exist, but few deliver on camera quality or overall smoothness.
- Recommendation: Prioritize performance over camera in this range.
Recommended Camera Option
Nothing Phone 3A
- Price: Around ₹25,000 (with card discounts, available for approx. ₹23,000)
- Camera: Decent for the price, especially if your goal is simple, shareable photos for social media.
- Telephoto lens: Provides good portrait shots and subject separation.
- Skin Tones: Tends to keep them natural.
- Drawbacks: Image details may be lacking upon close inspection; some softness in photos.
- UI: Clean, nearly stock Android-like, minimal lag.
Performance-Focused Alternatives
Should you prioritize performance over camera quality:
POCO X7 Pro & iQOO Neo 10R
- POCO X7 Pro:
- Chipset: Dimensity 8400 Ultra, excellent performance for the price.
- Optimizations: Smooth day-to-day use, solid for gaming.
- Display: Good for content consumption, lacks some camera polish.
- iQOO Neo 10R:
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, reliable and future-proof for 2–3 years with moderate software updates.
- Performance: Handles multitasking and graphic-intensive games easily.
- Display: OLED, great for movies and entertainment.
- Cameras (POCO & iQOO): Sufficient but not outstanding; the main gap with Nothing Phone 3A is not vast.
Best Buy Under ₹30,000
If you can stretch your budget:
- There is a clear winner in the sub-₹30,000 category with excellent cameras, is iQOO Neo 10. This model, according to extensive tests, finally delivers on photography and performance at once.
Advice for Buyers
- Don’t be swayed just by influencer recommendations or viral reviews.
- Under ₹25,000, camera performance is “decent” at best; real strengths are often in UI, optimization, and processor.
- Set your priorities: for pure camera quality, wait or stretch your budget; for all-round value, pick strong performers and accept camera compromises.