Looking for a new phone but don’t want to spend a ton of cash? Especially if you’re into taking great pictures, finding a good camera phone under 20000 can feel like a real hunt. But don’t worry, there are some awesome options out there that won’t break the bank. We’ve checked out a bunch of phones to help you find the best camera phone under 20000 for July 2025. You can get some pretty amazing shots without emptying your wallet.
Key Takeaways
- The Oppo A79 5G offers a solid camera experience for its price point.
- The Moto G54 is a strong contender for those seeking good photo quality on a budget.
- Google Pixel 9a brings Pixel’s renowned camera software to a more affordable device.
- The OnePlus 13, while typically higher priced, might have a budget-friendly variant or deal making it a top pick.
- Even at this price point, you can find phones that take really decent pictures.
1. Oppo A79 5G
Okay, so the Oppo A79 5G is definitely in the running if you’re hunting for a decent camera phone without breaking the bank. It’s not going to blow you away with groundbreaking features, but it gets the job done for everyday use. I mean, let’s be real, not everyone needs a professional-grade camera in their pocket.
The Oppo A79 5G features a 50MP dual rear camera setup, which is pretty standard for this price range. decent 50MP dual rear camera You’ll get good shots in daylight, and the night mode is… well, it’s there. Don’t expect miracles in super low light, but it’s usable. The 8MP front camera is fine for selfies and video calls. Nothing spectacular, but it works.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I think are the pros and cons:
- Decent main camera for the price.
- Large, vibrant display for watching videos.
- Fast charging is a plus.
- Expandable storage is always welcome.
It’s got a big 6.72-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and watching videos pretty smooth. The 5000mAh battery will easily get you through a full day of use, and the 33W SUPERVOOC charging means you won’t be tethered to the wall for too long. Plus, you can expand the storage up to 1TB with a microSD card, which is great if you’re a photo hoarder like me.
I think the Oppo A79 5G is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable phone with a decent camera and good battery life. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s a good all-around performer for the price.
2. Moto G54
The Moto G54 is definitely a contender if you’re looking for a solid camera phone without breaking the bank. It packs a decent punch for its price range. I mean, it’s not going to compete with the top-tier flagships, but it holds its own. The camera setup is surprisingly versatile, offering good image quality in various lighting conditions.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- The main camera is a 50MP shooter with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps reduce blur in photos and videos. This is a big plus, especially if you have shaky hands like me.
- It also has an 8MP ultrawide lens, which is great for capturing landscapes or group shots. It’s always nice to have that extra field of view.
- The front camera is a 16MP sensor, perfect for selfies and video calls. No complaints there.
Under the hood, the Moto G54 is powered by the Dimensity 7020 processor. It’s not the fastest chip out there, but it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks and even some light gaming. Plus, it comes with a massive 6000 mAh battery, so you can easily get through a full day of use without needing to recharge. The Motorola waterproof mobiles are known for their durability, and this one seems to follow suit.
It also has a 120Hz display, which makes scrolling and animations feel super smooth. The design is pretty sleek too, with an Acrylic Glass Finish. You can find it in colors like Midnight Blue, Pearl Blue, and Mint Green. Overall, the Moto G54 is a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly camera phone that doesn’t compromise too much on performance or features.
3. Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a solid mid-range contender. It’s got that classic Google camera magic, and the promise of long-term software support is a big plus. However, some early reports suggest the design might be a bit…underwhelming. Let’s see what it brings to the table.
The Pixel 9a delivers typical Pixel strengths like great photos and useful AI. It’s backed by a seven-year update promise. However, it wraps it all in a surprisingly bland design that deviates significantly from the main Pixel 9 series.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we’re expecting:
- Display: A 6.3-inch OLED ‘Actua’ display that’s bright and colorful. It matches the Pixel 9. However, it uses older Gorilla Glass 3.
- Camera: Photos surprisingly hold up well even against the Pixel 9 Pro in terms of color and balance. The standout feature is its astonishingly good macro photography capability.
- Performance: The Tensor G4 chip provides adequate performance for daily tasks and runs most AI features. However, it’s not as fast as competitors and it felt a bit sluggish in my testing, especially with only 8GB of RAM.
It’s also worth noting that the 13 MP ultrawide camera should enable users to achieve impressive results. Battery life is decent, lasting a full day, and wireless charging is a welcome addition at this price point. Overall, the Pixel 9a looks like a good value, especially if you prioritize camera quality and software updates.
4. OnePlus 13
OnePlus is no longer just a flagship-killer; they’re making top-tier flagships like the OnePlus 13. You might not see them in every phone store, but it’s worth the effort to find one. I was really impressed by the fast performance, amazing battery, and great cameras. It looks good and feels great to use. It’s not quite as polished as the iPhone, but it’s cheaper and beats Apple in some ways. OnePlus took what they knew and made a phone that’s tough, lasts a long time, and looks really good. I didn’t find anything to dislike about this phone, and I’m excited to see how it gets better with more AI features in the future.
The OnePlus 13 was the fastest phone I’ve ever seen.
- Design: This phone has a classy look with a nice vegan microfiber finish that feels soft. I suggest getting a OnePlus case to use MagSafe accessories. Oh, and it’s IP69 water resistant, so you can even clean it in the dishwasher.
- Display: It has one of the best displays ever on a phone. The big screen is great for everything, and it’s very responsive, even when wet.
- Camera: The cameras are amazing for action shots, freezing motion. The AI helps with colors and details. I still like the iPhone 16 Pro a bit more, but this camera is fun and takes great pictures you’ll want to share. The action camera market is growing fast, so it’s good to see phones like this excel in that area.
- Performance: In tests, the OnePlus 13 was the fastest phone I’ve seen, beating the iPhone 16 Pro in processor tests. What can you do with all that power? We’ll see.
- Battery life: This phone wins for battery life, lasting almost 20 hours in our test. The iPhone died two hours earlier. The OnePlus 13 also charges faster than any other phone, even wirelessly.
- Value for money: Don’t worry about the price; OnePlus often has deals that lower the price, and you can get a trade-in bonus even if your old phone is broken. It’s a premium flagship that will cost about the same as the base model of other phones.
5. iPhone 16 Pro Max
Okay, so the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It’s definitely up there in price, but you get what you pay for, right? This phone is packed with features, and the camera is seriously impressive. I mean, really impressive. Let’s get into it.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the top-tier iPhone, loaded with all of Apple’s latest tech, including the innovative Camera Control and the blazing-fast Apple A18 Pro chipset. And with Apple Intelligence on the horizon, it’s only going to get better over time. It’s a powerful, durable, and stylish smartphone, if you can swing the cost.
Design-wise, it’s still recognizably an iPhone, but the antenna gap is now a Camera Control, which is pretty neat. I’m really digging the desert titanium color; it’s probably the best one, but maybe I’m biased because that’s the one I got.
The display is the biggest and brightest display ever on an iPhone. Using it in any lighting is a pleasure, even when you’re outside taking photos in bright sunlight. No squinting required!
Speaking of photos, this is a big year for Apple cameras, thanks to that Camera Control. Apple has also fine-tuned the tone and look of your photos, and early reviews are saying the results are fantastic. The high-speed video recording for super smooth slow motion could be a game-changer for making cinematic videos. I haven’t found anything that slows down the iPhone 16 Pro Max, thanks to the Apple A18 Pro chipset. I’m curious to see how it handles Apple Intelligence, but in my tests, it delivered all the features without a hitch.
Battery life is also a win. Our Future Labs battery test ranks the iPhone 16 Pro Max as the longest-lasting iPhone you can buy right now. It lasted a bit longer than the iPhone 16 Plus, and both offer incredible battery life. You won’t be scrambling for a charger mid-day.
Is it worth the money? Well, the iPhone 16 Pro Max isn’t cheap, but Apple didn’t raise the price this year, even though this year’s Pro Max definitely offers more hardware and value than before. So, if you’re looking for the best of the best and have the budget, this is it.
6. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is still a top contender, even in July 2025. It’s like having a professional camera setup right in your pocket. While it might not be a massive leap from the S24 Ultra, the improvements are noticeable, especially with the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and enhanced megapixel count. This phone is arguably the best overall Android phone you can buy right now, especially if camera quality is your priority.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Design: The design is refined, with a slightly more rounded profile. It’s a big phone, but feels a bit lighter than previous models. It might look a little too similar to the cheaper Galaxy S25, though.
- Display: The bright OLED screen is fantastic. The anti-glare coating makes a huge difference when you’re using it outdoors. Colors are vibrant, and everything looks super sharp. It’s an unparalleled smartphone display experience.
- Camera: This is where the S25 Ultra really shines. The camera system is incredibly versatile, with 3X and 5X zoom lenses, plus the standard wide and ultra-wide options. The zoom cameras might use smaller sensors, but the results are still impressive. It’s the most versatile camera system on any smartphone, period.
- Performance: If you want speed, the S25 Ultra delivers. It outperformed even the iPhone 16 Pro in benchmark tests and real-world use. It’s a first for Android phones to beat Apple’s custom chips.
- Battery: The battery life is excellent. You can easily get two days of typical use, or a full day of heavy use. The Snapdragon processor seems to be very efficient.
- Value: It’s expensive, but Samsung’s commitment to seven years of software updates adds to the long-term value. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor should keep it running smoothly for years to come.
In short, if you want the best cameras and the best overall Galaxy experience, the S25 Ultra is the way to go. Just be prepared to pay a premium for it.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Picking a camera phone under 20,000 rupees in July 2025 doesn’t have to be a headache. We looked at some really good options that give you a lot for your money. Whether you care most about super clear pictures, a long-lasting battery, or just a phone that feels good to use, there’s something out there for you. Remember, the best phone is the one that fits what you need and how you take pictures. Go out there, snap some great shots, and enjoy your new phone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best phone in 2025?
The best phone in 2025 is the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It has amazing performance, great cameras, and new features like Camera Control and more AI tools coming soon. For Android fans, the OnePlus 13 is super fast and has the best battery life. While the iPhone beats the OnePlus in camera quality and features, especially how it works with other Apple devices, both are top choices.
What’s the best camera phone?
The best camera phone depends on what kind of photos you like to take. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the best camera among iPhones. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is fantastic. But if you prefer a more artistic style, the OnePlus 13, with its Hasselblad camera, might be a better fit. If you’re looking for a good deal, the Google Pixel 9a also has great cameras.
What phones are waterproof?
You might be surprised, but every phone on this list can handle getting wet without issues! If they get dirty, you can gently rinse them in the sink (just make sure there are no cracks or damage). All our top phone picks are rated IPx7 for water resistance, meaning they can survive being submerged in one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Some phones, like the OnePlus 13, are even tougher with an IP69 rating, which means they can handle strong jets of water and deeper, longer dips.
What features should I look for in a camera phone under 20000?
When picking a camera phone under 20000, focus on a few key things. Look for a phone with a main camera of at least 50 megapixels for clear, detailed photos. Check if it has extra lenses like an ultrawide or macro for different types of shots. Also, consider features like optical image stabilization (OIS) to keep your photos steady, especially in low light. Finally, read reviews to see how well the phone’s software processes images.
Are these phones good for video recording too?
While these phones are great for photos, they might not be the absolute best for video. For serious video recording, you usually need higher-end phones with advanced stabilization, better low-light performance, and more control over video settings. However, for everyday videos and social media, the phones on this list will do a good job, especially in well-lit areas.
Do these budget camera phones have special camera modes?
Absolutely! Many phones in this price range come with special camera modes like Night Mode, Portrait Mode (for blurry backgrounds), and Pro Mode (for manual controls). Some even have AI features that automatically adjust settings to make your photos look better. Make sure to check the phone’s specifications and reviews for these extra features.
