Photography has become one of the most important features of smartphones these days. So much so that there is a section of consumers who pay special attention to how good the camera is before buying their device. This is because a smartphone camera helps in creating memories or capturing moments wherever you go. One doesn’t have to carry a camera to click pictures or record videos as all this can be done via the phone in your pocket.
As the importance of the camera in smartphones has increased, companies aim at making the camera setup better with each passing month. One often looks for features like resolution, the number of lenses, software, and overall image quality to decide if the camera is sufficient or not. More attention has to be paid if you are someone who buys mid-range smartphones (under Rs. 30,000). Here are the things one must look for
- Resolution is not the only important factor, but it can help take clearer pictures if enabled at full resolution.
- Good color and dynamic range are important.
- High-quality and smooth video recording is a must.
- Do consider camera software features before buying a smartphone.
- The versatility of the camera setup should be evaluated.
To make your decision easier here is a list of some smartphones with the best camera quality in the under 30k price range.
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Note- If there is more than 1 device by the same brand, I have grouped them. The list is not arranged per performance or popularity.
1. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers flagship-grade features for an affordable price. It comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and has an expandable memory of up to 1TB. The screen is Gorilla Glass 3 protected and has 800 nits peak brightness.
The S20 FE 5G has a triple camera setup at the back and a good selfie camera at the front. It runs Android 11 but is upgradable to Android 12 with One UI 4.1. It comes in Cloud Lavendar, Cloud Mint, and Cloud Navy colors and its price is Rs. 29,990.
Read our review here- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Review
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Specs
| Display- 6.5-inch Super AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor-Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 | Battery- 4500mAh |
| RAM up to 8GB | Fast Charging- 25W |
| Storage- up to 128GB | Storage Variants- 1 |
| OS-Android 11, One UI 3.1 | 5G connectivity- Present |
| Rear Camera-12MP+8MP+12MP | Dimensions- 159.80×74.50×8.40mm |
| Front Camera-32MP | Weight- 190 grams |
Some other smartphones from Samsung have the best camera specs in the under Rs. 30,000 categories are-
- Samsung Galaxy M52 5G (starting at Rs. 24,999) with Rear cameras- 64MP+12MP+5MP and Front camera- 32MP
- Samsung Galaxy M53 5G (starting at Rs. 26,499) with Rear cameras- 108MP+8MP+2MP+2MP and Front camera- 32MP
2. OnePlus Nord 2T 5G
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G has been called the flagship killer and the company claims it has everything one could ask for. In the camera department, the smartphone comes with a triple camera setup on the rear that has a 50MP main Sony IMX766 sensor with PDAF and OIS. There is also an 8MP ultrawide sensor with 119.7 degrees FOV and a 2MP monochrome camera.
It has a single 32MP front camera with a Sony IMX615 sensor that aims to give a good experience to selfie enthusiasts. The rear cameras can record 4k videos at 30fps and 60fps on 1080p videos. The camera has some fun elements too like AI enhancements and a dual video view. It starts at Rs. 28,998 in India and comes in 4 colors- Grey Shadow and Jade Fog.
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G Specs
| Display- 6.43-inch Full HD+ Fluid AMOLED | Refresh rate- 90Hz |
| Processor- MediaTek Dimensity 1300 | Battery- 4500mAh |
| RAM- up to 12GB | Fast Charging-80W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- 2 |
| OS- Android 12 with Oxygen OS 11.3 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 50MP+8MP+2MP | Dimensions- 159.10×73.2×8.2mm |
| Front Camera- 32MP | Weight- 190 grams |
3. OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G sports a triple camera setup at the back. It includes a 50MP primary wide-angle lens, an 8MP secondary ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP tertiary camera. The main camera has Optical Image Stabilization, LED Flash, autofocus, and an image resolution of 8150×6150 pixels. There is a 16MP front camera with a fixed focus as well.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is available for Rs. 26,998 via Amazon and Croma.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specs
| Display- 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor-Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G | Battery- 5000mAh |
| RAM- up to 12GB | Fast Charging-80W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- 2 |
| OS- Android 13 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 50MP+8MP+2MP | Dimensions- 162.7×75.5×8.2mm |
| Front Camera- 16MP | Weight- 184 grams |
4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G is the most affordable of the three new smartphones in the Note 12 Family. It is priced lower under 30k but offers plenty of features. It has a triple camera setup at the back including a 200MP Sony IMX582 sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP telemacro camera with 2x zoom. There is a 16MP selfie camera as well. Video recording goes up to 4k 30fps. Quality is good at 1080p as well as 4k. It starts at Rs. 29,999 and comes in 3 colors- Arctic White, Obsidian Black, and Iceberg Blue.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus Specs
| Display- 6.67-inch Super AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | Battery- 4980mAh |
| RAM- up to 8GB | Fast Charging-120W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- 2-3 |
| OS- Android 12 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 200MP+8MP+5MP | Dimensions- 162.9×76.03×8.9mm |
| Front Camera- 16MP | Weight- 208 grams |
5. Realme GT Neo 3 5G
Realme GT Neo 3 5G was launched in May 2022 and the smartphone offers one of the best camera setups in under 30k budget. The Realme GT Neo 3 5G comes with a triple camera setup at the back. The setup includes a 50MP primary wide angle lens along with an 8MP ultrawide angles lens and a 2MP macro sensor. The primary camera supports Optical Image Stabilization and offers images in 8150×6150 pixel resolution. There is 20x digital zoom, auto flash, face detection, and touch-to-focus as well. At the front is a 16MP selfie camera with fixed focus.
Realme GT Neo 3 5G is available from a starting price of Rs. 25,499 via Amazon, Flipkart, and Croma.
Realme GT Neo 3 5G Specs
| Display- 6.7-inch AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | Battery- 5000mAh |
| RAM- up to 8GB | Fast Charging-80W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- 2 |
| OS- Android 12 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 50MP+8MP+2MP | Dimensions- 163.3×75.6×8.2mm |
| Front Camera- 16MP | Weight- 188 grams |
6. Realme GT Master Edition
The Realme GT Master Edition is a mid-budget smartphone that aims to give budget buyers top-of-the-line features. It has a unique design and comes in beautiful colors. In the camera department, it has a triple camera setup on the back with a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. There is a 32MP selfie camera. Both rear and front cameras are claimed to give a decent performance in daylight, but get a little poorer in low light. It starts at Rs. 25,999 and has 3 colors- Voyager Gray, Luna White, and Cosmos Black.
Realme GT Master Edition Specs
| Display- 6.43-inch Color Super AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G | Battery- 4300mAh |
| RAM- up to 8GB | Fast Charging-65W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- 2 |
| OS- Android 11 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 64MP+8MP+2MP | Dimensions- 159.273.5x8mm |
| Front Camera- 32MP | Weight- 174 grams |
Some other smartphones from Realme that have the best camera specs in the under Rs. 30,000 categories are-
- Realme 9 Pro Plus (starting at Rs. 25,590) with Rear cameras- 50MP+8MP+2MP and Front camera- 16MP
- Realme X7 Max (starting at Rs. 29,990) with Rear cameras- 64MP+8MP+2MP and Front camera- 16MP
7. Oppo F21 Pro 5G
Oppo F21 Pro 5G is the recently launched smartphone by Oppo under Rs. 30,000 categories. It serves well for basic needs as its general performance is decent. It has a unique and lightweight design which makes it stand out among its competitors.
It has a good camera setup with a decent selfie camera as well. Although its 4G version comes for under 25k, going for the 5G variant is smarter as 5G is sure to roll out in India in the near future. Its price starts at Rs. 26,999 and it is available in Rainbow Spectrum and Cosmic Black colors.
Oppo F21 Pro 5G Specs
| Display- 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED | Refresh rate- 90Hz |
| Processor- Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Battery- 4500mAh |
| RAM- up to 8GB | Fast Charging-33W |
| Storage- up to 128GB | Storage Variants- single |
| OS- Android 11 with ColorOS 12 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 64MP+2MP+2MP | Dimensions- 159.90×73.2×7.5mm |
| Front Camera- 16MP | Weight- 173 grams |
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8. Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G
Realme launched the 11 Pro Series in June 2023. The series offers a best-in-class camera setup for a price of under 30k. Realme 11 Pro Plus comes with a 200MP primary at the back along with an 8MP ultrawide angle lens and a 2MP macro lens. The 200MP camera supports Optical Image Stabilization, exposure compensation, ISO control, and a pixel resolution of 16300×12300 pixels. The lens offers 20x digital zoom, face detection, touch-to-focus, and more. At the front is a 32MP selfie camera that is an Exmor RS sensor.
Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G starts at Rs. 27,599 via Amazon, Flipkart, and Croma.
Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G Specs
| Display- 6.7-inch AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- MediaTek Dimensity 7050 | Battery- 5000mAh |
| RAM- up to 12GB | Fast Charging-100W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- two |
| OS- Android 13 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 200MP+8MP+2MP | Dimensions- 161.6×73.9×8.2mm |
| Front Camera- 32MP | Weight- 183 grams |
9. Motorola Edge 30
The successor to 2021 Moto Edge 20, the Motorola Edge 30 launched in 2022 comes with one of the best camera setups in the price range. It has a triple camera setup including a 50MP primary, 50MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor at the back. The camera offers photos in 8150×6150 pixel resolution and features digital zoom, auto flash, face detection, and touch-to-focus. At the front is a 32MP selfie camera with f/2.4 aperture.
Moto Edge 30 starts at Rs. 26,450 via Amazon.
Motorola Edge 30 specs
| Display- 6.5-inch P-OLED | Refresh rate- 144Hz |
| Processor- Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G | Battery- 4020mAh |
| RAM- up to 8GB | Fast Charging-33W |
| Storage- up to 128GB | Storage Variants- two |
| OS- Android 12 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera-50MP+50MP+2MP | Dimensions- 159.3×74.2×6.7mm |
| Front Camera- 32MP | Weight- 155 grams |
10. iQOO 9 SE
iQOO 9SE 5G is one of the latest 5G smartphones launched by iQOO. It comes with 66W rapid fast charging and retains a 3.5mm audio jack for listening to music the old-fashioned way. It gives a good gaming performance and has stereo speakers for immersive sound quality.
It has an improved design for better grip but is made of plastic. Camera performance is decent and it comes with minor improvements in other departments as well. Its price starts at Rs. 28,990 and it comes in Space Fusion and Sunset Sierra colorways.
iQOO 9 SE 5G Specs
| Display- 6.62-inch AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Battery- 4500mAh |
| RAM- 8GB | Fast Charging-66W |
| Storage- 128GB | Storage Variants- single |
| OS- Android 12 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 48MP+13MP+2MP | Dimensions- 163.2×76.4×8.3mm |
| Front Camera- 16MP | Weight- 196 grams |
11. Vivo V29e
Vivo launched the mid-ranger with an artistic design and curved display. Vivo V29e sports a dual camera setup at the back that includes a 64MP primary and an 8MP ultrawide angle lens. The primary camera supports Optical Image Stabilization and a pixel resolution of 9000×7000. There is digital zoom, auto flash, face detection, and touch to focus. At the front is a 50MP selfie camera that is a wide-angle lens.
Vivo V29e will be available for Rs. 26,999 via Flipkart.
Vivo V29e Specs
| Display- 6.78-inch AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Battery- 5000mAh |
| RAM- up to 8GB | Fast Charging-44W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- 2 |
| OS- Android 13 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 64MP+8MP | Dimensions- 164.42×74.92×7.57mm |
| Front Camera- 50MP | Weight- 180.5 grams |
12. Poco F4 5G
Poco F4 5G was launched in June 2022 and it comes with a triple lens setup at the back. The back camera setup includes a 64MP primary, 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The camera supports OIS and comes with an LED flash at the back. There is phase detection autofocus and digital zoom. Touch to focus and more. At the front is a 20MP selfie camera which is an Exmor RS sensor.
Poco F4 5G is available for Rs. 27,999 via Flipkart.
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Poco F4 5G Specs
| Display- 6.67-inch AMOLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- Snapdragon 870 | Battery- 4500mAh |
| RAM- up to12GB | Fast Charging-67W |
| Storage- up to 256GB | Storage Variants- 2 |
| OS- Android 12 | 5G connectivity- present |
| Rear Camera- 64MP+8MP+2MP | Dimensions- 163.2×75.9×7.7mm |
| Front Camera- 20MP | Weight- 195 grams |
13. Nothing Phone 1
Carl Pei’s Nothing launched its first smartphone on 13th July 2022. It is called Nothing Phone 1 and comes with premium-grade specs like a good dual camera setup at the back, a fast Snapdragon processor, and more. It is available in white and black colorways and the price starts at Rs. 28,968.
Nothing Phone 1 Specs
| Display- 6.55 inch OLED | Refresh rate- 120Hz |
| Processor- Snapdragon 778G Plus | Battery- 4500mAh |
| RAM- 8GB | Fast Charging-33W |
| Storage- up to 128GB | Storage Variants- 2 |
| OS- Android 12 | 5G connectivity- yes |
| Rear Camera- 50MP+50MP | Dimensions- 159.2×75.8×8.3mm |
| Front Camera- 16MP | Weight- 193.5 grams |
So here are the best camera phones you can buy if you have a mid-range budget. Which ones excited you the most? Let us know in the comments section below.
List of Best Smartphones under Rs. 30,000 in India
| Name of Smartphone | Price of Smartphone |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Rs. 29,990 |
| OnePlus Nord 2T 5G | Rs. 28,998 |
| OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G | Rs. 26,998 |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+5G | Rs.29,999 |
| Realme GT Neo 3 5G | Rs. 25,499 |
| Realme GT Master Edition | Rs. 25,999 |
| Oppo Reno F21 Pro | Rs. 26,999 |
| Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G | Rs. 29,999 |
| Moto Edge 30 | Rs. 27,599 |
| IQOO 9SE 5G | Rs. 28,990 |
| Motorola Edge 30 | Rs. 26, 450 |
| Vivo V29e | Rs. 27,999 |
| Nothing Phone 1 Poco F4 5G | Rs. 28,968 Rs. 27,999 |
