Here are the best budget smartphones (strong camera performance for the price) you can consider in the U.S. in 2025. I’ve grouped them by price tier and noted each phone’s camera strengths and who it’s best for. (Prices fluctuate — listed ranges are approximate retail/MSRP as of late 2025.) I’ve cited reputable reviews for the key camera claims.

Top picks (best camera value under ~$500)

• Google Pixel 8a / Pixel 9a (best-in-class computational photography)

  • Why: Pixel “a” series phones consistently punch above their price with Google’s computational photography (excellent daytime, night, portrait modes and AI tools). The Pixel 8a was singled out as the top budget camera phone, and newer “a” models continue this trend. (androidauthority.com)
  • Price: roughly $349–$499 (depends on model/time/sales)
  • Best for: photo-first buyers who want the best software processing and long software support.

• Nothing Phone 3a Pro / Nothing Phone 3a (best for value with real zoom on a mid-budget device)

  • Why: Offers a strong main sensor plus a telephoto (3x) on “Pro” variants, delivering better zoom than most budget phones and competitive overall image quality for the price. Reviews note good optics and value. (theguardian.com)
  • Price: mid-budget (~$349–$449 depending on configuration)
  • Best for: people who want a distinctive design and usable optical zoom without flagship prices.

Excellent sub-$350 options (very good cameras for tight budgets)

• Samsung Galaxy A55 / Galaxy A35 / Galaxy A15 series

  • Why: Samsung’s A-series balances solid 50MP main sensors, OIS on higher A models, good daylight and video quality, and reliable processing for social-media-ready shots. Multiple reviews list Samsung A-series among the best budget camera phones. (thefrontierng.com)
  • Price: ~$199–$399 (depending on model)
  • Best for: buyers wanting dependable performance, good displays, and Samsung software/features.

• Motorola Moto G Power / Moto G (2025 editions)

  • Why: Often includes a 50MP main sensor and good daytime results; tilt toward battery life-first designs. Reviews note solid images in good light but weaker low-light performance. Good value if battery and price matter. (tomsguide.com)
  • Price: ~$199–$299
  • Best for: users who prioritize battery life and want acceptable camera performance at a low price.

High-megapixel/China-brand value options (great hardware, sometimes aggressive processing)

• Xiaomi / Redmi Note 13 Pro / Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (and successors)

  • Why: These models often bring very high-megapixel main sensors (108–200MP variants), strong daytime detail, and good value for money; good for detail-hungry photographers on a budget. Reviews and roundups frequently list Redmi Note series among top budget camera phones. (rathitechnical.com)
  • Price: ~$199–$349 (varies by market and model)
  • Best for: people who want high-res hardware and lots of features for the money (may require some tuning of processing).

• OnePlus Nord / OnePlus Nord N-series

  • Why: OnePlus’s Nord line often equips 50MP main cameras and tuned software that gives natural colors and solid detail for the price — good mid-budget options. (acciyo.com)
  • Price: ~$249–$399
  • Best for: users wanting a smooth OS experience with reliable camera output.

Good buys if you’ll consider refurbished or older “a”/flagship models

• Pixel 7a / Pixel 6a (refurbished or discounted)
  • Why: Older Pixel “a” models remain excellent camera performers if you can find them heavily discounted or refurbished — offering flagship-level computational photography at lower cost. Many 2025 guides still recommend them as value finds. (acciyo.com)
  • Price: varies widely in refurbished/used market
  • Best for: buyers comfortable with refurbished devices who want the best camera processing for less.

Quick buying guidance

• If camera-processing (night mode, portraits, computational fixes) matters most: choose a Pixel “a” model (Pixel 8a/9a family) where available. (androidauthority.com)
• If you want optical zoom on a budget: look for Nothing Phone 3a Pro or similar mid-range models that include a telephoto. (theguardian.com)
• If you want max hardware (high MP sensor) for the lowest price: Redmi/POCO series often pack large sensors — expect great daylight shots but variable software tuning. (rathitechnical.com)
• For the best balance of price, software updates, and camera: Samsung A-series or OnePlus Nord lines are safe choices. (thefrontierng.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this to the best choices under a specific price (e.g., <$300 or <$400).
• Compare 2–3 models side-by-side (camera specs, sample performance notes, battery, display).
• Find current U.S. prices and deals on any models you’re interested in (I’ll look them up right away).

Which would you like next?