John Holguin
As a photography enthusiast on a budget, finding a smartphone with a great camera is essential. When it comes to iPhones, there are plenty of options available, but not all of them are budget-friendly. In this article, I will introduce you to the best budget iPhone for camera enthusiasts.
One of the top contenders in the budget iPhone category is the iPhone SE. Despite its affordable price tag, the iPhone SE boasts a powerful camera that can capture stunning photos and videos. With features like Portrait mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording, the iPhone SE is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a top-notch camera.
If you’re looking for a slightly more advanced option, consider the iPhone XR. With a larger display and more advanced camera features, the iPhone XR offers excellent value for its price. Its single-lens camera system still delivers impressive results, making it a solid choice for amateur photographers and content creators.
My Pick for the Best Budget iPhone for Camera
When it comes to finding a budget-friendly iPhone with an impressive camera, I have a clear favorite that stands out from the competition.
In my opinion, the iPhone SE (2020) is the best budget iPhone for camera enthusiasts. Despite being more affordable than the flagship models, the iPhone SE boasts a powerful 12-megapixel rear camera that captures stunning photos and videos.
- Performance: The iPhone SE is powered by the same A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 11 series, ensuring smooth performance and fast image processing.
- Camera Quality: The single 12-megapixel camera on the iPhone SE may seem basic, but it delivers impressive results with features like Portrait Mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording.
- Value for Money: With its budget-friendly price tag, the iPhone SE offers an excellent camera experience without breaking the bank.
iPhone SE (2020)
The iPhone SE (2020) is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable camera on their smartphone. With its 12-megapixel rear camera and impressive image processing capabilities, the iPhone SE (2020) delivers stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Camera Performance
- The iPhone SE (2020) features a single 12-megapixel rear camera with Portrait mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording, providing users with a range of creative options for capturing memorable moments.
- Thanks to the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone SE (2020) offers powerful computational photography capabilities, resulting in sharp, detailed images with natural colours and excellent dynamic range.
iPhone XR: A Budget-Friendly Option with Impressive Camera Capabilities
When it comes to finding a budget-friendly iPhone that doesn’t compromise on camera quality, the iPhone XR is a top contender. As an avid photographer, I appreciate the impressive camera capabilities of the iPhone XR, which allows me to capture stunning photos and videos with ease.
One of the standout features of the iPhone XR is its advanced single-lens camera system, which delivers high-quality images in various lighting conditions. Whether I’m taking photos in bright sunlight or low-light settings, the iPhone XR’s camera consistently produces vibrant and detailed shots that rival those taken with more expensive devices.
- The iPhone XR’s Portrait mode is particularly impressive, allowing me to capture professional-looking photos with a beautifully blurred background. This feature adds a touch of elegance to my photos and makes them stand out on social media.
- Additionally, the Smart HDR technology on the iPhone XR ensures that every photo I take is perfectly exposed and optimally balanced, resulting in stunning images that require minimal editing.
- With its 4K video recording capabilities and advanced image stabilization, the iPhone XR is also a great choice for capturing smooth and high-quality videos on the go.
My Thoughts on the iPhone 11
When it comes to budget-friendly iPhones with excellent camera performance, the iPhone 11 stands out as a solid choice. The device boasts a dual-camera system that includes a wide and ultra-wide lens, providing users with a versatile photography experience. The Night mode feature on the iPhone 11 enhances low-light photography, producing stunning images even in dimly lit environments.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 11 is its A13 Bionic chip, which delivers impressive processing power for smooth performance. The device also offers a vibrant Liquid Retina display that showcases photos and videos in rich detail. With its sleek design and range of colour options, the iPhone 11 is both stylish and functional.
- The iPhone 11 offers excellent camera performance with its dual-camera system.
- The Night mode feature enhances low-light photography for stunning results.
- The A13 Bionic chip provides impressive processing power for smooth performance.
- The Liquid Retina display delivers vibrant visuals for an immersive viewing experience.
- The sleek design and range of colour options make the iPhone 11 a stylish choice.
My Experience with the iPhone 11 Pro
After using the iPhone 11 Pro for some time, I can confidently say that it’s a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a powerful camera phone. The triple camera system on the iPhone 11 Pro delivers stunning photos and videos, even in low light conditions. The Night mode feature is particularly impressive, allowing me to capture clear and detailed shots in dark settings.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 11 Pro is its A13 Bionic chip, which ensures smooth performance and fast processing speeds. This, combined with the excellent camera capabilities, makes the iPhone 11 Pro a versatile device for both photography and everyday use. The battery life is also impressive, lasting me throughout the day with moderate to heavy usage.
- The iPhone 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display provides vibrant colours and sharp details, enhancing the viewing experience for photos and videos.
- Face ID on the iPhone 11 Pro is fast and reliable, offering convenient and secure access to the device.
- The build quality of the iPhone 11 Pro is top-notch, with a sleek design and durable construction that feels premium in hand.
Conclusion
The iPhone 12 is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option with a great camera. With its advanced dual-camera system, Night mode, and Deep Fusion technology, the iPhone 12 delivers stunning photos and videos. The A14 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for photography and video editing tasks.
In addition to its camera capabilities, the iPhone 12 offers a sleek design, a vibrant Super Retina XDR display, and 5G connectivity. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Pro models, the iPhone 12 provides excellent value for its price point.
Pros:
- Advanced dual-camera system with Night mode
- A14 Bionic chip for smooth performance
- Sleek design and vibrant display
- 5G connectivity
Cons:
- Lacks some of the premium features of the Pro models
- No telephoto lens
- May not be suitable for professional photographers
Best budget iphone for camera

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Q&A:
Which budget iPhone has the best camera?
The iPhone SE (2020) is considered one of the best budget iPhones for camera quality. It features a 12MP wide camera that can capture stunning photos and 4K videos.
Is the camera quality of the iPhone SE (2020) comparable to higher-end iPhones?
While the iPhone SE (2020) may not match the camera quality of higher-end iPhones like the iPhone 12 Pro, it still offers impressive performance for its price range.
What are some key camera features of the iPhone SE (2020)?
The iPhone SE (2020) comes with features like Portrait mode, Smart HDR, and Depth Control, which enhance the quality of photos taken with its camera.
Can the iPhone SE (2020) capture good low-light photos?
Yes, the iPhone SE (2020) has good low-light performance thanks to its advanced camera sensor and image processing capabilities.
Is the camera of the iPhone SE (2020) suitable for photography enthusiasts?
While the iPhone SE (2020) may not have all the advanced camera features of higher-end models, it is a great choice for budget-conscious photography enthusiasts looking for a reliable camera phone.
