Looking for the best camera phones under ₹20,000 in March 2025? If capturing high-quality moments is your priority, choosing the right smartphone is essential. In this price range, brands like Redmi, Samsung, iQoo, Nothing, and HMD are offering impressive camera-centric devices. But which one is the best fit for you?
📸 Whether you’re into stunning portraits, ultra-wide landscapes, or low-light photography, these top camera phones under ₹20,000 deliver near-flagship performance. Models like the Redmi Note 14, Samsung Galaxy M16, HMD Fusion, iQoo Z9s, and Nothing Phone (2a) are among the best options in 2025. But how do they compare in real-world use?
Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to consider factors like camera quality, performance, battery life, and brand reliability. With so many choices, finding the perfect phone can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you pick the best one based on your needs.
Choosing a budget-friendly smartphone with an excellent camera can be challenging. However, in 2025, brands like Redmi, Samsung, HMD, Nothing, and iQoo are redefining mobile photography in this price range. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or love sharing stunning shots on social media, this guide breaks down the top 5 camera phones under ₹20,000, balancing performance, design, and value. Let’s explore your best options!
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1. Redmi Note 14 – ₹17,999
Best camera Phones for: All-round camera performance and software versatility
The Redmi Note 14 continues Xiaomi’s legacy of packing premium features into budget-friendly devices. Its camera setup stands out in this segment, making it ideal for users who want reliability and creativity.
Key Features:
- Camera: 64MP primary sensor with OIS + 8MP ultra-wide lens + 2MP macro lens.
- Front Camera: 16MP with AI portrait mode.
- Software: Xiaomi’s HyperOS enhances color accuracy and low-light photography.
- Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset for smooth multitasking.
- Battery: 5000mAh with 67W fast charging.
- Display: 6.6-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate.
Why Buy?
The Redmi Note 14 excels in daylight photography, offering sharp details and vibrant colors. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) reduces blur in action shots, while its AMOLED display makes editing photos a joy.
2. Samsung Galaxy M16 – ₹12,999
Best camera Phones for: Budget buyers who prioritize daylight photography
Samsung’s Galaxy M16 is a steal for under ₹13,000, delivering reliable Best camera Phones performance and a long-lasting battery.
Key Features:
- Camera: 48MP primary lens + 5MP depth sensor.
- Front Camera: 13MP with Samsung’s Natural Tone feature.
- Software: One UI 7.1 optimizes dynamic range in photos.
- Performance: Exynos 1280 processor handles casual gaming.
- Battery: 6000mAh with 25W charging.
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate.
Why Buy?
The Galaxy M16 captures crisp, well-balanced photos in good lighting. Its Super AMOLED screen ensures vivid previews, and the massive battery lasts all day.
3. HMD Fusion – ₹17,999
Best camera Phones for: Pure Android fans and minimalist photography
HMD Global (makers of Nokia phones) re-enters the budget segment with the Fusion, focusing on clean software and reliable imaging.
Key Features:
- Camera: 50MP primary sensor (Sony IMX766) + 8MP ultra-wide lens.
- Front Camera: 32MP with 4K video support.
- Software: Stock Android 15 with 3 years of updates.
- Performance: Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 ensures lag-free performance.
- Battery: 4500mAh with 33W fast charging.
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ LCD, 120Hz refresh rate.
Why Buy?
The HMD Fusion’s Sony sensor captures excellent detail, and its stock Android experience appeals to purists. The 32MP selfie camera is a rare find in this price range.
4. Nothing Phone (2a) – ₹19,384
Best camera Phones for: Trendsetters who love unique design and AI photography
Nothing’s Phone (2a) brings the brand’s iconic transparent design and Glyph lights to the budget segment, paired with smart camera software.
Key Features:
- Camera: Dual 50MP (main + ultra-wide) with AI scene optimization.
- Front Camera: 16MP with studio-grade filters.
- Software: Nothing OS 3.0 offers advanced AI editing tools.
- Performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 2 for efficient performance.
- Battery: 5000mAh with 45W charging.
- Display: 6.55-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate.
Why Buy?
The Phone (2a) uses AI to enhance photos automatically, making it perfect for beginners. Its eye-catching design and OLED display add to the appeal.
5. iQoo Z9s – ₹19,998
Best camera Phones for: Gamers and vloggers needing speed and video prowess
iQoo’s Z9s combines a flagship-level processor with a versatile camera, targeting users who want speed and creativity.
Key Features:
- Camera: 64MP OIS main sensor + 8MP ultra-wide lens.
- Front Camera: 16MP with 1080p/60fps video.
- Software: Vivo’s Vivo Vision algorithms for night photography.
- Performance: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 for gaming and editing.
- Battery: 5000mAh with 80W FlashCharge.
- Display: 6.72-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate.
Why Buy?
The Z9s shines in low-light photography and handles 4K video recording effortlessly. Its rapid charging and AMOLED screen cater to power users.
Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Primary Camera | Battery | Display | Unique Feature |
| Redmi Note 14 | ₹17,999 | 64MP + OIS | 5000mAh | 6.6″ AMOLED | HyperOS software |
| Samsung Galaxy M16 | ₹12,999 | 48MP | 6000mAh | 6.5″ Super AMOLED | Natural Tone selfies |
| HMD Fusion | ₹17,999 | 50MP Sony | 4500mAh | 6.7″ LCD | Stock Android |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | ₹19,384 | Dual 50MP AI | 5000mAh | 6.55″ OLED | Glyph Interface |
| iQoo Z9s | ₹19,998 | 64MP OIS | 5000mAh | 6.72″ AMOLED | 80W Fast Charging |
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
- Budget Pick: Samsung Galaxy M16 (₹12,999) for basics and battery life.
- Camera Enthusiast: Redmi Note 14 (₹17,999) for OIS and versatility.
- Design & AI: Nothing Phone (2a) (₹19,384) for style and smart features.
- Performance + Camera: iQoo Z9s (₹19,998) for speed and low-light shots.
- Android Purists: HMD Fusion (₹17,999) for clean software and selfies.
All five phones offer distinct strengths, so prioritize your needs—whether it’s Best camera Phones tech, battery, or software.
FAQs
Q1: Do these phones support 5G?
Yes! All models listed are 5G-ready, ensuring future-proof connectivity.
Q2: Which phone has the best battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy M16’s 6000mAh battery lasts the longest, ideal for heavy users.
Q3: Does the Redmi Note 14 have a telephoto lens?
No, but its OIS-enabled main camera compensates with sharper zoomed-in shots.
Q4: Can the iQoo Z9s record 4K videos?
Yes, it supports 4K@30fps recording using the primary camera.
Q5: Which phone offers the longest software support?
The HMD Fusion guarantees 3 Android OS updates, making it a durable choice.
Q6: Are these phones good for selfies?
The HMD Fusion’s 32MP front camera and Nothing Phone (2a)’s AI filters are top picks.
Muhammad Ali is a tech journalist covering the latest in gadgets, AI, and innovation. Stay updated with his insights on GadgetStories. 🚀