In today’s smartphone era, camera quality has become one of the most important factors buyers consider — especially for social creators, travelers, and tech lovers who want DSLR‑like results without carrying bulky gear. The ₹50,000 segment in India now boasts powerful camera phones that can rival premium flagships in many real‑world shoot conditions thanks to larger sensors, optical image stabilization (OIS), telephoto lenses, and advanced computational photography.
Below, we explore the Top 10 camera‑centric smartphones under ₹50,000, highlighting their strengths for photography enthusiasts.
1. Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel series has long been synonymous with outstanding photography — and the Pixel 9a continues that legacy. Its 48 MP primary sensor paired with Google’s legendary computational photography processing ensures natural colours, sharp details, and top‑tier low‑light performance. Features like Night Sight and Magic Eraser elevate photography beyond specs alone, making it one of the best camera phones at this price.
Best for: Night photography, portraits, social‑ready shots.
2. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra 5G
A true standout in this segment, Motorola’s Edge 50 Ultra packs a versatile triple camera setup — complete with a 50 MP primary lens, 64 MP telephoto sensor with optical zoom, and another 50 MP ultra‑wide sensor. Its balanced imaging system produces excellent detail across daylight, portrait and zoom shots plus dependable video recording.
Best for: Zoom shots and all‑round performance.
3. OnePlus 13R 5G
OnePlus 13R is one of the most balanced phones under ₹50,000 when it comes to camera quality and general performance. It boasts a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 50 MP telephoto lens for portraits, and an 8 MP ultra‑wide camera, ideal for landscape and group shots. Together with sharp contrast and vibrant colours, this setup makes it a strong choice for content creators.
Best for: Portraits and balanced camera performance.
4. Vivo V60 5G
The Vivo V60 5G delivers flagship‑inspired imaging under ₹50,000, featuring a 50 MP primary sensor plus a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens and 8 MP ultra‑wide angle. The periscope zoom allows closer details without sacrificing quality — a rare capability in this price bracket. Coupled with excellent night photography tuning, it’s a great pick for serious photographers.
Best for: Zoom shots and telephoto photography.
5. Oneplus Nord 5 5g
The OnePlus Nord 5 5G may not be the newest name, but it’s a reliable camera phone with good all‑scenario performance. Its multi‑lens setup offers capable daylight photography and balanced portrait shots — especially handy for everyday memory‑making and travel diaries.
Best for: Everyday photography and social content.
6. Mi 14 Civi
Xiaomi’s 14 Civi packs Leica‑branded tuning that enhances colour science and image depth for more natural results — a boon for photographers who want punchy yet authentic output. With a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra‑wide, and a 50 MP telephoto lens plus a high‑resolution selfie shooter, it’s a strong contender for creative photography.
Best for: Leica colour tones and creative shots.
7. Samsung Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon version)
A favourite among Android lovers, the Galaxy S24 brings pro‑grade imaging features such as Expert RAW and advanced HDR modes into the ₹50k range. With a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra‑wide, and 10 MP telephoto lens, it delivers consistent results across lighting conditions with natural skin tones and balanced exposures — ideal for travel, street, or portrait photography.
Best for: Balanced photography and advanced manual controls.
8. Realme GT 7 Pro
Realme’s GT 7 Pro delivers competitive camera performance with strong primary shots and AI‑enhanced modes tuned for social content. While its camera hardware may not be as telephoto‑centric as some others here, it still delivers crisp daylight shots and reliable low‑light imaging thanks to solid sensor quality and processing tricks — making it a good choice for everyday shooters.
Best for: Daylight and AI‑enhanced photography.
9. Oppo Reno15 5G
Oppo’s Reno15 series blends solid optical hardware with useful video and portrait modes. While not as zoom‑heavy as some rivals, its primary sensor and colour processing are tuned for pleasing portraits and detailed daylight shots. With 4K recording support and handy camera extras like focus peaking and portrait extras, it’s ideal for budding mobile creators.
Best for: Portrait photography and video creativity.
10. iQOO 12 5G
While its performance reputation often steals the spotlight, the iQOO 12 also impresses with imaging. Featuring a 50 MP primary camera, 50 MP ultra‑wide, and a 64 MP periscope telephoto lens with OIS, it’s versatile for travel and everyday shots. Its AI‑supported features and fast image processing make it a strong contender for those who want sharp photos with dynamic range.
Best for: Performance‑oriented photographers who shoot varied scenes.
📷 How to Choose the Right Camera Phone
Here are a few tips to pick the best camera phone under ₹50,000 tailored to your photography needs:
✅ 1. Camera Sensors & OIS
A larger sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS) help capture sharper images, especially in low light and motion scenarios. Phones like the Pixel, Galaxy S24 and Motorola Edge 50 Ultra excel here.
✅ 2. Telephoto / Zoom
If close‑up shots and portraits matter, a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom (like on the Vivo V60 or iQOO 12) will make shots more detailed compared to digital zoom.
✅ 3. Computational Photography
Software plays a huge role. Google’s Pixel series, Samsung’s Expert RAW, and Leica‑tuned processing add real‑world improvements to colours, dynamic range, and detail.
✅ 4. Video Capabilities
If recording quality matters, check for 4K support, stabilization modes, and slow‑motion capture. These features can be found in most top picks above.
📌 Conclusion
The smartphone photography landscape under ₹50,000 is stronger than ever. Whether you want pro‑level portraits, night photography, zoom shots, or creative imaging for social media, there’s a compelling option in this price bracket. From the Pixel 9a’s computational brilliance to the versatile zoom strength of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, these phones prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture stunning images.
