Camera phones became a thing as far back as 1999 with the Kyocera Visual Phone VP-210, today it has become a deciding factor for buying a phone. Another fun fact is, the first camera on a smartphone was a selfie camera. Enough with the history lessons, let’s get into inexpensive smartphones with good cameras that you can get in this present day market.
In today’s world (of social media), camera quality is imperative to most smartphone users, especially in the younger generation. Not everybody can afford a flagship, this is a list of the best budget camera phone which is a nice alternative to get those nice pictures on your Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat without spending a lot.
1. Google Pixel 4a
Image Credit: Forbes
Starting on a strong foot, this smartphone is not only one of the best budget smartphone at the price but also takes up the camera dexterity from the Google Pixel 3a. The Google Pixel 4a once again shows that it is not just about megapixels with a 12.2MP rear camera that take splendid pictures with vibrant colors during the day and decent pictures in low light.
Over at the front, there is an 8MP sensor having an f/2.0 aperture and 24mm focal length. You can shoot in 4K resolution and in 1080P resolution at 60fps and 30fps.
Pixel 4a Key Specs
2. Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite
Certainly one of the best mid-range smartphones out there. The Mi Note 10 Lite comes with a quad-camera setup on the rear. This includes a 64MP primary camera with a 26mm focal length lens and f/1.9 aperture. Also present is an 8MP ultra-wide sensor with f/2.2 aperture, a 5MP module, and a 2MP sensor for close-up shots. The combination of these cameras gives a bright and detailed performance during the day but falters in low light.
To help improve low-light photography, there is a night mode that maintains the color of the subject but it’s still not quite clear. In addition, there is HDR and autofocus which improves very near pictures but still not quite as detailed due to the 2MP sensor being used. The selfie end has a 16MP camera in play with no autofocus sadly but takes good portrait pictures which is true for the rear cameras as well. You will get a Pro mode on this device where you can tweak the settings to get the best out of the camera.
Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite Key Specs
3. Samsung Galaxy A71
The next one on the list is one of the few budget smartphones with EIS (electronic image stabilization) and impressive all-around specs. There is a nice quad-camera layout on the back and a decent selfie cam upfront. You’ll be working with a 64MP main camera having an f/1.8 aperture lens attached to it. Also involved is a 12MP with a 12mm f/2.2 aperture lens and two 5MP cameras (one as a macro camera and the other as a depth sensor).
What this delivers is a well-detailed picture outdoors with a wide dynamic range and excellent portrait pictures as well at this price point. In the absence of a telephoto camera here, the zoom capture is not really up to par having low details and increased noise. At the front end, the smartphone has a 32MP Quad Bayer sensor with an f/2.2 aperture lens. It takes pretty clear selfies with nice contrast and impressive dynamic range. On the Samsung Galaxy A71, selfies look best when subjects are 50 – 60cm, at a lesser distance focus is hard and farther details are lost.
You can record videos in 1080p resolution on the front camera at 30fps and the back camera can take it up to 4k resolution in the same frame rate. Also, you can take 1080p at 240fps and 720p at up to 960fps on the rear camera.
Samsung Galaxy A71 Key Specs
4. Motorola One Zoom
Photography enthusiasts on a budget will find the Motorola One Zoom an interesting option. Also carrying a quad rear camera, there is a true telephoto 8MP sensor with 3x optical zoom, 5MP depth sensor, and a 16MP ultrawide camera working with the 48MP primary sensor. This one of the few mid-range smartphones that actually have a true telephoto sensor, ultra-wide camera, depth sensor, and optical image stabilization (OIS) all present.
What do you get with this? 12MP images through pixel-binning technology that looks quite good in daylight, albeit a little bit aggressively sharp after processing but nothing too obvious. However, it becomes obvious in low light conditions and general image quality suffers too. Nonetheless, this smartphone is very much a nice budget smartphone for taking stellar pictures even if it requires good lighting conditions to do so.
The images captured by the front camera are quite impressive with decent color balance and details. Its Portrait mode appears to do a pretty good job of focusing on the subject. You also have beauty mode, background blur adjustment, artificial lighting, and studio mode.
Motorola One Zoom Key Specs
5. iPhone 12 Mini
The iPhone 12 mini offers a convincing camera setup that delivers nothing short of stellar pictures with its iPhone 11 type of dual rear camera system. In fact, it has the same camera settings as you have on the iPhone 12— a 12MP f/1.6 aperture main camera and a mother 12MP ultra-wide sensor with a 120 degree field of view.
Furthermore, you also get OIS on both rear cameras, 2x optical zoom, and 5x digital zoom. The deep fusion photography system translates to impressive picture processing is in good hands. You can record 4k pictures at up to 60fps, 1080p up to 120fps, and HDR video with Dolby vision at 30fps. More so, you have night mode dedicated for low light pictures and impressive portrait snaps.
On the front, there is a 12MP TrueDepth camera equipped with night mode and impressive Bokeh shot capabilities as well. Not to forget up to 60fps for both 4k and 1080p video recording feature on the selfie side. Overall, the iPhone 12 mini delivers a satisfactory camera performance for its price range.
iPhone 12 mini Key Specifications
Affordable Phones, Great Camera Quality
Smartphone camera quality means a lot to so many and this list gives you some of the best smartphones you can get without going all-in for high-end smartphones. Each smartphone here offers different camera perks and features but are all good options to consider if camera on a smartphone is very important to you.
Odunayo Ezekiel is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria with deep experience in the country’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem. From smartphones and apps to fintech and local startups, he brings sharp insight and a user-first perspective to every story. At Dignited.com, Odunayo covers the trends, tools, and innovations shaping how Nigerians—and Africans at large—experience technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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