Hi all, I'm after recommendations for a phone with the best camera for quality photos. The budget is up to and around $500. I've got zero knowledge about phones these days.
Thanks all
Phone with Best Camera Budget around $500
subywagon on 10/03/2025 - 22:41
Comments
Google Pixel 7a
That one is an international model
If you can stretch the budget a bit and prepare to negotiate I would get a used pixel 8 pro.
For photo quality - my opinion is a pixel or an iPhone. So whichever latest gen you can get - with your preferred flavour of os/new/refurb/second hand
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/moto-g75-5g-256gb-with-mo…
Moto g75 with 2 colour options. Long software updates up to 5 major Android upgrades and it has Sony - LYTIA™ 600 camera with OIS. You can install gcam mod (google camera) and compare the photo quality with its standard camera. The phone is MIL-STD-810H compliant (more durable).
You can try gcam mod (google camera) on most android phones. Install the app from here (BSG mod is the most popular):
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/If previously you bought Samsung S25 during JB-HiFi preorder (with cancelled plan on the same purchase day), Samsung S25 should have better photo quality with ISO 25 (very low noise) indoor in JB-HIFI that I checked, same with the latest Pixel phones that produces great photos with ISO 25 indoor in JB-HIFI too. The trick is cancelling the JB-HiFi plan on the same purchase day and ask for refund of the first month JB HiFi plan of $79. Total cost was only under $527 for S25 from normal price now above $1500 (bonus 256 GB storage during preorder, so got 512 GB version). That's why many people in Ozb bought Samsung S25 series with this trick (cancel the mobile plan). No more preorder, try this trick (if still the same cancellation policy, T&C from Telstra) on Samsung S26 next time if you want.
Re: the Moto G75 5G if you aren't in a rush keep an eye out for discounts Mobilcity just had a deal on through Ozbargain at $349 and JB and most of the other big stores had it at $399 a couple of weeks ago. Note at most/all places this also comes with Moto buds ($148 at Harvey norman)
I can't say if the phone is any good or not as I haven't received mine yet but I'm hoping it is 🙂
Stretch a bit to get Pixel 8a or Pixel 9 on sale.
https://www.dxomark.com/smartphones/
The highest up the chart that you can afford that might be on sale (for example, Pixel 7 has been spotted at various places under $500) :P
For example, new: https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/google-pixel-7-5g-dual-sim-63-i…
JP spec phone — mandatory shutter sound in camera?
If you're willing to buy refurbished and can add 1 or two hundred dollar go for a Samsung s22 ultra. Still one of the best cameras around
https://www.dxomark.com/smartphones/
s22 ultra - 135 points
Pixel 7 - 140 points (cheaper with much better camera and can get new without battery problems) ;)
nokia 6610i