Consumer Tech

The best camera smartphones for your pro photos in 2024

This article picks 10 smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Infinix and more to either jumpstart your vlogging career or take fire pictures.

Image Credit: X

Smartphones come in different specs with some possessing enhanced lenses, higher megapixel counts, and superior zoom capabilities. These features open up new avenues for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning images. The best part? There’s a model to fit a modest budget of ₦300,000.

Brands like Apple and Samsung have consistently raised the bar of image quality and zoom capabilities. However, the competition is heating up with entries from Infinix, Redmi, and Motorola. Despite being veterans in the market, these brands continue to impress with their ability to produce share-worthy photographs.

The least expensive phone on our sub-₦300,000 list right now is the Infinix Zero 30 4G phone retailing at just ₦250,000/$165. While it may not rival Samsung in lens versatility and photographic modes, its 108MP lens and 4K@60fps video recording are narrowing the gap with each passing year.

Top 10 camera smartphones under ₦300,000

Below is a list of each of the smartphone options with the best cameras that you can explore:

Apple iPhone XR - ₦290,000/$191

iPhone XR in Black

The iPhone XR is worth a look at, although it is not the latest iPhone. It still delivers dependable camera performance for the price, making it a solid upgrade from older models. The phone boasts a large 6.1-inch display, ideal for composing shots and reviewing your work. While the screen size might make one-handed use a stretch for some users with smaller hands, it offers a comfortable viewing experience.

The iPhone XR features a 12MP rear camera with a larger sensor for better low-light photography. Its Smart HDR helps capture balanced images with details preserved in both shadows and highlights. It even shoots in 4K for video enthusiasts. The smartphone comes in a wide range of colours for a touch of personal flair, the most Apple has ever offered for an iPhone. You can get the Apple iPhone XR from Jumia and other authorised retailers.

Samsung Galaxy s10 - ₦280,000/$185

Galaxy s10 in Prism Black

The Galaxy S10 stands out for its camera muscle. It steps up its predecessor's game with a triple-lens system that's both versatile and intelligent:

A 12MP main lens with dual apertures adjusts for clear pictures in any light, day or night.
A 16MP ultra-wide lens lets you capture expansive landscapes in a single shot.
A 12MP telephoto lens brings distant details closer for crisp zoomed-in photos.

This combination of hardware and software smarts makes the Galaxy S10 a well-rounded camera phone at a competitive price of ₦280,000. While the newer Galaxy S20 boasts a larger display, the S10's 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen is no slouch. It still delivers high resolution and vivid colours, offering a premium feel in a comfortable size. Check availability on Jumia and all Samsung stores nationwide.

Motorola Edge 30 Fusion 5G - ₦300,240/$198

Motorola Edge 30 Fusion in Solar Gold

The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion prioritises usability with a praised thin, light design and a large 6.55-inch P-OLED display, making it comfortable for single-handed use.

Its 50MP main sensor with Quad Pixel technology is the main attraction, capturing clear photos even in low-light situations. An ultra-wide lens doubles as a macro shooter for close-up detail shots. The camera app keeps things simple with essential features like Portrait Mode, Night Vision, and Timelapse.

However, keep in mind there's no telephoto lens, which limits zooming capabilities. While a depth sensor is present, it doesn't significantly impact photos. Portraits benefit from depth sensing, and the high-resolution 32MP front camera ensures quality selfies.

Overall, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion 5G’s versatile camera, user-friendly design, and 5G speeds make it a solid choice for photo enthusiasts in Nigeria, especially considering its price at ₦300,240.

Huawei P30 Pro - ₦270,000/$178

Huawei P30 Pro in Amber Sunrise

The Huawei P30 Pro raises the bar for camera phones under ₦300k in Nigeria. Its quad-camera system, led by a whopping 40MP main sensor, reigns supreme in low-light conditions. You'll also be wowed by the zoom capabilities, bringing distant subjects close with a powerful 5x optical zoom and a staggering (though some might say gimmicky) 50x digital zoom.

But it's not all about Zoom. The P30 Pro captures remarkably well-lit shots too, though you might need to adjust colour settings to your preference. An ultra-wide sensor is perfect for landscapes and group photos, and AI software helps eliminate distortion around the edges. While selfies aren't its strongest suit, the P30 Pro shines in rear camera photography.

Beyond the cameras, the P30 Pro boasts a large 6.47-inch OLED display for comfortable viewing and a slim profile designed for easy handling. Paired with its impressive camera system, this phone is a compelling choice for budget-minded photography enthusiasts in Nigeria. This device is currently available on Ubuy and other Huawei retailers around Nigeria.

Tecno Camon 20 Pro- ₦290,000/$191

Tecno Camon 20 Pro in Polar Black

The Tecno Camon 20 Pro in Nigeria positions itself as a clarity and detail champion for ₦290,000. Its main attraction is the 64MP main sensor, designed to capture crisp photos. Low-light situations are no problem, thanks to the Super Night Mode that brightens up scenes without sacrificing detail. And let's not forget selfies — the 32MP front camera ensures you capture your best angles in high resolution. The phone complements the camera system with a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display for vivid viewing and a slim form factor for comfortable use.

This balance of high-resolution photography and user-friendly features makes the Camon 20 Pro a contender for Nigerians seeking quality pictures without breaking the bank. While some might find the colours a bit oversaturated, the AI camera excels at delivering photos ready for immediate social media sharing. If you prioritise natural-looking photos, you might need to adjust settings, but for those who crave instant "pop," the Tecno Camon 20 Pro is a compelling option.

Also, read our full review of its Tecno Camon 19 predecessor to see how they stack up.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro - ₦275,000/$181

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro in Sky Blue

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro could be the solution you’re looking for when it comes to versatile mobile photography. Its 50MP main camera, featuring a Sony sensor, captures vibrant and intricate images. The camera array also includes ultra-wide and macro lenses, enhancing its versatility. This model shines in low-light conditions, courtesy of the optical image stabilisation (OIS) on the main camera, ensuring sharper images even when lighting is less than ideal.

Night mode is particularly noteworthy, as it enhances darker regions and mitigates noise, yielding a more authentic nocturnal ambience. However, it’s worth noting that this mode may sometimes diminish the overall brightness and impart a cooler tone to some highlights. Familiarising yourself with the night mode settings can be beneficial to leverage this feature fully.

While the macro camera may not be the standout feature, video recording has seen incremental improvements over its predecessor, thanks to the OIS. Despite this, it doesn’t quite match the stability offered by phones equipped with electronic image stabilisation (EIS). The video capabilities are limited to 4K at 30fps for the main camera and 1080P at 30fps for the ultra-wide lens.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro may not boast the most recent sensor technology, but the inclusion of the Sony IMX 766 sensor—a mainstay in flagship devices—ensures reliable performance.

We previously compared the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro 5G phones.

Apple iPhone 11 64 GB - ₦300,000/$198

The iPhone 11 in Purple

The iPhone 11 packs a powerful camera punch with its dual-camera system that features 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses, ideal for capturing a variety of shots. The main camera's large sensor size and optical image stabilisation translate to crisp, detailed photos, even in low-light conditions. Apple's improved Smart HDR and Night mode further enhance image quality for those special moments.

The ultra-wide lens lets you capture expansive landscapes or group photos, giving you more flexibility in your mobile photography. Notably, the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display offers a comfortable size for composing shots and reviewing your work.

The iPhone 11 records 4K video at various frame rates, making it a great choice for everyday moments or more creative projects.

While the ultra-wide camera might not match the low-light performance of the main camera, the iPhone 11 still delivers a strong overall camera experience at a competitive price point in Nigeria. The smartphone is available on Jumia and all authorised retailers near you.

Infinix Zero 30 4G - ₦250,000/$165

Infinix Zero 30 4G in Misty Green

The Infinix Zero 30 4G targets budget-minded photographers in Nigeria with a powerful camera system. Its 108MP main sensor, equipped with a Samsung sensor, captures detailed photos. While it lacks the optical image stabilisation (OIS) found in its pricier sibling, Infinix compensates with a usable 2x digital zoom on the main camera. This phone goes beyond just a high megapixel count. Advanced pixel technology contributes to superior photo quality, with colour accuracy surpassing even some pricier options.

Unlike most budget phones, the Zero 30 4G boasts a surprisingly good 50MP selfie camera with impressive low-light focusing. This sets it apart in the under ₦300,000 category. Video enthusiasts can rejoice with the 4K@60fps recording capability, ensuring crisp and detailed footage. AI scene detection and a Pro mode cater to both casual users and those who crave more control over their shots.

Samsung Galaxy S20 + 5G - ₦300,000/$198

Samsung Galaxy S20 5G in Cloud Blue

The Samsung S20 5G packs a triple-camera punch, a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto sensor for zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor for capturing expansive scenes. With features like Night Mode and Live Focus, it promises excellent photo quality in various lighting conditions.

The high-resolution main and larger telephoto sensors ensure detailed photos, even in low-light situations. Samsung's camera software excels at preserving highlights and details, making this a great choice for capturing well-balanced images.

The S20 5G boasts impressive zoom capabilities, letting you get closer to distant subjects without sacrificing too much quality (up to 10x zoom is ideal). The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers a comfortable viewing experience for composing your shots and reviewing your work.

Although the selfie camera might be a bit cramped for large group photos, it cleverly offers a wider zoom option to fit more people in the frame.

Can’t find your Samsung match yet? Check out the Best mid-range Samsung phones in Nigeria right now.

Xiaomi 11t Pro - ₦280,000/$185

Xiaomi 11t Pro in Moonlight White

The Xiaomi 11T Pro brings high-resolution photography to Nigeria's sub-300k market with its impressive 108MP main sensor. This translates to exceptional detail and vibrant colours in your photos. The phone boasts a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display, ideal for viewing and editing your creations, though its size might impact one-handed use for some.

Beyond the main camera, the 11T Pro offers an 8MP ultra-wide lens for capturing expansive scenes and a 5MP telemacro lens for detailed close-ups. This combination allows you to tackle various photography styles.

The high-resolution sensor ensures sharp photos, while video capabilities cater to both casual users and enthusiasts. It can record in stunning 8K at 30fps or smooth 4K at 60/30fps.

Night Mode enhances the camera's performance in low-light conditions. However, it's worth noting that while the camera performs well in most situations, some users report issues with oversaturation in bright light and a decrease in detail when using the telephoto zoom.

How to optimise your phone camera’s settings to get the best quality (Android and iOS)

To optimise your phone camera’s settings for the best quality on both Android and iOS devices, consider these tips:

Understand Your Camera’s Capabilities: Get to know the features and settings of your phone’s camera. Experiment with modes like Portrait, Night, or Pro to see which gives you the best results for different scenarios.
Clean Your Lens: Keep the camera lens free of fingerprints and dust by regularly cleaning it with a microfiber cloth. This simple step can prevent blurry photos.
Adjust Exposure and Focus: Tap on your screen to focus on your subject. Slide up or down to adjust the exposure, making your image brighter or darker as needed.
Use Natural Light: Natural light is often the best choice for photography. It gives your photos a soft, natural look without the harshness of artificial lighting.
Stabilise Your Phone: To avoid blurry images from shaky hands, use a tripod or rest your phone on a stable surface. Some apps also offer stabilisation features.
Explore Manual Settings: For more control over your photos, try using manual mode to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, especially in challenging lighting.
Avoid Digital Zoom: Digital Zoom can degrade photo quality. Instead, move closer to your subject or crop the photo later for a clearer image.
Edit Your Photos: Lastly, after taking your photos, feel free to use editing apps to fine-tune contrast, brightness, saturation, and more to enhance the final image.

Rounding Up

No matter which phone you go with here, be rest assured that you will be getting great images. As we discussed earlier, some models stand out more than others; devices like the iPhone XR, Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, and Huawei P30 Pro have proven to be exceptional contenders in their respective categories. The Redmi Note 12 Pro with its Sony sensor, the Tecno Camon 20 Pro's 64MP camera, and the Infinix Zero 30 4Gs impressive lens setup are also noteworthy mentions that offer remarkable photographic capabilities.

If you're looking for a blend of value and performance, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and Xiaomi 11T Pro might just be the right fit. And let's not forget the iPhone 11 which continues to be a reliable choice for many. If you have any further questions or need more insights, please reach out in the comment section below.

The best camera smartphones for your pro photos in 2024