Best Camera Phones Under ₹10,000 in India – Top Budget Mobiles for Photography & Night Shots

Best Camera Phones Under ₹10,000 in India

In 2025, even budget smartphones pack impressive camera hardware. A capable camera on a cheap phone means capturing memories, selfies, and night shots without breaking the bank. Indian users love sharing photos on WhatsApp and Instagram, so a phone's camera performance is a key factor – even in the sub-₹10,000 segment. Many recent budget models now offer high-resolution sensors, multiple lenses (wide, macro, depth), and software tricks like Night Mode or AI enhancements. This guide covers the best camera phones under ₹10,000 available in India as of June 2025, focusing on overall photo quality, day/night shooting, and even selfies. For broader choices, you can also check our list of [Check best phones under ₹15,000] for higher-budget cameras.

Camera Features to Consider in Budget Phones

When comparing cheap phones' cameras, look beyond just megapixel count. Here are key features that affect photo quality:

• Megapixels (MP): Higher MP sensors (50MP, 108MP, etc.) can capture more detail, but sensor size and processing matter. Many 50MP phones use pixel-binning to combine pixels for brighter low-light shots, effectively acting like a 12MP sensor with larger pixels.
• Aperture (f-number): A lower f-number (e.g. f/1.8) means a wider aperture, letting in more light for better low-light performance and depth-of-field. Most budget phones have modest apertures (around f/1.8–f/2.0).
• Sensor and Pixel Size: Bigger sensor area and larger pixel pitch improve image quality. For example, a 50MP sensor in a big size performs better than a 50MP in a tiny area. Unfortunately, most <₹10K phones use small sensors, so night shots depend more on software.
• Night Mode and Image Processing: Many phones include a "Night mode" or AI enhancement that takes multiple exposures to brighten dark scenes. This software trick can significantly improve low-light images, even on basic sensors. Phones like the Moto G35 and Realme C53 have dedicated night modes.
• Optical/Electronic Stabilization: OIS/EIS helps reduce blur in low-light or shaky conditions. Rare in this price range, but some models use EIS for video stability.
• Secondary Lenses: Ultra-wide, macro, or depth lenses can add versatility, but on cheap phones these are often low-res gimmicks. The primary camera's performance is usually the most important for overall photo quality.
• Front (Selfie) Camera: If selfies matter, look at the front camera megapixels and features. Phones with 13–16MP front cameras (Moto G35's 16MP, Samsung M06's 13MP) will give sharper selfies than basic 5–8MP cameras.
• Software Features: HDR mode, AI scene detection, portrait mode, and built-in filters can make a big difference. Check if the phone's camera app has options like portrait/beauty modes and pro features.

Best Camera Phones Under ₹10000 for Photography in India 2025

Below are our top picks for budget phones with great cameras. Each offers a strong rear camera system (and one or two with good selfie cams). We list key specs, camera highlights, and pros/cons so you can decide which fits your photography needs.

Realme C53 – 108MP AI Camera Champion (₹9,999)

• Key Specs: 6.74" HD+ LCD (90Hz), Unisoc T612 octa-core, 4/6GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 5000mAh battery, Android 13.
• Camera: 108MP primary rear camera (Realme uses a large Samsung sensor) with f/1.75 lens (approx.), LED flash; single 8MP front camera. Supports Nightscape (night mode) and AI enhancements.

Pros:

• Super high-resolution sensor: 108MP main camera captures lots of detail in daylight (uses pixel-binning for brighter night shots).
• Large battery: 5000mAh ensures long shooting sessions.
• Affordable: Priced at ₹9,999 with 4GB/64GB, it packs flagship-level resolution for the money.

Cons:

• Low-res selfie: Only an 8MP front camera means selfies are okay but not spectacular.
• Basic processor: Unisoc T612 is entry-level (smooth for everyday use but limits advanced camera processing speed).

Why it's good for photography: The Realme C53's 108MP camera is rare at this price. In bright light it produces sharp, detailed shots. In low light, Realme's Nightscape mode and pixel-binning help reduce noise. The large 108MP sensor also allows cropping without losing much detail.

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Motorola Moto G35 5G – Versatile Dual Camera & 16MP Selfie (₹9,999)

• Key Specs: 6.72" Full HD+ LCD (90Hz), Unisoc T760 octa-core, 4GB RAM (expandable), 128GB storage, 5000mAh battery, clean Android 13.
• Camera: Dual rear cameras: 50MP main (1/2.8″ sensor, f/1.8) + 8MP ultra-wide; 16MP front camera. Includes a dedicated night-vision mode for low light.

Pros:

• Good all-around shooter: 50MP main plus an 8MP ultra-wide offers framing flexibility. Motorola's Quad-Pixel tech boosts low-light sensitivity by 4x.
• Best selfie cam here: The 16MP front camera (higher than most in class) takes sharp and detailed selfies.
• Clean software: Nearly stock Android with a simple camera app – easy to use.

Cons:

• Processor limits: Unisoc T760 is adequate, but heavy gaming or very fast shooting may lag.
• Basic video: Only up to 1080p recording; no 4K capture.

Why it's good for photography: The Moto G35 stands out with its 16MP selfie camera and an ultra-wide lens, rare at this budget. Its night mode and Quad-Pixel binning yield brighter night shots. Portraits and group selfies are better on this phone thanks to the higher-res front cam.

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Samsung Galaxy M06 5G – Affordable 50MP Shooter with 13MP Selfie (₹8,499)

• Key Specs: 6.70" HD+ LCD, MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (5G), 4/6GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 5000mAh battery, Android 13.
• Camera: Dual rear cameras: 50MP main (f/1.8) + 2MP depth; 13MP front camera. Samsung's camera app includes a Night mode and portrait features.

Pros:

• Good main sensor: 50MP primary camera takes detailed daytime shots.
• 5G connectivity: Modern chip for future-proofing.
• Large battery: 5000mAh for all-day use.

Cons:

• Low-res secondary lens: The 2MP depth sensor adds little value.
• Lower-res display: HD+ screen isn't as crisp as FHD competitors.

Why it's good for photography: Samsung's image processing produces punchy, well-exposed photos with the 50MP sensor. The 13MP selfie camera is decent for video calls and casual selfies. Built-in Night mode helps in dim light, though detail is limited by the smaller sensor.

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POCO M7 5G – Big 50MP Camera & 120Hz Display (₹8,749)

• Key Specs: 6.88" HD+ LCD (120Hz), Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 4/6GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 5160mAh battery, Android 13 (MIUI 14).
• Camera: 50MP main camera (Sony sensor, f/1.8) + 0.08MP "AI" lens (essentially no extra camera); 8MP front camera. Offers HDR and a Night mode.

Pros:

• Ultra-smooth display: 120Hz screen makes previewing photos and animations very fluid.
• Large sensor: 50MP Sony sensor captures good detail, especially in daylight.
• Long battery life: 5160mAh keeps shooting through the day.

Cons:

• No ultrawide: Lacks wide or macro cameras, only the main sensor.
• Mediocre selfie: 8MP front camera is only average.

Why it's good for photography: The POCO M7 5G's main 50MP camera with the Sony sensor delivers sharp, colorful shots in good light. Its high refresh rate display is great for editing and viewing images. While it lacks extra lenses, its night mode and HDR work reasonably well to brighten dark scenes.

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Acer Super ZX – 64MP Triple Camera & AI Enhance (₹9,999)

• Key Specs: 6.78" Full HD+ LCD (120Hz), MediaTek Dimensity 6300, 4/6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage, 5000mAh battery, Android 15 (stock UI).
• Camera: Triple rear cameras: 64MP main (Sony IMX682, f/1.8) + 2MP depth + 2MP macro; 13MP front camera. Includes "AI image enhancement" modes.

Pros:

• High-res primary: 64MP Sony sensor yields very detailed photos (daytime especially).
• Smooth UI: Stock Android 15 runs clean with minimal bloat.
• 120Hz screen: Very fluid display for image viewing.

Cons:

• Low utility extra cams: 2MP depth and macro sensors are too low-res to be useful.
• Average selfie: 13MP front cam is decent but not standout.

Why it's good for photography: The Acer Super ZX excels in detail: its 64MP Sony main camera captures impressive landscapes and stills. The fast 120Hz display and AI modes (like "AI Night" if available) help refine images. Portraits benefit from the depth sensor (for bokeh), and the 64MP resolves fine textures. It's a great all-rounder for day shots.

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Realme Narzo N53 – 50MP Main Camera, Long Battery Life (₹8,499)

• Key Specs: 6.74" Full HD+ LCD (90Hz), Unisoc T612, 4/6/8GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 5000mAh battery, Android 13.
• Camera: Dual rear cameras: 50MP main (f/1.8) + 0.08MP AI lens; 8MP front camera. Realme UI 4.0 adds Nightscape mode and AI scene recognition.

Pros:

• Fast refresh: 90Hz screen for smoother UI.
• Large battery with fast charge: 5000mAh + 33W fast charging.
• Solid daytime camera: 50MP shooter takes bright, detailed photos in good light.

Cons:

• Basic secondary camera: The 0.08MP lens is virtually useless (often called a "gimmick").
• Entry CPU: Unisoc T612 means it's not as snappy with heavy apps or games.

Why it's good for photography: The Narzo N53's 50MP camera performs well in daylight with sharp colors. The Nightscape mode can brighten evening shots reasonably. It's a reliable choice for everyday photography, and the big battery ensures you can shoot a full day.

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Lava O2 – 50MP AI Dual Camera, Stock Android (₹7,999)

• Key Specs: 6.50" HD+ LCD (90Hz), Unisoc T616, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage (UFS 2.2), 5000mAh battery, Android 13 (Clean).
• Camera: Dual cameras: 50MP main + (unknown) AI sensor; 8MP selfie. Supports Night mode and portrait mode.

Pros:

• Ample RAM: 8GB RAM is high for this price, so multitasking is smooth.
• Clean Android: No ads or bloatware, courtesy of Lava's "Clean Android" promise.
• 50MP main sensor: Uses pixel binning for better low-light imaging.

Cons:

• Low-res selfie: 8MP front cam is basic.
• Lower brightness: HD+ screen is not as sharp as FHD screens.

Why it's good for photography: Lava O2's 50MP main sensor captures bright, colorful images during the day. Its Night mode (and 4x pixel binning) helps improve evening shots. The extra RAM and clean OS mean the camera app runs quickly. It's a straightforward, value-packed camera phone for users on a tight budget.

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Camera Buying Tips and Night Mode

Most modern budget phones now include a Night Mode or AI-enhanced low-light mode. This software setting combines multiple exposures to brighten dark scenes. For example, the Moto G35 5G's Night Vision feature and Realme's Nightscape greatly improve dimly-lit shots. When shooting at night, hold the phone steady or use a flat surface for best results. Portrait mode (bokeh effect) is another software feature; it uses depth sensors or AI to blur backgrounds. Remember that higher megapixels alone don't guarantee better low-light photos – sensor size, aperture, and image processing are crucial. In daylight, though, a 50MP or 108MP sensor can capture very detailed images.

FAQs

Q: Is a 50MP camera always better than a 13MP camera?
A: Not necessarily. A 50MP sensor can capture more detail in good light, but its pixels are usually small, so it relies on pixel-binning for low-light. A 12–13MP camera with larger pixels (common in high-end phones) can sometimes do better in low light. In budget phones, 50MP cameras often improve daylight shots, while night performance depends on software.

Q: Do cheap phones under ₹10,000 have a night mode?
A: Yes, many do. Brands like Motorola, Realme, and Lava have built-in night modes even on their budget models. These modes use longer exposure and multi-frame processing. The results won't match flagship night modes, but they still produce brighter and clearer nighttime shots than standard mode. Always hold the phone steady for a few seconds when using night mode.

Q: Are multiple camera lenses (ultrawide, macro) useful in budget phones?
A: Additional lenses add versatility but often with compromises. Ultrawide cameras on cheap phones are usually low-res (8MP or less) and suffer in detail. Macro lenses (2MP) rarely produce sharp photos. The primary camera's quality is more important. If you need wide shots, make sure the phone's ultrawide is at least 8MP. Otherwise, a strong 50MP main camera (with cropping) is more valuable.

Q: Should I choose higher megapixels or wider aperture?
A: Ideally both, but budget phones tend to have small sensors. A wider aperture (lower f-number) is great for low light, but most <₹10K phones have around f/1.8. High megapixels help in bright light detail. Consider the whole system: a 50MP camera with f/1.8 and good software will generally outperform a 13MP f/2.0 sensor.

Q: Which cheap phone has the best selfie camera?
A: In this price range, the Motorola Moto G35 5G stands out with a 16MP front camera (higher resolution than most rivals) for crisp selfies. The Samsung Galaxy M06 5G's 13MP selfie cam is also good. Most others have 8MP front cameras, which are adequate for video calls but less detailed for cropping.