Choosing an affordable camera phone that excels in low-light photography can be a daunting task. The challenge lies in identifying a device that not only fits within budget constraints but also delivers exceptional performance in challenging lighting conditions.
As the demand for smartphones that offer robust low-light capabilities continues to grow, navigating through the multitude of options becomes crucial for consumers seeking to capture clear and vibrant images without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore smartphones, from brands such as Samsung, Realme, Redmi, and more, under Rs 20,000, with a strong focus on low-light photography.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy F34 5G
- Display: 6.46-inch FHD+ sAMOLED 120Hz display
- Chipset: Exynos 1280 SoC
- Storage: 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB
- OS: Android 13
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- Rear camera: 50MP primary sensor + 8MP ultra-wide angle lens + 2MP sensor
- Selfie camera: 13MP on the front
In August, Samsung released the Galaxy F34 5G, which boasts a single-take feature enabling users to capture up to 4 videos and 4 photos in one shot. Also, the Nightography feature includes specialised modes for capturing impressive low-light shots.
Price: Rs 19,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant on the official website
Realme 11 5G
- Display: 6.72-inch FHD+ 120Hz display
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC
- Storage: 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB
- OS: realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging tech
- Rear camera: 108MP main camera + 2MP secondary camera
- Selfie camera: 16MP on the front
As per the 91mobiles’ review, the Realme 11 5G, launched recently, showcased strong performance in both daylight and low-light conditions, with a specific focus on low-light scenarios. The images captured by the Realme 11 5G display minimal noise, contributing to enhanced details.
Price: Rs 18,999 for 8GB+128GB on Realme’s official website
Redmi 12 5G
- Display: 6.79-inch FHD+ 90Hz display
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC
- Storage: 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128GB, and 8GB+256GB
- OS: Android 13-based MIUI 14
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 18W fast charging tech
- Rear camera: 50MP dual cameras
- Selfie camera: 8MP shooter on the front
Launched in August this year, the Redmi 12 5G delivers acceptable low-light camera performance when the night mode is activated, according to our review. However, without the night mode, users may experience grainy images with light flaring across the frame.
Price: Rs 13,499 for the 6GB+128GB model on Amazon
Moto G54 5G
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz display
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7020 SoC
- Storage: 8GB+128GB and 12GB+256GB
- OS: Android 13
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging tech
- Rear camera: 50MP OIS main camera + 8MP ultra-wide angle lens with macro and depth features
- Selfie camera: 16MP on the front
The 91mobiles’ review states that in low light or indoor conditions, the camera performs beyond expectations, but there are noticeable delays in shutter speed and focusing. Despite introducing some noise into the frame, the device effectively preserves details. The Moto G54 5G, launched in September includes a specific night mode aimed at minimising noise levels, although it comes at the expense of sacrificing certain finer details.
Price: Rs 16,999 for 12GB+256GB storage on Flipkart
itel P55 5G
- Display: 6.6-inch HD+ IPS 90Hz display
- Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 6080 SoC
- Storage: 4GB+64GB and 6GB+128GB
- OS: Android 13
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 18W charging tech
- Rear camera: 50MP main camera + AI camera
- Selfie camera: 8MP front shooter
In low-light situations, the rear cameras feature a dedicated Super Night mode that utilises long exposure to capture more light, leading to decreased noise across the frame, as per 91mobiles’ review. Moreover, this mode on the itel P55 5G, launched in September, activates automatically in the AI Cam mode when the sensor identifies low-light conditions.
Price: Rs 9,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant on Amazon
