8 best smartphones with a good camera under 15,000 rubles

Updated: 12/06/2021 18:34:38

Expert: Evgeny Mikhailovich Obolensky

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

The first smartphone saw the world in 2000. The device was released by . The line was called Ericsson R380s. Among the innovative features of the model, it is worth noting the hinged lid and touch display. Wanting to highlight the intelligence of the new gadget, the manufacturers called the device a “smartphone” as part of an advertising campaign.

Since then, smartphones have undergone many changes. Today, according to the analytical company Pew Research Center, over 59% of adults across the planet use such gadgets. At the same time, in South Korea, for example, 94% of adult citizens have smartphones. The market offers a large number of models of such devices. We offer a rating of the best smartphones, in our opinion, costing up to 15,000 rubles.

#10 – Realme C3

Price: 9,990 rubles

The photo capabilities of the main 12 MP sensor are excellent for an inexpensive device. Detail, color reproduction, sharpness and contrast - everything in the Realme C3's photos is better than that of other representatives of the entry-level league. In addition, the model is the best budget gaming device. Due to the HD+ screen resolution and the fast Helio G70 chipset, modern games run here without stuttering even at medium graphics settings.

The device also has a capacious 5000 mAh battery, which provides a day of battery life even with constant use, NFC and a separate slot for a flash card. You can only find fault with the use of the microUSB connector, as well as the lack of ultra-wide. Duty plugs for macro and background blur at 2 MP are used as additional sensors. However, taking into account the fact that this is the cheapest representative of the selection, the disadvantages are not so critical.

realme c3

#9 – HONOR 20e

Price: 13,990 rubles

Unlike the previous competitor, Honor 20e has an ultra-wide lens. And what kind. The edges in the photo are not softened much like other devices in this league, so they look quite sane. In daylight, the main module produces frames at the same level as more expensive devices. The only criticism is that artificial intelligence tends to oversaturate colors, but this can be easily corrected in the editor.

Unlike modern devices from the manufacturer, there are Google services, and the gadget is built on the Kirin 710F chipset. It will ensure the correct operation of the applications needed by the average user, and it will also run games if low graphics settings do not bother you. The disadvantages include the use of a microUSB port and a battery with a modest capacity of 3400 mAh. It's enough for a day, but that's the limit.

HONOR 20e

No. 7 – ZTE Blade V2020 Smart

Price: 12,490 rubles

The first and only ZTE brand model in our top. The device is equipped with a quad camera, in which the main sensor is accompanied by an ultra-wide sensor, a macro module and a depth sensor. If the last two can be called an ordinary gag - in portraits the background detection is poor even under ideal lighting conditions, and macro photographs come out dim and with a lot of noise, then the ultra-wide lens here is good. Sharpness remains balanced across the entire frame, detail, color rendition, and contrast are at the level of the best representatives of the segment.

The new model will also appeal to those who value a large screen. The display diagonal here is 6.8 inches, due to which a huge amount of content fits on the screen. Unfortunately, due to the HD+ resolution, the picture on it looks crumbly, but considering how much the smartphone costs, this is not so critical. Among the pleasant bonuses, we highlight the presence of NFC, a convenient fingerprint sensor on the side, a capacious 5000 mAh battery and a minijack.

ZTE Blade V2020 Smart

What are the criteria for choosing a “smart phone”?

First, you should check the ease of use of the smartphone you like. The body should not be flimsy or slippery. Metal cladding is durable and resistant to mechanical damage. The plastic case is cheaper and lighter. Additionally worth considering:

1. Type of screen matrix
   . “New” smartphones are often equipped with IPS and OLED/AMOLED displays. The former are more durable and convey shades better. The OLED matrix stands out for its contrast and brightness of the transmitted picture.
2. CPU model
   . We recommend choosing models equipped with processors with at least 8 cores.
3. Amount of RAM.
   In the context of the constant development of Internet technologies, smartphones with a RAM capacity of 4 GB or more are suitable for comfortable use.
4. Amount of internal memory.
   We recommend focusing on devices with a ROM capacity of at least 64 GB. In this case, a slot for removable memory cards should be provided.
5. Autonomous operation time.
   It is better to choose phones that can work without recharging for 1 day. Most gadgets equipped with a battery capacity of 3500 mAh or more meet this requirement.
6. Display diagonal
   . The smartphone should be comfortable to hold in your hand. Therefore, we advise you to choose models with a diagonal of 5.5…6.5″.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the type of operating system

. Android phones are the most popular in the market. Almost any application can be installed on the above system. Free download of files available. There is a built-in antivirus.

iOS is used on iPhone. This “OS” is distinguished by its reliability, security, and low consumption of the gadget’s hardware resources. But you should be prepared for the need to download and install software through the App Store. Applications in the latter can be quite expensive. Apple smartphones belong to the premium price segment.

#6 – HONOR 20 Lite

Price: 14,900 rubles

At the equator of the rating, which contains the best phones in terms of price and quality ratio up to 15,000 rubles in 2022, the HONOR 20 Lite model stopped. It has compact dimensions of 72.7x152.9x7.4 mm and weighs only 157 grams, which is not common these days. It is extremely convenient to use and operate such a device with one hand.

The camera is triple – a 48 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The first two are filmed very well. With sufficient lighting, white balance and exposure are correct, colors look vibrant, and the wide dynamic range ensures there are no contrast issues.

The 6.15-inch display produces a clear and detailed picture in FHD+ resolution, and the device has 128 GB of memory, which will save the owner from buying a flash drive. There is also NFC and dual-band Wi-Fi. The main drawback is the 3340 mAh battery. A day of battery life is the limit for her. Despite this, in terms of price-quality ratio, the device is one of the most profitable on the Russian market at the moment.

HONOR 20 Lite

Vsmart Live

• Processor: Snapdragon 675
• Memory: 4/6 and 64 GB
• Front camera: 20 MP
• Main camera: 48+5+8 MP

Price: from 14,999 rubles.

A young brand from Vietnam entered the Russian market at the end of 2019. The top Live model with a triple camera immediately joined the list of the best and inexpensive photo smartphones. The main module has a 48 megapixel sensor, the detail and correct color reproduction are pleasantly pleasing. The device also copes well with shooting at night. AI stitches 8 pictures into one and produces an adequate picture with excellent brightness. A 5 MP sensor is needed to assess depth when creating Bokeh - AI is working again, there are no errors with blur. The latest 8 MP module takes a wide frame with an angle of 120 degrees. The selfie camera does a great job as expected, and there are AR stickers to make photos more fun. The Qualcomm chipset takes an active part in creating images. AI algorithms do not work only in Beauty mode, where there are several sensitivity levels. The video is recorded in 4K, there is no stabilization, so it is better to shoot with a tripod.

In addition, the gadget has excellent performance, a capacious 4000 mAh battery with fast charging and a Type-C connector. AMOLED screen, 6.2 inches, FHD+, has protective glass and AoD function. The fingerprint scanner is installed in the display. There are no cutouts - the camera and speaker are located on a thin panel on top. The disadvantages include the lack of a slot for a memory card and an NFC module.

No. 5 – Xiaomi Redmi 9

Price: 12,990 rubles

In reviews, buyers praise the popular model for its screen. Indeed, in this regard it outperforms most competitors at a similar cost. The fact is that a 6.5-inch panel with FHD+ resolution is installed here, while the vast majority of competitors are equipped with HD+ matrices.

Things are also good with photo opportunities. The main 13 MP sensor manages to convey color saturation well, and there is virtually no noise in its images. I was pleasantly surprised by the macro module - due to its 5 MP resolution, it captures a large amount of detail. The ultra-wide lens, in turn, shoots with minimal geometric distortion, which is very rare in this segment.

A fast fingerprint sensor makes it easy to use banking applications accessible via NFC, a powerful 5020 mAh battery provides up to two days of battery life under active load, and a separate slot for a flash drive will allow you to increase the amount of memory without sacrificing dual-SIM functionality. If you believe the reviews of owners and the opinions of experts, the model has no disadvantages as such.

Xiaomi Redmi 9

#4 – Nokia 5.3

Price: 14,990 rubles

A phone with a good camera under 15,000 rubles from the Nokia brand was one step away from getting onto the prize podium. The set of sensors here is standard - leading (13 MP), ultra-wide (5 MP), macro module and depth sensor 2 MP. The photo capabilities of the first two modules are decent. Shots taken in daylight are realistic in terms of color rendering and without noise. The ultra-wide lens sags a little in terms of detail, but the situation cannot be called critical.

The main feature of the model is that it runs a pure version of Android. In addition, the smartphone is a member of the Android One program, and therefore will receive OS updates over the next few years. The processor is Snapdragon 665, which is still capable of ensuring no lag in everyday use, and the screen diagonal reaches 6.5 inches. Unfortunately, its resolution is only HD+, but other than that there are no downsides.

Nokia 5.3

Blackview BV4900

If we talk about protected models, there are plenty of them even in the inexpensive budget segment. How do you like, for example, Blackview BV4900?

The smartphone received protection according to IP68 and MIL-STD-810G standards, as well as a shock-resistant case. By modern standards, the BV4900 does not have such a large display - 5.7 inches diagonal, but it has a fingerprint sensor, an NFC module and even a dual camera.

You will be pleased with the power of the battery - as much as 5580 mAh, fast charging is not announced. Processor - MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761), RAM - 3 GB.

• Screen diagonal: 5.7 inches

• Screen resolution: 1440×720

• Weight: 268 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761)

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 3 GB

• Battery capacity: 5580 mAh

• Rear camera: dual 8/0.3 MP

• Front camera: 5 MP

• Memory card support: yes

#3 – Poco M3

Price: 15,000 rubles

One of the latest additions to the Chinese company's lineup. First of all, she attracts attention with her appearance. While a neat drop-shaped notch at the end of 2022 won’t surprise anyone, the unusual design of the main camera block makes the model stand out among the hordes of competitors. The sensors also surprise with their capabilities.

There is no ultra-wide sensor here; the main 48 MP module is accompanied by a depth sensor and a macro module with a resolution of 2 MP each. The last two are real gags, but the leading module is pleasing. The pictures are clear, noise-free, and have uniform sharpness across the entire frame.

The device also has a couple more trump cards up its sleeve. The battery capacity, for example, reaches 6000 mAh. This is a solid result for the segment, providing up to three days of battery life. During all this time, you will be able to enjoy great sound through stereo speakers - it is loud, spacious and detailed. Much better than devices with mono speakers, of which the majority are in the segment.

Poco M3

No. 2 – Samsung Galaxy A12

Price: 11,200 rubles

The Samsung Galaxy A12 gets silver in the 2022 smartphone rating up to 15,000 rubles with a good camera. In reviews, it is noted for its good autonomy - batteries with a capacity of 5000 mAh are not often found in this segment, and in combination with the HD+ screen resolution, such a battery is enough for two days of active use. Of course, the image on the 6.5-inch screen lacks detail, but from a working distance the pixels are not visible. Only if you look closely.

The device has a combat-ready quad camera with a 48 MP leading sensor, which takes decent pictures in terms of detail and color reproduction. You can post them online without post-processing. But the ultra-wide lens suffers greatly in terms of detail due to the 5 MP resolution.

Samsung Galaxy A12

Comparative table of smartphones up to 15,000 rubles