Best Camera Smartphones Under 300 Euros in 2026
Top 5 Best Camera Smartphones Under €300 in 2026
The sub-€300 segment in 2026 has matured significantly. Thanks to improved sensor manufacturing, computational photography, and AI-driven image processing, you no longer need to spend flagship money to capture sharp, vibrant, and low-light photos. Below is the definitive ranking of the best camera phones available for under €300 this year, based on real-world testing, sensor quality, software support, and video capabilities.
| Model | Main Camera | Ultrawide / Macro | Video | Battery | Approx. Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 16 Pro | 200 MP f/1.7, OIS + EIS | 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 5500 mAh | 289 |
| Samsung Galaxy A26 5G | 50 MP f/1.8, OIS, dual-pixel AF | 5 MP ultrawide, 2 MP depth | 4K@30fps, Super Steady | 5000 mAh | 279 |
| Realme 14 Pro+ 5G | 50 MP f/1.8, OIS, Sony IMX890 | 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 5200 mAh | 269 |
| Poco X7 Pro | 64 MP f/1.7, OIS | 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps slo-mo | 5300 mAh | 249 |
| Motorola Moto G 5G (2026) | 50 MP f/1.8, OIS, Quad Pixel | 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP depth | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 5500 mAh | 239 |
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 16 Pro – Best Overall Camera
The Redmi Note 16 Pro retains Xiaomi’s crown in the budget camera arena. Its 200 MP main sensor (Samsung ISOCELL HP3) uses 16-in-1 pixel binning to produce detailed 12.5 MP images with excellent dynamic range. The addition of OIS (optical image stabilisation) and EIS (electronic image stabilisation) makes handheld night shots crisp, and 4K video is steady even without a gimbal.
Key camera strengths:
- Night Mode 3.0 uses multi-frame stacking to reduce noise in near-darkness.
- Portrait mode with human-eye autofocus delivers natural bokeh.
- 200 MP mode is genuinely usable in good light – you can crop aggressively later.
Weakness: Ultrawide is only 8 MP, so detail drops off significantly beyond 0.6x zoom. Also, there is no telephoto lens, so 2x–3x zoom is digital.
Verdict: If you want the highest resolution sensor and the best low-light performance for under €300, this is your pick.
2. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G – Best Consistency and Software
Samsung has refined its Galaxy A series for 2026 with the A26. The 50 MP main sensor isn’t as high-resolution as the Redmi’s, but Samsung’s image processing is tuned for natural-looking colours and accurate skin tones. OIS is present, and dual-pixel autofocus ensures fast, reliable focusing in all conditions.
Key camera strengths:
- Single Take mode captures multiple shots (photo, video, boomerang) with one press.
- Super Steady video uses OIS + AI crop stabilisation – ideal for active shooting.
- Nightography (Samsung’s night mode) brightens scenes without washing out highlights.
Weakness: The ultrawide is only 5 MP – noticeably softer than competitors. Macro is missing (depth sensor only). Video maxes at 4K 30fps.
Verdict: The best choice for users who value consistent colour science and long-term software updates (4 years of OS upgrades confirmed).
3. Realme 14 Pro+ 5G – Best Portrait and Selfie Camera
Realme’s 14 Pro+ uses the proven Sony IMX890 sensor (50 MP, 1/1.56”) with OIS, which has been a staple in mid-range phones for two generations. Realme’s tuning emphasises vibrant, slightly saturated colours that pop on social media. The standout feature is the 32 MP front-facing camera – the best selfie shooter in this price range.
Key camera strengths:
- Portrait mode (rear) uses a dedicated depth-sensing algorithm plus the main sensor’s large pixels for edge detection that rivals phones twice the price.
- Selfie camera supports 4K video and has a wider field of view for group selfies.
- Street Photography mode offers quick manual controls for ISO and shutter speed.
Weakness: Macro camera is low-quality (2 MP), and low-light performance is slightly behind the Redmi Note 16 Pro due to smaller pixel size on the main sensor.
Verdict: Best for portrait lovers and vloggers who need a great front camera.
4. Poco X7 Pro – Best Video and Value
The Poco X7 Pro is the price-to-performance champion. Its 64 MP main sensor (OmniVision OV64B) with OIS can shoot 4K at 60 fps – a rarity under €300. The large f/1.7 aperture lets in plenty of light, and the dedicated video stabilisation is excellent for walking shots.
Key camera strengths:
- 4K@60fps recording with EIS on the main camera – smoother than most competitors.
- Slow motion up to 1080p@240fps for dramatic clips.
- Camera app includes a “Pro Video” mode with manual focus peaking and audio monitoring.
Weakness: Still uses a 2 MP macro lens (useless). Ultrawide is 8 MP but with noticeable edge distortion. Colour science leans cool/slightly unnatural.
Verdict: The best option for video creators who need high frame rates and solid stabilisation on a strict budget.
5. Motorola Moto G 5G (2026) – Best Daylight Camera for the Price
Motorola has slimmed down its software skin, and the 2026 Moto G 5G delivers a clean, near-stock Android experience with decent camera hardware. The 50 MP Quad Pixel sensor bins to 12.5 MP for sharp daylight shots. OIS is included – a rare feature at this price point.
Key camera strengths:
- Fast shutter lag: the phone captures images almost instantly when you press the shutter.
- Night vision mode works well in low light, though it takes 2–3 seconds to process.
- Google Photos integration: unlimited storage backups (if you have a Pixel-like subscription, but basic is free).
Weakness: Ultrawide (8 MP) and selfie camera (13 MP) are below average. No 4K@60fps, only 30fps. Low-light performance is noticeably grainier than the Redmi Note 16 Pro.
Verdict: Best for users who prioritise a clean interface and fast shooting over the ultimate low-light quality.
Comparison Summary
| Attribute | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best overall camera | Xiaomi Redmi Note 16 Pro |
| Best colour accuracy & updates | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G |
| Best selfie & portrait | Realme 14 Pro+ 5G |
| Best video quality & frame rates | Poco X7 Pro |
| Best value & simplicity | Motorola Moto G 5G (2026) |
All five phones support the essential features for daily photography: HDR, Night Mode, Portrait, and 4K video. The deciding factors come down to your specific priorities – resolution, software consistency, selfie quality, or video frame rates.
Conclusion
In 2026, the best camera smartphone under €300 is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 16 Pro for its high-resolution 200 MP OIS camera, superior night mode, and flexible shooting options. However, if you value long-term software updates and natural colour science, the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is an excellent alternative. For selfie enthusiasts and portrait shooters, the Realme 14 Pro+ wins hands down, while the Poco X7 Pro remains the king of budget videography. The Motorola Moto G 5G (2026) is the most affordable OIS-equipped phone, perfect for fast, no-fuss shooting.
No phone in this price range offers a true telephoto lens or professional-grade RAW flexibility, but advancements in computational photography mean the gap between budget and flagship cameras continues to shrink. Choose based on your primary use case, and you will end up with a capable camera that fits your pocket.
FAQ
1. Can I get a smartphone under €300 with optical zoom in 2026?
No. Optical zoom (telephoto lens) is still reserved for phones above €400. Under €300, you rely on high-resolution sensors (200 MP or 64 MP) that crop to 2x–3x with acceptable quality. Digital zoom beyond 3x is not recommended.
2. Which phone under €300 has the best low-light camera?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 16 Pro leads in low light thanks to its large 200 MP sensor with OIS and multi-frame night mode. The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Realme 14 Pro+ are close seconds but produce slightly more noise in very dark conditions.
3. Do any of these phones support 8K video?
No. 8K recording is not available on any smartphone under €300 in 2026. The highest video resolution you can get is 4K at 60 fps (Poco X7 Pro) or 4K at 30 fps (others).
4. Are the selfie cameras on these phones good for vlogging?
Yes, especially the Realme 14 Pro+ with its 32 MP front camera that shoots 4K video. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 16 Pro also has a decent 16 MP front shooter. Samsung and Motorola offer 13 MP selfie cameras – fine for video calls but not ideal for high-quality vlogging.
5. How important is OIS (optical image stabilisation) in a budget camera phone?
Very important. OIS reduces blur in low-light photos and steadies video recording. All five phones in this list include OIS on the main camera. Avoid models without OIS if you shoot handheld at night or record moving subjects.
6. Will these phones receive Android updates in 2027 and beyond?
Samsung promises 4 years of OS upgrades (up to Android 2030) for the Galaxy A26. Xiaomi and Realme typically offer 2–3 major updates. Poco and Motorola provide 2 OS upgrades. Check the specific product page for the latest update policy before buying.
