10 best smartphones with a good camera under 40,000 rubles

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. You will need expert advice before purchase.

Number of accounts on online social platforms is growing steadily. According to the company DataReportal, the audience of world leaders Facebook and YouTube from October 2020 to April 2021 increased by 96 million and 291 million users, respectively. Instagram is showing rapid development. The increase over the same period here was 129 million accounts. At the same time, social online platforms are used by about 60% of the population of the planet.

Experts explain this trend by the unstable epidemiological situation worldwide. People spend more time online because of periodic quarantine measures. Since the use of social Internet platforms implies an active exchange of photos, there is a growing demand for smartphones with good optics. According to IDC, buyers in Russia more often choose such gadgets in the mid-price segment. For such consumers, we have created a rating equipped with quality optics phones of average cost.

The 10 best smartphones with a good camera under 40,000 rubles

We created the rating taking into account the parameters of “iron” and comments from owners of similar gadgets. We took into account feedback from experts. We also took into account the quality of cameras, the number of useful video and photo options. The cost was an average of the most popular electronics stores.

Xiaomi Mi 11i 8/256

Rating: 4.9

The phone is considered one of the cheapest mobile gadgets, powered by the Snapdragon 888 central processing unit (CPU). The high performance of the latter is provided by 8 cores. In conjunction with the Adreno 660 video adapter CPU helps to achieve high quality photos with responsive software shooting settings. Thanks to the 8 GB of RAM, it supports uninterrupted video recording.

The optics unit includes 3 lenses – 108 + 8 + 5 MP. The main sensor from Samsung has an effective aperture of f/1.75. The latter makes it possible to take photos and shoot video with optimal light levels, even at maximum zoom (zoom). The wide-angle 8-megapixel module stands out with a 119-degree angle of view. 5 MP macro camera captures the smallest of subjects. The front 20-megapixel sensor allows you to take high quality selfies, to make video calls.

Permanent memory (ROM) of 256 GB is enough to store the most successful photos, videos. The phone supports autofocus, which helps to quickly focus on a particular object. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display features accurate reproduction of tones and halftones, depth of color reproduction.

Advantages

• support for 3/4/5G;
• The screen resolution is 2400×1080;
• Modern Android 11;
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC support;
• IP53 protection against splashing and dust.

Disadvantages

• No FM tuner.

Samsung Galaxy A72 6/128

Rating: 4.8

This model features a richer block of lenses – there are 4. The main 64 MP camera features an optical stabilization option (OIS). The latter prevents defocusing if the phone accidentally shifts sideways while taking photos. Ultra-wide-angle lens at 12 MP allows you to cover large panoramas. The 8-megapixel telephoto sensor helps you take high-quality pictures of distant objects. Macro module at 5 MP allows quality close-up captures small details.

The smartphone runs on Android 11. Thanks to this, you can install a variety of modern graphic editors on the phone. Due to support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2/3/4G, wireless transfer of footage to other users is possible. The device will not be able to connect to 5G (unlike the previous model), but is equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera. The latter is equipped with a bokeh (background blur) effect and other useful options.

The 5000 mAh battery provides 22 hours of continuous operation of the smartphone in 4G mode and about 37 hours of talk time on a cell phone. IP67 rating prevents moisture from falling into water depths of up to 1 m inside the gadget.

Advantages

• bright flash;
• 6 GB RAM;
• Up to 1TB microSD slot;
• Dual-band Wi-Fi;
• 8-core Snapdragon 720G CPU;
• NFC support.

Disadvantages

• Fingerprint sensor doesn’t always work the first time.

Honor 50 6/128

Rating: 4.8

The device, similarly to the Samsung Galaxy A72, is equipped with a 4-module optical unit. The main 108 MP camera has PDAF autofocus option. The latter allows you to quickly focus your attention on the desired object. Ultra-wide-angle 8-megapixel sensor helps capture expansive panoramas. Depth of scene module at 2 MP gives you the opportunity to blur the background of photos. Two-megapixel macro camera helps get quality photos at close range. Front module on 32 MP is suitable for portrait selfies.

Night photo and video shooting option is present. This feature highlights key scene details and then removes noise. The latter are eliminated through AI. Shadows, midtones, tones are brilliant.

The 4300 mAh battery provides uninterrupted work of the phone during 23 hours in a video mode. Fast charging function is supported. Option gives you the ability to refresh the charge level to 50% in a quarter of an hour. The gadget is capable of connecting to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. The device also supports wireless technology 2…5G, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC. Synchronization with PC is done via USB Type-C.

Advantages

• “fresh” Android 11;
• 6.57″ OLED display;
• powerful Snapdragon 778G processor with 8 cores;
• The optimal 6GB RAM;
• The presence in the kit charger, USB cord.

Disadvantages

• No optical stabilization function.

Realme GT Master Edition 8/256GB

Rating: 4.7

The model is equipped with a 6.43-inch AMOLED display. Similar screens are distinguished by the depth of color reproduction, the accuracy of shades. Highly detailed broadcast amateur photos and videos is provided by a significant resolution display (2400×1080). Thanks to the above features, the phone is convenient to use for the correction of pictures and video.

A high-quality hardware shooting setup is provided, similar to the Honor 50 model, by the processor (Snapdragon 778G). “8 GB of RAM is enough to run most of today’s powerful graphics editors. Transfer footage can be made via Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi (supported protocols 802.11a/g/n/ac/ax), as well as mobile networks 2…5G.

64+8+2 MP photosensor unit (main + wide-angle + macro modules). The main lens, by default, shoots at 16 megapixels with the option to turn on a higher quality shooting mode. PDAF autofocus option available. Wide-angle sensor captures a 119-degree panorama coverage. Macro camera gives you the opportunity to take high-quality photos of small objects from close range.

Advantages

• The OS Android 12;
• 256GB of permanent memory;
• NFC;
• 4,300 mAh capacitive battery;
• Support for 2 Nano-SIM.

Disadvantages

• no microSD slot.

OnePlus 8 12/256GB

Rating: 4.7

We recommend this model for those who like to capture vast panoramas. This option is available thanks to a 16-megapixel wide-angle lens with a viewing angle of 116 in the 3-module optics unit. The camera set also includes a 48 MP main sensor equipped with a Sony IMX586 lens. The latter was used in the creation of almost all premium smartphones on Android 2019, which confirms the exceptional quality of detail.

The device is not equipped with a telephoto lens to capture distant subjects (like the OnePlus 8 Pro version), but it features a 2 MP macro photosensor capable of capturing small objects close-up. The front 16-megapixel module is capable of taking normal and portrait selfies. Front lens is capable of shooting 4K video. 4K CINE mode can be used to improve the quality.

High-speed operation of the gadget is provided by the CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. The latter was positioned by the processor manufacturer as a flagship in early 2020. 12GB RAM, providing smooth operation of the background system programs and powerful graphics editors at the same time. Stable operation is ensured by the stable Android 10.

Advantages

• fingerprint scanner;
• 4,300 mAh battery;
• the option of accelerated charging;
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi support.

Disadvantages

• No ability to connect to 5G.

Samsung Galaxy M52 5G 6/128

Rating: 4.7

We recommend this model for people who work with complex graphics. The phone is equipped with a Super AMOLED Plus sensor, which features accurate reproduction of hues and colors. 120 Hz screen refresh rate allows you to play dynamic scenes in high quality smoothly. Thanks to the diagonal of 6.7 inches and a resolution of 2400×1080, the smartphone broadcasts a picture with an excellent level of detail.

The model has half as much memory (128GB) as the OnePlus 8. But the device in question is equipped with a slot for a removable microSD drive up to 1 TB. 6 GB of RAM is enough to sustainably run most modern graphics editing applications. The performance of the gadget is provided by an 8-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G.

Impresses the number of megapixels of the front camera – 32. This is quite enough to take high-quality portrait photos, recording semi-professional videos. The main photo sensor unit consists of a trio of 64+12+5 MP modules (main+ultrawide+macro lenses). Wide-angle camera has a viewing angle of 123 °. It allows you to take beautiful panoramic photos. Supports shooting in 4K, there is an option for autofocus.

Advantages

• slow motion function;
• 5000 mAh battery;
• The ability to synchronize with a PC via USB Type-C;
• Low weight – 173 g;
• fast recharging option.

Disadvantages

• it is difficult to choose a case.

OPPO Reno 6 8/128GB

Rating: 4.6

The smartphone features a high-tech AMOLED display of 6.4″. Therefore, the device accurately displays shades, halftones. Refresh rate of 90 Hz is enough for smooth broadcasting of dynamic graphic scenes. The display is certified to verify the quality of the reproduced picture from Netf

x HD and Prime HD. So the user can safely download footage to appropriate resources and view them in high quality. You can post videos and photos directly from your smartphone via Wi-Fi 5 (two bands), mobile networks 2…4G. Supported wireless Bluetooth, NFC.

The main camera unit consists of 4 modules, has the format 64+8+2+2 MP (main + wide-angle + macro + monochrome sensors). There are options for portrait, night shooting. The quality of photos taken is improved with built-in artificial intelligence. Mixed portrait feature is present, in which you can combine several videos. The 44 MP front lens makes it possible to record semi-professional reportage, streaming.

Similar to the Samsung Galaxy A72, in this gadget stable operation is supported by a Snapdragon 720G processor with eight cores. To store footage, the manufacturer has allocated 128 GB of ROM, which can be supplemented with microSD capacity up to 256 GB. The 4310 mAh battery supports fast charging technology.

Advantages

• A separate slot for microSD;
• support for 2 SIM cards (Nano);
• A powerful Adreno 618 video processor;
• Optimal amount of RAM (8 GB).

Disadvantages

• lack of image stabilization during shooting;
• not protected against moisture penetration.

OnePlus 8T 8/128GB

Rating: 4.5

One of the main differences between this model and OnePlus 8 is support for 5G mobile wireless communication. The device is equipped with a Fluid AMOLED matrix. Thanks to this, the gadget accurately reproduces shadows, halftones. Broadcast colors stand out for their saturation, depth. 120 Hz refresh rate contributes to the smooth transfer of dynamic animation. These parameters give the opportunity to shoot and edit the captured photos, videos with high quality.

The 16 MP front camera is distinguished by the presence of digital stabilization function. There is a front flash for taking photos in low light conditions. The main block of photographic sensors stands out 48+16+5+2 MP (main+wide-angle+macro+monochrome lenses). Video is recorded in 4K quality (3840×2160). Features digital and optical stabilization.

Reliability of the stored information is provided by the fingerprint scanner and the option of unlocking by facial outline. Battery life is supported by a 4,500 mAh battery. Fast charging feature is present. Connecting to a PC is made through a USB Type-C slot.

Advantages

• Bluetooth 5 support.1;
• NFC option;
• powerful 8-core CPU;
• The ability to connect to Wi-Fi 6;
• Stylish frameless display;
• 8GB RAM.

Disadvantages

• No mini-jack 3.5mm.

Huawei Nova 8 8/128 GB

Rating: 4.5

The gadget runs on the proven Android 10. HiSi CPU