Best camera phones under $500 — June 2026
Data last verified 2026-06-12 · re-ranked automatically on every update
Cameras under $500 are where clever buying beats big spending, and this list is ranked by our camera score: main-sensor class plus the number of real lenses — token 2MP macro cameras don't count, which quietly reorders half the mid-range market. Every phone here also still receives security updates for 18+ months, because a great camera on a dying phone is a memory card with a lens. You'll find clearance flagships beating new mid-rangers and at least one used pick embarrassing both. Prices re-verified monthly; the ranking recomputes on every update.
- #1Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$3392023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028
200MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto 3x + 10MP periscope 10x — $339, supported until 2028.
- #2Google Pixel 8 Pro$4802023◆ Buy-by Oct 20282030
50MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP 5x telephoto — $480, supported until 2030.
- #3Motorola Edge 50 Neo$3302024◆ Buy-by Sep 20272029
50MP main + 13MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto 3x — $330, supported until 2029.
- #4Motorola Edge 50 Pro$3802024◆ Buy-by Apr 20262028
50MP main + 13MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto 3x — $380, supported until 2028.
- #5Motorola Edge 60$3502025◆ Buy-by Apr 20262028
50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto 3x — $350, supported until 2028.
- #6Motorola Edge 60 Pro$5002025◆ Buy-by Apr 20272029
50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto 3x — $500, supported until 2029.
- #7Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro$2792025◆ Buy-by May 20292031
50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 50MP telephoto 2x — $279, supported until 2031.
- #8Nothing Phone (3a)$3492025◆ Buy-by Mar 20292031
50MP main + 50MP telephoto 2x + 8MP ultra-wide — $349, supported until 2031.
- #9Nothing Phone (3a) Pro$4292025◆ Buy-by Mar 20292031
50MP main + 50MP periscope telephoto 3x + 8MP ultra-wide — $429, supported until 2031.
- #10OnePlus 11$3402023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028
50MP main wide (Sony IMX890, OIS) + 48MP ultra wide (Sony IMX581) + 32MP telephoto 2x (Sony IMX709) — $340, supported until 2028.
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Rankings are computed from our verified database — no sponsorships, no affiliate reshuffling. Phones with under 18 months of support left are excluded from every list. Methodology.