Best Phones under $300 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 12 Pro A2341 Graphite 256GB

72 Photography Score
6.1" Apple A14 Bionic 12MP 6GB RAM 256GB 2815mAh
Why we recommend this

The A14 Bionic chip enables detailed 12MP photography with Apple ProRAW, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording, and 4x optical zoom. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display reaches 800 nits in a compact 189g IP68-rated body. This phone is ideal for photographers seeking a portable 5G device with advanced manual capture, though its 2815mAh battery may not last a full day.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iPhone 14 A2649 Yellow 128GB

55.2 Photography Score
6.1" Apple A15 Bionic 12MP 6GB RAM 128GB 3279mAh
Why we recommend this

Powered by the A15 Bionic chip and satellite connectivity, it handles everyday tasks smoothly and offers emergency SOS in remote areas. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1170 x 2532 resolution, HDR10, and Dolby Vision provides sharp, color-accurate visuals, and refurbished availability lowers the entry cost. This model suits value-conscious iOS users who need a reliable dual-camera system for 4K video and photos without requiring long battery life.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone iPhone 11 Green 64GB

47.2 Photography Score
6.1" A13 Bionic chip with third-generation Neural Engine 12MP 4GB RAM 64GB 3110mAh
Why we recommend this

The A13 Bionic chip and dual 12MP cameras with Night mode handle 4K60 video capture on a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. Its IP68 water resistance and Face ID offer a durable, secure design at a refurbished price point well below current flagships. This phone suits budget-focused iOS users who prioritize reliable photo and video shooting over demanding gaming performance.

View Details & Prices
Apple iPhone iPhone 11 Green 64GB cellphone
Price $127
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max GSRF MGCF3LL/A Graphite 128GB

36.7 Photography Score
6.7" A14 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine 12MP 0 128GB
Why we recommend this

The A14 Bionic chip enables 5G connectivity and handles 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at 60 fps on a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. As a Geek Squad Certified Refurbished model, it offers a lower upfront cost with the same IP68 water resistance and deep iOS integration. This phone suits budget-conscious videographers and large-screen media consumers who can live with the 30.1/100 battery score.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone SE 2nd generation White 128GB

31 Photography Score
4.7" A13 Bionic chip with third-generation Neural Engine 12MP 3GB RAM 128GB 1821mAh
Why we recommend this

The A13 Bionic chip with third-generation Neural Engine powers advanced Smart HDR, Portrait mode, and 4K 60fps video on a compact 4.7-inch Retina HD display. Its 148g body with a physical Touch ID sensor and IP67 water resistance provides secure one-hand use and wireless charging. Best for upgraders from older iPhones seeking a familiar home-button design and modern performance at a lower entry price.

View Details & Prices
Apple iPhone SE 2nd generation White 128GB cellphone
Price $140
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:

Apple iPhone X A1865 Silver 256GB

30.5 Photography Score
5.8" Apple A11 Bionic 12MP 3GB RAM 256GB 2716mAh
Why we recommend this

The A11 Bionic chip drives a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display and a 12MP dual camera with OIS, protected by a sapphire crystal lens cover for added durability. 256GB of storage and wireless charging offer practical headroom, while IP67 water resistance provides basic protection. This refurbished iPhone X suits budget-conscious users who need ample storage and a capable iOS camera in a compact design, though its ruggedness score of 22.3 excludes harsh outdoor use.

View Details & Prices

Best Phones under $600 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 16e White 128GB

76.2 Photography Score
6.1" A18 chip 48MP 8GB RAM 128GB 4005mAh
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip and 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical zoom deliver solid performance, while the 4005mAh battery supports all-day use. Its 167g body, IP68 water resistance, and budget-friendly pricing make it a compact, durable daily driver. Best for budget-conscious users who want an Apple Intelligence-ready phone and don't require advanced photography capabilities.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iPhone 12 Mini A2176 Red 128GB

55.9 Photography Score
5.4" Apple A14 Bionic 12MP 4GB RAM 128GB 2438mAh
Why we recommend this

The 5.4-inch OLED display and Apple A14 Bionic chip make this the most compact flagship phone available, with MagSafe wireless charging and a dual 12MP camera system. Its 2227mAh battery offers modest endurance, but the sub-5-inch form factor is unmatched for one-handed use. Best for buyers seeking a small, powerful iPhone for daily tasks and light photography, not heavy gaming or all-day battery life.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 17e MHRP4LL/A White 256GB

40.5 Photography Score
6.1" A19 chip 48MP 0 256GB
Why we recommend this

The A19 chip drives a 6.1-inch OLED at 1200 nits with all-day battery life and 256GB base storage, ensuring fluid performance for gaming and 4K streaming. A budget-friendly price brings durable Ceramic Shield 2 glass, a customizable Action Button, and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. This phone suits cost-conscious buyers wanting a compact, long-lasting iPhone for daily tasks and media, not those prioritizing advanced photography.

View Details & Prices

Best Phones under $900 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 17 Pro MG7L4LL/A Cosmic Orange 256GB

93.3 Photography Score
6.3" A19 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 256GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The heat-forged aluminum unibody and A19 Pro chip with vapor cooling deliver 40% better sustained performance for demanding tasks. Its all-48MP rear camera system provides an 8x optical-quality zoom range, while the 33-hour battery life and durable Ceramic Shield 2 front and back add practical resilience. This phone is best for photographers and power users who need a full pro lens kit in a pocket and all-day battery without throttling.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iPhone 16 16 Black 128GB

82.3 Photography Score
6.1" A18 48MP 8GB RAM 128GB 3561mAh
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip delivers a two-generation leap over the A16 Bionic, enabling Apple Intelligence and up to 22 hours of video playback, with a 48MP Fusion camera and 2x optical-quality telephoto. Camera Control offers instant access to zoom and depth adjustments, while the aerospace-grade aluminum build and Ceramic Shield make it 2x tougher than typical smartphone glass. Best for budget-conscious buyers and compact phone enthusiasts who prioritize daily photography and iOS ecosystem integration, though its gaming performance lags behind rivals.

View Details & Prices
Apple iPhone 16 16 Black 128GB cellphone
Price $730
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:

Apple iPhone 17 Lavender 256GB

73.3 Photography Score
6.3" A19 48MP 8GB RAM 256GB 3500mAh
Why we recommend this

The A19 chip with a 5-core GPU and 8GB RAM drives a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with 3000 nits peak brightness and 120Hz ProMotion, delivering up to 30 hours of video playback. It pairs a 3x more scratch-resistant Ceramic Shield 2 front glass with a versatile 48MP dual-camera system that includes a 48MP ultrawide and 2x optical zoom. This phone suits everyday users who want a durable build, vivid outdoor visibility, and high-resolution photography without moving to a Pro model.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 16 Plus MXUT3LL/A Black 128GB

71 Photography Score
6.7" A18 48MP 8GB RAM 128GB 4674mAh
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip enables a 6.7″ Super Retina XDR display, up to 27-hour battery life, and a durable aerospace-grade aluminum build with Ceramic Shield. Camera Control streamlines zoom and depth adjustments, while the 48MP Fusion camera and autofocus Ultra Wide capture macro detail, 2x optical zoom, and customizable Photographic Styles. It’s ideal for users wanting a large screen and all-day battery to fully utilize Apple Intelligence and advanced photography features.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 15 MTLY3LL/A Blue 128GB

69.3 Photography Score
6.1" A16 48MP 6GB RAM 128GB 3349mAh
Why we recommend this

The Apple A16 Bionic chip powers a 48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom and the Dynamic Island on a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display hitting 1000 nits peak brightness. USB-C charging unifies cable use across Apple devices while Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection add vital off-grid safety. This 171-gram phone is best for compact-focused users needing a lightweight design with versatile photography and satellite-backed emergency features.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 17 MG474LL/A White 256GB

56.8 Photography Score
6.3" A19 chip 48MP 0 256GB
Why we recommend this

The 6.3‑inch ProMotion display reaches 3000 nits peak brightness and the A19 chip drives smooth performance, while the Ceramic Shield 2 front delivers 3x better scratch resistance. A versatile all‑48MP rear camera system with 2x optical zoom pairs with an 18MP Center Stage selfie camera and a 30‑hour battery that charges to 50% in 20 minutes. This phone suits everyday users who need a durable, long‑lasting handset with a brilliant screen and capable cameras for daily photography, streaming, and productivity tasks.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 16e 16e Black 512GB

51.5 Photography Score
6.1" A18 chip 48MP 0 512GB
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence features and smooth gaming, while the 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical-quality zoom delivers high-resolution photos in a 167g IP68-rated body. Its 26-hour video playback battery life is the longest in a 6.1-inch iPhone, and the Ceramic Shield front glass adds notable durability. This phone suits users wanting a compact, future-proofed iOS device with strong camera capabilities and all-day battery life.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 17e MHRU4LL/A Soft Pink 512GB

48.1 Photography Score
6.1" A19 chip 48MP 0 512GB
Why we recommend this

The A19 chip handles AAA gaming and 4K streaming fluidly, while the 48MP Fusion camera’s 2x optical zoom delivers crisp, detailed shots. A wallet-friendly price pairs with Ceramic Shield 2 for 3x better scratch resistance and 15W MagSafe charging, adding everyday durability and convenience. It’s best for value-seekers who need modern iPhone performance for daily use, casual photography, and long-term iOS support.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone Air MG184LL/A Space Black 256GB

44.9 Photography Score
6.5" A19 Pro 48MP 0 256GB
Why we recommend this

At just 5.6 mm thin and 150 g, the A19 Pro chip powers a vivid 6.5-inch 120Hz Super Retina XDR display peaking at 3000 nits and 27-hour battery life. Its titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 glass offer 4x back crack resistance and 3x front scratch resistance, while the 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical zoom captures sharp shots. This ultraportable flagship suits frequent travelers and content creators needing an all-day device with advanced front and rear cameras for group selfies and dual capture video.

View Details & Prices
Apple iPhone Air MG184LL/A Space Black 256GB cellphone
Price $900

Apple iPhone 13 MLMM3LL/A Starlight 128GB

34.6 Photography Score
6.1" A15 Bionic 12MP 4GB RAM 128GB
Why we recommend this

The A15 Bionic chip drives smooth performance, while the 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR display and 12MP dual camera with 2x optical zoom capture sharp 4K60 video. IP68 water resistance and MagSafe wireless charging add durability at a rehabilitated price point, though the Lightning connector remains USB 2.0. This phone suits budget-conscious users wanting a compact 5G iPhone for everyday photo and video tasks without breaking the bank.

View Details & Prices

Best Phones under $1,200 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max MFXH4LL/A Cosmic Orange 256GB

83.6 Photography Score
6.9" A19 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 256GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The heat-forged aluminum unibody design and vapor-cooled A19 Pro chip deliver 40% better sustained performance, while the 4422mAh battery provides up to 39 hours of video playback. Its triple-48MP camera system offers 8x optical zoom and 4K60 recording, shielded by Ceramic Shield with 4x better crack resistance on the back and 3x better scratch resistance up front. This phone suits mobile filmmakers and photographers who need a durable, long-lasting device for all-day 4K production.

View Details & Prices
Price $1,200
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max MFXH4LL/A Cosmic Orange 256GB cellphone

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iPhone Air MG1J4LL/A Sky Blue 512GB

73.1 Photography Score
6.5" A19 Pro 48MP 0 512GB 3500mAh
Why we recommend this

The 5.6mm titanium frame and 150-gram weight make it the thinnest iPhone yet, driven by the A19 Pro chip and a 3000-nit Super Retina XDR display with 27-hour battery life. Its 48MP Fusion camera system with 2x optical-quality zoom and Ceramic Shield front/back durability deliver pro imaging and drop resistance in an ultralight build. This device suits users who need uncompromising performance and all-day stamina in a pocketable flagship, ideal for frequent travelers and on-the-go content capture.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone iPhone 17 Sage 512GB

66.6 Photography Score
6.3" A19 48MP 8GB RAM 512GB 3561mAh
Why we recommend this

The 6.3-inch 120Hz display peaks at 3000 nits, the A19 chip powers a 48MP dual camera with 2x optical zoom, and Ceramic Shield 2 adds 3x scratch resistance. At 177g, it’s lightweight, and the 18MP front camera with Center Stage frames smarter group selfies. It’s best for mobile photographers who need a bright outdoor screen and durable build, provided battery endurance isn’t a priority.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 14 Pro Max 5G Gold 128GB

60.3 Photography Score
6.7" Apple A16 Bionic 48MP 6GB RAM 128GB 4323mAh
Why we recommend this

The A16 Bionic chip drives a 120Hz LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1600 nits peak brightness, while the 48MP main camera system introduces a 2x telephoto option and 4K cinematic mode. Its Ceramic Shield glass and IP68 rating provide notable durability, and the 4323mAh battery sustains all-day use with MagSafe convenience. This phone is best for photographers and videographers who prioritize a large, color-accurate screen and versatile focal lengths in a durable build.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 17 White 512GB

56.5 Photography Score
6.3" A19 48MP 0 512GB
Why we recommend this

The A19 chip with a 5-core GPU powers a 6.3-inch ProMotion display peaking at 3000 nits brightness, and Ceramic Shield 2 offers triple the scratch resistance. Its dual 48MP Fusion camera system, including a 48MP ultrawide, supports simultaneous front-and-rear recording through the 18MP Center Stage camera. This phone is best for content creators and photographers who need versatile framing and durable build without opting for a Pro model.

View Details & Prices

Premium Phones for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max MFXN4LL/A Silver 1000GB

78.4 Photography Score
6.9" A19 Pro 48MP 0 1000GB 5000mAh
Why we recommend this

The A19 Pro chip with vapor cooling delivers 40% better sustained performance, while the all-48MP rear cameras with 8x optical zoom and 39-hour video playback set new iPhone benchmarks. The heat-forged aluminum unibody and Ceramic Shield 2 front/back make it 4x more crack-resistant with 3x better scratch resistance. Best for photographers needing an eight-lens-equivalent system and heavy video consumers who prioritize all-day battery life.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iPhone 17 Pro MG7N4LL/A Silver 512GB

78.2 Photography Score
6.3" A19 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 512GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The heat-forged aluminum unibody combines with the A19 Pro chip and vapor cooling for up to 40% better sustained performance, powering a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display and 33-hour video playback. All three rear cameras are 48MP and offer 8x optical-quality zoom—the widest range ever on an iPhone—while Ceramic Shield 2 front glass adds 3x better scratch resistance. This phone is best for mobile photographers who demand a full 8x zoom range and high-resolution ultrawide shooting in a durable, long-lasting body.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max A2849 Natural Titanium 1000GB

72.9 Photography Score
6.7" Apple A17 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 1000GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The A17 Pro chip and 1TB of storage provide ample power for console-quality gaming and large media libraries. A titanium frame keeps the build premium and weight manageable at 283g. Best for mobile gamers and users who require top performance and maximum on-device storage.

View Details & Prices

Apple iPhone Air MG1Q4LL/A Sky Blue 1000GB

53.1 Photography Score
6.5" A19 Pro 48MP 0 1000GB 3500mAh
Why we recommend this

The A19 Pro chip powers a 5.6mm titanium frame that weighs just 150g, delivering 27-hour battery life and 3000-nit peak brightness. Its 48MP Fusion camera pairs with an 18MP Center Stage front camera for simultaneous front and rear recording, while Ceramic Shield 2 offers 3x better scratch resistance. This device suits users who prioritize extreme portability and durability without sacrificing flagship performance.

View Details & Prices