I’ve made a spreadsheet with a bunch of phone options. Mostly Samsung, Pixel, but there’s a couple Motorola and One Plus. I’m most comfortable with Samsung Galaxy but I’m open to changing. I looked up the main considerations and it seems like Megapixels is pretty much the biggest factor but I want something that can zoom in and still get a decent focus.

I can’t bring myself to spend $800 on a phone, I think the most I’ve ever spent is $350 and it felt painful but I’m also tired of being disappointed in my camera quality so I’m willing to go a little higher. My point being that I’m not asking for the best camera on the market because I’m sure I can’t afford it. Even used S53s are being sold for like $700 lol. So I’m guessing something a couple years older. Please advise 🙏

  • MangoPenguin@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    1 year ago

    Pixel 6a won the MKBHD camera contest. It’s very good, and is $329 new but often goes on sale, or is cheap used too.

    Also has lots of custom ROM support, if that’s something you’re interested in.

    • betsysoul@discuss.tchncs.de
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      1 year ago

      Yeah, you really don’t need the exact latest generation when they’re released yearly.

      A Pixel 6a sounds like the perfect use case.

  • Peter G@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    If camera is your main concern, any Pixel phone you can afford is probably your best bet. Having said this, I’ve personally switched to Motorola a while ago. Currently on Edge Plus 2022. I personally feel it’s the best all-rounder out there for the price. At $400 it’s got decent camera, good battery life, wireless charging and a great screen.

  • PlutoniumAcid@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I have fared well by buying 1-year old used flagship phones in good condition.

    Cost is a fragment of original price, battery is still fresh, and specs are great, being last year’s flagship.

    Also, I tend to buy large-brand models, like Samsung. Not because I have a particular affinity but because it’s stupidly easy to get accessories for, say a Samsung Galaxy S10, as compared to a cheap Xihuawii Z2H or whatnot.

    • Today@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I have the 7. My adult son has the 7a. We’re both happy with them. Also, they were offering good trade-in deals.

    • Mark@discuss.tchncs.de
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      1 year ago

      Yeah and to add to this, buy the pixel 7a to save some money or a discounted 7 pro if you really want some good pictures

  • curioushom@lemmy.one
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    1 year ago

    An used Pixel 6 is probably the best bang for your buck. I got lucky and found one for $185 in good condition on backmarket.com. I’ve also bought used phones from swappa.com and have had a great experience.

  • 8565@lemmy.quad442.com
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    1 year ago

    If Camera is your big thing, get a Pixel. It destroys quality of the Galaxy cameras. You can get a used P6P for very cheap on eBay. P7P also is down in price and P8 is on the way

  • kensand@lemmy.kensand.net
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    1 year ago

    The Pixel ‘a’ line of phones has always been my go to - able to be unlocked/rooted easily, decent cameras, reasonably priced (7a starts $500 at the moment, and 6a is $350 new), although I have heard that the 6a and 7a using Google’s processors can really kill your battery life.

    I’m writing this from a 5a that I have been quite happy with myself, but it’s getting a bit older now, so you might now want to go that many generations back.

    I’m looking out for the new 8a, might be my next phone, not sure yet.

  • Shotz718@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    I’ve always enjoyed the midrange Motorola phones. Starting with my Moto X4 and on with the Moto one series.

  • BackStabbath@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I would definitely suggest either something like a Pixel 7a or an older flagship. I bought a galaxy S20 FE when it was about 1.5 years old and I haven’t regretted it one bit. It doesn’t have the best camera though, which is why I suggested a “Pixel a” series phone. I would still buy a Samsung phone because I love OneUI, but that’s something for you to decide.

    • DangleBerry@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I have had an s20 FE for about 3 years no with no issues. The non-beveled screen is a must imo. I had the s-series phones with beveled edges and cracked every screen. The s20 fe is still as fast as day one and I love it. I will probably get another when this one takes a shit. The camera is good enough for me. I’m no photographer, but the images look great.

      • BackStabbath@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        It definitely takes good enough photos in the day, but it’s quite average when it gets a little darker. And for some reason, it gets blurry with any kind of movement. That I noticed day 1. If someone moved their hand slowly in front of a camera, it produces a blurry image. That doesn’t happen even in my old budget phone lol. But I’m very happy with it otherwise, and have taken some photos that I love as well.

        • DangleBerry@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Ya I’m not well versed with the camera aspect. Honestly when I got it I was just looking for a galaxy phone without a beveled edge. That was my main reason for getting it.

          • BackStabbath@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            And it’s perfect for that. I don’t regret buying it one bit. I’m just sad that I don’t know what to do about my next phone. The FE series is uncertain and anyway I can’t afford a flagship when it’s new.