Best Camera Phones Under £300 (2026 Guide)
Choosing a camera phone under £300 is less about chasing the biggest megapixel number and more about the shots you actually take. If you photograph artwork, small products or everyday moments, steady focus, useful lenses and video that is easy to share can matter more than a headline spec.
This guide gives you a quick way to compare phones and a short UK shortlist based on manufacturer specifications. I checked the official listings on 26 October 2026; I have not tested these models side by side. Prices and availability can change, so check the linked seller page before buying.
What to check before you buy
- Stabilisation: optical image stabilisation (OIS) can help keep handheld photos and video steadier. Check which camera it applies to; it may not cover every lens.
- Lens choice: a genuine ultrawide camera can fit more of a room or scene into the frame. A digital crop is not the same as a separate lens.
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Focus and close-ups: test how quickly the main camera focuses on a small object, then check whether the edges stay clear.
A simple, repeatable scene makes it easier to compare focus, colour and framing. - Video limits: look at the maximum resolution and frame rate, and whether stabilisation works at that setting. A 4K label alone does not tell you how smooth or clean the clip will look.
- Storage and battery: photo and video files add up. Check the storage configuration you can afford and whether it supports a memory card if you plan to keep lots of footage.
A quick camera test you can do in a shop
Use the same few scenes on each phone you are considering. Start with a bright window and a darker corner in one frame. Then photograph a small object with fine detail, such as a printed illustration or textured mug. Tap to focus, hold the phone still, and inspect the image at full size rather than judging only from the display preview.
Take one photo at the main lens, one at the ultrawide if the phone has it, and one portrait. Check that the subject is sharp, colours look believable, and bright areas have not lost all their detail. For video, record a short walking clip and a quiet indoor clip. Listen for handling noise and watch for sudden focus changes. These checks will not replace a full camera review, but they reveal whether a phone suits your routine.
If you create product photos, try a close framing and a wider scene that shows context. If you make short videos, check the front camera, microphone quality and how easy it is to move a clip into your editing app. A phone that fits your workflow is often a better buy than one that wins a spec-sheet comparison.
Two under-£300 phones to compare
The shortlist below is based on the manufacturers’ UK listings and stated camera features, not independent image-quality testing. It is a starting point for a hands-on comparison, not a claim that one phone wins in every scene.
Nothing Phone (4b): the more flexible creator spec sheet
Nothing’s UK listing showed the 8GB/128GB Phone (4b) at £299 when checked. The manufacturer lists a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 119° ultrawide camera, 4K video recording with stabilisation, RAW capture and manual camera controls. Those features make it the more flexible option on paper for someone who shoots close-ups, wider scenes and short clips on the same device.
That is a feature-based recommendation, not a hands-on verdict. Try the camera in indoor light and check the 4K video setting you expect to use before deciding.
See the Phone (4b) specifications and current UK listing from Nothing.
REDMI Note 17 5G: a lower-cost everyday option
Xiaomi’s UK product list showed the 6GB/128GB REDMI Note 17 5G at £249 when checked; verify the current UK listing and configuration before buying. Its specification page lists a 50MP main camera and video recording up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. Xiaomi’s official UK comparison page lists a 50MP main camera and no OIS or ultra-wide camera for the REDMI Note 17 5G; its UK FAQ lists 1080p/30fps video recording. On paper, that leaves fewer listed options for creators who need wide scenes or stabilised video.
The phone’s large display and battery may suit someone who also wants a roomy screen for reviewing images and editing casually. Check the exact configuration, current price and camera limits on Xiaomi’s UK pages before ordering.
Which one should you choose?
Choose according to the shots you make. For handheld product photos and short clips, compare the Phone (4b)’s OIS, ultra-wide and 4K options in person. The REDMI Note 17 5G costs less on the current listing and records up to 1080p/30fps; check whether that meets your needs.
Before paying, verify the exact storage version, current price, return terms and software support. If possible, test your own subject and view the result on a larger screen.
For a deeper look at camera terminology, read our guide to what to compare in an affordable smartphone camera. You can also compare battery life and performance, or explore our guide to phone screens for photo review and everyday use.