The under ₹25,000 segment has become far more competitive when it comes to cameras. It’s no longer just about megapixels, as we’re now seeing better sensors, optical stabilization, and in some cases, genuinely useful secondary cameras. At the same time, software tuning plays an equally important role, since two phones with similar hardware can produce very different results depending on how the brand processes images. Here’s a closer look at five strong contenders in this space.
Motorola Edge 60 Fusion: Consistency Over Everything Else
The Edge 60 Fusion is built around the Sony LYT-700C, one of the more capable sensors in this segment, and its relatively larger size helps it capture more light, improving dynamic range and low-light clarity. Motorola pairs this with restrained processing, so HDR is applied conservatively, highlights aren’t aggressively blown out, and colors stay close to natural, resulting in photos that feel realistic rather than tuned for impact. Low-light performance benefits from both the sensor and OIS, maintaining contrast without excessive noise reduction, while the ultra-wide camera is usable but clearly weaker in detail and dynamic range. The only real limitation is zoom, as the lack of a telephoto lens means digital cropping loses detail beyond 2x. Overall, this is the most consistent and natural camera in this list, and at around ₹22,999, it stands out as one of the most reliable options here.
Key Specs
- 6.67-inch pOLED Quad Curved display, 120Hz
- MediaTek Dimensity 7400
- Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB storage
- 5500mAh battery
Bottom Line: If you prefer natural, consistent photos that don’t look over-processed, this is one of the best camera-focused picks at this price.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Telephoto Changes Everything
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is the only phone here with a dedicated telephoto lens, and that fundamentally changes its camera performance. Its 50MP telephoto sensor enables true optical zoom at around 2x, improving portrait perspective, subject separation, and detail retention compared to digital zoom. The main sensor performs well in daylight with decent dynamic range and colour accuracy, though it doesn’t match Motorola’s consistency, while the ultra-wide camera remains the weakest link with softer details and limited range. In real-world use, this makes it the most versatile camera system in this segment, especially for portraits and zoom, and at roughly ₹18,999, it offers one of the most flexible setups under ₹25,000.
Key Specs
- 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
- Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
- 5000mAh battery
Bottom Line: If you want better portraits and actual optical zoom, this is easily the most versatile camera phone in this price range.
Samsung Galaxy M56: Built for Instant, Shareable Photos
The Galaxy M56 relies more on image processing than hardware advantages, with a capable main sensor backed by Samsung’s tuning that produces brighter images, more saturated colours, and aggressive HDR, which helps in tricky lighting like backlit scenes. Skin tones are tuned to look flattering rather than strictly accurate, making it good for portraits and selfies, though this approach can sometimes lead to slightly overexposed highlights, reduced contrast, and less natural colours. The ultra-wide and secondary sensors are functional but not standout features, making this a camera designed more for instant, social-ready output than technical accuracy. At around ₹24,999, the focus here is clearly on output style rather than hardware edge.
Key Specs
- 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Exynos 1480
- Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
- 5000mAh battery
Bottom Line: If you prefer bright, vibrant photos that are ready to post instantly, this is a solid choice, though not the most technically strong camera here.
realme P3 Ultra: Detail First, Even If It’s Aggressive
The realme P3 Ultra uses the Sony IMX896, which is in the same class as Motorola’s sensor in terms of hardware, but the difference comes from processing. realme pushes sharpness, contrast, and brightness more aggressively, making images look more detailed, lifting shadows, and slightly boosting colours, which makes photos appear striking at first glance, especially on smaller screens. In low light, it prioritizes brightness, sometimes at the cost of natural contrast, and while noise is controlled well, the final output can look slightly processed. This makes it ideal for users who prefer punchy, high-detail images over realism, and at around ₹23,999, it is clearly tuned for visual impact.
Key Specs
- 6.83-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Dimensity 8350 Ultra
- Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB storage
- 6000mAh battery
Bottom Line: If you like sharp, punchy images with strong detail, this is a good pick, but it may not suit users looking for natural output.
iQOO Z10R: Balanced, With a Video Edge
The iQOO Z10R uses the Sony IMX882, a balanced sensor focused on efficiency and consistent output, delivering well-exposed photos with controlled HDR and decent dynamic range while avoiding the extremes seen in Samsung or realme’s processing, resulting in a more neutral look. Portraits are handled well, though depth mapping depends on software due to the lack of a telephoto lens, but where the phone stands out is video, with the ability to shoot 4K from both front and rear cameras, making it a practical choice for users who record frequently. It may not be the most versatile setup, but it is one of the most stable and predictable, and at around ₹24,998, it focuses on balance rather than standout hardware.
Key Specs
- 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- MediaTek Dimensity 7400
- Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB storage
- 5700mAh battery
Bottom Line: If you want a balanced camera with strong video capabilities, this is a practical and reliable choice at this price.
Each of these phones approaches camera performance differently, with the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion prioritizing consistency and natural output, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offering the most versatility with its telephoto lens, the Samsung Galaxy M56 focusing on vibrant, ready-to-share photos, the realme P3 Ultra pushing detail and brightness aggressively, and the iQOO Z10R balancing photography with strong video features. At this price point, the decision ultimately comes down to how you prefer your photos to look.
