Top 10 Best Phones For Video Recording On A Budget

While high-end smartphones offer exceptional video recording capabilities, you don’t need to break the bank to capture high-quality videos. Several budget-friendly phones deliver impressive video recording features, making them ideal for casual creators, vloggers, or those who simply want good video quality without spending too much. Here’s a look at the top 10 budget phones for video recording in 2024.

1. Google Pixel 6a

The Google Pixel 6a is a budget-friendly version of the Pixel lineup that still offers top-tier video recording capabilities. With 4K recording at 60fps and Google’s AI enhancements, it produces excellent video footage even in challenging lighting conditions.

• Key Features:
  • 12.2MP primary camera
  • 4K 60fps video recording
  • HDR+ video enhancements
  • Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
• Pros: Excellent AI processing, clean Android experience, affordable.
• Cons: No 8K support, limited manual controls.

The Pixel 6a is perfect for users who want solid video performance without compromising on quality, especially in low-light environments.

2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a strong budget option from Samsung, offering good video recording features for its price. It supports 4K video at 30fps and has advanced stabilization modes to ensure smooth footage.

• Key Features:
  • 50MP primary sensor
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • Super Steady mode for stable video
  • Night Mode for low-light video capture
• Pros: Great stabilization, versatile camera setup, solid low-light performance.
• Cons: Lacks 4K 60fps option.

The Galaxy A54 is ideal for users looking for a mid-range phone that can handle decent video recording, especially with Samsung’s user-friendly camera interface.

3. OnePlus Nord 2T

The OnePlus Nord 2T is a budget phone that offers impressive video capabilities, with support for 4K video at 30fps. The camera system is tuned for good dynamic range, and the device provides decent stabilization for handheld videos.

• Key Features:
  • 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • AI video enhancements and stabilization
• Pros: Affordable, good low-light performance, strong AI enhancements.
• Cons: No 4K 60fps, video quality may soften in some conditions.

For budget-conscious users who want a solid video recording experience, the OnePlus Nord 2T is a great option with a balanced price-to-performance ratio.

4. Poco X5 Pro 5G

Xiaomi’s sub-brand Poco offers some of the best value-for-money devices, and the Poco X5 Pro 5G is no exception. It comes with 4K video recording and decent stabilization, making it suitable for casual content creators.

• Key Features:
  • 108MP primary sensor
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
  • Good dynamic range and color accuracy
• Pros: High-resolution video, vibrant colors, affordable.
• Cons: Stabilization can struggle in low light.

The Poco X5 Pro 5G is a solid choice for those looking for a powerful camera system at a budget price, with particularly good performance in daylight settings.

5. Realme 9 Pro+

The Realme 9 Pro+ is another great option for budget-conscious video creators. It comes with a solid 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor and supports 4K video at 30fps. Its video stabilization helps deliver smooth footage, and the camera performs well in both daylight and low-light scenarios.

• Key Features:
  • 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
  • Nightscape video for low-light conditions
• Pros: Excellent low-light performance, OIS, affordable.
• Cons: Lacks 60fps at 4K.

Realme 9 Pro+ is perfect for users who want good low-light video performance without spending too much.

6. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series is known for offering solid camera systems at budget prices, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro is no different. With 4K video recording at 30fps and built-in stabilization, it offers a good option for casual videographers.

• Key Features:
  • 50MP primary sensor
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • AI-powered video enhancements
• Pros: Great stabilization for its price, good detail in videos, solid low-light performance.
• Cons: Lacks 4K 60fps.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides strong video recording features at a highly affordable price, making it one of the best value options on this list.

7. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a budget-friendly phone with decent video recording capabilities. It can record 4K video at 30fps, and its Super Steady mode ensures that handheld video footage looks smooth.

• Key Features:
  • 48MP main camera
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • Super Steady mode for stable video
• Pros: Good stabilization, affordable, reliable performance.
• Cons: No 4K 60fps, limited manual controls.

The Galaxy A34 5G is ideal for users who want decent video stabilization without spending a lot.

8. Moto G Power (2023)

Motorola's Moto G Power is a budget phone that delivers respectable video recording performance for its price. While it doesn’t support 4K, it offers full HD (1080p) at 60fps, which is suitable for most casual users looking to shoot smooth and detailed videos.

• Key Features:
  • 50MP main camera
  • 1080p 60fps video recording
  • Decent stabilization for its price
• Pros: Long battery life, affordable, solid video performance at 1080p.
• Cons: No 4K video support, basic camera features.

The Moto G Power is perfect for those who want to record decent-quality videos without the need for 4K.

9. Vivo V21

The Vivo V21 is a budget smartphone that focuses on camera performance, particularly in low-light situations. It supports 4K video recording at 30fps, and its OIS helps stabilize videos in motion, making it a good option for content creators on a budget.

• Key Features:
  • 64MP primary sensor
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
  • Night mode for low-light video
• Pros: Great stabilization, excellent low-light performance, affordable.
• Cons: Lacks 4K 60fps.

The Vivo V21 is ideal for users who want good video quality with OIS, especially in low-light conditions, without paying flagship prices.

10. Infinix Zero X Pro

The Infinix Zero X Pro is an affordable option that delivers impressive video recording capabilities, particularly considering its price point. It supports 4K video recording and has a strong stabilization mode for steady handheld shots.

• Key Features:
  • 108MP primary sensor
  • 4K 30fps video recording
  • AI-powered stabilization
• Pros: High-resolution camera, affordable, good stabilization.
• Cons: Limited availability, lacks 60fps at 4K.

The Infinix Zero X Pro is a great option for budget-conscious users looking for high-resolution video recording and smooth stabilization at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

While flagship smartphones offer the most advanced video recording features, these budget-friendly options prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture high-quality videos. The Google Pixel 6a and Samsung Galaxy A54 5G stand out for their balance of performance and price, while phones like the OnePlus Nord 2T and Poco X5 Pro offer excellent video recording capabilities at an even lower price point. Depending on your budget and specific needs, these phones provide great options for casual creators and everyday users looking to shoot high-quality video on a budget.