Best Phones under CA$400 for photography

Best Pick
6.7"1.2GHz Cortex A13 Processor50MP4GB RAM128GB5000mAh
Why we recommend this

Its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 800 nits brightness stands out in the budget segment, paired with a massive 5000mAh battery for extended use. The device offers exceptional long-term value with a promised six years of OS and security updates, a rarity at this price point. This phone is best for cost-conscious users who prioritize a vivid screen and all-day battery life for streaming and social media.

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6.6"Snapdragon 4 Gen 150MP4GB RAM128GB5000mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip pairs with a 6.6-inch 120Hz LCD and a 5000mAh battery for smooth scrolling and long-lasting use, while the 50MP main camera captures sharper low-light shots. The vegan leather back and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers add a tactile and audio upgrade rarely seen at this budget level, supported by 18W TurboPower charging and expandable storage up to 1024GB. Best for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize battery endurance and media playback over camera quality, given its weakest area is photography.

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Best Phones under CA$900 for photography

Best Pick
6.8"Snapdragon 7 Gen 450MP12GB RAM256GB5080mAh
Why we recommend this

A 50MP periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom and a 5,000-nit, 144Hz AMOLED display set this device apart in its class. Its clean Nothing OS 4.1 on Android 16 and signature transparent design offer a distinct, bloat-free experience rarely found at this price. This phone is best for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a versatile zoom camera and a bright, smooth display for outdoor media consumption.

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Motorola razr 2024 Beach Sand 256GB

44.3 Photography Score
6.9"Android 1450MP8GB RAM256GB4200mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The 6.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display hits 1250 nits, and the 3.6-inch external screen lets you handle tasks without flipping open. The 50MP main camera with OIS and moto ai stabilization records smooth 4K video, while the 4200mAh battery supports 30W wired and wireless charging. Best for users who want a compact flip phone with a useful cover display and IP67 water resistance, though photography is its weakest area.

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6.5"MediaTek Dimensity 70050MP4GB RAM128GB5000mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The 6.5-inch AMOLED display hits 800 nits for outdoor visibility, paired with a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip and 5G for smooth everyday use. The 5000mAh battery with 25W Super Fast Charging, plus expandable storage up to 1024GB and Knox security, covers practical needs without extra cost. Best for budget-minded buyers who want a dependable unlocked phone for calls, browsing, and light photo work, not for gaming.

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6.8"Mediatek Dimensity 630050MP8GB RAM128GB5200mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining IP68/IP69 water resistance with MIL-STD-810H certification and Gorilla Glass 7i, this phone offers extreme durability rarely found at its price point, paired with a 6.8-inch 120Hz FHD+ display. The 50MP camera with OIS and 30W TurboPower charging that reaches 90% in under an hour provide capable imaging and quick top-ups for a 5200mAh battery. This device is best for outdoor workers or clumsy users who need a 5G phone that survives drops, dust, and submersion without a fragile design.

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Best Phones under CA$1,500 for photography

Best Pick
6.9"Snapdragon 8 Elite200MP12GB RAM512GB5000mAh
Why we recommend this

The 6.9-inch OLED panel hits 2600 nits, paired with a Snapdragon 3.5GHz chip and 12GB RAM for smooth 120Hz performance. Its 200MP main camera with 10x optical zoom and 5000mAh battery with 45W charging cover both photography and endurance. Best for mobile photographers and power users who want a large, bright screen and all-day battery in a premium Android phone.

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Google Pixel 10 Pro Obsidian 128GB

95.9 Photography Score
6.3"Google Tensor G550MP16GB RAM128GB4870mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The Google Tensor G5 chip and 16GB of RAM deliver fast performance for demanding apps and advanced AI features. Its 3300-nit Super Actua display stays readable in direct sunlight, while the 50MP main camera with 5x optical zoom and 8K video covers pro-level photography. Best for mobile photographers and power users who want a carrier-unlocked Android flagship with all-day battery life.

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Apple iPhone 16 Plus Black 128GB

70.9 Photography Score
6.7"A1848MP8GB RAM128GB4674mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The latest-generation Ceramic Shield front and color-infused glass back provide durable protection in a lightweight 199g aluminum frame, though this Grade C unit may have cosmetic dents or screen scratches. Its 6.7-inch display and eSIM-only connectivity offer a modern, streamlined experience at a refurbished price point. This device is best for cost-conscious buyers who prioritize core iOS functionality and a large screen over pristine physical condition.

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Samsung SM-S918UZKFXAA

93.1 Photography Score
6.8"Snapdragon 8 Gen 2200MP12GB RAM512GB5000mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The 200MP main camera with 10x optical zoom and Nightography captures detailed low-light shots, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 12GB RAM handle heavy multitasking. The 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED at 1750 nits and 5000mAh battery with 45W charging support long gaming or streaming sessions. Best for mobile photographers and power users who want a top-tier camera and S Pen productivity in one device.

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Samsung Galaxy S26 White 256GB

83.1 Photography Score
6.3"Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy50MP12GB RAM256GB4300mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip and 12GB of RAM drive on-device AI tasks and smooth 120Hz scrolling on the 6.3-inch AMOLED display, which reaches 2600 nits for clear outdoor visibility. At just 164g with an IP68-rated build, it packs flagship power into a notably lightweight and durable frame. This phone is best for users who want a compact, AI-assisted daily driver that prioritizes automated task management and creative photo editing over maximum camera zoom range.

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7.6"Snapdragon 8 Gen 250MP12GB RAM256GB4400mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits peak brightness, paired with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 12GB RAM, delivers a large, bright canvas for multitasking and gaming. Its IPX8 water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build, and stylus support add durability and productivity, while the 4400mAh battery with 25W wired charging covers a full day of moderate use. This foldable is best for professionals and power users who want a phone-tablet hybrid for split-screen productivity, media consumption, and photography, though battery life is its weakest point at 67.1/100.

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Google Pixel 10 256B Obsidian 256GB

65.3 Photography Score
6.3"Google Tensor G548MP12GB RAM256GB4970mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

Tensor G5 processing powers AI-driven tasks and a 3000-nit, 120Hz OLED screen for sharp outdoor visibility. A 48MP triple camera with 5x optical zoom, Google's AI photo and video editing suite, and universal carrier support add creative and network flexibility. This phone suits mobile photographers and casual users who want advanced AI features, all-day battery life, and broad carrier compatibility without a premium price.

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No Phones under CA$1,500 yet. See our top picks

Premium Phones for photography

Best Pick

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Black 512GB

97.6 Photography Score
6.9"Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy200MP12GB RAM512GB5000mAh
Why we recommend this

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 2600-nit AMOLED display drive a world-first built-in privacy screen that obscures viewing angles on command. A 200MP camera system with dual telephoto lenses and AI-powered Photo Assist enables precise object removal and scene generation directly on the device. This phone is best for security-conscious power users who need top-tier photography and on-device AI editing in public spaces.

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Silver 256GB

84.4 Photography Score
6.9"A19 Pro48MP8GB RAM256GB4685mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz refresh rate and the A19 Pro chip deliver flagship performance, while the 48MP triple camera system with 8x optical zoom covers photography needs. As an Amazon Renewed unit, it has been professionally tested and cleaned, with a battery above 80% capacity and a 90-day replacement guarantee. Best for budget-conscious photographers who want flagship camera quality without paying full price.

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Price CA$1,750
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:

OnePlus 15 Infinite Black 512GB

81 Photography Score
6.8"Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 550MP16GB RAM512GB7300mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

A 7,300mAh battery—the largest in a North American consumer smartphone—powers this device well beyond a full day, paired with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a dedicated tri-chip system for sustained performance. Its IP66/IP68/IP69 and IP19K ratings deliver extreme durability rarely seen outside rugged phones, while the triple 50MP camera array and 165Hz AMOLED display add flagship versatility. This phone is best for heavy users and outdoor workers who need multi-day battery life and uncompromising protection against dust, water, and drops.

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Motorola razr+ 2024 Hot Pink 256GB

62.3 Photography Score
6.9"Snapdragon 8s Gen 350MP12GB RAM256GB4000mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

Standing out with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and a 165Hz 6.9-inch foldable screen, the razr+ 2024 also packs a 50MP telephoto lens for clear zoom shots. Its 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and sharp 1272x1080 external display enhance daily multitasking, while 45W TurboPower rapidly refills the 4000mAh battery. Ideal for flip-phone fans who prioritize a large, fluid display and camera flexibility over endurance and durability.

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Apple iPhone Air Space Black 256GB

77.8 Photography Score
6.5"Apple A19 Pro48MP12GB RAM256GB3149mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The 6.5-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel hits 3000 nits with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Apple A19 Pro and 12GB RAM. It pairs a 48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom and IP68 water resistance, while carrier compatibility spans all major U.S. networks. Best for mobile gamers who want a bright, fast display and don't mind the modest 3149mAh battery.

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8"Google Tensor G448MP16GB RAM256GB4650mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The Google Tensor G4 chip powers advanced on-device AI, making the 8-inch LTPO OLED inner display a hub for Gemini-assisted multitasking and content interaction. At just 259g, it is the thinnest foldable available, pairing a versatile 48MP triple camera system with 5x optical zoom in a highly portable form factor. This device is best for early adopters and productivity-focused users who want a large, immersive screen for AI-driven search and project management without the bulk.

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Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Glacier 256GB

54.5 Photography Score
6.9"A20 Pro48MP16GB RAM256GB4685mAh
Why we recommend this ▼

The A20 Pro chip with its dual 16-core Neural Engine and vapor chamber cooling delivers a 40% GPU performance leap, enabling sustained AI tasks and a 30-hour battery life. The 48MP Fusion main camera gains a variable aperture for depth-of-field control, while the Ceramic Shield 2 front glass offers 3x better scratch resistance. This phone is best for power users who need all-day AI processing and a durable, large-screen device for photography and video.

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