Since 2021, we have been vocal about brands still putting 2-megapixel (or lower) filler cameras on their phones. We also pointed out that brands should focus on putting better cameras on their phones rather than stuffing them with filler ones. Thankfully, some brands listened to our plea in 2024, with select midrange phones offering actual telephoto cameras. What’s even better is that people get access to a complete set of cameras (main, ultra-wide, telephoto) for phones priced at under Php 30k.

As we are halfway through 2024, we list down the midrange phones you can buy for under Php 30k in 2024 that offer a complete set of cameras. 

*Disclaimer: the pricing we mentioned here is based on their current listings in Lazada. 

realme 12 Pro+ 5G – Php 23,219

First off our list is the realme 12 Pro+ 5G, which is currently the most affordable phone to have a periscope camera. This is the first time we came across a midrange phone with a periscope camera in the form of a 64-megapixel OV64B sensor that has OIS and 3x optical zoom.

We used the realme 12 Pro+ 5G to document our experience watching Taylor Swift in Singapore, and this midrange phone impressed us with what it is capable of. Considering that it is way more affordable than any of Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra devices, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G is a solid option for concert photography–especially with its lower price tag in Lazada.

OPPO Reno11 5G – Php 24,999

We find it strange that OPPO axed the telephoto camera on the Reno12 5G, which is why we still recommend the Reno11 5G despite using older hardware. While it is a rather basic 32-megapixel IMX709 2x telephoto camera without OIS, we still take a camera with optical zoom than any filler camera any day. To OPPO’s credit, the telephoto camera takes good shots even at “just” 2x zoom and offers better image quality compared to in-sensor zooming that other brands do.

While the Reno11 5G is sold out in both Lazada and Shopee, you can still get this midrange phone at physical OPPO stores nationwide–with some offering a discount.

HONOR 200 – Php 24,999

Fresh from its launch last July 17, the standard HONOR 200 offers serious value if you prioritize cameras. Aside from a slightly better 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera that can shoot 4K video, you’re getting a 50-megapixel IMX886 telephoto camera that has 2.5x optical zoom and OIS.

While its optical zoom has a slightly lower range than the realme 12 Pro+ 5G, you’re getting better image quality–not to mention that the HONOR 200 is among the top 5 midrange phones for phot

TECNO Camon 30 Premier – Php 28,999

The ultimate variant under the Camon 30 series has four 50-megapixel cameras, with one of them being a periscope camera with 3x optical zoom. While the periscope camera lacks OIS, you get 4K video recording across all four cameras–and it boasts the best ultra-wide camera in this list.
While we found it strange that the pricing of the Camon 30 Premier in Lazada is Php 28,999, we think you can still get it for Php 23,999 if you buy it in physical stores.

realme GT 6 – Php 29,849

realme’s flagship killer joins our list, as it comes with a 50-megapixel ISOCELL JN5 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and OIS. Its range may be shorter than what the realme 12 Pro+ 5G has to offer, but the GT 6 uses a bigger sensor and a more powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, so imaging performance is significantly better. Aside from that, the GT 6 can also record 4K video at 60FPS–something you can’t do with the realme 12 Pro+ 5G.

While the GT 6 technically has an official price of Php 34,999, it is listed at under Php 30k in realme’s official Lazada store, making it still eligible for our list.

HONOR 200 Pro – Php 29,999

Rounding off our list is the HONOR 200 Pro, which uses the same telephoto shooter found in the standard HONOR 200. However, the Pro model gets upgrades like a main camera that’s the same one used on the Magic6 Pro, along with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor for better image processing. It’s also the most feature-stacked midrange phone you can buy at under Php 30k and is also one of the best midrange phones for photography.

That rounds up all the under Php 30k midrange phones you can buy in the Philippines in 2024 that have a telephoto camera. Which one do you plan to buy? Let us know in the comments section.