Aside from gaming, most Filipinos use their phones as their main camera for documenting moments. That being said, those who prioritize content creation want a phone that boasts a great set of cameras. At the under Php 20k price point, there are a number of camera phones in the Philippines that you should consider, and we compile 5 of our top picks for 2023.
For this list, our minimum requirements for a phone to qualify should have at least 3 of these key features: 4K video recording, OIS (optical image stabilization), a decent display for viewing content, and a capable processor–the latter being important especially when it comes to post-processing.
Top 5 Camera Phones (Php 20k) Philippines 2023 (Q1)
- realme 9 Pro+
- vivo V27e
- POCO X5 Pro 5G
- TECNO Camon 19 Pro
- realme GT Master
realme 9 Pro+ – Php 17,999 (8GB/256GB)
While we already have the realme 10 Pro+, the 9 Pro+ is a solid choice if cameras are your priority. While it only has a flat 90hz AMOLED display, the realme 9 Pro+ is one of the most affordable phones to have a flagship-grade IMX766 sensor that’s has OIS built-in so that you’ll have an easier time shooting in low-light situations.
Aside from a flagship-grade camera, the realme 9 Pro+ is 5G-ready with its Dimensity 920 processor. It’s one of the MediaTek processor that’s renowned in the mid-range segment for features that include support for 4K video recording.
vivo V27e – Php 16,999 (8GB/256GB)
While it’s only limited to 4G connectivity, the V27e is a solid camera-centric phone with its 64-megapixel main camera that has OIS built-in. It also has EIS that works together with OIS, and its Aura Ring light is a clever solution for making good use of the LED flash as a soft light for shooting portraits.
The V27e is the most stylish phone on this list, and it has a great 6.7-inch 120hz AMOLED display that’s perfect for viewing all your photos and videos. While video recording tops out at Full HD, the V27e can shoot in 6oFPS.
POCO X5 Pro 5G – Php 16,999 (8GB/256GB)
The POCO X5 Pro is a superior upgrade over last year’s X4 Pro with its use of a Snapdragon 778G processor that’s known to be an excellent all-rounder, especially with the camera performance. Its 108-megapixel main camera takes great photos, and you’ll be glad to know that you can shoot 4K video with it.
Like the V27e, you have a Full HD+ 120hz AMOLED display on the POCO X5 Pro, and its a modern one with those slim bezels across all four sides.
TECNO Camon 19 Pro – Php 12,990 (8GB/128GB)
If you’re on a budget and consider OIS as you absolute must-have, the Camon 19 Pro is the most affordable phone in the market to have it at under Php 13k. It’s not just the OIS part that makes the Camon 19 interesting: the main camera utilizes a 64-megapixel ISOCELL GWB sensor that TECNO co-developed with Samsung. It’s an RGBW sensor that aims to improve low-light sensitivity.
Aside from a class-leading main camera, the Camon 19 Pro boasts a Full HD+ 120hz IPS display and a 50-megapixel portrait camera with 2x optical zoom–the latter is a feature you’ll rarely find at under Php 15k.
realme GT Master – Php 15,999 (8GB/128GB)
The Snapdragon 778G is one of the best mid-range processors that’s capable of shooting 4K video, and the GT Master is the most affordable phone to rock this chip. At under Php 16k, the GT Master delivers with its 64-megapixel main camera and optimized camera software that even has features to let you simulate street photography.
In addition to that, this compact mid-range phone features a vibrant 120hz AMOLED display to let you appreciate all the videos and photos you took with the GT Master.
That wraps up our picks for the best camera phones in the Philippines for 2023 at the under Php 20k price point. Which among our top picks will you most likely purchase?
