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  • 10 budget-friendly phones with good cameras in 2026

    10 budget-friendly phones with good cameras in 2026

    As smartphone prices continue to climb, many buyers believe impressive mobile photography is exclusive to expensive flagship devices. However, that assumption no longer holds.

    In 2026, several budget and mid-range smartphones are proving that excellent camera performance can be achieved without spending a fortune.

    With improved sensors, optical image stabilisation, and AI-driven image processing, these devices deliver sharp photos, vibrant portraits, and dependable low-light results.

    Whether you’re a casual photographer, content creator, or everyday user, these phones offer strong camera capabilities at wallet-friendly prices.

    Here are 10 budget-friendly smartphones with surprisingly good cameras to consider in 2026:

    1. Samsung Galaxy A55

    The Galaxy A55 features a 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), delivering sharp daylight images and stable video recording. It’s a solid choice for users who value consistency and reliability.

    2. Google Pixel 9a

    Widely regarded as one of the best budget camera phones, the Pixel 9a boasts a 48MP main camera that excels in low-light photography. With macro and astrophotography modes plus Google’s latest AI photo tools, it delivers flagship-level results at a lower price.

    Read Also: Five best camera phones launched in 2025

    3. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

    Equipped with a powerful 200MP Samsung HP3 sensor, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G offers impressive detail and dynamic range. It stands out as one of the best-value camera phones in the sub-mid-range category.

    4. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

    This phone comes with a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro sensor, alongside a 13MP selfie camera. It delivers good photo quality and supports 4K video recording.

    5. Vivo V30e

    The Vivo V30e uses a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor and features Aura Light technology for enhanced night portraits. It produces balanced, natural-looking images across various lighting conditions.

    6. Motorola Edge 40 Neo

    The Edge 40 Neo offers a 50MP main camera with OIS, supported by an ultra-wide lens. Its strong low-light performance and vibrant image output make it a compelling budget-friendly option.

    7. Google Pixel 7a

    Still relevant in 2026, the Pixel 7a packs a 64MP main sensor and Google’s Tensor G2 chip. Its AI-powered photography delivers excellent image quality, especially in low light, within a smooth Android experience.

    8. iQOO Z9

    The iQOO Z9 features a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization. It captures sharp daylight photos and benefits from a fast processor that ensures smooth camera performance.

    9. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

    With a versatile triple-camera setup, the Galaxy A36 5G delivers solid image quality for its price, making it a reliable option for everyday photography and video use.

    10. Xiaomi 14T

    The Xiaomi 14T offers impressive camera hardware for a mid-range device, including a high-resolution main sensor and multiple shooting modes suited for both photography and video enthusiasts.

  • 10 budget friendly phones with good cameras in 2025

    10 budget friendly phones with good cameras in 2025

    As smartphone prices continue to rise, a new wave of budget-friendly devices is challenging the notion that high quality photography is reserved for premium models.

    In 2025, several mid-range smartphones are delivering impressive camera performance at a fraction of the flagship cost  offering everyday users powerful tools for capturing stunning photos and videos without breaking the bank.

    Below are 10 budget-friendly smartphones with surprisingly good cameras as of 2025:

    1. Google Pixel 9a

    Delivers outstanding photo quality, especially in low light, thanks to a 48MP main camera with a wide aperture. It also supports macro and astrophotography modes, and benefits from Google’s latest AI photo features. It’s widely considered the best cheap camera phone this year.

    2. Google Pixel 7a

    The Google Pixel 7a features a 64MP main sensor and a Tensor G2 chip that powers advanced AI photography, delivering stellar image quality even in low light, all within a clean and smooth software experience.

    3. Samsung Galaxy A55

    The Samsung Galaxy A55 comes equipped with a 50MP main sensor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), making it excellent for daylight photography and offering good video quality for its price.

    4. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

    This model features a versatile triple-camera system and solid image quality for the price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.

    5. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

    Offers a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro, plus a 13MP selfie camera. Delivers good results for both photos and 4K video.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 21 countries offering digital nomad visas Nigerians can apply for in 2025

    6. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

    The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G boasts a 200MP Samsung HP3 main sensor, delivering solid detail and dynamic range, making it a great value option in the sub-mid-range category.

    7. Motorola Edge 40 Neo

    Motorola’s Edge 40 Neo is gaining attention for its impressive camera capabilities at an affordable price point. The device features a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), complemented by an ultra-wide angle camera, allowing users to capture sharp, vibrant images across various settings. With solid low light performance and detailed photo output, the Edge 40 Neo is positioning itself as a strong contender in the budget smartphone market.

    8. Vivo V30e

    The Vivo V30e is equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor and an Aura light feature for enhanced night portraits, producing balanced and natural-looking images in various lighting conditions.

    9. Xiaomi 14T

    A mid-range option with impressive camera hardware for the price, including a high-resolution main sensor and versatile shooting modes

    10. iQOO Z9

    The iQOO Z9 features a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), delivering sharp daylight photos and benefiting from a fast processor that ensures quick camera performance and overall stability.

  • Police recover gun, phones from two robbery suspects

    The police have arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery gang that  terrorises Lekki, Lagos.

    Maroko Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Isah Abdulmajid, Chief Superintendent (CSP),  and his men arrested Adebayo Ayomide and Isaac David  shortly after they allegedly robbed two women of their phones.

    In a statement yesterday, Lagos Command spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP),  said the suspects were apprehended on March 9 around 9pm.

    He said the DPO and his men were patrolling the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge when they ran into the two seemingly panicky young women, Gbemi and Hannah.

    “Upon questioning them, they told the team that they had just been dispossessed of their phones by the suspects at gunpoint. They pointed at the direction through which the hoodlums escaped on a motorcycle and the police gave them a hot chase.

    “The team tracked down the suspects and upon searching them, their operational single-barrel gun, a cutlass and the phones were found on them. The items were recovered and the criminals taken into custody.

    “In their statements, they owned up to belonging to a syndicate terrorising Lekki and its environs.

    “Commending the team for swiftly responding to the crime and arresting the suspects, Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu directed that the case be transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigation.

  • Glo offers phones at cheap prices at Smartphone Festival

    National Telecommunication Company, Globacom, has launched the second edition of its Smartphone Festival, which gives opportunity to Nigerians to buy Smartphones, accessories and data bundles from Gloworld outlets nationwide at affordable prices.

    Globacom in a statement in Lagos explained that the promotion “gives the best deals on the latest Smartphones and accessories with exciting rewards for as low as N12,800 and up to six months of bundled data”.

    It added that “there are lots of benefits with a variety of devices to choose from. Some of the unique benefits are best prices for genuine devices that come with free accessories on purchase from any of the Gloworld outlets across the country”.

    The Company stated that the offer will run between September 25 and October 11, 2018, adding that any prepaid or postpaid  customer who visits a Gloworld outlet during the period to purchase a Smartphone will enjoy the benefits.

    Different models of handsets including Samsung, Nokia, Tecno, Imose, Inflix and Huawei are available under the Smartphone Festival, and the devices, according to Globacom,”are exclusive to Gloworld outlets and not at Glo Zones and Glo dealer outlets”.

    Since 2003 when it rolled out services, Globacom has consistently brought quality service delivery and unequalled benefits to its subscribers. In continuation of its consumer-focused packages, it recently unveiled Oga SIM, which offers unprecedented data bonus to subscribers and Glo Yakata which offers up to 2,200% bonus on every N100 recharge and above.

  • Phones can transmit virus, germs, expert warns

    A Public Health Physician, Dr Michael Oguntoye, has warned that mobile phones could transmit diseases and infections if it comes in contact with body fluids of an infected person.

    Oguntoye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that phones are “fomites” which could serve as medium of transmitting viral organism, causing diseases and infections on people.

    He described fomites as any non-living object or substance capable of carrying infectious organisms, such as viruses or bacteria.

    “Taking a cell phone into the bathroom and then leaving with it, can carry diseases and germs, especially when you do not wash your hands and then coming out,” he said.

    According to him, phones can transfer diseases and virus from one individual to another.

    Oguntoye, an epidemiologist with Kwara Ministry of Health, advised people to keep phones away from the toilet and observe personal hygiene such as hand washing at all times.

    He also recommended cleaning of phones with disinfectant that would not harm the phones.

  • itel lauches affordable dual camera phones

    •Celebrates 10th anniversary

    Itel Mobile, has unveiled its latest mobile devices- itel S12 and S32 at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. This is part of its 10th anniversary.

    Speaking at the event, its Marketing Communications Manager, Oke Umurhohwo, said the newly launched itel Selfie centric phones are affordable, sleek and of high quality. The newly launched phones sells for N24, 000 and N32, 000 respectively.

    He said his firm is aware of the demands of its customers, hence the reason it introduced the most affordable dual selfie camera phones in Africa.

    Extolling the featues of the new phones, Umurhohwo explained that the new entrants come with an innovative front camera with capacity to capture more people in a single selfie shot.

    “Besides, when compared to the previous S31, the latest S32”, he explained, “boasts of 63° portrait lens for solo selfie and an ultra-wide 86° angle lens, which makes it easy for users to take group selfie.

    “Judging by the itel mobile trajectory, it is hard not to be excited for what the brand intend to achieve in the future. This can be seen today with launch of three new models S32, S32 LTE and S12; a clear upgrade on previous products. The three new models all come with Dual selfie cameras as well as fingerprint, with the S32 LTE version having 4G network ability,” he said.

    Commenting on itel mobile success, Umurhohwo said itel has always put the customers at the forefront of its business. “We believe that by providing customers with affordable, reliable and trendy mobile devices, we can allow more people get connected with the rest of the world in an efficient way.

    “With such belief in mind, itel is continually making efforts to get close to customer. The community is also at the core of itel Mobile’s philosophy. This has made the brand develop a robust CSR policy on education via the “Love Always On” initiative. Through the Love Always On campaign, various life-touching projects geared towards empowering pupils and students in different schools were carried out. Some of such projects include provision of education materials to school children, scholarships to brilliant students, as well as sponsorship of different student events across different tertiary institutions. As at October, 2017; over 1,300 students have benefited directly from itel mobile education support initiative,”he said.

    On service care issue, Umurhohwo  said the company has provided trained engineers, as well as made spare parts available for free software repairs. “It’s been 10 years of a fantastic journey. It is a milestone, we have grown over the years and this means beyond just selling our phones, we take service delivery more seriously and follow our users all the way as we are a people friendly phone,” he said, adding that itel phones are known for durability as the tides are changing.

  • Substandard phones responsible for cancer ailments, NCC warns

    Substandard phones responsible for cancer ailments, NCC warns

    Nigerians have been warned to refrain from using substandard phones. Reason: it is responsible for some cancer ailments, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said yesterday.

    An official of the commission, Mr  Kunle Olorundare, gave the warning at a stakeholders workshop organised by the Ibadan Zonal office of the NCC in Ado Ekiti.

    Olorundare, who lamented that fake phones had taken over the country’s phone market, added that such phones have had negative implications on the health of their users.

    The NCC official also identified unapproved phones as a major cause of network interruptions.

    He said the preponderance of substandard phones was causing colossal damage to network services and health of users.

    Olorundare warned that sellers of unapproved Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products were flouting the commission’s Act.

    He said they could face prosecution or seizure of their market items if they did not desist from selling such henceforth.

    Olorundare also advised phone sellers across the country to ensure the phones they buy from manufacturers and dealers were approved by the NCC.

    He added that the NCC had a list of all Information and Communication ICT products approved for sale and use in Nigeria.

    Another official of the commission, who represented the Head of Zonal Operations in Abuja, Mr. Ekisola Oladosu, promised that the NCC would do all within its powers to check the proliferation of substandard phones.

    He noted that the task of sanitising the Nigerian phone market rested on all stakeholders, and called on Nigerians to support the campaign.

  • Four arraigned for ‘stealing’ N1.4m phones

    Four men — Richard Ekpong, Albert Oguda, Abiodun Lawal and Idris Ibrahim  — who allegedly broke into a shop at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, and stole phones worth N1.4 million, were yesterday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Ekpong, 20, is a student; Oguda, 21, unemployed; Lawal, 22, a trader and Ibrahim, 32, a businessman.

    The accused, who live at Ifako-Agege, Iju-Ishaga, Agbado Crossing and Ishaga, were brought before Magistrate J.A. Adigun on a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

    They pleaded not guilty and were admitted to bail of N250,000 each, with two sureties.

    Adigun said the sureties should be employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State government.

    The prosecutor, Godwin Awase, said the accused committed the offences on June 26, at Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.

    He said they conspired to break into the shop of Mrs. Mary Botire to steal phones, valued at N1.4 million.

    “The accused burgled the complainant’s shop,” Awase said.

    He said the accused destroyed the burglary proof where an air conditioner was fixed, to gain access to the shop.

    “The accused came with sophisticated weapons, destroyed the burglary proof, removed the air conditioner and entered through the hole to steal,” the prosecutor said.

    He said when they were arrested, they had already shared and sold the phones at cheaper prices.

    The offences contravene sections 287, 306(2) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (revised).

    The case was adjourned till September 11 for mention.

  • Five mistakes you’re making while charging your phone

    Five mistakes you’re making while charging your phone

    Many phone users tend to complain that their device’s batteries discharge quickly. They also typically blame the product manufacturer for this issue; however the manufacturer isn’t always at fault. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 mistakes that users typically make when charging their phones.

    Waiting for the Battery to Reach Low Levels Before Charging

    Avoid waiting for your battery to reach a critically low level before charging. The effect of this on your phone battery is not immediate, but over time it begins to manifest and it eventually stresses out your phone battery (yes, batteries get stressed too) and shortens the battery life. Think of your battery as a human body, you really don’t need to wait until you’re about to die before you rest and eat to recharge yourself.

    Keeping Your Phone Case on While Charging

    Your phone typically emits heat when charging. To avoid exposing your device to ambient temperatures, it’s advisable to remove the phone case while charging your phone so that the heat emitted from your phone while charging can escape. This way you can prevent your device from becoming hotter and potentially overheating when charging. Charging your battery at uncomfortable temperatures can permanently damage battery capacity.

    Charging Your Phone in the Wrong Places

    You should mind where you charge your phone, because not doing so can negatively affect your battery capacity. Phones have a temperature range they can function normally and charging your phone in a hot area can raise the temperature and stress the battery out. Also, charging your phone in especially low temperature areas, like in front of an air conditioner, can also cause problems for your battery that will eventually affect its optimum performance.

    Charging Your Phone Overnight

    The least you’ll sleep throughout the night is most likely going to be between 5 to 8 hours, your smartphone battery typically only needs 2 to 3 hours to fully charge. Charging your phone overnight, constantly stresses your phone battery each night. Sooner than later, your phone is likely to have battery problems. In addition, the temperature rises when the battery is overcharged, so apart from shortening battery life, it can also threaten user’s safety in the event it quickly heats up and explodes. It’s better to charge your phone before you sleep and switch it off while sleeping to preserve the battery till the next day.

    Plugging Whatever Charger Fits

    This especially applies to smartphones. Most smartphones use a micro USB for its chargers and for this reasons most people tend to switch and swap chargers since it fits into and works on their phones. However, this is not appropriate and in the long run it can negatively affect your phone battery. The fact that most smartphones have the same micro USB doesn’t mean all chargers and phones are compatible. Some chargers function differently and that difference can be detrimental to your device if care is not taken.

  • Three men jailed for stealing palm oil, phones

    A Jos Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday sentenced three men – David Bulus, 24, Adebayo Musa, 25, and Hafisu Ibrahim, 28 – to various jail terms for stealing palm oil.

    Other items stolen by the convicts included phones and TV monitor valued at N128,000 and N6,000 cash.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first accused, Bulus, was charged with criminal trespass, housebreaking and theft, while the second and third accused were charged with receiving stolen property.

    The magistrate, Mr Jovita Binjin, sentenced the trio after pleading guilty to the crimes.

    Binjin sentenced Bulus to 20 months in prison for trespass, housebreaking and theft, while the second and third accused were jailed 10 months each, for receiving stolen property.

    He, however, gave the first convict an option of N10,000 fine, while the second and third accused were given fine options of N5,000 each.

    The magistrate said that the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to those who might want to engage in similar acts.

    Earlier, the police prosecutor, Mr Shuaibu Mohammed, had told the court that one Ndubuisi Uche, resident at No. 38 Nabor, Nasarawa Gwom, reported the matter at the Nasarawa Gwom Police Station, on March 8.

    Mohammed said that the first accused person, Bulus, broke into the complainant’s house and stole some items and listed them to include palm oil, a TV monitor, UPS, two phones, some scraps, and N6,000 cash.

    The prosecutor told the court that Bulus later sold the stolen palm oil to one Hafiu Ibrahim, at the rate of N10,500, while the scraps were sold to one Adebayo Musa, at the rate of N2,500.

    He said that the accused person sold the remaining items to two other persons, who had not been arrested.

    “During police investigation, the accused persons pleaded guilty thereby running foul of sections 348, 346, 288 and 317 of the Penal Code,” he told the court.