Need a smartphone that can shoot awesome video but that won’t break the bank? No problem we look at the best phones for vlogging on a budget.
There was a time when people scoffed at the idea of shooting video and films on a phone camera. However, people once scoffed at the idea of MP3 players and continued to use their CD players.
Not anymore. Nowadays, the latest and greatest phones on the market are more than capable of matching (and even exceeding) the results you’d get with a DSLR or mirrorless option.
Consequently, phones are very useful if you’re vlogging. Sometimes, all you need is a quick piece to camera. Having a vlogging phone that’s capable of getting this job done whilst remaining discreet and also fitting in your pocket is priceless.
So, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 contenders for the best phone for vlogging.
1. iPhone 12 Pro Max
| Rear camera | 13mm f/2.4 (12mp) 26mm f/1.6 (12mp) 52mm f/2 (12mp) |
| Front camera | 12mp, f/2.2 |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 60fps |
| Storage | 128 / 256 / 512GB |
| Weight | 189g |
| Screen size | 6.7 inches |
| Battery | 3687 mAh |
Firstly, let’s cut to the chase. The best phone for vlogging right now is the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The triple camera module is brilliant in every way, offering stunningly clean, crisp footage all the way up to 4K at 60fps.
Additionally, the new lidar scanner enables focusing in low-light conditions faster than ever before. The design and build quality is as premium as it gets.
Naturally, the price tag reflects that. Clearly, it’s an expensive option but if you can afford it, you’ve got yourself the best vlogging phone around.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Triple camera unit is industry leading | Expensive |
| Lidar scanner (faster focusing in low light) | Camera is only 12mp |
| Premium build quality | Can’t expand storage |
2. iPhone SE
| Rear camera | 28mm f/1.8 (12mp) |
| Front camera | 7mp |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 60fps |
| Storage | 64/256GB |
| Weight | 148g |
| Screen size | 4.7 inches |
| Battery | 1821 mAh |
Alternatively, the iPhone SE is a great option for those looking for a vlogging phone on a budget. It gives you some of the fantastic quality we’ve come to expect from Apple’s premium flagships in a much more affordable, user-friendly body. Certainly a strong contender for the best phone for vlogging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Much more affordable option | No zoom option |
| Great image quality up to 4K | Single camera that’s an older model |
| Lightweight | Old screen technology |
3. Huawei P40 Pro
| Rear camera | 50mp (primary f/1.9, OIS) 40mp (18mm ultra wide angle, f/1.8) 12mp (125mm telephoto, f/3.4, OIS) |
| Front camera | 32mp |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 60fps |
| Storage | 256GB + external options |
| Weight | 209g |
| Screen size | 6.58 inches |
| Battery | 4100 mAh |
Despite the massive downside of losing Google support, Huawei’s P40 Pro is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the best phone for vlogging. For example, their camera development with Leica has been brilliant for a number of years and this is no exception. With lots of soft focus and depth alongside premium, sharp quality and detail, you can’t go wrong.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great collab with Leica on the triple camera module | Lack of Google support |
| Fantastic low light capabilities | 50x zoom feels gimmicky |
| Image quality is brilliant on both front and back | No headphone jack |
4. Huawei P30 Pro
| Rear camera | 40mp f/1.6 20mp f/2.2 8mp f/3.4 |
| Front camera | 32mp f/2 |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 30fps |
| Storage | 256GB + external options |
| Weight | 192g |
| Screen size | 6.47 inches |
| Battery | 4200 mAh |
The predecessor to the P40 Pro, this vlogging phone still holds its own. It has pretty much everything the P40 Pro has, along with full Google support and a much lower price. Arguably, this is a better bet! A definite contender for the best phone for vlogging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has Google support | Design offers little grip |
| Fantastic battery life | Front camera is fixed focus |
| Amazing camera quality | Speakers are poor |
5. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
| Rear camera | 108mp (primary f/1.8, 26mm, OIS) 12mp (ultra wide angle f/2.2, 13mm) 48mp (telephoto f/3.5, 103mm) |
| Front camera | 40mp (f/2.2, 26mm) |
| Max resolution | 8K |
| Storage | 128 / 256 / 512 GB + external options |
| Weight | 222g |
| Screen size | 6.9 inches |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
Whilst the 8K resolution still has a little way to go, it’s incredible that it’s even an option on a phone at all. Indeed, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is one of the most powerful flagships from Samsung so far. It can do everything – and that includes being the best phone for vlogging. The 108mp primary camera breaks new ground and is just…wow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 8K video | 8K is not the best, yet |
| 108mp primary camera | Incredibly expensive |
| Huge screen |
6. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
| Rear camera | 108mp (primary, f/1.8, 26mm) 12mp (telephoto, f/3.0, 120mm) 12mp (ultrawide, f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm) |
| Front camera | 10mp, f/2.2, 26mm |
| Max resolution | 8K |
| Storage | 512GB + external options |
| Weight | 204g |
| Screen size | 6.9 inches |
| Battery | 4500 mAh |
Similarly to the S20 Ultra, the newly released Note 20 packs a real punch. Likewise, it carries the same brilliant 108mp primary camera. Furthermore, you’ve got 8K resolution and tonnes of storage. It’s a fantastic vlogging phone that won’t let you down.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great autofocus | Curved display can be annoying |
| Huge screen | Very expensive |
| Amazing quality of the triple cameras |
7. Google Pixel 5
| Rear camera | 12.2mp (27mm, wide angle lens, f/1.7, PDAF, OIS) 16mp (ultra wide angle, f/2.2) |
| Front camera | 8mp, f/2, 24mm |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 60fps |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Weight | 151g |
| Screen size | 6 inches |
| Battery | 4000 mAh |
Google’s entry on the search for the best phone for vlogging comes in the perfect shape of the Pixel 5. Not too big, not too small. It just feels right. Moreover, the image quality is brilliant. It can record in full 4K up to 60fps. At a competitive price point, this may just be your best vlogging phone option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great quality camera | No expandable storage |
| Solid battery life | No zoom or telephoto option |
| Feels like just the right size. Not too big, not too small |
8. OnePlus 8 Pro
| Rear camera | Main camera 48mp (f/1.8) Telephoto 8mp (f/2.4) Ultra-wide 48mp (f/2.2) + depth 5MP (f/2.4) |
| Front camera | 16mp |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 60fps |
| Storage | 128 / 256GB |
| Weight | 199g |
| Screen size | 6.78 inches |
| Battery | 4510 mAh |
The OnePlus 8 Pro is a great alternative to some of the other flagships here. Whilst it may not boast the same power as others, it holds its own and gets the job done as a solid vlogging phone. One to consider if you’re keeping an eye on the budget
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful screen | No expandable storage |
| Super-fast wireless charging | No telephoto zoom option |
| Great all-round camera | Low-light performance is avearage |
9. Xiaomi Mi Note 10
| Rear camera | Wide: 108mp (f/1.7) Telephoto: 12mp (f/2.0) & 5mp (f/2.0) Ultra-wide: 20mp (f/2.2) + Macro: 2mp (f/2.4) |
| Front camera | 32mp |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 30fps |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Weight | 208g |
| Screen size | 6.47 inches |
| Battery | 5260 mAh |
Another outsider but a solid vlogging phone nonetheless. The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 boasts the same 108mp primary camera utilised on the Samsung flagships. Whilst the secondary cameras aren’t as impressive, it can record in 4K up to 30fps and is a heck of a lot cheaper than other options here. Give it a go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible 108mp camera (the same as used for the Samsungs) | No expandable storage |
| Nice choice of focal lengths | Secondary lack quality compared to the primary 108mp |
| Good price | Dynamic range is average |
10. Sony Xperia 1 II
| Rear camera | 24mm f/1.7 (12mp) 70mm f/2.4 (12mp) 16mm f/2.2 (12mp) |
| Front camera | 8mp (f/2) |
| Max resolution | 4K up to 60fps |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Weight | 181g |
| Screen size | 6.5 inches |
| Battery | 4000 mAh |
Lastly, if cinematics and quality is what you’re looking for, then the Sony Xperia 1 ii is perhaps the best phone for vlogging right now. In short, if you’re a pro who wants full manual control and a beautifully flat colour profile that’s great for editing, look no further!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flat colour profile is great for editing | Some features not necessary |
| Full manual control | Zoom is not very powerful |
| Stunning video quality | Poor front camera with no AF or 4K |
Wrapping up – Best Phones For Vlogging
To sum up, it’s quite incredible what is out there on the vlogging phone market these days. So even if your budget is a little tight, there are some brilliant flagship options that will more than satisfy you when it comes to vlogging.
We hope this list has helped you and look forward to watching your YouTube channel soon!
