Need a camera phone that can shoot awesome videos for social media 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 laughed at the idea of shooting videos on a mobile phone camera. Not anymore. Nowadays, the latest phones on the market are more than capable of matching and even beating the results you’d get with a DSLR video camera.
Sometimes, all you need is a quick piece to camera, whether it’s for YouTube, TikTok, or even Instagram. Having a vlogging phone that’s capable of getting this job done whilst remaining discreet and also fitting in your pocket is priceless.
So, without further ado, we’ve rounded up a list of the 10 best phones for vlogging.
1. iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Rear camera: 48 MP, 24mm (f/1.8) + 12 MP, 77mm (f/2.8) + 12 MP, 13mm, (f/2.2)
- Front camera: 12MP (f/1.9)
- Max resolution: 4K up to 60fps
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Weight: 240g
- Screen size: 6.7 inches
- Battery: 4,323mAh
Firstly, let’s cut to the chase. The best phone for vlogging right now is the iPhone 14 pro max, no doubt about it. As you’d guess with its hefty price tag (and that may well be a barrier for some), you get an incredible vlogging setup with this phone. With 3 rear cameras (each focused on a different role) beautiful low-light capability, large storage, impressive stabilization, and a beautiful, large display, this is the perfect camera phone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry leader in smartphone video | Expensive |
| Superb image stabilisation | Cannot expand storage |
| Premium build quality |
2. Sony Xperia Pro I
- Rear camera: 12MP 50mm (f/2.4) + 12MP 1-inch 24mm (f/2-4) + 12MP 16mm (f/2.2)
- Front camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
- Max resolution: 4K/120fps
- Storage: 512GB + microSDXC (up to 1TB)
- Weight: 211g
- Screen size: 6.5 inches
- Battery: 4,500mAh
The Sony Xperia Pro is one of the best phones for vlogging thanks to its impressive camera and display capabilities. Designed specifically with video in mind, the rear camera features three lenses with high resolution (4K up to an impressive 120fps), providing versatility and flexibility for different types of shots. Meanwhile, the 6.5-inch OLED display is sharp and produces vibrant colors, making it great for reviewing your footage and checking for color accuracy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp OLED display | A lot of settings can be daunting to non-Sony users |
| Impressive 4K all the way up to 120fps | Expensive |
| Expandable storage | Not the best phone in other departments |
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Rear camera: 50 MP, 25mm (f/1.9) + 48 MP, 120mm (f/3.5) + 12 MP, 126mm (f/2.2)
- Front camera: 10.8 MP, 21mm (f/2.2)
- Max resolution: 4K up to 60fps
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Weight: 212g
- Screen size: 6.7 inches
- Battery: 5000mAh
In competing with rivals such as the iPhone 14 Max Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22, the new Google Pixel 7 Pro introduces us to a cinematic mode, blurring out the background for a bokeh-style look. Enhanced stabilization, a beautiful array of cameras that all support 4K up to 60fps, and impressive battery life make this one of the best phones for vlogging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great image stabilization | Charging can be slow |
| 4K 60fps both front and back cameras | May get warm when worked hard |
| Competitive price | Not many changes from Pixel 6 Pro |
4. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Rear camera: 108MP 1/1.33” 23mm (f/1.8) + 10MP 1/3.52” 230mm Periscope (f/4.9) + 10MP 1/3.52” 70mm (f/2.4) + 12MP 1/2.55” 13mm 120° ultra-wide (f/2.2)
- Front camera: 40MP (f/2.2)
- Max resolution: 8K at 24ps
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Weight: 228g
- Screen size: 6.8 inches
- Battery: 5000mAh
Samsung’s flagship devices have long been a go-to for content creators and the S22 Ultra is no exception. The impressive camera specs boast a mind-blowing maximum resolution of 8K at 24fps. Meanwhile, other features such as “Director’s View” allow you to record footage simultaneously on all of the phone’s cameras. When it comes to vlogging, it’s right up there along with the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive high-definition 8K video | No MicroSD slot |
| Large battery | Expensive |
| Fast processor | Less RAM than 21 Ultra |
5. Xiaomi 12 Pro
- Rear camera: 1/1.28” 50MP (f/1.9) + 1/2.76” 48mm telephoto 50MP (f/1.9) + 1/2.76” 15mm ultra-wide 50MP (f/2.2)
- Front camera: 32MP
- Max resolution: 8K at 24fps
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB
- Weight: 204g
- Screen size: 6.7 inches
- Battery: 4600mAh
More and more, 8K footage is becoming the norm in smartphones and the Xiaomi 12 Pro is another great example of this. With a beautiful, large 50MP main camera and great image stabilization, this is a fantastic phone to consider for any of your vlogging needs. The quality of its main camera is hard to beat as is its rather competitive price tag.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible charging speed | Telephoto and wide cameras only had mid-range sensors |
| Beautiful large sensor in the main camera | Battery life is not amazing |
| 8K at 24fps | Just 2x zoom on telephoto |
6. Oppo Find X5 Pro
- Rear camera: Main camera 50MP (f/1.7) + Telephoto 13MP (f/2.4) + Ultra-wide 50MP (f/2.2)
- Front camera: 32MP (f/2.4)
- Max resolution: 8K at 30fps
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB
- Weight: 195g
- Screen size: 6.7 inches
- Battery: 5000mAh
Having been on the market for around two years now, chances are you’ll be able to find an Oppo Find X5 Pro for a pretty competitive price now. It still does a fantastic job when it comes to vlogging, with a long battery life, impressive main camera, and recording capabilities of up to 8K at 30fps. so if you’re looking for something that can fulfill all the vlogging requirements that a flagship smartphone can but costs a little less, this is the phone for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive price | Limited zoom |
| 8K at 30fps | Max brightness on display is lower than others |
| Rugged and durable |
7. Realme GT 2 Pro
- Rear camera: 50 MP, 24mm (f/1.8) + 50 MP, 15mm (f/2.2) + 3 MP, 20mm (f/3.3)
- Front camera: 32MP
- Max resolution: 8K at 24fps
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Weight: 199g
- Screen size: 6.7 inches
- Battery: 5000mAh
With another highly competitive price tag, the Realme GT 2 Pro is an excellent option when it comes to looking for the best phones for vlogging on a budget. With a dedicated movie mode allowing you to take full control with manual settings and some impressive camera hardware and software, you can’t go far wrong with this challenger brand. Keep an eye out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive price | No zoom |
| Impressive camera hardware | Unstable autofocus |
| Great image stabilization |
8. Huawei P50 Pro
- Rear camera: 50MP 1/1.56” 24mm (f/1.8) + 50MP 15mm (f/2.2) + 13mm (f/2.2) + 40 MP, 23mm (f/1.6) + 40 MP, 23mm (f/1.6)
- Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.4
- Max resolution: 4K up to 60fps
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Weight: 195g
- Screen size: 6.6 inches
- Battery: 4360mAh
Despite the lack of access to Google service, Huawei continues to produce beautiful smartphones that really pack a punch. The P50 Pro has one of the best cameras on the market, producing an image that’s perfect for anyone looking to vlog with their phone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the best cameras on the market | No access to the Google services |
| Beautiful display | Battery life is average |
| Fast charging | Colors on ultrawide and telephoto aren’t amazing |
9. iPhone SE (2022 Version)
- Rear camera: 12MP (f/1.8)
- Front camera: 7MP (f/2.2)
- Max resolution: 4K up to 60fps
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Weight: 144g
- Screen size: 4.7 inches
- Battery: 2018mAh
Battery life, storage, and video specs aren’t as impressive but the iPhone SE (2022 version) 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Much more affordable option | Base storage is only 64GB |
| Great image quality up to 4K | Small screen |
| Lightweight | Old screen technology (LCD instead of AMOLED) |
10. 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
Despite being a couple of years old, this vlogging phone still holds its own. It has pretty much everything the P50 Pro has, along with full Google support and a much, much lower price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has Google support | Design offers little grip |
| Fantastic battery life | Front camera is fixed focus |
| Amazing camera quality | Speakers are poor |
How To Pick The Right Phone For Vlogging
There are a few factors you should consider when it comes to picking a phone for vlogging.
- Camera Quality – The most important factor for a vlogging smartphone is the quality of its camera. Look for a smartphone with multiple cameras that have high resolution (4K, ideally) with large sensors.
- Microphone – Make sure your phone has a high-quality microphone, as well as the option to use an external microphone. This will ensure you produce clear and crisp audio in your vlogs.
- Image Stabilization – You’ll want a phone with built-in optical image stabilization or electronic image stabilization to avoid shaky footage and make your vlogs look more professional.
- Recoding Features – Some camera phones have special video recording features like slow-motion, time-lapse, and hyper-lapse. Consider if these features are important for your vlogging needs.
- Storage – If you plan to record a lot of high-quality videos, you will need a smartphone with ample storage. Consider getting a smartphone with at least 64GB of internal storage, or one with the option to expand storage with a microSD card.
- Display – A high-quality display is important for reviewing your videos and checking for color accuracy, sharpness, and overall quality. Your smartphone should have a large, high-resolution display.
- Battery Life – Recording video (especially if shooting a whole vlog) can consume a lot of battery life, so look for a smartphone with a large battery capacity or one that supports fast charging.
- Budget – While high-end smartphones have better cameras and features, they can be expensive. You’ll want to consider your budget when choosing a smartphone for vlogging.
Best Phones For Vlogging – Wrapping Up
To sum up, it’s quite incredible what is out there on the camera 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!
