What is the Cheapest Phone with a Wide Angle Lens?
In today's tech landscape, the wide angle lens has become an essential feature for smartphones, providing users with versatile photography options. For budget-conscious consumers, several affordable phones offer excellent wide angle photography without breaking the bank. Here, we explore some of the cheapest smartphones that come equipped with a wide-angle lens, along with a few higher-tier options that still offer excellent value for money.
Top Budget-friendly Phones with Wide Angle Lenses
Samsung Galaxy A32The Samsung Galaxy A32 features an 8 MP ultra-wide camera, making it a great choice for those looking for quality without the premium price tag. Motorola Moto G Power 2023
This dual-camera setup includes a wide-angle lens, catering to budget-conscious consumers who prioritize practicality and value. Nokia G50
Competitively priced while offering a wide-angle lens, this device is a strong contender for budget-friendly photography enthusiasts. TCL 20 Pro 5G
Although slightly more expensive, this phone offers a versatile camera system with a decent wide-angle lens, expanding its appeal. Realme 8
known for its affordability, this smartphone includes a wide-angle lens, making it an excellent low-budget option.
Prices can fluctuate based on sales promotions and regional differences. Therefore, it's recommended to check the current listings and reviews to find the best deals.
Other Options for Budget-Friendly Photography
Samsung Galaxy S10 Series
For those with a bit more budget, the Samsung Galaxy S10 series offers a respectable set of features. The S10e, priced at under $600, brings top-tier photography to a more accessible price point. The Galaxy S10 Plus, priced around $900, provides the full range of functionalities, including an impressive wide-angle lens.
Umidigi A5 Pro
My current Umidigi A5 Pro, priced at $99 USD and $110 on Amazon, is a standout in the budget-friendly segment. It offers a 16 MP main camera and an 8 MP ultrawide camera, delivering about 130 degrees of field of view.
Understanding Wide Angle Lenses in Photography
A wide-angle lens is generally defined as a lens with a greater than 45-55mm focal length, but this description is a bit generic. The key is the field of view it provides. For instance, the wide-angle lens found in most smartphones typically ranges from 24-30mm, offering a wider view than a standard lens. However, when it comes to devices like the LG V10 and LG G5, they introduced ultrawide lenses with even broader fields of view.
Ultrawide Angle Lenses: The Bigger Picture
Ultrawide angle lenses, such as those found in the LG V10 and LG G5, offer a field of view much wider than the standard 24-30mm, reaching up to about 135 degrees. This makes them ideal for capturing expansive scenes, interiors, and wide scenic shots.
These lenses, however, can introduce fisheye distortion if not corrected in software. Most top-tier phones correct this distortion through sophisticated algorithms to ensure a natural and rectilinear image. Even entry-level devices, like the Umidigi A5 Pro, feature ultrawide lenses that maintain a relatively wide field of view, thanks to de-fisheying software.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to cost-effective options for wide-angle photography, several affordable smartphones stand out. Whether you're looking for a phone that's perfectly budget-friendly or one that offers a bit more for a slightly higher price, there's a wealth of options available.
For budget-conscious consumers, the Samsung Galaxy A32, Motorola Moto G Power 2023, Nokia G50, and others offer a perfect blend of affordability and wide-angle capabilities. The Umidigi A5 Pro also provides a fantastic option for those looking for an affordable, yet feature-rich device, with its impressive 130-degree ultrawide lens.
For those willing to spend a bit more, the Samsung Galaxy S10 series and other top-tier options offer a premium wide-angle experience without the premium price tag.