Content creation in 2025 doesn’t demand a premium price tag. Smartphones now boast impressive cameras, vibrant displays, and reliable performance, empowering creators to produce stunning photos, videos, and social media content without draining their wallets.
For those working with a budget of $200 or less, we’ve curated a list of the top phones that meet the needs of creators, prioritising camera quality, battery life, and processing power. Whether you’re vlogging, snapping photos, or crafting TikTok videos, these devices deliver the tools to bring your creative vision to life.
What creators need in a budget phone
Before exploring our top picks, it’s worth considering what makes a phone ideal for creators. A strong camera system is essential, with high-resolution sensors, solid low-light performance, and versatile lenses like ultra-wide or macro to spark creativity.
A vibrant, high-resolution display ensures accurate editing and content review, while sufficient performance power keeps editing apps like CapCut or Adobe Premiere Rush running smoothly. Battery life must support long shooting and editing sessions, and storage should start at 64GB, ideally expandable, to handle high-res media files. With these priorities in mind, here are the best budget phones for creators in 2025, all priced under $200.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Priced at around $180, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G stands out for its stellar display and respectable camera performance, making it a top choice for budget-conscious creators. Its camera system includes a 50MP main sensor that captures sharp, colorful photos in good lighting, complemented by a 5MP ultra-wide lens for dynamic group shots or landscapes.
A 2MP macro lens offers close-up detail, though it’s less practical, and the 13MP front camera performs well for selfies and vlogs. The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, perfect for editing on the go.
Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip with 4GB of RAM, it handles basic editing apps and multitasking decently, though heavy workloads may cause minor slowdowns. A 5,000mAh battery ensures a full day of shooting and editing, supported by 25W fast charging for quick top-ups. With 128GB of storage, expandable via microSD, there’s ample space for 4K videos and high-res photos.
For creators, the AMOLED display is a highlight for previewing content, and the ultra-wide lens adds creative versatility. Samsung’s commitment to four years of security updates and three OS upgrades ensures longevity, though low-light photography is average, and performance may falter with intensive apps.
Motorola Moto G 5G
At roughly $190, the Motorola Moto G 5G combines a stylish design with reliable battery life, which is ideal for creators who need a phone that endures long shooting sessions. Its 50MP main camera captures usable footage for social media with decent color accuracy, though the 2MP macro lens is limited, and the 8MP front camera handles vlogs and selfies adequately.
The 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, is smooth and bright enough for outdoor editing, though it lacks the deep contrast of AMOLED. A Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip with 4GB of RAM powers the phone, running editing apps like Canva and InShot smoothly for casual creators, with NFC support for quick file transfers adding convenience.
The 5,000mAh battery delivers up to 14.5 hours of mixed-use, outlasting many rivals, and 18W charging offers decent recharges. Storage comes in at 128GB, expandable with a microSD card, accommodating large video files.
Creators will appreciate the vegan leather design for a premium feel and Moto Actions, like gesture controls, for efficiency on the go. However, cameras struggle in low light, and Motorola’s update policy—one OS upgrade and three years of security patches—is less robust than Samsung’s.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro
For around $175, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro punches above its price with a bright AMOLED display and strong multimedia features, catering to creators focused on visuals. Its 64MP main camera produces detailed photos in daylight, though low-light shots can be grainy, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens excels for wide-angle vlogs or scenic shots. The 16MP front camera shines for video calls and selfies. A 6.67-inch AMOLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and over 1,000 nits of brightness, is ideal for editing in bright conditions or reviewing vibrant content.
The MediaTek Helio G99 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM, handles editing apps and light gaming effortlessly, making it one of the snappiest options under $200. A 5,000mAh battery lasts up to 14 hours, and 67W fast charging—a rarity at this price—ensures quick recharges during busy shoots. With 256GB of storage and microSD support, creators have plenty of room for large files.
The AMOLED screen and fast charging are standout features for editing-heavy workflows, and the ultra-wide lens boosts creative flexibility. However, the lack of 5G support, weaker low-light camera performance, and Xiaomi’s occasionally cluttered software with pre-installed apps are notable drawbacks.
Nokia G100
Priced at approximately $160, the Nokia G100 offers reliability and simplicity for creators seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly option. Its camera setup features a 13MP main sensor with two 2MP lenses for depth and macro, producing passable photos for social media in good lighting, while the 8MP front camera is adequate for casual vlogs. The 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution (720×1600) is less sharp but functional for basic editing and content review.
A Snapdragon 662 chip with 4GB of RAM powers the device, handling lightweight apps like Snapseed or basic video editors without major issues. The 5,000mAh battery provides all-day endurance, though 15W charging is slower than competitors. Storage is 128GB, expandable via microSD, meeting moderate media storage needs.
For creators starting out, Nokia’s clean software and durable build make it a fuss-free choice, prioritizing battery life and ease of use. However, the low-resolution display and underwhelming camera performance limit its appeal for more advanced creative work.
Tecno Pova 6 Neo
At around $160, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo brings bold design and exceptional battery life, appealing to creators who want flair and endurance on a budget. Its 50MP main camera captures decent daylight shots, though it lacks an ultra-wide lens, and the 8MP front camera is serviceable for selfies and short videos. The 6.78-inch IPS LCD display, with a 120 Hz refresh rate, is large and smooth for previewing content, though its brightness is average.
A MediaTek G99 chip with 8GB of RAM delivers strong performance, handling editing apps and multitasking better than most in this price range. The massive 7,000mAh battery lasts up to two days, ideal for marathon shooting sessions, and 33W fast charging keeps downtime minimal. With 256GB of storage and microSD support, there’s plenty of space for videos and photos.
Creators will love the huge battery and generous storage, while the semi-transparent design adds a trendy aesthetic for social media. Drawbacks include the absence of an ultra-wide camera, uncertain software updates, and limited availability in some regions.
Choosing the right phone for you
Each phone caters to different creative needs. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G excels with its AMOLED display and long-term software support, making it ideal for creators who value vibrant visuals and durability. The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) offers excellent battery life and a stylish design, perfect for those prioritizing endurance and aesthetics.
For performance-driven creators, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro delivers snappy multitasking and fast charging. The Nokia G100 suits beginners seeking simplicity and reliability, while the Tecno Pova 6 Neo is unmatched for battery life, catering to creators who shoot for hours.
Tips for creators on a budget
To maximize these budget phones, creators can take a few simple steps. Experimenting with manual camera settings or third-party apps like GCam can elevate photo and video quality. Affordable accessories, like a $10 tripod or clip-on lens, can significantly enhance content without requiring a new device.
Free editing apps such as CapCut, Snapseed, or VN Video Editor can transform raw footage into professional-grade creations. Investing in a microSD card ensures ample storage for large files, and keeping an eye on sales from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or carriers can help snag these phones at even lower prices.
In 2025, budget phones under $200 will provide creators with remarkable value, blending capable cameras, vivid displays, and dependable performance. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G leads with its AMOLED display and robust software support, while the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro impresses with speed and charging capabilities. For unmatched endurance, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo stands out with its massive battery. Whichever phone you choose, these devices prove that creativity knows no price limit; just pick up your phone and start bringing your ideas to life.
