I’ve made a spreadsheet with a bunch of phone options. Mostly Samsung, Pixel, but there’s a couple Motorola and One Plus. I’m most comfortable with Samsung Galaxy but I’m open to changing. I looked up the main considerations and it seems like Megapixels is pretty much the biggest factor but I want something that can zoom in and still get a decent focus.

I can’t bring myself to spend $800 on a phone, I think the most I’ve ever spent is $350 and it felt painful but I’m also tired of being disappointed in my camera quality so I’m willing to go a little higher. My point being that I’m not asking for the best camera on the market because I’m sure I can’t afford it. Even used S53s are being sold for like $700 lol. So I’m guessing something a couple years older. Please advise 🙏

  • PlutoniumAcid@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    1 year ago

    I have fared well by buying 1-year old used flagship phones in good condition.

    Cost is a fragment of original price, battery is still fresh, and specs are great, being last year’s flagship.

    Also, I tend to buy large-brand models, like Samsung. Not because I have a particular affinity but because it’s stupidly easy to get accessories for, say a Samsung Galaxy S10, as compared to a cheap Xihuawii Z2H or whatnot.

    • Mark@discuss.tchncs.de
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Yeah and to add to this, buy the pixel 7a to save some money or a discounted 7 pro if you really want some good pictures

  • KilgoreTheTrout@lemmygrad.ml
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    The best value proposition a used Pixel. Get 5 years of security patches, much better point and shoot camera for basic everyday stuff.

    And 40% cheaper at MSRP compared to Samsung and they don’t have mid-range phones with bad chips like a54.

    Pixel 6 Pro can be found on the resale market for like $275 bucks. It’ll still get three more years of software support. r a Pixel 6a for 200 on Amazon renewed will get four more years.

    You just can’t get the same kind of value with Samsung because once you’re down to 300 400 bucks you’re stuck with the a series. The a series just doesn’t retain the stuff that makes Samsung worth it like dex.

  • BackStabbath@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    1 year ago

    I would definitely suggest either something like a Pixel 7a or an older flagship. I bought a galaxy S20 FE when it was about 1.5 years old and I haven’t regretted it one bit. It doesn’t have the best camera though, which is why I suggested a “Pixel a” series phone. I would still buy a Samsung phone because I love OneUI, but that’s something for you to decide.

    • DangleBerry@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      I have had an s20 FE for about 3 years no with no issues. The non-beveled screen is a must imo. I had the s-series phones with beveled edges and cracked every screen. The s20 fe is still as fast as day one and I love it. I will probably get another when this one takes a shit. The camera is good enough for me. I’m no photographer, but the images look great.

      Edit**- just looked it up. 3 cameras at 12mp, 12mp, and 8mp… honestly don’t know what that means but I hope someone will.

      Here is a photo I took a couple days ago as reference. (I hope it hasn’t been compressed at all)