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 🙏
Pixel 7a ?
A slightly older flagship will probably be your best bet, look for pixels since they get long update support. My partner even has a pixel 3a that still runs great and takes great pictures (though no security updates)
Swappa
If Camera is your big thing, get a Pixel. It destroys quality of the Galaxy cameras. You can get a used P6P for very cheap on eBay. P7P also is down in price and P8 is on the way
The Pixel ‘a’ line of phones has always been my go to - able to be unlocked/rooted easily, decent cameras, reasonably priced (7a starts $500 at the moment, and 6a is $350 new), although I have heard that the 6a and 7a using Google’s processors can really kill your battery life.
I’m writing this from a 5a that I have been quite happy with myself, but it’s getting a bit older now, so you might now want to go that many generations back.
I’m looking out for the new 8a, might be my next phone, not sure yet.