Best Camera Phone Under 2 Million? Nubia Focus Pro 5G Review
content: The Budget Photography Game-Changer
Finding a smartphone under Rp2 million with a truly capable camera feels impossible. Most compromise heavily on imaging capabilities. After extensive testing of the Nubia Focus Pro 5G, I believe it shatters expectations. This device prioritizes photography with hardware and features unseen in its price bracket, backed by tangible results from my real-world shooting. If camera quality is your top priority under Rp2.9 million, this demands your attention.
Why the Camera Stands Out
The centerpiece is a 108MP main sensor (f/1.7, 1/1.67") with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This large sensor size captures significantly more light and detail than typical budget phone cameras. Nubia includes a dedicated physical Capture Button on the frame. In practice, this transforms handling: it feels like using a dedicated camera, providing a stable grip and instant shutter access. A unique sliding shortcut activates the camera instantly, even from sleep mode. The system offers five focal lengths (18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 72mm), providing creative flexibility rare under Rp3 million.
My video tests confirmed strong stabilization. Full HD footage at 30fps with Ultra Steady mode remained smooth during walking shots, effectively handling motion. Skin tones appeared natural in front camera (32MP) tests, avoiding the artificial oversaturation common in budget devices. Detail retention in challenging lighting (like pre-storm skies) was impressive for the class.
content: Design & Included Photography Kit
The Nubia Focus Pro 5G makes a statement. Its DSLR-inspired camera module is prominent, housing the large 108MP sensor. The back features a premium leatherette finish with an elegant gold accent strip. While substantial (210g), the weight feels justified by the camera hardware. The right side houses the essential Capture Button, a red power/fingerprint button, and the sliding camera shortcut. The left has volume keys and a dedicated dual nano-SIM tray (no microSD).
The Professional Photography Kit (limited availability) is a major value add. It includes:
- A protective case
- A Starry Sky lens for astrophotography
- A Macro lens for extreme close-ups
This kit directly addresses enthusiast needs, offering creative tools usually requiring separate purchases.
content: Performance & Daily Use
Powered by the Unisoc T760 6nm chipset and 12GB RAM (8GB physical + 4GB virtual), performance is robust for the price. Benchmark scores are impressive: Antutu hovers around 400,000, while GPU tests hit ~1.1 million. In CPU Throttling Test, it maintained 90% performance stability under sustained 30-minute load, crucial for photo editing apps.
Gaming performance is respectable:
- Genshin Impact (Low/60fps): ~38fps average (peaks at 41°C)
- PUBG Mobile (Smooth/Ultra): ~40fps average (peaks at 39°C)
- Mobile Legends (Ultra/Ultra): ~70fps average (minor drops, stable at 38-39°C)
The 6.72" 120Hz IPS LCD offers smooth scrolling. While not OLED, its 400-500 nits brightness is usable outdoors, covering 104% sRGB. The 5000mAh battery delivered strong endurance in my tests:
- 30 mins 1080p video: -4%
- 30 mins social media: -5%
- 30 mins gaming: -10%
The 33W charger provides reasonably quick top-ups. NFC support is a welcome inclusion for payments.
content: Key Considerations
The Focus Pro 5G excels in photography but has trade-offs. The single bottom-firing speaker lacks richness. The IPS LCD, while decent, can't match OLED contrast. Its size and weight (210g) may feel bulky for some. However, these are conscious choices prioritizing the camera system.
content: Final Verdict & Action Plan
The Nubia Focus Pro 5G (Rp2,899,000) redefines budget photography. Its 108MP OIS main sensor, physical shutter button, and included lenses offer unparalleled creative potential under Rp3 million. Performance and battery life are strong, and the design feels premium.
Your Next Steps:
- Prioritize Needs: If camera quality is paramount over speaker quality or OLED visuals, this excels.
- Check Availability: Verify Photography Kit inclusion with your retailer.
- Test Handling: If possible, assess the weight and shutter button feel in-store.
- Explore Alternatives: Compare camera samples from devices like the POCO X6 Pro if pure performance is a higher priority.
- Join Communities: Engage with photography forums like "Mobile Photography Indonesia" for real user samples and tips.
Is this the best camera phone under Rp2.9 million? Based on its unique hardware and results, I believe it's the strongest contender for photography enthusiasts on this budget. The physical tools and sensor quality create a tangible difference. What feature matters most to you in a budget camera phone? Share your priority below!