$300 or so, and refurbished is fine with me. At this price would it really matter which phone? I currently have a Samsung J7, at least 5 years old
This, like other questions asking for advice, belongs in IMHO. So i moved it for you. Good luck with the phone.
What are you looking for in a “good camera”? Different designs have different compromises. For example, a 40 or 50 or more MP camera gives you more detail, but a 12 MP camera (with the same picture size) gives you better low-light performance. Do you care about wide-angle shots? Macro shots? Etc.
Google Pixel phones have high ratings for their cameras, and there are some of those that can be bought refurbed for under $300. But if I was buying a phone on a $300 budget right now, I’d think about the Galaxy A32-5G. You have a little bit of future-proofing for when G5 becomes better established, it has a 48 MP main camera, 8 MP ultrawide, and 5 MP macro, and sells brand new for less than $300.
I just got a Moto G30. I know nothing about phones, but from what I can tell, it’s the budget phone of the line, but is as fully-featured as any of the good phones of five years ago, including a long-life battery.
I’m pretty sure the Pixel 4a will have the best camera in that price range.
You could consider the Galaxy Note 9. It’s on Amazon for $300. Here’s a review from PC Magazine.
I agree that the Pixel 4a has a really good camera. Among other virtues it takes fine photos in low light situations.