In the realm of smartphones, we often find ourselves paying exorbitant prices for features that we rarely use. However, with a bit of research and knowing our requirements, it’s possible to discover budget-friendly phones that offer excellent features.
Even with a budget of around Rs. 20,000, there is a wide range of high-quality smartphones available, each boasting distinct features. For instance, the once exclusive in-display fingerprint sensor, found only in top-tier phones, is now accessible in many devices within this price range. Moreover, new and exciting features continue to emerge in smartphones within this segment, providing users with a diverse array of options to choose from.
1. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
The Redmi Note series has earned a reputation for delivering impressive features and specifications within a budget of Rs. 20,000. However, the latest Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G starts at a slightly higher price point. Nevertheless, during offer periods, it can be acquired for Rs. 20,000. In Diwali sales on both Flipkart and Amazon platforms, the smartphone’s price drops to nearly Rs. 19,000.
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G boasts a 120Hz Super AMOLED panel, powered by a Snapdragon 695 SoC, and supports 67W rapid charging. It comes equipped with a high-resolution 108-megapixel primary rear camera and features 5G capability. Available in two striking colors, mirage blue and stealth black, the stealth black variant exhibits a simple yet elegant design, while the mirage blue variant sports a unique rear pattern resembling water waves.
2. Motorola Moto G-72
Motorola’s latest offering, the Moto G72, has recently hit the Indian market with a price tag of approximately Rs. 20,000. Designed to deliver an uncompromising user experience, it comes with a range of attractive features. However, it’s worth noting that this smartphone does not support India’s 5G networks.
The Moto G72 has garnered considerable attention, thanks to its appealing aesthetics and functional design. While the back and frame of the phone are constructed from polycarbonate, the Polar Blue color PMMA-acrylic coating lends it a premium and sophisticated look. With a weight of approximately 166g and a slim profile measuring 7.9mm in thickness, the device feels sleek and comfortable in hand. Motorola aims to strike the right balance between style, performance, and affordability, making the Moto G72 an enticing choice for consumers in the mid-range smartphone market.
3. Motorola Moto G-71
Featuring a 6.4-inch hole-punched AMOLED display, the Moto G71 5G offers bright visuals and excellent viewing angles, making it convenient for outdoor use. Unlike many competitors with side-mounted fingerprint scanners, this device houses its fingerprint scanner on the back. Powering the Moto G71 5G is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, accompanied by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Furthermore, it allows users to utilize around 1.5GB of storage as RAM, enhancing its performance for both light and heavy usage.
The phone’s performance is commendable, catering to the needs of both occasional and frequent users. Its robust 5,000mAh battery easily lasts over a day of use, delivering outstanding battery life. Motorola has crafted a balanced and versatile smartphone in the Moto G71 5G, catering to users who seek reliable performance and long-lasting battery power without breaking the bank.
4. IQOO Z6 Lite 5G
IMAGE SOURCE – SMARTPRIX
IQOO is a relatively new brand that quickly gained popularity in the market. Among their offerings, the budget-friendly IQOO Z6 Lite 5G stands out as an excellent choice in the Rs. 20,000 price segment, boasting impressive features. Positioned as one of the most affordable 5G smartphones, the IQOO Z6 Lite 5G has made its entry into the Indian market, promising reliable performance and 5G network support, starting at just Rs. 13,999.
In the Stellar Green color variant, the Z6 Lite 5G exudes an expensive look, despite having a plastic body and a flat frame. With a weight of 194g and a thickness of 8.3mm, it feels comfortable and sturdy in hand. The phone’s LCD panel impresses with a refresh rate of 120Hz, setting a new benchmark in its price range.
5. Realme 9 5G
The Realme 9 5G boasts a 6.5-inch display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and full-HD+ resolution. Positioned in the top-left corner, a 16-megapixel selfie camera adds to its modern aesthetics. Powered by the MediaTek 810 SoC processor, the Realme 9 5G delivers reliable performance, easily handling light to medium usage without any hiccups.
To keep you going throughout the day, the phone houses a robust 5,000mAh battery, providing a day and a half of usage on a single charge. Moreover, the Realme 9 5G supports 18W rapid charging, ensuring quick top-ups when needed. However, it’s worth noting that the device comes with a fair amount of pre-installed bloatware. Operating on Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11, the Realme 9 5G offers a seamless and user-friendly interface, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users looking for a feature-packed 5G smartphone.
6. Realme 8 Pro
The Realme 8 Pro, a welcome addition to the Realme family, is now available for purchase at a starting price of Rs. 17,999. This smartphone comes in three captivating color options: Infinite Blue, Infinite Black, and Illuminating Yellow, offering users a wide range of choices to suit their preferences.
Designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, the Realme 8 Pro ensures a slip-free grip, making it comfortable to hold despite its weight of approximately 176g and dimensions measuring 160.6 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (height, breadth, thickness). When it comes to photography, this smartphone does not disappoint. Equipped with a quad-camera setup at the back, it allows you to capture stunning photos and record high-definition videos effortlessly. The highlight is its brilliant 108-megapixel camera, producing clear and beautiful images even in broad daylight. Additionally, the Realme 8 Pro enables you to create stable slow-motion videos, adding further versatility to your content creation. With its attractive features and style, the Realme 8 Pro elevates your overall smartphone experience, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a reliable and feature-packed device in this price range.
7. Redmi Note 9 Pro-Max
Xiaomi’s well-known smartphone, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, has earned a reputation for its exceptional performance and cutting-edge features. Available in a variety of colors such as Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, and Champagne Gold, the phone’s price starts at Rs. 14,999, varying depending on the chosen color and memory variant.
With dimensions of 165.50 x 76.68 x 8.80 mm (height x width x thickness) and a weight of approximately 209g, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max feels sturdy and comfortable to hold. The smartphone boasts a versatile quad-camera setup that allows users to capture stunning photographs. Its primary camera boasts an impressive 64-megapixel capability, ensuring excellent image quality. Additionally, the 32-megapixel front-facing camera enhances your photography experience, producing brilliant photos even in low-light conditions. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max remains a popular choice for users seeking a feature-rich and reliable smartphone that delivers on both performance and photography capabilities.
8. Vivo Y16
Vivo has established itself as an outstanding brand in the electronics market, renowned for delivering phones with exceptional camera and sound performance. Among its offerings under Rs. 20,000, the Vivo Y16 stands out as a popular choice. Available in two variants, 4/6 GB and 6/128 GB, users can select the one that best suits their needs and budget.
Featuring a 16.55cm (6.51″) HD+ display, the Vivo Y16 ensures an immersive visual experience. Its camera setup includes a 13MP+2MP back camera and a 5MP selfie camera, enabling users to capture memorable moments with clarity. Equipped with an MTK P35 processor, 4/6 GB RAM, and 64/128 GB ROM, the smartphone delivers smooth performance and ample storage capacity.
Other noteworthy features of the Vivo Y16 include 10W fast charging and a powerful 5000mAh (C-Type) battery, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. With prices ranging from 13k to 17k, the Vivo Y16 offers an attractive blend of performance and affordability, making it a popular choice in its price range.
9. Oppo K10
Oppo has earned a prominent position in the mobile market, renowned for its exceptional camera quality and stylish designs. Among its offerings, the Oppo K10 shares similarities in style and specifications with the recently released Oppo A96. However, the K10 stands out by offering added value with dual speakers, a macro camera, and an IP54 rating.
The Oppo K10 impresses with its decent battery life, fast charging support, excellent display, and rapid performance. The only drawback is its lack of 5G support. Nevertheless, considering the competitive pricing, it remains a compelling option. For those seeking 5G capabilities, alternatives like the Poco M4 Pro 5 with an IP53 rating or the slightly older but still reliable Redmi Note 10S offer worthy substitutes at similar price points. However, if you desire a 5G experience, the Oppo K10 5G is an attractive choice, especially considering its availability within the Rs. 20,000 price segment.
10. Lava Blaze 5G
Lava, a well-established brand in the mobile market, has been known for offering highly affordable phones with commendable features. The latest addition to their lineup, the Lava Blaze 5G, stands out as the most budget-friendly 5G smartphone in India, priced at just around Rs. 10,999. Despite its low cost, this smartphone supports eight 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with emerging networks.
Sporting a plastic frame and an attractive back design, the Lava Blaze 5G features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with HD+ quality and a resolution of 720×1600 pixels. To enhance the visual experience, the display also supports a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the Lava Blaze 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC, a cost-effective 5G CPU that ensures reliable performance.
