The Indian smartphone market is booming, and 2025 has brought some fantastic options in the under-₹15,000 category. Whether you’re a student, a first-time buyer, or someone who wants a pocket-friendly daily driver, there’s something here for everyone. In this roundup, we dive into the 10 best budget smartphones of 2025—evaluating performance, cameras, battery life, display quality, and overall value. Let’s find your perfect match!
Table of Contents
1. iQOO Z10x
- Price: ₹13,499
- Display: 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- RAM/Storage: 6 GB/128 GB (expandable)
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) | 8 MP front
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 33 W fast charging
Why we love it: The iQOO Z10x packs a punch with its AMOLED display and 120 Hz smoothness—rare at this price. Daily apps, light gaming, and media consumption feel premium. Battery life easily lasts a full day, and 33 W charging gets you from 0–50% in under 30 minutes.
2. vivo T4X
- Price: ₹14,418
- Display: 6.72″ LCD, 90 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- RAM/Storage: 6 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (macro) | 8 MP front
- Battery: 6,500 mAh, 44 W fast charging
Why we love it: Stupendous battery endurance courtesy of its 6,500 mAh cell—often stretches to two days on moderate use. The 44 W FlashCharge tops the phone to 60% in just 25 minutes. A reliable all-rounder with clean Funtouch UI.
3. POCO M7 Pro
- Price: ₹13,690
- Display: 6.67″ AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra
- RAM/Storage: 4 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) | 20 MP front
- Battery: 5,110 mAh, 45 W charging
Why we love it: One of the first sub-₹15K phones to offer AMOLED + 120 Hz. The dual-camera setup is sharp in daylight, and the selfie camera shines in video calls. MIUI for POCO has matured—lightweight, minimal bloat.
4. CMF Phone 1
- Price: ₹13,980
- Display: 6.67″ FHD+ LCD, 90 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6020
- RAM/Storage: 6 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) | 8 MP front
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 18 W charging
Why we love it: Unique modular colored back-plates let you swap styles in seconds. Solid everyday performance, clean Android 14 with minimal custom skin, and a good camera experience.
5. Xiaomi Redmi 13 5G
- Price: ₹12,398
- Display: 6.79″ LCD, 90 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- RAM/Storage: 4 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (macro) | 8 MP front
- Battery: 5,010 mAh, 18 W charging
Why we love it: A balance of performance and price. The large 6.79″ screen is great for reading and video streaming. MIUI 14 on Android 13 runs smoothly. Great value for everyday users.
6. iQOO Z9x
- Price: ₹10,499
- Display: 6.56″ LCD, 90 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 630
- RAM/Storage: 4 GB/64 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) | 8 MP front
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 18 W charging
Why we love it: The cheapest entry on our list yet doesn’t skimp on essentials. Compact design, reliable daily performance, and a clean FunTouch-lite skin make it a solid pick for first-time buyers.
7. Infinix Note 50X
- Price: ₹11,499
- Display: 6.78″ LCD, 120 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99
- RAM/Storage: 6 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 108 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) | 16 MP front
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 33 W charging
Why we love it: A mighty 108 MP sensor for stunning daylight shots, paired with a smooth 120 Hz display. Helio G99 handles everyday tasks with ease, and the charging speeds are respectable.
8. Moto G45 5G
- Price: ₹10,990
- Display: 6.5″ LCD, 90 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- RAM/Storage: 4 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (macro) | 16 MP front
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 15 W charging
Why we love it: Pure Android experience with near-stock UI and guaranteed two years of OS updates. Reliable performance, minimal bloat, and a balanced camera setup.
9. realme Narzo N65 5G
- Price: ₹11,220
- Display: 6.72″ LCD, 90 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- RAM/Storage: 4 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) | 8 MP front
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 18 W charging
Why we love it: narzo’s trendy design, smooth 90 Hz display, and realme UI 5.0 give an experience closer to higher-end models. Good day-to-day performance and dependable battery life.
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10. Motorola G35 5G
- Price: ₹12,499
- Display: 6.72″ LCD, 90 Hz
- Processor: UNISOC T760 5G
- RAM/Storage: 4 GB/128 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) | 8 MP front
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 18 W charging
Why we love it: Pure Android experience with near-stock UI and guaranteed two years of OS updates. Reliable performance, minimal bloat, and a balanced camera setup.
How to Choose the Right Budget Smartphone
With so many capable options under ₹15,000, here’s how to zero-in on the best fit:
- Performance: For basic tasks, any Dimensity 6100+ or G99 will do. If you multitask heavily, look for 6 GB+ RAM.
- Display: AMOLED panels are nicer but cost more. A 90–120 Hz LCD offers smooth scrolling on a budget.
- Battery: Aim for 5,000 mAh or more. Fast charging (33 W+) is a bonus.
- Camera: A 50 MP main sensor is common; look at aperture (f/1.8 or lower is better) and OIS if you shoot low-light videos.
- Software: Near-stock Android (Moto) vs. heavy skins (realme, XOS). Decide if you prefer bloat-light or feature-packed UI.
Conclusion
2025’s budget segment in India is stronger than ever. From the AMOLED elegance of the POCO M7 Pro to the battery beast that is the vivo T4X, you don’t have to break the bank for a premium feel. Use our guide to weigh the pros and cons, check detailed specs, and pick a phone that aligns with your daily needs. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: Are 5G phones worth it under ₹15,000?
- A: Yes. Many mid-range chipsets (Dimensity 6100+, 7025 Ultra) now offer 5G, future-proofing your purchase without a huge price hike.
- Q2: Which phone has the best battery life?
- A: The vivo T4X (6,500 mAh) and Infinix Note 50s 5G+ (5,000 mAh + 45 W) last the longest on mixed usage, easily stretching beyond a day and a half.
- Q3: Is AMOLED really better?
- A: AMOLED panels (iQOO Z10x, POCO M7 Pro) deliver deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, though high-refresh LCDs (Infinix Note 50X) can come close at a lower price.
- Q4: What’s the best camera under ₹15K?
- A: The Infinix Note 50X with its 108 MP sensor wins for daylight detail, while the POCO M7 Pro offers OIS for steadier shots in varied conditions.
- Q5: How many years of software updates can I expect?
- A: Budget phones typically get 1–2 major Android upgrades. Motorola (Moto G45) promises two, while brands like realme and Xiaomi offer one guaranteed upgrade.