Phones under Rs. 15,000 now offer 50MP sensors, 5G chips, and 90-120Hz screens.
Front camera and video features matter, not just megapixels.
Battery and display quality are important alongside camera specs for rounded performance.
The idea of buying a smartphone under Rs. 15,000 a decade ago was typically shunned, mainly due to the low quality of their build and poor cameras. However, at present, budget smartphones are expected to have made significant strides in reliability within this price segment.
They deliver excellent image quality, thanks to large sensors and improved optics. Phones with a good camera under Rs. 15,000 can even compete with flagship phones in certain aspects.
Here are the best camera smartphones under Rs. 15,000 of 2025:
Realme’s Narzo 80 Lite offers a 50MP OIS primary lens camera, 5G connectivity, and a slim build at this budget. Narzo 80 Lite is one of the best budget camera phones in 2025.
Specifications:
Rear Cameras: 50 MP main, + 2 MP support lens (depth/macro)
Front Camera: 8 MP
Display: ~6.5-6.7″ FHD+, 90Hz refresh
Performance: Dimensity 6100+ / 5G support
Battery & Charging: 5000mAh with ~33W fast charge
Vivo’s T4 Lite 5G has a reliable 50MP rear camera, an intuitive UI, and stable 5G connectivity at this price segment．
Specifications:
Rear: 50MP main sensor + auxiliary lens(es) (depth/macro)
Front: ~8-13MP selfie shooter, budget selfie phone under 15000.
Display: FHD+ screen, 90Hz or similar smooth refresh
Processor: Mid-tier 5G chipset capable of handling everyday tasks.
Battery: Around 5000mAh with moderate fast charging
Also read: Vivo T4 Pro 5G: Triple Camera Setup & 120Hz AMOLED Display Confirmed
Motorola’s G45 5G features a 48-50MP Camera, a streamlined UI, and reliable performance for budget-conscious users.
Specifications:
Rear: ~50MP main camera often with auxiliary lens options
Front Camera: ~8MP
Display: FHD+ with decent refresh rate, clear viewing experience
Network: 5G support
Battery: ~5000mAh, reasonable charging speed
Poco’s M7 5G features a 50MP rear shooter camera, 5G connectivity, and a large battery life, making this Poco smartphone one of the best under Rs. 15,000.
Specifications:
Rear: 50MP main camera + supplementary lenses
Front: ~8MP selfie camera
Display: FHD+ screen
Chipset: 5G-capable affordable chipset
Battery: Big capacity (≈5000mAh)
Poco finishes off this list with their C75 5G. C75 integrates a decent 50MP primary camera, 5G connectivity, and a well-balanced set of specs at this price point, becoming the best phone for photography under Rs. 15,000.
Specifications:
Rear: 50MP primary sensor, other supporting lens(es)
Front: Selfie camera around 8MP
Display: FHD+
Connectivity: 5G capable
Battery: ~5000mAh
Also read: Best 5G Smartphones Under Rs 15,000 in India With Top Performance, Camera & Battery
Buying a budget smartphone can be challenging, as numerous options are floating around the market. These smartphones strike a balance between sensor quality, lens support, and features like Night Mode and AI processing, rather than just focusing on megapixels.
Realme Narzo 80 Lite 5G is the best option on this list, as it strikes a balance between overall camera performance and long battery life. For those seeking an intuitive UI, Vivo and Motorola’s offerings serve this purpose decently. For those on an ultra-tight budget, Poco’s smartphones are the best.
1. Does 50MP always mean better photos?
Not always. Better image quality also depends on lens quality and aperture.
2. Is 5G important for camera phones?
5G is needed to upload photos and for future-proofing purposes.
3. What features matter most besides camera specs?
Besides camera specs, Night Mode, Portrait Mode, video stabilization, and processing speed are factors that matter.
4. What is the selfie/portrait camera quality like in this budget?
While not at the level of flagship phones, these budget phones offer decent lenses, but it might be a problem in low-light areas.
5. Do I lose durability by opting for a budget option?
Phones in this price segment don’t prioritise durability features like OIS, IP rating, and Gorilla Glass.