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Budget smartphones now offer premium features, such as 5G, AMOLED displays, and AI cameras, for under Rs. 10,000.
Samsung and Google stand out with unmatched long-term software support, ensuring durability and consistent performance.
Amazon deals drastically reduce prices, making mid-range and budget smartphones more accessible.
Purchasing a budget smartphone in 2025 is no longer a compromise on quality or performance. These days, inexpensive devices offer flagship-level features, including 120Hz AMOLED displays, 50MP cameras, 5G connectivity, and even years of software support.
Some Amazon deals cut prices by almost half, making gadgets much more affordable. Smartphones under Rs. 10,000 now deliver strong performance and useful features. In fact, many of them can rival the mid-range smartphones that were popular just a few years ago.
Whether you are looking for all-day battery life, premium design, or robust ruggedness, the budget segment has it all. Here are 7 of the best value-for-money smartphones available in India.
Nothing Phone 3a boasts a transparent design and sound features. It is priced between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 26,000. It has a 120 Hz AMOLED display, three cameras, and AI features running on Nothing OS.
Nothing Phone aims to provide those who want a unique build with the everyday usability of a smartphone. With decent software support and smooth performance, this smartphone can compete with mid-tier flagships while remaining in the affordable premium category.
For buyers seeking a budget alternative, Vivo T4x is priced between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000, depending on the variant. T4x 5G contains a 6.72-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,050 nits.
You'll be getting a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC chipset on the T4x, which should perform well for day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming. T4x 5G has a 50MP AI rear camera and an 8MP front camera.
This Vivo model has a 6500 mAh battery, making it a real battery-focused device that will last for a long time. It features 44W fast charging capabilities, is IP64-rated, and has MIL-STD-810H military-rated durability, providing solid value in the budget space.
Also Read: Moto G45 to Redmi Note 14 Pro: Find the Best Mid-Range Smartphones of 2025
If you’re looking for reliable performance at an affordable price, a Samsung budget smartphone is a solid choice. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is one of the top mid-range smartphones. It has a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It even has Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
With its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, you can expect stable performance. Samsung has committed to offering six years of software updates, so it is a solid long-term investment. At Rs. 25,000–30,000, the A36 5G is a flagship durable phone at a mid-range price.
For those seeking a value alternative to A36, Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is available for around Rs. 27,000–29,000. It shares many similarities with A36, such as a 120 Hz AMOLED screen and Corning Gorilla Glass protection, but features Samsung's Exynos 1380 chipset.
With water resistance, long battery life, and Samsung's six-year software guarantee, it offers excellent value for money in the upper mid-range category.
A Redmi Smartphone offers excellent features and battery life, making it popular among value-seeking buyers. Redmi 12C is one of Amazon's top budget deals, now available for Rs. 12,999, down from its original price of Rs. 13,999.
12C features a 6.71-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz touch sampling rate, a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and a massive 5,000mAh battery.
The dual-camera system features a 50MP AI primary shooter and a 5MP front camera, making this an exceptional camera. You cannot beat the Redmi 12C in daily use performance as it's a steal for under Rs. 12,000.
Realme Narzo 80 Lite 5G was seen being sold on Amazon for Rs. 10,498. The Dimensity 6300 processor powers it, featuring a massive 6,000 mAh battery, a 120 Hz display, and an IP64 water/dust resistance rating.
Built to last, this military-grade product offers a long lifespan and a reliable user experience. At just over Rs. 10,000, it is an excellent option for someone seeking a rugged and future-proof 5G phone at the price point it offers.
Poco M6 Pro 5G is a legitimate budget option for 5G connectivity. It was priced at Rs. 8,999 during the Amazon Great Summer Sale and includes the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, a 50MP AI dual camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.
Performance is good for the price, and the contemporary design also helps. If you want to spend less than Rs. 10,000, this is one of the more compelling choices in the Indian market.
Also Read: Redmi Note 14 SE to Launch on July 28: Check Specs, Price & More
For under Rs. 10,000, the Redmi 12C, Poco M6 Pro 5G, and Realme Narzo 80 Lite represent the ultimate value proposition. For mid-tier buyers, the Moto G Power (2025) and Samsung's A-series offer the best combination of price and longevity.
If you're willing to spend more to access premium features, the Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a provide near-flagship experiences at even lower prices.
The most exciting aspect of 2025 is how quickly premium features have become available on value phones. It's wild to see wireless charging, AMOLED panels, and even 7 years of phone updates priced under Rs. 50,000. Budget-priced phones are no longer a ‘settlement’; they are smarter lifestyle choices.
If you buy the right phone, the next budget phone will last you between 3 and 5 years, offering the performance and longevity that used to require flagship prices.
The Poco M6 Pro 5G and Redmi 12C are top picks under ₹10,000. Both offer long-lasting batteries, decent cameras, and smooth performance, with Poco bringing 5G support, making them unbeatable choices for value-conscious buyers in India.
Yes, many budget smartphones, such as the Realme Narzo 80 Lite 5G and Poco M6 Pro 5G, utilize capable chipsets that handle games like BGMI and Free Fire effectively. While not flagship-level, casual and mid-level gamers will enjoy smooth experiences.
Today’s budget smartphones often last 3–5 years with proper care and maintenance. Brands like Google and Samsung even offer multiple years of software updates. With sturdy batteries and efficient processors, affordable models are now built for durability, not just short-term use.
Yes, several brands now ensure timely updates. Samsung’s A-series promises six years of support, while Google’s Pixel 9a offers seven. Even budget-friendly Realme and Poco devices provide Android and security patches for at least two to three years.
The Google Pixel 9a offers the best camera in the budget-premium range, thanks to advanced AI processing. For strict budget buyers, the Redmi 12C’s 50 MP camera and Poco M6 Pro’s dual setup deliver surprisingly strong photography results.
