As we enter the last few weeks of 2024, many smartphones stood out in the sea of sameness, especially mobile phones under ₹25,000, where the battle was as volatile as ever to find the perfect balance between price and performance. Some features seen only on premium phones made their way to the mid-range segment, reshaping what users expected from their dependable smartphones. So, if you are looking for the best mobile phones under Rs 25000 in India, here are our top picks.
The OnePlus Nord CE4 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone focusing on performance and battery efficiency. It has a 6.74-inch vibrant AMOLED display supporting 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, but has excessive blue light, which may strain eyes over prolonged use.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset with 8GB RAM outshines rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a), offering a smooth experience for gaming, multitasking, and day-to-day usage. Its 5,500mAh battery delivers impressive longevity, coupled with blazing-fast 100W charging. However, the phone takes a hit in the camera department, downgrading to a dual-lens setup with a smaller sensor, resulting in average output. While it’s a dependable device for general use, it doesn’t cater well to those seeking top-notch photography or flagship-grade display quality.
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re looking for a performance-oriented mid-range smartphone with exceptional battery life and fast charging, the OnePlus Nord CE4 is a solid choice. However, it’s less ideal for users prioritizing high-quality cameras or long-term display comfort.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro builds on its predecessor with significant upgrades in display, performance, and overall usability. Its standout 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display delivers a premium visual experience with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support, ideal for media consumption. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor offers smooth day-to-day performance and decent gaming chops. The 200MP main camera impresses with sharp daylight and low-light shots, aided by OIS, while the 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro cameras remain underwhelming. Battery life is solid, with a 5100mAh capacity providing all-day use and 67W fast charging. At its price, it competes well with alternatives like the Nothing Phone (2) and realme 12 Pro, offering a balanced package for mid-range buyers.
Who Should Buy It?
The Redmi Note 13 Pro is ideal for media enthusiasts, casual gamers, and photography hobbyists looking for a capable mid-range smartphone with a stunning display, reliable performance, and all-day battery life.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a stylish and capable mid-range smartphone priced under ₹25,000. It borrows the luxurious design of its pricier sibling, the Edge 50 Pro, but uses a plastic frame to cut costs while retaining an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance—rare in its segment. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, offering smooth day-to-day performance but lags behind competitors like the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Nothing Phone (2a) in gaming and benchmarks. The 6.7-inch pOLED display impresses with brightness and deep blacks but lacks HDR support, a downside for content enthusiasts. The camera setup is the highlight, featuring a 50 MP primary lens with OIS, a versatile 13 MP ultrawide-macro camera, and a stellar 32 MP selfie shooter, delivering vibrant and sharp images in most conditions. The 5,000 mAh battery offers decent endurance, backed by 68 W fast charging.
Who should buy it?
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is ideal for users prioritizing premium design and camera performance at an affordable price. Casual users who value aesthetics, photography, and a clean Android experience will find it appealing, but gamers and power users may prefer alternatives with stronger performance.
The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is a stylish mid-range smartphone, competing against the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Nothing Phone (2a). It has features like a sharp 6.4-inch LTPO P-OLED display with a dynamic 120 Hz refresh rate, IP68 water resistance, 15 W wireless charging, and a well-rounded camera system. The vegan leather back adds a premium touch, however, its performance, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, lags behind competitors in benchmarks, and the 4,310 mAh battery delivers average endurance. The camera system, including a 50 MP primary lens with OIS and a 32 MP selfie shooter, excels in good lighting but struggles in low-light scenarios. Motorola’s Hello UI is clean and bloat-free, with a commitment to five years of updates.
The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is ideal for those seeking a vibrant display, versatile cameras, and clean software at a mid-range price. It’s a great fit for casual users and media enthusiasts but may disappoint gamers and heavy users looking for top-tier performance or battery life.
The Lava Agni 3, priced under ₹25,000, stands out in the mid-range market with innovative features like a dual AMOLED display setup (6.78-inch main and 1.74-inch secondary) and a customizable Action Button. The phone’s stock Android 14 experience, bloatware-free OS, and promised software updates further enhance its appeal. However, the Agni 3 falters in critical areas such as outdoor display brightness, camera consistency, and battery endurance, making it less competitive against rivals like the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, OnePlus Nord CE4, and Nothing Phone (2a). Its unique design and features cater to niche preferences but may not suffice for broader user needs.
Who should buy it?
The Lava Agni 3 is ideal for users seeking a stylish and feature-rich smartphone with a unique dual-display design, a clean software experience, and reliable performance for everyday tasks. However, it’s less suited for those prioritizing top-notch cameras, gaming performance, or extended battery life.
The Vivo T3 Pro positions itself as a competitive mid-range smartphone. It features a sleek and slim design with a leather back, a 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. With its standout 5,500 mAh battery offering excellent longevity and 80W fast charging, the phone caters to users seeking reliability. While its performance and display are notable, the slower UFS 2.2 storage and some bloatware in the software detract from the overall experience. The dual rear camera setup performs well in daylight but struggles with sharpness and low-light scenarios. For gamers, the device handles most titles well but falls behind competitors like the POCO X6 Pro in terms of storage speed and gaming optimization.
Who should buy it?
The Vivo T3 Pro is ideal for those seeking a stylish smartphone with excellent battery life, a vibrant display, and reliable performance for daily tasks. It’s perfect for casual users and media enthusiasts but may not satisfy hardcore gamers or photography purists.
The Nothing Phone (2a) is a stand-out addition to the mid-range segment, priced under ₹25,000. It retains the brand’s iconic transparent design, but with a polycarbonate back, offering a premium aesthetic, despite the plastic build. The Glyph Interface continues to stand out, while the IP54 rating ensures added durability. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with HDR10+ support and 1,300 nits of peak brightness is impressive. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, offering smooth everyday usage and decent gaming performance, though hampered by slower UFS 2.2 storage. The dual 50 MP rear cameras perform well in daylight and low-light conditions but falter in portrait shots and dynamic range. A 5,000 mAh battery ensures a full day of usage, though the lack of a bundled charger and wireless charging are drawbacks.
Who should buy it?
The Nothing Phone (2a) is ideal for those seeking a unique, minimalist smartphone with premium design elements, smooth performance, and a clean Android experience, all at a competitive price point under ₹25,000. It’s perfect for users who value aesthetics and software polish over raw specs.