Best Mobile Phones Under ₹20,000 in India (December 2024)

Gone are the days when power users had to stretch their budgets between ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 to secure a smartphone capable of meeting their intensive requirements. In 2024, the landscape has shifted. Power users no longer need to splurge for a device excelling in gaming, 4K video shooting, multitasking, and more, while still boasting solid build quality, camera performance, and battery life. Today's smartphone market offers a plethora of powerful options, all within a reasonable budget. For as little as ₹20,000, one can find a capable smartphone meeting the demanding standards of power users. We've meticulously tested numerous devices, subjecting them to industry-standard benchmarks and rigorous performance assessments. Based on our evaluations, standout options include the Samsung Galaxy M34, Motorola G84, and iQOO Z9.

• 1.

The iQOO Z9 is a commendable all-rounder in the sub-₹20,000 segment, offering a robust combination of performance, camera quality, and display. It stands out with its MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, ensuring the fastest performance in its price range, complemented by a 50MP primary camera that captures excellent photos across various lighting conditions. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display enhances the multimedia experience, although it faces some refresh rate issues. While the design may not exude a premium feel compared to its rivals, the iQOO Z9 compensates with a solid build, long battery life, and a user-friendly weight profile. Despite some bloatware and slower UFS 2.2 storage, it’s a surprisingly good package for those seeking a budget-friendly yet capable smartphone.

• 2.

The Samsung Galaxy M34 is a safe choice for most people. It comes with one of the fastest processors in the price segment which delivers solid performance for most tasks. The 6,000 mAh battery is one of the largest in this price bracket and provides an astounding screen-on time of almost 22 hours when playing native 4K videos. So, it is easily a two-day phone that will keep going without having to constantly charge it. The camera is also decent enough for basic use and social media. So, if you’re looking for an all-rounder under ₹20,000, this is it.

• 3.

The Realme 12+ 5G has a standout design and an impressive primary camera with a unique vegan leather back and a 50 MP Sony sensor. Priced at ₹20,999, it offers good value for those prioritising aesthetics and photography, though it falls short for gamers or those seeking longer battery life, with better alternatives available in the market. Despite its bright AMOLED display, the device has HDR support issues, and while the performance is adequate for daily tasks, it’s not the most powerful in its segment, further marred by excessive bloatware in the UI.

• 4.

The Motorola G84 is a solid phone to consider if you prefer a clean Android experience. The phone comes with minimal bloatware and no ads. You’ve got the reliable Snapdragon 695 SoC that performs quite well in benchmarks and real-world applications. The phone’s GPU is powerful enough to handle games such as BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile, and more. The phone looks and feel fantastic. It comes with splash and dust resistance as well making it a well-rounded choice. One drawback is the low-light camera performance which we found to be pretty mediocre.

• 5.

The Motorola Moto G64 5G is a budget smartphone that offers a polished experience with minor upgrades over its predecessor. Priced at ₹14,999 for the 8+128 GB variant and ₹16,999 for the 12+256 GB variant, it boasts a robust PMMA build, a 6,000 mAh battery, and a 50 MP OIS-enabled primary camera, which stands out in its price range. However, it falls short with its IPS LCD display, offering only 460 nits of brightness, and Motorola’s slow software update policy, providing only one OS update. Despite these drawbacks, the Moto G64 5G impresses with smooth performance, minimal bloatware, and versatile cameras, making it a solid value-for-money option, especially for camera enthusiasts.

• 6.

The Realme Narzo 70 Pro, launched in 2024, is a mid-range smartphone that offers a mix of premium design and innovative features at a competitive price point. It boasts a crisp AMOLED display, a flagship-grade Sony IMX890 primary camera, and unique features like Air Gestures and Rainwater Smart Touch. Despite its impressive specs, the device falls short in camera consistency and low-light performance. It also retains the same processor as its predecessor, which may not appeal to those seeking the latest in performance. The Realme Narzo 70 Pro stands out for its design and display quality, but it faces tough competition in a market filled with capable alternatives. Priced at ₹19,999 for the base model, it’s a viable option for users who prioritize design and display over cutting-edge performance and camera capabilities.

• 7.

The POCO X6 Neo excels in design and display, offering a slim, lightweight build with an impressive AMOLED screen, making it a great device for content consumption under ₹16,000. However, it falls short in performance and battery life, with noticeable bloatware and lackluster stamina compared to rivals. While it doesn’t stand out for power users, its affordability and visual appeal make it a worthy option for those prioritizing design and display quality over raw performance. Overall, it’s a solid choice in the sub-₹20,000 segment, especially for media enthusiasts.

• 8.

The Realme 11 5G has a lot going for it. Although the display and chipset aren’t the best in the segment, the camera performance is quite strong. You’ve got a 108-megapixel primary camera that can achieve 3x in-sensor zoom with minimal detail loss. This camera also clicks some stellar low light photos for the price. There’s minimal noise and lots of detail. The phone’s 5,000 mAh battery is quite long-lasting and the 67 W SUPERVOOC charger tops up the phone’s battery to full in no time.

• 9.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is a great all-rounder under 20K, but the areas it shines are cameras and battery life. The phone houses a massive 5,000 mAh battery which clocked an impressive 11 hours and 10 minutes of screen-on time in our 4K video loop battery test. So, the device will easily power through a day’s worth of usage with some battery still left to spare at the end of the day. The camera setup is also fantastic, one of the best at this price – the phone clicks detailed shots with good colour accuracy and dynamic range. Low-light results are also exemplary with good detail and little to no noise.

• 10.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G offers users a lot of things that other competing phones don’t. You get a crisp AMOLED display, fantastic battery life, and a pretty decent array of cameras. It provides excellent bang for your buck and future proofs your purchase because of 5G connectivity. MIUI is filled with bloatware though, so if you prefer your phones to have a cleaner interface, you can go for Moto phones instead.