Best Phones Under ₹12,000 in India

The ₹12,000 price segment is a sweet spot in the Indian smartphone market, offering a balance between affordability and premium features. At this price, you can find smartphones that not only deliver reliable performance but also pack upgrades over budget models under ₹10K. Smartphone brands are striving to offer the best possible specifications while keeping costs low, and this segment benefits greatly from that competition. Here, you can expect features like AMOLED displays, 5G connectivity, high refresh rates, fast charging, and large batteries. If you're looking for the best mix of performance and features without stretching your budget, these are the top smartphones to consider under ₹12,000.

• 1.

The iQOO Z9X stands out in the budget segment with its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, making it an excellent choice for gaming and multitasking. With a 6.72-inch FHD+ display and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers a great viewing experience for media consumption. The phone also packs a massive 6000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting endurance, while the 44W fast charging helps you get back to full power quickly. On the camera front, the 50 MP primary sensor excels in photography, in well-lit conditions. The sleek design further improves the user experience. For those looking for a reliable 5G phone with balanced specs under ₹12,000, the iQOO Z9X is a solid option. It strikes the right balance between performance, battery life, and camera quality, making it one of the best choices in this segment.

• 2.

The POCO M6 Plus is a standout choice in this price range. It features a 6.79-inch FHD+ LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE, which is capable of handling daily tasks and casual gaming with ease. The phone also supports 5G, making it a future-proof option for buyers. It houses a 5030mAh battery with 33W charging, providing decent endurance for a full day of usage. The 108 MP dual-camera setup captures good shots in well-lit conditions, while the design maintains POCO’s signature bold aesthetics. If you prioritize a smartphone that delivers smooth performance with 5G connectivity at an affordable price, the POCO M6 Plus is one of the best options in this segment.

• 3.

The Infinix Hot 50 5G is an affordable entry into the 5G market, offering great value for money. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor, which ensures smooth day-to-day performance and decent gaming capabilities. The phone sports a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel fluid. A 50 MP primary camera captures decent images in good lighting, while the 8 MP front camera is adequate for selfies and video calls. Battery life is impressive, thanks to a 5000mAh unit that supports 33W fast charging. The phone’s design is modern, featuring a textured back for better grip. With its robust performance, 5G support, and a high refresh rate screen, the Infinix Hot 50 5G is an excellent choice for those looking to experience next-gen connectivity on a budget without sacrificing essential features.

• 4.

Redmi’s 13 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in both camera performance and battery life. The phone features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth user experience. Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300, it handles multitasking and light gaming efficiently. The highlight of the device is its 48 MP camera, which captures sharp and detailed images in ideal lighting. On the front, an 8 MP selfie camera provides decent results for video calls and social media. With a 5000mAh battery and 18W fast charging, the phone easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage. Additionally, the design is sleek, with a minimalist aesthetic. For users who want a reliable smartphone with a strong camera and long-lasting battery, the Redmi 13 5G is a great pick in the sub-₹12,000 category.

• 5.

The Vivo T3x is a fantastic choice for multimedia lovers, offering an immersive experience with its large 6.72-inch LCD and a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, which ensures smooth performance for gaming, streaming, and everyday tasks. One of its standout features is the dual stereo speaker setup, providing rich and clear audio, making it a great device for consuming content. The 50 MP primary camera takes sharp and well-balanced shots, while the 8 MP front camera is suitable for selfies. Battery life is another strong point, with a 6000mAh capacity ensuring extended usage, backed by 44W fast charging. The phone runs Funtouch OS, which comes with various customization options. If you are looking for a budget smartphone with solid multimedia capabilities, excellent battery life, and smooth performance, the Vivo T3x is a top contender.

• 6.

Realme’s C65 5G offers a feature-rich experience with a focus on software optimizations through Realme UI. The phone comes with a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth navigation. Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, ensuring decent performance for daily usage. The 50 MP primary camera captures good details in well-lit conditions, while the front-facing 8 MP shooter handles selfies adequately. The 5000mAh battery provides all-day endurance, complemented by 15W charging, which is, admittedly, on the slower side. Realme UI enhances the experience with smooth animations, useful customization options, and performance tweaks. Additionally, the device supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proof. For users who enjoy Realme’s software experience and want a capable 5G smartphone under ₹12,000, the Realme C65 5G is a solid pick.

• 7.

The Redmi 14C is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a clean and simple experience for first-time smartphone users. It features a massive 6.88-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth UI experience despite its affordable pricing. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, which is capable of handling basic multitasking and casual gaming. The phone is also 5G-ready, which is great for those looking to purchase a phone for the long haul. A 50 MP AI camera provides decent results for photography, while the 8 MP front camera is serviceable for video calls. The phone is backed by a 5160mAh battery, which easily lasts more than a day on moderate use.

• 8.

Motorola’s G45 5G is a great choice for those who prefer a near-stock Android experience. Running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor, the phone delivers smooth performance with minimal bloatware. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making navigation and gaming fluid. The 50 MP camera with OIS ensures stable and clear images, while the 16 MP front camera is a standout in this price segment. The phone also boasts a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. Its clean UI and regular software updates make it one of the best options for users who dislike heavy skins and pre-installed apps.

• 9.

The iQOO Z9 Lite is a great choice for users who want a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on gaming performance. Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, this phone delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and casual gaming. The 6.56-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate ensures fluid animations and a responsive touch experience. The 50 MP camera captures decent shots in well-lit conditions, while the 8 MP front camera is good enough for selfies and video calls. The 5000mAh battery provides long-lasting power, allowing you to game, stream, and browse throughout the day without worrying about charging. If gaming is your priority and you want a lag-free experience under ₹12,000, the iQOO Z9 Lite is an excellent pick.

• 10.

The Realme Narzo 70x 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a mix of performance, battery life, and connectivity at an affordable price. It comes with a 6.72-inch LCD display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, making navigation and gaming smooth. Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor ensures decent performance for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and multitasking. The 50 MP primary camera captures clear and detailed images, while the 8 MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls. One of its key highlights is the 5000mAh battery, which provides excellent endurance, supported by 45W fast charging for quick top-ups. The Realme UI offers a clean and customizable experience with various software enhancements. For users looking for a phone that delivers a good mix of performance, display quality, battery life, and 5G connectivity, the Realme Narzo 70x 5G is a strong contender in this segment.