mobile phones

Choosing the right mobile phone under 20,000 INR can be daunting

In today's fast-paced digital era, mobile phones have become essential for communication, entertainment, productivity, and more. However, finding the right phone that balances performance, features, and affordability can be challenging, especially if you’re on a budget. Fortunately, the sub-20,000 INR category in the Indian market offers several excellent smartphones that cater to various needs without breaking the bank.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through some of the top mobile phones under 20,000 INR, highlighting their features, specifications, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1

RAM: 4GB/6GB/8GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Triple rear (48MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro) and 13MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging

Operating System: MIUI 13 based on Android 12

Overview:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G is a solid performer in the sub-20,000 category, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor and an impressive 120Hz AMOLED display. This phone is perfect for users who love streaming content, playing games, and multitasking. The 5G capability ensures future-proofing for users who want to experience faster data speeds as 5G networks become more widespread.

Pros:

Stunning 120Hz AMOLED display

Strong battery life with 33W fast charging

5G connectivity

Reliable Snapdragon processor

Cons:

MIUI can be bloated with ads and pre-installed apps

Average low-light camera performance

2. Realme Narzo 60

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6020

RAM: 4GB/6GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Dual rear (50MP main, 2MP depth) and 8MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging

Operating System: Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13

Overview:

The Realme Narzo 60 is known for its well-balanced features, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users. It offers a smooth 90Hz display and a capable MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor that can handle everyday tasks with ease. The phone's design is sleek and modern, appealing to a younger audience.

Pros:

90Hz display for smooth scrolling

Decent camera performance in good lighting

Long battery life with fast charging

Expandable storage

Cons:

No AMOLED display

Average front camera

3. Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: Exynos 1280

RAM: 6GB/8GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Triple rear (50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro) and 13MP front

Battery: 6,000mAh with 25W fast charging

Operating System: One UI 4.1 based on Android 12

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G stands out with its massive 6,000mAh battery, providing exceptional battery life. It also features a bright and vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for binge-watching and gaming. The Exynos 1280 processor offers decent performance for day-to-day tasks.

Pros:

Impressive battery life

Bright and vivid AMOLED display

5G connectivity

Expandable storage

Cons:

Processor is not the most powerful in its segment

Slower 25W charging compared to competitors

4. Poco X5 Pro 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695

RAM: 6GB/8GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Triple rear (64MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro) and 16MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging

Operating System: MIUI 13 for Poco based on Android 12

Overview:

The Poco X5 Pro 5G is an excellent choice for gamers and power users, offering a smooth and fluid display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 695 chipset provides good performance for gaming and multitasking. It also boasts a versatile camera setup and a decent battery life with fast charging support.

Pros:

Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display

Powerful Snapdragon 695 processor

Versatile camera setup

Good battery life with fast charging

Cons:

MIUI has ads and bloatware

Build quality could be improved

5. Motorola Moto G73 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 930

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Dual rear (50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide) and 16MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh with 30W fast charging

Operating System: Android 13 (near-stock experience)

Overview:

The Motorola Moto G73 5G is perfect for users who prefer a clean, near-stock Android experience without any bloatware. The phone is equipped with a capable MediaTek Dimensity 930 processor, a decent display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a reliable camera system. Its battery life is also commendable, with support for 30W fast charging.

Pros:

Clean, near-stock Android experience

Smooth 120Hz refresh rate

Good performance for daily tasks

Reliable battery life with fast charging

Cons:

IPS LCD instead of AMOLED

Limited camera features

6. iQOO Z7 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.38-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 920

RAM: 6GB/8GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Dual rear (64MP main, 2MP depth) and 16MP front

Battery: 4,500mAh with 44W fast charging

Operating System: Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12

Overview:

The iQOO Z7 5G is designed for those who prioritize performance and gaming. With a MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor, it handles intensive tasks efficiently. The AMOLED display, combined with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensures vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. The camera setup, while not as versatile, delivers good results, especially in well-lit conditions.

Pros:

AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate

Strong performance with Dimensity 920

Fast 44W charging

Compact and easy to handle

Cons:

Smaller battery compared to competitors

Funtouch OS has bloatware

7. Vivo T2 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.62-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695

RAM: 6GB/8GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Dual rear (64MP main, 2MP depth) and 16MP front

Battery: 4,700mAh with 44W fast charging

Operating System: Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12

Overview:

The Vivo T2 5G is a well-rounded device that offers a vibrant AMOLED display, a decent Snapdragon 695 processor, and good battery life with fast charging support. It also features a competent camera setup for day-to-day photography needs. The phone is geared towards users who want a balanced device with a good display and camera performance.

Pros:

AMOLED display with a high refresh rate

Fast charging support

Decent performance for daily tasks

Good camera quality in well-lit conditions

Cons:

Funtouch OS contains bloatware

Average low-light camera performance

8. Infinix Zero 5G 2023

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 900

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 256GB

Camera: Triple rear (50MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro) and 16MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging

Operating System: XOS 12 based on Android 12

Overview:

The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 edition is a performance-centric phone with a large display and a robust MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor. The phone's 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth user experience, while the triple-camera setup delivers good results in well-lit environments. It's a solid choice for gamers and heavy users who need reliable performance and a large screen.

Pros:

Large display with 120Hz refresh rate

Strong performance with Dimensity 900

Good battery life with fast charging

Affordable pricing for a 5G phone

Cons:

IPS LCD instead of AMOLED

UI has some bloatware

9. OPPO A78 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.56-inch HD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 1TB

Camera: Dual rear (50MP main, 2MP depth) and 8MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging

Operating System: ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12

Overview:

The OPPO A78 5G is designed for users who prefer a device with 5G connectivity and decent overall performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset is energy-efficient and provides adequate power for daily tasks. The phone's battery life is commendable, and the fast charging ensures you don't have to wait long to get back to using your device.

Pros:

5G connectivity

Long battery life

Expandable storage up to 1TB

Decent camera performance

Cons:

HD+ resolution instead of FHD+

LCD display instead of AMOLED

10. Tecno Camon 20 Premier 5G

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8050

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 256GB, not expandable

Camera: Triple rear (108MP main, 13MP ultra-wide, 2MP depth) and 32MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging

Operating System: HiOS 13 based on Android 13

Overview:

The Tecno Camon 20 Premier 5G is one of the most premium offerings under 20,000 INR, featuring a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8050 processor and a stunning 108MP main camera. The phone's large AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming. With 256GB of internal storage, users have plenty of space for all their apps, photos, and videos.

Pros:

Powerful camera system with a 108MP main camera

Large AMOLED display with a high refresh rate

Strong performance with Dimensity 8050

Fast 45W charging

Cons:

No expandable storage

HiOS has a learning curve

Choosing the right mobile phone under 20,000 INR can be daunting, given the numerous options available in the market. However, this guide narrows down the choices to some of the best options based on various needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize a stunning display, strong battery life, gaming performance, or a powerful camera, there is a smartphone on this list that can cater to your requirements.

Each of these phones offers a unique blend of features, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the sub-20,000 price bracket. Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your specific needs, usage patterns, and brand preference. Consider the pros and cons of each device carefully, and make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements.