Top 5 Smartphones Under ₹20,000: Best Picks for 2024

Navigating the smartphone market on a budget can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to compromise on quality when you're looking to spend under ₹20,000. The competition in this price range is fierce, and several brands offer impressive devices with robust features. Here’s a curated list of the top 5 smartphones you can buy for under ₹20,000 in 2024.

1. Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Buy Now

Price: ₹19,999

Samsung continues to impress with its Galaxy M series, and the Galaxy M35 5G is no exception. Positioned in the competitive ₹20,000 price bracket, this smartphone aims to offer a balanced mix of performance, display quality, and battery life. Here’s an in-depth look at what the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G has to offer.

Key Features

1. Display: 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED

• The Galaxy M35 5G features a large 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep contrasts. This makes it an excellent choice for media consumption, gaming, and general use. The high brightness and clarity of the screen ensure a pleasant viewing experience even under direct sunlight.

2. Processor: Exynos 1380

• Equipped with Samsung’s Exynos 1380 processor, the M35 5G delivers a smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The processor strikes a balance between efficiency and power, making it suitable for multitasking and running various apps without significant lag.

3. RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB (Expandable)

• The device comes with 6GB of RAM, which ensures adequate performance for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. With 128GB of internal storage, there’s plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. Additionally, the storage is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users with extensive media libraries.

4. Camera: 50MP Triple Rear, 16MP Front

• The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G boasts a versatile camera setup. The 50MP main sensor captures sharp and detailed images, while the additional lenses (likely a 5MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro) offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. The 16MP front camera is designed for high-quality selfies and video calls, ensuring clear and vibrant results.

5. Battery: 6000mAh with 25W Fast Charging

• One of the standout features of the M35 5G is its impressive 6000mAh battery. This sizable battery capacity ensures that the phone can last through a full day of heavy use or even longer with moderate usage. The 25W fast charging support allows for quick recharges, minimizing downtime and keeping you connected throughout the day.

6. 5G Connectivity

• As the name suggests, the Galaxy M35 5G supports next-gen 5G connectivity, providing faster data speeds and improved network performance compared to 4G. This future-proofs the device and ensures compatibility with upcoming network advancements.

7. Software: One UI 5.1 Based on Android 13

• The Galaxy M35 5G runs on Samsung’s One UI 5.1, based on Android 13. This latest software version offers a range of customization options, performance improvements, and enhanced security features. Samsung’s user interface is known for its user-friendly experience and additional features, enhancing the overall usability of the device.

8. Design and Build

• The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G sports a sleek design with a modern aesthetic. It has a premium feel with a gradient finish and a well-crafted build. The phone is comfortable to hold and use, making it suitable for extended periods of use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent Display: The Super AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
• Large Battery: The 6000mAh battery ensures extended usage and less frequent charging.
• Expandable Storage: Up to 1TB expandable storage offers ample space for media and apps.
• 5G Support: Future-proofing with 5G connectivity for faster internet speeds.

Cons:

• Average Processor: While the Exynos 1380 performs well, it may not match the higher-end processors found in more premium devices.
• No High Refresh Rate: The display does not support a high refresh rate, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer smoother scrolling and gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a robust set of features for its price. With its impressive display, large battery, and future-proof 5G connectivity, it provides good value for those looking for a reliable device under ₹20,000. While it may not have the most powerful processor or the highest refresh rate, it delivers on the essentials and is likely to meet the needs of most users. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone with a strong feature set, the Galaxy M35 5G is definitely worth considering.

2. OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite Buy Now

Price: ₹18,999

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is a mid-range smartphone designed to offer a blend of performance, style, and features within a budget-friendly price range. Positioned under ₹20,000, this device aims to deliver a high-value experience with a focus on essential aspects like display quality, camera performance, and overall usability. Here’s a comprehensive review of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite.

Key Features

1. Display: 6.7-inch Full HD+ LCD

• The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite features a sizable 6.7-inch Full HD+ LCD display. Although it's not as vibrant as AMOLED screens, the LCD panel provides good color reproduction and clarity. The large screen size is ideal for watching videos, gaming, and browsing, offering a comfortable viewing experience.

2. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695

• The Nord CE 4 Lite is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, known for its balance between performance and efficiency. This chipset handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming with ease. While it may not be the most powerful processor in its class, it delivers reliable performance for most users.

3. RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB (Expandable)

• The device comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting smooth multitasking and app management. With 128GB of internal storage, users have ample space for apps, media, and files. The storage is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, offering flexibility for those with large media libraries.

4. Camera: 64MP Triple Rear, 16MP Front

• The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite features a 64MP main rear camera, paired with additional lenses (typically an ultrawide and a macro or depth sensor). This high-resolution primary sensor captures detailed and vibrant images. The 16MP front camera is designed for clear selfies and video calls, ensuring good quality for social media and communication.

5. Battery: 5000mAh with 33W Fast Charging

• Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Nord CE 4 Lite offers strong battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of heavy usage. The 33W fast charging support ensures that the device can be quickly recharged, minimizing downtime and keeping you connected throughout the day.

6. Software: OxygenOS Based on Android 13

• The Nord CE 4 Lite runs on OxygenOS, based on Android 13. OxygenOS provides a clean and user-friendly interface with customization options and additional features. The latest Android version ensures access to new features and security updates, enhancing the overall software experience.

7. Design and Build

• The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite features a modern and sleek design with a premium finish. It has a comfortable grip and is available in several attractive colors, contributing to its appeal. The device is well-crafted, reflecting OnePlus' commitment to delivering a high-quality look and feel.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Large Display: The 6.7-inch LCD screen provides ample space for media consumption and gaming.
• Expandable Storage: The ability to expand storage up to 1TB offers flexibility for users with extensive media needs.
• Fast Charging: The 33W fast charging ensures quick recharges, reducing downtime.
• High-Resolution Camera: The 64MP rear camera captures detailed and vibrant images, enhancing photography capabilities.

Cons:

• LCD Display: While decent, the LCD panel lacks the vibrant colors and deep blacks of AMOLED screens.
• Processor: The Snapdragon 695, though capable, is not the most powerful chipset available and may not handle the most demanding tasks or games as well as higher-end processors.
• No High Refresh Rate: The display does not support a high refresh rate, which could be a drawback for users who prefer smoother visuals in gaming and scrolling.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite offers a strong feature set for its price, making it a solid choice in the sub-₹20,000 segment. With its large display, expandable storage, and high-resolution camera, it delivers good value for money. While it may lack an AMOLED screen and high-end processor performance, it excels in key areas and provides a reliable and enjoyable user experience. If you’re looking for a well-rounded smartphone with modern features and decent performance under ₹20,000, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is definitely worth considering.

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Buy Now

Price: ₹17,999 (Offer Price) 

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a standout option in the under-₹20,000 segment, blending robust performance with an attractive price point. Known for its value for money, the Redmi Note 13 Pro aims to offer a premium experience without a premium price tag. Here’s a detailed examination of what makes the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro a compelling choice.

Key Features

1. Display: 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED

• The Redmi Note 13 Pro features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, which offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The AMOLED panel enhances the viewing experience for videos, gaming, and general use, with great color accuracy and brightness.

2. Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080

• Under the hood, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor. This chipset provides a good balance of performance and efficiency, handling multitasking and gaming with ease. It’s well-suited for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, delivering a smooth user experience.

3. RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB (Expandable)

• The device comes with 6GB of RAM, which is ample for multitasking and running various applications simultaneously. The 128GB of internal storage is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users with extensive media and app libraries.

4. Camera: 108MP Quad Rear, 16MP Front

• The Redmi Note 13 Pro boasts a powerful 108MP primary rear camera, accompanied by a versatile quad-camera setup (likely including an ultrawide, macro, and depth sensor). This high-resolution sensor captures detailed and vibrant photos. The 16MP front camera is designed for sharp selfies and high-quality video calls.

5. Battery: 5000mAh with 33W Fast Charging

• The device houses a 5000mAh battery, which provides substantial battery life to last through a full day of heavy use. The 33W fast charging support ensures that the phone can be quickly recharged, minimizing downtime and keeping you connected throughout the day.

6. Software: MIUI 14 Based on Android 13

• The Redmi Note 13 Pro runs MIUI 14, based on Android 13. MIUI is Xiaomi’s custom interface, offering a range of customization options and additional features. The latest Android version provides access to new features and security updates, enhancing the overall experience.

7. Design and Build

• The Redmi Note 13 Pro features a sleek design with a modern aesthetic. It has a premium feel with a glass back and a polished finish. The device is well-crafted, with a comfortable grip and a contemporary look that adds to its appeal.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• AMOLED Display: The Full HD+ AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors and deep contrasts, enhancing multimedia experiences.
• High-Resolution Camera: The 108MP rear camera captures detailed and high-quality images, making it a strong choice for photography enthusiasts.
• Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage up to 1TB provides flexibility for users with extensive media and app requirements.
• Large Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers excellent longevity, and the 33W fast charging minimizes downtime.

Cons:

• Processor Limitations: While the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 is capable, it may not be as powerful as some higher-end processors found in more expensive devices.
• No High Refresh Rate: The display does not support a high refresh rate, which might be a drawback for users who prefer smoother scrolling and gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a well-rounded smartphone that delivers impressive features for its price. With its vibrant AMOLED display, high-resolution camera, and large battery, it offers substantial value for money. While it may not have the most powerful processor or the highest refresh rate, it excels in key areas that matter to most users. For those looking for a feature-packed smartphone under ₹20,000, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is a strong contender and worth considering.

4. Realme Narzo 60 Pro Buy Now

Price: ₹19,490

The Realme Narzo 60 Pro offers a compelling mix of performance, design, and features within the under-₹20,000 price range. Aimed at users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with modern specifications, the Narzo 60 Pro provides a robust experience. Here’s an in-depth look at what this device brings to the table.

Key Features

1. Display: 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED

• The Narzo 60 Pro features a 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display. This screen technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and general use. The AMOLED panel ensures excellent color accuracy and brightness levels, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

2. Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700

• Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, the Narzo 60 Pro strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. The Dimensity 700 provides sufficient power for daily tasks, multitasking, and light to moderate gaming. While not the most powerful processor in its class, it handles most activities smoothly.

3. RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB (Expandable)

• The device comes with 6GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking and app management. With 128GB of internal storage, there’s ample space for apps, media, and files. The storage is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users with large media libraries.

4. Camera: 64MP Dual Rear, 16MP Front

• The Realme Narzo 60 Pro features a 64MP main rear camera paired with a secondary lens (likely a 2MP depth sensor or macro lens). This high-resolution camera captures detailed and vibrant images. The 16MP front camera is designed for high-quality selfies and video calls, ensuring clear and sharp results.

5. Battery: 5000mAh with 33W Fast Charging

• Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Narzo 60 Pro provides excellent battery life to get through a full day of heavy usage. The 33W fast charging capability allows for quick recharges, reducing downtime and keeping the device ready for use throughout the day.

6. Software: Realme UI 4.0 Based on Android 13

• The Narzo 60 Pro runs on Realme UI 4.0, which is based on Android 13. Realme UI offers a clean and user-friendly interface with various customization options and features. The latest Android version ensures access to new features and security updates, enhancing the overall user experience.

7. Design and Build

• The Narzo 60 Pro sports a modern and sleek design with a premium finish. The device has a comfortable grip and a well-crafted build, with a contemporary look that aligns with current design trends. It is available in multiple attractive colors, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• AMOLED Display: The Super AMOLED panel provides vibrant colors and deep contrasts, making it excellent for media consumption.
• Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage up to 1TB provides flexibility for users with extensive media needs.
• High-Resolution Camera: The 64MP main camera captures detailed and high-quality images, which is a strong point for photography enthusiasts.
• Fast Charging: The 33W fast charging ensures quick recharges, allowing for minimal downtime.

Cons:

• Processor Limitations: The MediaTek Dimensity 700, while capable, is not the most powerful chipset available, which may impact performance for more demanding tasks.
• No High Refresh Rate: The display lacks support for a high refresh rate, which might be a drawback for users who prefer smoother scrolling and gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The Realme Narzo 60 Pro is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a strong set of features for its price. With its vibrant AMOLED display, high-resolution camera, and substantial battery life, it provides good value for money. While it may not have the most powerful processor or the highest refresh rate, it excels in key areas and is likely to meet the needs of most users. For those seeking a feature-rich device under ₹20,000, the Narzo 60 Pro is a solid choice worth considering.

5. iQOO Z9 Buy Now

Price: ₹19,990

The iQOO Z9, part of iQOO’s popular Z series, is positioned in the competitive sub-₹20,000 segment, aiming to deliver a high-performance experience with a premium feel. Known for its focus on performance, display quality, and fast charging, the iQOO Z9 promises to offer substantial value. Here’s a comprehensive look at what makes the iQOO Z9 a noteworthy contender in its price range.

Key Features

1. Display: 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED

• The iQOO Z9 features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. This screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and daily tasks. The AMOLED panel ensures a sharp and immersive visual experience with better color accuracy and energy efficiency compared to LCDs.

2. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1

• Under the hood, the iQOO Z9 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. This chipset provides robust performance for multitasking, gaming, and other demanding applications. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is known for its efficiency and power, offering a smooth user experience and handling intensive tasks with ease.

3. RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB (Expandable)

• The device comes with 8GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking and app management. With 128GB of internal storage, there’s ample space for apps, media, and files. Additionally, the storage is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users with extensive media and app requirements.

4. Camera: 64MP Triple Rear, 32MP Front

• The iQOO Z9 features a 64MP main rear camera, complemented by additional lenses (typically including an ultrawide and a macro or depth sensor). This high-resolution sensor captures detailed and vibrant images, making it suitable for various photography needs. The 32MP front camera is designed for high-quality selfies and video calls, ensuring clear and sharp results.

5. Battery: 5000mAh with 66W Fast Charging

• Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the iQOO Z9 provides strong battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of heavy usage. The 66W fast charging support allows for rapid recharges, minimizing downtime and ensuring the device is quickly ready for use.

6. Software: Funtouch OS Based on Android 14

• The iQOO Z9 runs on Funtouch OS, based on Android 14. Funtouch OS offers a clean, customizable user interface with a range of additional features and optimizations. The latest Android version ensures access to new features and security updates, enhancing the overall software experience.

7. Design and Build

• The iQOO Z9 features a sleek and modern design with a premium finish. The device has a comfortable grip and is built with attention to detail, contributing to a high-quality feel. Available in several attractive colors, the design aligns with current trends and adds to the device’s appeal.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• AMOLED Display: The Full HD+ AMOLED panel provides vibrant colors and deep contrasts, enhancing the multimedia experience.
• Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 offers strong performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
• Fast Charging: The 66W fast charging support ensures quick recharges, reducing waiting time and keeping the device ready for use.
• Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage up to 1TB via microSD card adds flexibility for users with large media libraries.

Cons:

• No High Refresh Rate: The display lacks support for a high refresh rate, which could be a drawback for users who prefer smoother visuals in gaming and scrolling.
• Camera Setup: While the 64MP main camera is strong, the overall camera setup might not be as versatile as some competitors with more extensive camera systems.

Conclusion

The iQOO Z9 is a well-rounded smartphone that delivers strong performance and valuable features within the ₹20,000 price range. With its vibrant AMOLED display, powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, and rapid 66W fast charging, it provides a premium experience at an accessible price point. While it may lack a high refresh rate display and has a more standard camera setup, it excels in core areas and offers excellent value for money. For users seeking a capable and feature-rich device under ₹20,000, the iQOO Z9 is a strong contender worth considering.