In 2025, the smartphone market has evolved significantly, offering amazing value even in the budget segment. If you’re looking for a smartphone under ₹12,000, you don’t need to compromise on performance, camera quality, or design. With multiple brands competing in this price range, it can be tricky to pick the right one. However, we have compiled a list of the best low-budget smartphones in India that deliver great value for money, each offering a balanced combination of features.
1. Redmi Note 13
Price: 11,999 (approx.)
Key Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 4GB/6GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (depth)
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- Software: MIUI 14 based on Android 13
Why Choose It: The Redmi Note series has been a consistent performer in the budget segment, and the Note 13 continues the tradition. Powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, this phone offers smooth performance for daily tasks and casual gaming. The 120Hz AMOLED display is a standout feature at this price point, providing vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The 50MP primary camera and a large battery ensure you can capture great photos and use the phone for extended periods. MIUI 14 offers a clean, feature-rich Android experience with plenty of customization options.
2. Realme Narzo 60
Price: 11,499 (approx.)
Key Features:
- Display: 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6020 5G
- RAM: 4GB/6GB
- Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 2MP (depth)
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- Software: Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13
Why Choose It: Realme’s Narzo 60 offers a combination of strong performance and solid features. The MediaTek Dimensity 6020 is a capable chipset that handles most tasks and casual gaming efficiently. The 120Hz display gives a premium touch to scrolling and media consumption. The 50MP camera offers good daytime shots, and the 5000mAh battery ensures that the phone can last all day on moderate usage. The Realme UI is fairly user-friendly and comes with a bunch of customization options.
3. Samsung Galaxy M14 5G
Price: 11,490 (approx.)
Key Features:
- Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ PLS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1330
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth)
- Battery: 6000mAh, 25W fast charging
- Software: One UI Core 5.1 based on Android 13
Why Choose It: The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G stands out with its massive 6000mAh battery, which is rare in this price range. If battery life is a top priority for you, this phone is hard to beat. The Exynos 1330 chipset offers reliable performance, although not as fast as some others in this segment. The 50MP camera is impressive for the price, and the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming. Samsung’s One UI is known for being clean and user-friendly, making this phone a great all-rounder.
4. Motorola Moto G73 5G
Price: 11,999 (approx.)
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 930 5G
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 8MP (ultra-wide)
- Battery: 5000mAh, 30W TurboPower fast charging
- Software: Near-stock Android 13
Why Choose It: Motorola offers near-stock Android on its devices, which means no bloatware and an experience that’s closer to Google’s vision. The Moto G73 5G comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 930 chipset, which is perfect for everyday tasks and light gaming. The phone also sports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes navigation feel smooth. The 50MP camera captures sharp and detailed images in good lighting conditions. With a 5000mAh battery and 30W fast charging, the phone offers a good balance between performance and battery life.
5. Poco X5 5G
Price: 11,499 (approx.)
Key Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 48MP (primary) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (macro)
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- Software: MIUUI 14 based on Android 13
Why Choose It: The Poco X5 5G is one of the best-performing phones in this segment. Equipped with the Snapdragon 695 chipset, the phone ensures a smooth experience while multitasking and gaming. The AMOLED display at this price range offers deep blacks and vibrant colors. The 48MP primary camera produces sharp and detailed photos. The 33W fast charging ensures that the phone charges quickly, and the 5000mAh battery lasts a full day of moderate usage.
6. Infinix Zero 30 5G
Price: 11,999 (approx.)
Key Features:
- Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8020 5G
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 108MP (primary) + 13MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (depth)
- Battery: 5000mAh, 68W fast charging
- Software: XOS 13 based on Android 13
Why Choose It: For photography enthusiasts, the Infinix Zero 30 5G is a fantastic choice. With its 108MP primary sensor, this phone offers some of the best cameras you can find in this price range. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset, offering excellent performance. The 68W fast charging is another highlight, capable of fully charging the device in under 40 minutes. The 120Hz AMOLED display ensures a smooth visual experience for gaming and media consumption.
7. Lava Blaze 5G
Price: 10,999 (approx.)
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 2MP (depth) + 2MP (macro)
- Battery: 5000mAh, 18W fast charging
- Software: Near-stock Android 13
Why Choose It: Lava has gained a reputation for offering affordable, locally made smartphones. The Lava Blaze 5G is a budget-friendly phone with 5G support, making it future-proof. The MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset offers decent performance for everyday tasks. The 50MP camera is quite capable for the price, and the 5000mAh battery ensures you don’t have to worry about running out of charge quickly. While the display isn’t as high resolution as some others, it still provides an acceptable viewing experience for the price.
Finally
In 2025, the budget smartphone market under ₹12,000 in India has become more competitive than ever. Each of the smartphones listed above offers a unique set of features to cater to different user needs. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or gaming performance, there’s a phone for you.
- If you need all-round performance with a great display, go for the Redmi Note 13 or Poco X5 5G.
- If battery life is your priority, consider the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G or Realme Narzo 60.
- For those seeking the best camera quality, the Infinix Zero 30 5G with its 108MP sensor is a great pick.
- If you’re after pure Android with no bloatware, the Motorola Moto G73 5G is your best bet.
Ultimately, the best smartphone for you depends on your specific requirements. Whatever you choose, rest assured that these devices provide great value for money, delivering excellent performance without burning a hole in your pocket.