Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that still packs a punch? The sub-Rs 15,000 segment in India blends affordability with surprising capability. This is where brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung, Vivo, iQOO, and Motorola compete fiercely to offer maximum value, proving budget phones today are far beyond the bare basics.
| Product Name | Price | Why Choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| Moto G45 5G | 9,999 | Clean UI + strong battery + dependable. |
| Infinix Note 50X | 11,499 | Affordable 5G with good all-round basics. |
| Vivo T4x 5G | 14,499 | Smooth daily performance + good battery life. |
| POCO M7 Pro | 11,499 | Smooth AMOLED + good camera. |
| POCO X6 Neo | 15,999 | Slim design + bright AMOLED + solid daily use. |
| Tecno Pova 6 Neo | 11,999 | Big battery + great for gaming sessions. |
| realme Narzo 70x 5G | 14,799 | Smooth performance + reliable battery. |
| Redmi 15 | 14,998 | Reliable performer with solid battery + camera. |
| iQOO Z10x | 13,998 | Fast performance + excellent battery life. |
| Redmi 15 | 14,998 | Reliable performer with solid battery + camera. |
| Realme P3 | 15,999 | Sharp AMOLED + balanced overall performance. |
The Motorola G45 impresses with a premium design rarely seen in this segment. It delivers a near-stock Android experience, smooth day-to-day performance, reliable 5G connectivity, and decent camera output for its price. While there are a few compromises, like lower display brightness and slower storage speeds, they are minor and don’t take away from the overall experience. With its stylish build, clean software, and solid performance, the Motorola G45 is a well-rounded budget smartphone that offers excellent value and is a strong contender in the highly competitive affordable segment.
The Note 50X earns a 7.4 Digit Rating for Dimensity 7300 Ultimate performance, smooth 120Hz display, and a 5500mAh battery with fast charging. Cameras shine in daylight but struggle in low light. Brightness could be better, yet it’s a sleek, value-driven 5G choice with balanced everyday usability.
With an 8.0 overall score, the Vivo T4x 5G balances performance, battery life, and value. A capable processor handles games smoothly, while the 6500mAh battery lasts two days. IP64 build and vibrant cameras impress, though the IPS LCD lacks OLED contrast.
Strong performance
Long lasting battery life
Decent cameras
Cluttered UI
Weak display protection
Scoring 7.3, the Poco M7 Pro 5G blends bold design, AMOLED vibrancy, and reliable mid-range performance. The cameras deliver detailed daylight shots, the battery lasts a day, and charging is competitive. Low-light photography and peak speed lag behind leaders, but it’s a stylish, capable daily driver for the price.
Rated 6.7 overall, the X6 Neo stands out with a slim, light build and a sharp 120Hz AMOLED. Performance and low-light photography are average, and battery life is middling. It’s best suited for casual users prioritising looks over raw power.
The Pova 6 Neo scores 6.6 overall, offering a sleek build, Dimensity 6300, and a large display. The 108MP camera is strong in daylight, battery life is solid, but brightness and charging speeds disappoint.
With a 7.4 Digit Rating, the Narzo 70x 5G brings Dimensity 6100+ speed, 120Hz LCD, 45W fast charging, and a 50MP camera. Some pre-installed apps aside, it’s a fast, gaming-friendly budget 5G device with strong charging and balanced features for the price.
The iQOO Z10x, rated 7.6, packs Dimensity 7300 power, 120Hz LCD, and UFS 3.1 storage. It excels in battery life with 6500mAh capacity, though charging is slower. Daylight camera performance is decent, but software bloatware intrudes.
The Redmi 15 features a bright 6.9-inch 144Hz display that delivers crisp visuals, while the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 ensures steady day-to-day performance. The design feels solid and premium with IP64 protection, though its bulky 217g frame might divide opinions. It’s backed by a huge 7000mAh battery and 33W fast charging, so it’s built for endurance. Scoring 63 overall in Digit’s review, with 74 in Features and 65 in Value for Money, the Redmi 15 earns its place for being practical, long-lasting, and surprisingly feature-rich for its price.
Rated 7.5 overall, the Realme P3 packs Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, 120Hz AMOLED, 6000mAh battery, and IP69 durability. Gaming at 90FPS is a rare bonus at this price, though Realme UI’s bloatware detracts.