Best Phones Under ₹12,000 in India

• 1.

The Redmi 14C 5G is a strong budget smartphone option priced under Rs 10,000. It features a sleek design, a large 6.88-inch display, and is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The 13MP front camera delivers surprisingly good selfies, while the main camera performs decently in good lighting. Its 5,160mAh battery easily lasts a full day on moderate use. Though the display brightness and camera saturation could be better, the phone offers solid 5G connectivity and a good balance between performance and affordability.

• 2.

The Infinix Note 50x, priced effectively at Rs 10,499 with bank offers, is a strong contender in the budget smartphone market. It features a premium design, solid build quality, a large 5,500mAh battery, and a capable processor for daily tasks. What sets it apart is its clean, ad-free software experience which is pretty rare in this price range. While the HD+ display and average speaker quality may disappoint some users, the overall package delivers great value. For those willing to compromise on display resolution and audio, the Note 50x offers an impressive balance of style, performance, and battery life.

• 3.

The Poco C71 5G is a solid budget smartphone, especially for first-time users, students, or casual media consumers. It offers strong battery life, decent display quality, and a sturdy build. While it struggles with gaming and low-light photography, it still delivers good value for its price. However, it lacks 5G support and isn’t suited for hardcore gamers due to limited performance in demanding games.

• 4.

The Motorola G45 offers excellent value with a premium design that rivals phones well above its price, making it one of the best-looking options under Rs 15,000. It delivers a clean, near-stock software experience, smooth everyday performance, 5G support, and decent cameras for the segment. While it has minor drawbacks like low display brightness and slower storage speeds, these aren’t deal-breakers for most users. Overall, the G45 is a well-rounded budget smartphone that combines style, reliability, and functionality.

• 5.

The Poco X6 Neo 5G, priced at Rs 15,999, offers strong value in the mid-budget segment. Competing with phones like the Realme 12 5G, Redmi Note 13 5G, and Vivo T3 5G, it stands out by offering an AMOLED display which is rare at this price. While its hardware isn’t entirely new, it delivers solid battery life, smooth performance, and good daylight photography. Though some rivals offer better camera systems at slightly higher prices, the X6 Neo strikes a great balance for content consumption and everyday use. For budget-conscious users looking for a feature-rich 5G phone, the Poco X6 Neo is a compelling option.

• 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.

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.

• 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.