Best Mobile Phones Under 15000

Ever noticed the overwhelming number of similarly-specced budget smartphones in the market? That’s because affordable smartphones—especially those under ₹15,000—dominate sales in a price-sensitive market like India. Manufacturers are constantly churning out multiple options to cater to diverse budgets and preferences, making this segment the fastest-moving in the Indian smartphone industry.

While budget phones often come with compromises, brands strategically ensure that each new model excels in at least one key area—whether it's battery life, processing power, user interface, or camera performance. Some newer budget options even manage to strike a balance across multiple aspects, making them excellent value-for-money choices.

At Digit, we test countless smartphones every year, and the budget category has evolved significantly. While there are occasional misses, most budget smartphones today are designed to serve specific user needs while maintaining a well-rounded experience. Leading brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung, Vivo, and Motorola continue to dominate this space, offering compelling options at competitive prices.

Pro tip: When purchasing a budget smartphone, always opt for a reputable brand with a solid track record in after-sales support and device durability.

With that in mind, here are some of the best smartphones under ₹15,000—devices that cater to a variety of needs without breaking the bank.

• 1.

Key Specifications

The Redmi 14C 5G is a compelling option in the under-Rs 15,000 smartphone segment, offering a stylish design, 5G connectivity, and solid everyday performance. It features a large 6.88-inch display, suitable for casual media use, though not the brightest. Powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, it handles basic tasks well but lags under heavy load. The rear camera performs decently in daylight, while the 13MP front camera is good for its price. Backed by a 5,160mAh battery, it easily lasts a full day on moderate use. But there are things that could have been better implemented- like average camera tuning and screen brightness. However, despite that, it delivers great value for money, making it a strong pick for budget-conscious users seeking functionality with a modern look.

• 2.

Key Specifications

The iQOO Z10x is a solid budget 5G smartphone under Rs 15,000, offering strong performance and and a really long battery life. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, paired with UFS 3.1 storage and a massive 6,500mAh battery, it handles daily tasks with ease. While the device doesn’t feature an OLED screen, its 120Hz LCD panel offers good brightness and accurate colours without excessive power drain. The camera setup is just decent, and the presence of bloatware affects the overall software experience. Still, with design improvements and hardware optimisations over the Z9x, the Z10x is a commendable upgrade. It stands out as a reliable choice for users seeking a balanced, affordable 5G phone without compromising on essential features.

• 3.

Key Specifications

The Infinix Note 50x 5G is a new launch by the brand and is priced just under Rs 12,000. It brings impressive upgrades including the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset, a larger 5,500mAh battery, and several AI-powered features. Performance is a key highlight, making it a dependable choice for everyday tasks. On the camera front, it delivers decently for the price but the battery life is notably strong. However, to hit this aggressive price point, Infinix has made a few compromises, a low-resolution display and the absence of a headphone jack. Despite these trade-offs, the Note 50x 5G stands out as a value-packed option in the sub-Rs 12,000 segment.

• 4.

Key Specifications

The Poco M7 Pro offers significant upgrades over the Poco M6 Pro. It offers a 120Hz AMOLED panel, a more powerful processor, and a larger battery, the M7 Pro is positioned as a reliable daily driver. You also get improved durability and a capable primary camera, although low-light performance leaves room for improvement. It is priced at Rs 14,999, and offers great value with minimal compromises. The user interface and presence of bloatware may however disappoint some users, but for those already used to POCO’s MIUI-based skin, the M7 Pro remains a solid option.

• 5.

Key Specifications

The Vivo T4x 5G stands out as a performance-driven smartphone in the sub-Rs 15,000 segment. Priced at Rs 12,999, it offers excellent value with smooth performance, no heating issues, and solid battery life. It handles gaming well, especially on BGMI, and delivers reliable everyday usage. While the cameras and display aren’t extraordinary, they are decent for the price, making the overall package quite appealing. However, the user experience could be improved — the UI comes loaded with bloatware, and the lack of proper display protection is a drawback. Still, for those prioritising performance over other features, the T4x 5G is a strong contender in the budget segment.

• 6.

Key Specifications 

The Moto G45 5G focuses on clean software, durability, and balanced performance. Running near-stock Android, it delivers a clutter-free experience with minimal bloatware. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, it handles everyday tasks with ease while offering 5G connectivity. The 6.5-inch 120 Hz LCD display ensures smooth scrolling, and it is also quite compact, which makes it comfortable to hold.The 50 MP OIS camera performs better than most competitors in the segment, particularly in low light. The 5,000 mAh battery with 18W charging rounds out the package, although charging speeds are on the slower side. If you prefer a reliable phone with a clean UI, solid cameras, and durable build quality, the Moto G45 5G is a great pick.

• 7.

Key Specifications

Designed for users who want speed and efficiency, the realme Narzo 70x 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, making it one of the fastest phones in this price range. The 120 Hz LCD display offers smooth visuals, while the 50 MP primary camera captures decent shots with AI optimizations. It’s got a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and it is one of the fastest charging phones in the segment. The Realme UI experience is packed with features, though it does come with some pre-installed apps. For those looking for a fast, stylish, and gaming-friendly budget phone, the Narzo 70x 5G delivers solid value.

• 8.

Key Specifications

The Realme P3 is a well-rounded smartphone under Rs 15,000, delivering smooth performance, a vibrant display, and a rugged IP69-rated build. It handles everyday tasks efficiently and offers reliable camera performance in well-lit conditions. While it does lack optical image stabilization and ships with bloatware, these are trade-offs many might overlook given the phone’s overall value. The Realme P3 competes well with rivals like the Redmi Note 14 and OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite, often outshining them in design, performance, and durability. If you can look past the software clutter, the Realme P3 is a compelling option for users seeking a dependable and feature-rich smartphone experience under a modest budget.

• 9.

Key Specifications 

If you are looking for a content-first smartphone then the POCO X6 Neo shines as a content-first smartphone under Rs 16,000, thanks to its bright AMOLED display and ultra-slim bezels that deliver an immersive viewing experience. Its sleek and lightweight build adds to everyday usability, making it ideal for casual users. However, the phone falls short in some key areas like the excessive bloatware hampers the user experience, and its battery life and performance aren’t the best either. It’s not the best pick for power users or gamers, but for those who prioritise media consumption and aesthetics over raw power, the POCO X6 Neo offers solid value for money.

• 10.

Key Specifications 

The Tecno Pova 6 Neo is all about massive battery life and gaming. With a 7,000 mAh battery, it easily lasts two days on a single charge, making it the best option for heavy users. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate, it’s optimized for smooth gameplay and power efficiency. The 6.78-inch 120 Hz LCD display is one of the biggest in this segment, perfect for media consumption. While the camera setup is basic, the focus here is on endurance and gaming performance. If battery life is your top priority, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo is an unbeatable choice in this segment, however, the phone lacks 5G, which limits its appeal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sub-₹15,000 smartphone market offers a variety of options catering to different user needs, whether it’s performance, display quality, battery life, or design. While each device has its own strengths and trade-offs, they collectively ensure that budget-conscious buyers can find a smartphone that fits their priorities. Whether you’re a gamer, a multimedia enthusiast, or someone looking for a reliable daily driver, this segment delivers excellent value without compromising on essential features.