Top 10 Best Mobile Phones Under ₹15,000 in India 2024: Expert Reviews and Buying Guide

In the dynamic world of mobile technology, finding the best smartphone under ₹15,000 in India can be quite a challenge. This price segment is one of the most competitive in the Indian market, with numerous brands vying for attention by offering a plethora of features at an affordable price. Whether it’s a powerful processor, high-quality camera, or long-lasting battery, these smartphones aim to provide a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank.

The under ₹15,000 price point is a critical segment in the Indian smartphone market. This price range attracts a large audience due to its affordability and the value for money it offers. Over the years, this segment has seen significant improvements in terms of hardware and software capabilities. High-end features like multi-camera setups, fast processors, and large batteries have trickled down to these budget-friendly devices, making them a popular choice among consumers.

With so many options available, choosing the right smartphone can be daunting. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of the best mobile phones under ₹15,000 in India for 2024. Our selection criteria include performance, camera quality, battery life, build quality, and overall user experience. Let’s dive into our top picks and find the perfect smartphone for you.

Quick Comparison Table

Model Price Review Buy Link
Moto G64 5G ₹14,999 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) Amazon.in
Poco X6 Neo 5G ₹14,499 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) Amazon.in
Moto G34 5G ₹13,999 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) Amazon.in
Redmi 13C 5G ₹13,499 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) Amazon.in
Redmi 12 5G ₹12,999 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5) Amazon.in

1. Moto G64 5G

Overview

The Moto G64 5G is an impressive budget smartphone that offers a balanced mix of performance and features. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 SoC, it provides a smooth user experience and supports 5G connectivity, ensuring you’re ready for the future of mobile networks.

Design and Build

The Moto G64 5G boasts a sleek design with a robust build quality. The polycarbonate back with a matte finish gives it a premium look while being resistant to fingerprints. The phone is comfortable to hold, thanks to its ergonomic design and well-distributed weight.

Display

The smartphone features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for watching videos and playing games. The colors are vibrant, and the viewing angles are excellent, providing an immersive visual experience.

Performance

Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage, the Moto G64 5G handles multitasking and everyday tasks effortlessly. Gaming performance is decent, with most games running smoothly at medium settings.

Camera

The dual rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. The camera performs well in daylight, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. However, low-light performance is average, with some noise and loss of detail. The 16MP front camera takes decent selfies, making it suitable for social media.

Battery Life

The Moto G64 5G packs a 6,000mAh battery that easily lasts two days on moderate usage. It supports 33W fast charging, ensuring you can quickly top up the battery when needed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • 90Hz display
  • Large battery
  • Good build quality
  • Decent performance

Cons:

  • Average low-light camera performance
  • No AMOLED display

Rating

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

2. Poco X6 Neo 5G

Overview

The Poco X6 Neo 5G is another strong contender in the sub-₹15,000 segment, offering a powerful Dimensity 6080 processor, a 108MP main camera, and a long-lasting battery. It is designed for users who want a feature-rich phone without spending a fortune.

Design and Build

The Poco X6 Neo 5G features a sleek and stylish design with a glossy finish that looks premium. The phone feels sturdy and well-built, with a weight that gives it a solid feel without being too heavy.

Display

With a 6.67-inch Full HD+ display, the Poco X6 Neo 5G provides an excellent viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, while the vivid colors and sharp details make media consumption enjoyable.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, the Poco X6 Neo 5G offers robust performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The 8GB RAM and 128GB storage ensure smooth multitasking and ample space for apps and media.

Camera

The 108MP primary camera on the Poco X6 Neo 5G captures stunning photos with great detail and color accuracy. The 2MP secondary camera helps with depth sensing, improving portrait shots. The 16MP front camera delivers clear and vibrant selfies.

Battery Life

The 5,000mAh battery provides more than a day’s worth of usage on a single charge. The phone also supports 33W fast charging, allowing for quick recharges.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • 120Hz display
  • 108MP main camera
  • Good battery life
  • Fast charging

Cons:

  • No ultra-wide camera
  • Slightly bulky

Rating

Overall Rating: 8.3/10

3. Moto G34 5G

Overview

The Moto G34 5G is a well-rounded smartphone with a focus on performance and battery life. It features the Snapdragon 695 processor, ensuring smooth performance and reliable 5G connectivity.

Design and Build

The Moto G34 5G sports a minimalist design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The phone is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with a sturdy build quality that feels premium.

Display

It features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display offers good brightness and color accuracy, providing an enjoyable viewing experience for daily use, streaming, and gaming.

Performance

The Moto G34 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. This combination ensures smooth performance for day-to-day tasks, app usage, and even some light gaming. Multitasking is handled well, making it a reliable choice for users who need a dependable device.

Camera

The dual-camera setup on the Moto G34 5G includes a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. The main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. The macro camera, while not the best in class, allows for close-up shots with reasonable quality. The 16MP front camera is good for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery that ensures long battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy usage. Fast charging support is available, although the included charger is not the fastest in the market.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • 120Hz refresh rate display
  • Solid build quality
  • Reliable performance
  • Long battery life

Cons:

  • Macro camera quality is average
  • Only 4GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking

Rating

Overall Rating: 8.0/10

4. Redmi 13C 5G

Overview

The Redmi 13C 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent performance for everyday tasks. It is designed for users who prioritize battery life and a smooth user experience over high-end features.

Design and Build

The Redmi 13C 5G has a stylish design with a polycarbonate back and a glass front. It is lightweight and easy to handle, with a textured back that provides a good grip. The phone is also splash-resistant, adding a layer of durability.

Display

Featuring a 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, the Redmi 13C 5G offers a smooth and responsive user experience. The display is bright enough for outdoor use and provides decent color reproduction for media consumption.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, the Redmi 13C 5G comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The performance is adequate for basic tasks, social media, and casual gaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications.

Camera

The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and an AI-powered dual-camera system. While the main camera performs well in good lighting, low-light photography is subpar. The video quality is also average, suitable for casual use. The 8MP front camera is decent for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Redmi 13C 5G is its 5,000mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. It easily lasts over a day on a single charge, even with heavy usage. However, the charging speed is slower compared to other devices in this price range.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Long battery life
  • Smooth display with 90Hz refresh rate

Cons:

  • Average camera performance
  • Slower charging speed

Rating

Overall Rating: 7.8/10

5. Redmi 12 5G

Overview

The Redmi 12 5G is a solid budget smartphone that offers good performance, a decent camera setup, and a long-lasting battery. It is designed to cater to users looking for a reliable daily driver with 5G connectivity.

Design and Build

The Redmi 12 5G features a modern design with a premium glass back and a sturdy plastic frame. It feels well-built and comfortable to hold, with a large display that dominates the front.

Display

The phone boasts a 6.79-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate. The display is vibrant and sharp, offering an excellent viewing experience for videos, gaming, and general use.

Performance

Under the hood, the Redmi 12 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, combined with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. This setup ensures smooth performance for most tasks, including moderate gaming and multitasking.

Camera

The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor and a secondary sensor for depth. The main camera captures detailed photos with good color accuracy in well-lit conditions. The 8MP front camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls, though it may struggle in low-light conditions.

Battery Life

The 5,000mAh battery provides excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day on a single charge. The phone supports 22.5W fast charging, which is a nice addition for quick top-ups.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Attractive design
  • Good display quality
  • Reliable performance
  • Long battery life

Cons:

  • Average front camera performance
  • Limited RAM for heavy multitasking

Rating

Overall Rating: 8.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I consider when buying a smartphone under ₹15,000?

When buying a smartphone under ₹15,000, consider factors such as performance (processor and RAM), battery life, camera quality, display quality, and build quality. Also, look for additional features like fast charging, 5G connectivity, and a high refresh rate display.

2. Are 5G smartphones available under ₹15,000?

Yes, there are several 5G smartphones available under ₹15,000, including the Moto G64 5G, Poco X6 Neo 5G, and Redmi 12 5G. These phones offer future-proof connectivity without compromising on other essential features.

3. Which phone has the best camera under ₹15,000?

The Poco X6 Neo 5G, with its 108MP main camera, offers one of the best camera setups in this price range. It captures detailed and vibrant photos, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts on a budget.

4. How important is the refresh rate in a smartphone?

A higher refresh rate (e.g., 90Hz or 120Hz) makes the display smoother and more responsive, enhancing the overall user experience. It’s especially beneficial for gaming and scrolling through content.

5. Can I get a good gaming phone under ₹15,000?

Yes, smartphones like the Poco X6 Neo 5G and Moto G64 5G offer decent gaming performance in this price range. They come with capable processors and enough RAM to handle most games at medium settings.

6. Is battery life good in budget smartphones?

Yes, many budget smartphones under ₹15,000 offer excellent battery life. Phones like the Moto G64 5G and Redmi 12 5G come with large batteries that can easily last a full day or more on a single charge.

7. Do these smartphones receive software updates?

Most budget smartphones from reputable brands receive regular software updates, including security patches and sometimes even major OS updates. However, the frequency and duration of updates can vary by brand and model.

8. What are some reliable brands for budget smartphones?

Reliable brands for budget smartphones under ₹15,000 include Xiaomi (Redmi), Motorola, Poco, Realme, and Samsung. These brands offer a good balance of performance, features, and build quality.

9. Should I buy a phone with more RAM or more storage?

Both RAM and storage are important. More RAM ensures better multitasking and smoother performance, while more storage allows you to keep more apps, photos, videos, and other data. Ideally, look for a balance, such as 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage.

10. Are there any trade-offs in budget smartphones?

Budget smartphones often come with some trade-offs, such as plastic build materials instead of glass or metal, lower resolution displays, or less powerful cameras. However, many budget phones offer excellent value for money and sufficient features to meet everyday needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right smartphone under ₹15,000 in India can be challenging given the plethora of options available. Our top picks – Moto G64 5G, Poco X6 Neo 5G, Moto G34 5G, Redmi 13C 5G, and Redmi 12 5G – offer a balanced mix of performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who needs a reliable device for daily tasks, there’s a smartphone on this list that will meet your needs without breaking the bank.