Top 5 Best Smartphones Under ₹20,000 for August 2024: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re in the market for the best smartphone under ₹20,000, you’ve come to the right place. With numerous options available, finding the perfect phone can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve done the research and testing to bring you the top 5 contenders. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which best smartphone under ₹20,000 suits your needs.

1. Samsung Galaxy M35

realme 13 pro plus

Specifications

  • Processor: Exynos 1380
  • Display: 6.6-inch FHD+, 120Hz AMOLED display with Victus Plus protection
  • RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB internal storage
  • Battery: 6000mAh
  • Camera: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP with ultrawide lens
  • OS Updates: 4 years of major updates (up to Android 18)
  • Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 25W charging

Should You Buy?

  • Yes: If you’re searching for the best smartphone under ₹20,000 that offers a well-rounded experience, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is an excellent choice. With strong performance, a vibrant display, long-lasting battery, and solid camera capabilities, it’s perfect for most users. The promise of 4 years of OS updates adds to its appeal, ensuring longevity.
  • No: If fast charging and in-display fingerprint sensors are high on your priority list, you might want to explore other options.

Price

₹19,999 (8GB + 128GB)

2. Realme 12 Pro / Realme P1 Pro

realme 13 pro plus
realme 13 pro plus

Specifications

  • Processor: Dimensity 7050 (Realme 12 Pro) / Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (Realme P1 Pro)
  • Display: Curved/Flat AMOLED Display
  • RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB on-board memory
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 67W fast charging
  • Camera: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP (Realme 12 Pro) / 50MP + 8MP (Realme P1 Pro)
  • Other Features: Stereo speakers, ultrawide camera

Should You Buy?

  • Yes: If a stellar camera and vivid display are your top priorities, the Realme 12 Pro or P1 Pro could be the best smartphone under ₹20,000 for you. The presence of an ultrawide camera in this price range is a rarity, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.
  • No: If you’re seeking the highest performance in this category, other phones might offer better value. Additionally, the curved display might not be everyone’s preference.

Price

₹20,999 (usually available under ₹20,000 with offers)

3. iQOO Z9 / Vivo T3

realme 13 pro plus

Specifications

  • Processor: Dimensity 7200
  • Display: FHD+ AMOLED display
  • RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage
  • Battery: 5000mAhCamera: 50MP OIS camera
  • OS Updates: 2 years of major updates, 3 years of security updates

Should You Buy?

  • Yes: For gamers and performance seekers, the iQOO Z9 or Vivo T3 could be the best smartphone under ₹20,000. The Dimensity 7200 processor ensures smooth performance, while the OIS-backed camera delivers stable shots, making it a strong contender in this price segment.
  • No: If you prefer Qualcomm processors, this might not be the phone for you. The design and naming conventions might also be slightly confusing.

Price

₹19,999

4. POCO X6

realme 13 pro plus

Specifications

  • Processor: Qualcomm SD A7 Gen 2
  • Display: 1.5K resolution, 120Hz AMOLED with Gorilla Glass Victus protection
  • RAM & Storage: 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB storage
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Camera: Good, but not great
  • OS Updates: 3 years of major updates, 4 years of security patches
  • Other Features: Stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint sensor

Should You Buy?

  • Yes: If you prioritize multimedia consumption, the POCO X6 might be the best smartphone under ₹20,000 for you. The high-resolution display, powerful stereo speakers, and in-display fingerprint sensor make it an excellent choice for watching videos and gaming.
  • No: If top-tier camera performance is what you’re after, you may want to look elsewhere, as the camera isn’t the strongest aspect of this phone.

Price

₹17,999

5. CMF Phone 1

realme 13 pro plus

Specifications

  • Processor: Dimensity 7300
  • Display: AMOLED display
  • RAM & Storage: 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB internal storage
  • Battery: 4500mAh
  • Camera: Decent, but not outstanding
  • Build Quality: Slightly on the cheaper side
  • Other Features: Mono speakers

Should You Buy?

  • Yes: If you’re seeking a unique-looking device, the CMF Phone 1 is an interesting option. As a new brand with a fresh design, it offers a distinct alternative at an affordable price, potentially making it the best smartphone under ₹20,000 for those who want to stand out.
  • No: If you’re concerned about build quality and long-term reliability, this might not be the best choice. The mono speakers and potential service-related issues could be deal-breakers for some users.

Price

₹17,999

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best smartphone under ₹20,000, your decision should be guided by your specific needs. The Samsung Galaxy M35 is an excellent all-rounder, while the Realme 12 Pro/P1 Pro is perfect for camera lovers. If gaming performance is your priority, the iQOO Z9/Vivo T3 stands out. For multimedia consumption, the POCO X6 offers unbeatable value. Finally, the CMF Phone 1 provides a unique design but comes with some trade-offs.

In summary, each of these smartphones offers something special, and the best smartphone under ₹20,000 for you will depend on what you value most. Choose wisely, and happy shopping!

Om Juvatkar is a tech enthusiast with expertise in web development and embedded systems. He creates innovative digital solutions and shares insights on smartphones and tech news through his blog. You can reach him at omjuvatkar@mysmartphonehub.com.

Sharing Is Caring:

Leave a Comment