The 10 Best Smartphones in India Under 25,000

With great improvements in smartphone technologies, you no longer have to shell out large amounts for nifty features. The phones under 25,000/- are geared with some pretty cool features; multi-camera set-up, on-screen fingerprint scanner, pop-up camera, are some of them.

Here is a list of Top 10 Mobile Phones Under 25,000/- :

1) Samsung Galaxy M51

Specifications

Display:                                6.70-inch

Processor:                           Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G

RAM:                                     6GB/8GB

Storage:                               128GB

Battery Capacity:              7000mAh

Rear Camera:                     64MP, 12MP ultra-wide-angle, 5MP macro camera,5MP depth sensor

Front Camera:                   32MP

The Samsung Galaxy M51 has an Infinity-O display, with AMOLED Plus. The fingerprint sensor is integrated with the power button for convenience. Due to its strong processor, M51 shows no lag and can multitask easily. The 32MP camera also clicks great selfies that the phone smoothens automatically.

The few drawbacks of this phone include the position of the camera as users may find it distracting while watching content. The wide-angle camera also gives photos a slight distortion at the edges. Though the video has a good 4K resolution, the video stabilisation could be improved. 

Verdict:

If long battery life and fast processor are a priority, along with good photo features, Samsung Galaxy M51 is a strong contender at its price range. The phone offers great performance, overall. 

Amazon – Samsung Galaxy M51 (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage) – Electric Blue

Amazon – Samsung Galaxy M51 (8GB RAM, 128GB Storage) – Celestial Black

Flipkart – Samsung Galaxy M51 (8GB RAM, 128 GB) – Electric Blue

Flipkart –  Samsung Galaxy M51 (6GB RAM, 128GB) – Celestial Black

2) Redmi K20

Specifications

Display:                                6.39-inch

Processor:                           Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G

RAM:                                     6GB

Storage:                               64GB/128GB

Battery Capacity:              4000mAh

Rear Camera:                     48MP primary + 13MP + 8MP

Front Camera:                   20MP Pop-up

The Redmi K20 by Xiaomi attracts the eye with its flaring design and contrasting colours. Its pop-up selfie camera and thin borders give it a smooth and full display look. The K20 has a solid build with a Series 6000 Aluminium frame, in sync with its colour theme. The screen has an AMOLED display and an on-screen fingerprint sensor, which is pretty quick and accurate. The pop-up camera also has LED lights that light up when the camera rises, but its movement is quite slow.

The curved glass panel makes it easy to hold the phone, but the Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and rear make it quite slippery. The phone’s strong processor provides a lag-free gaming experience. The camera gives good daylight photos with great focus, but it does not perform well in low light settings. 

Verdict:

The K20 might be overpriced compared to the other Redmi phones, but its heavy specs make it worthwhile. The slow pop-up mechanism of the front camera and the poor quality of low light photos may be a drawback, but the smooth, lag-free performance and great battery life more than make up for it. 

Amazon – Redmi K20 (6GB RAM, 64GB Storage) – Flame Red

Amazon – Redmi K20 (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage) – Glacier Blue

Flipkart –  Redmi K20 (6GB RAM, 64GB Storage) – Carbon Black

Flipkart – Redmi K20 (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage) – Pearl White

3) Xiaomi Mi 10i

Specifications

Display:                                                6.67-inch, 1080×2400 pixels

Processor:                           Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G

RAM:                                     6GB/ 8GB

Storage:                               128GB

Battery Capacity:              4820mAh

Rear Camera:                     108MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP

Front Camera:                   16MP

The Xiaomi Mi 10i is available in three finishes–Pacific Sunrise, Atlantic Blue and Midnight Black. In trend with the other phones in the Mi series, the Mi 10i is pretty bulky. When it comes to the RAM, the price variation is almost negligible and most people might prefer going for the higher RAM.

It has a full HD display with an AdaptiveSync 120Hz refresh rate. An attractive feature of this phone is the 108MP primary camera with a Samsung HM2 sensor. However, the other three cameras in the quad set are a little disappointing in performance. Xiaomi’s Mi 10i comes customised with MIUI 12.0.3 interface. It also has some neat touches such as the 3.5mm audio socket, stereo speakers and LED notification lights. 

 Verdict:

The Xiaomi Mi 10i gives a good overall performance with its battery and processor, but the camera features lag compared to other phones with similar prices. The phone may also not be able to handle heavy gaming without heating up slightly. 

Amazon – Mi 10i 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB Storage) – Pacific Sunrise

Amazon – Mi 10i 5G (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage) – Atlantic Blue

Amazon – Mi 10i 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB Storage) – Midnight Black

4) Vivo V20 2021

Specifications

Display:                                6.44 inch, 2400 x 1080

Processor:                           Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G

RAM:                                     8GB

Storage:                               128GB; can be extended to 1TB

Battery Capacity:              4000mAh

Rear Camera:                     64MP, 8MP, 2MP

Front Camera:                   44MP

The design focus on the Vivo V20 is quite evident with its slim body ,and gradient colours. Launched on 24th December 2020, it is available in two variants: Midnight Jazz, and Sunset Melody. It has an AMOLED display that makes watching videos worthwhile.

One of the phone’s best features–apart from its light-weight and colourful case–is its camera. The 44MP selfie camera not only has eye autofocus but also lets you take amazing night mode pictures ,and record stable videos in slow motion. 

Vivo V20 2021 runs the Funtouch OS 11. Unlike the Vivo V20 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G) that launched previously, the recent 2021 model is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G SoC, which allows better performance. 

 Verdict:

The upgraded processor in the V20 2021 allows for heavy usage compared to the previous version. The camera is a great feature of this phone and one of its most attractive attributes. The battery could be much better but is enough for everyday usage.

Amazon – Vivo V20 2021 (8GB, 128 GB) – MIdnight Jazz

Flipkart – Vivo V20 2021 (8GB, 128 GB) – Sunset Melody

  5) Moto G 5G

Specifications

Display:                                                6.67 inch

Processor:                           Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G

RAM:                                     6GB

Storage:                               128GB; Expandable Upto 1 TB

Battery Capacity:              5000mAh

Rear Camera:                     48MP primary;  8MP ultra-wide;  2MP macro

Front Camera:                   16MP

Launched on 6th November 2020, the Motorola Moto G 5G, comes with a robust 5000mAh battery that ensures long operating hours. With LTPS LCD, the phone’s display sports an aspect ratio of 20:9 with a punch-hole front camera.

Powered by a strong processor–coupled with its battery–this phone offers an excellent gaming experience. As evident from its name, the Moto G 5G, supports the new 5G network band with the usual 4G VoLTE connection. 

Verdict:

The camera might not be comparable to those of other smartphones in the same price range, but this phone fits the bill for people who value performance over photography. Equipped with a 20W Turbo Power Charging technology, it also offers a reliable power source. 

Amazon – Moto G 5G (6GB, 128GB) – Volcanic Grey

Flipkart – Moto G 5G (6GB, 128GB) – Frosted Silver

6) OPPO Reno3 Pro

Specifications

Display:                                                6.40-inch, 1080×2400 pixels

Processor:                           MediaTek Helio P95 (MT6779V/CV)

RAM:                                     8GB

Storage:                               128GB

Battery Capacity:              4025mAh

Rear Camera:                     64MP; 13MP telephoto camera; 8MP ultra-wide-angle; 2MP mono

Front Camera:                   44MP + 2MP

The OPPO Reno 3 Pro is thefirst phone to be powered by the MediaTek Helio P95 processor. With a big AMOLED display ,and a high-quality camera set-up, this phone is worth considering under the range of Rs. 25,000. The Indian version of this phone has a punch hole dual selfie camera on the top left corner.

Its battery gives decent usage and runs the Android v10 based on Color 7.0 OS. Apart from these features, the phone can display dummy information for apps that ask for your details.

Verdict: 

Oppo phones are known for their impeccable cameras and OPPO Reno 3 Pro is no different. When it comes to the processor, the phone is relatively weak. However, you won’t notice the difference if you are not a heavy-duty user, as even games like PUBG can be played on high settings for long hours. 

Amazon – OPPO Reno 3 Pro (8GB, 128GB) – Auroral Blue

Amazon – OPPO Reno 3 Pro (8GB, 128GB) – Midnight Black

Flipkart – OPPO Reno 3 Pro (8GB, 128GB) – Sky White

7) OPPO F17 Pro

Specifications

Display:                                                6.43-inch, 16.7M color support

Processor:                           MediaTek Helio P95 (MT6779V/CV)

RAM:                                     8GB

Storage:                               128GB

Battery Capacity:              4015mAH; 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0

Rear Camera:                     48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP

Front Camera:                   16MP + 2MP

Known for its design and display, oppo offers another good phone within 25K. The Oppo F17 Pro has a Super AMOLED full HD display, along with the popular on-screen fingerprint reader. The processor is fairly smooth but not as great as a Snapdragon 720G or 730. Gaming is decent and watching videos is great due to the punchy colours. 

The camera is a quad set-up with 48MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP monochrome, and 2MP depth camera at the rear. The two front cameras are present in a notch at the top left of the screen. 

Verdict:

The Oppo F17 Pro is a fairly likeable phone with its attractive design and lightweight. It also has a good battery life for low to average duty users. The camera is fairly good, but not when compared to other camera-focused phones in the same range. When it comes to performance, the Redmi K20 or Samsung M51 might be a better choice.

Amazon – Oppo F17 Pro (8GB, 128GB) – Matte Gold(Gift Box Edition)

Amazon – Oppo F17 Pro (8GB, 128GB) – Metallic White

Flipkart- Oppo F17 Pro (8GB, 128GB) – Matte Black

Flipkart- Oppo F17 Pro (8GB, 128GB) – Magic Blue

8) Samsung Galaxy M31s (8GB RAM)

Specifications

Display:                                6.5-inch

Processor:                           Exynos 9611

RAM:                                     6GB/8GB

Storage:                               128GB; expandable to 512GB

Battery Capacity:              6000mAh

Rear Camera:                     64MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP depth + 5MP macro

Front Camera:                   32MP

SIM:                                       Dual nano sim + dedicated slot for microSD

OS:                                         Android v10

An improved version of the M31, the Samsung Galaxy M31s is worth noticing. The phone has a super AMOLED Infinity-O display with a multi-touch touch screen. It has a 6000mAH battery, the same as its predecessor; however, the M31s is paired with a 5x fast charger. 

The Exynos 9611 gives a slight sluggishness while using heavy games and apps. The only significant difference seen in the M31s compared to the M31 might be the improved rear secondary camera, the infinity-O display and the position of the fingerprint sensor, which is integrated with the power button. 

Verdict:

The Samsung Galaxy M31s has a better RAM and a slightly better look, but the camera quality may still be lagging and it has poor video stabilization. When considering the Samsung brand, the M51 might still be a better choice in a similar price range.

Amazon – Samsung Galaxy M31s (6GB, 128GB) – Mirage Black

Flipkart- Samsung Galaxy M31s (8GB, 128GB) – Mirage Blue

9) Vivo V20 SE

Specifications

Display:                                                6.44-inch, 1080×2400 pixels

Processor:                           Qualcomm Snapdragon 665

RAM:                                     8GB

Storage:                               128GB

Battery Capacity:              4100mAh

Rear Camera:                     48MP + 8MP + 2MP

Front Camera:                   32MP

Released on 24th September 2020, the Vivo V20 SE has many features similar to the Vivo V20 2021, apart from its lower MP camera and slow processor. It runs the Funtouch OS 11 based on Android 10.

Verdict:

Vivo V20 SE has a great selfie camera and a crisp display. However, the significantly weak processor and average camera performance might have you considering better options under the 25k range.

Amazon – Vivo V20 SE (8GB, 128GB) – Aquamarine Green

Flipkart- Vivo V20 SE (8GB, 128GB) – Gravity Black

10) Redmi Note 9 Pro Max

Specifications

Display:                                6.67-inch

Processor:                           Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G

RAM:                                     6GB

Storage:                               64GB/ 128GB

Battery Capacity:              5020mAH

Rear Camera:                     64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP

Front Camera:                   32MP

The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max has a big display with a hole-punch for the front camera. It’s strong processor can handle multi tasks easily. The huge battery is one of the main reasons it is bulky and not easy to use with a single hand. The placement of the power button (with fingerprint scanner) and volume buttons is not convenient, as well.

The quad-camera is better than the Note 9 Pro, but it still has an average low-light video recording quality. 

Verdict:

The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is a great choice not only in terms of the processor but also amazing battery life and camera features. This is also much cheaper than other phones in the same price range.

Amazon – Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (6GB, 64GB) – Champagne Gold

Amazon – Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (6GB, 128GB) – Interstellar Black

Flipkart – Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (6GB, 128GB) – Aurora Blue

Flipkart – Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (6GB, 128GB) – Glacier White