Looking for the best phone under ₹15,000 in India? You’re not alone! With so many people asking for recommendations—whether it’s during a casual chat, an urgent phone call, or even over a cup of chai—it’s clear that finding a budget-friendly smartphone with great features is a top priority. In this blog, we’ll break down the top contenders across key categories like software experience, performance, gaming, and camera quality. Whether your budget is strict at ₹12,000–₹13,000 or you can stretch it to ₹15,000, we’ve got you covered with options that deliver value for money. Let’s dive in!

Best Phone for Software Experience: CMF Phone 1

If a clean, bloatware-free software experience is your priority, the CMF Phone 1 stands out as the clear winner. Budget phones used to be plagued with ads and sluggish performance, but the CMF Phone 1 changes the game. Priced around ₹14,999–₹15,999 (with bank discounts bringing it under ₹15,000), this phone offers a fast, snappy interface with no pre-installed junk. Plus, it gets timely updates, which is rare in this segment.

Key Features:

• Performance: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, 6GB LPDDR4X RAM, and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage (expandable).
• Display: 120Hz Super AMOLED for smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
• Battery: 5,000mAh, lasting a full day.
• Design: Unique replaceable back panel and IP52 rating.
• Gaming: Supports 120 FPS in BGMI—unmatched in this price range.

Drawbacks:

• Camera: 50MP main sensor lacks OIS, delivering inconsistent results.
• Audio: No stereo speakers, so multimedia isn’t top-notch.
• Updates: Only one major OS update promised.

Verdict: If you value a clean UI and solid performance over camera quality, the CMF Phone 1 is your go-to option under ₹15,000.

Best Phone for Performance and Gaming: Realme P3

For raw power and gaming prowess, the Realme P3 takes the crown. While it competes closely with the CMF Phone 1 and Vivo T4x, its superior processor and overall package make it a standout. It’s slightly above ₹15,000 but often available under that with bank offers.

Key Features:

• Performance: Snapdragon chipset (specific model not detailed but outperforms MediaTek Dimensity 7300 in benchmarks), paired with UFS 2.2 storage.
• Gaming: 87 FPS average in BGMI, runs cooler than CMF Phone 1, and includes extra gaming features.
• Battery: Massive 6,000mAh with an in-box charger.
• Display: 120Hz AMOLED for immersive visuals.
• Design: Sleek and stylish.
• Software: Realme UI 6.0 (Android 15) with two OS updates; bloatware is removable.

Drawbacks:

• Software: Not as clean as CMF Phone 1, though less ad-heavy than Vivo.
• FPS: Lags behind CMF’s 105 FPS in BGMI.

Verdict: The Realme P3 is ideal for power users and gamers who want a fast phone with a big battery and decent all-around features.

Best Phone for Camera: Samsung Galaxy M35

If photography is your focus, the Samsung Galaxy M35 (from last year, now priced to under ₹15,000) edges out the competition with its versatile camera setup. It battles the Realme P3 and Vivo T4x but shines in dynamic range and video recording.

Key Features:

• Camera: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide (unique in this segment); 4K 30FPS video recording (front and rear).
• Battery: 6,000mAh for all-day use.
• Display: 120Hz Super AMOLED with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
• Software: Longest update support in this category (though not always timely).
• Extras: NFC support.

Drawbacks:

• Design: Bland and heavy.
• Performance: Decent but not as snappy as Realme P3 or CMF Phone 1.
• Extras: No IP rating or in-box charger.

Verdict: The Samsung M35 is perfect for camera enthusiasts who want ultrawide shots and 4K video, plus long-term software support.

Best Overall Phone Under ₹15,000: Realme P3

After weighing software, performance, gaming, and camera quality, the Realme P3 emerges as the best all-rounder. It ticks nearly every box and offers incredible value, especially with bank discounts bringing it under ₹15,000.

Why It Wins:

• Performance: Snapdragon-powered speed for daily tasks and gaming.
• Battery: 6,000mAh with fast charging (charger included).
• Display: 120Hz AMOLED for a premium feel.
• Camera: Surprisingly good 50MP sensor, social media-ready photos.
• Design: Sleek and modern.

Minor Cons:

• Bloatware (uninstallable).
• Slightly higher base price without discounts.

Verdict: The Realme P3 is the ultimate pick for most users, balancing power, battery life, and camera quality at an unbeatable price.

Bonus: What If Your Budget Increases to ₹20,000?

If your budget stretches to ₹20,000, consider the Realme P3 Pro 5G. Priced at ₹19,999 during limited-time offers, it brings a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, 80W fast charging, and a 6,000mAh battery—perfect for those wanting a step-up in performance and features.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best phone under ₹15,000 depends on your priorities:

• Software lovers: CMF Phone 1.
• Gamers and power users: Realme P3.
• Camera buffs: Samsung Galaxy M35.
• All-round value: Realme P3.

With bank discounts and fluctuating prices, you can snag these phones within your budget. Found this guide helpful? Drop your thoughts or questions below, and let’s find the perfect phone for you!

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Beebom
Beebom is your go-to tech source, delivering expert reviews and insights via its official YouTube channel. Launched on Feb 9, 2016, from India, Beebom boasts 3.39M subscribers, 1,615 videos, and over 1.25B views. Visit beebom.store or youtube.com/@beebomco for more.