Top 5 Best Smartphones Under ₹20,000 Budget ⚡ August 2024
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, staying updated with the latest and greatest devices is essential, especially when you’re shopping on a budget. With the number of phones launched in recent months, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 5 smartphones under ₹20,000 in August 2024, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
1. Samsung Galaxy M35: The All-Rounder Champion
Key Features:
- Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
- Battery: 6000mAh
- Camera: 50MP primary + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
- OS: Android 14 with 4 years of major updates
- Price: ₹19,999
Why Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35?
The Samsung Galaxy M35 is an absolute powerhouse in this price segment, offering a balanced package that ticks all the right boxes. Whether you’re a gamer, a photographer, or someone who enjoys consuming multimedia content, this phone has something for everyone.
Performance: Powered by the Exynos 1380, the Galaxy M35 handles day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming with ease. The 8GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 128GB storage offers ample space for your apps, photos, and videos.
Display: Samsung is renowned for its displays, and the M35 doesn’t disappoint. The 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows.
Battery: The 6000mAh battery ensures that the phone lasts all day, even with heavy usage. However, the 25W charging might feel slow, and the absence of a charger in the box is a downside.
Software: Samsung’s commitment to software updates is commendable, with the M35 set to receive four years of major updates, ensuring your phone stays relevant for years to come.
Who Should Buy? If you want an all-rounder smartphone that excels in almost every department, the Samsung Galaxy M35 should be your top choice.
Realme 12 Plus / Realme P1 Pro: The Camera Enthusiast’s Dream
Key Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED (Curved for P1 Pro)
- Processor: Dimensity 7050 (Realme 12 Plus) / Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (P1 Pro)
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh with 67W fast charging
- Camera: 50MP primary + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
- OS: Realme UI 5.0
- Price: ₹20,999 (Available under ₹20K with offers)
Why Choose the Realme 12 Plus or P1 Pro?
The Realme 12 Plus and P1 Pro are designed for those who prioritize camera performance and design. The P1 Pro offers a premium curved display, while the Realme 12 Plus caters to those who prefer a flat screen.
Camera: Both phones sport a 50MP primary camera, complemented by an 8MP ultrawide lens. The photos are sharp, vibrant, and detailed, making them perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Performance: The Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 12 Plus ensures smooth performance, while the P1 Pro, powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, offers a slight edge in gaming.
Battery & Charging: The 5000mAh battery is decent, but the real star is the 67W fast charging, which juices up the phone in no time.
Who Should Buy? If photography and design are your top priorities, and you don’t mind paying a slight premium, the Realme 12 Plus or P1 Pro is your best bet.
iQOO Z9 / Vivo T3: The Gamer’s Delight
Key Features:
- Display: 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh with 44W fast charging
- Camera: 55MP primary with OIS
- OS: Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 13
- Price: ₹19,999
Why Choose the iQOO Z9 or Vivo T3?
For gamers on a budget, the iQOO Z9 and Vivo T3 offer exceptional performance, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, which boasts an impressive AnTuTu score of 8 lakhs.
Performance: The combination of the Dimensity 7200 and 8GB RAM ensures smooth gameplay, even in graphics-intensive games. The 120Hz refresh rate further enhances the gaming experience.
Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides enough juice for extended gaming sessions, and the 44W fast charging ensures you’re back in the game quickly.
Camera: While the focus is on performance, the 55MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures that your photos and videos are sharp and steady.
Who Should Buy? If gaming is your main priority and you want a phone that can handle high-performance tasks without breaking a sweat, the iQOO Z9 or Vivo T3 is the phone for you.
POCO X6: The Multimedia Marvel
Key Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 2
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh with 67W fast charging
- Camera: 64MP primary + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
- OS: MIUI 14 based on Android 13
- Price: ₹19,999
Why Choose the POCO X6?
The POCO X6 is tailored for those who consume a lot of multimedia content. Its display and audio setup make it a standout option in this price range.
Display: The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers stunning visuals, perfect for watching movies and playing games. The Gorilla Glass Victus protection ensures durability.
Performance: The Snapdragon 7S Gen 2 chipset provides solid performance, handling multitasking and gaming efficiently.
Audio & Battery: The stereo speakers deliver immersive sound, making it ideal for media consumption. The 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging ensures you don’t run out of power during a binge-watching session.
Who Should Buy? If you’re someone who loves watching movies, streaming videos, or listening to music, the POCO X6 offers an unbeatable multimedia experience.
CMF Phone 1: The Unique Contender
Key Features:
- Display: 6.55-inch FHD+ AMOLED
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh with 33W fast charging
- Camera: 50MP primary
- OS: CMF UI based on Android 13
- Price: ₹17,999
Why Choose the CMF Phone 1?
The CMF Phone 1 is for those who want something different. With a unique design and clean UI, this phone stands out from the crowd, despite some trade-offs.
Design: The CMF Phone 1’s design is a breath of fresh air in a market filled with similar-looking devices. It’s a great choice if you want a phone that looks and feels different.
Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset offers decent performance for daily tasks and light gaming. However, it’s not as powerful as some other options on this list.
Camera & Build: The 50MP camera is impressive, but the build quality leaves something to be desired. Additionally, the mono speaker setup might be a letdown for audiophiles.
Who Should Buy? If you’re a tech enthusiast looking for a unique phone that stands out in terms of design and software experience, the CMF Phone 1 is worth considering. However, be aware of its limitations in build quality and service support.
How to Choose the Best Smartphone for You
When selecting a smartphone under ₹20,000, it’s important to consider what you value most in a device. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
For All-Round Performance: Go for the Samsung Galaxy M35. It offers a balanced experience with great performance, display, battery life, and future software updates.
For Camera Enthusiasts: The Realme 12 Plus or Realme P1 Pro are your best bets, especially if you want high-quality photos and unique design options like a curved screen.
For Gamers: If gaming performance is your top priority, the iQOO Z9 or Vivo T3 provide powerful processors and high refresh rate displays that enhance your gaming experience.
For Multimedia Lovers: The POCO X6 stands out with its superior display and audio features, making it perfect for watching videos and enjoying immersive sound.
For Those Who Want Something Unique: Consider the CMF Phone 1 if you’re looking for a device that breaks the mold in terms of design and software experience, though it comes with some trade-offs.
Final Thoughts
The smartphone market under ₹20,000 is packed with great options, but the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize camera quality, gaming performance, or just want a solid all-around device, this list has something for everyone.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends who are also looking for the best smartphone under ₹20,000. Happy shopping, and may you find the perfect phone that fits your lifestyle!