The smartphone market in 2025 is more competitive than ever, especially in the budget segment. High-end features like powerful processors, high-refresh-rate displays, and capable cameras are now accessible at affordable price points. Today's budget smartphones deliver smooth performance, long-lasting battery life, and impressive durability, making them a fantastic choice for a wide range of users.
We have curated a list of the best budget-friendly smartphones available, breaking them down into distinct price categories. Our focus is on performance, display quality, battery life, camera capabilities, and overall value for money. This guide will help you find the perfect smartphone that fits your needs and budget in 2025.
Ultra Budget Smartphones (Under ₹15,000)
For those on a tight budget, these smartphones provide excellent functionality without breaking the bank, offering features like large batteries and high-refresh-rate displays.
iQOO Z9x 5G (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage)
The iQOO Z9x 5G features a power-efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, 6000mAh battery, and a bright 120Hz display—all in a slim 7.99mm frame.
- Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 with 560K+ AnTuTu Score
- Battery: 6000mAh ultra-slim battery with 44W FlashCharge
- Display: 6.72" large display with 120Hz 7-level adaptive refresh rate
- Durability: IP64 certified against dust and water
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage)
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G pairs Gorilla Glass Victus+ durability with smooth Exynos 1380 performance, AMOLED brilliance, and 5 years of software support.
- Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED with 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Durability: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ Protection
- Processor: Exynos 1380 with Vapour Cooling Chamber
- Battery: 6000mAh Battery
- AI Features: AI Powered Circle to Search with Google
realme NARZO N65 5G (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage)
The realme NARZO N65 5G debuts Dimensity 6300 with 6nm efficiency, a 120Hz eye-friendly display, 50MP AI camera, and up to 12GB-like smooth performance with DRE.
- Processor: India's 1st MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G Chipset
- Display: 120Hz Eye Comfort Display
- Camera: 50MP AI Camera
- RAM: Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) technology to expand RAM up to 12GB
Mid-Range Smartphones (₹15,000 - ₹25,000)
This category offers the perfect blend of performance and price, featuring faster processors, superior cameras, and premium features for the discerning user.
OnePlus Nord CE4 (8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)
The OnePlus Nord CE4 offers blazing-fast 100W charging, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 performance, a 50MP OIS camera, and a lifetime display warranty.
- Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 7 Gen 3
- Charging: 100W SUPERVOOC with a 5500mAh Battery
- Camera: 50 MP Camera with OIS
- Warranty: Lifetime Display Warranty
realme NARZO 80 Pro 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)
The realme NARZO 80 Pro 5G boasts a Dimensity 7400 chip, ultra-bright 4500 nits display, 6000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and IP69 rugged durability.
- Processor: Segment's 1st MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Chipset
- Battery: 6000mAh Titan Battery with 80W Ultra Charge
- Display: 4500nits HyperGlow Esports Display
- Durability: IP69 Waterproof
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion delivers a premium visual and camera experience with its 144Hz curved display and Sony 50MP low-light camera system.
- Display: 6.67" 144Hz 3D Curved Display with Gorilla Glass 5
- Main Camera: 50 MP Ultra Pixel OIS Camera with Sony-LYTIA 700C Sensor
- Video: 4K Video Recording on 13MP Ultrawide and 32MP Front Cameras
- Audio: Enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers
Great Value Smartphones (₹25,000 - ₹30,000)
For those who want flagship-level features without the flagship price, these phones offer cutting-edge performance, advanced AI capabilities, and superior gaming experiences.
iQOO Neo 10R 5G (8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)
The iQOO Neo 10R 5G combines flagship Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 power, ultra-slim design, and sustained 90fps gaming for a top-tier mobile gaming experience.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen3 with 1.7Mn+ Antutu Score
- Gaming: 5 hours non-stop stable 90fps gaming with 6043 mm² vapor chamber
- Battery: India's Slimmest 6400mAh battery smartphone with 80W fast charging
- Storage: Fast UFS 4.1 storage for quick app loading
OnePlus Nord CE5 (8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)
The OnePlus Nord CE5 packs a massive 7100mAh battery and a Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, delivering ultra-long usage and flagship-level gaming at 120 FPS.
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex with 1.47 million+ AnTuTu score
- Battery: Massive 7100mAh battery with Bypass Charging
- Gaming: Dominate BGMI and CODM at up to 120 FPS
- AI: Powered by OnePlus AI for enhanced features
OnePlus Nord 4 5G (8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)
The OnePlus Nord 4 5G is a powerful AI-enhanced smartphone with a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip, excelling in photography, productivity, and smart features for seamless work and play.
- Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 7 Plus Gen 3 with 1.5Mn AnTuTu Score
- AI Photography: AI Best Face, AI Eraser, and AI Smart Cutout
- AI Productivity: AI-powered Audio and Article summaries
- Memory: LPDDR5X Memory for seamless multitasking
Comparison Table
| Smartphone | Display | Processor | Main Camera | Battery & Charging | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQOO Z9x 5G | 6.72" 120Hz LCD | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | 50MP | 6000mAh | 44W | ₹13,499 | 4.7/5 |
| Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | 6.6" 120Hz Super AMOLED | Exynos 1380 | 50MP | 6000mAh | ₹14,999 | 4.6/5 |
| realme NARZO N65 5G | 120Hz Eye Comfort Display | Dimensity 6300 | 50MP AI | N/A | ₹10,999 | 4.4/5 |
| OnePlus Nord CE4 | Lifetime Display Warranty | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | 50MP OIS | 5500mAh | 100W | ₹19,999 | 4.8/5 |
| realme NARZO 80 Pro 5G | 4500nits Esports Display | Dimensity 7400 | N/A | 6000mAh | 80W | ₹17,499 | 4.7/5 |
| Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | 6.67" 144Hz pOLED | Dimensity 7030 | 50MP OIS | N/A | 68W | ₹19,790 | 4.6/5 |
| iQOO Neo 10R 5G | N/A | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | N/A | 6400mAh | 80W | ₹26,998 | 4.9/5 |
| OnePlus Nord CE5 | N/A | Dimensity 8350 Apex | N/A | 7100mAh | ₹26,998 | 4.8/5 |
| OnePlus Nord 4 5G | Lifetime Display Warranty | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | N/A | N/A | ₹29,998 | 4.9/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM do I need in a budget smartphone?
For smooth multitasking and a good user experience in 2025, 6GB of RAM is a good starting point. However, 8GB is becoming the sweet spot in the budget segment and is recommended for heavier use and gaming. Many phones now offer virtual RAM expansion to further boost performance.
Which processor is best for budget gaming?
Look for processors from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series (like the 7 Gen 3 or 7+ Gen 3) or MediaTek Dimensity 7000/8000 series. These chips offer an excellent balance of performance and power efficiency, capable of running popular games at high frame rates.
Is a 120Hz display necessary?
While not strictly necessary, a high-refresh-rate display (120Hz or higher) makes a significant difference in perceived smoothness when scrolling through apps and social media. It's a feature that was once exclusive to flagships but is now common in budget phones, and we highly recommend it for a better user experience.
What should I expect from cameras in this price range?
Budget smartphone cameras have improved dramatically. Many phones under ₹30,000 now feature 50MP main sensors, often with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which helps in capturing clearer photos and videos, especially in low light. While they may not compete with high-end flagships, they are more than capable for social media and everyday photography.
Conclusion
The budget smartphone market in 2025 is filled with incredible options that don't force you to compromise on core features. For those on the strictest budget, the iQOO Z9x 5G offers a massive battery and a smooth 120Hz display at an unbeatable price.
In the mid-range, the OnePlus Nord CE4 is a standout with its blazing-fast 100W charging and powerful Snapdragon processor. For gamers, the realme NARZO 80 Pro 5G provides an esports-level display and robust performance.
If you can stretch your budget towards ₹30,000, the iQOO Neo 10R 5G delivers near-flagship gaming performance, while the OnePlus Nord 4 5G offers a suite of useful AI features that enhance both productivity and creativity.
When making your choice, consider what matters most to you—be it battery life, gaming performance, camera quality, or software experience. Every phone on our list is a winner in its category and is sure to provide a fantastic user experience in 2025.