If you are considering a first smartphone for yourself or a family member, it is best to go with a budget option, at least until they get accustomed to it. Budget smartphones have gotten a lot better over the last few years. One can now get a solid device for less than Rs 12,000 that offers a comprehensive smartphone experience, including 5G connectivity.
Here are six such smartphones priced under Rs 12,000 that deliver excellent user experience and battery life.
Samsung Galaxy M15 5G
Rs 10,999
Galaxy M15 has a large 6,000 mAh battery (Image credit: Samsung)
Currently priced at less than Rs 11,000, the Galaxy M15 is an excellent 5G-enabled budget smartphone worth considering in 2024. It has a 6.5-inch AMOLED screen paired with a 6,000 mAh battery that delivers an excellent content consumption experience and battery life. On top of that, it offers 128 GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot for additional storage expansion.
motorola G45 5G
Rs 11,999
A colourful budget smartphone. (Image credit: Motorola)
One of the most powerful smartphones under Rs 12,000. Based on the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chip with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, this device offers stock Android 14 and has a 6.5-inch HD+ resolution screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G
Rs 10,498
An excellent entry-level smartphone with 5G connectivity. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The iQOO Z9 Lite (review) has a 6.56-inch 90Hz display with 720p resolution and an IP64 rating, making it one of the most affordable water-resistant smartphones on the market. It offers a best-in-class 50 MP main camera and a 5,000 mAh battery, and it ships with Android 14-based FuntouchOS 14.
Nokia G42 5G
Rs 11,499
Nokia G42 has an easy-to-replace back panel, charging support and screen. (Express Photo)
The Nokia G42 (review) is another excellent smartphone that offers stock Android. This offering from HMD has a rugged design, and even the base model offers 6 GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. The smartphone is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 20W fast charging, and the device has a triple rear-camera setup, including a 50 MP AI camera.
POCO M6 Pro 5G
Rs 10,749
Poco M6 Pro 5G
This is by far one of the most well-rounded smartphones priced under Rs 11,000. It is powered by a capable Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC. It has a large 6.79-inch screen with FHD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth gaming and content consumption experience. Even in terms of looks, it is clearly one of the best-looking smartphones in this price range.
realme NARZO N65 5G
Rs 10,499
A good-looking budget 5G smartphone. (Image credit: Realme)
One of the best-looking smartphones in this segment, the Narzo N65 is based on the Dimensity 6300 SoC, the same chip that powers many similarly priced smartphones. It stands out from the crowd with its circular camera island and a large display with a 120Hz refresh rate.