Best Smartphones Under ₹20,000 in India (October 2025)
The sub-₹20,000 smartphone segment is the most exciting and fiercely competitive battleground in the Indian market. For years, this price bracket has delivered phones that offer flagship-level features at a fraction of the cost, and 2025 is no exception. With the festive season in full swing, brands like Redmi, Realme, and Samsung have brought their A-game, offering powerful processors, stunning 120Hz AMOLED displays, and incredible camera systems.
Navigating this crowded market can be confusing. This guide will break down the top 3 best smartphones you can buy under ₹20,000 right now, helping you choose the perfect device for your needs.
1. Redmi Note 15 Pro – Best Camera
The Redmi Note series has always been a camera champion in the mid-range, and the Note 15 Pro proudly continues this legacy. It offers the most powerful and versatile camera system in this price segment, coupled with a beautiful display and solid all-around performance, making it the best choice for photography enthusiasts.
Why you should buy it: The 108MP primary camera captures stunningly detailed and vibrant photos in daylight. Its performance is reliable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, and the 67W charger juices up the phone in about 40 minutes.
2. Realme 14 Pro 5G – Best for Performance & Charging
For those who prioritize speed and gaming, the Realme 14 Pro 5G is the undisputed king. It packs a near-flagship-level processor and an incredibly fast charging solution that leaves the competition in the dust. This is the phone for the power user.
Why you should buy it: The Dimensity 8300-Ultra processor delivers exceptional performance for heavy gaming and multitasking. The headline feature is the 100W charging, which can take the battery from 0 to 100% in just under 25 minutes. The main camera also includes OIS, which is great for low-light shots.
3. Samsung Galaxy M36 5G – Best Display & Battery Life
Samsung brings its display prowess to the mid-range with the Galaxy M36 5G. This phone is built for media consumption, offering a stunning Super AMOLED display and a massive battery that will easily last you through the day and beyond.
Why you should buy it: The Super AMOLED+ display is the best in this segment, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 6000mAh battery provides outstanding endurance. Plus, Samsung’s clean OneUI software and the promise of 4 years of OS updates offer great long-term value.
Buying Guide: What to Look for Under ₹20,000
- Processor: Look for modern chips like the Snapdragon 7 series or the MediaTek Dimensity 7000/8000 series for a great balance of power and efficiency.
- Display: An AMOLED or OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is now the standard in this segment and offers a much better viewing experience than an LCD.
- Camera: Don’t just look at megapixels. A primary camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) will give you much better, less blurry photos, especially in low light.
- Battery & Charging: A 5000mAh battery is the benchmark. For charging, look for at least 67W for a fast top-up experience.
- 5G Bands: Ensure the phone supports a wide range of 5G bands for better future-proofing.