Top 5 Smartphones Under ₹20,000 For 2024: Our Expert Picks

Finding the perfect smartphone under ₹20,000 can be challenging, especially with so many options available. After a long wait and careful consideration, we’ve compiled a list of the best phones in this price range. Whether you’re seeking performance, design, or camera quality, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Key Takeaways

Top Choice for Performance: iQOO Z9
Best Camera Quality: Realme Narzo 70 Pro
Well-Balanced Option: Moto G85
Unique Design: CMF Phone 1
Reliable Samsung Choice: Samsung Galaxy M35

1. Samsung Galaxy M35

The Samsung Galaxy M35 makes a strong case for itself in the budget segment. Here’s why it stands out:

Battery Life: With a massive 6,000 mAh battery, this phone is built to last through a full day of heavy use.
Display Protection: It features Gorilla Glass Victus protection, which is a rare find in this price range.
Performance: Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, it offers better performance than the Snapdragon 695 found in some competitors.
Software Support: Samsung promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security updates, ensuring your device stays current for a long time.

Drawbacks:

Design: It’s bulky and heavy, which might not appeal to everyone.
Fingerprint Scanner: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is less convenient compared to an in-display option.

2. Realme Narzo 70 Pro

The Realme Narzo 70 Pro is a top choice for those who prioritize camera performance and fast charging:

Camera Quality: Equipped with a Sony IMX 890 sensor, it delivers excellent photos in various conditions. It also includes an ultra-wide and macro lens for versatile photography.
Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chip ensures smooth performance, complemented by a 5,000 mAh battery and 67W fast charging.
Display: It has an OLED screen with slim bezels and UFS 3.1 storage, offering fast read and write speeds.

Drawbacks:

Software: The phone comes with a lot of bloatware, which can be a nuisance.

3. Moto G85

The Moto G85 stands out for its design and user experience:

Design: It features a sleek, lightweight design with a vegan leather back, making it both stylish and comfortable to hold.
Battery Life: The 5,000 mAh battery ensures good longevity between charges.
Camera: The 50MP primary camera and the 8MP ultra-wide camera perform well, with good photo quality in various conditions.
Software Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android interface provides a smooth experience and useful Moto gestures.

Drawbacks:

Chipset: The Snapdragon 6-series Gen 3 chipset, while decent, struggles with higher-end tasks like HDR video playback and 4K video recording.

4. iQOO Z9

The iQOO Z9 is the best performer in this list, especially for gaming enthusiasts:

Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset offers impressive performance and high AnTuTu benchmark scores, making it suitable for gaming.
Display: It boasts a Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
Battery: With a 5,000 mAh battery and 44W fast charging, it ensures minimal downtime.

Drawbacks:

Camera: While performance is strong, the camera quality didn’t impress as much as expected.
Software: The FunTouch OS, while smooth, is laden with pre-installed apps.

5. CMF Phone 1

The CMF Phone 1 stands out for its unique design and solid performance:

Design: With exposed screws and customizable back covers, it offers a distinct look that sets it apart from other smartphones.
Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chip provides strong performance for the price, with a 5,000 mAh battery and 33W fast charging.
Software Experience: The phone offers a clean software experience, which is a major plus.

Drawbacks:

Camera Quality: The camera performance is average and the phone comes with a mono speaker setup.
No Charger: Like the Samsung Galaxy M35, the CMF Phone 1 does not include a charger in the box.

Conclusion

Choosing the best smartphone under ₹20,000 depends on what you value most. Here’s a quick recap to guide your decision:

Best Performance: iQOO Z9
Top Camera: Realme Narzo 70 Pro
Stylish Design: CMF Phone 1
Balanced Option: Moto G85
Reliable Choice: Samsung Galaxy M35

Each of these phones has its strengths and weaknesses. Think about what features matter most to you—whether it’s camera quality, battery life, design, or overall performance. Share this guide with friends and family who are also on the hunt for a budget-friendly phone!

For the latest updates and more detailed reviews, visit tech review sites and forums. Make sure to check for the most recent models and deals, as prices and availability can change.

If you have any thoughts or questions about these phones, let us know in the comments below!