As 5G connectivity steadily blankets urban India, there’s a clear shift in the country’s telecommunication landscape. This technological leap forward is not just a matter of faster internet speeds; it represents a major shift in how users interact with the digital world. The ripple effect of this transformation is now notably evident in India’s smartphone market.

A significant number of users, who until now were content with their 4G smartphones, are now actively seeking an upgrade to embrace the 5G era. However, contrary to the expected gravitation towards mid-range or high-end models, where 5G is rapidly becoming a standard feature, a substantial segment of the market is tilting towards more economically priced options. These budget-conscious consumers are not just looking for a 5G label; they seek a blend of affordability and functionality, a combination that caters to evolving digital needs without straining their wallets.

Feature Expectations in Sub-₹20,000 Smartphones

Navigating the sub-₹20,000 smartphone segment, especially those with 5G, reveals a surprising array of features once exclusive to high-end models. This budget-friendly range has evolved into a sweet spot in the market, balancing cost and functionality. So before we get into our best 5G smartphone under ₹20,000 list, here are some features you should keep in mind while searching for a 5G smartphone under ₹20,000.

Performance: Expect mid-range processors adept at handling daily activities like social media, streaming, and moderate gaming, ensuring a smooth experience.

Camera Quality: Budget smartphones now boast impressive cameras, often with multiple lenses including wide-angle and macro, for high-quality photos and videos.

Display and Design: Far from the basic designs of the past, these phones offer vibrant, high-refresh-rate displays and sleek aesthetics, rivalling more expensive models.

Battery Life: A key demand in India, these phones feature long-lasting batteries with fast charging, making them ideal for extended use.

Software and Updates: With a focus on the Android ecosystem, users can enjoy a user-friendly interface with regular updates and minimal bloatware.

Additional Features: Common in this price bracket are features like fingerprint sensors, face unlock, and ample, expandable storage, along with dual SIM support, aligning with the diverse needs of Indian consumers.

Best Mobile Phones Under ₹20,000

POCO X6 5G

The first phone to feature in our best 5G smartphone under ₹20,000 list is the POCO X6 5G. The phone stands out in the mid-range smartphone market with its blend of features, performance, and affordability. It sports a sleek, minimalist design with a glossy back that attracts fingerprints, making the included case a necessity for maintaining its appearance. Though light and slightly flimsy, it’s ergonomic and pocket-friendly.

The phone features a 6.67-inch OLED display with vivid colours and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. Its high brightness level is suitable for outdoor use. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, it handles multitasking and gaming efficiently, though it may warm up during intensive use.

Its 64MP main camera delivers quality photos in well-lit conditions and decent low-light performance. Video recording is robust, with better stabilization at 1080p. The 5,100mAh battery supports a full day’s use, complemented by 67W fast charging for quick power-ups.

Running on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, the interface is user-friendly but includes some bloatware. An update to HyperOS based on Android 14 is anticipated.

Redmi Note 13 5G

The Redmi Note 13 5G is a budget-friendly yet feature-packed smartphone, ideal for both casual and moderate use. It boasts a sleek, boxy design with a durable plastic build and IP54-rated dust and splash resistance. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display offers 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colours and smooth visuals, with a peak brightness of 1000 nits for good outdoor visibility.

Performance-wise, it’s equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, available in 6GB or 8GB RAM variants with up to 256GB storage. It efficiently handles everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming, running on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, though it includes some bloatware.

The triple-camera setup features a 108MP primary camera, delivering detailed photos in good lighting, and a 16MP front camera for decent selfies. Its low-light performance is adequate for its price range.

The 5,000mAh battery ensures a full day’s use, supported by 33W fast charging for quick top-ups. While the single-speaker setup lacks stereo depth, it’s sufficient for daily media use. Priced around Rs 17,999, the Redmi Note 13 5G is a well-rounded choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile smartphone. It is because of all these reasons that the phone finds a place in our list of the best 5G smartphones under ₹20,000.

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

Smartphone behemoth Samsung makes an entry into our best 5G smartphone under ₹20,000 list with the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G. The phone is well-suited for a wide range of users, from everyday reliability seekers to multimedia enthusiasts. It features a polycarbonate body with a glass finish, offering a premium feel but prone to fingerprints. The design includes a triple rear camera in a chrome-ring setup, adding to its refined appearance.

The device boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080×2340 resolution, protected by Gorilla Glass 5. This screen provides vibrant colours and excellent contrast, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience, especially for streaming content.

Camera-wise, it comes with a 50MP primary camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, capturing detailed images in daylight and decent shots in low light, though sometimes lacking detail.

Powered by the Exynos 1280 SoC, the Galaxy M34 5G handles daily tasks and casual gaming smoothly, running on One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, albeit with some bloatware.

A key highlight is its 6,000mAh battery, offering over two days of use, though it supports 25W charging, slower than some rivals. Priced at ₹16,999, it’s an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced mid-range phone with Samsung’s quality.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone, ideal for those valuing camera quality, fast charging, and smooth display performance. It features a modern design with a polycarbonate back and comes in vibrant colours like Pastel Lime. The 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD offers a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth experience, though it lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED screens found in similar-priced models.

Camera-wise, it boasts a 108MP primary camera that captures detailed daylight photos with good colour accuracy. Night photography is adequate but without OIS, clarity is compromised. A 16MP front camera caters well to selfie fans.

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC and 8GB of RAM, it efficiently handles everyday tasks and casual gaming, though it may struggle with heavy multitasking or advanced gaming.

The device’s 5,000mAh battery, complemented by 67W fast charging, offers extended battery life and rapid recharging, beneficial for heavy users and those on the go.

Running OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13, it provides a smooth software experience with customization options, despite some bloatware.

Priced competitively, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G presents a good value, especially for those seeking a high-resolution camera and fast charging within a budget. While it may not excel in performance or display quality against rivals, it remains a solid choice for its overall package and the OnePlus experience.

Realme Narzo 60 5G

Next on the best 5G smartphone under ₹20,000 list, we have the Realme Narzo 60 5G, which is a budget-friendly smartphone that stands out for its stylish design, efficient performance, and quality display, catering to users who value aesthetics, everyday functionality, and battery life. Ideal for casual use, multimedia, and light gaming, it features a premium-looking Mars Orange variant with a vegan leather back and stainless steel sides.

The device boasts a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED full-HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant and sharp visuals, although it lacks HDR support. Its improved pixel density enhances content clarity, suitable for video watching and browsing.

Camera-wise, it includes a 64MP primary sensor and a 16MP front camera, both offering improved photo quality, especially in daylight and for selfies.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor, the Narzo 60 5G smoothly handles games and daily tasks, running on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13, despite some bloatware.

The 5,000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting use and quick recharges. Priced at around Rs 17,999 for the base model, it provides good value, balancing design and display enhancements.

Overall, the Realme Narzo 60 5G is a compelling choice in the budget segment, offering a mix of design, display quality, and performance, though it faces competition within its category.

Lava Agni 2 5G

The Lava Agni 2 5G emerges as a noteworthy offering from an Indian brand, blending style and substance. Its design is eye-catching, with a curved display and a unique circular rear camera module. The frosted glass back not only repels fingerprints but also adds a touch of elegance, though it does contribute to a heftier weight of 210 grams, which might be felt during extended use.

The phone’s 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display is a visual treat, boasting vivid colours and smooth animations thanks to its FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It’s quite adept for outdoor use with good sunlight legibility and supports high-definition streaming with Widevine L1 certification.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Agni 2’s quad-rear camera setup, led by a 50MP primary sensor that shines in daylight. The 16MP front camera also does a commendable job in well-lit conditions. However, low-light photography is a bit of a challenge.

Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset ensures efficient handling of regular tasks and moderate gaming. The software experience is clean and user-friendly, with Android 13 offering a near-stock experience and minimal bloatware.

The 4,700mAh battery is adequate for daily use, and the 66W fast charging is a boon for quick power-ups.

In conclusion, the Lava Agni 2 5G is a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience. It excels in design, display, and software, offering good performance for everyday use. While not a gaming powerhouse, it holds its own in its price segment, making it a compelling option for those looking to support an Indian brand.

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