Not everyone has a spare ₹80,000 to drop on a high-end phone, and let’s face it, few are satisfied with the basic models that skimp on performance and camera quality. Luckily, Samsung has tuned into this gap, rolling out a variety of choices under the ₹25,000 mark in recent years, giving budget-conscious consumers plenty to smile about.

But how competitive are sub ₹25,000 Samsung phones when compared to the competition and how do you know which one’s best for your needs? We’ve got you covered.

Why buy a Samsung mid-range smartphone?

Samsung is a household name in India regarding consumer electronics, so it isn’t surprising that the Korean tech giant continues to hold on to the title of ‘bestselling smartphone brand’ in the country. According to Counterpoint data, smartphone shipments in the country witnessed a 25% year-on-year growth in Q4 2023, with Samsung dominating the competition with an 18% share of the market ahead of Chinese phone makers Vivo, Xiaomi, Realme and Oppo.

While Samsung’s budget phones drive the bulk of its sales in India, the company has zeroed in on the sub ₹25,000 segment lately. In this price bracket, Samsung has crafted a lineup that speaks to diverse needs, enhancing camera capabilities, battery life, processing power, and design to match varying consumer preferences.

Best Samsung Phones Under ₹25,000

Galaxy M55 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M55 5G straddles the line between impressive tech upgrades with one major compromise. Front and centre, it sports a catchy 6.7-inch AMOLED Plus display, serving up vivid, sharp visuals that are a treat for the eyes — perfect for anyone deep into gaming or consuming video content.

The phone also features a 50MP selfie camera, that delivers great selfies and exceptional video performance, making it a go-to gadget for content creators and social media aficionados. The dependable front camera here also makes the Galaxy M55 5G a great device for video calls.

Yet, the Galaxy M55 5G isn't without a fault. Despite being a rather recent release, several users have complained about bloatware and intrusive ads showing up, muddying the user experience with unnecessary clutter and possibly hampering device performance. This could be a dealbreaker for those who prioritize a clean, efficient user interface.

On the battery front, the device is equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, which reliably supports all-day use, ideal for busy professionals or students needing a dependable phone from dawn to dusk. Its 5G capabilities also position it as a future-ready device, enabling users to harness faster speeds for downloads and streaming as 5G availability expands.

Galaxy A34 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G emerges as a noteworthy contender in the mid-range smartphone market, boasting several strengths and very few limitations. Its primary strength lies in its display — a vibrant 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen that delivers bright, clear visuals, making it ideal for those who treat their phones as their one-stop video streaming hub.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Galaxy A34’s versatile camera system, including a 48MP main sensor that captures sharp, detailed photos in various lighting conditions. This feature, coupled with a solid array of auxiliary cameras, supports creative styles from macro photography to wide-angle shots, offering loads of appeal to Instagrammers and even more serious shooters.

However, the device does have a few drawbacks. Some users may find the mid-tier Exynos processor lacking, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps, which could lead to performance hiccups. Additionally, the absence of a high refresh rate on the display might be a downside for those accustomed to smoother scrolling and animation experiences.

Battery life is a strong suit, with its 5000mAh capacity offering more than a day’s worth of usage on a single charge, suitable for busy individuals who need their phones to last through long days. Overall, the Galaxy A34 5G is a solid choice for users seeking a balance of multimedia capabilities, decent photography options, and long battery life in the mid-range segment.

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Galaxy A15 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G presents itself as an appealing option for those looking for a competitive 5G phone without breaking the bank. One of its standout features is the display — a 6.5-inch PLS LCD panel that offers decent brightness and clarity, adequate for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming video content, although it lacks the vibrancy of higher-end AMOLED screens.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A15 5G is powered by a capable Exynos chipset, which handles basic functions and moderate multitasking smoothly. This makes the phone a good fit for users with typical smartphone needs such as social media, light gaming, and regular communication, but may fall short for those looking to run more intensive applications.

Camera performance is modest, with the main sensor capturing acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light, a common issue in smartphones in this budget. This setup meets the needs of casual photographers but won’t satisfy those looking for high-quality imaging.

Battery life is a significant plus, with a 5000mAh unit that easily lasts through a day of moderate to heavy usage, catering well to users who value longevity and minimal recharging throughout the day.

Galaxy F54 5G

The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G serves as a phone with features that cater to both media-consuming nerds and daily users, but not as much appeal for power users and gamers. Much like some of the other options we’ve talked about so far, the primary highlight of the F54 5G is its expansive 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, which offers punchy colours and deep blacks, making it a prime choice for those who frequently consumer content on their phones.

Performance-wise, the Galaxy F54 5G is equipped with an Exynos processor that efficiently handles most tasks including multitasking and moderate gaming. However, it may exhibit some lag when dealing with more stressful tasks like video editing and heavy multitasking, which could be a downside for power users.

The camera setup on the Galaxy F54 5G is commendable, featuring a versatile array of lenses led by a high-res main sensor that captures detailed and vibrant images under most lighting conditions. Yet, it falls short in low-light scenarios, a common issue in this smartphone segment.

Battery life is another strong point, with its large capacity ensuring that the phone can last a full day on a single charge with regular use, beneficial for users who are often on the move and don’t want the hassle of frequent charging.

Galaxy M52 5G

Among Samsung’s older workhorses in the list is the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G which has stood the test of time and continues to find buyers even today. Although it is a bit long in the tooth compared to newer entries, it boasts a commendable 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a swift 120 Hz refresh rate, which ensures a visually smooth experience in everything from scrolling through social media to streaming high-definition videos.

Under the hood, the Galaxy M52 5G is powered by the competent Snapdragon 778G processor, balancing efficiency with the push needed to handle both routine tasks and more demanding applications. This makes it a reliable choice for users who need a device that keeps pace with their varied, and often intensive, smartphone use.

That said, the design feels somewhat outdated — a contrast to the more stylish and modern aesthetics now prevalent in the market. Additionally, its camera system, though versatile, falters in dimmer conditions, which could be a dealbreaker for the nocturnal photographer.

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