. 3 min read
As 2025 kicks off, the smartphone market is buzzing with great deals. Some brands are delaying new launches to clear existing inventory, meaning this is the perfect time to grab excellent smartphones at discounted prices. Here’s our handpicked list of the best smartphones under ₹20,000 for photography, gaming, and all-round performance. Whether you’re a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a reliable device, we’ve got you covered.
1. CMF Phone 1
The CMF Phone 1 has been a standout choice, earning accolades like the “Best Budget Smartphone of 2024” in our awards.
Key Features:
Clean Android experience with no bloatware or ads—a rarity in this price range.
Regular software updates; currently on the beta version of Nothing OS 3.0.
Decent gaming performance with support for 120 FPS in BGMI (averages 83 FPS during gameplay).
Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, ensuring a full day’s use.
Swappable back covers and additional accessories available for customization.
Pros:
Ideal for users seeking a simple, ad-free software experience.
Great for casual gaming and daily use.
Reliable battery performance.
Cons:
No charger included in the box; additional purchase required.
Average camera quality, making it less appealing for photography enthusiasts.
Price: ₹14,000–₹15,000 during sales.
Best For: Users looking for clean software and good value for money. Ideal for gifting to family members or first-time smartphone users.
2. iQOO Z9S
If gaming and performance are your priorities, the iQOO Z9S is a top contender. It builds on the success of the iQOO Z9, offering significant improvements.
Key Features:
5,500mAh battery for extended gaming sessions and daily use.
HDR-certified display for streaming high-quality content on Netflix.
Sony IMX 882 camera sensor with OIS for steady photos and videos.
1080p portrait video recording, which is rare in this segment.
Slim and lightweight design despite the large battery.
Pros:
Excellent battery life.
Great for gaming and content consumption.
Impressive camera performance with stable video recording.
Cons:
Lacks an ultra-wide-angle camera, limiting versatility for group photos and landscapes.
Price: Under ₹20,000.
Best For: Gamers and those who want good video and photography performance at an affordable price.
3. Motorola Edge 50 Neo
The Motorola Edge 50 Neo combines compact design with powerful features, making it a unique offering in this price range.
Key Features:
Compact form factor, ideal for one-handed use.
3X telephoto camera for detailed zoom shots.
Wireless charging and fast 68W wired charging.
Promised long-term software updates, ensuring longevity.
Smart Connect feature for seamless integration with Windows laptops.
Pros:
Best-in-class camera performance with telephoto capabilities.
Reliable software updates and clean user interface.
Premium features like wireless charging, rare in this price range.
Cons:
Average performance during heavy tasks like gaming or extensive multitasking.
Smaller 4,310mAh battery, though compensated by LTPO display technology for better efficiency.
Price: ₹20,000 (after offers).
Best For: Compact phone lovers and photography enthusiasts seeking premium features at a budget.
4. OnePlus Nord CE 4
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 offers a balanced mix of performance, battery life, and software experience, making it a strong all-rounder.
Key Features:
Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor for smooth performance in everyday tasks and light gaming.
Massive 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging—full charge in just 30 minutes.
OxygenOS with minimal bloatware for a clean and responsive experience.
Regular software updates and security patches for an enhanced user experience.
Pros:
Excellent battery life and ultra-fast charging.
Smooth software experience with minimal bugs.
Solid build quality and reliable 5G performance.
Cons:
Inconsistent camera performance, especially in portrait shots.
Occasional issues like green lines on some displays, though less common in Nord devices.
Price: ₹21,000 (after offers).
Best For: Users prioritizing 5G connectivity, battery life, and a smooth user experience.
You may Like to read:- Top 5 Best Tablets Under ₹30,000 in 2025
The Poco X7 Pro and X7 offer 120Hz AMOLED, long-lasting batteries, fast charging, HyperOS, great cameras, and top performance at ₹24,999 and ₹19,999.
Discover the best tablets under ₹30,000 in 2025, including OnePlus Pad Go, Lenovo Tab P12, Redmi Pad Pro 5G, Xiaomi Pad 7, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Compare features, specifications, and performan
Discover the Xiaomi Pad 7’s sleek design, powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 performance, stunning display, and excellent gaming capabilities. Read our full review for the best tablet experience.
Explore the NVIDIA RTX 5070’s specs, price, and performance, and see how it compares to the RTX 4090 for gaming, content creation, and AI tasks.
Experience blazing-fast speeds with Jio’s 5.5G network, launching with OnePlus 13 and 13R support. Discover its benefits, including 10Gbps speeds and lag-free gaming.