Best Phone Under 15000: There’s something exciting about hunting for a new smartphone, especially when you have a budget in mind. Today, I’m diving deep into the best phones you can snag for under ₹15,000 in 2025. As someone who’s seen the smartphone market evolve dramatically over the years, I can confidently say that this price segment has never been more competitive or feature-packed than it is right now.
Why Budget Phones Are Booming in 2025
Gone are the days when buying a budget phone meant compromising on everything. The sub-₹15,000 segment has transformed dramatically, with manufacturers cramming premium features into affordable packages. Today’s budget phones offer impressive displays, capable processors, decent cameras, and battery life that would make flagships from a few years ago jealous.
I’ve spent weeks testing these devices, pushing them through their paces to bring you honest recommendations that deliver real value for your hard-earned money.
Top Contenders in the Sub-₹15,000 Category
Motorola G64 5G (₹14,999 for 12GB/256GB)
The Motorola G64 5G sits proudly at the top of my list, and for good reason. After using it for a couple of weeks, I’ve found it to be an exceptional all-rounder.
What impressed me most is the generous 256GB storage coupled with 12GB RAM at this price point. The phone features a 50MP primary camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) – a rare luxury in this segment that makes a noticeable difference in photo quality, especially in low light or when your hands are a bit shaky.
The 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling through social media and responsive gaming. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chip, it handles everyday tasks with ease. I particularly appreciate the clean, near-stock Android 14 experience – no bloatware or intrusive ads to contend with.
Battery life is another standout feature, with the 6000mAh cell easily lasting two days of moderate use. The 33W fast charger included in the box is a nice bonus, getting you back up and running quickly when you do run low.
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G (₹14,350 for 6GB/128GB)
Samsung’s offering in this segment comes with the brand’s reliability and impressive specs. The standout feature has to be the 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus – the kind of protection you’d typically find on phones twice the price.
I tested this phone for about ten days and found the camera setup quite capable for the price. Like the Motorola, it features a 50MP primary camera with OIS, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro camera. The 13MP selfie camera produces decent results in good lighting.
The Exynos 1380 processor paired with 6GB RAM handles day-to-day tasks smoothly, though I noticed occasional stutters during intensive gaming sessions. The 6000mAh battery easily lasts around two days, though do note that unlike most competitors, Samsung doesn’t include a charger in the box.
Poco M7 Pro 5G (₹13,499 for 6GB/128GB)
If you’re looking to save a bit more money without sacrificing too much on features, the Poco M7 Pro 5G deserves serious consideration. After using it for a while, I was impressed by its 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2100 nits peak brightness – stunning for content consumption at this price point.
The display is HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compliant, which means your Netflix and Prime Video content will look great. It’s also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing decent protection against accidental scratches.
Camera performance is solid with a 50MP primary sensor featuring OIS, though the secondary 2MP depth sensor feels more like a spec-sheet addition than truly useful. The 20MP selfie camera, however, is excellent for the price, capturing detailed self-portraits.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chip with 6GB RAM, the phone handles everyday tasks smoothly. The 5110mAh battery lasts over a day and a half, and Poco includes a 45W fast charger in the box – one of the fastest charging solutions in this price range.
Realme P3x 5G (₹13,999 for 6GB/128GB)
What makes the Realme P3x 5G stand out is its exceptional IP69-rated ingress protection – something rarely seen even in phones double its price. This means superior dust and water resistance, offering peace of mind if you’re prone to accidents or outdoor adventures.
The phone sports a 6.72-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While not AMOLED, the display is plenty bright and smooth for everyday use. It’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 5G processor paired with 6GB RAM, which offers decent performance for the price.
The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP secondary camera, while the 8MP front camera handles selfies adequately. Battery life is excellent thanks to the large 6000mAh cell, which easily powers through a full day of heavy use.
Redmi Note 13 5G (Price varies by variant)
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has always been a strong contender in the budget segment, and the Note 13 5G continues that tradition. The MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor coupled with 6GB RAM delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and handles popular games like BGMI and COD Mobile with impressive stability.
What I particularly love about this phone is its stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. Colors pop, videos look fantastic, and the high refresh rate makes everything feel snappy and responsive.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 108MP primary camera that captures detailed shots in daylight, though low-light performance is somewhat average. The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, and the included 33W fast charging ensures quick top-ups when needed.
What Features Matter Most in Budget Phones?
Display Technology: AMOLED vs LCD
One of the most notable trends I’ve observed in 2025’s budget smartphone market is the increasing availability of AMOLED displays. Previously a premium feature, AMOLED screens now appear in several phones under ₹15,000, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.
However, a good quality LCD display can still provide an excellent experience. The key factors to consider are:
- Resolution (Full HD+ is now standard in this segment)
- Refresh rate (120Hz has become common, providing smoother scrolling)
- Brightness (especially important for outdoor visibility)
In my testing, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G and Poco M7 Pro 5G stood out with their AMOLED panels, while the Motorola G64 5G proved that a well-calibrated LCD can still deliver a great experience.
Processing Power: What’s Enough?
Most phones in this range now come with capable mid-range processors that handle everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. The MediaTek Dimensity series and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6-series dominate this segment.
For most users, these processors provide more than enough power for:
- Social media browsing
- Video streaming
- Casual gaming
- Multitasking between apps
If you’re a more demanding user who enjoys graphic-intensive games, you might notice some limitations, but casual gaming performance has improved significantly in this price range.
Camera Capabilities: The OIS Revolution
Perhaps the most exciting development in this segment is the introduction of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) in primary cameras. This technology, once reserved for premium devices, helps reduce blur from hand movements and significantly improves low-light photography.
The Motorola G64 5G, Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, and Poco M7 Pro 5G all feature OIS on their primary cameras, representing excellent value for photo enthusiasts on a budget.
Battery Life and Charging Speeds
Almost all phones in this segment now come with 5000mAh or larger batteries, with some offering massive 6000mAh cells. This translates to 1-2 days of battery life for most users.
Charging speeds have also improved, with most manufacturers including at least 33W fast chargers in the box (with Samsung being the notable exception). This means less time tethered to an outlet when you do need to recharge.
5G: Now Standard at This Price Point
It’s worth noting that 5G connectivity has become standard in this price segment. All the phones I’ve recommended support 5G networks, ensuring your device is future-proofed as 5G coverage continues to expand across the country.
Making the Right Choice: Which Phone is For You?
For the Storage-Hungry User
If you take lots of photos and videos or download many apps and games, the Motorola G64 5G with its generous 256GB storage and 12GB RAM offers the most value.
For the Media Consumer
If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, browsing social media, and taking occasional photos, the Poco M7 Pro 5G with its HDR10+ and Dolby Vision-compatible AMOLED display provides the best viewing experience.
For Brand Conscious Buyers
If you prefer the reliability and ecosystem of an established brand, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G offers the best balance of features with Samsung’s trusted quality and software support.
For the Accident-Prone
If you’re concerned about durability or frequently use your phone in challenging environments, the Realme P3x 5G with its exceptional IP69 rating offers peace of mind against water and dust damage.
What’s Missing at This Price Point?
While these phones offer impressive value, there are some features you’ll typically only find in more expensive devices:
- Wireless charging
- Advanced computational photography
- High-end gaming performance
- Telephoto cameras
- Premium build materials (like glass backs)
- Extended software support (though Samsung offers better than most in this regard)
My Personal Experience
Having tested all these phones extensively, I find it remarkable how much value they offer. Just a few years ago, phones in this price range made significant compromises in basic functionality. Today, they’re capable devices that satisfy the needs of most users.
I’ve personally been using the Motorola G64 5G as my secondary device for several weeks, and I’m consistently impressed by its battery life, clean software, and capable camera. For most users who don’t need the absolute cutting edge, these sub-₹15,000 phones represent excellent value.
Final Thoughts
The sub-₹15,000 smartphone segment in 2025 offers unprecedented value, with features that were exclusive to premium devices just a couple of years ago. The competition between manufacturers has driven rapid innovation and price competitiveness, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Whether you prioritize display quality, camera capabilities, battery life, or software experience, there’s a phone in this price range that will meet your needs without breaking the bank. As technology continues to advance, we can expect this segment to become even more compelling in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can budget phones under ₹15,000 handle gaming well?
Most phones in this segment can handle casual games smoothly, but for more graphic-intensive titles like Genshin Impact or BGMI at high settings, you might notice some frame drops. The Poco M7 Pro 5G and Motorola G64 5G offer the best gaming performance in this price range thanks to their capable processors and high refresh rate displays.
2. How long can I expect a budget smartphone to last before needing replacement?
With proper care, phones in this segment can easily last 2-3 years. The hardware is durable, but software support varies by manufacturer. Samsung typically offers the longest support cycle in this price range, with up to 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches for some models.
3. Is it worth waiting for sales to buy these phones?
Absolutely! Budget phones frequently see significant discounts during festive sales on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Patience can often save you 10-15% off the listed price, allowing you to either save money or potentially step up to a higher-end model within your budget.
4. How important is RAM in budget smartphones?
RAM plays a crucial role in multitasking performance. In 2025, I recommend at least 6GB RAM for a smooth experience. 8GB provides better future-proofing, while 4GB might feel constraining if you frequently switch between multiple apps.
5. Are Chinese smartphone brands reliable in the long term?
Brands like Xiaomi (Redmi, Poco), Realme, and Vivo have established strong service networks across India. Their smartphones offer excellent value and have proven to be reliable over time. That said, after-sales service quality can vary by location, so it’s worth researching the service center options in your area.
6. Should I be concerned about bloatware on budget phones?
Bloatware remains a concern on some budget devices, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. Motorola and Samsung tend to offer cleaner experiences, though Samsung does include some of its own apps. Most bloatware can be disabled or uninstalled, but it’s something to consider if you prefer a clean software experience.