Top 5 Best Budget Smartphones Under Rs 20,000: Your Guide for 2024

Redmi Note 13 comes with a 108MP camera. (Image Source: Xiaomi)

Smartphones have evolved to the point where the line between budget and mid-range devices is becoming increasingly blurred. In 2024, the competition in the smartphone market is fierce, with brands continuously launching new models, making it challenging to find the perfect phone that offers the best bang for your buck. If you're on the lookout for a high-performing smartphone under Rs 20,000, here are our top 5 picks that deliver excellent value without breaking the bank.

Realme Narzo 70: Power-Packed Performance on a Budget

The Realme Narzo 70 is a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance or style. Priced at just Rs 13,999, this phone is powered by the robust Dimensity 7050 chipset, making it a reliable choice for day-to-day tasks. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and a more immersive experience, especially for gaming and multimedia.

What makes the Narzo 70 stand out is its sleek design, combining gloss and matte finishes that give it a premium look. Available in blue and green, it’s a stylish choice for those who want a phone that looks as good as it performs. The device comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, ensuring plenty of space for apps, games, and media. The Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 provides a user-friendly interface with a host of customization options.

On the camera front, the Narzo 70 is equipped with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, which work together to capture sharp and detailed photos. The 5,000mAh battery, capable of 45W fast charging, ensures you won’t be left scrambling for a charger halfway through the day.

CMF Phone 1: The Budget Smartphone That Turns Heads

Next up is the CMF Phone 1, a device that has quickly gained popularity since its launch. Priced at Rs 15,999, it may not be the fastest smartphone in this price range, but its unique design and solid build quality make it a compelling option. The matte back panel and modular design give it a distinctive look, setting it apart from other phones in this segment.

Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by the Dimensity 7300 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and fluid scrolling, making it a great choice for media consumption.

One of the highlights of the CMF Phone 1 is its camera setup. The 50MP primary camera delivers crisp and clear images, while the 16MP front camera is perfect for selfies and video calls—a rarity in the budget segment. The device runs on Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14, with the company promising two major Android updates, ensuring your phone stays up-to-date with the latest features.

Battery life is another area where the CMF Phone 1 excels, thanks to its 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging. This ensures that your phone is always ready to go, whether you're gaming, streaming, or just browsing the web.

Redmi Note 13: The Budget King with a 108MP Camera

The Redmi Note series has long been a favorite among budget-conscious buyers, and the Redmi Note 13 continues that tradition. Launched earlier this year, it is priced at Rs 16,999, making it one of the most affordable phones with a 108MP camera.

The Redmi Note 13 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and responsive user experience. The MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset powers the device, ensuring that it can handle multitasking and gaming without breaking a sweat.

In addition to the impressive 108MP primary camera, the Note 13 also comes with an 8MP ultrawide shooter and a 2MP macro sensor, allowing you to capture a wide range of scenes with great detail. The 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging ensures that you can keep going all day without worrying about running out of juice.

Samsung Galaxy M35: The Long-Lasting Performer

If you're looking for a smartphone that will last you for years, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the perfect choice. Priced at Rs 18,999 with offers, this phone is built to last, with a 6.6-inch AMOLED screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset.

The Galaxy M35 runs on One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, with Samsung promising 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring your device stays secure and up-to-date for a long time. The phone comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, giving you plenty of room for all your apps and files.

The camera setup on the Galaxy M35 is also impressive, with a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor for portrait shots. The 6,000mAh battery, which supports 25W fast charging, ensures that your phone can easily last through even the most demanding days.

iQOO Z9s: The Stylish All-Rounder

Rounding out our list is the iQOO Z9s, a newly launched smartphone that combines style and performance in a budget-friendly package. Priced at Rs 19,999, the iQOO Z9s is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the same processor found in more expensive models like the Oppo Reno 12 Pro.

The iQOO Z9s features a stunning 6.7-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The phone is also IP64 dust and water-resistant, making it a durable choice for those who need a phone that can withstand the elements.

On the camera front, the iQOO Z9s is equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor, allowing you to take high-quality photos in a variety of settings. The device runs on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, with iQOO promising 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches.

Battery life is another strong point for the iQOO Z9s, thanks to its 5,500mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging. This ensures that you can keep going all day without having to constantly recharge your phone.