As the year comes to an end, we have a definite list of all the mobile phones that came out in 2021. Several among these have stood out and enthralled the global audiences more than others. Now for those who don't want to wait an entire year yet again for the next versions, this is the perfect time to decide which smartphone suits their needs perfectly.
So in order to be of help, we have compiled a list of top 5 smartphones which are on sale in India at a price below Rs 15,000. The list consists of models from the houses of Xiaomi, Realme, Poco and others. Here is a look at the smartphones that stood out in the last few months and promised more than what they cost to the users.
In case you are looking for the top smartphones below Rs 20,000, you can check our list here.
If you are looking for top options below Rs 30,000, you can check our list here.
So to start with the best phones under Rs 15,000
Poco M3 Pro 5G - Rs 13,999
Successor of the Poco M3, the Pro variant was launched in May and comes with highlights like a 90Hz refresh rate, a big 5000mAh battery and MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. Thanks to its rare design, it stands out in this crowded market segment. That is despite a plastic back, the saving grace of which is an attractive, dual-tone finish and a neatly placed camera module at one edge.
Poco M3 Pro 5G sports a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display and a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top. There is a side-mounted fingerprint sensor as well. For performance, the phone comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor and a 4GB RAM coupled to 64GB storage on the base model. The device runs Android 11 based MIUI 12 and features a triple-lens camera setup at the back. Just as on the Poco M3, this includes a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 2-megapixel macro lens and another 2-megapixel depth lens. At the front, there is an 8-megapixel selfie shooter.
As mentioned, the Poco M3 Pro is backed by a 5000mAh battery, which also comes with 18W fast charging support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.1 and a USB Type-C 2.0 port.
Our verdict -Poco M3 Pro 5G comes with limited upgrades over the Poco M3, most of which are specific to gaming. Users will still find this phone as a step-up option to the Poco X3 and Redmi Note 10 Pro with a 90Hz display, big battery and Dimensity 700 processor, all under Rs 15,000. Not to forget, the attractive design and colours.
Read our full review here
Realme Narzo 50A - Rs 11,499
Deemed as a gaming phone for the masses by the company, Realme Narzo 50A comes with a good mix of display, processor, and cameras. The 6.5-inch display comes with an HD+ resolution and a noticeable bezel area on each side. It makes use of a MediaTek Helio G85 processor and features 4GB RAM along with 64GB storage on the base model. Out-of-the-box, the phone runs Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0.
The camera department on the Realme Narzo 50A includes three lenses - a 50-megapixel wide lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. There is also an 8-megapixel selfie shooter at the front. The phone is backed by a massive 6000mAh battery and features fast and reverse charging. There is Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB Type-C 2.0 port.
Our verdict - Realme Narzo 50A is a compelling option for its price that checks all the boxes for a good smartphone experience. This includes a big display, a good processor, a long-lasting battery and an attractive design.
Read our full review here
Redmi Note 10S - Rs 14,999
Yet another Xiaomi offering in the category, the Redmi Note 10S is sleek, compact, comfortable to hold but retains slight fingerprint smudges. It features a simple and elegant design with a bezel all around its display and a dual-tone finish at the back. This is a 6.43-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Inside, there is a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, 6GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage on the base model.
Optics include a four-lens setup consisting of a 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 2-megapixel macro sensor, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. At the front, there is a 13-megapixel selfie shooter. Redmi Note 10S is backed by a 5000mAh battery and features Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.1 and a USB Type-C 2.0.
Our verdict - It is easy to see that the Redmi Note 10S stands out a bit in this list. It is priced closest to Rs 14,999 and carries upgrades over the others accordingly, like a quad camera, a better display and processor. All this mixed with the essential elements like a big battery make it an ideal buy in the segment.
Read our full review here
Realme 8i - Rs 13,999
Claimed to be the fastest phone in its price segment, the Realme 8i comes with a MediaTek Helio G96 processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for the base model. It features a catchy design along with a 6.6-inch display up front that comes with 2412x1080 pixels resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Camera on the Realme 8i includes a 50-megapixel primary lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens and another 2-megapixel depth lens. There is also a 16-megapixel selfie shooter at the front. The phone is backed by a 5000mAh battery and comes with Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.1 and a USB Type-C 2.0.
Our verdict - Realme 8i features a catchy design that houses all the features you would expect from a phone in its price segment. A capable selfie camera and an ample battery make it a good choice in the budget.
Read our full review here
Micromax In 1 - Rs 10,499
A large screen, quad-lens camera and a powerful battery, Micromax In 1 has a lot to offer in a budget. It features a 6.67-inch screen with 2400x1080 pixels resolution, while the back is adorned with a large X design running throughout. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage on the base variant. It runs Android 10 out-of-the-box.
Optics include a 48-megapixel primary lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens and another 2-megapixel depth lens. At the front, there is an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Micromax In 1 is backed by a 5000mAh battery and comes with Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.0 and a USB Type-C 2.0.
Our verdict - A big display with full-HD resolution, a powerful battery, a decent processor, all in a price of just over Rs 10,000 makes the Micromax In 1 a very good option for buyers.
Read our full review here