Update: We last updated this article with new budget mobile phones under ₹10,000 in India on July 17.
If you need a smartphone that covers the basics like calling, social media, and watching videos without breaking the bank, the sub-10K segment is a solid choice. It’s ideal for someone who needs a smartphone but isn’t looking for anything fancy. With so many options in this crowded segment, I’ll help you find the best mobile phones you can buy under ₹10,000 in India right now.
Before we begin, keep in mind that none of these phones will excel in performance or cameras. They are good for daily use, with cameras decent enough for social media and video calls. Instead, focus on 5G support, a reliable processor, a solid build, and long battery life.
Table of Contents
1. Moto G35 5G
The Moto G35 5G comes with Motorola’s My UX, delivering a near-stock Android experience with added features. It also stands out with a vegan leather back, offering a premium feel that’s rare in this segment. The phone has a 6.72-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and supports twelve 5G bands with VoNR for better connectivity.
However, it is powered by the Unisoc T760 processor with just 4GB of RAM, which may cause occasional stutters under heavy use. Additionally, it comes with several pre-installed apps, including Glance on the lock screen, which some users may find annoying. Charging is on the slower side, so expect longer wait times.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium design | Mediocre cameras |
| Bright 120Hz display | Pre-installed apps with Glance on lock screen |
| Great battery life | Not for gaming |
| Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos | Slow charging speeds |
Key Specifications:
- Build: Vegan leather back, plastic frame
- Display: 6.72-inch Full-HD+ IPS, 120Hz, up to 1000 nits
- Processor: Unisoc T760
- Software: My UX, Android 14 (upgradable to Android 15)
- Rear Camera: 50MP + 8MP ultra-wide
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Charging: 18W fast charging; 20W charger inside the box
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 12x 5G bands
- Weight: 192 grams
- Thickness: 7.79mm
- Other features: Side-mounted fingerprint, IP52 rating
AnTuTu Score: ~470K
Price: ₹9,999 for 4/128GB
2. Poco M6 Plus 5G
The Poco M6 Plus 5G features a premium glass build with a stylish two-tone finish. It boasts a large 6.79-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. On the back, there’s a 108MP main camera with 3x in-sensor zoom, which delivers decent pictures in good lighting conditions.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE ensures stable performance. Day-to-day usage and gaming on low to medium settings should be smooth. However, don’t expect hardcore gaming since it’s still an entry-level chip. You also get seven 5G bands, 33W fast charging, and a massive 5,000mAh battery, making it a well-rounded choice.
However, it lacks stereo speakers, which may disappoint those who prioritize audio quality. That said, at just over ₹10K, it remains a solid budget-friendly option. If you’re looking for something even more affordable, you may also consider the regular Poco M6.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish dual-tone design | No stereo speakers |
| Stable performance | Has bloatware |
| Fast charging and IR blaster | Display isn’t bright under sunlight |
| Good daylight camera performance |
Key Specifications:
- Build: Glass back, plastic frame
- Display: 6.79-inch Full-HD+ LCD, 120Hz, up to 550 nits
- Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE
- RAM and Storage: 6/128GB
- Software: Hyper OS, Android 14 (upgradable to Android 15)
- Rear Camera: 108MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Charging: 33W fast charging; charger inside box
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, 7x 5G bands
- Weight: 195g
- Thickness: 8.19mm
- Other features: Side-mounted fingerprint, IR Blaster, IP53 rating
AnTuTu Score: ~450K
Price: ₹10,499 for 6/128GB
3. Redmi 14C 5G
The Redmi 14C is an affordable 5G smartphone from Xiaomi’s sub-brand. It sports a large 6.88-inch HD+ LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it one of the biggest screens in its price range. However, it still has a water-drop style notch.
The phone packs a 5160mAh battery, delivering all-day battery life, though charging speeds may feel slow. It runs on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS, the same as the Poco M6 Plus. The 50MP rear camera captures decent daylight shots, but low-light performance may not be as strong.
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. While it’s an entry-level processor, it handles everyday tasks smoothly. One drawback is the mono speaker, which may disappoint users who prefer stereo sound.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stable processor | Only 64GB storage on base model |
| All-day battery life | Has bloatware |
| Good daylight camera performance | No stereo speakers |
| Old water-drop notch |
Key Specifications:
- Build: Glass back (except for starlight color), plastic frame
- Display: 6.88-inch HD+ LCD, 120Hz, up to 600 nits
- Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
- RAM and Storage: 4/64GB, 6/128GB
- Software: Hyper OS, Android 14 (upgradable to Android 15)
- Rear Camera: 50MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 5160mAh
- Charging: 18W fast charging; 33W charger inside box
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 7x 5G
- Weight: 205g or 212g (depending on variant)
- Thickness: 8.22mm
- Other features: Side-mounted fingerprint, IP52 rating
AnTuTu Score: ~440K
Price: ₹9,999 for 6/128GB
4. Infinix Hot 50 5G
An unconventional choice, but one of the most feature-packed 5G phones under ₹10,000. The Infinix Hot 50 sports a 6.7-inch HD+ IPS display with a punch-hole design and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 6000 processor, which delivers solid everyday performance. However, not everyone may appreciate Infinix’s custom XOS skin, as it can feel a bit overwhelming.
The phone features a 48MP (IMX582) dual-camera setup on the rear, offering decent photography for its price. It’s also one of the slimmest phones on this list, measuring just 7.8mm thick. A 5,000mAh battery keeps it running, supported by 18W fast charging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 120Hz punch-hole display | No major software updates |
| Good cameras, even in low-light | Outdoor brightness could be better |
| Battery lasts all day | Slow charging speed |
Key Specifications:
- Build: Plastic back, plastic frame
- Display: 6.7 inch HD+ LCD, 120Hz refresh rate, up to 500 nits
- Processor: Dimensity 6300
- RAM and Storage: 4/128GB, 8/128GB
- Software: XOS (Android 14)
- Rear Camera: 48MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 8MP Selfie
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Charging: 18W fast charging
- Connectivity: 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Weight: 188 grams
- Thickness: 7.8mm
- Other features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IP54 rating
AnTuTu Score: ~430K
Price: ₹9,499 for 4/128GB, ₹10,999 for 8/128GB
5. Samsung Galaxy F06 5G
The Samsung Galaxy F06 5G is a great budget option if you want a reliable phone with solid after-sales support. Along with Samsung’s strong service network, it runs the latest One UI 7 and is the first in its segment to get four years of OS updates—a rare promise for a budget phone.
It’s powered by the Dimensity 6000 chipset, just like the Infinix Hot 50. You also get Voice Focus for clearer calls and 25W fast charging to top up the battery quickly. The rear cameras include a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor.
It supports all 12 5G bands for the best possible coverage. If you want a phone that’s future-proof with good software and Samsung’s reliability, the Galaxy F06 5G is worth considering.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One UI 7 | Old water-drop style notch |
| 4 years of Android OS updates | 90Hz display |
| 25W fast charging | No charger inside the box |
Key Specifications:
- Build: Plastic back, plastic frame
- Display: 6.74-inch HD+ LCD, 90Hz, up to 800 nits
- Processor: Dimensity 6300
- RAM and Storage: 4/128GB, 6/128GB
- Software: One UI 7 (Android 15)
- Rear Camera: 50MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Charging: 25W fast charging (no charger inside box)
- Connectivity: 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Weight: 191 grams
- Thickness: 8.0mm
AnTuTu Score: ~420K
Price: ₹9,199 for 4/128GB, ₹10,699 for 6/128GB
6. Lava Storm Play 5G
The Lava Storm Play 5G stands out as a strong budget contender, especially for those prioritizing raw performance. It’s the first phone in its segment to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7060 processor, delivering smooth performance for daily tasks and even decent gaming at its price point.
Beyond the powerful processor, it also comes with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring fast app loading and smooth multitasking. It provides a clean, bloatware-free Android 15 experience, with a promise of at least one major OS update to Android 16. The phone’s large 6.75-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming a joy. Plus, the phone features IP64 dust and splash resistance, a rare find in this price bracket.
However, some compromises have been made to achieve this aggressive pricing. The display, while vibrant, is an LCD panel with HD+ resolution, which might be a downgrade if you’re used to FHD+ or AMOLED screens. Also, the low-light camera performance is average, and the UI, while clean, could benefit from a bit more polish in some areas.
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly 5G phone that focuses on performance, offers a clean software experience, and boasts a unique design with some durability features, the Lava Storm Play 5G is a compelling option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| World’s first MediaTek Dimensity 7060 processor in the segment | Mediocre low-light camera performance |
| LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage | UI elements are littel outdated in some menus |
| Clean, bloatware-free Android 15 with Android 16 update promise | HD+ display resolution |
| 120Hz refresh rate | LCD panel |
| IP64 dust and splash resistance | 18W charging |
| Distinct design | Limited software updates (One year of OS updates) |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | U-shaped notch |
Key Specifications:
- Build: Glass front and plastic back.
- Display: 6.75-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 750 nits (typical).
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7060 Octa-core processor, clocked at 2.6 GHz.
- RAM and Storage: 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via a hybrid SIM slot.
- Software: Android 15 and is assured of a 1-year update.
- Rear Camera: 50MP+2MP/8MP
- Front Camera: 8MP front-facing camera.
- Battery: 5000 mAh Li-Po battery.
- Charging: 18W wired charging.
- Connectivity: 5G, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth v5.2, GPS, and USB Type-C connectivity. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Weight: 196 grams.
- Thickness: 8.3mm.
AnTuTu Score: ~500k.
Price: ₹9,999 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB.
7. Vivo T4 Lite 5G
The Vivo T4 Lite 5G captures the budget 5G market in India with a strong focus on battery life and a capable processor. It’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which offers solid performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, alongside a massive 6000mAh battery for extended usage.
The battery is claimed to retain 80% health even after 1,600 charge cycles. Vivo is promising two years of Android updates and three years of security patches. The 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display, featuring a 90Hz refresh rate, provides a smooth viewing experience. The Vivo T4 Lite 5G also features AI-powered camera features like AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance.
However, the charging speed is limited to 15W, and the display is an LCD panel with HD+ resolution. It might not be as vibrant as AMOLED displays found in higher-priced phones. The 5MP front camera might also be considered low resolution by some users.
The Vivo T4 Lite 5G is a strong contender for users seeking an affordable 5G phone with excellent battery life, a decent processor, and long-term software support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive 6000mAh battery | 15W charging speed |
| MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset | HD+ resolution LCD display |
| 50MP primary rear camera | 5MP front camera |
| 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches | Primarily plastic build quality |
| IP64 dust and splash resistance | |
Key Specifications:
- Build: Plastic back, plastic frame, and glass front. IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance.
- Display: 6.74-inch HD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits peak brightness.
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm).
- RAM and Storage: 4/128GB, 6/128GB, 8/256GB configurations (expandable up to 2TB via microSD).
- Software: Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, 2 years of OS updates, 3 years of security updates.
- Rear Camera: 50MP+2MP/5MP
- Front Camera: 5MP (f/2.2).
- Battery: 6000mAh, Li-ion, non-removable.
- Charging: 15W Flash Charge (charger included in box).
- Connectivity: 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Weight: 202 grams.
- Thickness: 8.19mm.
AnTuTu Score: ~433K.
Price: ₹9,999 for 4/128GB, ₹10,999 for 6/128GB, ₹12,999 for 8/256GB.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a near-stock Android experience with a premium design, the Moto G35 5G is a solid choice. You can also go for Lava Storm Play 5g as it has a clean ui and no bloatware installed. For those who prioritize a high-megapixel camera and fast charging, the Poco M6 Plus 5G offers a well-rounded package.
The Redmi 14C 5G stands out with good battery life and stable performance at an affordable price, while the Infinix Hot 50 5G delivers a feature-packed experience with a punch-hole display. The Vivo T4 Lite is also an all-rounder phone if you prefer a good balance between battery, performance, and camera.
Lastly, if long-term software support matters most, the Samsung Galaxy F06 5G is a future-proof option with four years of OS updates. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs, whether it’s smooth software, camera performance, or future-proofing with software updates.
