Best Smartphone you can buy under ₹10k

Searching for the best mobile under ₹10,000? You came to the right place! There still exists capable performance, long battery life, decent cameras, and pleasing experience in this price range. These are the best phone choices that will offer you best value for your money.

Best 5 Mobiles under ₹10,000

These are the smartphones we have picked as the 5 best mobiles you can buy for under ₹10,000. These devices are all good value for the price and perform well on a day-to-day basis. Featured on the list are the Xiaomi Redmi 14C, LAVA Storm Play 5G, Infinix Hot 60 5G+, OPPO K13x 5G and Motorola G35.

1. Xiaomi Redmi 14C – An Affordable Midrange Phone

The first smartphone we’ll look at is the Xiaomi Redmi 14C. It provides a solid mix of performance, battery life, and display quality, making it a suitable choice for daily activities.

Xiaomi Redmi 14C Colors

Image Source: mi.com

Display:

  • Display size: 6.88 inches – Dot drop display
  • Display Type: IPS LCD
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Resolution: 720×1640 px (HD+)
  • Peak Brightness: 600 nits
  • Eye Comfort:
    • Two TUV Rheinland certification:
  • Low Blue Light certification
  • TUV Rheinland Flicker free certification

The 14C boasts an IPS LCD panel with a screen size of 6.88 inches. It supports 120Hz of refresh rate, offers smooth scrolling and 600 nits of peak brightness and High Brightness Mode. Overall, the display is good enough for indoor use and offers smooth scrolling. However, the outdoor visibility in bright sunlight may vary.

Processor:

  • Chipset: Mediatek Helio G81-Ultra Processor
  • CPU: Cortex – A75 + Cortex – A55
  • Max. CPU frequency: 2.0GHz
  • GPU: Mali G52
  • Fabrication: 12 nm
  • Architecture: 64 bit
  • RAM Type: LPDDR4X
  • RAM: 4GB / 6GB

Before we talk about the processor features, let’s get into that this is a customised version of MediaTek’s G series chipset, optimized by the smartphone brand. That means it is not an officially released chipset name. The G81-Ultra is a mid-range chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU and Mali G52 GPU. The processor is perfect for everyday use, light gaming, and multitasking. However, it is not meant for heavy gaming or a high level of performance, but good for everyday use.

Camera:

  • Main camera: 50MP
    • Auxiliary lens
    • Camera features: Film camera / HDR Mode / Night Mode / 50MP Mode / Time Lapse / Portrait Mode
    • Video Recording: 1080p and 720p @30FPS
  • Front Camera: 13MP
    • Front camera features: Film / HDR / Soft light ring / Portrait mode/ Night mode / Time lapse
    • Video recording: 1080p and 720p – HD Video recording at 30FPS

The Xiaomi Redmi 14C boasts a 50MP main camera, allowing you to take beautiful photos and videos. It comes with several beautiful camera features so you can enhance your photos the way you want. The phone is built with a 13MP camera and comes with some beautiful selfie features to make your selfies even better. The front camera can also record HD videos at 30FPS, as the main one. Both cameras take clear and beautiful shots, but the low-light performance depends on night mode.

Battery and Charging:

  • Capacity: 5160mAh
  • Charging: 18W Fast charging (USB – Type C)

The Xiaomi offers 5160mAh battery capacity, which lasts a whole day with regular usage of the smartphone. It supports 18W of USB Type-C charging port, so you can charge up your device when the battery gets low. A reliable battery performance for daily users.

Software and Updates:

  • Two years of OS updates
  • Four years of Security updates
  • OS: Xiaomi HyperOS

The mobile runs on Xiaomi Hyper OS and offers two years of OS updates and four years of security updates, which means you will get new features with the updates for several years.

Network and Connectivity:

  • SIM: Dual SIM + Micro SD
  • Network: Supports 5G / 4G / 3G / 2G
  • Wireless network:
    • Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
    • FM Radio Support with headphone jack
    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • NFC (may vary between markets)

Now, let’s talk about what the network and connectivity features Xiaomi offers. It has Dual SIM slots and supports a Micro SD card to boost your storage limit. And in wireless connections, it supports Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, FM radio with headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC. For network support, does it support 5G bands? Yes, it does support 5G bands along with 4G, 3G and 2G.

Audio:

  • 3.5 mm Headphone Jack

The phone supports a 3.5 mm headphone jack suitable for wired earphones and FM radio.

Navigation and Positioning:

  • GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Galileo
  • Beidou

It supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou ensures easy and accurate location tracking.

Security:

  • Side fingerprint
  • Face unlock

You will get a side mounted fingerprint sensor and face recognition for quick and easy access.

Pros:

  • Reasonably powerful main camera (50 MP) and decent battery size.
  • At this price, you don’t see a modern chipset (4nm). This leads to better efficiency and more future-proofing.
  • Strongly branded ecosystem, likely leading to better long-term software updates and reliability.

Cons:

  • Display resolution/quality might not match similarly priced rival devices (HD+ vs Full HD).
  • There may be some competition in this price-segment that may have a higher refresh-rate display/ more features.
  • The “under ₹10k” piece: it may not be possible, as the price does change depending on variant & offer.

Decision:

If you are looking for a reliable all-rounder under ₹10,000 (or a bit above) and prefer the security of a reputable brand with solid support, this is certainly a good model to consider.

Buy now: Amazon.in

Official website: mi.com

2. LAVA Storm Play 5G – Affordable 5G on a Budget

Next in line is the LAVA Storm Play 5G. It provides 5G support at a reasonable price, and focuses on smooth performance with great battery life, making it ideal for everyday users.

Image Source: lavamobiles.com

Display:

  • Display size: 6.75 inches – Water drop display with widevine L3 support
  • Display Type: IPS LCD
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Resolution: 720×1600 (HD+)
  • Max. Brightness Under Sunlight: 750 nits
  • Screen to Body Ratio: 90.40%

The mobile features a 6.75-inch IPS LCD with an HD resolution and 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. With 750nits of brightness, you can easily watch your content outdoors. The screen also supports Widevine L3, which means online streaming works fine in SD quality only, not in HD. The 90.40% screen-to-body ratio offers an immersive viewing experience.

Processor:

  • Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 7060 Processor
  • CPU: Octa core procesor
  • GPU: IMG BXM-8-256
  • Fabrication: 6 nm
  • Architecture: 64 bit
  • RAM Type: LPDDR5
  • RAM: 6GB / 8GB

The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7060 chipset, a smooth and powerful processor built on 6nm technology. It comes with an Octa-core CPU and the IMG BXM-8-256 GPU, which offers stable and smooth everyday usage. It is paired with LPDDR5 RAM (6GB or 8GB), and the device handles multitasking and light gaming smoothly.

Camera:

  • Main camera: 50MP + 2MP
  • LED Flash
  • Camera features: Film camera / HDR Mode / Night Mode / Time Lapse / Portrait Mode / Panorama / Beauty / Document correction / Group photo / AI Emoji / Intelligent scanning / Slow motion / Macro / Filter / Pro videos
  • Video Recording: 2k @30FPS
  • Front Camera: 8MP
  • Screen Flash

The smartphone is built with a 50MP main camera and a 2MP secondary lens, supported by a beautiful LED Flash for low-light shots. It comes with many features like HDR, Night Mode, Panorama, Portrait and Slow-motion. It can record 2k videos at 30FPS smoothly. Talking about the front camera, it features an 8MP lens with screen flash.

Battery and Charging:

  • Capacity: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 18W Fast charging

The device is packed with a 5000mAh battery brick, which offers enough power for a full day with normal use. It supports 18W fast charging, so you can quickly charge up your device whenever the battery gets low.

Software and Updates:

  • One year of OS updates
  • Two years of Security updates
  • OS: Android v15

The smartphone runs on Android 15 and offers one year of OS updates and two years of security updates, which means your phone stays updated and receives essential improvemetns for several years.

Network and Connectivity:

  • SIM: Dual SIM
  • Network: Supports 4G / 3G / 2G
  • Wireless network:
    • VoLTE
    • Wi-Fi 2.4
    • FM Radio Support with headphone jack
    • Bluetooth 5.2

This gadget is Dual SIM compatible and will operate on a 4G, 3G, and 2G network for stable calling and internet usage. VoLTE is available for improved calling quality, Wi-Fi 2.4 is for a wireless connection, Bluetooth 5.2 provides faster pairing, and FM radio will be available with a headphone jack for entertainment.

Audio:

  • 3.5 mm Audio Jack

The phone is equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack, which will let you easily use wired earphones. This is an excellent feature for music lovers and those that enjoy listening to FM radio.

Navigation and Positioning:

  • GPS
  • GLONASS

It offers GPS and GLONASS capabilities for accurate location tracking. You can rely on the navigation performance anytime you’re using maps or ride apps.

Security:

  • Side fingerprint
  • Face unlock

The device comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock, offers you quick and easy ways to unlock your phone securely.

Pros:

  • Competitive specifications for the cost – good chipset, RAM/storage.
  • Brand “made in India” (Lava), which could matter to some buyers.
  • Great value proposition – high performance for lower cost.

Cons:

  • Display, resolution and the other features may be a little more basic in comparison to some competitors.
  • Support and software updates may not be as strong as more established global brands.
  • Under ₹10k, compromises may still need to be made (e.g., screen quality and camera optics).

Decision:

If you are looking for maximum value for money in terms of pure specs (processor + memory) and don’t mind the lesser known brand, this Storm Play 5G is a solid choice.

Buy now: Amazon.in

Official website: lavamobiles.com

3. The Infinix Hot 60 5G in Hand – Affordable, Modern, Well Made

The third phone is the Infinix Hot 60 5G+. This phone is known for its contemporary design and features, and it provides solid performance and some nice features at an inexpensive price.

Image Source: infinixmobiles.in

Display:

  • Display size: 6.7 inches – Water drop display with widevine L3 support
  • Display Type: IPS LCD
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Resolution: 720×1600 (HD+)
  • HBM: 700 nits
  • Screen to Body Ratio: 90.95%

The device features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD screen with a quick 120Hz refresh rate with HD+ resolution and has a peak brightness of 700 nits in High Brightness Mode that allows better viewing in outdoor light. The display has Widevine L3, so you can stream online but only in SD. At a 90.95% screen-to-body ratio, the display is big and immersive.

Processor:

  • Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 7020 Processor
  • CPU: 2*A78 2.2 GHz
  • GPU: 6*A55 2.0GHz
  • Fabrication: 6 nm
  • Architecture: 64 bit
  • RAM Type: LPDDR5X
  • RAM: 6GB

This smartphone operates using the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor. The 6nm nature will lend itself to dependable and smooth performance. The processor has a configuration that pairs Cortex-A78 cores with Cortex-A55 cores to create a snappy experience for daily tasks. It also contains LPDDR5X RAM, and 6GB of memory ensures that multitasking is quick and easy.

Camera:

  • Main camera: 50MP – AF supported / OIS not supported
  • Front Flash / Rear Dual
  • Camera features: Vlog, Video, AI Camera, Portrait, Time lapse, Dual Video
  • Front Camera: 8MP – AF and OIS not supported
  • Video Recording Front and Main: 2k-30FPS / 1080p-60FPS-30FPS / 720p-30FPS.
  • Slow Motion Recordin: 1080p-120FPS

It has a 50MP primary camera that has autofocus, but no OIS. It includes rear dual flash for light. You get modes like Vlog, AI Camera, Portrait, Time Lapse, and Dual Video, which are all useful. On the front is an 8MP selfie camera that has neither AF nor OIS, however, it does well at taking decent photos for everyday use. The phone’s front and rear cameras can also shoot at up to 2k video quality at 30FPS, in addition to 1080p at 30fps and 60f FPS. The phone also offers 1080p slow motion recording at 120FPS.

Battery and Charging:

  • Capacity: 5200mAh
  • Charging: 18W Fast charging
  • Reverse Charging: Max 10W

The phone is powered by a 5200mAh battery that will last over one day of regular usage. It features 18W fast charging for convenient refills, and for added convenience 10W reverse charging to charge other devices when needed.

Software and Updates:

  • Two years of Security updates
  • OS: Android v15
  • UI: XOS

This phone operates on Android 15 featuring XOS as a custom user interface. The phone provides two years of security updates, keeping your device secure with security updates every month.

Network and Connectivity:

  • SIM: Dual SIM + Micro SD
  • Network: Supports: 5G / 4G / 3G / 2G
  • Wireless network:
    • VoLTE
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bluetooth 5.0

The device supports dual SIM along with a micro-SD for storage expansion. The phone operates on 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G networks , providing you with reliable connectivity regardless of the region or signal conditions. You get clear voice calls with VoLTE support, Wi-Fi support for internet access, and Bluetooth 5.0 support for quick pairing to your headphones, speakers, and other devices.

Audio:

  • 3.5 mm Jack

The phone has a 3.5mm audio jack, so you can use wired earphones and listen to music or take calls without needing to use a dongle.

Navigation and Positioning:

  • GPS

It includes GPS, so it’s suitable for tracking your location and can be used for maps, travel, and delivery apps.

Security:

  • Side fingerprint

The phone comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, allowing you to unlock your smartphone quickly and safely.

Pros:

  • Great price: You get features such as the 120Hz refresh rate (even if it’s limited) at this price point.
  • Good chipset and other specs suitable for gaming or general usage under ₹10k.
  • A good choice if you’re looking for something a little bit extra for your money.

Cons:

  • The display is HD+, not full HD+, which could be a big difference for sharpness.
  • Charging speed and camera optics aren’t necessarily the very best in the segment.
  • Depending on your area, brand support/service might vary.

Decision:

If you’re agreeable to spending a little more (or happen to find it on offer), and you care about smoother display performance and good specifications, then this Infinix is a smart choice.

Buy now: Amazon.in

Official website: infinixmobiles.in

4. OPPO K13x 5G – A Clean Software Experience for Everyday Use

Next, we have the OPPO K13x 5G. OPPO’s commitment to understated software coupled with good camera performance makes this phone a reliable choice for users who want a well-balanced and elegant user experience.

Image Source: oppo.com

Display:

  • Display size: 6.67 inches
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Resolution: 720×1604 (HD+)
  • Normal Brightness 750 nits
  • HBM: 1000 nits
  • Screen to Body Ratio: 89.9%

The phone comes with a 6.67-inch LCD display that operates at a fluid refresh rate of 120Hz. It has HD+ resolution and normal brightness levels up to 750 nits and HBM brightness levels up to 1000 nits for improved visibility in outdoor conditions. The 89.9% screen-to-body ratio gives the display a wide, immersive feel.

Processor:

  • Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 6300 Processor
  • CPU: 8 cores
  • GPU: ARM Mali-G57 MC2
  • Fabrication: 6 nm
  • Architecture: 64 bit
  • RAM Type: LPDDR4X
  • RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor with a 6nm architecture for fast and efficient performance, the phone has an 8-core CPU and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU for good speed when performing tasks in daily use and some light gaming as well. The device features LPDDR4X RAM in 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB configurations, which allows for comfortable multitasking through daily use.

Camera:

  • Main camera: 50MP + 2MP
  • LED Flash
  • Camera features: Photo, Video, Night, Pro mode, Portrait, Panorama, Slow Motion, Dual view video
  • Video Recording: 1080p @60/30FPS, 720 @30FPS, 1080p Time lapse @30FPS
  • Front Camera: 8MP
  • Camera Features: Photo, Video, Night, Portrait, Panorama, Time Lapse, Stickers, Dual view video
  • Video Recording: 1080p – 720 @30FPS, Time lapse @30FPS

The smartphone comes with a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary one, with an LED flash. It has available modes like Night, Portrait, Pro, Panorama, Slow Motion, and Dual View Video. You can record video in 1080p at 60FPS or 30FPS, and there’s also time-lapse in 1080p as well.

For selfies, the phone features an 8MP front camera with Night mode, Portrait, Panorama, Stickers and Dual View Video. The front camera records in 1080p and 720p at 30FPS including time-lapse mode.

Battery and Charging:

  • Capacity: 6000mAh
  • Charging: 45W SUPERVOOC

The smartphone is built with an impressive 6000mAh battery to offer you extended life on a single charge, even for the heaviest daily use. Moreover, it includes 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging to charge the phone rapidly when the battery runs low.

Software and Updates:

  • Two years of OS updates
  • Three years of Security updates
  • OS: Android v15
  • UI: ColorOS

The phone operates on Android 15 with ColorOS, which gives you a clean and smooth experience. Moreover, it also has two years of OS updates and three years of security updates, so your phone will stay protected and updated for a long time.

Network and Connectivity:

  • SIM: Dual SIM
  • Network: Supports 5G / 4G / 3G / 2G
  • Wireless network:
    • VoLTE
    • Wi-Fi 5
    • Bluetooth 5.4

This phone features Dual SIM functionality and is compatible with 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G networks, making it seamless for calling and browsing. It also offers VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.4 which gives this phone fast and stable wireless connectivity.

Audio:

  • 3.5 mm Jack

The smartphone has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can easily use wired earphones for listening to music, making calls or gaming, without any adapters.

Navigation and Positioning:

  • GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Galileo
  • Beidou

It is GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou compatible, so you can count on accurate and reliable location tracking whether you’re using maps, ride apps, or navigation.

Security:

  • Side fingerprint
  • Face unlock

The smartphone has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock features that provide two instant and secure ways to unlock your phone.

Pros:

  • A high-capacity battery, quick charging and some degree of ruggedness are uncommon at this price point.
  • Buying an OPPO-branded phone means warranty service can be trusted to be easier, dependable due to the brand’s status.
  • The 120Hz screen refresh rate is a strong pro in daily usage feel.

Cons:

  • Price can, and may not always be under ₹10,000 depending on model/offer.
  • Some things (camera secondary module, display resolution) may feel basic in comparison to premium phones.
  • More geared toward “value plus features” than “specs-max”.

Decision:

If you value build quality, battery life, dependability and smoother experience of use – over simply view raw spec sheet, the OPPO K13x 5G is a also very balanced carry, under or just around ₹10k price point.

Buy now: Amazon.in

Official website: oppo.com

5. Motorola G35 – A Clean Stock Android Experience on a Budget

Lastly, we have the Motorola G35. The combination of a clean Android interface, reliable performance, and solid battery optimization makes the G35 a great option for users who want a simple and dependable experience.

Motorola G35 5G

Image Source: motorola.in

Display:

  • Display size: 6.72 inches
  • Display Type: LTPS LCD
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Resolution: 2400×1080 (FHD+)
  • Screen to Body Ratio: 87%

This phone incorporates a 6.72-inch LTPS LCD display with a stimulating refresh rate of 120Hz for a buttery smooth visual experience. Add to it, a sharp FHD+ resolution profile of 2400×1080 will ensure clear and detailed visuals. Finally, the phone’s 87% screen-to-body ratio will provide plenty of room for immersive and wide visual experiences in everyday usage.

Processor:

  • Chipset: UniSOC T760
  • CPU: 4x A76 @2.2GHz, 4x A55 @2.0GHz
  • GPU: Mali G57 MC4
  • Fabrication: 6 nm
  • Architecture: 64 bit
  • RAM Type: LPDDR4X
  • RAM: 4GB / 8GB

The device is equipped with a UniSOC T760 processor, designed using 6nm technology for a smooth and efficient experience. It has a combination of Cortex-A76 and CortexA55 cores and an Mali-G57 MC4 GPU, which support smooth, fast performance while completing everyday tasks. The device also supports LPDDR4X RAM with a choice of 4GB or 8GB and offers good performance while multitasking.

Camera:

  • Main camera: 50MP + 8MP Ultra wide
  • LED Flash
  • Video Recording: 4k and Full HD @30FPS
  • Front Camera: 16MP
  • Video Recording: Full HD @30FPS

The device incorporates a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultra-wide camera to provide increased latitude when taking pictures. Additionally, the rear-facing camera offers an LED flash and the capability to record 4k and Full HD video at 30 frames per second. The front-facing camera is a 16MP selfie camera which also provides Full HD video capabilities at 30 frames per second.

Battery and Charging:

  • Capacity: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 18W

The device features a 5000mAh battery that will provide good all-day use. It has an 18W charging capability, allowing you to recharge the battery to a decent extent.

Software and Updates:

  • One year of OS updates
  • Two years of Security updates
  • OS: Android v14
  • UI: My UX

The smartphone operates on Android 14 with My UX, featuring a simple and clean interface. Plus, you’ll get one year of OS updates and two years of security updates to keep your device protected and up to date.

Network and Connectivity:

  • SIM: Dual SIM
  • Network: Supports 5G / 4G / 3G / 2G
  • Wireless network:
    • VoLTE
    • Wi-Fi 5
    • Bluetooth 5.0

The mobile phone is capable of Dual SIM and runs on 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G with seamless calling and internet. It is equipped with VoLTE, Wi-Fi5, and Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and fast wireless experience.

Audio:

  • 3.5 mm Jack

The device contains a 3.5mm headphone jack allowing you to use wired earphones for listening to music or taking calls. You don’t have to worry about an adapter either if you want to use wired earphones for gaming.

Navigation and Positioning:

  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Galileo

The phone is equipped with GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo allowing for accurate and reliable positioning so you can use maps, ride apps, and navigation with ease.

Security:

  • Side fingerprint
  • Face unlock

The phone comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock, both of which allow for quick and secure access to the phone.

Pros:

  • Reputable brand, strong service support, and likely experiences of reliability.
  • Full HD display resolution (in comparison to several HD+ in this price segment) is a plus.
  • Decent overall package, with adequate camera, display and brand history.

Cons:

  • The RAM/variant versions may be on the low side (4GB) when compared to some other competitors that have 6/8GB variants available in a similar budget.
  • Charging capabilities, and other specs may not be best in class against the “best” in this segment.
  • If you are looking for maximum specs to play games or multitask, this will be a bit behind.

Decision:

If you want a well-rounded phone under ₹10,000, where you can trust the brand history, and you want a display that is clear, and don’t want to go from spec to spec, the Moto G35 is an easy choice.

Buy now: Amazon.in

Official website: motorola.in