12 Best Smartphones Under 20000 INR (December 2018)

New smartphones release monthly, making it challenging to stay updated without consistent news tracking. Missing updates could lead to settling for a mediocre smartphone instead of the best available. To ensure our readers stay informed, we regularly curate lists of top smartphones across various price ranges. The budget segment, in particular, experiences a high influx of new releases. In the past month alone, three new phones entered this category. To simplify your search for the ideal budget smartphone, here are the 12 best options under 20000 INR:

Top Phones Under 20000 INR (December 2018)

1. Poco F1

Xiaomi’s Poco F1 offers exceptional value, now priced at Rs. 19,999 after a Rs. 1,000 price cut. Featuring a modern bezel-less design with an effective IR-powered face unlock, it stands out as unbeatable in its price range. The phone boasts a quality LCD display at Full HD+ resolution.

The Poco F1 stands out in its price range due to its Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB of RAM (an 8GB variant is available at a higher price), and 64GB of storage (with 128GB and 256GB variants available at a higher price). This offers flagship-grade performance at a price below Rs. 20,000.

Regarding cameras, the Poco F1 impresses. It boasts a 12MP + 5MP dual rear camera setup, delivering quality images, particularly in favorable lighting conditions. On the front, a 20MP selfie camera ensures satisfactory results, especially considering the device’s affordability. Additionally, the Poco F1 houses a substantial 4,000 mAh battery, facilitating extended gaming and movie-watching sessions without battery concerns.

Get the Poco F1 from Flipkart: starting at Rs. 19,999

2. Redmi Note 6 Pro

Xiaomi’s new budget smartphone, the Redmi Note 6 Pro, stands out as one of the finest options under Rs. 20,000. With a 6.26-inch FullHD+ display, slightly larger than its predecessor, the Redmi Note 6 Pro also boasts a notch and a chin; however, its slim side bezels significantly enhance its design compared to the Redmi Note 5 Pro.

In all other aspects, the Redmi Note 6 Pro mirrors the Redmi Note 5 Pro. It features the Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform with Adreno 509 GPU for graphics. With 4GB/6GB RAM and 64GB internal storage, its performance is reliable for everyday use and gaming.

On the rear, the phone boasts a 12MP + 5MP dual camera (identical to the Redmi Note 5 Pro). Images captured are similar to those of the Redmi Note 5 Pro, with slight improvements and slightly enhanced low-light performance due to the wider f/1.9 aperture. Moving to the front, the Redmi Note 6 Pro sports a 20MP + 2MP dual camera setup, showcasing significantly superior performance compared to the Redmi Note 5 Pro.

Other than that, the Redmi Note 5 Pro features the same, large 4,000 mAh battery that easily lasts a day, and potentially longer with moderate usage. Additionally, the Redmi Note 6 Pro runs MIUI 10, Xiaomi’s latest Android skin built on Android 8.1 Oreo.

Get the Redmi Note 6 Pro from Flipkart (starting at Rs. 13,999)

3. Xiaomi Mi A2

Xiaomi crafts top-tier smartphones at competitive prices, often undercutting rivals—a feat akin to sorcery. While praised, Xiaomi’s MIUI interface remains a point of contention. For those preferring stock Android, Xiaomi annually releases a device under the Android One program, partnering with Google for this purpose. The Mi A1 pioneered this line, succeeded now by the Mi A2.

Within the 20000 INR range, the Xiaomi Mi A2 shines. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and Adreno 512 GPU, with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage in the base model. Camera-wise, a dual 12 MP + 20 MP rear setup and a 20 MP front sensor deliver exceptional results. The 5.99-inch IPS LCD panel, boasting 1080 x 2160 pixels, offers sharp, color-accurate visuals. With Xiaomi’s recent price cuts, the Mi A2 now offers even greater value, available for Rs. 1000 less than its usual price.

Buy From Amazon: ₹15,999

4. Honor Play

If you seek the fastest and most powerful smartphone within your budget, Huawei Honor Play is the choice. Remarkably, Huawei incorporates its top-tier HiSilicon Kirin 970 processor into a phone priced under 20000 INR. Comparable to the Snapdragon 845, the HiSilicon Kirin 970 processor offers exceptional performance. Huawei delivers flagship processing power at a budget-friendly price. Furthermore, the phone features a Mali-G72 MP12 GPU, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB internal storage.

Regarding the display, Honor Play features a 6.3-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, boasting a pixel density of 409 PPI. In terms of cameras, the smartphone sports a 16 MP + 2 MP dual-camera sensor at the back and a 16 MP front camera. While not the top-tier specs in this price range, Huawei’s decision to compromise here is understandable. The cameras perform reasonably well in real-life scenarios, and powered by Kirin 970, they support 4K video recording, a feature few phones offer. Additionally, the phone houses a substantial 3750 mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage. For those seeking superior processing power, Honor Play stands out as the optimal choice.

Buy From Amazon: ₹19,999

5. Realme 2 Pro

The Realme 2 Pro, a standout smartphone under Rs. 20000, boasts a stunning design, featuring a 6.3-inch FHD+ display with a teardrop notch. Remarkably, it’s the sole phone in this price bracket sporting such a notch. Powered by the Snapdragon 660 with up to 8GB of RAM, it delivers exceptional performance. Though the 8GB variant may exceed the 15000 mark, the 4GB version still performs admirably.

Next, the cameras. The Realme 2 Pro boasts a 16MP+2MP dual camera setup on the back and a 16MP front camera. In our review, we discovered that while video capabilities are lacking, photo quality is impressive. If you seek a stylish yet powerful budget phone under 15000 rupees, consider the Realme 2 Pro.

Buy on Flipkart: (starting at ₹13,990)

6. Oppo F9

The Oppo F9 smartphone strikes a balance between essential features, making it a strong contender. It boasts a Helio P60 processor, which performs comparably to the Snapdragon 660. With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, you can seamlessly watch videos and play games. The 6.3-inch Full HD display, complemented by a teardrop notch, enhances visual appeal.

Regarding cameras, the Oppo F9 features a solid 16MP + 2MP dual rear camera that captures detailed photos in various conditions. The 16MP front-facing camera also delivers impressive selfies. Additionally, the Oppo F9 offers a slo-mo video feature for creating impressive videos. The phone is equipped with a 3,500 mAh battery, ensuring sufficient power for a regular day of use.

Purchase the Oppo F9 from Flipkart (Rs. 18,990)

7. Vivo V9 Pro

The Vivo V9 Pro stands out among Vivo’s offerings in the sub-20000 INR price range. Equipped with a Snapdragon 660 SoC, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage, it adeptly handles various tasks, including gaming. Its design features a bezel-less display and a tastefully simple back.

Featuring a 6.3-inch FullHD+ display, the V9 Pro boasts impressive brightness and color accuracy. The 3,260mAh battery ensures reliable performance throughout the day, even with light gaming. In terms of photography, its 13MP + 2MP dual rear camera setup captures high-quality shots across different lighting conditions, including portrait mode. Additionally, the 16MP front camera delivers commendable results. The device also incorporates an AI-based HDR mode for enhanced image detail.

Buy the Vivo V9 Pro from Flipkart (Rs. 15,990)

8. Nokia 6.1 Plus

The Nokia 6.1 Plus stands out as an aesthetically pleasing device in this price range, worthy of consideration for those seeking a new device. Featuring a sizable 5.8-inch fullHD+ display boasting a resolution of 2280×1080 pixels, it achieves a pixel density of 432 PPI. The display excels in color reproduction and offers excellent viewing angles. Powering the phone is the Snapdragon 636 processor paired with Adreno 509 GPU, delivering commendable performance without any noticeable stuttering or lag.

It comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, more than sufficient for most users. I’m impressed by the smartphone’s cameras; they perform well. Both the dual 16 MP f/2.0 + 5 MP f/2.4 rear camera and the 16MP f/2.0 front camera take great photos with ample details and color accuracy. One of the best things about buying a Nokia phone, including the 6.1 Plus, is that it runs stock Android under the Android One program. While the smartphone ships with Android 8.0 Oreo, Android Pie is imminent. If you seek a well-designed, powerful smartphone with stock Android, this phone is worth considering.

Buy From Flipkart: ₹15,999

9. Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 6GB

Beating Xiaomi in the smartphone market is no easy feat, given its reputation for delivering value-packed devices. Yet, Asus, primarily known for its prowess in laptops, pleasantly surprised by entering the arena with the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1. Despite its unconventional move, Asus has proven its mettle with this model, which stands out as one of the finest in its price segment. Worth noting is that we’re discussing the higher-end 6 GB variant here. Driving the device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 636 chipset, coupled with the Adreno 509 GPU.

During our testing, we found the phones to be impressively fast, delivering one of the best performances in its price range. The smartphone’s front showcases a 5.99-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. This display boasts excellent color reproduction, strong contrast, and remains visible even in direct sunlight. On paper, the smartphone offers a 16MP + 5MP dual camera setup on the back, accompanied by a 16MP selfie camera. The cameras perform exceptionally well, capturing high-quality photos, particularly in optimal lighting conditions. Additionally, the device features a massive 5000 mAh battery, providing extended usage lasting up to two days. If you seek a durable, high-performance smartphone with exceptional battery life, this is a must-have.

Buy From Flipkart: ₹14,999

10. Honor 8X

The Honor 8X is another excellent smartphone priced under Rs. 20000. It features a 19.5:9 notch display, a Kirin 710 processor, up to 6GB RAM, and up to 128GB storage. With dual 20MP + 2MP rear cameras and a 16MP front camera, it captures decent pictures for its price. While not as superior as the Mi A2 in camera performance, it remains a solid choice. Explore our detailed reviews for more insights.

The Honor 8X is a great smartphone to consider if you’re seeking a device under 20000 INR. It boasts a powerful processor, ample RAM, and storage for your needs. If you’re in the market for a budget smartphone with comprehensive features and don’t mind EMUI, the Honor 8X is worth your attention.

Buy the Honor 8X from Amazon (starts at Rs. 14,999)

11. Huawei P20 Lite

Huawei P20 Lite stands out as one of the most aesthetically pleasing smartphones listed. Boasting a sleek glass design typical of premium models, its rear panel exhibits a unique finish, reflecting varying hues when viewed from different angles. The front is dominated by a nearly bezel-less display, featuring a small notch at the top and a minimal chin below. Undoubtedly, the device exudes the elegance of a flagship from 2018, captivating onlookers with its charm. Beyond its visual appeal, the phone proves to be adequately competent.

The smartphone features the HiSilicon Kirin 659 processor, known for its exceptional speed in the mid-range segment. Gaming performance is ensured by the Mali-T830 MP2 GPU. Its bezel-less 5.84-inch IPS LCD display boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, offering a pixel density of 432 pixels. The display exhibits stunning visuals and excellent color accuracy. Notably, the device excels in camera performance, with a 16 MP + 2MP dual-camera setup at the back and a remarkable 24 MP front camera, ideal for selfies. Overall, the Huawei P20 Lite is a highly capable smartphone worth considering.

Buy From Amazon: ₹16,999

12. LG Q7

Consider the LG Q7 when seeking smartphones under 20000. This device features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels, boasting a modern 18:9 aspect ratio. The Q7 runs on an octa-core MediaTek 6750S processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable internal storage (up to 2TB via microSD card). Its rear camera is 13 MP, while the front camera is 8 MP. Powered by a 3,000 mAh battery, the Q7 supports Qualcomm’s Fast Charge technology, enabling a 50 percent charge in just 30 minutes.

The unique selling point of this device is its construction. The phone not only looks beautiful but also carries an IP rating, making it both water and dust resistant. Additionally, it has passed 14 of the MIL-STD 810G tests designed to test durability in harsh environments. This means it’s sturdy and will last for years. The LG Q7 brings flagship features to the midrange segment, including a lens, Hi-Fi Quad DAC for superior audio playback, and DTS:X 3D Surround Sound. If you value these features, the LG Q7 is the right device for you.

Buy the LG Q7 from Flipkart (Rs. 16,777)

Discover the Top Phones Under 20000 INR

That concludes our selection of the finest smartphones available for purchase under 20000 INR. Depending on your priorities, you’ll gravitate towards a particular smartphone. I’m confident each of you will discover a suitable smartphone from this list. Explore and share your favorite in the comments below, along with the reasons behind your choice.