Planning to buy budget phone under 20K? Here are some options for you.
The budget smartphone market in India continues to grow more competitive with each passing month. As consumers increasingly demand a balance between performance, battery life, camera quality, and design — all under ₹20,000 — smartphone brands are stepping up their game.
In 2025, five phones under this price bracket stand out: CMF Phone 2 Pro, OPPO K13, realme P3, POCO X7, and Infinix Note 50s 5G+. Each of these devices offers a unique set of strengths. But for users looking beyond raw specs, the CMF Phone 2 Pro sets itself apart with its design-first approach and modular accessories.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: A refreshing take on budget phone design
Priced at ₹18,620, the CMF Phone 2 Pro redefines how a sub-₹20,000 phone can look and feel. Developed by the design-focused sub-brand of Nothing, this phone brings a sleek 6.77-inch Flexible AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 8GB RAM powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset.
What truly makes this phone stand out is its modular back panel and accessory system. Users can attach lanyards, cardholders, and additional camera lenses to customise the look. It also offers a clean software experience and a versatile triple-camera system featuring a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto sensor. While the phone could benefit from stereo speakers and faster charging, it remains the most stylish and customisable budget phone under ₹20,000 — an ideal pick for students and young professionals who want to express themselves.
OPPO K13: Reliable performance with standout battery life
The OPPO K13, available at ₹17,850, is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor and boasts a massive 7000mAh battery with SuperVOOC fast charging. Its 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth navigation and binge-watching.
Daylight camera performance is solid, thanks to the 50MP + 2MP rear combo. However, users looking for strong low-light photography might be disappointed. While thermal efficiency and battery backup are excellent, the phone suffers from a bloated software experience due to excessive pre-installed apps. Lack of NFC support is another minor drawback. Nonetheless, for users who prioritise long battery life and decent indoor media consumption, the OPPO K13 remains a dependable choice.
realme P3: Rugged build meets balanced specs
At ₹15,914, the realme P3 impresses with its IP69-rated build — a rarity in the budget segment. It shares the same Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset and display specs as the OPPO K13, including the 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Its 6000mAh battery is reliable, and the overall performance remains smooth for multitasking and casual gaming. The dual rear cameras (50MP + 2MP) perform well in daylight, though the lack of optical image stabilisation affects low-light shots. The major downside here is again the software — cluttered with pre-installed apps that may not appeal to purists. Still, for users seeking durability and all-round performance under ₹16,000, realme P3 is a worthy pick.
Infinix Note 50s 5G+: Great screen, average thermal management
The Infinix Note 50s 5G+, retailing at ₹15,999, focuses on premium aesthetics and display quality. Its 6.78-inch curved AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate offers one of the best visual experiences in this segment. Backed by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor and 8GB RAM, the phone performs well during routine usage.
The camera setup, headlined by a 64MP sensor, delivers punchy images in daylight. It also benefits from clean software and a slim, lightweight design. However, the lack of expandable storage and weak outdoor thermal performance (leading to heating and lag) are trade-offs to consider. Despite that, the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ is a solid option for users who value screen quality and sleek design.
POCO X7: Multimedia-first phone with power to match
The POCO X7, priced at ₹17,999, is arguably the best multimedia phone under ₹20,000 right now. Featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor and a 6.67-inch AMOLED display (120Hz), this phone handles streaming, gaming, and casual use with ease.
The triple rear camera system (50MP + 8MP + 2MP) and a 20MP selfie shooter work best in daylight, though low-light photography needs improvement. A 5500mAh battery ensures day-long usage, and the IP69 rating adds durability. However, POCO’s policy of only offering two major OS updates might limit long-term value. For users who want strong audio-visual capabilities and a sharp display for content consumption, the POCO X7 is a compelling choice.
Verdict: CMF Phone 2 Pro offers something extra
While all five phones bring strong value for under ₹20,000, the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out not just for its performance, but for its ability to be personalised and reimagined by the user. It proves that smartphones at this price can be more than spec sheets — they can be expressions of individuality.
For those who want a solid daily performer that also looks and feels unique, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is currently the most versatile budget phone in this segment.
