Best smartphones: Top 10 mobile handsets you can consider buying under ₹10,000

It's not necessary to spend a fortune on a smartphone in today's evolving tech market. There are plenty of affordable solutions available on the market that provide amazing features without breaking the bank. In this post, we examine ten carefully chosen smartphones that are all under ₹10,000 and provide a good balance between pricing and usefulness.

There are a lot of options to choose from when looking for a smartphone that is both economical and capable. The selections seem unlimited, ranging from well-known companies to up-and-coming competitors. But we've carefully sifted through this vast assortment to provide a varied selection that meets a range of tastes and requirements.

These smartphones provide more than simply value for money; their features and capabilities are impressive. There's something for everyone in this price range, regardless of whether you value smooth multitasking, long battery life, immersive display experiences, or high-quality cameras for recording life's events.

The article highlights gadgets that include the newest technological developments, including competitive CPUs, enough RAM, and large storage capacities. In addition, a lot of these phones have sleek, contemporary designs, small dimensions, and bright screens that improve the user experience in general.

Furthermore, the sub- ₹10,000 market is very active, with regular upgrades and new players. As such, our collection seeks to include both well-known favourites and intriguing newcomers to ensure you are aware of the most recent products available in this always-changing industry.

These reasonably priced smartphones provide a variety of options to fit different lives and interests, whether you're a student, a professional on a tight budget, or just looking for a supplementary device. Explore the features and functions that set these affordable smartphones apart in the crowded smartphone market as we journey through this area.

Also read: Vivo X100 vs OnePlus 11 5G comparison: Which smartphone should you buy?

1. realme narzo N53

Sleek and filled with features, the Realme Narzo 53 is a smartphone that fits well with today's demands. Its vivid 6.5-inch IPS LCD, which has a fast refresh rate and FHD+ resolution for fluid interactions, provides immersive images. This smartphone, which is perfect for gamers, guarantees fast performance and easy multitasking thanks to its MediaTek Helio G95 CPU.

With its flexible camera arrangement that consists of a 2MP macro sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP main lens, the Narzo 53 can take detailed pictures under a variety of conditions. Its 5000mAh battery and effective power management allow for prolonged use between charges. With features like an expandable storage capacity, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a 5G connection, the Realme UI on top of Android provides an easy-to-use interface. In the mid-range smartphone market, the Realme Narzo 53 seems promising thanks to its combination of performance, photography capabilities, and design.

Specifications of realme narzo N53:

• Brand - realme
• Model Name - realme narzo N53
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Feather Gold
• Network Service Provider - Unlocked for All Carriers
• Operating System - Android 13.0
• Cellular Technology - 4G

2. Samsung Galaxy M13

A cutting-edge smartphone that expertly combines design and usefulness is the Samsung Galaxy M13. It has a stylish appearance and a large, bright 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display that provides amazing images for browsing, gaming, and streaming. With 8GB of RAM and an octa-core CPU, this gadget offers quick performance and seamless multitasking.

Its diverse camera setup—which consists of a quad-camera system with a 64MP main lens, an ultra-wide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor—will appeal to photography lovers. It allows users to take detailed and vibrant pictures in a variety of situations. The large battery capacity and fast-charging technology also guarantee long-lasting use.

Operating on the most recent iteration of Samsung's simple One UI, the Galaxy M13 offers a smooth and easy-to-use interface. The M13 is an appealing option in the mid-range smartphone market since it meets work and entertainment demands with plenty of storage choices and strong security measures.

Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M13:

• Brand - Samsung
• Model Name - M13
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Aqua Green
• Operating System - Android 12.0

3. Nokia G11

A mid-range smartphone with dependable performance and necessary features is the Nokia G11. It has an ergonomic and stylish design, and its 6.5-inch HD+ display provides sharp images and vivid colours for a captivating visual experience. With its powerful octa-core CPU and 4GB or 6GB of RAM, this smartphone can easily handle daily chores while ensuring efficient performance and seamless multitasking.

The Nokia G11 has a triple-lens back camera system with a main high-resolution sensor, making it an adaptable camera arrangement that lets users take detailed pictures and movies. Its long-lasting battery life allows for plenty of use time between charges, even during hectic schedules. The Android operating system, which powers the gadget, has a simple and intuitive interface in addition to a vast selection of applications from the Google Play Store. The Nokia G11 caters to consumers looking for a solid smartphone experience by striking a balance between price and capability.

Specifications of Nokia G11:

• Brand - Nokia
• Model Name - NOKIA G11 PLUS
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Charcoal Grey
• Network Service Provider - Total Wireless
• Operating System - Android 10.0

4. itel S23

A cost-effective smartphone with many functions to meet daily demands is the Itel S23. It has an elegant design and a 6.5-inch HD+ screen that provides fine details and vivid colours for an engrossing visual experience. Its dual back camera design, which consists of a depth sensor and a main lens, allows users to experiment with photography while capturing crisp, reasonably detailed images.

Thanks to AI improvements, the front-facing camera can take beautiful selfies in a variety of lighting scenarios. The Itel S23's quad-core CPU and 2GB RAM under the hood provide seamless performance for multitasking and using necessary applications. With its long-lasting battery, this gadget may be used every day without the need for regular recharging. The Itel S23 is a desirable option for consumers on a tight budget looking for a dependable smartphone since it provides a well-balanced combination of cost and functionality.

Specifications of itel S23:

• Brand - itel
• Model Name - Galaxy S23
• Size - 8 GB Ram + 128 GB Storage
• Colour - Mystery White
• Network Service Provider - Total Wireless
• Operating System - Android 12.0
• Cellular Technology - 4G

5. Tecno Spark 9

With its brilliant 6.6-inch HD+ display and elegant design, the Tecno Spark 9 provides immersive graphics for both work and enjoyment. Its dependable MediaTek CPU and 4GB of RAM provide seamless multitasking and effective performance. With an 8MP front camera that produces crisp selfies, the device's triple back camera arrangement, which includes a 16MP primary sensor, shoots detailed images with remarkable clarity.

With its large 5000mAh battery, the Spark 9 may be used for longer periods between recharges. With Tecno's user-friendly HiOS overlay, the gadget runs Android and offers an easily customisable and intuitive interface. It also has 4G network capabilities, which allows for quicker data rates. The Tecno Spark 9 caters to those looking for a reasonably priced smartphone with respectable features by striking a mix between cost and usefulness.

Specifications of Tecno Spark 9:

• Brand - Tecno
• Model Name - Spark 9
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Infinity Black
• Network Service Provider - Unlocked
• Operating System - HiOS 8.6 based on Android 12
• Cellular Technology - 4G, 3G, 2G

6. Lava Blaze 2

The Lava Blaze 2 is a potent and fashionable smartphone that skillfully combines design and functionality. With its powerful 6 GB RAM and 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage, it guarantees quick multitasking and plenty of room for your data and applications. A touch of refinement is added by the elegant Glass Black design, which the 6.5-inch HD+ Punch Hole Display enhances for a captivating visual display. Long-lasting use is guaranteed by the sturdy 5000 mAh battery, and easy and safe unlocking is made possible by the Side Fingerprint Sensor.

You can swiftly refuel your gadget for continuous use with an 18W Fast Charger. Additionally, the Lava Blaze 2 offers up to 11GB of additional RAM, giving customers with changing performance requirements flexibility. This smartphone promises a smooth and delightful user experience by combining state-of-the-art technology with exquisite design in a harmonic way.

Specifications of Lava Blaze 2:

• Brand - Tecno
• Model Name - Spark 9
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Infinity Black
• Network Service Provider - Unlocked
• Operating System - HiOS 8.6 based on Android 12
• Cellular Technology - 4G, 3G, 2G

7. Redmi 11 Prime

A cost-effective smartphone from Xiaomi's Redmi line, the Redmi 11 Prime offers a variety of features to meet the demands of different user types. With a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, it provides clear interactions and vivid images. Equipped with a MediaTek Helio G88 CPU and offering several RAM and storage options, it guarantees dependable performance for daily activities and light gaming.

It has a quad-camera configuration that can take detailed images and fits different shooting conditions. The cameras include a 50MP main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Long-term use without the need for regular recharging is ensured by its sturdy 5,000mAh battery and 18W quick charging. Users benefit from a variety of pre-installed applications and Xiaomi's customisable interface while using MIUI on top of Android.

Specifications of Redmi 11 Prime:

• Brand - Redmi 
• Model Name - Redmi 11 Prime
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Flashy Black
• Network Service Provider - Unlocked for all Carriers
• Operating System -  MIUI 13
• Cellular Technology - 4G

8. realme narzo 50i Prime

The realme Narzo 50i Prime is an affordable smartphone that prioritises performance and economy while delivering all the features you need. With a 6.52-inch IPS LCD and a stylish design, it provides a pleasant viewing experience for daily usage and enjoyment. Its 4GB RAM and MediaTek Helio G85 chipset allow for seamless multitasking and respectable performance for daily applications and light gaming.

With its dual-camera setup—a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor—users can take respectable pictures and portraits with the gadget. The 8MP selfie camera on the front takes decent photos for sharing on social media. The Android-based realme UI operating system for the Narzo 50i Prime offers a simple and easy-to-use interface. Its 5000mAh battery guarantees sufficient endurance for prolonged use without the need for regular charging, making it a sensible option.

Specifications of realme narzo 50i Prime:

• Brand - realme
• Model Name - realme narzo 50i Prime
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Mint Green
• Network Service Provider - Unlocked for all Carriers
• Operating System - Android 11.0
• Cellular Technology - LTE

9. Samsung Galaxy M04

With its basic features, the Samsung Galaxy M04 is a powerful and affordable smartphone. With its vivid 6.2-inch HD+ display and elegant design, it provides a captivating visual experience that's suitable for daily usage. With its Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU and 3GB of RAM, it delivers a fluid experience for multitasking and app consumption. Featuring a 13MP main lens and a 5MP ultra-wide lens, the device's dual camera combination enables users to take detailed images and broad vistas.

Its 5MP front camera also produces passable video calls and selfies. The Galaxy M04's 5,000mAh battery offers sufficient juice for a full day of use. Its 32GB of extendable internal storage provides enough room for video, applications, and pictures. Utilising Android and Samsung's One UI, it offers an easy-to-use interface and a vast selection of applications via the Google Play Store.

Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M04:

• Brand - Samsung
• Model Name - Samsung M04
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Shadow Blue
• Network Service Provider - Unlocked for all Carriers
• Operating System - Android 12.0
• Cellular Technology - 4G

Also read: Redmi Note 13 5G series launched in India: Pricing, specs, launch offers and more

10. itel A60s

The itel A60s is an affordable smartphone that strikes a balance between efficiency and simplicity, making it ideal for daily usage. With a 6.1-inch IPS display that provides respectable clarity for surfing, streaming, and light gaming, it has a stylish and portable design. With 1GB of RAM to back it, the 1.3GHz quad-core CPU offers modest performance that is good for light activities and multitasking. With 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded via microSD, the device has more than enough room for data, media, and programs.

With its 5MP back camera and 2MP front camera, it takes respectable pictures and selfies in well-lit areas. The itel A60s is powered by Android 9 Pie (Go edition), which is designed to function more smoothly on less powerful hardware and provide users access to a large selection of Google Play Store applications. Its 3000mAh battery guarantees a respectable lifespan for regular daily use.

Specifications of itel A60s:

• Brand - itel
• Model Name - A60s
• Size - 4 GB Ram + 64 GB Storage
• Colour - Moonlit Violet
• Network Service Provider - Unlocked for all Carriers
• Operating System - Android 12.0
• Cellular Technology - 4G LTE, 3G, 2G

Best 3 features for you:

Best overall product:

Out of all the products on the list, the Samsung Galaxy M13 stands out as the best overall. Its remarkable amalgamation of a capacious AMOLED display, robust battery life, and an adaptable camera system distinguishes it. Whether for work or multimedia enjoyment, the large, bright display improves user experience. Long-term use without regular recharging is ensured by its durable battery life, which is important to many customers. Furthermore, the flexible camera configuration meets a range of photographic requirements, from candid images to in-depth records. Together with these unique features, Samsung's reliable hardware and software quality make the Galaxy M13 a well-rounded option for consumers looking for a high-performing, well-balanced smartphone that shines in key areas like display, battery life, and photography skills.

Best value for money:

Of the smartphones on the list, the Realme Narzo 50i Prime clearly offers the most value for the money. Its alluring price tag, along with respectable battery life and an easy-to-use UI, makes it a desirable option for those on a tight budget. A broad range of people find the pricing attractive as it guarantees access to necessary smartphone functions without breaking the wallet. Users who value simplicity of use will find the gadget appealing because of its emphasis on offering a streamlined user experience via its streamlined UI. The device's value proposition is enhanced by its battery life, which is enough for daily use, even though it is a low-cost item. For those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone without sacrificing necessary features, Realme's Narzo 50i Prime is a great option because of its capacity to provide critical features at a reasonable price.

How to find the best Phones under 10,000?

To get a phone that meets your demands, it's essential to take into account a number of aspects while searching for the best phones under 10,000.

Establish Your Priorities: Decide what features, performance, battery life, display, or camera quality are most important to you.

Investigate and Compare: Seek for cellphones that fit within your spending limit. To learn about the features, performance, battery life, and photography capabilities of different phones, check out tech websites, user reviews, and internet reviews.

Details Check: Seek for phones with respectable CPUs (the Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Helio series are good options), enough RAM (three gigabytes or more is recommended for seamless operation), plenty of storage (32GB or more) and a respectable battery (3000mAh or more).

Examine customer reviews: Examine reviews left by people who have bought the phone. They often provide perceptions of performance, dependability, and possible problems in the actual world.

Think About Upcoming Updates: Verify if the phone gets software upgrades on a regular basis to make sure security fixes and new features are installed.

Warranty and After-Sales Support: Take into account the length of the warranty and the accessibility of service locations in case there are any problems.

Final Choice: After obtaining sufficient data, choose the phone that best suits your needs by weighing features, performance, and cost.

Remember, while looking for the best phone under 10,000, prioritise the features most important to you rather than just going for the most hyped device.

Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.