The Indian smartphone market is evolving rapidly in 2024, with brands pushing the envelope on performance, design, and affordability. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or someone who just wants a reliable phone, the options are diverse and plentiful. But with so many choices, which ones truly stand out in terms of value for money, features, and user experience? In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 smartphones of 2024 in India, highlighting the best features, pros and cons, and real-world performance. Let’s dive in!
The Top 10 Budget-Friendly Smartphones in India for 2024
Best For: Budget-conscious users looking for 5G connectivity, smooth performance, and a long-lasting battery.
Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- Camera: 50MP + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: MIUI 14, Android 13
Pros:
- Smooth 120Hz refresh rate for enhanced viewing
- Solid 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Excellent camera setup for the price point
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging
Cons:
- MIUI can be bloatware-heavy for some users
- Plastic build may feel less premium
- Average performance in gaming
User Experience:
The Redmi 13 5G offers impressive value for its price, especially for those looking for an entry-level 5G smartphone. It provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and light gaming. However, if you’re into hardcore gaming, you may notice some lag during heavy usage.
2. Motorola G85: The Clean Android Experience- Price=17,999
Best For: Users who prefer a near-stock Android experience with reliable performance.
Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
- Camera: 50MP + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 5000mAh, 15W fast charging
- OS: Near-stock Android 13
Pros:
- Clean Android interface with minimal bloatware
- 50MP main camera captures sharp details
- Good battery life with a 5000mAh capacity
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
Cons:
- Display quality could be better (lacks AMOLED)
- Slow charging speeds
- Performance can dip under heavy load
User Experience:
Motorola’s focus on a clean, near-stock Android experience is a key selling point for the G85. It’s user-friendly, with no unnecessary apps or custom skins to slow down the system. While the camera performs decently, the display could use a bit more vibrancy, and gaming performance isn’t as stellar as some of its competitors in this price range.
3. Realme Narzo 70 Pro: The Gaming Champion- Price=17,809
Best For: Gamers on a budget who want a smooth, immersive experience.
Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1200 AI
- Camera: 64MP + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
- Battery: 5000mAh, 65W fast charging
- OS: Realme UI 4.0, Android 13
Pros:
- Excellent display with vibrant colors and high refresh rate
- Top-tier MediaTek Dimensity 1200 AI processor
- Impressive camera setup, especially in well-lit conditions
- Super-fast 65W charging
Cons:
- Can get warm under heavy gaming load
- Bloatware in Realme UI
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance
User Experience:
The Realme Narzo 70 Pro is a stellar option for gamers in the budget category. It offers great gaming performance with smooth visuals and responsive touch input. The 65W charging is a huge plus, providing quick top-ups. However, it’s worth noting that the phone tends to get a little warm after extended gaming sessions.
4. CMF Phone (by Nothing): Minimalist with a Twist- Price=16,999
Best For: Tech enthusiasts looking for a unique design and a different user experience.
Features:
- Display: 6.55-inch FHD+ AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
- Camera: 50MP + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 4500mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: Nothing OS based on Android 13
Pros:
- Premium design with transparent back
- Solid Snapdragon performance for the price
- Clean Nothing OS interface
- Good camera performance for the price
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Limited availability in some regions
- Lacks certain features like wireless charging
User Experience:
The CMF Phone stands out due to its minimalist design and transparent back, which showcases the internal components. Its performance is solid, and the Nothing OS interface offers a fresh take on Android. The camera and battery life are decent but not groundbreaking, making it more of a design-focused device than a performance powerhouse.
5. Tecno Pova 6 Pro: Power Meets Performance- Price=19,999
Best For: Users who need a battery-centric smartphone with decent performance.
Features:
- Display: 6.8-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99
- Camera: 50MP + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 6000mAh, 45W fast charging
- OS: HiOS based on Android 13
Pros:
- Huge 6000mAh battery for long-lasting usage
- 45W fast charging is great for quick top-ups
- Good performance for the price
- Decent camera performance in daylight
Cons:
- Display quality isn’t as good as AMOLED screens
- Software experience can be clunky at times
- Bulky design due to large battery
User Experience:
The Tecno Pova 6 Pro is perfect for those who prioritize battery life. With a massive 6000mAh battery, it easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. The phone performs well for daily tasks, but the display could use a bit more vibrancy, and the software experience might feel a bit sluggish for some.
6. OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: The Mid-Range Winner-Price=18,949
Best For: Users looking for a well-rounded mid-range smartphone with a clean interface and good performance.
Features:
- Display: 6.72-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- Camera: 64MP + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: OxygenOS, Android 13
Pros:
- Clean OxygenOS with minimal bloatware
- Great camera setup for the price
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Decent performance for multitasking
Cons:
- No IP rating for water resistance
- Average low-light camera performance
- Charging could be faster
User Experience:
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite stands out in the mid-range category with a smooth, clean OxygenOS experience. The display is crisp and vibrant, and the performance is snappy for everyday tasks. The camera quality is good but struggles in low-light conditions, and while it charges quickly, some might prefer faster charging speeds.
7.Vivo T3: Style and Substance- Price=18,499
Best For: Users who want a stylish phone with decent performance at a competitive price.
Features:
- Display: 6.44-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- Camera: 50MP + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 4500mAh, 44W fast charging
- OS: Funtouch OS 13, Android 13
Pros:
- Premium AMOLED display with good color reproduction
- Sleek design and solid build quality
- Decent overall performance for the price
- Fast charging with 44W support
Cons:
- Performance might dip under heavy load
- Funtouch OS might not appeal to everyone
- Lacks stereo speakers
User Experience:
The Vivo T3 delivers a smooth and enjoyable user experience, with a beautiful AMOLED display and a sleek design. While the Snapdragon 695 chipset provides good performance for the price, the phone occasionally struggles with intensive tasks. The fast charging and decent battery life are big selling points, though.
8. Samsung M35: A Reliable All-Rounder- Price=15,851
Best For: Users who trust the Samsung brand and need a reliable all-rounder phone.
Features:
- Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- Camera: 64MP + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro
- Battery: 6000mAh, 25W fast charging
- OS: One UI 5, Android 13
Pros:
- Reliable Samsung brand with a clean interface
- Super AMOLED display offers vibrant colors
- Good camera setup for daylight photography
- Massive 6000mAh battery
Cons:
- Exynos chipset is not as powerful as Snapdragon alternatives
- Average gaming performance
- Slow 25W charging compared to competitors
User Experience:
The Samsung M35 is a solid all-rounder with a focus on reliability. The battery life is great, and the Super AMOLED screen is one of the best in this segment. The Exynos chipset, while good for basic tasks, struggles with gaming and heavy multitasking.
9. Poco X6: Value-For-Money King- Price=19,999
Best For: Users who want performance and features at an affordable price.
Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- Camera: 64MP + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: MIUI for Poco, Android 13
Pros:
- Smooth performance with Snapdragon 695 5G
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Solid camera performance
Cons:
- MIUI has some bloatware
- No stereo speakers
- Average low-light camera performance
User Experience:
The Poco X6 is a great value-for-money option that balances performance, display quality, and camera features. It’s perfect for users who want a phone that handles day-to-day tasks smoothly and can even handle some light gaming. The camera struggles in low-light, but otherwise, the X6 is a well-rounded device.
10. Moto G64 5G: A Future-Ready Budget Option- Price=16,999
Best For: Users looking for 5G connectivity in a budget-friendly package.
Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G
- Camera: 50MP + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 5000mAh, 20W fast charging
- OS: Stock Android, Android 13
Pros:
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Affordable 5G connectivity
- Reliable camera setup for the price
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Snapdragon 480 chipset limits performance for intensive tasks
- Slow charging compared to competitors
- Display is not as vibrant as AMOLED
User Experience:
The Moto G64 5G delivers solid performance for budget users, especially for those seeking 5G connectivity. Its near-stock Android experience is a highlight, providing a smooth and clean interface. While it’s not a powerhouse, it handles daily tasks like browsing and social media well.
Which Smartphone Should You Choose?
In 2024, there are several great budget and mid-range options available for Indian consumers, each offering unique features and value propositions. If you’re looking for a device with great performance and future-proofing, the Redmi 13 5G and Realme Narzo 70 Pro are excellent choices. For a pure Android experience, Motorola G85 and Moto G64 5G stand out. If battery life is your top priority, then consider the Tecno Pova 6 Pro or Samsung M35.
Ultimately, your choice depends on the features that matter most to you: performance, camera, battery, or design. With so many options, 2024 is an exciting year for budget-conscious smartphone shoppers in India.
Personal Insight: After spending some time with these devices, I found that each phone has its strengths. If you’re looking for the best balance between price and performance, the Poco X6 and Redmi 13 5G emerged as my personal favorites, offering excellent value. However, if you need something unique and bold, the CMF Phone by Nothing is definitely a conversation starter.
