Best Budget Smartphones Under ₹15,000 in India (2026) — Honest Buying Guide
Published: May 2026 | Reading Time: 5 minutes
Finding the best smartphone under ₹15,000 in 2026 is no longer a compromise. Today's budget phones deliver 5G, AMOLED displays, massive batteries, and capable cameras — all without breaking the bank. But with hundreds of options available, choosing the right one is confusing.
I tested and researched the top picks so you don't have to. Here are the 5 best budget smartphones under ₹15,000 right now.
Quick Comparison Table
| Phone | Price | RAM | Battery | Display | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 14 SE 5G | ₹13,999 | 6GB | 5000mAh | AMOLED | ✅ |
| Moto G57 Power | ₹13,999 | 6GB | 7000mAh | IPS LCD | ✅ |
| iQOO Z10x 5G | ₹14,999 | 6GB | 6500mAh | IPS LCD | ✅ |
| Realme Narzo 90x 5G | ₹13,999 | 6GB | 7000mAh | IPS LCD | ✅ |
| Samsung Galaxy M17 5G | ₹14,499 | 6GB | 5000mAh | AMOLED | ✅ |
1. Redmi Note 14 SE 5G — Best Overall Pick ⭐
Price: ₹13,999
The Redmi Note 14 SE 5G is the best overall phone under ₹15,000 — it offers an AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, a 50MP camera, and solid battery life.
Why Buy:
- AMOLED display — best in this price range
- 50MP AI camera — great daylight shots
- Reliable daily performance
- Available on Flipkart and Amazon
Who Should Buy: Students and first-time smartphone buyers who want a premium feel on a tight budget.
2. Moto G57 Power — Best Battery Life 🔋
Price: ₹13,999
The Moto G57 Power wins easily with a 7000mAh battery and 45W fast charging — it can last well over a day on a single charge.
Why Buy:
- 7000mAh battery — 2 days easily
- Clean Android — no bloatware
- 45W fast charging included
- Motorola's excellent software update policy
Who Should Buy: Heavy users, delivery workers, people who travel frequently and can't charge often.
3. iQOO Z10x 5G — Best for Gaming 🎮
Price: ₹14,999
The iQOO Z10x 5G is the best gaming phone under ₹15,000, thanks to its Dimensity 7300 processor, 120Hz display, and 6500mAh battery.
Why Buy:
- Dimensity 7300 — powerful processor
- 120Hz smooth display
- 6500mAh large battery
- Military-grade durability
Who Should Buy: Gamers and power users who want maximum performance under ₹15,000.
4. Realme Narzo 90x 5G — Best Camera + Battery Combo 📸
Price: ₹13,999
The Realme Narzo 90x 5G features a 7000mAh battery with 60W fast charging, a 144Hz bright display, and a Sony 50MP AI rear camera.
Why Buy:
- Sony 50MP camera — best camera in segment
- 144Hz display — ultra smooth
- 60W fast charging
- 400% Ultra Boom speaker
Who Should Buy: Content creators and social media users who prioritize camera quality.
5. Samsung Galaxy M17 5G — Best for Trust & Updates 🛡️
Price: ₹14,499
Samsung ka naam hi kaafi hai. AMOLED display, reliable performance, aur Samsung ka software update promise — yeh ek safe choice hai.
Why Buy:
- Samsung brand — best service centers across India
- AMOLED display
- Clean One UI software
- Long software update support
Who Should Buy: First-time buyers who want a trusted brand with good after-sales service.
What to Look For — Buying Checklist
In 2026, do not buy anything less than 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Apps are bigger, photos take more space, and 4GB RAM will slow down your phone within a year.
✅ Always choose 5G — future-proof your purchase ✅ Minimum 6GB RAM — smooth multitasking ✅ 128GB storage — enough for 2-3 years ✅ AMOLED display — significantly better than LCD ✅ 5000mAh+ battery — all-day usage ✅ Check service center — buy brand with center in your city
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not judge a camera by megapixels alone — software processing matters more. Also avoid ignoring software update policy — Samsung and Motorola are the best here.
❌ Buying 4GB RAM to save ₹500-1000 ❌ Choosing unknown brands with no service center nearby ❌ Ignoring display type — AMOLED vs LCD matters a lot ❌ Not checking 5G band support for your city
Final Verdict
| Need | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Redmi Note 14 SE 5G |
| Best Battery | Moto G57 Power |
| Best Gaming | iQOO Z10x 5G |
| Best Camera | Realme Narzo 90x 5G |
| Most Trusted Brand | Samsung Galaxy M17 5G |
Prices verified on Amazon India and Flipkart as of May 2026. Prices may vary during sales.