The Ultimate Guide to Phones Under ₹20,000: Diwali 2025 Edition
Discover the best smartphones under ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 in this year’s Diwali sales! This guide covers the best phones for battery, camera, performance, and overall value from brands like Vivo, iQOO, CMF, Samsung, Poco, Realme, Motorola, and Nothing.
Diwali is the best time to buy a new smartphone, thanks to the incredible deals available. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed information on the best smartphones in the ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 budget segments, including their key features and who they are best suited for. We’ve considered various aspects like battery, camera, performance, and software experience to help you choose the perfect phone for your needs.
Best Smartphones Under ₹15,000 💸
1. Best Battery Backup Phone: Vivo T4X / iQOO Z10X
If your top priority is long-lasting battery life, the Vivo T4X or its rebranded version, the iQOO Z10X, is an excellent choice.
- Expected Price: ₹12,000 to ₹13,000 (during sales)
- Battery: 6500 mAh, which comes with excellent optimization in this segment.
- Charging: 44W fast charging.
- Performance: Good performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor and UFS 3.1 storage.
- Extras: IP64 rating and military-grade certification.
- Drawback: It has an LCD display, whereas some phones might offer AMOLED at this price.
2. Best Camera & Software Experience: CMF Phone 2 Pro
For users who value a clean software experience and a good camera, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a compelling new option.
- Expected Price: Around ₹15,000.
- Camera: A 50 + 8 + 50 MP triple camera setup that captures good photos.
- Software: Excellent and clean software experience with Nothing OS, with no pre-installed bloatware.
- Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor.
- Display: AMOLED display.
- Battery: 5000 mAh battery and 33W charging (average).
- Drawback: Single speaker.
3. Best Samsung Phone: Samsung Galaxy M36 / F36
For fans of Samsung phones, the Samsung Galaxy M36 or F36 is a solid choice.
- Expected Price: ₹14,000 to ₹15,000.
- Availability: The F36 is available on Flipkart, and the M36 on Amazon.
- Key Highlight: The reliable Samsung experience with solid basics.
4. Best Overall Phone (Around ₹15,000): Oppo K13
If you are looking for a well-balanced package, the Oppo K13 can be considered.
- Specialty: Great performance and incredible battery life.
- Drawback: The camera is not that great.
- Note: It’s difficult to find a top-tier performance phone under ₹15,000.
Best Smartphones Under ₹20,000 🚀
1. Best Performance Phone: Poco X7 Pro
For gamers and performance enthusiasts, the Poco X7 Pro is the best option under ₹20,000.
- Expected Price: Around ₹20,000.
- Performance: Antutu score of over 1 million, UFS 4.0 storage.
- Gaming: Handles super-heavy games with ease (BGMI at 60fps, CoD at 120fps).
- Battery: A large 6550 mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
- Display: 3200 nits peak brightness, AMOLED panel, 1.5K resolution.
- Extras: IP69 rating.
- Camera: Captures above-average photos.
- Drawback: The update frequency for HyperOS isn’t great.
2. Best Battery Backup Phone: Vivo T4 / iQOO Z10
If your main concern is unbelievable battery life, the Vivo T4 or iQOO Z10 is a strong contender.
- Expected Price: Could be available for around ₹17,000 – ₹18,000 during Diwali sales.
- Battery: A massive 7300 mAh battery that provides fantastic backup.
- Charging: 90W fast charging.
- Display: 5000 nits peak brightness, AMOLED panel, Quad-curved display.
- Drawback: The camera (50+2 MP) is average, and it is not suitable for gaming.
3. Best Samsung Phone: Samsung Galaxy A35
For loyal Samsung customers, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is a dependable option.
- Expected Price: ₹18,000 to ₹19,000 during Diwali.
- Key Highlight: Samsung’s brand value and a balanced performance across all basic departments.
4. Best Software Experience: Nothing Phone 3A
For those who want a unique design and clean software, the Nothing Phone 3A offers a premium experience.
- Expected Price: ₹20,000 to ₹21,000.
- Software: Excellent and clean software experience with Nothing OS, cool widgets, and no pre-installed bloatware.
- Design: Transparent back panel and Glyph lighting for notifications.
- Camera: A 50 + 8 + 50 MP triple camera setup that takes good photos, though some shots can be inconsistent.
- Performance: Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 processor with UFS 2.2 storage (not the best for gaming).
- Battery: A 5000 mAh battery that lasts a full day with normal usage.
- Drawback: Does not include a charger in the box.
Best Camera Phones Under ₹20,000 (Specific Priorities) 📸
There is no single clear camera winner under ₹20,000, but some phones excel in specific areas:
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Best for its excellent 13 MP ultra-wide lens and macro photography.
- Realme P1 Pro: Best for its fantastic front camera, making it perfect for selfie lovers.
- Nothing Phone (2a): Best for taking great portrait photos in 2X mode.
Best Overall Phones Under ₹20,000 (Top Two Choices) 👑
If you want to keep it simple and get the best all-around phone, choose between these two options:
1. Realme GT 6T (if on offer)
This phone offers a well-balanced mix of specs and experience.
- Expected Price: Around ₹20,000 on offer.
- Battery: Large 5500 mAh battery with 120W fast charging.
- Display: 120Hz refresh rate, curved display, and a massive 6000 nits peak brightness.
- Performance: Excellent performance with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor.
- Camera: A 50 + 8 MP camera setup with a large main sensor.
- Design: Premium design.
2. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
This phone is known for its durability and premium design.
- Expected Price: Around ₹20,000.
- Design: Premium look with a vegan leather back panel.
- Durability: IP68 rating.
- Performance: Good for daily use with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor.
- Camera: A 50 + 13 MP setup that captures punchy photos.
- Display: 6.7-inch curved pOLED display.
- Battery: 5000 mAh battery.
- Form Factor: Good in-hand feel with a slim design.
Bonus Advice: OnePlus Nord CE4
If you find the OnePlus Nord CE4 for around ₹20,000 or ₹21,000 during the Diwali sale, it is a very safe and highly recommended option, considering its brand value and reliability.
We hope this guide helps you choose the best smartphone for your budget this Diwali! Pick the best phone according to your needs and enjoy the festival.
