Top 5 Mobiles under Rs. 25000

You know that feeling when you're scrolling through endless smartphone listings, each one claiming to be "the best" in its price range, and you just end up more confused than when you started? Trust me, I've been there. The Indian smartphone market under Rs. 25000 (approximately $300 USD) has become so competitive that it's genuinely overwhelming to pick the right device.

Here's the thing – this budget segment has transformed dramatically over the past couple of years. What you get for Rs. 25000 today would have cost you nearly double just three or four years ago. We're talking flagship-level displays, incredibly capable cameras, processors that can handle intense gaming, and battery life that actually lasts through a demanding day. The catch? There are just too many good options, and making the wrong choice means living with regret for the next two to three years.

I've spent considerable time testing, comparing, and analyzing the current smartphone offerings in this segment. And I'm not just looking at spec sheets – anyone can copy-paste those from manufacturer websites. What I've focused on is real-world performance, actual camera quality in various conditions, how the phones hold up during extended use, and most importantly, which devices offer genuine value for your hard-earned money. Let me walk you through my top 5 picks that I genuinely believe deserve your attention.

Why Rs. 25000 is the Sweet Spot for Smartphone Buyers

Before we dive into specific recommendations, let's talk about why this budget range makes so much sense for most Indian buyers. I'll be honest with you – you could spend more money, but the returns diminish significantly beyond this point.

At the Rs. 25000 price point, you're getting phones that check almost every box that matters for daily use. The displays are typically AMOLED with high refresh rates. The processors are mid-range to upper-mid-range chips that handle everything from social media to gaming without breaking a sweat. Camera systems have matured to the point where they produce genuinely impressive photos in good lighting, and even low-light performance has become acceptable.

What you're essentially missing compared to flagships are marginal improvements in camera consistency, slightly faster processing speeds, and premium build materials like titanium frames. For most users, these differences don't justify spending Rs. 50000 or more. The phones in this segment represent what I call "practical excellence" – they excel at everything most people actually need from their smartphones.

1. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G – The Balanced Performerce

Let's start with Samsung's contender in this segment, and there's a reason I'm leading with this one. The Galaxy A35 5G represents everything Samsung has learned about making mid-range phones that don't feel like compromises. Is it perfect? No. But it comes remarkably close to offering a complete package.

Display That Punches Above Its Weight

The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display is genuinely stunning for this price range. We're looking at FHD+ resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, and Samsung's display calibration expertise shines through here. Colors are vibrant without being oversaturated, and the brightness levels are excellent for outdoor visibility. I've used this phone extensively under harsh sunlight, and readability never became an issue.

What really impressed me is the smoothness of the 120Hz panel. Scrolling through social media feeds, navigating the UI, or even playing games – everything feels fluid and responsive. Samsung has also included their Vision Booster technology, which intelligently adjusts display settings based on ambient lighting.

Camera System: Samsung's Reliable Imaging

The triple camera setup features a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. Now, I won't pretend the macro camera is particularly useful – it's there more for marketing purposes. But the main and ultrawide cameras deliver consistently good results.

Daylight photos are sharp with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Samsung's image processing tends to add a slight warmth to skin tones, which most people find pleasing. The Night Mode has improved significantly, though it's still not quite at flagship level. For Instagram, WhatsApp, and casual photography, this camera system won't disappoint you.

Performance and Software Experience

Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy A35 handles daily tasks effortlessly. Gaming is smooth for most titles, though you might need to drop settings for the most demanding games. What stands out is Samsung's One UI 6.1, which offers a polished, feature-rich experience that many competitors struggle to match.

Samsung promises four years of Android updates and five years of security patches – that's industry-leading software support for this price segment. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, this commitment to long-term support is invaluable.

Battery and Charging

The 5000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day of mixed usage. Charging speeds at 25W aren't the fastest in this segment, but they're adequate. From completely dead to full takes roughly 80-90 minutes.

Pricing

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 23,999 / $288 USD (approximately)

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (8GB + 256GB): Rs. 25,999 / $312 USD (approximately)

2. OnePlus Nord CE 4 – Speed Meets Style

OnePlus has always positioned itself as the brand that offers flagship experiences at lower prices, and the Nord CE 4 carries that philosophy into the sub-25K segment. If performance is your top priority, this phone deserves serious consideration.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you'll notice about the Nord CE 4 is how slim and light it feels. OnePlus has used a metal frame with a glass back, giving it a premium feel that belies its price point. The phone is available in some attractive color options, and that signature OnePlus aesthetic is unmistakably present.

At just 7.7mm thick, it's one of the slimmest phones in this price range. Some might worry about durability, but in my usage, the build quality has been solid. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable – a small detail that makes a big difference in daily use.

Display Quality

The 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate delivers excellent visuals. Peak brightness reaches impressive levels, making outdoor visibility quite good. OnePlus has tuned the display for vivid colors by default, though you can adjust this in settings if you prefer more accurate color reproduction.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the DC dimming option, which reduces eye strain during extended low-brightness usage. It's a thoughtful inclusion that shows OnePlus is paying attention to user experience details.

Snapdragon Power Under the Hood

Here's where the Nord CE 4 truly shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset is a capable performer that handles everything you throw at it. Gaming performance is notably better than many competitors, with popular titles running smoothly at high settings.

OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, is clean, fast, and mostly bloat-free. OnePlus has maintained its reputation for smooth software experiences, and the Nord CE 4 is no exception. Navigation is snappy, app launches are quick, and multitasking is handled without hiccups.

100W SuperVOOC Charging – A Game Changer

I'll be honest – this is the feature that might sell you on this phone. The 100W SUPERVOOC charging is ridiculously fast. We're talking 0 to 100% in roughly 30 minutes. If you're someone who constantly forgets to charge overnight or needs quick top-ups during busy days, this is transformative.

The 5500mAh battery itself is large enough to last a full day of heavy use. But even if it doesn't, you can get a full day's worth of charge in about 10 minutes. That's the kind of convenience that genuinely changes how you interact with your phone.

Camera Performance

The 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor produces good photos with plenty of detail in good lighting. Portrait mode works well, and the 8MP ultrawide offers a different perspective when needed. Video recording is stable thanks to OIS, though 4K recording is limited to 30fps.

Is it the best camera in this segment? Not quite. Samsung and Realme edge ahead slightly in imaging. But for most users' needs – social media, casual photography, video calls – it's more than adequate.

Pricing

OnePlus Nord CE 4 (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 22,999 / $276 USD (approximately)

OnePlus Nord CE 4 (8GB + 256GB): Rs. 24,999 / $300 USD (approximately)

3. Realme 12 Pro 5G – Camera-Focused Excellence

If photography is your primary concern, the Realme 12 Pro 5G might just be the phone you've been looking for. Realme has partnered with Sony to create what they claim is a "studio-quality" imaging experience, and while marketing speak should always be taken with a grain of salt, the results are genuinely impressive.

The Camera System – A Closer Look

The headline feature is the 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with OIS. This is a larger sensor than what most competitors offer in this price range, and it shows in the quality of low-light captures. Details are well-preserved, noise is well-controlled, and the dynamic range is excellent.

But the real star is the portrait telephoto camera. The 32MP sensor with 2x optical zoom captures stunning portrait shots with natural bokeh. I've seen flagship phones struggle to match the portrait quality this phone produces. If you frequently take photos of people, this capability is genuinely worth considering.

The 8MP ultrawide rounds out the camera system. It's serviceable but not exceptional – a common story in this price segment where ultrawide cameras tend to be afterthoughts.

Unique Design Language

Realme has done something interesting with the design – a split camera island with a distinctive watch-inspired circular element. Love it or hate it, you can't deny it stands out. The build quality is excellent, with a curved back that feels comfortable in hand.

The phone is available in some eye-catching colors that add personality. If you're tired of phones that all look the same, the Realme 12 Pro offers a refreshing alternative.

Display and Performance

The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display with 120Hz is bright, vivid, and responsive. The slight curve on the edges adds to the premium feel, though some users prefer flat displays for ease of screen protector application.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor provides solid performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming. It's not as powerful as the Snapdragon 7 series found in some competitors, but for most users, the difference won't be noticeable in regular use.

Battery and Charging

The 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging strikes a good balance. Full charge takes about 45 minutes, and battery life easily stretches through a full day of use. Realme's battery optimization has improved significantly, and you won't find yourself reaching for the charger by mid-afternoon.

Pricing

Realme 12 Pro 5G (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 21,999 / $264 USD (approximately)

Realme 12 Pro 5G (8GB + 256GB): Rs. 24,999 / $300 USD (approximately)

4. Poco X6 5G – The Gaming Champion

Poco has built its reputation on offering flagship-level performance at aggressive prices, and the Poco X6 continues that tradition. If raw power matters most to you and you're willing to accept some compromises elsewhere, this phone offers incredible value.

Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 – Power Unleashed

Let's talk about what makes this phone special. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor is a beast for this price range. Combined with up to 12GB of RAM, you're getting performance that rivals phones costing significantly more.

Gaming on the Poco X6 is genuinely excellent. Titles like BGMI, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at high settings. The phone maintains good thermal management during extended gaming sessions, which is crucial for competitive gamers who don't want thermal throttling affecting their performance.

Display – Built for Speed

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display features a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. That touch sampling rate is particularly important for gaming – it means the screen registers your touches faster, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games.

Dolby Vision support and 1800 nits peak brightness make this display excellent for media consumption. Colors are punchy, blacks are deep, and outdoor visibility is among the best in this segment.

Camera System – Good, Not Great

Here's where Poco has made compromises to hit the price point. The 64MP main camera is capable but not exceptional. In good lighting, photos are sharp and colorful. But low-light performance isn't as good as Samsung or Realme offerings, and the ultrawide camera is mediocre at best.

If photography is your primary concern, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're prioritizing performance and gaming, the camera is good enough for social media sharing and casual photography.

Battery That Goes the Distance

The 5100mAh battery is among the largest in this segment, and it shows in real-world endurance. Even with heavy gaming, you'll comfortably get through a full day. Light users might stretch it to two days.

67W turbo charging brings the phone from 0 to 100% in about 45 minutes. There's no wireless charging, but that's expected at this price point.

MIUI – A Word of Caution

I need to be honest about MIUI for Poco. While it's packed with features and customization options, it also comes with some bloatware and occasional ads in the interface. You can disable most of these, but it requires some initial setup. If you prefer a cleaner software experience, the OnePlus or Samsung options might suit you better.

Pricing

Poco X6 5G (8GB + 256GB): Rs. 19,999 / $240 USD (approximately)

Poco X6 5G (12GB + 256GB): Rs. 21,999 / $264 USD (approximately)

5. iQOO Z9 5G – The Underrated All-Rounder

iQOO might not have the brand recognition of Samsung or OnePlus, but dismiss them at your peril. The Z9 5G is a seriously capable smartphone that deserves more attention than it typically gets. If you're open to exploring beyond the biggest brand names, this phone offers excellent value.

Dimensity 7200 – Efficient and Powerful

The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor is a well-balanced chip that handles everything from daily tasks to gaming with aplomb. It's built on a 4nm process, which means it's both powerful and energy-efficient. In benchmarks, it trades blows with Snapdragon's mid-range offerings.

With 8GB of RAM and iQOO's memory fusion technology (which uses storage as virtual RAM), multitasking is smooth and app switching is quick. Gaming performance is excellent, with most titles running well at medium to high settings.

Display Quality Matters

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is bright and responsive. Colors are vivid, viewing angles are excellent, and the in-display fingerprint sensor is snappy. There's not much to complain about here – it matches what competitors offer in this segment.

50MP Sony IMX882 Camera

iQOO has equipped the Z9 with the same Sony IMX882 sensor found in the Realme 12 Pro. That means you're getting excellent image quality with good dynamic range and low-light capability. OIS ensures videos are stable and photos are sharp even in challenging conditions.

The camera app is straightforward and easy to use, with various modes for different shooting scenarios. While it doesn't match the portrait prowess of the Realme 12 Pro (due to the lack of a telephoto lens), the main camera performance is top-notch for this price.

44W Fast Charging with Massive Battery

The 5000mAh battery combined with the efficient Dimensity processor means exceptional battery life. Two-day battery life is achievable with moderate usage. The 44W charging isn't the fastest, taking about 70 minutes for a full charge, but it's adequate for most users.

Funtouch OS – Clean and Functional

iQOO's Funtouch OS is relatively clean and doesn't overwhelm you with bloatware. It's not as feature-rich as Samsung's One UI or as minimalist as OxygenOS, sitting somewhere in the middle. For most users, it provides a pleasant, straightforward experience.

Pricing

iQOO Z9 5G (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 19,999 / $240 USD (approximately)

iQOO Z9 5G (8GB + 256GB): Rs. 22,999 / $276 USD (approximately)

Complete Specifications Comparison Table

Specification	Samsung Galaxy A35 5G	OnePlus Nord CE 4	Realme 12 Pro 5G	Poco X6 5G	iQOO Z9 5G
Display	6.6" Super AMOLED, 120Hz	6.7" AMOLED, 120Hz	6.7" Curved AMOLED, 120Hz	6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz	6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	Exynos 1380	Snapdragon 7 Gen 3	Snapdragon 6 Gen 1	Snapdragon 7s Gen 2	Dimensity 7200
RAM Options	8GB	8GB	8GB	8GB / 12GB	8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB	128GB / 256GB	128GB / 256GB	256GB	128GB / 256GB
Main Camera	50MP OIS	50MP Sony LYT-600 OIS	50MP Sony IMX882 OIS	64MP	50MP Sony IMX882 OIS
Special Camera	12MP Ultrawide	8MP Ultrawide	32MP Portrait Telephoto	8MP Ultrawide	8MP Ultrawide
Battery	5000mAh	5500mAh	5000mAh	5100mAh	5000mAh
Charging Speed	25W	100W SUPERVOOC	67W	67W	44W
Software Updates	4 Years OS + 5 Years Security	2 Years OS + 3 Years Security	2 Years OS + 3 Years Security	2 Years OS + 4 Years Security	2 Years OS + 3 Years Security
Starting Price	Rs. 23,999 / $288	Rs. 22,999 / $276	Rs. 21,999 / $264	Rs. 19,999 / $240	Rs. 19,999 / $240

Note: Prices are indicative and may vary based on sales, region, and availability. Always check the latest prices before purchasing.

Which Phone Should You Buy? My Recommendations

After spending considerable time with all five devices, here's my honest breakdown of who should buy what. The "best" phone ultimately depends on your priorities.

Best for Long-Term Software Support

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G – If you plan to use your phone for 3-4 years without upgrading, Samsung's software update commitment is unmatched. Four years of Android updates means your phone stays current and secure for much longer than competitors.

Best for Fast Charging and Performance

OnePlus Nord CE 4 – The 100W charging is genuinely game-changing if you're always on the go. Combined with strong performance and clean software, it's ideal for busy professionals who need reliability and speed.

Best for Photography Enthusiasts

Realme 12 Pro 5G – The 32MP portrait telephoto camera sets this phone apart. If you frequently photograph people and want professional-looking portraits without a flagship price, this is your best bet.

Best for Gaming

Poco X6 5G – Raw performance and that 240Hz touch sampling rate make this the gaming champion of the bunch. The value proposition is also excellent, with the 12GB RAM variant available under Rs. 22,000.

Best Overall Value

iQOO Z9 5G – If you want a well-rounded phone that doesn't compromise significantly in any area, the Z9 offers excellent balance. Good cameras, solid performance, decent battery life – all at competitive prices.

What to Consider Before Making Your Decision

Beyond specifications and features, there are a few practical considerations that might influence your choice:

After-Sales Service Network

Samsung has the most extensive service network across India, reaching tier-2 and tier-3 cities effectively. OnePlus has improved significantly but still concentrates on major cities. Realme, Poco, and iQOO service availability varies – worth checking in your specific area before purchasing.

Accessory Ecosystem

Samsung phones have the widest accessory support – cases, screen protectors, and third-party accessories are readily available everywhere. Other brands might have limited options in smaller towns, though online shopping has largely addressed this gap.

Trade-In and Exchange Programs

Both Samsung and OnePlus offer competitive trade-in programs that can reduce your effective purchase price. If you have an old phone to exchange, factor this into your calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone under Rs. 25000 has the best camera?

For overall camera performance, the Realme 12 Pro 5G stands out with its 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor and unique 32MP portrait telephoto camera. If portrait photography is important to you, this phone produces the best results. For general photography and video recording with good stabilization, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is also excellent and offers more consistent results across different lighting conditions.

Are phones under Rs. 25000 good for gaming?

Absolutely. The Poco X6 5G with its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor is particularly excellent for gaming, handling demanding titles like Genshin Impact and BGMI at high settings. The OnePlus Nord CE 4 and iQOO Z9 5G are also capable gaming devices. All phones in this list can handle popular games smoothly – the difference is in how well they handle the most demanding titles at maximum settings.

How long will these phones receive software updates?

Samsung offers the longest support with 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the Galaxy A35 5G. OnePlus promises 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security updates for the Nord CE 4. Realme, Poco, and iQOO typically provide 2-3 years of updates, though this can vary. If long-term software support is crucial for you, Samsung is the clear winner.

Is 5G really necessary right now in India?

All five phones support 5G, and while 5G coverage is still expanding in India, it's available in all major cities. Considering you'll likely use this phone for 2-3 years, having 5G ensures your device remains relevant as coverage expands. 5G networks offer significantly faster speeds and lower latency, which benefits everything from video streaming to online gaming.

Which phone has the best battery life?

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 with its 5500mAh battery and efficient processor offers the best endurance, easily lasting two days with moderate use. The Poco X6 5G (5100mAh) and iQOO Z9 5G (5000mAh with efficient Dimensity processor) also deliver excellent battery life. For charging speed, the OnePlus Nord CE 4's 100W SUPERVOOC is unmatched – 0 to 100% in about 30 minutes.

Should I buy 128GB or 256GB storage?

If your budget allows, I'd recommend the 256GB variant. Modern apps are getting larger, and with high-resolution photos and 4K videos, storage fills up quickly. However, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and iQOO Z9 5G support microSD card expansion, giving you flexibility if you start with 128GB. Poco X6 5G only comes in 256GB, which is actually a bonus.

Are there any significant disadvantages to these phones?

Each phone has trade-offs. The Samsung Galaxy A35 has slower 25W charging compared to competitors. The OnePlus Nord CE 4's camera isn't as good as Samsung or Realme. The Realme 12 Pro has a less powerful processor than some alternatives. The Poco X6 has MIUI software with occasional ads. The iQOO Z9 has slower 44W charging. Understanding these compromises helps you choose based on what matters most to you.

Can I get water resistance under Rs. 25000?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G features IP67 water and dust resistance, making it the only phone in this list with official IP rating. This means it can survive accidental splashes, rain, or brief submersion. Other phones in this list have splash resistance but no official IP rating, so they're not recommended for water exposure.

Making Your Final Choice

Choosing a smartphone in this price segment ultimately comes down to identifying your priorities. All five phones I've covered are genuinely excellent devices that will serve most users well for years. The differences between them are nuanced rather than dramatic.

If I had to pick just one recommendation for the average user who wants a balanced, reliable phone with excellent long-term support, I'd lean toward the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G. That four-year update promise, IP67 water resistance, and Samsung's reliable camera performance make it a safe choice that you won't regret.

But if speed is everything to you – both performance and charging – the OnePlus Nord CE 4 makes a compelling case. And for photography enthusiasts, the Realme 12 Pro's portrait capabilities are simply unmatched at this price.

Whatever you choose, you're getting a capable smartphone that would have been considered flagship-quality just a few years ago. The Indian smartphone market has never been more competitive, and that competition benefits you as the consumer. Take your time, consider what matters most to you, and make an informed decision. Happy phone hunting!

Image Credit: Unsplash

Disclosure:

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Images are sourced from official brand websites, Unsplash, Pexels, or generated using AI tools as noted. Prices and specifications mentioned are based on information available at the time of writing and may vary by region, retailer, and time. Actual prices may differ during sales, promotional periods, or based on specific variants. We encourage readers to verify current prices and specifications from official brand websites and authorized retailers before making purchasing decisions. This article does not constitute professional advice, and individual experiences with products may vary.