When CMF by Nothing unveiled its first smartphone, it didn’t just break the clutter around the Rs 15,000 price segment — it set a new standard. This smartphone is among the affordable smartphones that have changed the discourse in the segment, a zone that was once dominated by price and offers. The CMF Phone 1 is not alone. We’ve seen a slew of launches from brands like Vivo and Redmi that offer better design aesthetics and an improved user experience for consumers looking for serious bang for their buck. If you’re looking for a budget smartphone, you don’t have to make too many compromises:
CMF Phone 1
CMF Phone 1
The first smartphone from Nothing’s CMF offers a cool, customisable design. You can swap the back panel and change the colour template of your phone, but you’ll need to lean on your DIY (Do it yourself) skills. We also love the funky rotating dial on the back of the device and cool accessories like a card wallet and kickstand that you can fix to the device. The CMF Phone 1 ticks the boxes that matter — you get an immersive 6.67-inch AMOLED display (1080 x 2400 pixels) with a peak brightness of 2000 nits and 120Hz refresh rate while the rear cam is headlined by a 50MP primary lens. Battery (5000 mAh) performance is another win.
Pocket pinch: Rs 15,999 onwards
Lava Blaze X
Lava Blaze X
Lava has positioned the Blaze X as the first smartphone in the sub Rs 15,000 price range with a curved display. The device weighs just 183 gm and is 8.45mm thick, making it comfortable to hold for long periods. There’s a 5000 mAh battery that won’t let most users down; Lava has bundled a 33W faster charger along with the device. But ultimately this device is about its gorgeous 6.67-inch (1080 x 2400 pixels) 3D Curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes it perfect for binge-watching.
Pocket pinch: Rs 14,999 onwards
Redmi 13 5G
Redmi 13 5G
Redmi’s newest sub Rs 15K device comes with a host of features that offer a solid value proposition. It all starts with the massive 6.79-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is IP53-certified for water and splash resistance and includes a wet-touch display feature for added durability. You get a massive 5030 mAh battery with a 33W charger in the box. At its heart is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset; the 108MP primary lens is a great addition to the camera mix.
Pocket pinch: Rs 13,999 onwards
Vivo T3x 5G
Vivo’s most capable sub Rs 15K smartphone seeks design inspiration from some of the brand’s pricier flagship devices. It’s ultra slim and the rear camera module exudes a premium vibe. Vivo keeps the weight under 200g despite a massive 6000 mAh battery, which is backed by a 44W charger in the box. The 6.72-inch (2408 x 1080 pixels) FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate is another highlight.
Pocket pinch: Rs 13,499 onwards
OPPO K12x 5G
OPPO K12x 5G
OPPO has positioned the K12x as one of the toughest smartphones in this segment. The brand plays up the device’s 360-degree damage-proof armour body. It’s not just tough; at 7.68 mm, it’s also one of the slimmest devices in the segment. The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor. OPPO packs a 5100 mAh battery under the hood and a 45W battery in the box.
Pocket pinch: Rs 12,999 onwards
POCO M6 Plus
POCO M6 Plus
POCO’s newest budget smartphone packs quite a punch. It’s the immersive 6.79-inch (2400 x 1080 pixels) FHD+ display that you’re likely to notice first. The 120Hz refresh rate adds to its appeal. The device also features a 108MP 3x in-sensor zoom AI Dual Camera that makes it one of the best mobile shooters in the budget segment. At its heart is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, and it’s IP53-rated for water and dust resistance.
Pocket pinch: Rs 12,499 onwards
Samsung Galaxy F15 5G
Samsung Galaxy F15 5G
Samsung’s F series challenger in this price band offers one of the most vibrant displays among its rivals. The 6.5-inch sAMOLED display is not the only standout feature. The device flaunts a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP primary lens that also features VDIS (Video Digital Image Stabilisation) to reduce shakes and blurs when you capture videos. The F15 also features a monster 6000 mAh battery too.
Pocket pinch: Rs 12,999 onwards
