The Best Smartphone Under ₹25,000: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Finding the perfect smartphone under ₹25,000 can be challenging, especially with the flood of new launches in the Indian market. With so many options available, confusion is inevitable. Whether you are a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or someone who values software experience, making the right choice requires careful consideration. After extensive testing and evaluation, here’s a definitive guide to help you find the best smartphone in this budget category.

The Best Phone for Software Experience

If you prioritize a clean and seamless software experience, the Nothing Phone (2a) is an easy recommendation. It offers one of the smoothest and most feature-rich experiences in this segment. Running on Nothing OS 3.1, it promises updates up to Android 18, ensuring long-term usability. One of the standout features is Essential Space, which intelligently organizes notifications and reminders.

Moreover, Nothing has implemented an anti-theft feature, requiring a password before shutting down the device, enhancing security. The phone’s design is eye-catching, the display is sharp, and the cameras perform well. While it may not be ideal for hardcore gaming and lacks an in-box charger, its overall usability and day-to-day performance make it the best software experience phone in this price bracket.

The Best Phone for Gaming and Performance

If gaming and raw performance are your top priorities, the Poco F6 is the clear winner. With 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, this phone is miles ahead in terms of speed and processing power. It initially launched at ₹29,999 but is now available for just ₹22,999, making it an incredible deal.

Benchmark scores place the Poco F6 well above competitors, though there were some concerns regarding overheating. Poco has pushed multiple updates to control thermal performance, and while benchmark temperatures reach up to 48°C, actual gaming sessions remain cool. The phone supports 90 FPS in BGMI and handles demanding titles like Call of Duty: Warzone and Arena Breakout with ease. The 1.5K AMOLED display enhances the gaming experience, though color vibrancy isn’t as strong as some competitors. Despite the presence of bloatware and lock screen ads, this phone is the go-to choice for those who prioritize performance above all else.

The Best Phone for Camera Enthusiasts

For those who want the best camera quality, the Moto Edge 50 is the ideal pick. It delivers color-accurate photos that outshine competitors like the Nothing Phone (2a), which sometimes struggles with color processing. With optical image stabilization (OIS), night photography is noticeably better on the Moto Edge 50 compared to its rivals.

Additionally, the Moto Edge 50 allows 4K recording across all lenses, while Nothing restricts it to the main sensor. Ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on the Moto Edge 50 provide excellent detail and clarity. Stabilization, portrait skin tones, and color reproduction are also superior on Moto’s device, making it the best choice for those who prioritize photography and video quality.

The Best All-Rounder Phone

For users who seek a balanced device offering decent performance, good cameras, and solid software, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is the best option. Launched at ₹24,999, it is now available for as low as ₹21,999, making it a fantastic deal.

Equipped with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 5,500mAh battery with a 100W charger in the box, it delivers a smooth experience across all aspects. While the camera isn’t flagship-level, it performs well under good lighting conditions. The only drawback is that only one major software update remains, but apart from that, it is an excellent all-rounder smartphone.

Alternative Options If You Can Stretch Your Budget

If you can increase your budget slightly, there are even better options available:

• Realme GT 6T: A strong alternative to the Poco F6, offering better software, battery life, and display quality. However, the base variant comes with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, which may be a limitation for some users.
• iQOO Neo 10: Featuring Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and a 6,400mAh battery with 80W charging, it delivers flagship-like performance. While its design isn’t the most unique, it excels in performance and gaming.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right phone under ₹25,000 depends on your personal preferences:

• If you want the best software experience, go for the Nothing Phone (2a).
• If you prioritize gaming and performance, the Poco F6 is unmatched.
• If camera quality is your main concern, pick the Moto Edge 50.
• If you want an all-rounder, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is the perfect choice.

For those willing to stretch their budget, Realme GT 6T and iQOO Neo 10 are also excellent contenders. No matter which phone you choose, these options offer great value for money, making them the best smartphones in this price range.

Let us know which phone you prefer and why in the comments!