Best mobile phones under INR. 20000 in India

The 20,000 price segment is one of the most competitive in India. With a large cluster of choices, it is often difficult for people to choose the best option. With that in mind, in this article, we will be learning about the best smartphone that you can get for 20,000 ($250) Indian Rupees. These are the best value for money smartphones for that price range.

Summary list of best mobile phones under 20,000 in India

Samsung Galaxy A50s

If you remember, the Galaxy A50s was initially launched for a high price, but now it goes for below 20K in India. One thing that differentiates it from the rest of the bunch is the design. At a time when all the Chinese brands are heavy and boxy, Samsung, on the other hand, is making their designs slimmer and more ergonomic with every new launch.

Anyway, coming back to the design of the A50s, you get this absolutely stunning looking phone. The glasstic back has these really cool looking patterns which make the phone look classy and stylish. Plus, the phone is very ergonomic and feels light on the hands which further adds to the niceties.

What’s also nice is the front of the A50s, it’s got a pleasing Super AMOLED display which is one of the best panels you can get for the price. Additionally, the AMOLED display complements the dark theme of the UI very well. So, if you are someone who likes the dark mode, you will love what you see on the A50s. Further, the display is home to an in-display fingerprint sensor.

The triple cameras on it have very good performance too which is all thanks to Samsung’s excellent optimization. The details, HDR, saturation all have a good balance in normal as well as the ultra-wide shots as evident from these samples here.

Samsung has also provided the One UI 2.0 based on Android 10 last month. But what I do need to tell you is that performance over here is just average. The dated 10 nm based Exynos 9611 does not quite match up to the contemporaries like Snapdragon 720G or 730G or the Helio G90T. For an average user though, it should still serve you well.

Samsung Galaxy A50s Specifications:

• Body: 6.24 x 2.93 x 0.30 inches; 169 gm (5.96 oz)
• Display: 6.4 inches Super AMOLED Infinity-U
• Resolution: Full-HD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels), 19.5:9 ratio
• Chipset: Exynos 9611, 10nm process
• CPU: Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
• GPU: Mali-G72 MP3
• RAM: 4GB/6GB
• Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1 (expandable up to 512GB)
• Rear Camera: (48MP, f/2.0, 1/2″ Sony IMX 582 sensor) + (8MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide lens) + (5MP, f/2.2 depth sensor), LED Flash
• Front Camera: Single – 32MP, f/2.0
• OS & UI: Android Pie with Samsung One UI on top
• Battery: Non-removable 4000 mAh; USB Type C
• Colors: Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Violet

Redmi Note 9 Pro max:

The Redmi Note 9 pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max are the two recent additions to Xiaomi’s lineup. And both are basically the same phone, except for some minor changes here and there. So, if you want to save some money, get the Pro version instead.

Also, maybe Xiaomi could have done some more differentiation with the specs between the two. For instance, they could have provided a Super AMOLED display or a higher refresh rate to make the Pro Max version stand out a little bit.

But even so, the Redmi Note 9 pro max is one of the good mid-range phones in today’s date. It offers some good things to the table like the latest Snapdragon 720G chipset which performs very well, a big 5020 mAh battery with 30-watt fast charging support, and a refreshing new look.

Similarly, Camera-wise, you get very good performance with the 64MP Samsung GW1 sensor that you get here. The details are on point and colors as well as dynamic range are very well preserved too. Overall, the Note 9 pro max is one worthy phone in this list!

Redmi Note 9 Pro Max Specifications:

• Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD screen with Gorilla Glass 5 Protection
• Resolution: Full-HD+ resolution (2340×1080 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G; 8nm platform
• CPU: Octa-core (2×2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
• GPU: Adreno 618
• RAM: 6/8GB
• Storage: 64GB/128GB (UFS2.1); Expandable up to 256GB via dedicated SD card slot
• Rear Camera: Quad cameras, 64 MP, f/1.8 primary shooter; 8 MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide shooter, 5 MP, f/2.4 macro lens and 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor
• Front Camera: 32MP
• OS & UI: Android 10, MIUI 11
• Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), Gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass
• Battery: 5020 mAh, USB Type-C port, 30W Fast charging
• Color Options: Aurora Blue, Interstellar Black, Glacier Black

Samsung Galaxy M31:

If you are a Samsung fan and the Galaxy A50s or the newly launched Galaxy A51 is a little too expensive for your budget, the Galaxy M31 is a great alternative.

It is almost the same as the A50s minus the good looks plus a bigger battery. While you get a standard 4,000 mAh cell on the A50s, the M31 offers you a humongous 6,000 mAh one that can go on and on. However, note that it only has a 15- watt fast charging support so charging the phone can be a bit of a pain.

Additionally, the design of it is not very appealing either. You get a thick phone with a glossy polycarbonate back that looks rather outdated.

Keeping these things aside, you can be assured that you get a good camera setup in the M31. Well, Samsung never fails to make a mark with their cameras! There’s a quad-camera setup tucked inside a square module, all of which have impressive performance, except for the macro lens which is just average.

However, in regards to performance, you have the same old Samsung saga of average chipsets powering their phones. It is powered by the same Exynos 9611 that’s there on the M21, A50s, and countless other Galaxy devices.

Although I am not saying that its performance is bad, when compared to the likes of Helio G90T or the Snapdragon 720G, you are certainly getting a strictly average performance. On the brighter side though, you get the One UI 2.0 here which you guys know how much I prefer over others.

Samsung Galaxy M31 Specifications:

• Body: 6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 inches; 191 gm
• Display: 6.4-inches Super AMOLED panel
• Resolution: FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels); 19.5:9 aspect ratio
• Chipset: Exynos 9611; 10nm Mobile Platform
• CPU: Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
• GPU: Mali-G72 MP3
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 64 / 128GB UFS 2.1 (expandable using SD card)
• Software & UI: Samsung’s One UI 2.0 on top of Android 10
• Rear Camera: Quad-camera; 64MP, f/1.7 primary shooter; 8MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide lens with 123º FOV; 5MP, f/2.2 depth sensor; 5MP, f/2.2 macro sensor;  Single LED flash
• Front Camera: 32MP, f/2.0 lens
• Security: Physical capacitative fingerprint scanner
• Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, Dolby Atmos
• Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano), WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/AGPS/GLONASS/BDS, USB Type-C
• Battery: 6000 mAh with 15W fast charging
• Colors: Ocean Blue, Space Black, Red

Realme X2:

Realme has brought out a lot of good midrange phones since last year and one of the most notable ones has to be the Realme X2.

Powered by the Snapdragon 730G chipset, this phone gives you one of the best performances in this price range. And except for the Samsung phones, this is the only phone that offers an AMOLED display at this price, so that’s a major plus for it. Talking about the quality of the display, it’s excellent in terms of colors, contrast, and also has acceptable brightness levels. Also, having the AMOLED screen means you get the perks of an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate.

Furthermore, the design of the Realme X2 also looks good to me. Although I would say that I am inclined towards the A50s’ more ergonomic and lightweight design, this one has its own thing going and I am sure many prefer it too. Plus, the back is protected by the Gorilla Glass 5 which makes it more premium than plastic back phones.

The Quad- cameras on it have good performance too. Although the macro and depth sensors are more gimmicky than useful, the other two, the primary and the wide-angle lenses work well. And it’s worth pointing out that Realme X2 is one of the best points to shoot cameras out there for this price.

And one more thing that’s good about the X2 is that Realme has generously provided a 30- watt VOOC fast charging support that can fill the 4,000 mAh battery in around an hour.

Realme X2 Specifications & Price

• Display: 6.4″ Super AMOLED display
• Resolution:  1080 x 2340pixels
• Rear Camera: Quad, 64 MP primary lens with f/1.7 aperture + 8 MP Ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.3 aperture + 2 MP dedicated macro with f/2.4 aperture + 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture
• Front Camera: 32 MP with f/2.0 aperture
• Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
• Software and UI: RealmeUI based on Android 10
• GPU: Adreno 618
• RAM: 6 GB and 8GB
• Storage: 64/128GB
• Battery: 4000 mAh, 30W Fast Charging
• Sensors: Fingerprint (in-display), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
• Color Options: Pearl White, Pearl Blue, Pearl Green

Poco X2:

Okay, now we have reached almost to the end of our list, and choosing the first and second place has been a tough choice. However, there has to be a winner and evidently it is not the Poco X2. It has secured second place by just a thin line of difference.

Talking of the performance, the Poco X2 is also powered by the Snapdragon 730G chipset and you can expect it to perform as well as the Realme X2. Similarly, you get a glass design in here that looks quite good. Although the phone is hefty and slightly unergonomic, many people liked it so, it will be fair to say that it totally depends upon your preference.

Coming to the front, you are getting a good- quality IPS LCD screen with good colors and contrast levels. Yes, it’s not an AMOLED panel, but it has a 120Hz refresh rate that gives it an edge. So, when it comes to gaming, it will give you a little bit of extra smooth performance than the Realme X2, which is also one of the reasons why it is a step ahead than the Realme X2 on this list.

Furthermore, camera- wise, here you get a quad-camera setup like many others in this list. However, Poco uses a much superior Sony IMX 686 primary sensor that offers better details and HDR capability. However, color optimization looks better on the Realme X2. So, choosing one among them is actually a tough call.

In terms of battery- life, the 120Hz screen does devour the battery comparatively faster than the regular 60Hz. However, that is recovered by the big 4500mAh battery along with 27-watt fast charging support that fills its battery in about 70 minutes.

POCO X2 Specifications

• Body: 6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 inches; 208 gm; P2i coating
• Display: 6.67-inches “RealityFlow” IPS LCD panel with HDR10 support; 386 PPI and up to 500 nits of brightness
• Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1800 pixels); 20:9 aspect ratio
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G; 8nm Mobile Platform
• CPU: Octa-core (2x Gold @ 2.2GHz + 6x Silver @ 1.8GHz)
• GPU: Adreno 618
• RAM: 6 / 8GB LPDDR4X dual-channel memory
• Storage: 64 / 128 / 256GB UFS 2.1 (expandable via a microSD card)
• Software & UI: Android 10 with MIUI 11 on top
• Rear Camera: Quad-camera; 64 MP f/1.89 Sony IMX686 sensor, PDAF support; 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor with 120º FOV;  2MP f/2.4 macro lens; 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor, Dual LED flash
• Front Camera: Dual-camera; 20MP f/2.2 primary sensor; 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor
• Security: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
• Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, Qualcomm Hi-Fi DAC support
• Connectivity: Hybrid dual-SIM (Nano), microSD card, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/AGPS/GLONASS/Beidou, USB Type-C
• Battery: 4500 mAh with 27W fast charging
• Colors: Atlantis Blue, Matrix Purple, Phoenix Red

Realme 6 Pro:

Okay, finally we have reached the top of this list. As evident from our tests, he Realme 6 Pro offers the best value for money under 250 dollars. However, it is worth mentioning that the choice totally depends on the user as well.

If one feels more comfortable with the MIUI, then, one should definitely go for the Poco X2, otherwise Realme 6 Pro is an equally good option. But the reasons to give the 6 Pro the top spot is, number 1: It has a more versatile camera setup consisting of a telephoto zoom lens and number 2: The selfies here are much better than the Poco X2. Also, its dual notch comes with a more useful ultra-wide selfie camera, instead of the depth sensor.

The other specs of the Realme 6 Pro are pretty decent too. You get a good-quality IPS panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 720G here performs as well as what the Poco X2 offers. And Battery- wise you get a good-sized 4,300 mAh cell that gives excellent endurance which further is supported by the 30- watt VOOC charging!

Realme 6 Pro Specifications:

• Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen with Gorilla Glass 3 Protection
• Resolution: Full-HD+ resolution (2340×1080 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio, 90Hz refresh rate
• Chipset: Snapdgragon 720G
• CPU: Octa-core (2x 2.3Ghz Cortex-A76 + 6x 1.8Ghz Cortex-A55 )
• GPU: Mali G76 MC4
• RAM: 6GB/8GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 64GB/128GB; Expandable up to 256GB via dedicated SD card slot
• Rear Camera: Quad cameras, 64 MP, f/1.8 primary shooter; 8 MP, f/2.3 ultra-wide shooter, 2 MP, f/2.4 macro lens and 12MP f/2.5 Telephoto lens
• Front Camera: 16 MP, f/2.0 primary lens’ 8MP ultra-wide-lens
• OS & UI: Android 10, Realme UI
• Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), Gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass
• Battery: 4300 mAh, USB Type-C port, 30W Fast charging
• Color Options: Lightning Blue, Lightning Orange

Also Read: Best Mobile Phones under Rs. 15,000 in India