Introduction
In 2025, the budget smartphone segment in India leapfrogged forward by a tremendous margin. Amid mounting demand for high-speed connectivity, industry players are swiftly launching 5G smartphones at unbelievably low price points. Impressive indeed is the fact that the newest sub-₹10,000 phones now sport specifications formerly exclusive to mid-range or flagship tiers.
In 2025, why are brands zeroing in on the under-Rs. 10,000 segment?
India has always been driven by value. Yet 2025 is a different year. As 5G spreads to rural regions and governmental drives propel digital access, the sub-₹10,000 smartphone segment has become the front line of the fight. Brands are no longer merely contending over specifications; they’re fighting for supremacy in camera tuning, gaming power, UI refinements, and the very length of their after-sales support.
To the typical Indian consumer, low cost remains paramount, but quality is equally crucial now. Nowadays, consumers no longer settle for an inexpensive handset; they demand the best possible deal.
What Should You Expect from Phones Costing Under ₹10,000 in 2025?
In the current market, this price segment delivers the following:
5G Connectivity
Octa-core chips from MediaTek and Unisoc
Internally, UFS 2.2 storage or its eMMC counterpart will perform the duties.
90 Hz or faster refresh display panels
Batteries of 5000 mAh capacity or higher
Fingerprint sensors are installed on the side or situated at the rear.
Android 13/14 running on a customized UI
Rear camera arrangements of two or three sensors, paired with AI capabilities.
Now, let’s explore the leading smartphones that have debuted recently for this budget price range.
1/6
Lava Yuva 5G: India’s Very Own Budget Beast
Price: 8949
Launched in May 2025
Lava has staged a strong revival in the Indian smartphone market. The Yuva 5G stands as a perfect illustration of how Indian manufacturers are quick learners and steadily closing the gap. Its sleek styling and flat-edged design make it appear premium for the price.
Key Features
6.53-inch HD+ panel, with a vertical 90Hz refresh rate.
Unisoc T750
4GB of RAM coupled with 64GB of storage.
Dual rear cameras with AI
A 5000mAh battery that supports Type-C charging.
Running Android 13 and carrying next to zero bloatware.
What Makes It Unique
It counts among India’s rarest smartphones sporting genuine 5G support for under ₹10,000 and retains a premium look and feel. Nor does it appear or feel like a concession.
2 / 6
Price: ₹9,699
Launches in April 2025
while itel is best known for budget handsets, the P55 5G brings the series to a whole new stratum. Detailing is meant for Gen Z, making this phone serve both aesthetic and practical needs in one package.
Key Features
MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset
6 GB of physical RAM, bolstered with virtual space, coupled with 128 GB of internal storage.
Android 14
Situated on the side, fingerprint sensor
Dual 50 MP AI cameras at the rear.
What makes it special?
itel delivers one of the most well-rounded sets of specifications for less than ₹10,000. Its processing muscle is sufficient for everyday multitasking and even modest gaming sessions. The UI is discreet, and the battery endures for a long time.
03/6
Infinix Zero Lite 5G: Style Unites with Speed
Suggested price: ₹9,999
Launched Month
Infinix has steadily forged a strong reputation among consumers on a budget. Featuring a sleekly curved rear panel encompassed in a clean matte finish, the Zero Lite 5G delivers flagship-worthy style.
Key Features
6.7-inch hole-punch FHD+ display
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
4 GB RAM coupled with 64 GB of internal storage
A whopping 5000 mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
A 50-megapixel dual-camera array featuring a competent night mode.
Android 14 running on the Go edition
Real-World Usage
Whether you’re holding video calls, surfing YouTube, or managing mobile banking, this phone does most tasks without a hiccup. While the UI is custom, it remains lightweight; the battery, in turn, comfortably powers the device for more than a day.
4/6
Poco C61 5G: Powerfully Packed Performer
Starting at ₹8,999
Market Availability: April 2025
Poco’s competitive pricing has propelled this phone to instant popularity among students and first-time buyers. Though its retail price is modest, the Poco C61 5G still feels anything but inexpensive in your hand.
Specifications
A 6.71-inch HD+ LCD panel
Unisoc 5G SoC
MIUI-customized Android 13
4GB of RAM coupled with 64GB storage
5,000 mAh battery that charges at 18W.
Dual AI-assisted camera on the rear
What You’ll Love
Poco has tuned this phone so that it zips through everyday tasks with ease. Although the UI does host ads, you can still disable them. For those who migrate from older 3G or 4G phones, the experience feels like a major leap forward.
05/06
Motorola G Lite 5G: Seamless Pure Android on a Budget
Price: ₹9,999
Launch date: May 2025
For anyone who prizes a neat interface and sustained software updates, Motorola’s G Lite 5G is an outstanding option.
Core Highlights
6.56-inch IPS LCD, 90 Hz
Snapdragon 480+ 5G
4GB RAM, along with 64GB storage space
Android 14, free of any bloatware
5000mAh battery coupled with 20W charging
An IP52 water-repellent design
Real Experience
Absolutely no ads and no junk apps. Motorola places its emphasis on delivering a superior user experience. The interface glides along with silky smoothness, and the smartphone stays cool even through prolonged phone calls or constant camera sessions. If pure Android is at the top of your list, the Motorola G Lite 5G is your best bet.
06/06
Realme Narzo N5 5G: Setting the Trend
Price: ₹9,999
Launch date: April 2025
Realme still reigns supreme in the budget segment, and the Narzo N5 5G explains why. It provides an amalgam of design, performance, and camera capabilities.
Specifications
6.5-inch HD+ 90 Hz display
MediaTek Dimensity 6020
Realme UI 5.0, crafted on Android 14.
4GB RAM + 64GB storage
5000 mAh battery / 33W fast charging
Dual camera array with portrait mode
What Makes It Work
The Realme N5 5G delivers a satisfying combo of stylish looks and dependable performance for everyday usage. Additionally, it stays future-proof by offering dual 5G SIM slots.
How to Determine the Best 5G Phone for under ₹10,000?
The following tips are straightforward.
Choose Performance First: Plump for a MediaTek Dimensity or Snapdragon 480 platform for hassle-free multitasking.
Display: Individuals will perceive the UI as unusually smooth thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate, despite the phone’s HD+ screen.
UI Experience: Phones from companies like Motorola or those that run on the Android Go platform provide more seamless operation when you’re displeased with advertising.
Software Support: Even when it comes to budget devices, Motorola and Realme provide superior regular update cycles.
Budgets are getting more innovative.
This flood of phones priced under ₹10,000 signifies a significant watershed. Now the focus is not simply on providing budget-priced phones it’s on crafting good phones that just so happen to remain budget-priced.
Today, students, housekeeper, gig workers, and even rural entrepreneurs alike rely on these phones as dependable digital companions. They enable UPI payments, let social media run smoothly, play back videos effortlessly, and even manage basic gaming, all while delivering the most cutting-edge connectivity through 5G.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, spending less than ₹10,000 on a smartphone no longer entails any sacrifice in quality or performance. The marketplace teems with capable rivals, and every phone offers a distinctive advantage. Choose among the Indian-made Lava Yuva 5G, the sleek Realme Narzo N5, or the unfiltered Android experience of Motorola; whatever option you select, the options have never been better.
List which attributes mean most to you range, photography, or a clutter-free UI and choose the smartphone that fits your way of life. The age of high-performance budget smartphones has arrived and looks like it will keep expanding from here.
Disclaimer
Every price listed herein represents an estimated launch price and may differ slightly according to the region and device availability. The specifications are derived from the information available as of June 2025. Before finalizing a purchase, we recommend visiting your nearest retailer for the latest information.
