The mid-segment smartphone market is jampacked as ever. There are more options today than ever. For people who don’t want to spend upwards of Rs 20,000 but want more capability than a Rs 12,000 phone, below are the best options.
Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
The Redmi series has always been the goto phone in this mid-range smartphone market. Redmi has yet again taken the top spot with its new launch the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. With a starting price of just Rs 13,000, this smartphone is the best option under Rs 17,000.
- Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 730G
- Battery: 5020 mAh
- Screen Size:6.67″ (1080P) 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- RAM: 4/6 GB
- Camera: 64+8+5+2 and 32 MP
- Price: Rs 12,999
Realme 6 Pro
Realme Pro series is the closest competitor to the Redmi Note series in the Indian market. It’s the latest smartphone the Realme 6 Pro comes with the same specification as the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max albeit in a relatively attractive body and a 90HZ display. When it comes to buying the most beautiful smartphone under Rs 20,000. nothing beats the Realme 6 Pro.
- Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 730G
- Battery: 4300 mAh
- Screen Size:6.6″ (1080P) 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- RAM: 6/8 GB
- Camera: 64+8+12+2 and 16+8 MP
- Price: Rs 17,999
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung has been in the mid-range segment since the early days. However, it has not been able to cement its place in the market due to poor specifications and higher price than the competition. With the M series, it has tried to change all that and has somewhat succeeded. The M31 is a very capable phone under Rs 18,000.
- Processor: Octa-core Exynos 9611 (2.3+1.7GHz)
- Battery: 6000 mAh
- Screen Size:6.4″ (1080P) 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- RAM: 6/8 GB
- Camera: 64+8+5+5 and 32 MP
- Price: Rs 17,499
Realme X/ XT
Realme X2 is another beautiful phone with the same spec as Redmi Note 9 Pro MAx and Realme 6 Pro. Realme has upped the game in the design department and is now launching phones that look like they’re from a segment above. If you want your smartphone to stand out, this could be a very intriguing option for you under Rs 17,000.
- Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 712
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- Screen Size:6.4″ (1080P) 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- RAM: 4/6 GB
- Camera: 64+8+2+2 and 16 MP
- Price: Rs 16,999
Xiaomi Mi A3
If you don’t like any of UI of Mi, Samsung or Realme and want a stock experience the Mi A3 is your best bet. There is a shortage of smartphones with stock android in the mid-range segment. Stock android seems to be the new premium now. If you want it you’d have to consider One Plus or the Pixel. There are some Nokia and Asus phones as well that offer stock android but their update cycle is so slow that you’d be left frustrated. The Mi A3 although a comparatively old smartphone still is the best choice if you want stock android to be updated regularly. That, the phone comes under Rs 13,000 is an added bonus.
- Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 665
- Battery: 4030 mAh
- Screen Size:6.08″ (720P) 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- RAM: 4/6 GB
- Camera: 48+8+2 and 32 MP
- Price: Rs 12,999
