• Source:JND

Budget phones in India have come a long way. Features like 5G, high-refresh-rate displays, and big batteries—once reserved for mid-range or premium models—are now available for under Rs 10,000. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver without spending big, here are five standout options worth considering.

Redmi A4: Smooth 120Hz Display With 5G Power

The Redmi A4 introduces 5G capability to the budget space with the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chip. Its 6.88-inch IPS LCD with a 120 Hz refresh rate provides one of the most silky-smooth viewing experiences in the price category. The phone comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, which can be expanded via microSD. It also offers a 50MP primary camera, a 5MP selfie camera, a side fingerprint sensor, and HyperOS (Android 14) with two guaranteed Android updates. Price starts at Rs 8,499.

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Motorola G05: Sleek, Pure Android on a Budget

Motorola G05 can go without 5G but compensates with pure stock Android 15, a high-end build, and ruggedness. It is powered by the Helio G81 chip, has a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and has 64GB storage. The faux leather back provides grip, while the IP54 rating provides splash resistance. A 50MP camera and 5,200mAh battery with 18W charging complete it. At Rs 6,999, it's a great bargain if 5G isn't a priority for you.

iQOO Z10 Lite 5G: Durability Meets Big Battery

The iQOO Z10 Lite 5G finds a balance between performance and robustness with the Dimensity 6300 chip, up to 8GB RAM, and 256GB expandable storage. Its 6.74-inch LCD is good for 90 Hz refresh and 1,000 nits brightness. Camera-wise, it has a 50MP + 2MP combo and a 5MP front camera. The real showstopper is its 6,000mAh battery, coupled with IP64 water resistance and MIL-STD-810H durability certification. At Rs 9,998, it's designed for heavy use.

POCO M7 5G: Performance With Large Storage

POCO M7 5G couples the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip with a 6.88-inch 120 Hz display, setting it up as a top performer in its segment. Storage is up to 128GB with expandability up to 1TB, and RAM configurations are 6GB or 8GB. There's a 50MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and a 5,160mAh battery with 18W fast charging. Powered by HyperOS based on Android 14, it's priced at Rs 9,457.

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Lava Blaze 2 5G: Budget-friendly and Balanced

The Lava Blaze 2 5G provides a tidy, close-to-stock Android 13 experience (with Android 14 guaranteed), driven by the Dimensity 6020 chipset. Its 6.56-inch HD+ screen operates at 90 Hz, and customers can opt for 4 GB/64 GB or 6 GB/128 GB models—expandable up to 1 TB. It features a 50MP twin rear camera, an 8MP front sensor, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging. The starting price is Rs 8,999.