Highlights
- Top 5 phones under Rs 10,000 that won’t stretch your budget.
- Infinix Hot 30i, with MediaTek Helio G37 SoC, offers 8GB RAM and a 90Hz display.
- Realme Narzo 30A boasts a massive 6,000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- POCO C55 presents a blend of robust performance and superior camera quality at a competitive price.
Navigating the expensive smartphone market for a reliable yet cost-effective device can sometimes feel like a Herculean task.
However, if you’re scouting for the best smartphone under 10,000, you’re in luck.
We have meticulously reviewed the offerings and are presenting the top 5 picks, each promising a delightful user experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
Infinix Hot 30i: Rs 8,999
Delivering a perfect blend of stylish aesthetics and powerful performance, the Infinix Hot 30i emerges as a leading choice for budget-conscious users.
There’s a Helio G37 SoC which powers the device and up to 8GB of RAM makes it easy to operate multiple apps.
The display also comes with a 90Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals.
Apart from that the 50MP camera handles the primary image-taking responsibilities.
Finally, a 5,000mAh cell is present to handle your day’s power requirements.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G37 SoC
- RAM and Storage: Up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
- Display: 6.6-inch LCD, 90Hz
- Camera: 50MP + 0.3MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 10W fast charging.
Also Read: Top Smartphones Under Rs 15,000: Affordable Technology Revolution in India
Realme Narzo 30A: Rs 8,990
Taking forward the legacy of its predecessors, the Realme Narzo 30A cements its position as a budget powerhouse.
At its core, a robust Helio G85 SoC handles the heaviest of tasks with finesse.
Paired with 3GB of memory, it ensures that multitasking remains a breeze.
Its 6.5-inch display while being 60Hz offers clarity and vibrancy, making every visual come alive.
On the photography front, its camera setup has a 13MP shooter, which is not the best in class but gets the job done.
However, the phone’s highlight is its massive 6,000mAh battery on board, which assures you extended hours of uninterrupted usage.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G85 SoC
- RAM and Storage: 3GB + 32GB
- Display: 6.5-inch, IPS LCD 60Hz
- Camera: 13MP + 2MP
- Battery: 6,000mAh with 18W charging
POCO C55: Rs 7,499
Staying true to POCO’s philosophy of delivering value, the C55 makes no compromises.
Driven by a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, it guarantees smooth and efficient operations.
The choice of 4GB or 6GB RAM ensures applications run without hitches, even when you switch between them rapidly.
It has a large 6.71-inch display which promises a delightful visual experience, whether you’re gaming or streaming.
The 50MP primary camera doesn’t just capture photos; it captures moments.
And with a 5,000mAh battery, it ensures you remain powered up all day.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G85 SoC
- RAM and Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB
- Display: 6.71-inch HD+ 60Hz
- Camera: 50MP + 2MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 10W charging
Also Read: Top Smartphones under Rs. 12000
Redmi 9: Rs 9,099
Designed with pragmatism in mind, the Redmi 9 is the trusty companion for the daily grind.
Its MediaTek Helio G35 chipset ensures a mostly lag-free experience, making everyday tasks effortless.
Coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, it ensures a seamless user experience.
The 6.53-inch, 60Hz display is expansive, providing clear and sharp visuals.
While it might not boast high-end camera specs with its 13MP primary shooter, what it delivers is consistent, reliable photo quality.
And with its commendable battery life, you’re geared for the day, every day.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G35 SoC
- RAM and Storage: 4GB + 64GB
- Display: 6.53-inch, LCD 60Hz
- Camera: 13MP + 2MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Realme C33: Rs 8,999
Realme C33 is where sophistication meets functionality.
Powered by the Unisoc’s T612 SoC, it offers a smooth and consistent performance across applications.
The available RAM ensures swift app transitions and efficient multitasking.
Its LCD display, with the right balance of resolution and refresh rate, guarantees an immersive viewing experience.
The 50MP primary sensor stands ready to capture every detail, every emotion.
And with its lasting 5,000mAh battery and 10W fast charging, you’re always on, always connected.
- Processor: Unisoc’s T612 SoC
- RAM and Storage: Up to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.
- Display: 6.2-inch LCD 60Hz
- Camera: 50MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 10W fast charging.
INFINIX HOT 30I KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G37 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP |
| Front Camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Display | 6.6 inches (16.76 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | March 27, 2023 (Expected) |
| Operating System | Android v12 |
| Custom UI | XOS |
Performance
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G37 |
| CPU | Octa core (2.3 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A53 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A53) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 12 nm |
| Graphics | PowerVR GE8320 |
| RAM | 8 GB
Best in Class
|
| RAM Type | LPDDR4X |
Display
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Screen Size | 6.6 inches (16.76 cm) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 267 ppi
Good
|
| Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) | 84.66 % |
| Screen Protection | Yes |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with waterdrop notch |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Screen to Body Ratio (claimed by the brand) | 90 % |
Design
| Height | 164 mm Compare Size |
| Width | 75.75 mm |
| Thickness | 8.4 mm
Very Good
|
| Weight | 191 grams
Below Average
|
| Colours | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Dual | |
| Resolution | 50 MP, Dual Camera | |
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, Dual LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 5 MP, Primary Camera | |
| Flash | Yes, Dual LED | |
| Camera Features | Fixed Focus | |
Battery
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Type | Li-Polymer |
| Removable | No |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 128 GB
Best in Class
|
| Expandable Memory | Yes, Up to 1 TB |
| USB OTG | Yes |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) 5GHz |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.0 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS |
| NFC | No |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | 3.5 mm |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | Side |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer |
Realme Narzo 30A Key Specs
GENERAL
| Sim Type | Dual Sim, GSM+GSM |
| Dual Sim | Yes |
| Sim Size | Nano+Nano SIM |
| Device Type | Smartphone |
| Release Date | February 24, 2021 |
DESIGN
| Dimensions | 75.9 x 164.5 x 9.8 mm |
| Weight | 209 g |
DISPLAY
| Type | Color IPS LCD Screen (16.7M) |
| Touch | Yes |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 720 x 1600 pixels, 60 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| PPI | ~ 270 PPI |
| Screen to Body Ratio | ~ 89.8% |
| Glass Type | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Notch | Yes, Water Drop Notch |
MEMORY
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Card Slot | Yes, upto 256 GB |
CONNECTIVITY
| GPRS | Yes |
| EDGE | Yes |
| 3G | Yes |
| 4G | Yes |
| VoLTE | Yes, Dual Stand-By |
| Wifi | Yes, with wifi-hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.0, A2DP, LE |
| USB | Yes, USB-C |
| USB Features | USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging |
EXTRA
| GPS | yes with A-GPS, Beidou, Glonass |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, Rear |
| Face Unlock | Yes |
| Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes |
CAMERA
| Rear Camera | 13 MP f/1.8 (Wide Angle) 2 MP f/2.4 (Depth Sensor) with autofocus |
| Features | Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD, 480p @ 120 fps |
| Flash | Yes, LED |
| Front Camera | 8 MP f/2 (Main) |
| Front Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD |
TECHNICAL
| OS | Android v10 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| CPU | 2 GHz, Octa Core Processor |
| Core Details | 2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| Java | No |
| Browser | Yes, supports HTML5 |
MULTIMEDIA
| Yes | |
| Music | AAC, APE, FLAC, AMR, MID, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, MKA |
| Video | MP4, 3GP, ASF, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MPG |
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Document Reader | Yes |
BATTERY
| Type | Non-Removable Battery |
| Size | 6000 mAh, Li-Po Battery |
POCO C55 KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 2 MP |
| Front Camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Display | 6.71 inches (17.04 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | April 27, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | Android v12 |
Performance
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| CPU | Octa core (2 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A75 + 1.8 GHz, Hexa Core, Cortex A55) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 12 nm |
| Graphics | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
Display
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Screen Size | 6.71 inches (17.04 cm) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Pixel Density | 268 ppi |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with waterdrop notch |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Dual | |
| Resolution | 50 MP, Primary Camera 2 MP, Depth Camera |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection |
|
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 5 MP, Primary Camera | |
Battery
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Type | Li-Polymer |
| Removable | No |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 64 GB |
| Expandable Memory | Yes, Up to 512 GB |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.1 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS |
| NFC | No |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | 3.5 mm |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | Rear |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer |
Redmi 9 Key Specs
GENERAL
| Sim Type | Dual Sim, GSM+GSM |
| Dual Sim | Yes |
| Sim Size | Nano+Nano SIM |
| Device Type | Smartphone |
| Release Date | August 27, 2020 |
DESIGN
| Dimensions | 77.07 x 164.9 x 9 mm |
| Weight | 196 g |
DISPLAY
| Type | Color LCD Screen (16M Colors) |
| Touch | Yes |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| PPI | ~ 269 PPI |
| Screen to Body Ratio | ~ 81% |
| Notch | Yes, Water Drop Notch |
MEMORY
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Card Slot | Yes, upto 512 GB |
CONNECTIVITY
| GPRS | Yes |
| EDGE | Yes |
| 3G | Yes |
| 4G | Yes |
| VoLTE | Yes, Dual Stand-By |
| Wifi | Yes, with wifi-hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.0, A2DP, LE |
| USB | Yes, microUSB v2.0 |
| USB Features | USB on-the-go, USB Charging |
| IR Blaster | No |
EXTRA
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, Rear |
| Face Unlock | Yes |
| Sensors | Vibration Motor, Distance Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, Aaccelerometer, Compass |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes |
| Splash Resistant | Yes, Protected by P2i |
CAMERA
| Rear Camera | 13 MP f/2.2 (Wide Angle) 2 MP f/2.4 (Depth Sensor) with autofocus |
| Features | HDR, AI Portrait Mode, Face Recognition, AI Beautify 5.0, AI Scene Detection |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD |
| Flash | Yes, LED |
| Front Camera | 5 MP f/2.2 |
| Front Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD |
TECHNICAL
| OS | Android v10 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G35 |
| CPU | 2.3 GHz, Octa Core Processor |
| Core Details | Arm Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | IMG PowerVR GE8320 |
| Java | No |
| Browser | Yes, supports HTML5 |
MULTIMEDIA
| Yes | |
| Music | Yes |
| Video | Yes |
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Document Reader | Yes |
BATTERY
| Type | Non-Removable Battery |
| Size | 5000 mAh, Li-Po Battery |
| Talk Time | 37 hours |
| Music Playback Time | 164 hours |
REALME C33 KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Processor | Unisoc T612 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 0.3 MP |
| Front Camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Display | 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | September 12, 2022 (Official) |
| Operating System | Android v12 |
| Custom UI | Realme UI |
Performance
| Chipset | Unisoc T612 |
| CPU | Octa core (1.82 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A75 + 1.8 GHz, Hexa Core, Cortex A55) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 12 nm |
| Graphics | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| RAM | 3 GB
Excellent
|
| RAM Type | LPDDR4X |
Display
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Screen Size | 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Pixel Density | 270 ppi
Good
|
| Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) | 82.06 % |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with waterdrop notch |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Screen to Body Ratio (claimed by the brand) | 88.7 % |
Design
| Height | 164.2 mm Compare Size |
| Width | 75.7 mm |
| Thickness | 8.3 mm
Very Good
|
| Weight | 187 grams
Average
|
| Colours | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Dual | |
| Resolution | 50 MP f/1.8, Wide Angle (79° field-of-view), Primary Camera(25.1 mm focal length, 2.55″ sensor size, 0.7µm pixel size)0.3 MP f/2.8, Depth Camera(42.28 mm focal length) | |
| Autofocus | Yes, Phase Detection autofocus | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | 4 x Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps 1280×720 @ 30 fps |
|
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 5 MP f/2.2, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(5.0″ sensor size, 1.12µm pixel size) | |
| Flash | Yes, Screen flash | |
| Camera Features | Fixed Focus | |
| Video Recording | 1280×720 @ 30 fps | |
Battery
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Type | Li-ion |
| Removable | No |
| USB Type-C | No |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 32 GB
Excellent
|
| Expandable Memory | Yes, Up to 1 TB |
| Storage Type | UFS 2.2 |
| USB OTG | Yes |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 900(band 8) / 850(band 5) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 900(band 8) / 850(band 5) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) 5GHz |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.0 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | No |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging, microUSB 2.0 |
Multimedia
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | 3.5 mm |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | Side |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer |
FAQs
Ques) Which smartphone offers the highest RAM under Rs 10,000?
The Infinix Hot 30i offers up to 8GB of RAM, making it the frontrunner in terms of memory capacity in this segment.
Ques) Are these smartphones suitable for gaming and multitasking?
While these devices are optimized for daily tasks and light gaming, heavy gaming might not be ideal. However, the Helio G85 SoC in phones like POCO C55 and Realme Narzo 30A provides a reasonably good gaming experience.
Ques) How do the cameras in these budget smartphones compare with higher-end models?
While these smartphones offer decent camera capabilities, especially for their price point, it’s important to manage expectations. They might not match up to the flagship devices but are certainly apt for casual photography.
Ques) Which phone would be best for someone prioritizing battery life?
The Realme Narzo 30A, with its massive 6,000mAh battery, is the standout choice for those prioritizing battery longevity.