2024’s Top Budget 5G Smartphones in India: Affordable Yet Feature-Rich

HomeFeature2024's Top Budget 5G Smartphones in India: Affordable Yet Feature-Rich

Highlights

  • POCO M6 Pro 5G offers efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 performance.
  • Realme Narzo 60X 5G features MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor.
  • Redmi 12 5G combines triple-camera setup with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2.
  • Itel P55 5G stands as the most affordable option with MediaTek Dimensity 6080.

The Indian smartphone market is witnessing a surge in affordable 5G options, offering a range of features catering to budget-conscious consumers.

Let’s delve into some of the top budget 5G smartphones that stand out in this competitive segment as we enter 2024.

POCO M6 Pro 5G

POCO M6 Pro 5G : Top Budget 5G Smartphones in India
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
  • RAM: 6GB/8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Display: 6.79-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2460 pixels, 396 PPI
  • Camera: Dual 50MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, 18W fast charging

Starting at Rs 10,999, the POCO M6 Pro 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, ensuring efficient performance.

It boasts a 6.79-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels. The device includes a dual-camera setup with 50MP and 2MP sensors and an 8MP front camera.

It’s equipped with a 5000mAh battery, supporting 18W fast charging.

Realme Narzo 60X 5G

Realme Narzo 60X 5G: Top Budget 5G Smartphones in India
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 2TB
  • Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels
  • Camera: Dual 50MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, 33W Super VOOC charging

The Realme Narzo 60X 5G, starting at Rs 14,499, comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor.

It features a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display offering a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.

The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP secondary sensor, along with an 8MP selfie camera.

The phone is powered by a 5000mAh battery with 33W Super VOOC charging.

Redmi 12 5G

Redmi 12 5G (4GB+128GB) - Rs 11,999
Redmi 12 5G: Top Budget 5G Smartphones in India
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
  • RAM: 6GB/8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Display: 6.79-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2460 pixels
  • Camera: Triple 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 13MP front
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, 33W fast charging

Offered at Rs11,999, the Redmi 12 5G is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor.

The device flaunts a 6.79-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels.

It features a dual 50MP and 2MP rear camera setup and an 8MP front camera. The phone includes a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging capability.

iQOO Z6 Lite 5G

iQOO Z6 Lite 5G: Top Budget 5G Smartphones in India
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Display: 6.58-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2408 pixels
  • Camera: Dual 50MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, 18W fast charging

The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G, priced at Rs 13,999, is a strong performer in the budget segment, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor that handles everyday tasks efficiently.

The device’s 6.58-inch display offers good clarity, while the dual 50MP rear camera setup is capable of capturing quality images.

The 5000mAh battery ensures lasting performance, supported by 18W fast charging.

Itel P55 5G

Itel P55 5G: Top Budget 5G Smartphones in India
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6080 MT6833
  • RAM: 6GB/8GB
  • Storage: 64GB/128GB
  • Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels, 267 PPI
  • Camera: Dual 50MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, 18W fast charging

At the starting price of Rs 9,999, the Itel P55 5G is the most affordable in this lineup.

It’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 MT6833 processor and features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels.

The phone includes a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, along with an 8MP front-facing camera.

It also comes with a 5000mAh battery, supported by 18W fast charging.

Verdict

These smartphones represent the growing trend of affordable 5G technology in India.

Each device, while maintaining a budget-friendly price, offers a unique set of features that cater to various user needs, from high-quality displays and powerful processors to robust camera systems and long-lasting batteries.

As the 5G network expands in India, these smartphones stand as viable options for users looking to upgrade to faster connectivity without significantly impacting their budgets.

Realme Narzo 60x Key Specs

GENERAL

Sim Type Dual Sim, GSM+GSM
Dual Sim Yes
Sim Size Nano SIM
Device Type Smartphone
Release Date September 06, 2023

DESIGN

Dimensions 76 x 165.7 x 7.9 mm
Weight 190 g
Colors Stellar Green, Nebula Purple

DISPLAY

Type Color IPS LCD Screen (16.7M)
Touch Yes
Size 6.72 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120 Hz
Aspect Ratio 20:9
PPI ~ 392 PPI
Screen to Body Ratio ~ 86.6%
Glass Type Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Features 550 nits (typ), 680nits Peak Brightness
Notch Yes, Punch Hole

MEMORY

RAM 4 GB
Expandable RAM Upto 4 GB Extra Virtual RAM
Storage 128 GB
Card Slot Yes, upto 2 TB

CONNECTIVITY

GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G Yes
4G Yes
5G Yes
5G Bands 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
VoLTE Yes, Dual Stand-By
Wifi Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Wifi Version 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi
Bluetooth Yes, v5.2, A2DP, LE
USB Yes, USB-C v2.0
USB Features USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging

EXTRA

GPS yes with A-GPS, Beidou, Glonass, Galileo
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Side
Face Unlock Yes
Sensors accelerometer, proximity, compass
3.5mm Headphone Jack Yes

CAMERA

Rear Camera 50 MP 27mm, 0.64µm, PDAF f/1.8 (Wide Angle)
2 MP f/2.4 (Depth Sensor) with autofocus
Features HDR, panorama
Video Recording 1080p @ 30 fps FHD
Flash Yes, LED
Front Camera Punch Hole 8 MP 26mm f/2.1 (Wide Angle) with Screen Flash
Front Video Recording 1080p @ 30 fps FHD

TECHNICAL

OS Android v13
Custom UI realme UI 4.0
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 6100 Plus
CPU 2.2 GHz, Octa Core Processor
GPU Mali-G57 MC2
Java No
Browser Yes, supports HTML5

MULTIMEDIA

Email Yes
Music AAC, APE, FLAC, AMR, MID, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, MKA
Video AVI, MP4, 3GP, 3G2, 3GPP, 3GPP2, M4V, FLV, F4V, WEBM, WMV, ASF, MOV, QT, TS, M2TS, MTS, MKV
FM Radio No
Document Reader Yes

BATTERY

Type Non-Removable Battery
Size 5000 mAh, Li-ion Battery
Fast Charging Yes, 33W Dart Charge

Redmi 12 5G Key Specs

Key Specs

RAM 4 GB
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
Rear Camera 48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP
Front Camera 13 MP
Battery 5000 mAh
Display 6.67 inches (16.94 cm)

General

Launch Date January 11, 2023 (Official)
Operating System Android v12
Custom UI MIUI

Performance

Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
CPU Octa core (2 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A78 + 1.8 GHz, Hexa Core, Cortex A55)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 6 nm
Graphics Adreno 619
RAM 4 GB

Excellent 
RAM Type LPDDR4X

Display

Display Type Super AMOLED
Screen Size 6.67 inches (16.94 cm)
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
Aspect Ratio 20:9
Pixel Density 395 ppi

Best in Class 
Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) 84.97 %
Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass v3
Bezel-less display Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
Brightness 1200 nits
Refresh Rate 120 Hz

Design

Height 165.88 mm Compare Size 
Width 76.21 mm
Thickness 7.98 mm

Very Good 
Weight 188 grams

Average 
Colours Frosted Green, Mystique Blue, Matte Black
Waterproof Yes, Splash proof, IP53
Ruggedness Dust proof

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Triple
Resolution 48 MP f/1.8, Wide Angle, Primary Camera
8 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera
2 MP f/2.4, Macro Camera
Autofocus Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 8000 x 6000 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Burst mode
Camera Features 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 13 MP f/2.45, Wide Angle, Primary Camera
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps
1280×720 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 5000 mAh
Type Li-Polymer
Removable No
TalkTime Up to 34 Hours(4G)
Standby time Up to 624 Hours(2G)
Quick Charging Yes, Fast, 33W: 50 % in 22 minutes
USB Type-C Yes

Storage

Internal Memory 128 GB

Best in Class 
Expandable Memory Yes, Up to 1 TB
USB OTG Yes
Storage Type UFS 2.2

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano (Hybrid)
Network Support 5G Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N3 / N5 / N8 / N28
TDD N40 / N78
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 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
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N3 / N5 / N8 / N28
TDD N40 / N78
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 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 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) 5GHz
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.1
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC No
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack 3.5 mm

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position Side
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope

POCO M6 PRO 5G SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM 4 GB
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
Rear Camera 50 MP + 2 MP
Front Camera 5 MP
Battery 5000 mAh
Display 6.79 inches (17.25 cm)

General

Launch Date August 5, 2023 (Expected)
Operating System Android v13
Custom UI MIUI

Performance

Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
CPU Octa core (2.2 GHz, Dual core, Kryo + 2 GHz, Hexa Core, Kryo)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Adreno 613
RAM 4 GB

 

Display

Display Type IPS LCD
Screen Size 6.79 inches (17.25 cm)
Resolution 1080 x 2460 pixels
Aspect Ratio 20:9
Pixel Density 396 ppi
Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) 85.24 %
Bezel-less display Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
Refresh Rate 90 Hz

Design

Height 168.6 mm Compare Size 
Width 76.3 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm
Weight 199 grams
Waterproof Yes, Splash proof, IP53
Ruggedness Dust proof

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
Touch to focus
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 5 MP, Primary Camera

 

Battery

Capacity 5000 mAh
Type Li-Polymer
Removable No
Quick Charging Yes, Fast, 18W
USB Type-C Yes

Storage

Internal Memory 128 GB
Expandable Memory Yes, Up to 1 TB

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano (Hybrid)
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, v5.3
GPS Yes with A-GPS
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

 

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack 3.5 mm

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position Side
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope

itel P55 5G Key Specs

GENERAL

Sim Type Dual Sim, GSM+GSM
Dual Sim Yes
Sim Size Nano SIM
Device Type Smartphone

DESIGN

Dimensions 75.1 x 164 x 8.45 mm
Weight 190 g
Colors Galaxy Blue, Mint Green

DISPLAY

Type Color IPS Screen (16M Colors)
Touch Yes, 180 Hz Touch Sampling Rate
Size 6.6 inches, 1600 x 720 pixels, 90 Hz
Aspect Ratio 20:9
PPI ~ 270 PPI
Screen to Body Ratio ~ 91%
Notch Yes, Water Drop Notch

MEMORY

RAM 6 GB
Expandable RAM Upto 6 GB Extra Virtual RAM
Storage 128 GB
Storage Type UFS 2.2
Card Slot Yes, upto 1 TB

CONNECTIVITY

GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G Yes
4G Yes
5G Yes
5G Bands n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n78
VoLTE Yes
Wifi Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Wifi Version Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth Yes, A2DP, LE
USB Yes, USB-C v2.0
USB Features USB on-the-go

EXTRA

GPS Yes, with A-GPS
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Side
Face Unlock Yes
Sensors Accelerometer, Proximity
3.5mm Headphone Jack Yes

CAMERA

Rear Camera 50 MP f/1.8
(AI CAM) with autofocus
Features Beauty, HDR, Night, Portrait, Macro, AI, Pro, UHD, Panorama, Slow Motion, Filters, GIF, Timelapse, QR Scanner
Video Recording 1080p
Flash Yes, LED
Front Camera 8 MP Front Camera f/2 with Screen Flash

TECHNICAL

OS Android v13
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 6080
CPU 2.4 GHz, Octa Core Processor
Core Details 2xCortex-A76@ 2.4GHz & 6xCortex-A55@ 2GHz
GPU Arm Mali-G57 MC2
Java No
Browser Yes

MULTIMEDIA

Email Yes
Music Yes
Video Yes
FM Radio Yes
Document Reader Yes

BATTERY

Type Non-Removable Battery
Size 5000 mAh, Li-Po Battery
Fast Charging Yes, 18W

FAQs

What makes the POCO M6 Pro 5G a strong contender in the budget 5G segment?

The POCO M6 Pro 5G, priced starting at Rs 10,999, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, making it an efficient option.

Its 6.79-inch display and dual 50MP camera setup make it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of performance and features at an affordable price.

How does the Realme Narzo 60X 5G stand out in the budget 5G market?

Starting at Rs 14,499, the Realme Narzo 60X 5G is driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor, offering robust performance.

Its 6.72-inch display and dual-camera system with 50MP resolution are notable for users who prioritize screen quality and photography.

What are the key features of the Redmi 12 5G?

The Redmi 12 5G, available at Rs 11,999, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, a 6.79-inch display, and a versatile triple-camera arrangement.

Its combination of performance and camera capabilities makes it an attractive option in the budget 5G category.

Why is the Itel P55 5G an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers?

As the most affordable option at Rs 9,999, the Itel P55 5G offers a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, a 6.6-inch display, and a dual 50MP camera setup.

This phone is ideal for those seeking basic 5G capabilities without a hefty price tag.

Is 5G connectivity available in budget smartphones in India?

Yes, the Indian smartphone market now offers a variety of budget-friendly 5G smartphones, allowing consumers to access faster connectivity and modern features without stretching their budget.

What sets the Itel P55 5G apart from other smartphones in its category?

The Itel P55 5G stands out with its 6.6-inch HD+ display boasting a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, offering a more fluid and responsive user experience compared to standard 60Hz displays.

Additionally, it’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, delivering reliable and efficient performance for various tasks and applications.

What is the price of the Itel P55 5G in India?

The Itel P55 5G is available at a highly competitive price of Rs. 9,999 for the sole variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it one of the most budget-friendly 5G smartphones in the Indian market.

What is the battery life and charging speed of the Itel P55 5G?

The smartphone packs a substantial 5,000mAh battery, ensuring extended usage on a single charge.

With 18W wired fast charging support, you can quickly replenish the battery for uninterrupted use.

What is the display size and key display features of the Redmi 12?

The Redmi 12 boasts a 6.79″ FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate.

It also reaches a peak brightness of 550nits, making it a vibrant and responsive screen for a wide range of activities.

What are the specifications of the Redmi 12’s front camera?

The Redmi 12 features an 8MP front camera with an aperture of f/2.0 and a pixel size of 1.12μm. This camera is designed for capturing high-quality selfies and video calls.

What is the key difference in chipsets between the Realme Narzo 60x and the POCO M6 Pro?

The Realme Narzo 60x is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, while the POCO M6 Pro houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset.

How is the Realme Narzo 60X’s camera performance in different lighting conditions?

The Realme Narzo 60X’s 50MP main camera performs well in daylight with moderate dynamic range and good color balance.

However, low-light performance leaves room for improvement, with images often appearing overly processed.

What kind of performance can be expected from the Realme Narzo 60X for gaming?

The device is equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 6100+ SoC and can handle low-level gaming smoothly.

However, it is not suitable for high-end, graphics-intensive gaming experiences.

Does the Realme Narzo 60X come with a 5G connectivity feature?

Yes, the phone supports both NSA and SA 5G bands and even offers a 5G Low Power Smart Hotspot feature, allowing users to share their 5G network efficiently.

Is the Realme Narzo 60X’s battery life sufficient for a full day?

The phone comes with a 5,000mAh battery that can easily last a full day with moderate to heavy usage.

The device also supports 33W fast charging, which can fully recharge the battery in approximately 90 minutes.

What is the design of the Poco M6 Pro 5G like?

The Poco M6 Pro 5G boasts a premium design that defies its budget status. It features a glass back with flat edges finished in metallic paint, providing a nice in-hand feel.

How is the display quality and viewing experience on the Poco M6 Pro 5G?

The Poco M6 Pro 5G features a 6.71-inch LCD display with FHD+ resolution, 550 nits brightness, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.

The screen has a centred punch-hole for the selfie camera, resulting in a 91 per cent screen-to-body ratio.

What is the battery life and charging speed of the Poco M6 Pro 5G?

The smartphone comes with a typical 5,000mAh battery, which should last throughout the day even with heavy usage.

However, the phone’s charging speeds are relatively slow, supporting an 18W charging solution, which may take over two hours to achieve a full charge from 0 to 100 per cent.

Read More: Poco M6 Pro 5G Review – An Efficient Budget Device with 50MP AI dual camera, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC and 5000mAh battery

Read More: Realme Narzo 60x vs POCO M6 Pro: The Ultimate Budget Performance Showdown

Read More: Realme Narzo 60X Review: A Budget Smartphone That Offers Premium Aesthetics and Reliable Performance

Read More: Redmi 12 Review – Affordable Smartphone with Glass Crystal Back, HelioG88 Chip and a huge 6.79” DotDisplay

Read More: Itel P55 5G Launches in India with Dimensity 6080, 50MP Camera: Pricing, Features, And, More

Read More: Ranking Every iQOO Phone Launched in 2022: From iQOO 9 Pro to iQOO Z6 Lite 5G

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