In today’s rapidly evolving smartphone market, 5G connectivity has become increasingly accessible in the budget segment. This comprehensive review examines the top 5G smartphones available under ₹15,000, analyzing their features, performance, and value proposition.
1. Redmi 12 5G
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Mobile Platform : Power efficient 4nm architecture | 12GB of RAM including 6GB Virtual
- Display: Large 17.24cm FHD+ 90Hz AdaptiveSync display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Protection
- Camera: 50MP f/1.8 AI Dual camera with classic film filters, Film Frame, Portrait, Night Mode, 50MP mode, Time-lapse, Go…
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
- Display: 6.79-inch FHD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM, 128GB storage
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor, 8MP front camera
- Battery: 5000mAh with 18W charging
- Operating System: MIUI 14 based on Android 13
Detailed Analysis:
The Redmi 12 stands out as a well-rounded device in the budget 5G segment. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 6.79-inch FHD+ display, while using LCD technology instead of AMOLED, offers good visibility and smooth scrolling thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life with 5000mAh capacity
- Good performance for the price
- Clean and modern design
- Decent primary camera in good lighting
Cons:
- LCD panel instead of AMOLED
- Secondary camera is basic
- Charging speed could be faster
- MIUI can be ad-heavy
2. Realme Narzo 50
- Mediatek Dimensity 810 5G powerful Gaming Processor
- 4 GB RAM | 64 GB ROM | Expandable Upto 256 GB
- 16.7 cm (6.6 inch) FHD+ Display
Key Specifications:
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810
- Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage
- Camera: 48MP main + 2MP portrait lens, 8MP front camera
- Battery: 5000mAh with 33W charging
- Operating System: Realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12
Detailed Analysis:
The Realme Narzo 50 brings competitive features to the budget segment with its MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor and 90Hz display. The device stands out with its faster 33W charging capability, which is notably quick for this price range.
Pros:
- Fast 33W charging
- Good gaming performance
- Sleek design
- Reliable battery life
Cons:
- Base variant has limited storage
- Camera performance in low light is average
- LCD panel lacks AMOLED’s contrast
- Software updates can be slow
3. Poco M4 5G
Break all barriers and enjoy an unmatched smartphone experience with the POCO M4 5G that is designed to send chills across your body from the moment you start using it. This phone comes loaded with the Dimensity 700 processor, UFS 2.2 WriteBooster, and up to 2 GB of Turbo RAM that boosts your performance and makes multitasking a piece of cake. Moreover, the dual-camera setup with a 50 MP primary camera and 8 MP front camera allows you to click masterpieces and cherish the brilliance of their imagery. Impressive Design The POCO M4 5G boasts a meticulous design that is aimed at putting you in the spotlight wherever you go. With this phone in your hands, you can literally feel the whole world looking at you with envy. Unmatched Performance The Dimensity 700 processor, UFS 2.2 WriteBooster, and up to 2 GB of Turbo RAM in the POCO M4 5G enable you to tackle all of your daily tasks with ease. Furthermore, the POCO M4 5G supports seven 5G bands, guaranteeing that you are constantly connected to the world.Enthralling Cinematic Display The POCO M4 5G features a 16.71 cm (6.58) Smart display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and a 240 Hz touch sampling rate. While gaming, browsing, streaming, and other activities, the display gives an incredibly fluid visual effect.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- Display: 6.58-inch FHD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor, 8MP front camera
- Battery: 5000mAh with 18W charging
- Operating System: MIUI 13 based on Android 12
Detailed Analysis:
The Poco M4 5G offers a balanced mix of features at a competitive price point. The MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor provides adequate performance for daily use, while the 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Good battery life
- Decent primary camera
- Sturdy build quality
Cons:
- Basic secondary camera
- MIUI can be bloated
- Average charging speed
- Gaming performance could be better
4. Samsung Galaxy M15
-DISPLAY – 16.39 Centimeters (6.5″Inch) Super AMOLED Display with 19.5:9 Aspect Ratio, FHD+ Resolution with 1080 x 2340 Pixels , 399 PPI with 16M Colors and 90Hz Refresh Rate
-CAMERA – 50MP (F1.8) Main Wide Angle Camera + 5MP (F2.2) Ultra Wide Angle Camera + 2MP (F2.4) Macro Angle Camera | 13MP (F2.0) Front Camera | Video Maximum Resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080) @30fps
-INTERFACE & PROCESSOR – Latest Android 14 Operating System having One UI 6.1 platform with MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ Processor | 2.2GHz, 2GHz Clock Speed with Octa-Core Processor
Key Specifications:
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor, 5MP front camera
- Battery: 5000mAh with 15W charging
- Operating System: One UI Core based on Android 12
Detailed Analysis:
Samsung’s entry in the budget 5G segment brings brand reliability and a clean user interface. While it may not lead in specifications, it offers a balanced experience with Samsung’s ecosystem benefits.
Pros:
- Clean One UI interface
- Regular security updates
- Good build quality
- Reliable brand service network
Cons:
- HD+ resolution only
- Slow charging speed
- Basic camera features
- Slightly higher price for specifications
5. Lava Blaze 5G
- Supports All India 5G Bands – All sub-6mm-wave bands being auctioned and bought by Operators in India
- 8+8*GB RAM with UFS 2.2 compliant 128GB ROM, Expandable up to 1 TB (*Virtual RAM)
- 16.55cm(6.5″) HD+ 90Hz Display with Widevine L1 DRM Protection – Enjoy all your Content in High Resolution
Key Specifications:
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- RAM/Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro, 8MP front camera
- Battery: 5000mAh with 18W charging
- Operating System: Stock Android 12
Detailed Analysis:
The Lava Blaze 5G represents excellent value with its clean Android experience and competitive pricing. It’s one of the few devices offering 128GB storage in the base variant at this price point.
Pros:
- Clean stock Android experience
- Good storage in base variant
- Competitive pricing
- Triple camera setup
Cons:
- Brand perception
- HD+ resolution only
- Average build quality
- Limited service network
Buying Guide and Recommendations
Who Should Buy These Phones?
- First-time 5G Users:
These phones are perfect for users looking to experience 5G connectivity without spending much. They offer good value for those who want to future-proof their purchase. - Budget-conscious Buyers:
All these devices offer essential features at competitive prices, making them suitable for users with strict budget constraints. - Basic to Moderate Users:
These phones cater well to users who primarily use their devices for calling, messaging, social media, and light gaming.
Key Factors to Consider
- Processing Power:
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers the best performance in this segment
- MediaTek Dimensity series provides good balance of performance and efficiency
- Display Quality:
- All phones offer 90Hz refresh rate
- FHD+ resolution preferred over HD+
- LCD panels are common in this segment
- Battery Life:
- 5000mAh is standard across all models
- Charging speeds vary from 15W to 33W
- Software Experience:
- Stock Android offers clean experience
- Custom UIs provide additional features but may include bloatware
Value for Money Analysis
- Best Overall: Redmi 12 5G
- Latest processor
- Good display quality
- Balanced features
- Best Charging Speed: Realme Narzo 50 5G
- 33W fast charging
- Good performance
- Decent camera setup
- Best Storage Value: Lava Blaze 5G
- 128GB storage in base variant
- Clean software
- Competitive pricing
Conclusion
The sub-₹15,000 5G smartphone segment offers various options for different user needs. The Redmi 12 5G emerges as the overall best choice with its newer processor and balanced features. The Realme Narzo 50 5G stands out for its fast charging capabilities, while the Lava Blaze 5G offers excellent value with its storage options and clean software.
For users prioritizing brand value and after-sales service, the Samsung Galaxy M13 5G makes sense despite its slightly lower specifications. The Poco M4 5G serves as a good alternative with its competitive pricing and feature set.
When making a purchase decision, consider factors like local 5G availability, after-sales service network, and specific use cases to choose the most suitable device. All these phones offer good value for money and serve as capable entry points into the 5G ecosystem.
Some Bestseller 5G Smartphone
