Over the past few months, many smartphones brands have upped their specs and are ready to offer good phones at affordable prices.
Still, if I said buying a smartphone today is easy, then I’d be lying. With n-number of options in the market, how is one supposed to make the final decision?
I can’t promise you that the phones I am going to talk about are the perfect smartphones for you (because there isn’t any such thing), but yes, it’ll give you a look into what each top brand in India is offering in the sub-15k category and might help you decide better.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro
What is one of the hottest selling phones in the market, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is one of the best smartphones you’ll get in this segment. It’s a loaded gizmo which comes with a dual 12+5-megapixel camera setup that’s more than decent.
This 6-inch device is powered by an octa-core processor coupled with 4GB of RAM and also packs a substantial battery pack of 4,000mAh.
Ones looking for a phone with a great standby time and fast processing can consider the Redmi Note 5 Pro at Rs 14,999.
Samsung Galaxy J6
Samsung isn’t really known for its mid-range phones. Since the company has a considerable fan following in India, it’s now offering a phone for people looking for something that offers not only brand value but also a lot of utility, that too within budget.
The Samsung J6 comes with an 5.6-inch AMOLED display which is considered to be one of the best in this price range. The camera might not be great, but is still good. An octa-core processor and 3GB RAM keep things running smooth. Not to mention a 3,000 mAh battery that can easily give you a day’s standby.
For the brand-conscious and Samsung fanboys, the J6 at Rs 13,990 is the way to go.
Gionee S11 Lite
Remember Gionee? As surprising as it may sound, Gionee was a stellar performer in the mid-range market a couple of years ago. Now it’s back to fight in that segment with the S11 Lite.
The S11 Lite is a good-looking phone that comes with a bezel-less display. It’s got an octa-core processor coupled with 4GB of RAM.
The dual rear camera at the back can deliver some decent clicks, and the 16-megapixel camera on the front is a surprise package in itself.
The 3,030 mAh battery might look underwhelming on paper but can easily last the entire day. The Rs 13,999 price tag justifies what Gionee is offering here. However, are you ready to buy a Gionee again?
Honor 7x
When one talks about mid-range phones in India, it’s tough keeping a brand like Honor out of the picture.
The Honor 7x was launched with a motive to keep alive the legacy of the successful Honor 6x and it’s done well. The Honor 7x comes with a dual camera setup and a powerful HiSilicon Kirin octa-core processor with 4GB of RAM.
What’s more exciting is that the 7x now comes with the latest Android Oreo!
Apart from the expandable memory, it also offers a 3,340 mAh battery. At Rs 12,999, it’s a bang for your buck phone; only if you don’t have a problem with the user interface which isn’t the most seamless.
Moto G5 Plus
There’s something about a Moto phone that just attracts a customer. It’s simple yet powerful and comes with the right tools to keep you going.
Stock Android has always been a trademark of Moto devices and the G5 Plus packs enough hardware to keep the user experience smooth.
Camera might not be the forte of this phone but it’s got impressive battery backup thanks to its 3000mAh battery.
At Rs 12,990, the Moto G5 Plus is a sturdy option which is apt for the long haul.
Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1
The ZenFone Max Pro from Asus is a powerhouse thanks to its 5,000 mAh battery. It’s the perfect phone for people who hate looking for the charger constantly.
Hardware-wise, it sports a 6-inch full HD display and comes with an octa-core processor coupled with 4GB RAM! There’s 64GB of on-board storage which you can always expand.
Dual rear camera and a speaker system loud enough to consume online content are great additions. At Rs 12,999 (4GB), the Zenfone Max checks all the boxes for being an ideal phone with some extra power.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)