Finding the best smartphones under ₹10,000 in India is where you find the real value in 2025. You can now get features like 5G processors, 120Hz displays, and massive 6000mAh batteries—features that were in the ₹20k segment just a year or two ago.

But with so many options from brands like Lava, Tecno, and realme, how do you choose? We’ve analyzed the top-selling and “Featured” phones on Amazon to find the true winners. This guide will help you find the perfect budget phone for your needs, whether you want a 5G gaming device or a battery champion that lasts for days.

(If your budget is a bit higher, be sure to check out our complete guide to the best smartphones under ₹20,000).

Our Top 5 Picks for Under ₹10,000

• Best for 5G Performance: Lava Storm Play 5G
• Best 5G All-Rounder: Tecno POP 9 5G
• Best 5G on a Budget: POCO M7 5G
• Best Battery Champion (4G): realme NARZO 80 Lite 4G
• Best Seller (120Hz Display): Redmi A4 5G

The 5 Best Smartphones Under ₹10,000 (Detailed Reviews)

1. Lava Storm Play 5G (Best for 5G Performance)

The Lava Storm Play 5G is arguably the most powerful phone on this list. It’s built for performance, featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 7060 processor, which hits over 500k on AnTuTu. Even more impressive, it uses LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, which are flagship-level specs that make the phone feel incredibly fast when opening apps and saving files.

Our Take: If you are a gamer or a power user on a strict budget, this is your phone. The combination of a high-performance chip, fast RAM, and a 120Hz display is unbeatable for ₹9,999. The IP64 protection is also a fantastic bonus.

2. Tecno POP 9 5G (Best 5G All-Rounder)

The Tecno POP 9 5G is a fantastic all-round package. It uses the efficient Dimensity 6300 5G processor and comes with a very generous 8GB of RAM, which is rare at this price and great for multitasking. The highlight is its 48MP Sony AI Camera, which should deliver better photo quality than generic sensors. It also includes dual speakers and a 5000mAh battery, making it a great device for media consumption.

Our Take: This is a very balanced phone. The 8GB of RAM and a Sony camera sensor make it stand out. It’s a reliable 5G daily driver for anyone who wants a smooth experience and a good camera for social media.

3. POCO M7 5G (Best 5G on a Budget)

If you want 5G connectivity for the lowest possible price from a major brand, the POCO M7 5G is your best bet. At only ₹8,499, it’s one of the most affordable 5G phones in India. It’s powered by the reliable Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (based on reviews), which is great for battery efficiency and basic daily tasks. It also features a 50MP camera and a large 120Hz display, making it an incredible value.

Our Take: This phone brings 5G to everyone. For this low price, you get a 120Hz screen, a 50MP camera, and a 5G processor. It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants a future-proof phone for browsing and WhatsApp without spending a lot.

4. realme NARZO 80 Lite 4G (Best Battery Champion)

If 5G isn’t important to you but battery life is, look no further. The realme NARZO 80 Lite 4G is in a class of its own with a massive 6300mAh battery. This phone is built to last two, or even three, days with moderate use. Despite this huge battery, it’s impressively slim at 7.94mm. It also features 300% Ultra Volume, making it a great media device without headphones.

Our Take: This is the “Battery King” of the budget world. For just ₹7,799, you get a phone that you almost never have to charge. It’s the perfect choice for students, delivery professionals, or anyone who is away from a charger all day.

5. Redmi A4 5G (Best Seller with 120Hz Display)

The Redmi A4 5G is an Amazon “Best Seller” for a reason. It combines all the must-have features at a great price. Its main feature is the segment-largest 6.88-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth. It also has a 50MP dual camera and a 5160mAh battery with 18W fast charging.

Our Take: This is the “people’s choice.” It’s a reliable, balanced phone that does everything well. The 120Hz screen is a feature you’ll notice every time you use the phone. It’s a safe and smart purchase.

We think this phone is a fantastic deal, so we wrote a full, in-depth Redmi A4 5G review you can read here.

How to Choose Your Best Phone Under ₹10,000 (Buying Guide)

This price range is tricky. Here’s what you should focus on:

1. 5G vs. 4G (What to Choose Under ₹10k)

In 2025, 5G is becoming standard. Phones like the Lava Storm Play 5G and POCO M7 5G offer it for under ₹10,000. If you plan to keep your phone for 2-3 years, getting a 5G phone is a smart, future-proof choice. However, if you are on a very tight budget and need the absolute best battery life, a 4G phone like the realme NARZO 80 Lite will give you more for your money.

2. Performance: Don’t Just Look at RAM

8GB of RAM (like in the Tecno POP 9) is great, but the *type* of RAM and storage is more important. The Lava Storm Play 5G has LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. This is much, much faster than the eMMC or UFS 2.2 storage found in other phones and will make the phone feel snappier for years.

3. Display: 120Hz is the New Standard

A high refresh rate (120Hz) makes scrolling on websites and social media feel incredibly smooth. Years ago, this was a flagship-only feature. Now, phones like the Redmi A4 5G and Lava Storm Play have it for under ₹10k. It’s a feature you can see and feel every day, and we highly recommend it.

You May Also Like

• The 5 Best Smartphones Under ₹20,000 in India (2025)
• Redmi A4 5G Review: Is This the Best Budget Phone of 2025?

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Here are our final recommendations based on your needs:

1. Best for Gamers & Power Users: The Lava Storm Play 5G. The combination of a D7060, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage is simply unbeatable for performance at ₹9,999.

2. Best on a Tight Budget: The POCO M7 5G. You get a 5G-ready phone with a 120Hz display for only ₹8,499, which is incredible value.

3. Best Battery Life: The realme NARZO 80 Lite 4G. If you don’t need 5G, the 6300mAh battery is in a league of its own and will last you for days.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links (like with my tracking ID trendfinday-21), which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.