Phones cost more in India this year. IDC says the average selling price hit a record $315 in the June quarter, up 14.4%, as memory costs rose, and Counterpoint says shipments under ₹15,000 fell 45%. So the right phone now depends more on your budget and your priorities than on chasing the newest launch.
This guide lists phones we have covered by budget, with launch prices, and explains what to look for. We have not tested these phones, so it is a starting list, not a review. Prices move often, so check before you buy. Last checked: November 2, 2026.
Phones by budget
| Budget | Phones we have covered | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Under ₹10,000 | itel Zeno 100 Pro ₹8,599 | 4G, basic use |
| Under ₹15,000 | Realme C100i ₹14,999, Infinix Smart 20 ₹12,499 | Both 4G |
| ₹20,000 to ₹26,000 | Realme Narzo 100x ₹20,999, Poco M8 Power ₹24,999, Galaxy F70 Pro ₹25,999, Moto G77 Power ₹25,999, vivo Y31t ₹25,999 | Battery and 5G |
| ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 | Poco X8 ₹29,999, Realme P4s ₹34,999, iQOO Z11 ₹34,999, Redmi Note 17 Pro ₹36,999 | AMOLED, large batteries |
| ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 | Redmi Note 17 Pro Max ₹49,999, Moto Edge 70 Max ₹54,999 | Long battery, faster charging |
| ₹1 lakh and above | iPhone 17 ₹99,900, Galaxy Z Flip 8 ₹1,24,999, vivo X300 Ultra ₹1,59,999, vivo X Fold 6 ₹2,19,999 | Premium and foldable |
Launch prices. Some have changed, and offers differ by bank and seller.
What matters most when choosing
Software updates are easy to overlook. A phone with four or more years of updates stays safer for longer, as with the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max and Galaxy F70 Pro. Compare this before comparing cameras.
Battery size has jumped. Phones with 8,000mAh to 10,000mAh are now common at mid-range prices, but check charging speed too, because a big battery on 15W takes a long time to fill. Memory matters as well. Choose 6GB or 8GB of RAM if you plan to keep the phone for three years or more.
Check network support. If you want 5G, confirm the phone supports it, as several budget phones are 4G only. IDC says 4G’s share of shipments rose to 11.1% as brands kept prices down. Our 5G guide explains coverage.
Should you wait to buy?
Probably not, unless a launch you want is confirmed. IDC expects shipments to fall by over 15% in the second half of 2026, and Counterpoint says component costs are unlikely to normalise before 2027. The trade body AIMRA has warned of further rises. Recent examples include Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and A57 and the iPhone 17, which rose about 21%. Waiting may mean paying more, especially at lower prices.
Be careful with leaks. The OnePlus 16R and Galaxy S27 Pro are not confirmed, and the iQOO 16 has no date. Phones launched only in China, such as the vivo Y6a, have no Indian warranty.
Where to buy
Offline shops are gaining: their share rose to 58.1% in the June quarter, IDC says, as online discounts shrank. A local shop lets you try the phone and gives you someone to go back to. Compare the final price, including any bank offer you actually qualify for, and check the warranty and the nearest service centre.
Why this matters for mobile shops
Customers are waiting longer and spending more carefully. Use this list to compare options at a glance, lead with updates and battery life, and keep EMI ready, as financing covers over half of mainline sales according to Counterpoint. Our market report has the brand-by-brand picture.
Frequently asked questions
Which phone is best under ₹20,000?
Are phone prices going up?
Is a 4G phone still worth buying?
Should I buy online or from a shop?
Sources: IDC, Counterpoint via FoneArena, TelecomTalk.
