Mid-range smartphones have come a long way from being the ‘just okay’ option. Now, they’re like the cool kids in school, flaunting features that used to be exclusive to the pricey ones. Think powerful processors, dazzling displays, top-notch cameras, and batteries that don’t quit.
But, with so many choices, how do you pick ‘the one’? Fear not; that’s where we step in. This guide is your friendly map through the smartphone jungle, decoding specs and presenting you with a handpicked selection of the best phones under 15,000. Get ready to find the perfect match that fits your budget and makes your smartphone experience awesome!
Tips While Buying a New Smartphone
Needs:
Figure out what matters most to you. Is it a killer camera, long battery life, or smooth gaming?
Performance Specs:
Look for a snappy processor and decent RAM. This ensures your phone can handle whatever you throw at it.
Display:
A good screen is key. Consider resolution and size – go for what suits your eyes.
Camera:
If you’re into photography, focus on camera specs. Megapixels matter, but so do other features like low-light performance.
Battery Life:
Nobody likes a dead phone. Check the battery capacity and see if it supports fast charging.
Quality:
Think about how the phone feels in your hand. Premium materials are nice, but durability matters too.
Storage:
Go for a phone with enough storage for your apps, photos, and videos. Bonus if it’s expandable.
Software Updates:
Make sure the phone gets regular updates. You want the latest features and security patches.
Reviews:
See what others are saying. User reviews give you real insights into the phone’s pros and cons.
Future-Proofing:
Think ahead. Will the phone still be relevant in a couple of years? Check for future software compatibility.
Top 5 Phones Under 15000
iQoo Z6 Lite 5G
Pros:
Power-Packed Performance:
Rocks Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset brings snappy performance to the budget table.
Gamer’s Delight:
Boasts a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate display. Gamers, rejoice!
Pixel Power:
Flaunts a 50MP primary camera, promising sharp and detailed shots.
Decent Camera Duo:
Comes equipped with a 2MP macro camera, adding versatility to your photography.
Battery That Lasts:
With a hefty 5,000mAh battery, it’s a champ for lasting through your day and a half.
Value for Money:
Combines powerful hardware and a responsive display, making it a bang-for-buck option under 15,000.
Cons:
Not the Speediest Charger:
While the 18W charging is okay, it’s not the fastest in this budget range.
No Groundbreaking Camera Features:
The camera setup is decent but doesn’t bring any revolutionary features to the table.
The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G is a strong contender in the under 15,000 segment, offering impressive performance, a smooth gaming experience, and a reliable camera setup. The slightly sluggish charging and the absence of groundbreaking camera features are minor trade-offs for the overall value it brings to the table. If you’re after a powerful yet efficient smartphone without breaking the bank, the iQOO Z6 Lite 5G is a solid choice.
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G
Pros:
Advanced Chipset:
Features a 5nm Exynos 1330 chipset, promising solid performance and efficiency.
RAM:
With 6GB of RAM, it aims to easily handle multitasking and demanding apps.
AnTuTu Score:
On paper, the AnTuTu score hits 411,340, showcasing commendable performance potential.
Smooth Display Experience:
Sports a PLS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother visual experience.
Battery Beast:
Boasts a massive 6,000mAh battery, ensuring prolonged usage without frequent charging.
Fast Charging Support:
It supports 25W fast charging, making refuelling quicker for those on the go.
Cons:
Real-Life Lag:
Despite promising numbers, real-life performance could be better, showing lag, especially with demanding apps and games.
Not the Speediest Performer:
Compared to competitors, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G can be slower in running resource-intensive applications.
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G shines in certain areas, particularly its advanced chipset, generous RAM, and a battery that could last a marathon. However, the real-world performance, especially with demanding apps, might leave users wanting more. If you prioritize a long-lasting battery and are willing to compromise a bit on speed, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G could still be a strong contender in the under ₹15,000 segment.
POCO X5 5G
Pros:
Snapdragon Powerhouse:
Runs on the reliable Snapdragon 695 SoC, ensuring solid performance in the budget 5G realm.
Impressive AnTuTu Score:
Achieves an AnTuTu score of over 400,000, showcasing commendable performance.
Visual Treat:
Features a stunning super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and smooth interactions.
Speedy Charging:
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging, promising a quick full charge in about an hour.
Versatile Camera Setup:
Boasts a triple rear camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary shooter, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter.
Balanced Performance:
Strikes a balance between performance and premium features, catering to users who seek a well-rounded smartphone experience.
Cons:
Standard Battery Size:
While 5,000mAh is decent, it falls in the standard range, and some competitors offer larger batteries.
Macro Shooter Limitation:
The 2-megapixel macro shooter might deliver a different level of detail than higher-resolution alternatives.
The POCO X5 5G enters the scene with a Snapdragon punch, a vibrant display, and a speedy charging arsenal. With a good mix of power and premium features, it’s a solid option for users who want a reliable, all-around smartphone experience without breaking the bank. While the battery size is standard, the overall package makes the POCO X5 5G a compelling choice in the under ₹15,000 segment.
Motorola Moto G62 5G
Pros:
Solid Performance:
Runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, paired with up to 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for daily tasks.
Vibrant Display:
Features a 120Hz IPS LCD, offering a vibrant colour tone and a responsive refresh rate.
Clean Android Experience:
Boasts a clean Android experience, ensuring a smooth and bloat-free user interface.
Impressive Battery Life:
Packs a 5,000mAh battery, delivering excellent battery life for prolonged usage.
Cons:
Mediocre Camera Performance:
The 50MP triple rear camera setup is mediocre in reviews, not standing out in the crowded camera segment.
Sluggish Charging:
While the battery life is excellent, the charging speed could be faster, making it less convenient for those who need a quick refill.
The Moto G62 5G earns its spot on the top 5 list with a reliable performance package, a vibrant display, and a clean Android experience. While the camera performance may not dazzle, and charging is slower, the Moto G62 5G shines as a safe and dependable choice for users seeking a trustworthy smartphone under ₹15,000. This Moto might be the right fit if you value a smooth user experience and impressive battery life.
Realme 9 5G
Pros:
Solid 5G Performance:
Runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC, showcasing a commendable AnTuTu score of 369,800 points, making it a reliable 5G performer.
Impressive CPU Benchmark Numbers:
Exhibits good performance on Geekbench, scoring 609 in the single-core test and 1,828 points in the multi-core test, indicating robust CPU capabilities.
Capable Camera Setup:
Features a 48MP + 2MP + 2MP triple rear camera setup, producing very good photos in various conditions.
Extended Battery Life:
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, offering a lasting battery life of 1.5 days for extended usage.
Budget-Friendly 5G Entry:
Positioned as a good choice for those seeking their first 5G smartphone, combining long battery life with solid performance.
Cons:
Slow Charging:
While the battery lasts, the 18W charging is slow, requiring patience to reach 100 per cent.
Not the Latest Model:
Recognized as last year’s model, it lacks some of the latest features present in more recent releases.
The Realme 9 5G doesn’t disappoint with its reliable 5G performance, capable camera setup, and an enduring battery. However, the slower charging and being last year’s model are trade-offs to consider. Suppose you’re looking for a budget-friendly entry into the 5G realm focusing on longevity and camera performance. In that case, the Realme 9 5G makes a decent choice, especially for users prioritizing a balance between features and budget.
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
After dissecting the iQOO Z6 Lite 5G, Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, POCO X5 5G, Moto G62 5G, and Realme 9 5G, let’s wrap up with a conclusion and final recommendation.
iQOO Z6 Lite 5G:
Conclusion: It is a value-for-money option with a powerful processor, smooth display, and decent camera setup.
Final Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and affordability, especially for gaming enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G:
Conclusion: It offers a strong chipset and a vivid display, but real-life performance needs to be improved.
Final Recommendation: Recommended for those valuing battery life and a crisp display, with patience for slightly slower performance.
POCO X5 5G:
Conclusion: Balances performance and premium features with a vibrant display and speedy charging.
Final Recommendation: A strong contender for users prioritizing a feature-rich experience within the budget range.
Moto G62 5G:
Conclusion: It has a Clean Android experience and solid performance, but the camera and charging speed could be better.
Final Recommendation: A reliable choice for those seeking a smooth software experience and prolonged battery life.
Realme 9 5G:
Conclusion: A budget-friendly entry into the 5G world with a good camera setup and extended battery life.
Final Recommendation: A decent pick for users stepping into 5G, prioritizing camera performance and longevity.
For an overall balanced package with a focus on gaming, the iQOO Z6 Lite 5G stands out. If your priorities are a vibrant display and speedy charging, the POCO X5 5G is a top choice. Those valuing a clean software experience might find solace in the Moto G62 5G.
Consider your preferences—gaming, photography, or battery endurance—and let that guide your choice. Happy smartphone hunting!