In the world where flagship smartphones are more expensive than a decent motorbike, it has become an art to find a phone that does not need to sell a kidney. The days of a brick-sized phone with a screen that was dimmer than a dying candle and labelled as a cheap phone are long over. Modern day budget warriors are endowed with 120Hz screens, multi-camera systems, and batteries that are longer than most Bollywood films.
Being a student who lives on instant noodles, a parent who has to balance school fees, or just a person who thinks that phones should be a tool that serves you, and not enslave your bank account, this lineup shows that not all great technology has to have a premium price tag. Now, let’s find out the cheapest available smartphones in India that are changing the meaning of the word budget-friendly.
7 Cheapest Available Smartphones in India (2025)
1. POCO C71
Among the cheapest available smartphones in India, the POCO C71 stands out chiefly for its price, which sits at ₹6,599 as of July 2025. Its 6.88-inch HD+ screen is large and serviceable, made smoother by a 120Hz refresh rate that suits light use such as watching videos or browsing. It runs on the Unisoc T7250 processor, with up to 4GB of RAM—enough for everyday functions, but no more. The rear camera is 32MP and joined by a second sensor, while the front holds an 8MP lens, both sufficient for simple photography. Its battery, a 5,200mAh unit, is likely to last well into the second day, and it ships with Android 15 installed. For those who must count every rupee, this handset gives more than might be expected.
2. Lava Bold N1 Pro
At ₹6,798, the Lava Bold N1 Pro is priced for those unwilling or unable to spend more, yet it offers more than just the basics. The display measures 6.67 inches across and, like its rival, refreshes at 120Hz, giving a smooth feel even in daily use. Its Unisoc T606 chip, together with 4GB RAM, is enough for routine tasks—browsing, calls, light apps. The phone carries a 50MP main camera and two others, as well as an 8MP front sensor, allowing for serviceable photos in fair light. Android 14 runs the software, while a 5,000mAh battery and 18W fast charging keep it going without fuss. It is also resistant to splashes (IP54-rated), unlocks by face or fingerprint, and stores 128GB internally. For the price, it is hard to fault.
3. Samsung Galaxy F22 128GB
The Samsung Galaxy F22 128GB is one of the more capable phones in its segment and can be bought in India at a price of as low as 6,000 in July 2025. It has a 6.4-inch HD+ Super AMOLED screen that is bright and clear, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and movement smooth. The MediaTek Helio G80 chip is inside, supported by 6GB of RAM, and it can easily handle most of the tasks of everyday use. The rear camera system has four lenses with the primary one having 48MP, and the front camera has 13MP and is sufficient to take casual selfies. The 6,000mAh battery is designed to last beyond a day, and it has Android 11. It is a good option to those who are on a tight budget and still desire performance and stamina.
4. realme 8
As of July 2025, the realme 8 at the price of 7,000 rupees is a viable choice to those who do not want to compromise on display quality or core performance. The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display has a Full HD+ resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, which makes the images sharp and vibrant. It is fueled by the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset and is equipped with 4GB of RAM, which is enough to use messaging, browsing, and most common applications.
The camera system on the back is a 64MP main camera with three additional lenses, whereas the 16MP front camera provides clear and bright selfies. It has a 5,000mAh battery and supports 30W fast charging, so it can last a whole day with time to spare. It is based on Android 11 and somehow manages to provide both good performance and a good screen at a price that many people can afford.
5. Tecno Pop 9
Tecno Pop 9, which costs 5,999 in July 2025, is clearly a smartphone that targets the people who require a smartphone only to meet the bare necessities. It has a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate that provides a clear image. It is powered by MediaTek Helio G50 processor and 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient to perform basic tasks, such as calls, messaging, and light browsing. Its rear camera is 13MP, and the 8MP front camera has dual LED flash, which provides decent performance in decent light. It has Android 14 installed and has an internal storage capacity of 64GB that can be expanded up to 1TB. The 5,000mAh battery coupled with 15W charging, makes it a reasonable choice for entry-level users
6. Moto G04
The Moto G04 costs 6,999, which makes it one of the cheapest available smartphones in India in July 2025. The 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen has a 90Hz refresh rate and is responsive and clear enough to use in everyday life. It is driven by the Unisoc T606 processor and 4GB RAM, which enables it to handle daily activities without much hassle. Its rear camera is 16MP and the front camera 5MP which are meant to take easy photography. It is powered by Android 14, and its 5,000mAh battery is charged at 15W. The Moto G04 has IP52 splash protection and can be expanded to 1TB of storage, which is a decent utility at a price that many can afford.
7. Samsung Galaxy F12 128GB
As of July 2025, the Samsung Galaxy F12 128GB is available in India at 5,000 rupees, which makes it one of the lower-end Android phones. It has a 6.5-inch HD+ screen with PLS TFT LCD technology, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a Gorilla Glass protection. Internally, it is powered by an Exynos 850 octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient to perform most of the daily activities such as calling, browsing, and messaging. The phone has four back cameras, with the primary one having 48MP, and an 8MP front camera is used to take selfies and video calls. It comes with Android 11 and has a huge 6,000mAh battery, which is backed by 15W fast charging. It has up to 1TB of storage, which is a reasonable option when people want to get a stable performance at an affordable price.
Conclusion
So that is it, seven smartphones that show you do not have to sell your soul to get a decent phone. Whether it be POCO with all the features at a bargain price or Samsung with its workhorses, these devices have surprisingly good performance, without the drama of the high price. Of course, they will not win any photography award, nor will they run the latest games at full settings, but they will get your daily digital requirements without leaving you to survive on instant noodles over the next few months. These low-end heroes are the best things to happen to India in its competitive smartphone market, where the most affordable phone is often the best phone, and it does not have to cost a bank loan.
FAQs
Q1: How long will these phones last before I need to upgrade?
A: When taken care of, you should get 2-3 years of good performance. The trick is to control expectations, they will eventually slacken under heavy use but in the basic tasks they will continue trucking along.
Q2: Can I actually take decent photos with these cameras?
A: Under good light, by all means! There is surprisingly good support of outdoor shots, well-lit selfies, and basic photography requirements. But don not expect miracles under low light, they are budget phones, not professional photography devices in disguise of smartphones.
Q3: Will these phones get Android updates?
A: The majority will get at least one significant Android update, but do not expect the blistering speed of high-end phone updates. Consider updates as monsoon rains, they will come, but you may still have to wait longer than you would want. The positive side is that these are phones that come with relatively new versions of Android so you are not going back to the dawn of time.
Q4: Which phone should I choose if I can’t decide?
A: POCO C71 is the best choice in case you need the latest features. To be on the safe side, Samsung Galaxy F22 is reliable. Want the bottom price? Tecno Pop 9 or Galaxy F12 will not be a disappointment. They are all good, you just have to choose the one that suits your taste and pocket.
