Best Smartphones Under ₹25000 in 2026 | Expert Tested & Recommended

Comparison Summary: Best Smartphones Under ₹25000

When comparing the best smartphones under ₹25,000, each device excels in a specific category. The OnePlus Nord CE5 stands out as the best overall smartphone, offering a powerful processor, excellent AMOLED display, long-lasting battery, and clean OxygenOS experience. For users who prefer Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is the best Samsung phone in this price range, thanks to its premium build, strong camera performance, IP67 rating, and long-term software support. If gaming is your top priority, the iQOO Neo 10R is the best choice for gaming, delivering flagship-level performance, high frame rate support, and impressive battery optimization. Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone 3a is ideal for users who value camera quality and unique design, offering a clean UI, eye-catching aesthetics, and reliable photography performance under ₹25,000.

Buying a smartphone in 2025 can be confusing, especially when prices are expected to rise in 2026 due to increasing component costs and AI-driven hardware upgrades. While short-term discounts on Amazon and Flipkart may look attractive, overall smartphone prices are unlikely to drop long-term. That’s why now is the best time to buy a phone under ₹25,000, especially if you can use bank or card offers.

In this article, I’m sharing the best smartphones under ₹25,000 that I have personally used and tested. These devices offer the best balance of performance, camera quality, battery life, and long-term software support.

Why Smartphone Prices Are Expected to Increase in 2026

Smartphone brands are focusing heavily on AI features, advanced processors, and longer software support. These upgrades significantly increase manufacturing costs. As a result, phones that currently cost under ₹25,000 may shift into higher price brackets in 2026. If you’re planning to upgrade, buying during current sales can save you a significant amount of money.

OnePlus Nord CE5 – Best Overall Smartphone Under ₹25,000

The OnePlus Nord CE5 is one of the strongest all-round smartphones in this segment. It features a high-quality AMOLED display with slim bezels, delivering excellent color reproduction and brightness. The biggest highlight is its massive 7100mAh battery, which easily lasts more than a full day, even with heavy usage. With 80W fast charging, you can quickly recharge without long wait times.

Performance is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, offering smooth animations, lag-free multitasking, and stable gaming performance. It handles BGMI and other intensive games without heating issues. The camera setup delivers reliable results in both daylight and low-light conditions.

OxygenOS enhances the experience with a clean interface, AI features, and long-term software support. While the single speaker and IP65 rating are minor drawbacks, the overall package makes this phone one of the best choices under ₹25,000.

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G – Best Samsung Phone Under ₹25,000

If you prefer Samsung, the Galaxy A55 5G is an excellent option. It comes with a premium aluminum frame and glass back, giving it a flagship-like feel. The Super AMOLED display is vibrant, sharp, and protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, ensuring durability.

One of its biggest strengths is the IP67 water and dust resistance, which is rare in this price range. The camera performance is strong, especially for video recording, making it one of the best camera phones under ₹25,000. Photos are sharp, with accurate colors and good dynamic range.

Powered by the Exynos 1480 chipset, performance is smooth for everyday tasks, although it’s not ideal for heavy gaming. Samsung’s One UI shines with long-term software support, offering updates up to Android 18, making this phone perfect for long-term users.

iQOO Neo 10R – Best Gaming Phone Under ₹25,000

For gamers and power users, the iQOO Neo 10R stands out. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, delivering exceptional performance for gaming and multitasking. You can play supported games at 120FPS with stable frame rates and minimal throttling.

The AMOLED display offers smooth visuals and thin bezels, while dual stereo speakers improve the gaming and multimedia experience. A 6400mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions without frequent charging, supported by strong battery optimization.

The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor that performs well in good lighting but is not the main focus of this phone. The plastic back may feel less premium, but using a case solves that easily. If performance is your top priority, this is the best gaming smartphone under ₹25,000.

Nothing Phone 3a – Best Camera & Design-Focused Phone Under ₹25,000

The Nothing Phone 3a is ideal for users who want a stylish phone with strong camera performance. Its unique transparent design sets it apart from traditional smartphones, while the AMOLED display provides sharp visuals and smooth scrolling.

Camera performance is impressive for the price, producing natural colors and good detail. The clean Nothing OS delivers a smooth, clutter-free experience with useful AI features and consistent performance. While it’s not built for extreme gaming, it handles daily tasks, social media, and content consumption effortlessly.

Battery life is reliable, easily lasting a full day under normal use. If you value design, camera quality, and clean software, the Nothing Phone 3a is a strong recommendation under ₹25,000.

With smartphone prices expected to rise in 2026, purchasing now during ongoing sales is a smart decision. Each phone listed above excels in a specific category, making it easier to choose based on your needs—whether it’s gaming, camera quality, battery life, or long-term software support.

If your budget is around ₹25,000, any of these smartphones will offer excellent value for money and remain relevant for years to come.