The 5G revolution has officially arrived in India, with leading providers like Jio and Airtel rapidly expanding next-gen network coverage across metro cities over the past year. As adoption gains momentum, there are now plenty of value 5G smartphone options available even in mid-range price segments.
In this post, we bring you a detailed compilation of the best 5G mobile phones under ₹20,000 in India based on vital parameters like display quality, processor capabilities, battery endurance, fast charging support, camera versatility, software experience and more. With in-depth technical analysis and matching user reviews for each device, the guide will help pick the right model as per individual preferences without compromising on any essential requirements.
The listed options bring the power of smooth 90-120Hz displays, versatile photography, long lasting battery life and the latest processing hardware required for reliable performance over years – that too within an aggressive sub-₹20K budget. Whether you are seeking your first ever 5G device or upgrading from an older phone, there’s something suitable for all use case scenarios among our curated list to match needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look!
The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G comes with a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 5G processor and packs 6GB RAM that can be expanded to 12GB with Samsung RAM Plus technology. With 128GB internal storage and up to 1TB microSD card support, you will never run out of space.
The Galaxy M34 5G sports a versatile 50MP triple rear camera setup and a 16MP selfie camera. The large 6,000mAh battery delivers all-day battery life. It runs One UI 5.0 based on Android 13 out of the box and promises 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates.
The Galaxy M34 5G brings the power of 5G and Samsung’s AMOLED display technology at an affordable price point. The 120Hz refresh rate display and MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor ensure smooth performance for work and play. Long-term software support, multi-camera versatility, and all-day battery life make the M34 5G one of the best 5G phones under ₹20,000 in India.
The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G comes with a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 5G processor and packs 6GB RAM that can be expanded to 12GB with Samsung RAM Plus technology. With 128GB internal storage and up to 1TB microSD card support, you will never run out of space.
The Galaxy M34 5G sports a versatile 50MP triple rear camera setup and a 16MP selfie camera. The large 6,000mAh battery delivers all-day battery life. It runs One UI 5.0 based on Android 13 out of the box and promises 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G features a 6.58-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Snapdragon 695 5G chipset which delivers responsive performance. There is 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage.
For photography, there is a 64MP main camera, 2MP macro lens and 2MP depth sensor. The phone packs a 5000mAh battery with support for 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging. OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13 offers a smooth software experience.
The Nord CE 3 Lite 5G brings 5G connectivity and smooth 120Hz display to an affordable price point. Performance from the Snapdragon 695 chip is reliable for most tasks and 8GB RAM ensures good multitasking capabilities. The big 5000mAh battery delivers long endurance. Overall, it’s a great value 5G device under ₹20,000.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G features a 6.58-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Snapdragon 695 5G chipset which delivers responsive performance. There is 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage.
For photography, there is a 64MP main camera, 2MP macro lens and 2MP depth sensor. The phone packs a 5000mAh battery with support for 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging. OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13 offers a smooth software experience.
The Oppo A78 5G features a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. It packs 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Powered by a Snapdragon 695 5G chip, performance is reliable.
The phone has a dual rear camera setup – 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor. A 16MP selfie camera handles video calls. The large 5000mAh battery provides 1.5 days of use and supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging. Additional features include dual SIM 5G, side fingerprint sensor, microSD slot and headphone jack.
At its affordable pricing, the Oppo A78 5G brings the connectivity and smooth experience of 5G, 90Hz displays to the masses. General performance is smooth thanks to efficient Snapdragon 695 chip and 8GB RAM. Large battery with fast charging ensures you won’t run out of charge easily. Overall, a great value 5G device.
The Oppo A78 5G features a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. It packs 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Powered by a Snapdragon 695 5G chip, performance is reliable.
The phone has a dual rear camera setup – 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor. A 16MP selfie camera handles video calls. The large 5000mAh battery provides 1.5 days of use and supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging. Additional features include dual SIM 5G, side fingerprint sensor, microSD slot and headphone jack.
The Vivo Y56 5G features a modern flat frame metal cut design. It comes with a large 6.51-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a refresh rate of 90Hz for smooth visual performance. The phone packs a Snapdragon 695 chipset with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for reliable performance in daily use.
The triple rear camera system includes a 13MP main camera, 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensor for photography flexibility. A 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calling. The phone includes a large 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.
The Vivo Y56 5G brings 5G connectivity powered by a Snapdragon 695 5G chip across a range of features like a 90Hz LCD panel, 4310 mAh battery with 18W fast charging, decent cameras and large internal memory for ample storage space. For under ₹20,000 in India, the Y56 5G provides a well-rounded value 5G proposition to the masses.
The Vivo Y56 5G features a modern flat frame metal cut design. It comes with a large 6.51-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a refresh rate of 90Hz for smooth visual performance. The phone packs a Snapdragon 695 chipset with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for reliable performance in daily use.
The triple rear camera system includes a 13MP main camera, 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensor for photography flexibility. A 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calling. The phone includes a large 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.
The iQOO Z7s 5G features a 6.98-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 1500 nits peak brightness for excellent sunlight visibility. It packs a powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chip based on advanced 6nm process for energy efficiency. There is 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Camera capabilities include 64MP main camera with OIS for steady photos/videos. Additional cameras are 2MP depth and 2MP macro. A 16MP front camera handles selfies. The phone supports 44W FlashCharge fast charging and packs a 5000mAh battery.
With its brilliant AMOLED panel, flagship grade 64MP OIS camera, Snapdragon’s latest 695 chipset and vivo’s smooth Funtouch OS 13 user experience, the iQOO Z7s 5G delivers excellent across essential parameters under ₹20,000. Fast charging, premium looks and solid everyday usage makes it a great overall value.
The iQOO Z7s 5G features a 6.98-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 1500 nits peak brightness for excellent sunlight visibility. It packs a powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chip based on advanced 6nm process for energy efficiency. There is 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Camera capabilities include 64MP main camera with OIS for steady photos/videos. Additional cameras are 2MP depth and 2MP macro. A 16MP front camera handles selfies. The phone supports 44W FlashCharge fast charging and packs a 5000mAh battery.
The Redmi 12 5G features a trendy flat frame design that is slim and lightweight. There is a 6.65-inch FHD+ AMOLED Dot Display with 1200 nits peak brightness and Gorilla Glass protection. Powering the phone is a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor based on 6nm process for efficiency.
There is 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. Camera configuration includes a primary 50MP sensor, 2MP depth and 2MP macro sensor. A 13MP front camera handles selfies. Additional features include 5G SA/NSA, Wi-Fi 6, Hi-Res Audio certification, splatter resistant coating and dual speakers.
With its bright 1200 nits AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass, powerful and efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 5nm chipset with 5G, 50MP triple camera system, 256GB storage and Hi-Res audio, the Redmi 12 5G delivers a well-rounded experience and flagship essentials at an aggressive price point. For under ₹20,000 in India, it sets a new benchmark.
The Redmi 12 5G features a trendy flat frame design that is slim and lightweight. There is a 6.65-inch FHD+ AMOLED Dot Display with 1200 nits peak brightness and Gorilla Glass protection. Powering the phone is a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor based on 6nm process for efficiency.
There is 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. Camera configuration includes a primary 50MP sensor, 2MP depth and 2MP macro sensor. A 13MP front camera handles selfies. Additional features include 5G SA/NSA, Wi-Fi 6, Hi-Res Audio certification, splatter resistant coating and dual speakers.
The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G boasts of the world’s first Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor based on advanced 6nm fabrication for power efficiency. It comes with a large 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate for very smooth visual experience.
You get 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage which delivers snappy app load times and good multitasking capabilities. The camera system consists of a 50MP main + 2MP macro sensor. An 8MP front camera handles selfies. The phone packs a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.
As the world’s first phone with Snapdragon’s latest 4 Gen 1 5G chip, the iQOO Z6 Lite 5G brings an optimal balance of efficiency, performance, display smoothness and essential features under ₹20,000. The 120Hz LCD panel and versatile 50MP dual camera setup offer great value in their respective categories. For an affordable ticket to next-gen 5G connectivity, the iQOO Z6 Lite 5G ticks all boxes.
The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G boasts of the world’s first Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor based on advanced 6nm fabrication for power efficiency. It comes with a large 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate for very smooth visual experience.
You get 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage which delivers snappy app load times and good multitasking capabilities. The camera system consists of a 50MP main + 2MP macro sensor. An 8MP front camera handles selfies. The phone packs a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.
The realme Narzo 60X 5G sports a 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chipset fabricated on a power efficient 6nm process. There is 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage.
It features a dual rear camera with 50MP main + B&W portrait sensor. Selfies and video calls are handled by the 16MP front camera. The phone packs a large 5000mAh battery and comes bundled with a 33W SUPERVOOC charger for fast charging in just 70 minutes.
With its large 120Hz LCD display, MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chipset that brings next-gen connectivity and reliable performance, 50MP camera, ample 6GB RAM, and large battery capacity with bundled 33W fast charging, the realme Narzo 60X 5G checks most boxes that matter for an affordable 5G device in India priced just under ₹20,000. Smooth everyday usage is ensured for social media, content streaming, photography enthusiasts and casual gamers.
The realme Narzo 60X 5G sports a 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chipset fabricated on a power efficient 6nm process. There is 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage.
It features a dual rear camera with 50MP main + B&W portrait sensor. Selfies and video calls are handled by the 16MP front camera. The phone packs a large 5000mAh battery and comes bundled with a 33W SUPERVOOC charger for fast charging in just 70 minutes.
The realme narzo 60 5G features a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate for a great viewing experience. The phone comes in a unique Ultra Premium Vegan Leather design and is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chipset based on power efficient 6nm process.
There is 8GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 internal storage under the hood which delivers snappy multitasking performance. Photography prowess comes from a 48MP Nightscape primary camera + B&W portrait camera. It packs a 5000mAh battery and ships with a 33W SUPERVOOC charger.
As one of the few devices that packs a smooth 90Hz AMOLED display at this budget pricing, the realme narzo 60 5G brings excellent value to buyers looking for a vibrant display backed by the power efficiency of a 6nm MediaTek chipset and ample RAM + storage. Trendy looks, 33W fast charging support, adequate cameras and essentials like dual 5G standby help it deliver a well-rounded experience as among the best 5G phones priced under ₹20,000 in India.
The realme narzo 60 5G features a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate for a great viewing experience. The phone comes in a unique Ultra Premium Vegan Leather design and is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chipset based on power efficient 6nm process.
There is 8GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 internal storage under the hood which delivers snappy multitasking performance. Photography prowess comes from a 48MP Nightscape primary camera + B&W portrait camera. It packs a 5000mAh battery and ships with a 33W SUPERVOOC charger.
Phone | Display | Charging |
---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy M34 5G | 120Hz AMOLED | No charger |
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G | 120Hz LCD | 33W fast charging |
Oppo A78 5G | 90Hz LCD | 33W SUPERVOOC |
Vivo Y56 5G | 90Hz LCD | 18W fast charging |
iQOO Z7s 5G | AMOLED | 44W fast charging |
Redmi 12 5G | AMOLED | No details |
iQOO Z6 Lite 5G | 120Hz LCD | 18W fast charging |
realme narzo 60X 5G | 120Hz LCD | 33W SUPERVOOC |
realme narzo 60 5G | 90Hz AMOLED | 33W SUPERVOOC |
Here are some key things to consider when choosing the best 5G phone under ₹20,000 in India:
Display – An AMOLED or high refresh rate LCD display ensures visual smoothness and vibrant colors. Look for peak brightness over 500 nits.
Processor – Efficient and powerful chips like Snapdragon 695, 700 series or MediaTek Dimensity 810, 1080 bring optimal performance.
RAM & Storage – Phones with 6GB or higher RAM and 128GB storage deliver smooth multitasking.
Battery & Charging – 5000mAh+ capacity with fast charging support like 33W or higher is preferred.
5G Bands – Ensure that 5G SA and NSA bands are supported by Indian telecom operators.
OS & Security Updates – Seek phones with latest Android versions and longer software support commitments.
Value Additions – Additional features like high quality cameras, premium designs, bundled fast charger make for a well-rounded experience.
There are a few key differences in the types of 5G smartphones available under ₹20,000 price segment:
Display Panel – Options include AMOLED, IPS LCD and lower cost TFT LCD panels. AMOLED offers most vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Chipset Vendor – Key players are Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek Dimensity and Unisoc Tiger series chipsets that power these devices. Their efficiency and performance varies.
Features – Cameras, battery capacities, charging speeds and bundled accessories makes differ across models and brands. Not all offer fast charging out of the box.
Brand Positioning – Models from leading brands like Samsung, OnePlus, realme and others compete on overall product experience while newer entrants focus more on pricing.
Design Styling – Few mid-range models offer premium glass back panel designs while most utilize polycarbonate materials with unique textures and color gradients.
Follow these tips to get the most from your 5G device while keeping it running smoothly over years:
Use Cases – Avoid extensive gaming or intensive tasks that cause overheating. Medium usage of social, streaming, photography apps is ideal.
Battery Care – Maintain 40-80% charge levels, avoid overnight charging cycles to sustain long term battery health.
Performance – Close background apps, manage storage clutter to prevent slow downs and hanging issues over time.
Hardware Care – Use back case, apply screen guards day 1 to minimize physical wear and tear. Clean ports and speakers regularly with air spray.
Software Upkeep – Keep the OS, security patches and all key apps up-to-date. Schedule auto scans for viruses if side loading unfamiliar apps and files.
Servicing & Warranty – Service phone at periodic intervals to maintain proper functioning. Ensure all repair parts meet OEM specifications and validate warranty for future claims.
The Redmi 12 5G delivers the most well-rounded experience under ₹20,000 thanks to its 6.65-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 1200 nits peak brightness, fast Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset with 5G, 50MP triple camera versatility, 256GB storage and essentials like Hi-Res audio.
Overall, the Redmi 12 5G offers excellent value by packing premium features like bright AMOLED panel, powerful and efficient processor, versatile camera setup, ample storage and fast charging support – all within a budget of ₹20,000. For an affordable next-gen 5G experience without compromising on daily usage expectations, the Redmi 12 5G is certainly among the best options in this segment.
Reliance Jio has taken the lead in rolling out 5G networks in key metros covering over 100 cities in India so far. Airtel has also launched 5G services with a target to cover all urban areas in 2023. Speeds range from 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps during testing. Ensure handset supports 5G SA and NSA bands used in India before purchase.
The Snapdragon 695, 720G, MediaTek Dimensity 1080, 810 chipsets offer a robust blend of power, efficiency and thermal performance required in this price bracket. Also consider options with latest generation cores like Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 that is built using advanced transistor process for optimal efficiency and sustained performance over years.
6GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking capabilities for an average user. Having 128GB internal storage minimum is ideal for storing plenty of apps, photos, videos and files over few years of usage. Some phones also support storage expansion to increase capacity further through microSD card slot when required.
Fast charging capability makes a big difference in daily convenience factor. Options with bundled 33W or higher output chargers help quickly top up battery in just 60-75 minutes. This reduces having to wire the phone for extended durations.
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