The mid-range smartphone segment in India is more vibrant than ever, with top brands competing aggressively to pack in maximum features at affordable pricing. As 5G rollout gains steam, future-ready devices have become a priority for buyers without emptying wallets. Additionally, vital aspects like battery life, cameras and charging speeds also influence purchase decisions.
Phones priced around the Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,000 mark currently offer a fantastic value proposition with their combination of style and matching substance. Several handsets bring capabilities like 120Hz AMOLED panels, 50MP cameras and 66W fast charging hitherto reserved for premium flagships. Add the fact you have both 4G and 5G-ready options to choose from, and making the ideal selection might prove challenging.
We extensively researched close to twenty plus smartphones from leading manufacturers priced below Rs. 17,000 to uncover the most balanced across vital parameters. The devices are rated based on vital metrics spanning processor performance, software experience, display excellence, battery optimizations, camera flexibility and a lot more. So without further ado, here is our definitive compilation of the fourteen best phones under Rs. 17000 in India.
The realme narzo 60X 5G comes with a 6.6″ FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. It is powered by a Dimensity 810 5G processor for efficient performance. With 6GB RAM and 128GB storage expandable up to 2TB, multitasking and storage will not be an issue.
The realme narzo 60X 5G offers excellent value with its combination of 5G connectivity, fast charging, fluid display, and capable camera. The ample storage is also a plus for storing photos and videos. Realme’s software features like display color optimization and game settings provide added customization options. For an all-round mid-range 5G device, the narzo 60X 5G is undoubtedly an excellent choice.
The iQOO Z7s 5G stands out with its slim and lightweight design at just 7.98mm thickness and 175g weight. The 6.44″ FHD+ AMOLED display has HDR10+ support for vibrant colors and contrast. It equips Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 5G processor fabricated on a power-efficient 6nm process for sustained performance. The 64MP main camera has OIS for ultra stability and 4K video recording. 44W FlashCharge fills up the 5,000mAh battery in just 61 minutes. FunTouch OS 13 brings customizable Android 13 features.
The iQOO Z7s 5G punches above its price bracket with exemplary features like an AMOLED screen, 66W charging and main camera OIS which are rare to find in this segment. Vivo’s growing focus on performance and camera capabilities make this an excellent choice for shoppers prioritizing those aspects. FunTouch OS offers deep customizationssuiting both casual and demanding users. For an affordable ticket to the 5G future, the Z7s 5G fits the bill nicely.
Flaunting a premium glass body, the Redmi 12 5G features a 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay with 1200 nits peak brightness and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It comes equipped with Qualcomm’s 6nm fabricated Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 5G processor delivering lag-free performance coupled with massive 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. A 50MP rear camera, 13MP selfie shooter and 5000mAh battery with 33W Pro fast charging complete a well-rounded package.
If you desire style with substance, the Redmi 12 5G is arguably the most well-equipped device under ₹17,000. You get excellent core hardware from the chipset to charging speeds that effortlessly handle demanding usage. The vivid AMOLED screen is perfectly complemented by stereo speakers for an immersive media viewing experience. All in all, few devices can match the Redmi 12 5G’s mix of premium looks, performance and user-centric hardware in this segment.
Sporting a slim and light design with curved edges, the Redmi 12 5G features a large 6.67″ AMOLED DotDisplay with vivid visuals and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 5G chipset based on a power-efficient 6nm fabrication, it handles demanding apps and games easily. AI assisted triple cameras including a 50MP main sensor deliver detailed photos. A 5000mAh battery coupled with 33W Pro Fast Charging enables over 9.5 hours of gaming.
The Redmi 12 5G brings immense value at its price point with the potent combination of smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, mighty Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and versatile cameras. The device also excels at media consumption thanks to high quality stereo speakers. If you seek lag-free daily usage and medium-heavy gaming in a compact form factor, the Redmi 12 5G warrants serious consideration within its segment.
The OPPO A78 features a premium 6.4″ FHD+ AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate encapsulated in an 8.1mm slim aluminum frame. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset with 8GB RAM, it delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and light gaming. The dual camera system consisting of a 50MP main and 2MP depth lens captures crisp photos. SUPERVOOC charging juices up the 5000mAh battery fully in 46 minutes. Additional perks include ultra-linear stereo speakers, RAM expansion and microSD card slot.
The OPPO A78 brings a premium software and hardware experience at an affordable price point for shoppers who value aesthetics. You get a flagship-level AMOLED panel with high refresh rate and loud stereo speakers rarely found in this segment. Capable hardware ensures you breeze through daily tasks and light gaming. For those wanting good core features without compromising on design, the A78 warrants a top spot among sub 17K phones.
Crafted using eco-friendly vegan leather in vibrant Mars Orange color, the narzo 60 5G has a 6.6” FHD+ 90Hz Super AMOLED display with peak brightness of 600 nits for vivid visuals even outdoors. The Dimensity 810 processor handles demanding apps easily. Its 48MP AI Triple Camera has modes like Nightscape, Panorama, Timelapse Pro and Portrait. A fast charging 5,000mAh battery ensures over 2 days of typical usage. realme UI 3.0 interface brings comprehensive customization options.
The realme narzo 60 5G brings a visually striking design seldom seen in the segment along with solid mid-range features. You get superb in-hand feel with vibrant color options of the vegan leather back panel. The Super AMOLED display offers flagship-grade visual experience complemented by capable hardware for gaming and content creation. If aesthetics matter as much as core performance, the narzo 60 5G delivers an X factor unavailable among competitors.
The Redmi 13C 5G impresses with its large 6.7” FHD+ 90Hz DotDropline display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Inside is a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ octa-core 5G chipset capable of handling heavy gaming. An outstanding 5,000mAh battery keeps it running for over a day on a full charge. Other highlights include dual speakers for an immersive audio experience, a 50MP AI triple rear camera setup for detailed photography and 33W Pro fast charging.
The Redmi 13C 5G brings a virtually bezel-less display coupled with mighty Dimensity 6100+ 5G chipset, both rarely spotted in the sub-17K category. You get smooth scrolling and lag-free heavy gaming thanks to 90Hz refresh rate and ample RAM. Extra touches like stereo speakers and 33W fast charging offer added convenience. If you want a swift and capable all-round performer without emptying your pockets, the 13C 5G is undoubtedly a top value choice.
The OPPO A59 5G features a stylish design with color changing effect on the back panel. Its 6.56” waterdrop notch HD+ display has a 90Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset with 128GB storage and 4GB RAM, it effortlessly handles regular usage. A 13MP main camera, 2MP depth camera and 16MP selfie shooter assist by AI capture detailed photos. 33W SUPERVOOC charging juices up the large 5,000mAh battery superfast. Additional aspects covered are loud speakers, side fingerprint sensor and availability in two color variants.
OPPO packs its signature premium design elements into the A59 5G exceeding expectations from a smartphone under 17K. The phone impresses on three key aspects – ultra fast 5G connectivity thanks to Dimensity 700, fluid 90Hz display, and rapid 33W charging capability. You also get loud dual speakers adding excitement to gaming and video playback coupled with ample 128GB storage. If you desire more than ordinary looks and well-rounded features in your next phone, the A59 5G delivers handsomely.
Encased in a premium glass-metal body is the iQOO Z7s 5G measuring just 7.98mm in thickness. It packs Qualcomm’s efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset and ample 8GB RAM for effortless performance over long gaming sessions. The 6.44″ AMOLED display has 1200 nits peak brightness coupled with HDR10+ for vivid colors. A 64MP main camera with OIS captures crisp images and videos. 44W FlashCharge fills up the large 5,000mAh battery in just 61 minutes giving over 16 hours of usage. Additional aspects covered include extended RAM support and Android 13 based FunTouch OS customizations.
iQOO equips the Z7s 5G with well-balanced hardware centered around sustained performance, visual brilliance and rapid charging. You get AMOLED screen and 66W charging support rarely spotted below 17K. The cameras excel in daytime and low light shots. For shoppers wanting a premium user experience without shelling out too much, the Z7s 5G presents an attractive proposition. FunTouch OS brings added productivity like App Cloner and Extended RAM support catering to both work and play needs.
Flaunting a slim and lightweight design, the Galaxy M14 5G sports a stylish new Teal Green colorway. A large 50MP triple camera setup delivers detailed and vivid photographs covering different scenarios. The massive 6000mAh battery offers over 2 days of typical usage on a full charge. Samsung packs in a powerful 5G chipset based on a super efficient 5nm octa-core processor taking on demanding apps and games with ease. Software is covered via Android 13 and One UI Core 5.0 bringing the latest features with modern minimalistic aesthetics.
The Galaxy M14 5G brings Samsung’s pedigree of delivering well balanced smartphone capabilities to an affordable segment. You get excellent battery life from the 6000mAh cell besides photography flexibility not typically found here. One UI Core 5.0 optimized for the large display brings modern Android 13 elements like stacks, pop-up windows etc. If a stylish design housing the latest hardware and software is desired, the M14 5G is undoubtedly a standout choice.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G sports a revamped futuristic design in Silver Fantasy colorway featuring India’s first multi-color changing ARC back panel with a light reactor and dot matrix effects. Its 6.78” hole punch FHD+ display has up to 700 nits peak brightness perfect for sunlight visibility. Equipped with 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, it powers through demanding usage enabled by MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 processor. A 50MP AI dual camera setup delivers detailed photography in varied conditions. Standing out is India’s first 68W Ultra Flash charging capability giving 50% charge in just 15 minutes coupled with a large 6000mAh battery. Additional highlights include dual speakers with DTS, side fingerprint sensor and XOS 12 skin bringing useful customization tools.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G ushers in segment redefining rapid charging and visually striking design elements headlined by the industry first ARC light reactor. You get excellent battery life coupled with best in class fast charging support. Capable Dimensity 900 silicon powers through demanding productivity and gaming needs enabled by 8GB RAM. If differentiating style and sustained top-notch performance is desired, the POVA 5 Pro 5G warrants a closer look.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G introduces India’s first multi-color changing ARC design in a classy Dark Illusion colorway. A large 6.78″ FHD+ Dot-in display offers immersive visuals perfect for gaming and video watching. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 5G chipset and 8GB RAM, it breezes through demanding apps and games. Photography needs are covered by a versatile 50MP Night Portrait & AI Beauty camera. Segment leading 68W charging juices up the big 6000mAh battery in just 46 minutes. Additional highlights are ample 128GB storage, virtual RAM expansion up to 5GB and capable DTS boosted dual speakers.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G introduces brilliant ARC reactor tech coupled with rapid 68W charging and Dimensity 900 5G silicon to create a well balanced package for performance seekers. You get vibrant visuals on the FHD+ display and loud audio via dual speakers perfectly complementing long gaming sessions. Capable hardware and software ensure you breeze through demanding usage. If next-gen looks and matching cutting edge capabilities are desired, the POVA 5 Pro 5G is an undisputed choice.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G sports a refreshing Silver Fantasy makeover and introduces the industry first ARC light reactor with mesmerizing multi-color effects on the back panel. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 chipset enabling 5G connectivity, it delivers lag free performance and high frame rates during gaming. A large 6.78″ FHD+ Dot-in display offers immersive visuals perfect for binge watching and gameplay. Photography needs are handled by a 50MP AI assisted dual camera. Class leading 68W charging gives 50% battery in just 15 minutes to the huge 6000mAh pack. Additional aspects covered are loud dual speakers, ample RAM, fast storage, extended RAM capability and modern TECNO skin.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G brings best in segment rapid charging tech coupled with visually striking ARC effects to create a well balanced package. You get gorgeous looks housing Industry leading 68W charging, able MediaTek Dimensity 900 silicon, immersive display and capable cameras – hard to find in phones under 17K. If next-gen design and matching cutting edge features are desired, the POVA 5 Pro 5G undoubtedly warrants a closer look.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G introduces brilliant ARC light effects coupled with rapid 68W charging and ample 256GB storage to create a stellar package. It equips MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 processor to enable 5G connectivity and handle demanding games easily. Photography needs are covered by a versatile 50MP Night Portrait camera. The big 6000mAh battery guarantees over 2 days of usage and charges to 50% in just 15 minutes. Additional highlights are the 6.78″ FHD+ Dot-in display with 120Hz touch sampling rate, loud dual speakers, ample 8GB RAM, 13GB RAM expansion capability and array of software customization tools.
TECNO’s POVA 5 Pro 5G brings best in class rapid charging capabilities coupled with next-gen ARC light reactor tech to make it a balanced productivity and gaming performer. You get gorgeous futuristic looks housing excellent battery life that charges super fast. Able silicon, crisp FHD+ display, loud speakers and ample storage add to the usage experience. If differentiated style and matching cutting edge features are key priorities, the POVA 5 Pro 5G is undoubtedly a top choice in its segment.
Phone | Key Features | Charging & Battery |
---|---|---|
realme narzo 60X 5G | 5G, 50MP camera, 33W charging | 33W, 5000mAh |
iQOO Z7s 5G | AMOLED display, Snapdragon 695, 44W charging | 44W, 5000mAh |
Redmi 12 5G | AMOLED display, SD4G1 processor, 50MP camera | 33W, 5000mAh |
OPPO A78 | AMOLED display, Dimensity 700, 50MP camera | 67W, 5000mAh |
realme narzo 60 5G | 90Hz AMOLED display, 33W charging | 33W, 5000mAh |
Redmi 13C 5G | Dimensity 6100+, 50MP camera | 33W, 5000mAh |
OPPO A59 5G | Dimensity 700, 90Hz display | 33W, 5000mAh |
iQOO Z7s 5G | AMOLED, SD695, 44W charging | 44W, 5000mAh |
Samsung M14 5G | 50MP camera, 5nm processor | NA, 6000mAh |
TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G | ARC design, Dimensity 900 | 68W, 6000mAh |
TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G | ARC design, Dimensity 900 | 68W, 6000mAh |
TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G | ARC design, Dimensity 900 | 68W, 6000mAh |
TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G | ARC design, Dimensity 900, 256GB storage | 68W, 6000mAh |
Here are some tips for choosing the best phone priced under 17000:
Performance Focused – Phones like Redmi 12 5G, iQOO Z7s 5G focus on bringing processors like Snapdragon 700 series hitherto not seen below 17K along with aspects like fast charging for power users.
Camera Centric – Phones like realme narzo 60X 5G concentrate on camera hardware like 50MP sensors, Nightscape modes etc. to appeal to photography lovers.
Balanced All Rounders – Models like OPPO A78 present a good mix of features ranging from looks to hardware to cameras that serve most buyer needs in this budget.
Future Ready 5G – With 5G roll-out round the corner, phones like realme narzo 60 5G usher users to high speed connectivity era enabled by new age chipsets.
Follow these tips for ideal usage experience with your sub 17K phone:
The best phones under 17000 are:
As covered in detail in the blog, each device stands out in specific aspects. The Redmi 12 5G brings a fantastic combo of smooth 120Hz AMOLED display and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor. OPPO A78 impresses with its sleek body housing Dimensity 700 chipset and 90Hz AMOLED screen. realme narzo 60X 5G offers excellent value with its 5G connectivity and 50MP camera. For premium looks and rapid charging, the TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G is unbeatable. Evaluating your specific usage priorities is key to determine which model suits your needs best.
Phones below 17000 now pack many premium features previously exclusive to high-end flagships like fast 120Hz AMOLED displays, powerful 5nm and 6nm chipsets, 50MP triple camera setups, 66W and even 68W rapid fast charging support etc. Brands like realme and Samsung now offer 5G ready phones enabling next-gen connectivity. Aspects like high megapixel count cameras, bezel-less displays, stereo speakers and slimmest bodies also seen in sub 17K phones. Additional software enhancements like RAM expansion, customizable skins and gaming enhancements also covered now.
There are a few options like realme narzo 60 5G, realme narzo 60X 5G, OPPO A59 5G, iQOO Z7s 5G and TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G – that deliver 5G network connectivity support besides usual 4G VoLTE. These models are powered by newer generation chipsets from Qualcomm, MediaTek and UNISOC that enable 5G reception. so if you want to benefit from 5G services rolling out in coming months, purchasing these future ready phones below 17000 is recommended. Rest assured their hardware is optimised to offer full coverage of 5G spectrum services.
Phones like Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G and realme narzo 60 5G standout with massive 6000mAh and 5000mAh batteries under the hood. Thanks to software and hardware optimizations, these batteries last over 2 days easily on typical usage like social media, calls and multimedia consumption. If your usage involves extensive mobile gaming, multiple camera usage and hotspot needs – these phones still deliver over 1.5 days battery runtime between charges. Additionally they also support rapid fast charging solutions like 68W and 33W for quickly topping up as well. So for marathon battery performance look no further.
Cameras have seen major upgrades in sub 17K phones. Models like realme narzo 60X 5G, Redmi 12 5G and TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G now feature high resolution 50MP sensors with modes like Nightscape, Portrait, Pro and more for photography flexibility. Brands are using software algorithms to further enhance and optimize the output. Optical stabilization support in some models like iQOO Z7s 5G also enables blur free shots and videos. If macros, depth effects and low light captures are also needed, dual and triple camera equipped options deliver.
Phones under 17K today bring many premium features not seen before like 120Hz AMOLED displays, 66W fast charging support, higher RAM quantities (8GB+), stereo speakers etc offered by leading brands to compete aggressively in the mid-range segment.
Most phones below 17000 sport FHD+ resolution displays measuring between 6.4 inches to 6.8 inches ensuring you get ample real estate for immersive viewing experience. Few models additionally offer 120Hz high refresh rate support as well.
Yes, models like Redmi 12 5G, iQOO Z7s 5G and TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G equipped with processors like Snapdragon 700 series and MediaTek Dimensity 900 can handle popular heavy game titles without breaking a sweat thanks to aspects like liquid cooling tech as well.
Multiple phones including realme narzo 60X 5G and Redmi 13C 5G offer triple camera setups having combinations of 50MP main sensor, depth or macro lenses starting from 2MP and more to enable photography in varied conditions like low light, portrait shots etc.
Numerous options from brands like realme, OPPO and iQOO equip 33W to as high as 68W fast charging solutions in phones below 17K that can charge their 5000mAh+ battery fully under 60 minutes or less promising uninterrupted usage on the move.
We have reached the end of our comprehensive compilation of the top 14 best phones under 17000 available in India based on vital metrics like performance, software, display quality, battery life and camera capabilities.
As evident, leading brands have raised the bar in what buyers can expect from mid-range devices priced below 17K today. Be it 120Hz AMOLED panels, 50MP triple cameras, 33W fast charging or powerful gaming-centric processors – phones now deliver premium features along with style quotient in an affordable package.
While options from realme, Xiaomi, Samsung, OPPO etc. excel distinctly in specific areas, the ones covered here represent a good balance to satisfy most buyer needs. With 5G roll-out around the corner in 2023, purchasing phones future ready for the high-speed connectivity also warrants attention beyond the usual parameters.
We hope the breakdown of each device under sub-sections gives you clarity to choose the ideal one tailor made for your priorities. So go ahead and take that step closer to #BEsTR, because you deserve the best phone without emptying pockets!
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on merchant's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of these products. HappyCredit is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As part of this program, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links provided on this website. We only promote products on Amazon that we genuinely believe are of high quality and value to our audience. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence our editorial content or product recommendations. Our primary goal is to provide useful information and help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Certain portions of the text in this article might have been created using AI tools and subsequently edited by the author to improve the overall quality and clarity of the content for readers.