The sub-Rs 15,000 smartphone segment saw some action last month with the launch of Poco M3 Pro 5G. It is Poco’s first 5G smartphone in the country and also one of the few to have 5G connectivity in this segment. The category has seen other improvements since the beginning of the year as well. We know have a few smartphones that come with a high refresh rate panel at this price point while others come with AMOLED displays.
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10S is an example of the same. It has a minimalistic design but, features a very solid 60Hz AMOLED panel which is ideal for streaming content. We can expect more smartphones in this segment in the second half of 2021. However, if you are planning to buy a new smartphone now, here are the best options under Rs 15,000 in July 2021.
Poco M3 Pro 5G
The Poco M3 Pro 5G is not really a disruptor or an extraordinary smartphone. It comes with basic upgrades on the Poco M3 while cutting few corners. The smartphone stands out because of its unusual yet appealing design. The smartphone features a hole-punch display with 90Hz refresh rate, DynamicSwitch feature, is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC, and is paired with up to 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB. The phone has a triple rear camera setup that includes a 48-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. There is no ultra-wide-angle camera on this one.
Redmi Note 10S
Launched only in June, the Redmi Note 10S is priced at Rs 14,999 and brings a 60Hz AMOLED display with a good design to the table. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G95 processor. The Redmi Note 10S runs Android 11 and is powered by a 5000mAh battery. The phone features a 64-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 2-megapixel macro camera. It sports a 13-megapixel camera on the front for selfies. The smartphone also introduced MIUI 12.5 in India and feels refreshing to use.
Realme 8 5G
If 5G is your priority, then the Realme 8G also makes a lot of sense. It is a capable smartphone at a starting price of Rs 14,999. The smartphone features a 6.5-inch Full-HD+ 90Hz display with a 90.5 screen-to-body ratio and 405 PPI pixel density. The Realme 8 5G is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. Realme 8 5G brings a 48-megapixel main camera along with a 2-megapixel monochrome camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. On the front, you get a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.
Poco X3
One of the reasons why Poco M3 Pro 5G doesn’t feel like as powerful as it should, is because you already have the Poco X3 in the same category. It may come with a more simple design but, has better hardware to offer. It is the only phone under Rs 15,000 that features a 120Hz refresh rate and also features a comparatively better processor. It features a 6000mAh battery, 120Hz refresh rate display, Snapdragon 732 SoC, and 64-megapixel primary camera sensor.
