With a flurry of smartphones launching every month, choosing the right one within a budget can feel overwhelming. To make your decision easier, we’ve curated a list of the top-performing smartphones under ₹10,000 that deliver a strong balance of performance, design, and value — perfect for casual users, students, and first-time buyers.
🔥 1. Lava Storm Play
Price: Around ₹9,999
The Lava Storm Play is a standout choice in the budget category, offering an impressive spec sheet at an affordable price.
Display: 6.75-inch HD+ LCD panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6400
Memory & Storage: 6GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB UFS 3.1 storage (expandable via microSD)
Cameras: Dual rear setup with a 50MP Sony IMX752 primary sensor + 2MP depth sensor; 8MP front camera
Battery: 5,000mAh with 18W fast charging
This phone balances power, speed, and display smoothness, making it ideal for gaming and media consumption on a budget.
⚡ 2. iQOO Z10 Lite 5G
Price: Starts around ₹9,499
iQOO brings 5G connectivity to the budget segment with the Z10 Lite 5G, designed for users who want speed and longevity.
Display: 6.74-inch HD+ LCD, 90Hz refresh rate, up to 1000 nits brightness
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
Memory & Storage: Up to 8GB LPDDR4x RAM, up to 256GB internal storage (expandable to 1TB)
OS: Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15
Cameras: 50MP main camera + 2MP depth sensor; 5MP front camera
Battery: 6,000mAh with 15W fast charging
This device is a great pick for users who prioritize battery life, modern software, and ample storage.
📱 3. Samsung Galaxy M06 5G
Price: Around ₹9,999
Samsung brings its trusted brand name and balanced features to the entry-level 5G market with the M06.
Display: 6.7-inch HD+ LCD with 800 nits brightness
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 paired with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
Memory & Storage: 4GB/6GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB)
Cameras: 50MP rear + 2MP depth; 8MP front camera
Extras: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, bottom-firing speaker
Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W fast charging (charger not included)
If you’re looking for brand reliability, clean software, and a decent camera in this segment, the Galaxy M06 is a solid bet.
🔋 4. Infinix Hot 50 5G
Price: Around ₹9,499
Infinix continues to offer impressive specs in the entry-level segment with the Hot 50 5G, a phone designed for entertainment and multitasking.
Display: 6.7-inch HD+ LCD with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
Memory & Storage: Up to 8GB LPDDR4x RAM, 128GB UFS 2.2 storage (expandable to 1TB)
Cameras: 48MP Sony IMX582 main sensor; 8MP front-facing camera
OS: XOS 14.5 based on Android 14
Battery: 5,000mAh with 18W wired charging
The Hot 50 5G is a great choice for users who want high refresh rates and strong multimedia performance at an entry-level price.
✅ Final Thoughts
The sub-₹10,000 smartphone market has come a long way, now offering 5G connectivity, high refresh rate displays, and even premium storage formats like UFS 3.1. Whether you prioritize performance, battery life, or camera quality, the models listed above provide excellent value for money.
Let us know in the comments which one you’re planning to buy or already using — and stay tuned for next month’s budget phone roundup!
