This year has been great in terms of phones, especially if we consider just low-cost smartphones .
There are devices existing in the market that have the latest mid-range processors, priced affordably. The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 is the most recent example of one such phone. But unfortunately, it costs Rs 11,000 while we are listing phones under Rs 10,000.
Moreover, there is a lot to come in the coming days. We were expecting the Moto G6 series to debut under the given budget, but the cheapest it could go is Rs 11,999 with the G6 Play. If you're fine with a phone that offers good value for money and handles mild usage with ease, you can take a look the phones below.
They are priced under Rs 10,000 and do everything you expect from a phone at this range.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (3GB RAM)
The 18:9 display make it to the Redmi
Weight: 180g | Dimensions: 158.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm | OS: Android 7 | Screen size: 5.99-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 2160 pixels | CPU: Snapdragon 625 | RAM: 3/4GB | Storage: 32/64GB | Battery: 4000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
For just Rs 9,999, the Redmi Note 5 replaces the Note 4 for the top spot. The new phone is an update over its predecessor. It has a 18:9 display with a slightly better camera and software optimisations. The smartphone has everything that one expects from a phone of this range.
The Snapdragon 625 with 3GB RAM is good enough sail through intensive usage with a phenomenal full day battery life.
Read the full review: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 review
Honor 9 Lite (32 GB)
Weight: 149g | Dimensions: 151 x 71.9 x 7.6mm | OS: Android 8 Oreo | Screen size: 5.6-inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1080 | CPU: Kirin 659 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 13MP + 2MP | Front camera: 13MP + 2MP
Honor's 9 lite looks dapper in the Sapphire Blue colour variant. It has everything going for it in the design department with the shiny 2.5D glass on back and for Rs 10,999, it's one of the better designed smartphones available right now.
The 18:9 aspect ratio display is vibrant and is reason enough to buy it. It also has a quad-camera setup. The front-facing cameras capture some good pictures, while the rear one leaves much to be desired. There's no fast charge support which might be a deal breaker for some.
But for people who can turn a blind eye to these things, the 9 lite is a unique smartphone at this price.
Also read: Honor 9 Lite review
Xiaomi Redmi 5 (3GB RAM)
Pocketsize powerhouse
Weight: 157g | Dimensions: 151.8 x 72.8 x 7.7mm | OS: Android 7.0 | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 720 x 1440 | CPU: Snapdragon 450 | RAM: 2/3/4GB | Storage: 16/32/64GB | Battery: 3300mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
The Redmi 5 succeeds the Redmi 4 from Xiaomi. It's a huge upgrade over its predecessor in terms of display and internals, but the design still remains identical to the older Xiaomi phones.
It runs Snapdragon 450, which is the latest chipset for budget phones and works pretty well in day to day usage. There are three RAM variants of the phone but the 3GB variant at Rs 8,999 offers the best value for money proposition. Despite of a cut in the battery, it can easily sail you through a full day of usage. The build is solid and new display looks like a great alternative to consume media on the go.
Read the full review: Xiaomi Redmi 5 review
Xiaomi Redmi 4
Weight: 150g | Dimensions: 139.2 x 70 x 8.7mm | OS: Android 6.0 | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 720 x 1280 | CPU: Snapdragon 435 | RAM: 2/3/4GB | Storage: 16/32/64GB | Battery: 4100mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
Although Xiaomi has now released the Redmi 5 at a same price as the Redmi 4, the Redmi 4 is still an option you can consider. When compared to phones that fall in the price bracket, the Redmi 4 still stands strong with its impressive battery life and decent performance. Those who prefer a compact phone that can get the basics done, the Redmi 4 is still an option.
The only issue with the phone is its software, which is still stuck on Android Marshmallow. Thankfully Xiaomi has released the latest MIUI 9 as a cover up.
Read the full review: Xiaomi Redmi 4 review
Redmi Y2
More than just a selfie phone
Weight: 170g | Dimensions: 160.7 x 77.3 x 8.1 mm | OS: Android 8.1 | Screen size: 5.99-inch | Resolution: 720 x 1440 | CPU: Snapdragon 625 | RAM: 3/4GB | Storage: 32/64GB | Battery: 3080mAh | Rear camera: 12+5MP | Front camera: 16MP
The Redmi Y2 is the second iteration of Xiaomi's youth-focused Y-series. Of all the phones Xiaomi has launched till July 2018, the Y2 seemed like the biggest upgrade to its predecessor. Despite being a successful phone, the Redmi Y1 lacked the strength to be compared with the Redmi Note series, but the Y2 has a different story. Overall, the Y2 has proved to be a better composition of specifications and features than the Redmi Note 5.
Moto E5
Big battery, better design
Weight: 174g | Dimensions: 154.4 x 72.2 x 9 mm | OS: Android 8.0 Oreo | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 720 | CPU: Snapdragon 425 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB | Battery: 4000mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
The Moto E5 is a toned down variant of the Moto E5 Plus. The E5 Plus is a better choice among the two, but it's the E5 that falls under Rs 10,000 price bracket. It's a pretty nice looking phone than most its competitors, and it brings the simplicity of stock Android experience.
The Redmi 5 is a better option if power is preference, but the E5 dominates with its solid battery life and better design.
Review- Moto E5