If you’re looking for a phone under or around Rs 9,000, check our list of the 10 best smartphones under Rs 9,000 in India for this month below. These include only the best 4G phones running on Android that offer great value for money.
We’ve only covered phones from reputable manufacturers. Also, before we get started, to clarify, phones with hybrid SIM slot allow you to either place a second SIM or a microSD card, but not both at the same time, so it’s a disadvantage.
Also, check the best smartphones under Rs 7,000 and the top 10 smartphones under Rs 10,000.
These are the 10 best phones under Rs 9,000 in India (2020):
- Oppo RealMe 2 Pro: 6.3 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 16+2MP
- Xiaomi Mi A2: 6.0 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 16+20MP
- Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: 1080p, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 12MP+5MP
- Realme U1: 6.3 inch, 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM, Android 9.0, 13MP+2MP
- Realme 5 : 720p, 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM, Android 9.0, 12MP+8MP+2MP+2MP
- Vivo U10: 720p, 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM, Android 9.0, 13MP+8MP+2MP
- Redmi 8 : 720p, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 12MP+2MP
- Samsung Galaxy M10s: 720p, 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM, Android 9.0, 13MP+5MP
- Panasonic Eluga X1: 1080p, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 8.1, 16+5MP
- Asus Zenfone Max M2: 720p, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 13MP+2MP
- Xiaomi Redmi Y3: 720p, 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM, Android 9.0, 12MP+2MP, 4,000mAh
*Top 3 picks around Rs 9,000*
1. Oppo RealMe 2 Pro
4GB RAM/ 64GB storage
Buy on Flipkart @ Rs 8,9906GB RAM/ 64GB storage
What’s good:
Notches are ugly, but smaller ones do help. Luckily the newest RealMe comes with a teardrop notch to give you enough screen area on the top. Oppo has also packed this phone with as much specs as it possibly could and the result is a phone that is miles ahead of anything in this budget. Great processor, ample storage, 8GB RAM, do we even need flagships anymore?
Notches are ugly, but smaller ones do help. Luckily the newest RealMe comes with a teardrop notch to give you enough screen area on the top. Oppo has also packed this phone with as much specs as it possibly could and the result is a phone that is miles ahead of anything in this budget. Great processor, ample storage, 8GB RAM, do we even need flagships anymore?
What could have been better:
Find us one and we’ll call you out.
Find us one and we’ll call you out.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
174g - Display
6.3 inch, IPS
1080 x 2340 pixels - Storage space
64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 660 octa-core 2.2GHzx4 + 1.8GHzx4 - GPU
Adreno 512 - RAM
4GB - Camera
16MP, f/1.7 + 2MP, f/2.4 - Secondary camera
16MP - Video
2160p@30fps rear
1080p@30fps front - Battery
3,500mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Sep, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Display resolution
- RAM
- Processor
2. Xiaomi Mi A2
4GB RAM, 64GB
Buy from AmazonWhat’s good:
The Mi A1 didn’t stay long enough in the market to make a lasting impression, but its successor is here to change that. Mi A2 comes with promising cameras and a decent processor. And hey, it got updated to Android 9.0 recently. There’s also a 6GB RAM variant with more internal storage.
The Mi A1 didn’t stay long enough in the market to make a lasting impression, but its successor is here to change that. Mi A2 comes with promising cameras and a decent processor. And hey, it got updated to Android 9.0 recently. There’s also a 6GB RAM variant with more internal storage.
What could have been better:
There’s no expandable memory or 3.5mm headphone jack here.
There’s no expandable memory or 3.5mm headphone jack here.
- OS
Android 9.0 Android One - Weight
166 - Display
5.99 inch, IPS
1080 x 2160 pixels - Storage space
64GB - Expansion slot
No - Processor
Snapdragon 660 octa-core 2.2GHzx4 + 1.8GHzx4 - GPU
Adreno 512 - RAM
4GB - Camera
12 MP, f/1.8 + 20MP f/1.8 - Secondary camera
20 MP, f/2.2 - Video
2160p 30FPS rear
1080p 30FPS front - Battery
3,010mAh, 18W charging QC 4.0 - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
No - First announced
Aug, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Display resolution
- Processor
- Fast charging
- Non-expandable memory
3. Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
3GB RAM/ 32GB storage
4GB RAM/ 64GB storage
What’s good:
The Max Pro M1 is value-for-money despite the launch of its successor. It offers a great processor, 4GB RAM, and a large battery. The phone also got updated to Android 9.0 recently.
The Max Pro M1 is value-for-money despite the launch of its successor. It offers a great processor, 4GB RAM, and a large battery. The phone also got updated to Android 9.0 recently.
What could have been better:
Nothing at all. Seems like a great phone spec-wise.
Nothing at all. Seems like a great phone spec-wise.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
180g - Display
5.99 inch, IPS
1080 x 2160 pixels - Storage space
32GB/64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 636 octa-core 1.8GHz (Kyro 260) - GPU
Adreno 509 - RAM
3GB/4GB - Camera
13MP, f/2.2 + 5MP - Secondary camera
8MP, f/2.2 - Video
2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps rear
1080p front - Battery
5,000mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Apr, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Battery
- Processor
- Display resolution
- Storage
- RAM
Realme U1
What’s good:
The USP for this phone is its front camera, but we also happen to like the processor inside.
The USP for this phone is its front camera, but we also happen to like the processor inside.
What could have been better:
Nothing really.
Nothing really.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
168g - Display
6.3 inch, IPS
1080 x 2340 pixels - Storage space
32GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
MT P70 Octa-core (4×2.1GHz A73 & 4×2.0GHzA53) - GPU
Mali-G72 MP3 - RAM
3GB - Camera
13 MP, f/2.2 + 2 MP, f/2.4 (depth) - Secondary camera
25MP, f/2.0 - Video
1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
3,500mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, 4G - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Nov, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Display resolution
- Processor
- Front camera
Realme 5
3GB RAM, 32GB
4GB RAM, 64GB
4GB RAM, 128GB
What’s good:
A considerable improvement over the Realme 3i. There’s a very capable processor, four rear cameras (maybe the only phone in the segment), enough RAM and up to a staggering 128GB storage, and a large enough battery. To top it, the phone comes with Android 9.0 on board.
A considerable improvement over the Realme 3i. There’s a very capable processor, four rear cameras (maybe the only phone in the segment), enough RAM and up to a staggering 128GB storage, and a large enough battery. To top it, the phone comes with Android 9.0 on board.
What could have been better:
If only the phone had a full HD display.
If only the phone had a full HD display.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
175g - Display
6.5 inch, IPS
720 x 1600 pixels - Storage space
32/64GB/128GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 665 Octa-core (4×2.0GHz & 4×1.8 GHz) - GPU
Adreno 610 - RAM
3/4GB - Camera
12 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (dedicated macro camera)
2 MP, f/2.4, depth sensor - Secondary camera
13 MP, f/2.0 - Video
2160p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
5,000mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, 4G - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Aug, 2019
Pros and Cons
- Quad cameras
- Battery
- Processor
- Display
Vivo U10
3GB RAM/ 32GB storage
3GB RAM/ 64GB storage
What’s good:
The U10 is a great phone since it has been packed with a brilliant processor, ample storage, and enough battery juice. Making things better are 18W fast charging, Android 9.0, and three rear cameras.
The U10 is a great phone since it has been packed with a brilliant processor, ample storage, and enough battery juice. Making things better are 18W fast charging, Android 9.0, and three rear cameras.
What could have been better:
The display resolution, maybe. And just 3GB RAM.
The display resolution, maybe. And just 3GB RAM.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
191g - Display
6.4 inch, IPS
720 x 1544 pixels - Storage space
32GB/64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 665 Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz & 4×1.8 GHz) - GPU
Adreno 610 - RAM
3GB - Camera
13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, depth sensor - Secondary camera
8 MP, f/1.8 - Video
1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
5,000mAh, 18W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Sep, 2019
Pros and Cons
- Battery
- Storage
- Processor
Redmi 8
What’s good:
The Snapdragon 439 on the new Redmi 8 is definitely faster than the P22. The phone also boasts a large battery along with 18W charging to fill it up quickly. We like how it looks too. Ample RAM and storage seal the deal.
The Snapdragon 439 on the new Redmi 8 is definitely faster than the P22. The phone also boasts a large battery along with 18W charging to fill it up quickly. We like how it looks too. Ample RAM and storage seal the deal.
What could have been better:
No complaints.
No complaints.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
188g - Display
6.2 inch, IPS
720 x 1520 pixels - Storage space
64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 439 Octa-core (2×1.95 GHz & 6×1.45 GHz) - GPU
Adreno 505 - RAM
4GB - Camera
12 MP, f/1.8
2 MP, depth sensor - Secondary camera
8 MP, f/2.0 - Video
1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
5,000mAh, 18W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, 4G - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Oct, 2019 - Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Pros and Cons
- RAM
- Storage
- Battery
- Fast charging
Samsung Galaxy M10s
What’s good:
Better than the M10 in every way, the M10s sports a Super AMOLED display, a much more powerful processor than the P22, fast charging, and a decently large battery, There’s also 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, and dual cameras on the back.
Better than the M10 in every way, the M10s sports a Super AMOLED display, a much more powerful processor than the P22, fast charging, and a decently large battery, There’s also 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, and dual cameras on the back.
What could have been better:
Looks decent but only comes with 3GB RAM.
Looks decent but only comes with 3GB RAM.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
169g - Display
6.4 inch, Super AMOLED
720 x 1560 pixels - Storage space
32GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Exynos 7884B (2×1.6 GHz A73 & 6×1.35 GHz A53) - GPU
Mali-G71 MP2 - RAM
3GB - Camera
13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide)
5 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide) - Secondary camera
5MP, f/2.0 - Video
1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
4,000mAh, 15W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, 4G - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Sep, 2019
Pros and Cons
Panasonic Eluga X1
What’s good:
It’s not a bad phone and comes with decent specs like a decent processor, 64GB memory and 4GB RAM. The processor is starting to age for this budget, but still powerful for this budget.
It’s not a bad phone and comes with decent specs like a decent processor, 64GB memory and 4GB RAM. The processor is starting to age for this budget, but still powerful for this budget.
What could have been better:
Given it’s Panasonic, we’re not sure if Android 9.0 will ever hit this phone. No headphone jack either.
Given it’s Panasonic, we’re not sure if Android 9.0 will ever hit this phone. No headphone jack either.
- OS
Android 8.1 - Weight
195g - Display
6.2 inch, IPS
1080 x 2246 pixels - Storage space
64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, hybrid - Processor
Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz A73 & 4×2.0GHz A53) MT6771 P60 - GPU
Mali-G72 MP3 - RAM
4GB - Camera
Dual 16 MP (f/2.0) + 5 MP - Secondary camera
16MP, f/2.0 - Video
1080p 30FPS rear and front - Battery
3,000mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, 4G - 3.5mm headphone jack
No - First announced
Oct, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Storage
- RAM
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Android 8.1
Asus Zenfone Max M2
3GB RAM/ 32GB storage
4GB RAM/ 64GB storage
What’s good:
A more budget offering to Max Pro M2, this one comes with a more nimble (not shabby) processor. There’s a huge battery though and it’s capable of recording 2160p videos.
A more budget offering to Max Pro M2, this one comes with a more nimble (not shabby) processor. There’s a huge battery though and it’s capable of recording 2160p videos.
What could have been better:
We wish for a full HD screen resolution, but then, maybe that’s too much of an ask.
We wish for a full HD screen resolution, but then, maybe that’s too much of an ask.
- OS
Android 8.1 Oreo - Weight
160g - Display
6.26 inch, IPS
720 x 1520 pixels - Storage space
32GB/64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 632 Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz + 4×1.8 GHz) - GPU
Adreno 506 - RAM
3/4GB - Camera
13 MP, f/1.8, + 2MP (depth) - Secondary camera
8 MP, f/2.0 - Video
2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
4,000mAh, non removable - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Dec, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Processor
- Battery
- RAM
- Storage
- Display
- Android 8.1
Xiaomi Redmi Y3
What’s good:
Redmi Y3 is Redmi 7 with a better front camera. It comes with a decent processor for this budget, dual cameras on the back, Android 9.0 on board, and up to 64 gigs of storage.
Redmi Y3 is Redmi 7 with a better front camera. It comes with a decent processor for this budget, dual cameras on the back, Android 9.0 on board, and up to 64 gigs of storage.
What could have been better:
We would have preferred a full HD+ display.
We would have preferred a full HD+ display.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
180g - Display resolution
720 x 1520 - Display
6.26 inch, IPS - Storage space
32GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 632 Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz + 4×1.8 GHz) - GPU
Adreno 506 - RAM
3GB - Camera
12MP, f/2.2
5MP (depth) - Secondary camera
32 MP, f/2.2 - Video
1080p 60FPS rear
1080p 30FPS front - Battery
4,000mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Apr, 2019
Pros and Cons
- Front camera
- Display
Not to confuse you with the camera specs listed above. We’ve listed the specs as (megapixels), (aperture). Generally speaking, the bigger the aperture, the better is the camera, especially in low light situations. This means that the smaller the number in the denominator, the bigger the aperture or sensor size is. For example, f/1.9 is a bigger aperture and than f/2.0. A bigger aperture camera performs much better in low light situations and produces sharper images. It also produces a better bokeh.
