To help you find the perfect phone for you, we’ve compiled the list of best smartphones under Rs 13,000 for this month in India. Most of them should be able to run your apps without any hiccups and should be able to offer good camera performance along with handling daily abuse well.
Also, to make things clear, 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 can be considered a disadvantage.
You can also check the best smartphones under Rs 15,000 and the top 10 smartphones under Rs 14,000. Lastly, we’ve highlighted our top 3 picks in this budget at the beginning of the list. So here are the best phones under 13k:
These are the best phones under Rs 13,000 in India (2019):
- Redmi 7S: 6.3 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 48MP+5MP
- Oppo RealMe 2 Pro: 6.3 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 8.1, 16+2MP
- Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2: 6.3 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 12MP+5MP
- Realme U1: 6.3 inch, 3/4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 8.1, 13MP+2MP
- Xiaomi Mi A2: 6.0 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 16+20MP
- Panasonic Eluga X1 Pro: 6.2 inch, 6GB RAM, 128GB ROM, Android 8.0, 16+5MP
- Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: 6 inch, 6GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 8.1, 12MP+5MP
- Honor 10 Lite: 6.2 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 9.0, 13MP+2MP
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro: 6 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 8.1, 12+5MP
- Samsung Galaxy M20: 6.3 inch, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Android 8.1, 13MP+5MP
*Top 3 picks around Rs 13,000*
1. Redmi 7S
4GB RAM/ 64GB storage
Buy on Flipkart @ Rs 12,9903GB RAM/ 32GB storage
What’s good:
If Redmi 6 series didn’t impress you much the new generation of Redmi phones should change that. Meet the Redmi 7S which delivers an extremely competitive processor and a large battery at a compelling price point. You also get a 48 megapixel camera on the back that should hopefully deliver some stunning smaller sized pictures. Making things better is Android 9.0 Pie onboard. Oh, by the way, it’s the same as the Redmi Note 7 except for the rear camera.
If Redmi 6 series didn’t impress you much the new generation of Redmi phones should change that. Meet the Redmi 7S which delivers an extremely competitive processor and a large battery at a compelling price point. You also get a 48 megapixel camera on the back that should hopefully deliver some stunning smaller sized pictures. Making things better is Android 9.0 Pie onboard. Oh, by the way, it’s the same as the Redmi Note 7 except for the rear camera.
What could have been better:
Only the hybrid SIM slot.
Only the hybrid SIM slot.
- OS
Android 9.0 Pie - Weight
186g - Display
6.3 inch, IPS
1080 x 2340 pixels - Storage space
32/64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, hybrid - Processor
Snapdragon 660 octa-core 2.2GHzx4 + 1.8GHzx4 - GPU
Adreno 512 - RAM
3/4GB - Camera
48 MP, f/1.8
5MP, f/2.4 (depth) - Secondary camera
13 MP, f/2.2 - Video
1080p@120fps rear
1080p@30fps front - Battery
4,000mAh, 18W charging QC 4.0 - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
May, 2019
Pros and Cons
- Processor
- Android 9.0
- Battery
- Fast charging
- Camera
- Hybrid SIM slot
2. Oppo RealMe 2 Pro
4GB RAM/ 64GB storage
6GB 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 a complete package. Great processor, ample storage, 6GB 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 a complete package. Great processor, ample storage, 6GB 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 8.1 Oreo - 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
6GB - 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 - First announced
Sep, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Processor
- RAM
3. Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2
4GB RAM/ 64GB storage
What’s good:
Here’s what’s changed since the Max Pro M1: The processor is class leading for this budget, the cameras have gotten better, and for better or for worse, there’s a notch. The 5,000mAh battery, has always been to our liking.
Here’s what’s changed since the Max Pro M1: The processor is class leading for this budget, the cameras have gotten better, and for better or for worse, there’s a notch. The 5,000mAh battery, has always been to our liking.
What could have been better:
Nothing really.
Nothing really.
- OS
Android 9.0 - Weight
175g - Display
6.26 inch, IPS
1080 x 2280 pixels - Storage space
32GB/64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Snapdragon 660 Octa-core (4×2.2GHz & 4×1.8GHz) - GPU
Adreno 512 - RAM
3/4/6GB - Camera
12 MP, f/1.8 + 5MP, f/2.4 - Secondary camera
13MP, f/2.0 - Video
2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps rear
1080p front - Battery
5,000mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Dec, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Processor
- Android 9.0
- Battery
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. We also like the quick charging rate.
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. We also like the quick charging rate.
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
- Processor
- Android 9.0
- Quick charging
- Non-expandable memory
Realme U1
What’s good:
Realme has been on a roll. Their latest offering is touted as the best front camera ever! Uh, okay maybe not but we’re assuming it’d still be great. And hey, that processor seems pretty good for this budget.
Realme has been on a roll. Their latest offering is touted as the best front camera ever! Uh, okay maybe not but we’re assuming it’d still be great. And hey, that processor seems pretty good for this budget.
What could have been better:
The storage and RAM options are not really the most competitive for the asking price.
The storage and RAM options are not really the most competitive for the asking price.
- OS
Android 8.1 Oreo - Weight
168g - Display
6.3 inch, IPS
1080 x 2340 pixels - Storage space
32/64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
MT P70 Octa-core (4×2.1GHz A73 & 4×2.0GHzA53) - GPU
Mali-G72 MP3 - RAM
3/4GB - 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
- Processor
- Front camera
Panasonic Eluga X1 Pro
What’s good:
Probably Panasonic’s first foray into this segment in recent years. It’s not a bad phone and comes with decent specs like 128GB memory and 6GB RAM. The processor is starting to age for this budget, but nothing that’s downright ridiculous.
Probably Panasonic’s first foray into this segment in recent years. It’s not a bad phone and comes with decent specs like 128GB memory and 6GB RAM. The processor is starting to age for this budget, but nothing that’s downright ridiculous.
What could have been better:
Given it’s Panasonic, we’re not sure if Android 9.0 will ever hit this phone.
Given it’s Panasonic, we’re not sure if Android 9.0 will ever hit this phone.
- OS
Android 8.1 - Weight
195g - Display
6.2 inch, IPS
1080 x 2246 pixels - Storage space
128GB - Expansion slot
Yes, hybrid - Processor
Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz A73 & 4×2.0GHz A53) MT6771 P60 - GPU
Mali-G72 MP3 - RAM
6GB - 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
Huawei Honor 10 Lite
What’s good:
Finally a sub-15k phone from Huawei that comes with a brand new processor. The Kirin 710 is a massive upgrade over the Kirin 659 and is on par with the Snapdragon 660. However, the Mali GPU is weaker compared to the one found on the 660. Although built on 12nm fabrication, it should be less power hungry. Given the competition in this budget is SD636, the processor is definitely a plus. The phone also has a respectable battery and a likable design. Also, Android 9.0.
Finally a sub-15k phone from Huawei that comes with a brand new processor. The Kirin 710 is a massive upgrade over the Kirin 659 and is on par with the Snapdragon 660. However, the Mali GPU is weaker compared to the one found on the 660. Although built on 12nm fabrication, it should be less power hungry. Given the competition in this budget is SD636, the processor is definitely a plus. The phone also has a respectable battery and a likable design. Also, Android 9.0.
What could have been better:
The hybrid SIM slot.
The hybrid SIM slot.
- OS
Android 9.0 Pie - Weight
162g - Display
6.2 inch, IPS
1080 x 2340 pixels - Storage space
64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, hybrid - Processor
Kirin 710 Octa-core (4×2.2GHz A73 & 4×1.7GHzA53) - GPU
Mali-G51 MP4 - RAM
4GB - Camera
13 MP, f/1.8, + 2MP (depth) - Secondary camera
24 MP, f/2.0 - Video
1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
3,400mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, 4G - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Nov, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Android 9.0
- Processor
- Hybrid SIM
Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
6GB RAM/ 64GB storage
What’s good:
The Max Pro M1 is value-for-money despite the launch of its successor. It offers a decent processor, 6GB RAM, and a large battery.
The Max Pro M1 is value-for-money despite the launch of its successor. It offers a decent processor, 6GB RAM, and a large battery.
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 8.1 Oreo - 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
16MP, f/2.2 + 5MP - Secondary camera
16MP, 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
- RAM
Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro
4GB RAM
6GB RAM
What’s good:
The Redmi Note 6 Pro comes 8 months after its predecessor and manages to improve on the camera department mainly. It also gets a notch because every phone has it these days. We never really hated the storage options to begin with.
The Redmi Note 6 Pro comes 8 months after its predecessor and manages to improve on the camera department mainly. It also gets a notch because every phone has it these days. We never really hated the storage options to begin with.
What could have been better:
For a successor to such a popular phone, much hasn’t changed. You still get the same processor and battery. The competition hasn’t been sitting idle exactly. Also, the hybrid slot, if that bothers you. Also, the Note 7 Pro is out.
For a successor to such a popular phone, much hasn’t changed. You still get the same processor and battery. The competition hasn’t been sitting idle exactly. Also, the hybrid slot, if that bothers you. Also, the Note 7 Pro is out.
- OS
Android 8.1 Oreo - Weight
182g - Display
6.26 inch, IPS
1080 x 2280 pixels - Storage space
64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, hybrid - Processor
Snapdragon 636 octa-core 1.8GHz (A53) - GPU
Adreno 509 - RAM
4GB/6GB - Camera
12 MP, f/1.9 + 5MP f/2.2 - Secondary camera
20 MP, f/2.0 + 2 MP, f/2.2 - Video
1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
4,000mAh, 10W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, (4G) - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Oct, 2018
Pros and Cons
- Battery
- Front camera
- Hybrid SIM slot (SIM2 or microSD)
Samsung Galaxy M20
3GB, 32GB
4GB, 64GB
What’s good:
Well, here’s a first Samsung with a notch. Yes, the last giant has fallen to the notch mania. It’s also Samsung’s answer to the Huaweis and Xiaomis of the world. And hey, it’s got a fairly large battery. Also, those bezels are slim, no? Don’t let the nomenclature on that processor fool you. It’s worse off than the Exynos 7885. The performance of this processor would be closer to the Snapdragon 636.
Well, here’s a first Samsung with a notch. Yes, the last giant has fallen to the notch mania. It’s also Samsung’s answer to the Huaweis and Xiaomis of the world. And hey, it’s got a fairly large battery. Also, those bezels are slim, no? Don’t let the nomenclature on that processor fool you. It’s worse off than the Exynos 7885. The performance of this processor would be closer to the Snapdragon 636.
What could have been better:
We’ll reserve our judgment.
We’ll reserve our judgment.
- OS
Android 8.1 - Weight
186g - Display
6.3 inch, TFT
1080 x 2340 pixels - Storage space
64GB - Expansion slot
Yes, dedicated - Processor
Exynos 7904 Octa-core (2×1.8 GHz & 6×1.8 GHz) - GPU
Mali-G71 MP2 - RAM
4GB - Camera
13 MP, f/1.9, + 5 MP, f/2.2 - Secondary camera
8MP, f/2.0 - Video
1080p@30fps rear
1080p front - Battery
5,000mAh, 15W charging - Connectivity
Dual SIM, 4G - 3.5mm headphone jack
Yes - First announced
Jan, 2019
Pros and Cons
- Battery
- Charging
Not to confuse you with the camera specs listed above. We’ve listed the specs as (megapixels), (aperture), (OIS-if present), (sensor size). Generally speaking, bigger the aperture and sensor size, better is the camera. Which means 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. Also 1/2.2″ is a bigger sensor than, say, 1/2.6″. A bigger aperture camera performs much better in low light situations and produces sharper images. It also produces a better brokeh. Also, OIS refers to optical image stabilization, which helps in reducing blur.
