There is no dearth of low cost Android smartphones in Indian market. After a while, the premium handset segment has started to grow rather rapidly, but domestic and Chinese manufacturers are still prioritizing this segment. If you are on a budget and are looking for entry level android smartphones, compromises will be involved. Having said that, there are a few good options for basic and first time users. If you are restricted by a 6K budget, here are some options you can consider.
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Also Read – Best Flipkart Big Billion Day Smartphone Deals
Micromax Canvas Xpress 2
Desi behemoth Micromax’s Canvas Xpress 2 has been designed to entice budget buyers in all possible ways. Though Micromax refrains from listing dimension at any place official, it is a relatively slim smartphone with a golden accent on the side frame (which works in its favour) and a soft matte finish back (which lends a nice grip).
The Canvas Xpress 2 has a sharp 720p HD display which renders accurate colors and is legible enough in sunlight. For a 13MP sensor, the images are surprising low on details, but appear pleasant on the smartphone display. The software is still Android 4.4 KitKat (nearly stock and efficient), but Micromax guarantees Lollipop update for some time later (Though the update could be harsh on already mediocre battery backup).
Also Read – Top 5 Android Smartphones Under 10,000 INR
Key Features and Specifications
Phone | Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 |
Display | 5 Inch 720P HD |
Processor | 1.4 GHz Octa Core MT6592M |
RAM | 1GB LPDDR3 |
Internal Storage | 8GB, Expandable up to 32GB |
Software | Android 4.4.2 KitKat |
Primary Camera | 13MP, LED flash |
Selfie Camera | 2MP |
Battery | 2500 mAh |
Price | 5,999 INR |
Pros
- Good display
- Reasonable camera for the price
- Good design
Cons
- Dated Android 4.4 KitKat
- No 4G LTE
- Average battery backup
Yu Yunique
Yu Yunique is the low cost smartphone from YU televentures, which has had quite a year so far, riding on the success of Yureka and Yuphoria. Yu Yunique flaunts a similar design as Yuphoria, but is made of plastic. That shouldn’t be something that puts you off though.
The device offers 720p HD display, Quad core 64 Bit chipset and an 8MP rear camera which is certainly above average for its price.
Key Features and Specifications
Phone | Yu Yunique |
Display | 4.7 Inch 720P HD, Gorilla Glass 3 Protection |
Processor | 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410 64 Bit Quad Core |
RAM | 1GB LPDDR3 |
Internal Storage | 8GB, Expandable up to 32GB |
Software | Android 5.1 Lollipop |
Primary Camera | 8MP, LED flash |
Selfie Camera | 2MP |
Dimensions and Weight | 134.5 x 67.5 x 8.3 mm; 128g |
Battery | 2000 mAh |
Price | 4,999 INR |
Pros
- Capable chipset for basic users
- Sharp Display
- Android 5.1 Lollipop with very little bloatware
- 4G LTE
- Good sound quality with third party headphones
Cons
- Display glass accumulates lots of smudges
- Camera performance is average
Karbonn Titanium MachFive
Karbonn Titanium MachFive looks interesting with a textured pattern on the rear cover and dual accent design. 5 inch HD display coupled with quad core chipset, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage makes this an enticing proposition for cash-strapped buyers.
Software is Android Lollipop and there are additional perks like Switkey keyboard, gesture support and IR blaster included. The 8MP camera is surprisingly good for a budget smartphone.
Key Features and Specifications
Phone | Karbonn Titanium MachFive |
Display | 5 Inch 720p HD |
Processor | 1.3GHz quad core MediaTek MT6582 |
RAM | 2GB LPDDR3 |
Internal Storage | 16GB, Expandable up to 64GB |
Software | Android 5.0 Lollipop |
Primary Camera | 8MP, LED flash |
Selfie Camera | 5MP |
Battery | 2200 mAh |
Price | 5,999 INR |
Pros
- Capable chipset with 2GB RAM
- Good Camera
- IR Remote that works well
Cons
- Average battery backup
- Software feels deficient at times
- No 4G
Phicomm Energy 653
The next one is from a lesser known Chinese brand, Phicomm. This is another low cost smartphone which supports 4G LTE connectivity and offers a capable Android experience that should appeal to first time smartphone buyers.
The display has good viewing angles and vibrant colors. The Snapdragon 210 is still 32Bit, but proved to be much better than what we had hoped for. The camera quality is nothing special though. You have to hold your hands very steady. Overall, the handset is among the better ones at this price.
Key Features and Specifications
Phone | Phicomm Energy 653 |
Display | 5 Inch 720p HD |
Processor | 1.1 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 210 |
RAM | 1GB LPDDR3 |
Internal Storage | 8GB, Expandable up to 64GB |
Software | Android 5.1 Lollipop |
Primary Camera | 8MP, LED flash |
Selfie Camera | 2MP |
Dimensions and Weight | 144.00 x 70.00 x 8.00 mm; 127g |
Battery | 2300 mAh |
Price | 4,999 INR |
Pros
- 4G LTE
- Good Display
- Near stock Lollipop based ROM
Cons
- Inconsistent camera
Xiaomi Redmi 2
Though the Prime variant ranks much higher in our recommendation list, you can also consider buying the Redmi 2, which is 1000 INR cheaper but comes with half the RAM and native storage. The tradeoff will be worth it only if you are a very basic user.
The highlights of Xiaomi Redmi 2 include a premium compact design, gorgeous HD display, pretty decent camera and reasonable one day battery backup.
Key Features and Specifications
Phone | Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime |
Display | 4.7 Inch HD |
Processor | 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410 quad core |
RAM | 1GB |
Internal Storage | 8GB, Expandable up to 32GB |
Software | Android 4.4.4 KitKat based MIUI 6 |
Primary Camera | 8MP |
Selfie Camera | 2MP |
Dimensions | 134 x 67 x 9 mm |
Battery | 2200 mAh |
Price | 5,999 INR |
Pros
- Great HD display
- Reasonably good camera
- Feature rich MIUI 6 ROM
- Smooth performance
- 4G LTE on both SIM
Cons
- Base software is slightly dated Android 4.4 Kitkat
- 1GB RAM (Heavy and moderate users might face performance issues in the long run)
For a bit more…
These are some of the smartphones you can consider buying if you are basic or first time smartphone users on a budget. If you are willing to spend a little extra, you should consider options like Moto E 2nd Gen 4G, Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime and Yu Yuphoria which are selling in the adjacent price range.
Also Read – Best smartphone under 15,000 in India (October 2015)