Best Phone Under ₹20,000 in December 2025: Top 5 Smartphones Tested & Ranked

The smartphone market just went through a major price shake-up. Phones that cost ₹20,000 last month are now hitting ₹22,000-23,000. Confused about which phone to buy in this chaos? You’re not alone.

I’ve spent the last month testing every single phone launch in this segment. After extensive real-world testing—cameras, gaming, battery life, daily performance—I’ve narrowed it down to the 5 best phones under ₹20,000 you can actually buy right now in December 2025.

Some of these are brand new launches. Some are proven favorites with price drops. All of them deliver exceptional value despite the recent price increases.

Let’s find YOUR perfect phone.

🚨 Important: December 2025 Pricing Reality

Before we dive in, here’s what you need to know about the current market:

The Price Increase Problem:

• Most ₹20K phones are now ₹22-23K
• Component costs have risen globally
• Festival season pricing has normalized
• Some models are out of stock in certain regions

The Good News:

• Card offers can bring prices down ₹1,000-2,000
• Bank EMI options make expensive phones accessible
• Some older flagships have dropped to this segment
• Competition keeps some prices aggressive

Budget Reality Check: If your budget is strictly ₹20,000, expect to find phones priced at ₹21,000-22,000 that drop to your range with offers. I’ve factored this into my recommendations.

📋 Quick Comparison: Top 5 at a Glance

Now let’s break down each phone in detail…

🥇 #1: Realme P3 Ultra – The Complete Package

Price: ₹20,000 – ₹22,000
Rating: 9/10
Best For: All-rounders who want the complete package

Why It Takes the Crown

After testing every phone in this segment, the Realme P3 Ultra emerges as the most complete smartphone under ₹20,000. It doesn’t just excel in one area—it delivers across the board.

Display: Sharp & Immersive

Screen: 6.7-inch AMOLED
Resolution: 1.5K (2412 x 1080)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz

The 1.5K resolution is a BIG deal. While most phones in this range offer Full HD+, the P3 Ultra gives you noticeably sharper text, crisper images, and more detailed videos.

Real-world impact:

• Netflix shows look cinema-quality
• Text reading is easier on the eyes
• Gaming visuals have more clarity
• YouTube videos at 1440p look stunning

The AMOLED panel delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility. If you consume a lot of content—streaming, social media, reading—this display alone justifies the price.

Performance: Flagship-Level Power

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultra
AnTuTu Score: ~1,400,000

This is where the P3 Ultra absolutely demolishes the competition. The Dimensity 8350 Ultra is essentially a flagship processor that somehow landed in a mid-range phone.

What this means for you:

For Gaming:

• BGMI/PUBG: Smooth 90fps on high settings
• Genshin Impact: Playable at high graphics
• COD Mobile: Max settings, no stuttering
• Asphalt 9: Butter-smooth experience

For Daily Use:

• Apps open instantly
• No lag when switching between apps
• Heavy multitasking? No problem
• Photo/video editing is smooth
• Will stay fast for 2-3 years easily

Camera: Solid All-Rounder

Rear: 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide)
Front: 16MP

The camera setup isn’t groundbreaking on paper, but Realme’s processing has improved significantly.

Photo Quality:

• Daylight shots: Excellent detail and colors
• Portrait mode: Good edge detection, natural blur
• Low-light: Decent with Night Mode
• Ultrawide: Better than most competitors
• Video: 4K at 30fps, stabilization is good

Sample Analysis from Testing:

The photos come out well-balanced—not oversaturated like some Chinese brands, not washed out like some budget Samsungs. Skin tones look natural in most lighting conditions.

Is it the BEST camera under ₹20K? No—the CMF Phone 2 Pro edges it out. But it’s more than good enough for:

• Instagram/social media posts
• Family photos and videos
• Travel photography (daylight)
• Content creation basics

Battery: All-Day Beast

Capacity: 6,000mAh
Charging: 67W fast charging

A 6,000mAh battery is HUGE. Here’s what I got in real-world testing:

Mixed Usage (My Typical Day):

• 2-3 hours of gaming
• 1 hour of video streaming
• 2-3 hours of social media
• Music streaming (1-2 hours)
• Calls and messaging throughout

Result: Consistently got through a full day with 20-30% left. On lighter days, easily pushed to 1.5 days.

The 67W charging gets you:

• 0-50% in about 20 minutes
• 0-100% in under 45 minutes

For heavy users: This battery life is game-changing.

Build & Design

Certification: IP69 water and dust resistance
Build: Plastic frame, glass back

The IP69 rating is exceptional at this price. Most phones barely offer IP53. This means:

• Accidental water spills? No problem
• Rain exposure? Safe
• Dust and sand? Handled
• Peace of mind? Absolutely

The build feels premium despite the plastic frame. The weight distribution is good, and it doesn’t feel cheap in hand.

Software Experience

OS: Realme UI 5.0 (Android 14)
Updates: 3 years OS + 4 years security

Realme UI has improved dramatically. It’s:

• Clean with minimal bloatware
• Smooth animations
• Useful features (screen recording, split-screen)
• Regular security patches

Not as refined as Samsung’s One UI, but significantly better than Xiaomi’s MIUI/HyperOS.

✅ PROS

• Next-level performance – Dimensity 8350 Ultra is a beast
• 1.5K AMOLED display – Sharper than Full HD
• Massive 6000mAh battery – All-day+ usage
• IP69 rating – Best water/dust protection in segment
• 67W fast charging – Quick top-ups
• Balanced cameras – Good all-rounder
• Clean software – Minimal bloat

❌ CONS

• Price has increased slightly (₹20-22K range)
• Camera not the absolute best (CMF wins here)
• Plastic build (though feels premium)
• No telephoto lens

Who Should Buy the Realme P3 Ultra?

PERFECT FOR:

• Power users who demand top performance
• Heavy gamers looking for smooth gameplay
• Content consumers (streaming, YouTube, social media)
• Anyone who needs all-day battery
• People who want future-proof performance
• Users who prioritize overall balance

SKIP IF:

• Camera is your absolute top priority (get CMF)
• You want curved display (get Motorola)
• Brand loyalty to Samsung/iPhone matters
• Budget is strictly under ₹20K (wait for offers)

Final Verdict: #1 for a Reason

Rating: 9/10

The Realme P3 Ultra is the phone I’d recommend to 70% of people shopping under ₹20,000. It delivers flagship-level performance, excellent battery life, a gorgeous display, and solid cameras—all wrapped in a package that’ll serve you well for years.

Yes, it’s slightly over ₹20K. But the performance jump justifies every extra rupee. This is a ₹25K phone selling for ₹22K. That’s value.

🥈 #2: Samsung Galaxy A35 – The Reliable Choice

Price: ₹19,000 – ₹20,000
Rating: 8.5/10
Best For: Brand loyalists, long-term users, parents buying for kids

Why Samsung Still Matters

In a segment dominated by Chinese brands offering crazy specs, why does the Samsung A35 deserve the #2 spot? Because specs aren’t everything.

The Samsung Advantage Nobody Talks About

Software Updates: 6-7 YEARS
Service Centers: Available everywhere in India
Resale Value: Holds value better than Chinese brands
Brand Trust: Parents trust it, offices approve it

Let me be clear: Samsung A35 is NOT a gaming phone. It won’t match the Realme or Poco in raw performance. But for 80% of users—those who need a reliable daily driver—this is THE choice.

Display: Super AMOLED Excellence

Screen: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED
Resolution: Full HD+ (1080 x 2340)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Samsung’s Super AMOLED displays are legendary, and the A35 doesn’t disappoint. The color reproduction, contrast, and brightness are noticeably better than most competitors.

Why this matters:

• Colors look more natural
• Better outdoor visibility
• Less eye strain during long use
• HDR content looks phenomenal

Performance: Good Enough for Most

Processor: Exynos 1380
AnTuTu Score: ~590,000

Here’s the brutal truth: The Exynos 1380 is SIGNIFICANTLY slower than the Dimensity chips in Realme and Poco.

Gaming Performance:

• BGMI/PUBG: Medium settings, 60fps (not 90fps)
• Heavy games struggle at high graphics
• Some heating during extended gaming

Daily Performance:

• Apps open smoothly
• Multitasking is fine
• Social media, streaming – no issues
• Camera processing is quick

Bottom line: If gaming is your priority, skip this. If you’re a normal user (calls, WhatsApp, social media, photos, streaming), this is MORE than enough.

Camera: Triple Setup with OIS

Rear: 50MP (main, OIS) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
Front: 13MP

The 50MP main camera with OIS is the star here. Samsung’s image processing is mature and reliable.

Photo Quality:

• Daylight: Excellent colors, great detail
• Portrait: Good edge detection, natural skin tones
• Low-light: Decent, OIS helps with stability
• Ultrawide: Good for landscapes
• Macro: Usable for close-ups

Samsung photos look “Samsung”—slightly punchy colors, good contrast, reliable results. You won’t get surprises. What you see is what you get.

Battery & Charging

Capacity: 5,000mAh
Charging: 25W (No charger in box)

The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use. With lighter use, you can push to 1.5 days.

The charger situation: Samsung doesn’t include a 25W charger. You’ll need to buy one separately (₹500-800). Factor this into your budget.

25W isn’t blazing fast—0-100% takes about 90 minutes. But for most people, overnight charging works fine.

Build Quality: Premium Feel

Frame: Plastic (but high-quality)
Back: Gorilla Glass 5
Rating: IP67 water/dust resistance

The build feels significantly more premium than the spec sheet suggests. Samsung’s plastics don’t feel cheap. The IP67 rating offers good protection against water and dust.

One UI: The Best Android Skin

OS: One UI 6.1 (Android 14)
Updates: 4 OS updates + 6 years security patches

One UI is, in my opinion, the best Android skin available. It’s:

• Clean and bloat-free
• Smooth with fluid animations
• Feature-rich (Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, etc.)
• Consistent across all apps
• Regularly updated

6-7 years of updates means this phone will be supported until 2030-2032. NO other brand in this segment comes close.

✅ PROS

• 6-7 years of software updates – Best in class
• Super AMOLED display – Gorgeous colors
• Excellent camera with OIS – Reliable photos
• One UI is the best Android skin – Smooth and feature-rich
• Strong brand service network – Service centers everywhere
• Good resale value – Samsung holds value
• IP67 rating – Water and dust resistant
• Premium build quality – Feels expensive

❌ CONS

• Exynos 1380 is slower than Dimensity chips
• Not for gamers – Medium settings only
• 25W charging is slow – Takes 90 minutes
• No charger in box – Must buy separately
• Price fluctuates – Check current offers
• Smaller battery than competition (5000mAh vs 6000mAh+)

Who Should Buy the Samsung A35?

PERFECT FOR:

• First-time smartphone buyers
• Parents buying for teenagers
• Office professionals (approved by IT departments)
• Users who keep phones 3-4+ years
• People who value software updates
• Those who need widespread service network
• Brand-conscious buyers
• Photography enthusiasts (reliable camera)

SKIP IF:

• Gaming is a priority
• You want fastest charging
• Raw performance specs matter
• You change phones every 1-2 years
• Budget is tight (Chinese brands offer more specs/₹)

Final Verdict: The Safe Bet

Rating: 8.5/10

The Samsung A35 isn’t exciting. It won’t blow you away with crazy specs or gimmicks. But it’s the phone your parents would approve of. The phone that’ll work flawlessly for 4-5 years. The phone with service centers in every town.

If you want peace of mind over peak performance, this is your phone.

🥉 #3: Poco X7 Pro – The Gaming Powerhouse

Price: ₹20,000 – ₹22,000
Rating: 8.5/10
Best For: Gamers, power users, battery life seekers

The Gaming-First Philosophy

Poco phones have always been about one thing: cramming maximum performance into affordable prices. The X7 Pro continues this tradition with gaming-focused hardware.

Performance: Dimensity 8400 Beast

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8400
AnTuTu Score: ~1,350,000

The Dimensity 8400 is a BEAST. It trades blows with last year’s flagship processors.

Gaming Benchmarks:

• BGMI/PUBG: 120fps on smooth settings, 90fps on HD
• Genshin Impact: High settings at 60fps
• COD Mobile: Ultra graphics, stable 60fps
• Asphalt 9: Max everything, no frame drops

Real-world gaming experience: During extended gaming sessions (2+ hours), the phone stayed surprisingly cool thanks to vapor chamber cooling. No thermal throttling, no lag spikes.

For non-gamers: This performance is overkill for normal use. But it means:

• Apps will NEVER lag
• Phone stays fast for 3-4 years
• Heavy multitasking is effortless
• Photo/video editing is smooth

Display: Solid AMOLED

Screen: 6.67-inch AMOLED
Resolution: Full HD+ (1080 x 2400)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz

The display is good—not class-leading, but perfectly fine. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz makes everything smooth.

Gaming advantage: The high refresh rate with responsive touch sampling makes competitive gaming smoother. In BGMI, you’ll notice the difference in quick-reflex situations.

Camera: Good Enough (Not Great)

Rear: 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide)
Front: 20MP

Let’s be honest: Camera is where Poco makes compromises to keep prices low.

Photo Quality:

• Daylight: Decent detail, slightly oversaturated colors
• Portrait: Good enough for social media
• Low-light: Average at best
• Skin tones: Xiaomi’s processing can look artificial

During testing: Photos were usable but not impressive. Skin tones had that typical Xiaomi/Poco look—slightly different from Oppo/Vivo/Samsung processing.

Bottom line on cameras: If photography is important, this isn’t your phone. If you’re okay with “good enough for Instagram,” you’ll be fine.

Battery: Absolute Monster

Capacity: 6,550mAh
Charging: 90W HyperCharge

This is the BIGGEST battery in this list. The real-world impact is huge:

Gaming-focused test:

• 3 hours of BGMI (high settings)
• 1 hour of video streaming
• 2 hours of social media
• Music and calls throughout

Result: Still had 25-30% left at bedtime. On lighter days, easily got 1.5-2 days.

The 90W charging is insanely fast:

• 0-50% in just 15 minutes
• 0-100% in under 35 minutes

For gamers: This combo of huge battery + super-fast charging is perfect. Never worry about battery mid-game.

Build & Design

Frame: Plastic
Back: Plastic
Feel: Typical Poco—functional over premium

The build is all plastic, and it feels like it. This isn’t a premium-feeling phone. But Poco fans don’t care—they want specs, not aesthetics.

The design is gamer-centric with angular lines and bold branding. You’ll either love it or find it tacky. No in-between.

Software: Bloatware Alert

OS: HyperOS (based on Android 14)
Bloatware: Heavy

Here’s the biggest downside: Poco/Xiaomi’s software is BLOATED. You get:

• Pre-installed apps you don’t want
• Ads in some system apps (can be disabled)
• GetApps store pushing downloads
• Notification spam from MI apps

The good news: Most can be uninstalled or disabled. After 30 minutes of cleanup, the experience improves significantly.

Updates: 2-3 years of OS updates, which is okay but not Samsung-level.

✅ PROS

• Dimensity 8400 is powerful – Gaming beast
• 6,550mAh battery – Biggest in segment
• 90W fast charging – Full charge in 35 minutes
• Excellent gaming performance – Smooth 90-120fps
• Good cooling system – No thermal throttling
• Great value for performance – Most specs per rupee
• 120Hz AMOLED display – Smooth visuals

❌ CONS

• Camera is mediocre – Not for photography lovers
• Heavy bloatware – Requires cleanup
• Plastic build feels cheap – No premium feel
• Ads in system apps – Can be disabled but annoying
• Xiaomi skin tones – May not suit everyone
• Bulky due to big battery – Not for small hands

Who Should Buy the Poco X7 Pro?

PERFECT FOR:

• Serious mobile gamers
• Power users who multitask heavily
• People who hate charging phones
• Spec-focused buyers (max specs per ₹)
• Users who don’t care about camera quality
• Those who value raw performance
• Battery anxiety sufferers

SKIP IF:

• Camera quality matters to you
• You want a premium-feeling phone
• Bloatware bothers you (unless you’ll clean it)
• You prefer clean software experience
• Compact phones are your preference

Final Verdict: Gaming King

Rating: 8.5/10

If gaming is your priority, stop reading and buy this. The combination of Dimensity 8400 + 6,550mAh battery + 90W charging makes it the ultimate gaming phone under ₹20K.

For everyone else: It’s still great value, but camera and software compromises might bother you.

#4: Motorola Edge 60 Fusion – The Display Marvel

Price: ₹20,000 – ₹21,000
Rating: 8/10
Best For: Display enthusiasts, movie watchers, curved screen lovers

The Curved Display Experience

Curved displays are becoming rare in the mid-range segment. If you love that premium aesthetic, your options are limited. The Edge 60 Fusion delivers that flagship feel at a mid-range price.

Display: 1.5K Curved AMOLED

Screen: 6.7-inch pOLED
Resolution: 1.5K (2712 x 1220)
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Special: Curved edges on both sides

This is the SHARPEST display in this entire list. The 1.5K resolution makes everything look crisp and detailed.

Real-world experience:

• Netflix/Prime Video: Cinema-quality clarity
• Text reading: Super sharp, no pixelation
• Gaming: Gorgeous visuals with 144Hz smoothness
• Photos/videos: Details pop like never before

The curved edges add a premium feel. When you swipe from the edge, it feels fluid and natural. If display quality is your priority, this is the winner.

Performance: Good for Most, Okay for Gaming

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
AnTuTu Score: ~750,000

The Dimensity 7300 is a mid-tier processor. It’s:

• Good for: Daily tasks, social media, streaming
• Okay for: Casual gaming (BGMI at 60fps medium)
• Not great for: Competitive gaming or heavy titles

During testing: Daily use was smooth. No lag in apps, multitasking worked fine. But in gaming, you’ll notice it’s slower than the Realme, Poco, or even some cheaper options.

Who this works for: If you’re not a serious gamer and value display/battery/cameras more, the performance is adequate.

Camera: Solid Performer

Rear: 50MP (main, OIS) + 13MP (ultrawide)
Front: 32MP

Motorola cameras have improved significantly. The Edge 60 Fusion delivers:

Photo Quality:

• Daylight: Sharp, well-saturated colors
• Portrait: Good edge detection, natural blur
• Low-light: Better than expected thanks to OIS
• Ultrawide: 13MP delivers usable shots
• Selfies: 32MP front camera is excellent

Testing notes: Photos came out with good contrast and saturation—Motorola’s signature style. Not oversaturated like Chinese brands, not flat like budget Samsungs.

Video: Stabilization is good thanks to OIS. 4K recording at 30fps works well.

Battery: Above Average

Capacity: 5,500mAh
Charging: 68W TurboPower

The 5,500mAh battery delivers solid all-day performance:

Real-world usage:

• Display-heavy use (streaming, browsing) drained it faster due to high resolution
• Gaming for 2 hours + normal use = full day comfortable
• Light use = 1.5 days easily

The 68W charging is fast:

• 0-50% in about 20 minutes
• 0-100% in under 50 minutes

Build & Design: Premium Feel

Frame: Plastic (high-quality)
Back: Vegan leather
Feel: Premium and comfortable

The vegan leather back is a nice touch. It:

• Feels premium in hand
• Provides better grip than glass
• Doesn’t show fingerprints
• Adds to the flagship aesthetic

The curved display adds to the premium vibe. This is a phone that LOOKS and FEELS more expensive than it is.

Software: Clean Moto Experience

OS: Stock Android with Moto gestures
Updates: 3 years OS + 4 years security

Motorola’s software is close to stock Android with useful additions:

• Moto gestures (chop for flashlight, twist for camera)
• Moto Display (glanceable notifications)
• Minimal bloatware
• Clean interface

The Moto advantage: Software feels fast because it’s not weighed down by heavy skins.

✅ PROS

• 1.5K curved AMOLED – Sharpest display in segment
• 144Hz refresh rate – Super smooth
• Premium design – Vegan leather, curved screen
• Good cameras – Reliable for daily use
• Clean software – Near-stock Android
• Moto gestures – Actually useful features
• 5,500mAh battery – All-day comfort
• 68W fast charging – Quick top-ups

❌ CONS

• Dimensity 7300 is slower than Realme/Poco chips
• Not ideal for gaming – Casual gaming only
• Price fluctuates – Currently ₹20-21K range
• High-res display drains battery faster during video streaming
• Plastic frame (though it feels premium)
• Limited to Flipkart availability

Who Should Buy the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion?

PERFECT FOR:

• Display quality enthusiasts
• Movie and series bingers
• People who want premium curved aesthetic
• Photography hobbyists (good camera)
• Users who value clean software
• Content creators (sharp display for editing)
• Those who don’t game heavily

SKIP IF:

• Gaming is your priority
• You want maximum performance per rupee
• Flat displays are your preference
• Battery life is THE top priority
• You need widest possible service network

Final Verdict: Display King

Rating: 8/10

If you value visual experience above all else, the Edge 60 Fusion delivers the best display in this segment. The curved 1.5K AMOLED is stunning, and the premium design makes it feel like a ₹30K+ phone.

The trade-off: Performance isn’t class-leading. But for non-gamers who want a beautiful phone for content consumption and photography, it’s excellent.

#5: CMF Phone 2 Pro – The Camera Specialist

Price: ₹18,000 – ₹20,000
Rating: 7.5/10
Best For: Camera enthusiasts, photography lovers, and unique design fans

The Nothing/CMF Proposition

CMF by Nothing burst onto the scene with a promise: affordable phones with unique design and good cameras. The Phone 2 Pro delivers on both counts.

Design: Refreshingly Different

Build: Modular design with exposed screws
Frame: Plastic
Back: Plastic with DIY elements

The design is POLARIZING. You’ll either love the industrial, DIY aesthetic or hate it. The exposed screws and modular approach make it look like a phone you built yourself.

Why this matters:

• Stands out in a sea of sameness
• Replaceable back panels (different colors available)
• Appeals to tech enthusiasts
• Conversation starter

Build quality: Despite the plastic, it feels solid. The frame doesn’t flex, and the whole thing feels well-put-together.

Display: Full HD AMOLED

Screen: 6.7-inch AMOLED
Resolution: Full HD+ (1080 x 2400)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Special: In-display fingerprint sensor

The display is good—not exceptional like Motorola’s 1.5K or Realme’s bright panel, but perfectly adequate. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz makes everything smooth.

Bezels: You’ll notice slightly thicker bezels compared to premium options, but nothing deal-breaking.

Performance: Solid Mid-Tier

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
AnTuTu Score: ~750,000

Same chip as the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, so similar performance characteristics:

• Daily use: Smooth and responsive
• Multitasking: Handles 15-20 apps fine
• Gaming: 120fps in BGMI (smooth settings)
• Heavy gaming: Not its strong suit

For casual gamers: You can play BGMI at 120fps on smooth settings, which is impressive. But competitive gamers wanting max graphics will be disappointed.

Camera: The Unique Selling Point

Rear: 50MP (main, OIS) + 50MP (telephoto, 2x) + 8MP (ultrawide)
Front: 16MP

Here’s the KILLER feature: This is the ONLY phone under ₹20,000 with a TELEPHOTO lens.

Why telephoto matters:

• Optical 2x zoom without quality loss
• Better portraits with natural compression
• Wildlife/sports photography becomes possible
• No digital zoom artifacts

Photo Quality from Testing:

Main Camera (50MP):

• Excellent detail and sharpness
• Good color reproduction
• Handles different lighting well
• Natural-looking photos

Telephoto (2x, 50MP):

• Actually works well (not just a gimmick)
• Sharp zoomed photos
• Great for portraits
• Useful for distant subjects

Ultrawide (8MP):

• Decent for landscapes
• Some distortion at edges (normal)
• Lower detail than main camera

Overall: This is the BEST camera system under ₹20K if versatility matters to you. The telephoto lens alone makes it unique.

Example use cases from testing:

• Concert photography (zoom in on stage)
• Wildlife shots (birds, animals from distance)
• Portrait photography (natural compression)
• Architectural details (zoom into buildings)

Battery: Just Adequate

Capacity: 5,000mAh
Charging: 33W (includes charger!)

The 5,000mAh battery is the standard in this segment. It delivers:

• Full day with moderate to heavy use
• About 6-7 hours screen-on time
• Just enough for power users

Important: CMF actually INCLUDES a 33W charger in the box—first brand to do so at this price. Others make you buy separately.

33W gets you:

• 0-50% in about 30 minutes
• 0-100% in about 75 minutes

Not the fastest, but having a charger included is valuable.

Software: Nothing OS 2.0

OS: Nothing OS 2.0 (based on Android 14)
Updates: 3 years OS + 4 years security

Nothing OS is clean, minimal, and functional:

• Stock Android-like experience
• Useful widgets and shortcuts
• Minimal bloatware
• Nothing-specific features (Glyph lights on Phone 2, not this)

The software experience is smooth and bloat-free—closer to Motorola or Samsung than Xiaomi/Poco.

✅ PROS

• ONLY phone under ₹20K with telephoto – Unique advantage
• Excellent camera system – Best for photography
• 2x optical zoom actually works well
• Unique design – Stands out from crowd
• Clean software – Minimal bloat
• 33W charger included – Saves ₹500-800
• Good build quality – Solid despite plastic
• 120fps BGMI gaming possible

❌ CONS

• Design is polarizing – Not for everyone
• Performance isn’t top-tier – Dimensity 7300 is mid-range
• Battery life just okay – Not a marathon runner
• Thick bezels – More noticeable than competitors
• 5,000mAh is smallest in this list
• Brand service network – Still building presence in India
• Not for heavy gamers – Casual gaming only

Who Should Buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

PERFECT FOR:

• Photography enthusiasts who need versatile cameras
• People who want unique, different design
• Users who value telephoto/zoom capability
• Content creators (versatile camera setup)
• Those who appreciate clean software
• Tech enthusiasts who like modular design
• Users who don’t game heavily

SKIP IF:

• Gaming is your priority (get Poco/Realme)
• You want conventional design
• Battery life is critical (get Poco with 6,550mAh)
• You need established service network
• Performance matters more than cameras

Final Verdict: Camera Champion

Rating: 7.5/10

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a specialist. It does ONE thing better than anyone else in this segment: cameras. The telephoto lens is a genuine game-changer for photography lovers.

If cameras rank in your top 2 priorities, buy this. If not, the Realme or Poco offer better all-round value.

📊 Head-to-Head Comparison: Which Phone for Which User?

The Gamer

Winner: Poco X7 Pro
Why: Dimensity 8400 + 6,550mAh + 90W charging = gaming paradise

Runner-up: Realme P3 Ultra (Dimensity 8350 is close second)

The Photographer

Winner: CMF Phone 2 Pro
Why: ONLY phone with telephoto, versatile triple camera setup

Runner-up: Samsung A35 (OIS + reliable processing)

The All-Rounder

Winner: Realme P3 Ultra
Why: Best balance of performance, display, battery, camera

Runner-up: Motorola Edge 60 Fusion (if display matters more)

The Long-Term User

Winner: Samsung A35
Why: 6-7 years updates + best service network + good resale

Runner-up: Realme P3 Ultra (performance will stay relevant longer)

The Display Lover

Winner: Motorola Edge 60 Fusion
Why: 1.5K curved AMOLED is unbeatable at this price

Runner-up: Realme P3 Ultra (1.5K AMOLED, flat screen)

The Battery Champion

Winner: Poco X7 Pro
Why: 6,550mAh + 90W charging = never worry about battery

Runner-up: Realme P3 Ultra (6,000mAh is still excellent)

The Value Seeker (Most Specs per ₹)

Winner: Poco X7 Pro
Why: Flagship processor + huge battery + fast charging under ₹22K

Runner-up: Realme P3 Ultra (comes close with better cameras)

The Design Enthusiast

Winner: CMF Phone 2 Pro
Why: Unique modular design stands out

Runner-up: Motorola Edge 60 Fusion (curved screen, vegan leather)

💰 Price vs Value Analysis

Best Value Under ₹20K (With Offers)

1. Samsung A35 (₹19-20K) – Most reliable long-term
2. CMF Phone 2 Pro (₹18-20K) – Best cameras at this price

Best Value at ₹20-22K

1. Realme P3 Ultra – Complete package
2. Poco X7 Pro – Maximum performance

Worth Stretching Budget For

• Realme P3 Ultra – The performance jump justifies ₹2K extra
• Poco X7 Pro – If gaming is priority

Wait for Price Drop

• Motorola Edge 60 Fusion – Great at ₹19K, okay at ₹21K
• Vivo T3/iQOO Z10 – Mentioned but overpriced currently

🛒 Buying Guide: How to Get Best Deals

Bank Offers (December 2025)

• SBI Cards: Usually ₹1,000-2,000 instant discount
• HDFC Cards: Offers on Flipkart/Amazon
• ICICI Cards: EMI benefits + cashback

Platform-Specific Deals

Flipkart:

• Exchange offers (₹1,000-3,000 depending on old phone)
• Card discounts stack with exchange
• Check flash sales (usually midnight)

Amazon:

• Prime members get early access to deals
• Amazon Pay offers
• No-cost EMI on most phones

Best Time to Buy

• Right now (December): Year-end sales ongoing
• January: Republic Day sales (26th Jan)
• Avoid: February-March (prices stabilize higher)

Money-Saving Tips

1. Check both Flipkart and Amazon – Prices differ
2. Use card offers – Can save ₹1,500-2,500
3. Exchange old phone – Even broken phones have value
4. Corporate discounts – Some brands offer employee discounts

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Buying Based on Specs Alone

Reality: On-paper specs don’t tell the whole story. Software optimization, build quality, and service support matter.

Example: Poco has better specs than Samsung, but Samsung offers better long-term reliability.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Camera Processing

Reality: 50MP doesn’t automatically mean better photos. Processing matters more.

Example: CMF’s 50MP + telephoto > Poco’s 50MP alone for photography

Mistake #3: Overlooking Software Updates

Reality: A phone without updates becomes insecure and slow within 2 years.

Example: Samsung’s 6-7 years updates vs others’ 2-3 years is HUGE for long-term value

Mistake #4: Not Checking Service Network

Reality: When something breaks, you need accessible service centers.

Example: Samsung service > Nothing/CMF service network in tier-2/3 cities

Mistake #5: Chasing Latest Launches

Reality: Older models with price drops often offer better value.

Example: Samsung A35 (launched earlier) > newer launches at same price

🎯 My Final Recommendations

If I Could Buy Only ONE Phone for My Parents

Samsung Galaxy A35
Why: Reliable, easy to use, great service network, will last 5+ years

If I Could Buy Only ONE Phone for My Gaming-Obsessed Nephew

Poco X7 Pro
Why: Best gaming performance, huge battery, he won’t care about bloatware

If I Could Buy Only ONE Phone for My Photography-Loving Sister

CMF Phone 2 Pro
Why: Telephoto lens + versatile cameras, unique design she’ll love

If I Could Buy Only ONE Phone for MYSELF

Realme P3 Ultra
Why: I need the complete package – performance, display, battery, decent cameras

If I Had to Pick ONE Phone That 70% of People Should Buy

Realme P3 Ultra
Why: Most balanced, most future-proof, best overall value