Top Budget Smartphones That Truly Deliver Under 20k Rubles

How we selected budget smartphones

Finding a dependable cheap phone isn’t as simple as it seems. We narrowed the field to models under 20,000 rubles that offer real value, focusing on display quality, performance, battery life, and durability. Our criteria cover price, screen type, processor, memory, camera capability, autonomy, and handy features like NFC and fast charging.

• Price: models up to 20,000 rubles, with room for a few near the limit to fit different budgets.
• Display: budget screens are often IPS, which remain bright with solid viewing angles; higher-priced options may use AMOLED for better contrast and efficiency.
• Performance: we favored balanced chipsets such as MediaTek Helio and Dimensity, Snapdragon 685, and their peers.
• Memory: 6–8 GB RAM is comfortable for everyday multitasking; 128–256 GB storage, with microSD support being a plus in cheaper models.
• Cameras: focus on a solid main sensor for daytime photos rather than decorative module setups common in budget lines.
• Battery life: 5,000 mAh is now standard; real-world endurance varies by screen and chipset, so we prioritized devices that last a full day of use.
• Extras: NFC, fast charging, splash protection, stereo speakers and other features increasingly found even in wallet-friendly phones.

Budget smartphones to consider

These are current picks that handle daily tasks—from social media and messaging to light gaming and video streaming—well. They combine decent displays, reliable battery life, and solid performance for their price.

1. OPPO A5x

• Screen: 6.67 inches, IPS, 720 × 1604, 90 Hz.
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 (11 nm).
• Memory: 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage + microSD slot.
• Camera: 32 MP main; 5 MP front.
• Battery: 6,000 mAh, 45 W fast charging.
• OS: ColorOS 15 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP65.

OPPO A5x emphasizes long battery life and sturdy build. The large display suits reading and messaging, while the 45 W charger recharges quickly. A 32 MP main camera handles daytime shots with decent detail, though the display resolution is modest.

2. Realme C61

• Screen: 6.74 inches, IPS, 720 × 1600, 90 Hz.
• Chipset: Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm).
• Memory: 6 GB RAM, 128 GB + microSD slot.
• Camera: 50 MP main; 5 MP front.
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, 15 W charging.
• OS: Realme UI (Android 14).
• Protection: IP54.

Practical and light, the Realme C61 focuses on everyday reliability. The sizable screen makes messaging and media comfortable, and the 50 MP main camera performs well in daylight. MicroSD support helps keep media on board without sacrificing performance.

3. iQOO Z10 Lite

• Screen: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2400, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage.
• Camera: 50 MP main; 8 MP front.
• Battery: 6,000 mAh, 44 W wired charging, reverse wired charging.
• OS: Funtouch 15 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP68/IP69.

A balanced daily driver with a high-refresh AMOLED panel and strong endurance. The 50 MP main camera and reliable battery life make it suitable for everyday use, while water/dust protection adds peace of mind.

4. Realme C75

• Screen: 6.72 inches, IPS, 1080 × 2400, 90 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G92 Max (12 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 128 GB + microSD.
• Camera: 50 MP main; 8 MP front.
• Battery: 6,000 mAh, 45 W charging.
• OS: Realme UI 5.0 (Android 14).
• Protection: IP68/IP69.

A rugged everyday option with water/dust protection and a solid 50 MP main camera. The 6.72-inch display provides ample space for chat, video, and browsing, while the large battery lasts long between charges.

5. Tecno Spark 40 Pro

• Screen: 6.78 inches, AMOLED, 1224 × 2720, 144 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate (6 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 128 GB + microSD.
• Camera: 50 MP main; 13 MP front.
• Battery: 5,200 mAh, 45 W charging, 10 W reverse wired.
• OS: HIOS 15.1 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP64.

The Spark 40 Pro stands out with a vivid AMOLED panel and a very fast 144 Hz refresh rate. It’s a strong multimedia device with a capable camera setup and speedy charging. The downside is occasional ads and typical budget-image noise in low light.

6. Honor X8c

• Screen: 6.7 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2412, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: Snapdragon 685 (6 nm).
• Memory: 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage.
• Camera: 108 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide; 50 MP front.
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, 35 W charging.
• OS: MagicOS 9 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP64.

Focused on image quality, the X8c delivers a bright AMOLED panel and a high-resolution main camera. It has a slim, premium feel for a budget device, with reliable battery life and responsive software.

7. Nothing CMF Phone 1

• Screen: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2400, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB + microSD.
• Camera: 50 MP main; 16 MP front.
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, 33 W wired; 5 W reverse wired.
• OS: Nothing OS 2.6 (Android 14).
• Protection: IP52.

A device with character and expandable storage, aided by a bright, smooth AMOLED panel. The camera handles daylight well, and the 5G-ready silicon keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The main caveat is the lack of NFC and some software bloat typical for budget lines.

8. Realme 14T

• Screen: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2400, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage.
• Camera: 50 MP main + 2 MP; 16 MP front.
• Battery: 6,000 mAh, 45 W charging.
• OS: Realme UI 6.0 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP68/IP69.

Realme 14T aims for practical performance with a modern design and robust IP68/69 protection. The 50 MP main camera and fast charging keep it competitive, while the Dimensity 6300 handles daily tasks well. The trade-off is that gaming on high settings may require adjustments.

9. Poco X7 5G

• Screen: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1220 × 2712, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra (6 nm).
• Memory: 12 GB RAM, 512 GB storage.
• Camera: 50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro; 20 MP front.
• Battery: 5,110 mAh, 45 W charging.
• OS: HyperOS (Android 14).
• Protection: IP68.

A compelling all-rounder with a top-tier display and substantial memory. The 50 MP main camera captures clear day photos, and the 120 Hz panel keeps animations buttery. Some stabilization and low-light performance aren’t top-tier for a flagship, but the overall package is strong for this price point.

10. Samsung Galaxy A26

• Screen: 6.7 inches, Super AMOLED, 1080 × 2340, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm).
• Memory: 6 GB RAM, 128 GB + microSD.
• Camera: 50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro; 13 MP front.
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, 25 W charging.
• OS: One UI 6.1 (Android 14).
• Protection: IP67.

Samsung’s budget option offers a reliable One UI experience on a robust AMOLED panel. The camera setup and soft software features make it a strong everyday companion, with respectable durability and a tripod-friendly 4K video capability on the main sensor.

11. Redmi Note 14

• Screen: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2400, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra (6 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB + microSD.
• Camera: 108 MP main + 8 MP macro + 2 MP macro; 20 MP front.
• Battery: 5,500 mAh, 33 W charging.
• OS: HyperOS (Android 14).
• Protection: IP54.

Redmi Note 14 delivers a strong pixel-dense display and generous storage. The 108 MP main camera shines in daylight, while the battery and charging speed keep the phone usable for a busy day.

12. Infinix Note 50 Pro

• Screen: 6.77 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2436, 144 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate (6 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage.
• Camera: 50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide; 32 MP front.
• Battery: 5,200 mAh, 90 W wired, 30 W wireless; reverse wired and other modes.
• OS: XOS 15 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP64.

The Note 50 Pro blends a premium-feel chassis with extremely fast charging for a budget phone. The 144 Hz AMOLED screen looks great, and the 50 MP main camera performs well in daylight. Battery life is strong thanks to the big fast-charging setup.

13. Tecno Pova 7 Neo

• Screen: 6.78 inches, IPS, 1080 × 2460, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate (6 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB + microSD.
• Camera: 108 MP main + 2 MP macro; 8 MP front.
• Battery: 7,000 mAh, 45 W wired, 10 W reverse wired.
• OS: HiOS 15 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP64.

Tecno Pova 7 Neo targets long battery life and a bold look. The 108 MP main camera handles daytime shots with good detail, while the big 7,000 mAh battery keeps you going for days. The main drawback is a relatively modest brightness under direct sun and some preinstalled apps that may feel intrusive.

14. Tecno Camon 40

• Screen: 6.78 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2436, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate (6 nm).
• Memory: 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage.
• Camera: 50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide; 32 MP front.
• Battery: 5,200 mAh, 45 W charging.
• OS: HiOS 15 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP66.

Camon 40 focuses on photography, with a high-resolution main sensor and a capable ultrawide. It sports a slim, recognizable design and solid protection for a budget model. The main compromises are average low-light performance and some occasional software prompts.

15. Realme P3

• Screen: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1080 × 2400, 120 Hz.
• Chipset: Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 (4 nm).
• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB + microSD.
• Camera: 50 MP main; 16 MP front.
• Battery: 6,000 mAh, 45 W charging.
• OS: Realme UI 6.0 (Android 15).
• Protection: IP68/IP69.

Realme P3 aims for the best combination of practicality and endurance, with strong IP68/69 protection that’s rare in this class. The 50 MP main sensor delivers good daylight images, and the 6,000 mAh battery supports long days of use. It is a relatively heavy device, and some synthetic photo processing can be noticeable in software.

Conclusion

In the budget range, you can find smartphones that deliver a solid everyday experience without sacrificing essential features. The picks above balance display quality, performance, battery life, and durability, with practical extras like NFC and microSD expansion creeping into more models every year.

Expert comment: A well-chosen budget phone should feel modern and reliable, not just cheap. The sweet spot is where daily tasks run smoothly, not where you pay for unnecessary features.

Summary: You don’t need to splurge to get a dependable device. The models here offer bright displays, all-day batteries, and capable cameras for everyday use, with extras that enhance convenience. If you prioritize longevity, look for IP protection, good software support, and a solid main camera for daylight photography.

Key insight: Great value comes from a balanced mix of display quality, battery life, and real-world usability rather than chasing the flashiest specs.