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India’s smartphone market is booming, with 152 million units shipped in 2024, 79% of which were 5G-enabled. The average selling price hit ≈₹22,000, reflecting a trend toward premiumization, yet budget and mid-range segments dominate. As 5G networks cover over 80% of urban India, a critical question arises: do you need an expensive 5G phone (above ₹40,000) in 2025, or can affordable options suffice? This article focuses on 5G phones released after January 2024, evaluating the top two models in five price segments — Budget (under ₹15,000), Entry Mid-Range (₹15,000–₹25,000), Core Mid-Range (₹25,000–₹40,000), Premium (₹40,000–₹70,000), and Ultra-Premium (above ₹70,000). We assess key user requirements to guide Indian users.
Budget: Under ₹15,000
Entry Mid-Range: ₹15,000–₹25,000
Core Mid-Range: ₹25,000–₹40,000
Premium: ₹40,000–₹70,000
Ultra-Premium: Above ₹70,000
Indian 5G smartphone users have diverse needs, shaped by lifestyle, work, and budget constraints. Below, we expand on the seven key criteria that influence their purchasing decisions, explaining their importance, practical implications, and how they vary across price segments.
Performance determines how smoothly a phone handles daily tasks, multitasking, gaming, and 5G-related activities like streaming or cloud-based apps. Indian users, from students to professionals, need devices that manage social media, productivity apps (e.g., Google Suite, WhatsApp), and popular games like BGMI or Free Fire without lag. With 5G enabling faster data speeds, processors must be optimized for low latency and efficient power consumption to handle high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming or real-time video calls.
Practical Implications: Budget users prioritize basic performance for calls, messaging, and light apps, while gamers and professionals need powerful chipsets (e.g., Snapdragon 8 series) for AAA games or video editing. 5G phones require modems that support Indian bands (n78, n41), and efficient chipsets (e.g., 4nm or 3nm) reduce heat and battery drain during 5G usage. For example, a phone with a Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 can handle 5G browsing but may struggle with heavy multitasking, whereas a Snapdragon 8 Elite excels in AI-driven tasks like real-time translation.
Across Price Segments: Budget phones use entry-level chipsets like Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 for basic tasks. Entry and Core Mid-Range phones with Dimensity 8300 or Exynos 2400 support gaming and multitasking. Premium/Ultra-Premium phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite or Dimensity 9400 offer flagship performance for professionals and gamers, with AI enhancements.
Cameras are a top priority for Indian users, driven by the popularity of social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. From casual selfies to vlogging and professional content creation, users expect versatile camera systems that perform well in daylight, low light, and for video. Features like ultrawide lenses, telephoto zoom, and AI enhancements (e.g., portrait mode, night mode) are increasingly demanded, even in budget segments, as users share high-quality visuals daily.
Practical Implications: A 50MP main camera is standard, but premium phones add ultrawide, telephoto, and advanced sensors (e.g., ZEISS-tuned) for superior low-light performance and 4K video. Budget users need reliable daylight shots for social media, while vloggers and photographers require stabilization, zoom, and AI features like background removal. For example, a budget phone’s 50MP camera may lack optical image stabilization (OIS), impacting low-light shots, whereas a premium phone’s telephoto lens enables 10x zoom.
Across Price Segments: Budget phones offer single or dual cameras for basic photography. Entry Mid-Range adds ultrawide lenses. Core Mid-Range includes telephoto for zoom, and Premium/Ultra-Premium phones provide professional-grade systems with high-resolution sensors and AI enhancements.
Battery life is critical in India, where users rely on smartphones for long hours of work, entertainment, and communication, often without frequent charging opportunities. 5G connectivity consumes more power than 4G, making large batteries and efficient chipsets essential. Fast charging is equally important, especially for urban users with busy schedules, as it minimizes downtime.
Practical Implications: A 5,000mAh battery typically lasts 1–2 days for moderate use, but 5G usage can drain it faster. Budget phones prioritize larger batteries (5,000–6,000mAh) to compensate for less efficient chipsets, while premium phones may use smaller batteries (4,000–5,000mAh) with optimized software. Fast charging (e.g., 90W) can fully charge a phone in 30 minutes, compared to 18W taking over 2 hours. Users in rural areas benefit from larger batteries, while urban users value fast charging.
Across Price Segments: Budget phones lead with 5,000–6,000mAh batteries but slower charging (18–25W). Mid-Range offers 4,400–5,500mAh with 25–125W charging. Premium/Ultra-Premium balance 4,000–6,000mAh with 45–100W charging, optimized for 5G.
Software defines the user experience, with clean, intuitive interfaces enhancing usability for apps, multitasking, and customization. Timely OS and security updates ensure compatibility with new apps, protect against vulnerabilities, and extend device longevity, crucial for Indian users who keep phones for 2–4 years. 5G phones require software optimized for network switching to save battery and maintain connectivity.
Practical Implications: A clean UI (e.g., One UI, OxygenOS) minimizes bloatware, improving performance on budget devices. Long-term updates (e.g., 7 years) keep phones relevant, especially for professionals needing the latest features (e.g., AI tools). Budget phones often have shorter update cycles (1–2 years), risking obsolescence, while premium phones offer 5–7 years. For example, HyperOS on budget phones may include ads, while One UI on premium phones integrates AI features.
Across Price Segments: Budget phones offer 1–4 years of updates with basic UIs. Mid-Range provides 3–7 years with cleaner UIs and AI features. Premium/Ultra-Premium offer 5–7 years with seamless 5G optimization and productivity tools.
With 5G covering over 80% of urban India, connectivity is a core requirement. 5G enables faster downloads (up to 1Gbps), lower latency for gaming and video calls, and support for emerging technologies like AR/VR. Indian users need phones supporting key 5G bands (n78, n41) used by Jio and Airtel to ensure compatibility and future-proofing.
Practical Implications: All 5G phones support Indian bands, but premium models add Wi-Fi 7 and carrier aggregation for faster speeds in congested areas. Budget users in 5G-covered regions benefit from affordable 5G phones, while rural users may not yet need 5G. For example, a budget phone’s 5G modem supports basic connectivity, but a premium phone’s advanced modem ensures stable performance during peak usage.
Across Price Segments: Budget to Ultra-Premium phones support 5G, with premium models offering Wi-Fi 7 and better network optimization.
The display is the primary interface for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. Indian users, who spend hours on YouTube, Netflix, and social media, demand vibrant, high-resolution screens with smooth refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz). Bright displays (1,000+ nits) ensure outdoor visibility, and AMOLED/OLED panels offer better colors than LCDs.
Practical Implications: A 120Hz AMOLED display enhances gaming and scrolling, while FHD+ resolution ensures sharp visuals. Budget users need large screens for affordability, while gamers prefer high refresh rates and HDR. For example, an HD+ LCD is functional for basic use, but an AMOLED with 2,000 nits is ideal for outdoor HDR content.
Across Price Segments: Budget phones use HD+ LCDs; Entry Mid-Range and above use FHD+ AMOLED/OLED with 120–144Hz and high brightness.
Brand reliability ensures quality after-sales service, warranty support, and access to ecosystems like Samsung’s SmartThings. Indian users value service centers for repairs, especially in tier-2/3 cities, and ecosystems enhance functionality (e.g., syncing with smartwatches). Resale value is critical, with premium brands retaining 50–75% value after a year.
Practical Implications: A strong service network reduces downtime for repairs, vital for budget users. Ecosystems like Galaxy Buds integration add convenience for professionals. For example, Xiaomi’s wide service network suits budget users, while Samsung’s ecosystem and high resale value appeal to premium buyers.
Across Price Segments: Budget/Mid-Range brands offer robust service but limited ecosystems and low resale value. Premium/Ultra-Premium provide advanced ecosystems and higher resale.
Specs: Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4nm), 4GB/64GB, 6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD (120Hz, 600 nits), 50MP main + depth sensor, 5MP front, 5,160mAh battery (18W), HyperOS (Android 14), 5G (sub-6GHz).
Pros: Cheapest 5G phone, large 120Hz display, efficient chipset, long battery life.
Cons: HD+ resolution, average low-light camera, bloatware.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in November 2024, the Redmi A4 5G offers 5G connectivity and smooth visuals at an unbeatable price, ideal for basic tasks and light gaming.
Specs: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm), 4GB/64GB, 6.7-inch HD+ PLS LCD (60Hz, 800 nits), 50MP main + 2MP depth, 8MP front, 5,000mAh battery (25W), One UI Core 6 (Android 14), 5G.
Pros: Reliable brand, decent camera, faster charging, 4 years of security updates.
Cons: 60Hz display, no ultrawide lens.
Why It Stands Out: Released in September 2024, the Galaxy M05 5G combines Samsung’s reliability with 5G, suitable for budget users needing a trusted brand.
Verdict: Redmi A4 5G is best for ultra-budget 5G and smooth display, while Galaxy M05 5G excels in brand trust and camera.
Specs: Exynos 1380 (5nm), 6GB/128GB, 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (120Hz, 1,000 nits), 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro, 13MP front, 6,000mAh battery (25W), One UI Core 6 (Android 14), 5G.
Pros: Vibrant AMOLED, massive battery, 4 OS updates, reliable performance.
Cons: Bulky design, average low-light camera.
Why It Stands Out: Released in March 2024, the Galaxy M35 5G delivers a premium display and long-term software support, perfect for media enthusiasts.
Specs: Dimensity 7200 (4nm), 8GB/128GB, 6.44-inch AMOLED (120Hz, 1,800 nits), 50MP main + 2MP depth, 16MP front, 5,000mAh battery (44W), Funtouch OS 14 (Android 14), 5G.
Pros: Bright AMOLED, fast charging, strong performance, good daylight camera.
Cons: Limited updates (2 OS), no ultrawide lens.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in March 2024, the Vivo T3 5G offers a premium display and performance, ideal for multimedia and light gaming.
Verdict: Galaxy M35 5G leads in battery and software, while Vivo T3 5G excels in display brightness and charging.
Specs: Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4nm), 8GB/256GB, 6.67-inch AMOLED (120Hz, 1,800 nits), 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro, 20MP front, 5,500mAh battery (90W), HyperOS (Android 15), 5G.
Pros: Near-flagship performance, fast charging, vibrant AMOLED, good daylight camera.
Cons: Bloatware, average low-light photography.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in January 2025, the POCO X7 Pro offers high-end performance at a budget price, ideal for gamers and power users.
Specs: Exynos 2400 (4nm), 8GB/128GB, 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz, 1,900 nits), 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto, 10MP front, 4,700mAh battery (25W), One UI 7 (Android 15), 5G.
Pros: Flagship display, versatile cameras, 7 years of updates, Galaxy AI.
Cons: Average battery life, slower charging.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in October 2024, the S24 FE brings premium features like a telephoto lens and AI tools, ideal for photography and long-term use.
Verdict: POCO X7 Pro leads for performance and charging, while S24 FE excels in cameras and software.
Specs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm), 12GB/256GB, 6.78-inch AMOLED (120Hz, 4,500 nits), 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro, 16MP front, 6,000mAh battery (100W), OxygenOS 15 (Android 15), 5G.
Pros: Flagship performance, large battery, fast charging, bright display.
Cons: Average ultrawide camera, no telephoto lens.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in January 2025, the OnePlus 13R delivers top-tier performance at a lower premium price, perfect for gamers.
Specs: Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), 12GB/256GB, 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz, 2,600 nits), 50MP main + 10MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front, 4,000mAh battery (25W), One UI 7 (Android 15), 5G.
Pros: Compact design, excellent cameras, 7 years of updates, Galaxy AI.
Cons: Small battery, slower charging.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in January 2025, the Galaxy S25 offers premium features in a compact form, ideal for versatility.
Verdict: OnePlus 13R is best for performance and battery, while Galaxy S25 excels in cameras and software.
Specs: Dimensity 9400 (3nm), 16GB/512GB, 6.78-inch AMOLED (120Hz, 3,000 nits), 50MP main (ZEISS) + 50MP telephoto + 50MP ultrawide, 32MP front, 5,600mAh battery (90W), Funtouch OS 15 (Android 15), 5G.
Pros: Exceptional ZEISS cameras, powerful chipset, bright display, large battery.
Cons: UI bloatware, 4 years of updates.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in October 2024, the Vivo X200 Pro offers professional-grade photography, ideal for content creators.
Specs: Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), 12GB/256GB, 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz, 2,600 nits), 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto, 12MP front, 5,000mAh battery (45W), One UI 7 (Android 15), 5G.
Pros: Best-in-class cameras, S Pen, 7 years of updates, premium design.
Cons: High price, moderate charging speed.
Why It Stands Out: Launched in January 2025, the S25 Ultra is a productivity powerhouse with unmatched cameras.
Verdict: Vivo X200 Pro is ideal for photography, while S25 Ultra suits professionals needing versatility.
Budget: Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (Redmi A4 5G) and Dimensity 6100+ (Galaxy M05 5G) handle basic tasks.
Entry/Core Mid-Range: Dimensity 8300 Ultra (POCO X7 Pro) and Exynos 2400 (S24 FE) support gaming and multitasking.
Premium/Ultra-Premium: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/8 Elite (OnePlus 13R, S25, S25 Ultra) and Dimensity 9400 (Vivo X200 Pro) excel in AI and heavy tasks.
Verdict: Core Mid-Range phones like POCO X7 Pro suffice for most; Premium/Ultra-Premium are for power users.
Budget: 50MP cameras (Redmi A4 5G, Galaxy M05 5G) are decent in daylight.
Entry/Core Mid-Range: Vivo T3 5G and S24 FE add ultrawide/telephoto lenses.
Premium/Ultra-Premium: Vivo X200 Pro (ZEISS) and S25 Ultra (200MP) offer pro-grade photography.
Verdict: Core Mid-Range meets most needs; Ultra-Premium is for professionals.
Budget: 5,000–5,160mAh (Redmi A4 5G, Galaxy M05 5G) last 1.5–2 days.
Entry/Core Mid-Range: 5,500mAh with 90W (POCO X7 Pro) beats 4,700mAh with 25W (S24 FE).
Premium/Ultra-Premium: 6,000mAh (OnePlus 13R) and 5,600mAh (Vivo X200 Pro) lead.
Verdict: Budget and Mid-Range often outlast Premium phones.
Budget: 2–4 years (Redmi A4 5G, Galaxy M05 5G).
Entry/Core Mid-Range: 3–7 years (Vivo T3 5G, S24 FE).
Premium/Ultra-Premium: 7 years (S25, S25 Ultra), 5 years (OnePlus 13R), 4 years (Vivo X200 Pro).
Verdict: Core Mid-Range and Premium offer better longevity.
All support Indian 5G bands (n78, n41). Premium/Ultra-Premium add Wi-Fi 7.
Verdict: Budget phones are future-proof; Premium phones offer minor network enhancements.
Budget: HD+ LCD/PLS (Redmi A4 5G, Galaxy M05 5G).
Entry/Core Mid-Range: FHD+ AMOLED (Vivo T3 5G, S24 FE) with 120Hz.
Premium/Ultra-Premium: Brighter AMOLED (2,600–4,500 nits) with HDR.
Verdict: Entry Mid-Range AMOLED rivals Premium displays.
Budget/Entry Mid-Range: Xiaomi and Samsung have wide service networks but low resale value.
Core Mid-Range/Premium/Ultra-Premium: Samsung and Vivo offer ecosystems and higher resale (50–75% after a year).
Verdict: Premium brands excel in ecosystems and resale.
5G Dominance: 79% of 2024 shipments were 5G-enabled.
Budget Growth: Under-₹17,000 segment grew 33%.
Premiumization: ₹17,000–₹34,000 segment grew 35%.
AI Features: AI (e.g., photo editing) is common in mid-range phones.
You Might Need a Premium/Ultra-Premium 5G Phone If:
You are a professional needing top-tier performance or cameras.
You prioritize 7+ years of updates or AI features.
You value ecosystems or high resale value.
You need telephoto lenses or Wi-Fi 7.
You Probably Don’t Need a Premium/Ultra-Premium 5G Phone If:
You use your phone for social media, streaming, or light gaming.
You prioritize battery life and 5G over flagship features.
You are budget-conscious and don’t need pro-grade cameras.
You upgrade frequently.
India’s 5G smartphone market in 2025 offers unmatched value, from budget phones like the Redmi A4 5G to ultra-premium flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Budget and Entry Mid-Range phones (e.g., Galaxy M05 5G, Vivo T3 5G) deliver 5G and solid basics, while Core Mid-Range options (POCO X7 Pro, S24 FE) offer near-flagship performance. Premium and Ultra-Premium phones (OnePlus 13R, Vivo X200 Pro) cater to professionals with superior cameras and ecosystems. For most Indian users, Core Mid-Range 5G phones provide 90% of flagship functionality at a fraction of the cost. Choose based on your needs — connectivity, photography, or longevity — to maximize value in India’s vibrant 5G landscape.
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Rajeev Kumar is the primary author of How2Lab. He is a B.Tech. from IIT Kanpur with several years of experience in IT education and Software development. He has taught a wide spectrum of people including fresh young talents, students of premier engineering colleges & management institutes, and IT professionals.
Rajeev has founded Computer Solutions & Web Services Worldwide. He has hands-on experience of building variety of websites and business applications, that include - SaaS based erp & e-commerce systems, and cloud deployed operations management software for health-care, manufacturing and other industries.