To buy a new phone, especially with a budget of 12000 is a momentous task. Usually, everyone wants to get the best of everything, the best battery backup to a faster RAM and in this task they see themselves slipping away from the budget.
The phones under 12000 fall under the low-mid range category but are capable of winning a stand-off versus a higher tier mobile phone with ease.
The features that make these phones worth your time are their superior quality cameras and long battery capacity as high as 5000 mAh.
What these phones might lack in processing speed, they make it up with a multi-camera system, large display screen, amazing secondary selfie cameras as well as providing VOLTE support & 4G connectivity.
The past few months have seen a drastic shift in prices of smartphones, the GST increases from 12% to 18% bumped up the prices of every phone that has been launched between January and February. This means that even this list has changed due to the price hike.
But worry not as this list has phones full of the best smartphone brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, Vivo, Asus, and Realme. This price range has the most competition as well. Let us break down the most important features that decide the best phone under 12000.
Processor
When you look around the under 12k category, you will find that it is mainly concentrated with Qualcomm & MediaTek processors. You should place your best bets on Qualcomm ones as they are tried and tested over the years & are the fastest among these three.
Memory
It is also a major factor in deciding your phone, higher RAM boosts the speed & how efficient complex applications work without overheating your phone. The ROM decides your overall storage and how much data you can keep. You should at least aim for 3GB RAM and 32GB storage for optimal use.
Display
All that RAM and processing things will not mean jack if you don’t have a good display on your phone. A 5.5-6 inches display is the ideal option for an average user. This is the perfect balance between visual experience and an efficient carrying around everywhere.
So here is the list that will make your decisions a whole lot easier and give you the best value for money for phones under 12000.
Other related articles: Top 10 Best Phone under 11000 in India , Top 10 MI Best Phone Under 10000 in India
Let's explore the list and have a look at the features along with the pros and cons of the Top 10 Best Phone Under 12000.
Top 10 Best Phone Under 12000 in India (2022)
Although my favorite among all is Vivo U10 but you must check all of them to make your buying decision.
1. Vivo U10
Specifications
Vivo U10 might just be the best value for money phones in the 12k category so we want to talk about it from the start off.
Speaking in terms of display, the phone has a 6.35-inch full HD+ display that allows for an elegant viewing experience.
The screen covers 89% of the front body, which is one of the highest aspect ratios in this category of phones.
The AMOLED HaloFullView Display will not let you down on your gaming needs as well.
Installed in this phone is a 23 Megapixels AI Triple Camera where AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, this allows for the perfect blend of your camera skills & phones computing powers to click gorgeous pictures.
It is also equipped with a nice 8 MP front camera.
An under 12k phone has a high quality 2.0 GHz frequency Qualcomm Snapdragon 655 processor that beats a higher tier phone in terms of performance. The Octa-Core processor supports the SD card extension to bring up your storage to 256 GB!
The 32GB variant of the phone has a 3GB RAM and the 64GB internal storage variant has 4GB RAM that allows smooth gaming without too much overheating on the phone. The Ultra Game Mode feature in the phone also leverages the RAM and processor in the phone to provide a streamlined gaming experience with minimal FPS drops & speed boost.
We agree that the top feature of this phone is the 5000 mAh battery that is uncontested in this category. A battery performance that incomparable is essentially an instant sell!Pros
Cons
Related Post: Top 10 MI Best Phone Under 10000 in India
2. Xiaomi Redmi Y3
Specifications
Hailed as the perfect phone for the social media generation and with good cause as the USP of Xiaomi Redmi Y3 is its cameras especially the powerful selfie camera.
A whooping 32 Megapixel front camera to click that perfect photo for your social media and a modest 12 MP Primary Camera with a 2 MP depth sensor that will get you by in your needs.
The design of the phone is quite striking. The ‘Aura Prism’ design with a gradient back has not failed to deliver a high-quality build.
The plastic build does retain fingerprints and smudges which is a drawback. The screen is 6.26 inches HD+ display, the dot notch display has a good color calibration that makes screening optimal.
Colors available for the gradient at the back are Prime Black, Elegant Blue, and Bold Red. The phone has a good in-hand feel facilitated by the curves available due to a plastic body.
The Gorilla Glass 5 protection adds a cool layer of protection for the phone’s display. Performance-wise, Redmi Y3 is equipped with Snapdragon 632 chipset that is an octa-core processor.
The variants on the phone include a 32GB storage & 3GB RAM or a 64GB storage with 4GB RAM. The 632 chipset offers everything that a phone should at this range and more. It can support high-end games like PUB-G and ASPHALT at modest settings.
In terms of Battery life and performance, the Y3 has a 4000 mAh which can maintain constant use for over a day! It can handle consistent video streaming and gaming without a fast drop in battery.
Redmi Y3 is all about its camera, especially the selfie camera that is packed with subtle beautify modes and AI to have a greater depth in your photography. It still has a decent processor, battery life, slick design and RAM for optimal everyday use.
Pros
Cons
3. Realme 5s
Specifications
Realme has very quickly grabbed a top 4 best smartphones brand spot from its competitors and their growth is apparently clear with the quality of their phones.
Take in line the new Realme 5s that are presented with everything you can desire in under 12000 and more beating a lot of its competitors convincingly.
The design and build quality of the phone is unchanged from its predecessors as Realme is perfecting its diamond-cut glossy pattern. The variant colors include Crystal Red, Crystal Blue, and Crystal Purple.
It packs the same 89% aspect ratio of screen-to-body like the Vivo U10 and a Gorilla Glass 3 protection for safety. It has a lighter feel compared to other phones carrying a 5000 mAh battery.
The display of the phone is a 6.5 inch LCD IPS screen but no Full HD support, Realme is still going with HD+ which is decent in its own right. The color calibration of the phone is also decent and personalization options are available in the settings.
Snapdragon 655 rules the machinery of Realme 5 like its predecessor but we do have the RAM boosted up to 4GB to allow a faster experience along with high-end gaming support.
The foremost striking feature of this phone will be the Quad-camera setup. The setup has been worked on by Realme and upgraded to its limits! It is led by a 48 Megapixels Primary Lens with GW1 sensor and 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP Macro lens & 2MP Depth camera for optimal portrait pictures.
You will get the best result on auto-mode as the camera quality will catalyze the photographer in you. It also holds a 13MP front camera that assuages your selfie needs as well.
Pros
Cons
4. Samsung Galaxy M30
Specifications
They have struggled to crack into the affordable market in recent years but Samsung M30 has changed things for them!
M30 holds a beautiful 6.4inch AMOLED screen with a gradient in the back. The plastic back is still prevalent in the M-series of Samsung but the phone itself has a very light feel and a good grip.
The AMOLED display of M30 is what you get in higher tier phones when you stretch your budget to 25k-30k. The display of M30 beats anything on this list easily. The color calibration is perfect with 4 varying color profiles to use.
Performance-wise, M30 has an Exynos 7904 octa-core chipset clocked at 1.8 GHz that follows a little short of Mediatek and Snapdragon processors in the same range.
It also has 3GB RAM with 32 GB storage with an SD card slot. Samsung says that they are working on Pie support for the M30 but currently it does have an outdated Android version in place.
Let us talk about the camera quality of this phone. From the M20 the addition of a third camera into the fray has really helped with the quality of photos you can click on M30. The extra lens is helpful for portrait mode and leverages the AI placed to sense depth in the picture better.
The front camera is a 15 Megapixels lens with an f/2.0 aperture decent for clicking selfies. On the back is a 13 MP lens with two 5 MP lenses for depth and wide-angle each that makes clicking photos easier for you.
It also comes with a fast charger that works best with the humongous 5000 mAh battery. The battery backup lasts over a day of regular use with a full charge.
This includes video streaming and playing games. It does overheat a bit more than the other phones on this list though. The speakers on the phone are above-par in performance making it excellent for gaming.
Pros
Cons
5. Vivo U20
Specifications
The re-emergence of Vivo as a top dog in the smartphone market is largely due to them selling heavy and powerful hardware at budget prices under 12000.
The ‘U’ series of Vivo has gained the title of being value-for-money and for good reason. Let us talk more about the specific details:
The higher variant that packs a whopping 6GB RAM and 64GB storage.
The display upgrade from U10 is very clear showcasing our first glass-finish in this list with a smooth curve & comfortable grip.
The display is a spectacular 6.53-inch Full HD that is ideal for any type of screening or viewing! It comes close to the AMOLED display of M30 even. The color calibration is crisp and makes the UI feel light & easy to use.
An upgrade in performance metrics from the U10 is also clear as the U20 packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE processor that makes even your heavy gaming needs effortless. A cherry on top is the addition of UFS 2.1 storage that just makes this one of the fastest in this range. A key metric will be the ability to play a high-end game like PUBG at HD graphics and high FPS on a phone under 12k is spectacular.
The camera is also upgraded in U20 as it is stocked with versatility. A 16MP primary lens with an 8MP Ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens to give a 120-degree-wide shot painless. The front camera is also decent sitting at 16MP completing any selfie needs.
The bulky battery at 5000 mAh might just be the only major problem with U20 but that is still understandable. The battery still holds out for a full day even though the phone is featureful and the charging is easy due to an 18W fast charger included. The Phone also has reverse charging allowing you to charge other mobile phones with it.
The Vivo U20 surpasses every expectation in this price range and makes for one of the best if not the best choice from this list!
Pros
Cons
6. Nokia 4.2
Specifications
Another phone that houses the premium glass back that beats a cheap-plastic back any day.
It is Ergonomic, comfortable to hold with an exotic feel and touch. The build quality is truly excellent and on par with the Vivo U20 smartphone.
The curves are always welcome on mobile phones. The phone is also equipped with a 5.71-inch HD+ screen that has a modest aspect ratio of 19:9 for screen to body.
This allows for a decent viewing of apps, games, and video content. Nokia 4.2 holds a 13 MP dual camera with a 2 MP depth sensor.
The front camera has 8 Megapixel wide-lens.
It is also pre-loaded with some generic camera features like bokeh mode, panorama, and more. It is stocked with a passable processor in Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 which allows all regular tasks with ease. All the other features go hand in hand with its 3GB RAM and ample amount of storage in 32GB.
An adaptive battery feature with a 3000 mAh battery makes the device run which lasts around 20-24 hours of average usage. The best point of Nokia 4.2 is that it comes with no bloatware and pesky ads that are found in other phones on the list.
The UI, UX of the phone outperforms in terms of streamlined efficiency. The battery on Nokia 4.2 does not support fast charging.
Pros
Cons
7. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro
Specifications
It feels like Xiaomi has finally caught up to the design trends with Note 7 Pro as it sees a wide range of design changes from Note 7.
The phone is stocked with a semi-circular Dot notch, gradient colors, Gorilla Glass 5 protection front & back, Type-C reversible port, IR blaster, the Note 7 Pro has it all.
Note 7 is also waterproof, dustproof, and water-resistant! The Neptune Blue color shines with a glass back in gradient form.
The display of Note 7 Pro is a 6.3 inch LTPS FullHD+ display that challenges the definition of immersive in this range!
Colour saturation of the display is top-tier and elegant with subtle contrast & no oversaturation. It still does not beat the M30 or U20 display though.
Performance might be the bread & butter of Redmi Note 7 pro. The 2.0 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor gives Note 7 pro the power to multitask and heavy game use without it breaking a sweat.
Coupled with a 4GB RAM and 64GB storage makes anything from streaming to watching & downloading HD videos and content painless. It also has a supported SD slot for storage expansion.
With a 48 MP Sony sensor, Note 7 Pro has set a bar that cannot be touched in this range. It is a dual-camera set up in the rear equipped with Electronic Image Stabilization and AI that allows you to capture every detail. It also comes pre-loaded with a night mode that allows for amazing low-light photography as well.
The 13 MP front camera is also decent to get by all your selfie needs. For the battery, it can last a whole day with no problem at 4000 mAh. It doesn’t come with a fast charger though but you can upgrade it to a fast charger for an extra 449 . The Qualcomm Charge 4 technology supports Type-C lightning-fast speed.
Pros
Cons
8. Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
Specifications
Asus has made the list with their Zenfone Max Pro M1 value for money and giving their customers what they want.
The 6GB RAM Variant is a bit pricier with upgraded with a new camera, 3GB and 4GB.
The Zenfone Max Pro design has no special features but it has everything that you would want in a smartphone design-wise. It has a mix of plastic and metal body which is viable containing 5000 mAh battery.
The build doesn’t feel like plastic though and feels all solid metal with the weight restricted to 180 grams.
Even though it might seem heavy considering the phones in this list, it is pretty lightweight. The glass is scratch-resistant but there is no Gorilla protection applied.
The display of Asus Max Pro is a 6.00-inch FullHD+ display. The color calibration is also decent with good contrast, brightness settings and viewing angles. It also has a cooler temperature setting to get you those warmer or cooler tones.
Max Pro M1 holds 16 MP cameras at both front and back. The back camera has 3MP depth lens that allows for a nice portrait picture mode. The selfie camera is equipped with live beautification and the feature allows for subtle changes & not over the top changes.
Asus is known for its performance & software. The phone is equipped with a snapdragon 636 octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32 GB storage is one of the best deals you can get at this range. The SD card expansion support is up to 2TB on the phone. The phone’s best feature is its non-bloated OS running the stock version of Android 9 Pie.
Zenfone Max Pro M1 might look like an underwhelming performer but it excels in almost every metric and is even fit for heavy gaming with little to no heating problems. There isn’t much of a difference in performance between the 6GB RAM variant and the 3GB RAM variant. Even the audio output of the phone is above-par and performs well.
The battery performance of this 5000 mAh monster beats everyone on this list. Even with constant use, the battery can last onwards up to 2 days. The phone does not exactly support fast charging but the normal charger bumps the % from 20 to 100% in just a little bit over 1 hour.
Pros
Cons
9. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7s
Specifications
The last two phones in this list are both Xiaomi phones as Redmi has dominated this range of mobile phones with its uber-rich features, slick designs, and value for money.
The Redmi Note 7s falls right between Note 7 and Note 7 Pro in terms of money, features, camera, and everything else.
All three of the phones have the same design. Tiny notches with large displays are the characteristics.
The body and back are made of lightweight plastic with gradient colors. It is shipped in three colors being Onyx Blue, Ruby Red, and Sapphire Blue.
The display itself holds 1080x2340 pixels as a FullHD+ Display. The color contrast and brightness are suitable for outdoors or any other setting.
Adjustable color tones are helpful to decide the type of look you want. The processor in Redmi Note 7s is Snapdragon 660 SoC which might not be the best in the list but still is efficient for every task possible.
Two variants of RAM and storage are available as follows: 3GB RAM and 32 GB storage space optimal for light to medium usage and 4GB RAM & 64GB storage for medium to heavy usage. With fingerprint scanner and facial recognition, the phone competes well for the top spot.
With a 4000 mAh battery, the phone can last up to 36 hours of regular use including multi-tasking. You do not get a fast charger with the phone but the regular charger can completely charge the phone in less than 1.5 hours.
The blatant difference in Redmi Note 7s is the change of camera hardware. It packs a 48-MegaPixel Samsung Sensor with a 5-MP depth sensor for optimal portrait mode. At the front, the camera contains a cool 13MP sensor that is good enough for every selfie need.
It also comes with the Xiaomi pre-loaded camera app with HDR and new filters. The AI also helps to get the best out of your images, metering the scenery as well as gauging objects and light for the best exposure.
Pros
Cons
10. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7
Specifications
The 3rd Note series in this list and the 4th overall Xiaomi phone to conclude the list assuredly.
Xiaomi has cemented its spot in the low budget range with this phone. The price is much more approachable with this phone than Note 7 Pro or Note 7s.
Design-wise it really killed it versus its predecessor. The color scheme and even though the body has a glass back that is slick and light with splash-proof and water-resistant.
The grip is very good and comfortable to hold. The total weight might be a little heavy considering it's only a 4000 mAh battery at 185 grams.
With a 6.3-inch display with an LCD panel that is with full-HD+ resolution. The display also has good color calibration with a nice brightness range and color palette. You get a bundled case as well. No 4K option though.
With the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor as Note 7s which is a lighter version of Snapdragon 675 gives the phone optimal power to carry on regular tasks and even heavy usage. The base version of the phone is under 10000 and it has one of the best value for money processors in the whole list.
The Redmi Note 7 3GB RAM and 32GB storage as the base version and 4GB RAM with 64GB storage as the second variant. The MIUI bloatware with spam notifications is a problem prevalent in all Xiaomi phones.
The camera might not be equal to its brothers but still packs a decent punch with a 12MP primary sensor and a 2-MP depth sensor. The low-light shots are not that great though but in good light, the AI & pre-loaded features work well to produce a good photo. It also has a night mode that gives details in night captures and tones down blown up light sources.
The battery size is at 4000 mAh, the same as Note 7s. The battery life is also compared with just an hour of difference between their battery life. Note 7 Pro has the best life among these three for the same battery size.
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best phone under 12000 in India?
The above list has very stiff competition as each of these phones has outstanding performance in some metrics but we think that overall Redmi Note 7s stands at the top in every term. The smartphone has a 48MP primary camera + 5MP depth lens and 13MP selfie camera, the Snapdragon 660 processor with 3GB RAM and 32 GB storage makes it optimal for any task imaginable. The 4000 mAh mega-battery allows for over 36 hours of heavy usage with gaming and multitasking.
2. Which is the best 4GB RAM mobile under 12000?
The Vivo U20 beats Xiaomi's streak with this point. The AMOLED display of U20 packed with Qualcomm 675 snapdragon chipset and USF 2.1 storage facility including 4GB RAM and 64GB storage performs better than most phones under 12k.
The featureful appearance of this phone does not fall short in any way allowing high-end games to run at the best possible settings with a decent camera on both primary and secondary. The Ultra game mode is also a feature that gamers will learn to love and the whopping 5000 mAh battery included with an 18W charger makes it the best choice for this question by far.
3. Which is the best gaming phone under 12000?
A very debatable decision but we think that Redmi Note 7 Pro edges ahead of Vivo U20 just slightly. Both phones in their own rights are perfect for gaming but Note 7 Pro has no heating issues even with extended gaming hours. The Snapdragon 675 Processor is the same in both with 2.0GHz clocking. The superior phone grip & slicker design allows easy handling in games with the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage fulfilling all the memory needs on the phone. The real cracker is the display that allows for a redefinition of the word immersive for this category of phones.
4. Which is the best phone between 10000 to 12000?
If you are looking for an all-rounder phone that ticks all the boxes for you then we suggest Realme 5s. The phone has a massive 5000 mAh battery with Snapdragon 655 processor at its heart that allows for seamless tasks & regular work. The battery can last up to 30 hours for a stretch. The cherry on top is its excellent camera, housing a 48MP with an 8MP ultra-wide camera, 5MP macro lens, and 2MP depth lens makes it as good as professional cameras. The 13MP selfie camera also gets you by in all your needs. Realme 5s is an exceptional choice.
5. Which is the best camera phone under 12000?
The answer to this question is between Realme 5s and Redmi Y3 but we chose to go with the Y3 phone. Primarily sold for an enhanced camera, Redmi Y3 deserves to be here. With a massive 32 MP front camera that has amazing features to increase the quality of your photos ten-fold. The phone also houses a decent 12MP Primary Camera with a 2MP depth lens that would not disappoint you. The phone also has Snapdragon 632 chipset with a 4000 mAh battery, a beautiful & slick design, and quite a stunning display. Redmi Y3 is a beauty to behold.
