Finding a great phone without breaking the bank can feel like a treasure hunt, especially with so many options out there. If you’re looking to spend under 20000, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve checked out a bunch of phones to help you figure out which ones are actually worth your money. It’s not always about the most expensive device; sometimes, the best phones under 20000 offer exactly what you need without all the extra bells and whistles.
Key Takeaways
- The OnePlus 13 stands out with its top-tier performance, impressive battery, and durable design, making it a strong contender for the best overall phone.
- For those on a tighter budget, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers excellent value with good performance and a nice display, proving you don’t need to spend a lot for a capable device.
- Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a premium choice, packed with features and upgrades, though it’s at the higher end of the price spectrum.
- The OnePlus 13R provides a solid midrange option, balancing a good display, fast processor, and decent battery life for its price point.
- If a stylus is a must-have, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) offers a convenient built-in pen and a large display at a reasonable cost.
1. OnePlus 13
Okay, so the OnePlus 13. This phone has really made a splash, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It feels like OnePlus has finally hit its stride, delivering a device that just works, and works really well. It’s basically a flagship killer that doesn’t cost a flagship price.
First off, the performance is just nuts. It’s running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is as fast as it gets right now. Paired with plenty of RAM and speedy UFS 4.0 storage, this thing flies through apps, games, you name it. I haven’t noticed any lag, even when I’m juggling a bunch of stuff.
And the display? It’s a 6.78-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED that’s super smooth at 120Hz. What’s cool is that it’s also really easy on the eyes, with good dimming options to cut down on flicker. It looks great, colors pop, and it’s bright enough for most situations.
Battery life is another big win here. The 6,000mAh battery easily gets you through a day, sometimes even two, depending on how you use it. Plus, it charges up really fast, though it does take about an hour for a full juice-up, which is decent but not the absolute quickest out there.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it stand out:
- Solid Build: It feels really well put together, and while it’s not fully waterproof, it has an IP65 rating, which is better than nothing.
- Great Cameras: The triple camera setup on the back, with two 50MP sensors and an 8MP telephoto, takes some really nice shots, especially for portraits. It’s a big step up from previous models.
- Smooth Software: Oxygen OS 15 is clean and responsive. OnePlus promises four major OS updates and six years of security updates, which is pretty good.
It’s not perfect, of course. The auxiliary cameras aren’t quite as good as the main one, and charging, while fast, isn’t the lightning speed you might find on some other OnePlus models. But for the price, it’s hard to argue with what you get. It’s a really well-rounded phone that offers a lot of bang for your buck.
2. CMF Phone 2 Pro
Alright, let’s talk about the CMF Phone 2 Pro. This phone really surprised me, honestly. It feels like CMF took everything people liked about the first one and just made it better, without making it cost a fortune. It’s a seriously good option if you’re looking for a phone that’s a bit different and doesn’t break the bank.
First off, the design. It’s still got that cool modular thing going on, which is pretty neat. You can actually swap out the back panel and add stuff like a lanyard or a card holder. They even have these new screw-on lens attachments for the cameras – a macro lens and a fisheye. It’s a bit old-school, but it works and it’s fun to play with. The display is also a big step up. It’s a bright AMOLED screen that’s easier on the eyes, especially if you’re sensitive to screen flicker. They’ve really improved the dimming settings, which is a big deal for a lot of people.
When it comes to the cameras, you get a triple-lens setup on the back: a main 50MP shooter, a 50MP telephoto with 2x zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide. The pictures come out looking pretty good, with better colors and detail than you’d expect for the price. The front camera is a 16MP one, which is fine for selfies.
Under the hood, it’s running on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM. For everyday stuff like browsing, social media, and even some light gaming, it handles things well. It’s not going to blow away super high-end phones, but it’s more than capable for most users. The battery is a solid 5000mAh, and it charges at 33W, which is decent. You should get through a full day without much trouble.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
- Display: 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED (2392 x 1080), HDR10+, 1300 nits peak brightness.
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro.
- RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage (with microSD support).
- Cameras: 50MP main + 50MP 2x telephoto + 8MP ultrawide rear; 16MP front.
- Battery: 5000mAh with 33W wired charging.
- Software: Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.2.
Now, a couple of things to keep in mind. While it’s available in the US through a beta program, it might not work perfectly with all carriers. So, if you’re on Verizon, you might run into some issues. Also, the back cover isn’t as easy to remove as before because of improved water resistance, but the modular accessories are still a big part of its charm. Overall, for the price, it’s a really interesting phone that offers a lot of personality and good features.
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Alright, let’s talk about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This phone is, without a doubt, Samsung’s top-tier offering for 2025, and it really feels like it. If you want the absolute best screen and the most versatile cameras Samsung can offer, this is it. It packs a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED display that’s just stunning, bright enough to see even in direct sunlight. And the cameras? Wow. You get a huge 200MP main sensor, plus a 50MP ultrawide and two telephoto lenses for some seriously impressive zoom capabilities, all the way up to 100x Space Zoom with a little AI help. It’s also got that built-in S Pen, which is still super handy for notes or just doodling.
Under the hood, it’s running the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, so performance is absolutely top-notch. Battery life is also a major win here; it’s easily one of the longest-lasting phones I’ve tested. Samsung is also promising seven years of software support, which is pretty wild.
However, this phone isn’t for everyone. It’s expensive, starting at $1,299.99, and honestly, it’s a lot of phone for most people. Some of the AI features are still a bit hit-or-miss, and while the S Pen is still there, it’s been simplified a bit. If you’re coming from a Galaxy S24 Ultra, you might not see a huge reason to upgrade unless your current phone is really showing its age. For many, the regular Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus might be a better fit, especially considering the price difference. But if you’re looking for the ultimate Samsung experience and don’t mind the cost, the S25 Ultra is hard to beat. It’s a productivity powerhouse that feels ready for anything you throw at it.
4. OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R is a real standout in the crowded mid-range market for late 2025. It feels like you’re getting a lot of last year’s top-tier OnePlus phone, but at a much more accessible price point. Seriously, the performance you get here is wild for what you pay.
Under the hood, it’s packing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. That’s the same powerful processor found in many of this year’s flagships, so expect things to be super snappy. Combined with faster UFS 4.0 storage and a generous amount of RAM (12GB or 16GB options), apps load quickly and multitasking is a breeze. It’s a solid upgrade over the previous year’s model, offering more storage and RAM as standard.
OnePlus has also put a lot of thought into the display. It’s a 6.78-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED panel that can refresh at 120Hz. This means visuals are smooth, whether you’re scrolling through social media or playing games. Plus, it has some nice features to make it easier on your eyes, which is always a good thing.
Here’s a quick look at some of its specs:
- Display: 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED (2780 x 1264 resolution)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB / 16GB
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB
- Battery: 6,000mAh with 80W wired charging
- Rear Cameras: 50MP main + 50MP telephoto + 8MP ultrawide
- Front Camera: 16MP
Battery life is another area where the 13R shines. It’s got a big 6,000mAh battery that should easily get you through a full day, maybe even two if you’re not a heavy user. When you do need to top up, the 80W charging is pretty quick, though it does take a bit longer than an hour to get from empty to full. It’s not the absolute fastest charging OnePlus offers, but it’s still good for this price range. The camera system is also a step up, with a capable main sensor and a decent telephoto lens for portraits. While it might not compete with the absolute best camera phones out there, it’s more than good enough for most people’s everyday photos. The OnePlus 13R really hits a sweet spot, offering flagship-level performance and a great display without the flagship price tag.
5. Samsung Galaxy S25
Alright, let’s talk about the Samsung Galaxy S25. If you’re looking for a solid, dependable phone that doesn’t break the bank but still feels pretty premium, this might be your jam. It’s not a huge leap from last year’s model, which honestly, isn’t always a bad thing. Samsung seems to know what works, and they’ve stuck with it.
The biggest win here is how it feels in your hand. It’s a bit smaller and lighter than the S24, making it way more comfortable for one-handed use. Seriously, if you’ve been struggling with those giant phones, the S25 is a breath of fresh air. The 6.2-inch AMOLED screen is still gorgeous, bright enough to see even when you’re outside, and that 120Hz refresh rate makes everything look super smooth.
Under the hood, it’s packing the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which is no slouch. Paired with 12GB of RAM, this thing flies through apps and multitasking. Plus, Samsung is still promising seven years of software updates, which is pretty wild and means this phone should stay relevant for a long time.
Now, about the cameras. They’re… fine. They’re the same ones from last year, and while they take good pictures in decent lighting, don’t expect miracles. Samsung seems to think their cameras are good enough as is, and maybe for most people, they are. Just don’t try to capture a fast-moving pet or kid without some blur.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Display: 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED (1080 x 2340)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto
- Front Camera: 12MP
One thing that’s a bit of a drag is the charging. It’s still capped at 25W wired charging. In 2025, that feels a little slow, especially when other phones are pushing way faster speeds. It’s a decent phone, especially if you value a smaller size and long-term software support, but the charging speed is definitely something to consider.
6. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Okay, so the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. This one feels like Google really tried to nail it this year, and honestly, they’ve come pretty close. It’s not just for the super techy folks anymore; it’s a phone that just works, and works really well.
What I really like is how they’ve updated the look. It’s got these smooth sides and the camera bump is more like a neat little island now. It feels premium, you know? Like something you’d expect from a top-tier phone. The screen is also something else – super bright, even when you’re outside trying to take pictures. It’s got this adaptive refresh rate thing that makes everything look smooth, whether you’re scrolling through social media or playing a game.
Let’s talk cameras because, let’s be real, that’s a big reason people go for Pixels. This phone packs a 50MP main camera that just takes fantastic shots. The colors look natural, and you get a lot of detail. Plus, you have the ultrawide and a 5x optical zoom lens, so you can get pretty close to your subject without losing quality. Google’s AI smarts really shine here, especially with things like editing photos after you’ve taken them. It’s honestly better than what you get on some other phones.
Here’s a quick rundown of some specs:
- Display: Large 6.8-inch OLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: Starts at 128GB, goes up to 1TB
- Battery: Big capacity, around 5,060mAh
- Charging: 37W wired
One of the coolest things, though, is the software support. Google is promising seven years of updates for this phone. That’s huge! It means you’ll be getting new Android versions and security patches all the way until 2032. That’s longer than most other Android phones out there, which is pretty great for keeping your phone up-to-date and secure for a long time.
Now, it’s not perfect. The Tensor chip can still get a bit warm sometimes, and the base storage at 128GB might feel a little low for some people, especially considering the price. But overall, if you want a phone with a killer camera, smart AI features, and a display that’s a joy to look at, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is definitely worth considering. It’s Google’s most complete phone yet, packing all their best tech into a big, beautiful package.
7. Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Okay, so the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). This one’s a bit of a showstopper, honestly. It’s like Motorola took the already pretty cool Razr Plus from last year and just cranked everything up to eleven. They’ve really gone all out with this one, giving it a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a really solid triple camera setup with 50-megapixel sensors all around, and some seriously stylish finishes. Think wood or Alcantara – fancy, right?
This is easily the best-built foldable flip phone I’ve ever gotten my hands on. The hinge feels super sturdy, and the whole thing just feels premium. Plus, the battery life? It’s surprisingly good. I was getting a full day out of it, and sometimes even a bit into the second day, which is pretty impressive for a foldable.
What really sets it apart, though, is that cover screen. While other companies are still messing around with limited external displays, Motorola’s Razr Ultra lets you actually use full apps on its outer screen. It’s super handy for quick replies or just checking something without having to flip the phone open. It makes the whole experience feel really polished and, dare I say, cool.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’re getting:
- Main Display: A big 7-inch pOLED screen that’s bright and smooth.
- Cover Display: A functional 4-inch screen that lets you do more than just check notifications.
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 16GB of RAM means this thing flies.
- Cameras: A versatile 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP selfie camera.
- Battery: 4,700mAh with fast 68W wired charging and 30W wireless.
Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This ‘Ultra’ version comes with a pretty ‘Ultra’ price tag, so it’s definitely an investment. And while the AI features are neat, some of them feel a little half-baked right now. Also, if you’re someone who’s always around sand or dust, you might want to be extra careful, as with any foldable.
8. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Okay, so the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This is the phone for when you want a regular phone, but also, like, a mini-tablet. It’s pretty wild how they’ve managed to make it thinner and lighter than previous versions. Seriously, when it’s folded, it feels way more like a normal phone in your hand, which is a big deal. That outer screen is wider now, making it actually usable without feeling cramped.
But the real magic happens when you unfold it. You get this massive 8-inch display, and it’s honestly great for just about anything – browsing, watching videos, or trying to juggle a few apps at once. Samsung has packed it with AI stuff too, which is kind of neat, making it adapt to how you use it. It’s running the latest Android 16 with One UI 8, so you get all the new software features.
Under the hood, it’s got that powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, so it’s not going to chug when you’re doing demanding tasks. Battery life is decent, usually getting you through a full day, though it’s not the biggest battery out there at 4,400 mAh. Charging is also on the slower side compared to some competitors.
And the camera? It’s a big upgrade. They’ve put in a 200MP main camera, which is the same as what’s on the S25 Ultra. So yeah, you’re getting some seriously good photos and videos out of this foldable. It’s not perfect, though. It’s super expensive, and they’ve ditched the S Pen support, which is a bummer for some. Also, no dust protection, which is a bit of a worry for a device with so many moving parts.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Main Display: 8.0-inch, 2184 x 1968, 120Hz
- Cover Display: 6.5-inch, 2520 x 1080, 120Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- Main Camera: 200MP
- Battery: 4,400mAh
- Software Updates: 7 years promised
9. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Alright, let’s talk about the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. This phone is kind of like the cool cousin of the main S24 line – it gets a lot of the good stuff but doesn’t cost quite as much. It really hits a sweet spot for people who want a solid Samsung experience without breaking the bank.
When you hold it, it feels pretty premium, honestly. It’s got this nice display that’s easy on the eyes, and it’s good for watching videos or playing games. Samsung also packs in a bunch of their Galaxy AI features, which are actually pretty neat. Things like Chat Assist and Note Assist can be surprisingly helpful in everyday tasks. Plus, Samsung is known for giving their phones a good number of software updates, and the S24 FE is no different. You can expect it to be supported for a good while, which is always a plus.
Here’s a quick look at some of its features:
- Display: A large, smooth 120Hz screen that makes everything look good.
- Performance: Handles daily tasks and most apps without a hitch.
- Cameras: Flexible camera setup that takes decent photos, especially in good lighting.
- Software: Gets regular updates, keeping it fresh and secure.
- AI Features: Access to useful AI tools that Samsung is known for.
It’s not quite the top-tier flagship, sure, but for the price, it’s a really strong contender. If you’re looking for a reliable phone with a lot of Samsung’s signature features, the S24 FE is definitely worth considering. You can often find it at a good price, sometimes even with deals that make it even more appealing. For example, you might find it available for around ₹30,999, with options for EMI if that helps spread the cost.
10. Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)
If you’re looking for a phone that comes with a stylus but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) is a solid choice. It’s usually priced way below the $400 mark, which is pretty sweet. You get a decent-sized 6.7-inch screen that refreshes at 120Hz, which makes scrolling feel pretty smooth. Inside, there’s a capable Snapdragon chip that handles everyday tasks without much fuss, and the 5,000mAh battery should get you through the day, plus it charges up fast. Oh, and it even has a headphone jack, which is becoming a rare find these days. This phone is a great option for anyone who wants the utility of a stylus without breaking the bank.
Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- Display: A large 6.7-inch 120Hz panel for smooth visuals.
- Performance: A reliable Snapdragon processor for daily use.
- Battery: A big 5,000mAh battery with quick charging.
- Extra: Includes a built-in stylus and a headphone jack.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Alright, so we’ve looked at a bunch of phones that won’t break the bank, and honestly, there are some really solid options out there for under 20,000. Whether you’re after something that just gets the job done without any fuss, or you want a phone that can actually take some decent pictures and keep up with your daily grind, you’ve got choices. It’s not like the old days where you had to spend a fortune to get a good phone. We saw some great picks from OnePlus, Samsung, and even some lesser-known brands that are really stepping up their game. Remember to think about what you actually need the phone for – is it gaming, photos, or just staying in touch? That’ll help you narrow it down. Keep an eye out, too, because new phones are always popping up, and this list might get a little shake-up down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a phone a good choice in late 2025?
A good phone in late 2025 should have a fast processor for smooth performance, a camera that takes great pictures in different lighting, and a battery that lasts all day. It’s also important that the phone gets updates for a long time to stay safe and get new features.
Are there good phones available for under $200?
Yes, absolutely! While they might not have all the fancy features of expensive phones, there are some really good options that offer great value. These phones are perfect for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and using social media without costing too much.
What’s the difference between a regular phone and a foldable phone?
A regular phone is the standard, solid device you’re used to. A foldable phone, on the other hand, can be folded in half, usually to make the screen bigger when you want it or smaller to fit in your pocket more easily. They’re a bit more advanced and often cost more.
How important are software updates for a phone?
Software updates are super important! They fix problems, make the phone more secure against hackers, and often bring new features that make your phone work better. Getting updates for many years means your phone will stay good for longer.
What does ‘IP rating’ mean for a phone?
An ‘IP rating’ tells you how well a phone can resist dust and water. For example, an IP68 rating means it’s protected from dust and can handle being underwater for a certain amount of time. A higher number usually means better protection.
Should I wait for new phone models to come out?
Sometimes waiting is a good idea, especially if a brand is about to release its latest models, like the new Google Pixel phones. You might get better features or a better price on older models when new ones arrive. But if you need a phone now, there are still plenty of excellent choices available.
