Are you tired of struggling with slow, outdated phones that look good but fail to deliver performance? In 2025, finding a decent mobile under ₹5000 in India might seem impossible, but it’s not. Whether you want a backup device, a first phone for your child, or a reliable secondary option, we’ve rounded up the best budget-friendly phones that truly work.
Why Even Bother with a ₹5000 Phone?
The Indian smartphone market is flooded with phones costing more than ₹10,000, making it difficult to get a budget phone under ₹ 5000. All the phones within this budget are old or missing key features such as good battery life, connectivity, or respectable performance.
Most of them are left with a phone that freezes upon opening YouTube, loads WhatsApp slowly, or even fails to support 4 G. And don’t mention the camera—it exists for decoration mostly. It’s annoying, especially when one is on a tight budget, a student, or someone who just requires a plain phone to stay in touch.
That’s exactly why we’ve worked hard and shortlisted the Top affordable mobiles 2025 that work, are usable, and reliable—no marketing tricks, just practical performance.
What to look for in Phones Under ₹5000 in 2025
Now let’s get realistic before we come to the list: this is what you can and cannot do with phones on this budget:
What You Can Get:
- Good Battery Backup (3000–5000 mAh)
- Android Go or KaiOS (lightweight operating systems)
- Basic Cameras (typically 5–8 MP)
- Dual SIM Support
- Expandable Storage
What You Shouldn’t Expect:
- Excessive gaming or multitasking
- Lightning-fast processors
- Full HD screen
- 5G support
Best Mobiles Under ₹5000 in India (2025 Edition)
Alright, let’s dive into the best ones you can buy today.
Jio Bharat V2 4G Feature Phone – ₹999
For those who just need 4G and WhatsApp without the hassle of Android.
- Price: ₹999 (approx.)
- Screen: 1.77-inch QVGA
- Battery: 1000 mAh
- Connectivity: 4G VoLTE, UPI through JioPay
- Apps: JioCinema, JioSaavn, WhatsApp (basic)
Great for seniors, secondary phone users, or minimalists.
Pros:
- India’s cheapest 4G phone
- Long-lasting battery
- Jio apps support
Cons:
- Tiny screen
- Limited storage
Nokia 105 (2023) – ₹1,299:
Trusted keypad phone with a reliable Nokia build.
- Price: ₹1,299
- Display: 1.8-inch QQVGA
- Battery: 1000 mAh
- SIM: Dual SIM
- Other: FM Radio, Snake Game, Flashlight
Pros:
- Best build quality in this category
- Ultra-lightweight
- Physical keys—excellent for rough handling
Cons:
- No camera or internet access
- Only for calling and SMS
Read more from Nokia India’s Official Website
Itel A23s – ₹4,699:
A full Android Go phone for under ₹5000.
- Price: ₹4,699
- Display: 5.0-inch FWVGA
- Battery: 3020 mAh
- RAM/Storage: 2GB RAM + 32GB ROM (expandable)
- OS: Android 11 Go Edition
- Camera: 2MP rear, VGA front
Pros:
- WhatsApp, YouTube function fine
- Lightweight Android OS
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- Low screen resolution
- Basic camera performance
Lava A1 – ₹1,299:
A made-in-India classic phone that gets the essential work done with style.
- Price: ₹1,299
- Battery: 800 mAh
- SIM: Dual SIM
- Extras: Wireless FM, LED torch
Pros:
- Proudly Made in India
- Lightweight and portable
- Good sound quality
Cons:
- Not smart—no apps
- No camera
Check the latest price on Lava Mobiles’ Official Site
Micromax X512 – ₹1,099
A budget phone from a reputable Indian company.
- Price: ₹1,099
- Battery: 1750 mAh
- Display: 2.4-inch
- SIM: Dual SIM
- Extras: Torch, Music Player, Video Player
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Easy controls
- Loud audio
Cons:
- Not for internet users
- No 4G
What Studies and Data Say?
According to a 2024 Statista report, over 270 million Indians still stick to basic smartphones or feature phones, especially in rural areas of the country where affordability is a priority. Sub-₹5000 phones remain in demand among:
- Students
- Senior citizens
- New buyers of mobile phones
- Those who require secondary/backup phones
The feature phone market still holds 30% of total phone sales in India, with top brands like Jio, Lava, Itel, and Nokia dominating the sales.
Who Should Buy Phones Under ₹5000?
- Senior Citizens: Simple to use interface and big buttons
- Children/Students: For emergency calls and low usage
- Backup Phone Users: For traveling or having a second phone, they need
- Minimalists: Who want to stay off the grid
Where to Buy?
These phones are available to buy from:
- Amazon India
- Flipkart
- Reliance Digital
- Croma
- Offline stores like Reliance Mall, local mobile shops
Where to buy second-hand phone options?
- Cashify
- OLX
- ORUphones
How to Choose the Best One?
Here’s a quick decision guide:
| Need | Best Option |
| Only calling | Nokia 105 / Lava A1 |
| Want WhatsApp | Itel A23s / Jio Bharat |
| Good battery | Micromax X512 / Itel A23s |
| Indian brand | Lava A1 / Micromax |
| Cheapest 4G | Jio Bharat V2 |
Final Thought: Are Phones Under ₹5000 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Absolutely yes. Unless you plan on using your smartphone heavily and demand only the essential features like phone calls, messages, light browsing, and periodical YouTube and WhatsApp usage, then phones less than ₹5000 in India are ideal for you.
No, they may not impress you with speed or camera performance—but they’re low-cost, usable, and reliable.
For the person who just transitioned from an ancient, temperamental phone that slows down more than it runs, one of these affordable options can be a relief.
Want more features like a good camera, enhanced performance, and 5G connectivity? If you’re ready to spend a little more from your budget, check out our article on the Best 5G Phones Under ₹20000 — packed with punchy and future-proof options for Indian customers in 2025. Want more features like a good camera, enhanced performance, and 5G connectivity? If you’re ready to spend a little more from your budget, check out our article on the Best 5G Phones Under ₹20000 — packed with punchy and future-proof options for Indian customers in 2025.
FAQs:
Ans: Playing games like Subway Surfers, Candy Crush Saga, and Ludo King is super easy. Playing heavy games like BGMI or Call of Duty, these games usually don’t work that well, as they need a gaming processor.
Ans: Most low-budget phones feature Android Go Edition, which is compatible with WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and several other basic apps. However, you might encounter some issues while multitasking due to limited RAM.
Ans: Yes, most of the phones in the same price range support 4G VoLTE, though. This feature allows a strong signal for calls and internet connections. On the contrary, 5G is not available in this budget segment.
Ans: If you seek the best specifications, consider purchasing a certified refurbished model from Cashify or Flipkart Renewed. Ensure that with a warranty and that the battery is in good condition.