The budget smartphone segment in India has been heating up with feature-packed devices offering powerful hardware, 5G connectivity, high-refresh-rate displays, and surprisingly capable cameras. If you’re shopping for a dependable daily driver that doesn’t compromise on essential features, we’ve shortlisted 5 of the best options that stand out in the under ₹10,000 category.

📱 Quick Specification Comparison Table

Feature	Lava Storm Play	Moto G35 5G	Acer Super ZX	POCO M7 5G	iQOO Z10 Lite 5G
Display	6.75″, IPS LCD, HD+, 120Hz	6.72″, IPS LCD, FHD+, 120Hz	6.8″, IPS LCD, FHD+, 120Hz	6.88″, IPS LCD, FHD+, 120Hz	6.74″, IPS LCD, HD+, 90Hz
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 7060	Unisoc T760	MediaTek Dimensity 6300	MediaTek Dimensity 6100+	MediaTek Dimensity 6300
Main Camera	50MP + 2MP	50MP + 8MP	64MP + 2MP + 2MP	50MP (Single)	50MP + 2MP
Front Camera	8MP	16MP	13MP	8MP	5MP
Battery	5000mAh, 18W charging	5000mAh, 18W charging	5000mAh, 33W charging	5160mAh, 18W charging	6000mAh, 18W charging
RAM / Storage	6GB LPDDR5 / 128GB UFS 3.1	4GB LPDDR4X / 128GB UFS 2.2	4GB / 128GB	4GB / 128GB	4GB / 128GB
OS Version	Android 15	Android 14 (MyUX)	Android 15	Android 14 (MIUI)	Android 14
Speakers	Mono	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo	Mono
Build Quality	IP64, Side FPS	IP52, GG3, Side FPS	Plastic, Side FPS	Plastic, Side FPS	Plastic, Side FPS
5G Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Let’s dive into our top picks.

1. Lava Storm Play

The Lava Storm Play is one of the more feature-rich budget phones, with a rapid refresh rate and snappy storage solution. It brings a clean design and decent performance, ideal for casual users who prioritize smooth scrolling and balanced battery life.

Key Specs:

Display: 6.75”, IPS LCD, 120Hz

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7060

Camera: 50MP+2MP rear | 8MP front

Battery: 5000mAh with 18W charging

Software: Android 15 (Lava Android)

Build: IP64-rated, mono speaker, side-mounted fingerprint scanner

RAM/Storage: 6GB LPDDR5 / 128GB UFS 3.1

Pros:

• High-speed UFS 3.1 storage
• Best-in-class 120Hz refresh rate
• Impressive colour bit depth and IP64 dust-water resistance

Cons:

• Processor could have been better for power users
• No front camera zoom
• Playback quality lags behind its rivals

2. Moto G35 5G

Arguably the most refined pick in the lineup, the Moto G35 5G strikes an almost perfect balance between display quality, camera performance, and streamlined software. With 4K video support and HDR10 content playback, it stands out as a multimedia-friendly choice.

Key Specs:

Display: 6.72”, IPS LCD, FHD+, 120Hz

Processor: Unisoc T760

Camera: 50MP+8MP rear | 16MP front

Battery: 5000mAh with 18W charging

Software: Android 14 (MyUX)

Build: IP52-rated, stereo speakers, Gorilla Glass 3 protection

RAM/Storage: 4GB LPDDR4X / 128GB UFS 2.2

Pros:

• Stellar video recording up to 4K@30fps
• Sharp FHD+ display with HDR10 support
• Well-optimized UI experience and stereo audio

Cons:

• Narrower colour gamut
• Battery tech slightly dated for the segment
• HDR recording capabilities are middling

3. Acer Super ZX

The Acer Super ZX stands out primarily for its display and camera hardware. With a large 6.8-inch panel and a 64MP primary sensor with stabilization, it leans toward users who consume media or value mobile photography, all while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Key Specs:

Display: 6.8”, IPS LCD, FHD+, 120Hz

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300

Camera: 64MP+2MP+2MP rear | 13MP front

Battery: 5000mAh with 33W charging

Software: Android 15

Build: Plastic body with stereo speakers

RAM/Storage: 4GB / 128GB

Pros:

• Large FHD+ display, great for streaming
• 33W fast charging support
• Better-than-average camera stabilization

Cons:

• Average storage speed
• Colour reproduction not as rich
• Playback quality trails competition

4. POCO M7 5G

The POCO M7 5G is a reliable all-rounder that brings a 5G-ready chipset, decent camera hardware, and an ultra-smooth display together. While it doesn’t chase gimmicks, it nails the fundamentals—perfect for users who want performance and future-proofing.

Key Specs:

Display: 6.88”, IPS LCD, 120Hz

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+

Camera: 50MP rear | 8MP front

Battery: 5160mAh with 18W charging

Software: Android 14 (MIUI-based)

Build: Plastic body, stereo speakers

RAM/Storage: 4GB / 128GB

Pros:

• Bright, smooth display with 120Hz
• Good battery endurance
• Well-tuned user experience across most apps

Cons:

• Cameras struggle under low-light conditions
• Lacks 33W fast charging
• UI can feel heavy for some users

5. iQOO Z10 Lite 5G

The iQOO Z10 Lite 5G is a well-balanced pick for those who favour clean visuals and power efficiency. With a massive 6000mAh battery and 5G support, it becomes ideal for users who prioritize longevity and stable performance.

Key Specs:

Display: 6.74”, IPS LCD, 90Hz

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300

Camera: 50MP+2MP rear | 5MP front

Battery: 6000mAh with 18W charging

Software: Android 14

Build: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, mono speaker

RAM/Storage: 4GB / 128GB

Pros:

• Extremely high battery capacity for the segment
• Consistent performance for daily use
• Clean, minimal design

Cons:

• 90Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to others
• Selfie camera underwhelms
• Mono speaker experience limits sound richness

Final Thoughts

All five phones offer a compelling mix of display quality, performance, and connectivity. If you seek all-round durability and storage speed, Lava Storm Play makes a great case. Want top video quality and stereo sound? Moto G35 5G excels there. For superior media experience and camera capability, Acer Super ZX could surprise you. Value-focused POCO M7 5G ensures smooth reliability, while iQOO Z10 Lite 5G prioritises battery and clean performance.

Choose the one that matches your priorities—as each brings something unique to the sub-₹10,000 smartphone market.

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