Now, this 5G works in 3 frequency bands, namely low, mid and high-frequency spectrum, each having its own pros and cons. While the low band range (frequency of 600-900Hz) has good coverage, but its speed is limited to 100-250Mbps. This is very close to the best 4G speeds and hence not very attractive in terms of speed. On the other end of the spectrum lies the high-band which offers the highest speeds (the ones coveted and promised by the 5G proposals), but has extremely limited coverage and signal penetration strength. Its speed has been tested to go as high as 20Gbps. It includes 24GHz, 28GHz, 37GHz, 39GHz, and 47GHz frequency bands.  Then there is the mid-band range which offers higher speeds in comparison to the low band and is better in terms of coverage area and signals than the high-band. So, it offers a sweet spot. And the frequencies it covers are 2.5GHz, 3.5GHz, 3.7GHz, and 4.2GHz.

Advantages of 5G technology

Anyway, now that you have a fair idea of what to expect out of 5G and 5G touting phones, let’s take a look at the devices themselves. We have a different article listing the best 5G phones money can buy. So, here we will be specifically focussing on the economical ones that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Here, you go:

Most affordable 5G Smartphones in India

1. Realme 8S 5G

Realme 8S 5G is one of the latest offerings by the company in its line-up of affordable 5G smartphones. It has a gradient design that gives a glittery appeal along with a matte texture. It looks like glittering stars and can be easily used with a single hand as it is not bulky. It has been in the headlines for being the first with Dimensity 810 in the market. A combination of high-resolution rate (90Hz), triple camera, multiple shooting modes, and newest processor makes it a smart buy for under 20000 price range. Realme 8S Specifications Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software: Realme UI 2.0 Android v11 | Rear camera: 64MP+2MP+2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 191g | Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8mm |Battery: 5000mAh with 33W |5G Bands: n1, n28, n41, n77, n78, SA, NSA

2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T 5G

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T 5G is one of the most affordable offerings of Xiaomi under the 20000 price range. Its major advantage is having Dimensity 700 chipset, even in the base model with just 4GB RAM. It supports a 5G network for both sim slots. The gaming experience is smoother on Redmi Note 10T as compared to its competitors. A 5000mAh battery makes sure that you have around 25% of battery power remaining even after a full day of streaming, games, and camera usage. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T Specifications Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software: MIUI Android v11 | Rear camera: 48MP+2MP+2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 190g | Dimensions: 163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9mm |Battery: 5000mAh with 18W |5G Bands: n1, n3, n28, n41, n77, n78, SA, NSA, Sub6 ALSO READ: 10 Best 90Hz and 120Hz Display Refresh Rate Phones To Buy In 2021

3. Samsung Galaxy A22 5G

Samsung’s Galaxy A22 5G gives the user very little to complain about. The smartphone has a solid build, pleasing design, and nice display along with doing well in the battery department and having 5G bands. The phone has a matte polycarbonate finish which ensures that the device doesn’t smudge or scratch easily. It feels nice to touch and is lightweight in hand. It has an AMOLED panel which gives good sharpness and crisp visuals. 5000mAh battery lasts for over a day on a single charge with moderate usage. It comes in grey, white, mint, and violet colors. Samsung Galaxy A22 5G Specifications Display: 6.6-inch TFT | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software: One UI Core 3.1 2.0 Android v11 | Rear camera: 64MP+5MP+2MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 203g | Dimensions: 167.2 x 76.4 x 9mm |Battery: 5000mAh with 15W |5G Bands: n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n78, n79, SA, NSA, Sub6

4. IQOO Z3 5G

Vivo IQOO Z3 5G has an edge over few others in this segment because it has a 180HZ touch sampling rate. The most sought-after feature of this device is its camera. The main camera is 64MP supported by a GW3 sensor and due to 0.7um sized pixels, it clicks better pictures in every condition or light setting. Combined with a second 16MP camera and super macro lens offer unmatched photography. It offers a low latency gaming experience along with the fastest charging support. Vivo IQOO Z3 5G Specifications Display: 6.58-inch IPS LCD HDR 10| Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 768 5G | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software:  Fun touch 11.1 Android v11 | Rear camera: 64MP+8MP+2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 185.5g | Dimensions: 164 x 75.3 x 8.5mm |Battery: 4400mAh with 55W |5G Bands: n77, n 78, SA, NSA

5. Redmi Note 11T 5G

The Redmi Note 11T 5G carries forward the company’s EVOL design language with the back panel having a camera module protruding slightly. The back panel is smudge-free and the smartphone comes with a number of preinstalled apps on the phone including Xiaomi’s Mi Credit and Mi Pay. Heavy graphic games like BGMI can be played on it without stutter and the battery life lasts over a day and a half. It comes in 3 color variants- Stardust White, Aquamarine Blue, and Matte Black. Redmi Note 11T 5G Specs Display: 6.6-inch 1080×2400 pixels| Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810| RAM: 6GB | Storage: 64GB| Software: MIUI 12.5 Android v11| Rear camera: 50MP+8MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 195g | Dimensions: 163.5 x 75.7 x 8.75mm|Battery: 5000mAh with Propietary fast charging|5G Bands: 1,28,41,78, SA/NSA

6. Oppo A74 5G

Oppo A74 5G has a flashy gradient design and is available in 2 color options (fluid black and fantastic purple). One of the main reasons why Oppo A74 is being relied upon by consumers is that it is one of the very few smartphones under 20,000 Rs that supports 5G connectivity. The position of its fingerprint sensor is that it’s embedded in the power key on the right spine of the device and is very responsive. The size of the device is such that it feels just a right fit for your hand though it comes with a good screen size. Its lightweight also adds to its likeability.  Oppo A74 5G Specifications Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD | Processor: Snapdragon 480 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software: ColorOS Android v11 | Rear camera: 48MP+2MP+2MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 188g | Dimensions: 162.9 X 74.7 X 8.4mm |Battery: 5000mAh with 18W |5G Bands: n1, n28, n41, n77 and n78 ALSO READ: Best Foldable and Rollable Phones in 2021

7. Poco M3 Pro 5G

Poco M3 Pro 5g was not only the company’s first, but it was India’s first 5G device that was launched. It supports 12 5G bands and is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC paired with Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU under the hood. Along with day-to-day tasks, the device gives a smooth gaming experience too with medium graphics and a high frame rate. The only problem is that it gets warm if you play over 30 minutes, though the company claims it to be a minor heating issue. It comes in Poco yellow, Power black and Cool blue colors. Poco M3 Pro 5G Specifications Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Software:  MIUI 12 Core 3.1 2.0 Android v11 | Rear camera: 48MP+2MP+2MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 190g | Dimensions: 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9mm |Battery: 5000mAh with 18W |5G Bands: n1, n3, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n66, n77, n 78, SA, NSA

8. Realme Narzo 30 5G

Realme Narzo 30 5G was one of the first budget phones with 5G connectivity in India. It comes with up to 6GB RAM and up to 128GB internal storage capacity. It is slim and light and offers a good hand grip. It is available in two colors- racing blue and racing silver. It has a 5000mAh battery under the hood along with 18W fast charging support. Realme Narzo 30 5G Specifications Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD| Processor: MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G| RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB| Software: Realme UI 2.0 Android v11| Rear camera: 48MP+2MP+2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 185g | Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5mm|Battery: 5000mAh with 18W|5G Bands: n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n 78, SA, NSA

9. Samsung Galaxy F42 5G

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G was recently launched in India and is a 5G smartphone under Rs. 20,000. It comes with a large Full HD+ display and has a fingerprint reader on the side. The smartphone supports 12 5G bands for next-gen connectivity and its chipset takes care of daily needs as well as casual gaming. It comes in a matte finish at the back and a waterdrop notch houses an 8MP front camera. In terms of camera performance and quick charging, but has a smooth, colorful display and long battery life. It comes in Matte Aqua and Matte Black colors. Samsung Galaxy F42 5G Specs Display: 6.6-inch HD+| Processor: MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G| RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB| Software: Android v11| Rear camera: 64MP+5MP+2MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 203g | Dimensions: 167.2 x 76.4 x 9mm|Battery: 5000mAh with 15W|5G Bands: n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n41, n 78, SA, NSA/Sub6

10. Lava Agni 5G

Lava Agni 5G is the latest 5G offering by an Indian smartphone brand, Lava. The phone promises super quick operations, silky smooth visuals, long battery life, and incredible photography chops. One can expect lag-free gaming, stutter-less performance, and a pleasant overall user experience from this Lava smartphone. 8GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking, so there’s no issue when switching between multiple apps. The device registered an AnTuTu score of 3,81,000 for its MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset and is in line with several high-profile mid-range smartphones available in the market. The SoC is equipped with several advanced technologies that will allow it to deliver a more enhanced 5G experience when 5G rolls out in India. It starts at Rs. 17,999 in India and is available in a single Fiery Blue color.

Lava Agni 5G Specs

Display: 6.78-inch IPS LCD| Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G| RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB| Software: Realme UI 2.0 Android v11| Rear camera: 64MP+5MP+2MP+2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 204g | Dimensions: 168.8x 76.8 x 9.1mm|Battery: 5000mAh with 30W|5G Bands: n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n 78, SA, NSA

10 5G Smartphones under 20,000 are listed below

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