Top 5 Android smartphones under Rs 20,000

Major Google Android smartphones often get superseded by more powerful high end devices. Several such devices have been announced in the first quarter of this year. The mere anticipation of these new devices causes fluctuations in the prices of existing smartphones.

At times, one doesn't need top of the line hardware but a powerful smartphone performing well enough to get through a normal day. Here we present to you a list of five smartphones that can be purchased for under Rs 20,000.

Sony Xperia S 

Sony Xperia S features a 4.3 inch LCD Reality display that supports 1280 x 720 pixel resolution natively. It also runs the Sony Mobile Bravia engine to provide clearer images and better contrast. Sony has packed a dual core 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8260 mobile processor with 1 GB RAM to make the overall experience fluid. This smartphone offers 32 GBon-board storage but there is no memory card slot.

The Xperia S has a 12 megapixel camera that is capable of recording 1080p HD videos at 30 frames per second. It also has a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera that is capable of supporting 720p HD video chats. Wireless connectivity is enabled with 3G networks and WiFi with WiFi Direct support.Sony Mobile has added Stereo FM with RDS and also offers better GPS experience with A-GPS and Glonass support. The Xperia S features an HDMI port but packs a 1750 mAh battery, which might be a bit inadequate. This smartphone is available for about Rs 19,290 from the Tradus website.

Xolo X1000

Lava introduced Xolo X1000 last month in India and touted it as one of the fastest Google Android smartphones. The Xolo X1000 features a 2 GHz Intel CloverTrail+ mobile processor with Hyper Threading technology for fast performance. This processor is paired with a PowerVR SGX 540 graphics chip and 1 GB RAM to make Android 4.0 ICS run smoothly.

The Xolo X1000 will easily let you watch HD videos since it has a 4.7 inch touchscreen with 1280 x 720 pixel native resolution. Imaging enthusiasts can enjoy the zero-lag 8 megapixel camera at the back with single LED flash and the camera can also record full HD videos. For video chat there is a 1.3 megapixel camera in the front. The downside is that the phone comes with only 8 GB on-board storage but the memory card slot capable of holding a 32 GB micro SD card saves the day.

Xolo X1000 offers 1900 mAh battery and promises about 9.5 hours of talk time. It is priced at about Rs 18,999 for Indian markets.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos

Samsung Galaxy Grand is the mid level phablet for Samsung and comes with software that is similar to the famed Galaxy SIII. This dual SIM handset is powered by Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system and runs on a 1.2 GHz dual core processor. It has a healthy 1 GB RAM as well, and a 5.0 inch TFT screen with WVGA resolution. 

Besides, the phone has an 8 megapixel rear camera with flash and a 2 megapixel front camera that supports zero shutter-lag and ultra-quick camera start-up. It includes a backside illumination sensor to ensure clear shots even in the dark, as well as full HD video recording. Apart from that the Galaxy Grand has GPS and Glonass for navigation, 3G, DLNA, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. It comes with a powerful 2,100 mAh battery and internal memory of 8 GB, of which 4 GB is available to the user.

One can also use a micro SD card to expand memory to 64 GB. The device is available in Elegant White and Metallic Blue colors. We reviewed the Galaxy Grand and were really impressed with its performance and features. The Galaxy Grand Duos can be purchased for about Rs 19,855 from Snapdeal.

Spice Stellar Pinnacle Mi-530

Spice Stellar Pinnacle Mi-530 attracts folks who prefer really big displays. It not only comes with dual SIM but supports 3G on both the SIM cards as well, which is unique. This 5.3 inch qHD IPS display phone also has one more unique feature, a 5 megapixel camera in the front, which is great for self portraits. You also get an 8 megapixel rear camera.

The phone is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual core processor, which is well complemented by 1 GB RAM. The built in memory is 16 GB, which can be expanded further to 32 GB through a microSD card. Other features include 3G/HSPA+">HSPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB, a 2550 mAh Li-Po battery and dual mic noise suppression. We have been using the device for almost a month now and can safely say that it is a very good buy for anyone who wants a large screen phone with good performance. This smartphone can be purchased for about Rs 13,600.

Micromax Canvas HD

The hysterically hyped Micromax Canvas HD just started being available across the country. Sporting a large 5 inch touchscreen display, the Canvas HD A116 supports 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixel) resolution to run HD videos without any issues. It packs a quad core 1.2 GHz MediaTek MT6589 mobile processor with 1 GB RAM and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean smoothly. At the back it features a modest 8 megapixel camera with dual-LED flash capable of recording 720p HD video.

There is a front facing 2 megapixel camera for video chat. This dual SIMsmartphone also features WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity. Micromax has packed a 2000 mAh battery to make the phone run for long. We reviewed the Micromax Canvas HD and you can read about our thoughts on this smartphone here. This device can be purchased for as low as Rs 14,999 from Croma.

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