Best 5 Upcoming Budget Phones in July 2025
A wave of exciting smartphone launches is just around the corner this July.
If you’re thinking about buying a new budget-friendly phone, it might be smart to hold off for a few more days — several brands are gearing up to release devices packed with the latest features and upgrades.
In this post, we’ll give you a quick look at the smartphones expected to launch in July 2025, including their rumoured specs and expected pricing — and yes, most of it will likely turn out to be true.
I’ve included phones ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000, covering both budget and mid-range segments to help you find the best value for your money.
1. OnePlus Nord 5
 |
| Source: OnePlus |
The OnePlus Nord 5 enters the scene with a strong combination of performance, design, and battery life. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, paired with a vibrant 6.57″ Fluid AMOLED display and backed by a massive 7000mAh battery with 100W Warp Charging, it’s designed for users who expect both speed and stamina. Running on Android 15 with OxygenOS refinements, the Nord 5 brings a familiar yet refined OnePlus experience — perfect for those who want reliable power in a sleek, modern package.
| OnePlus Nord 5 – Full Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Operating System |
|
| Fingerprint Sensor |
|
| Display |
|
| Rear Camera |
|
| Video Recording |
|
| Front Camera |
|
| Processor |
|
| RAM |
|
| Storage |
|
| Connectivity |
|
| Battery |
|
| Extras |
|
With its Fluid AMOLED display, ultra-fast 100W charging, and a reliable Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, the OnePlus Nord 5 stands as a power-packed offering in the premium mid-range segment. Its large 7000mAh battery is rare at this price point and ideal for all-day heavy usage. However, there are trade-offs like lack of waterproofing and limited storage expandability, which may affect power users.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons / Downgrades |
|---|---|
|
- 6.57″ Fluid AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate - Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 for strong performance - Android 15 with clean UI - 7000mAh battery with 100W Warp Charging - 50MP rear camera with OIS - Sleek design with in-display fingerprint sensor |
- Only 8MP secondary camera (no ultra-wide/telephoto) - 16MP front camera (downgrade vs rivals offering 32MP) - No 3.5mm headphone jack - No SD card support (no storage expansion) - No IP rating (not waterproof) - Display slightly smaller than previous Nord models |
Overall Impression
Expected to launch on July 2 at a price range of ₹29,000 to ₹33,000, the OnePlus Nord 5 is a strong contender for users who want reliable performance, a smooth AMOLED display, and excellent battery life — all packed in a premium design. It’s ideal for those who prefer the clean, fast, and responsive OxygenOS experience, paired with powerful hardware and ultra-fast charging. While it lacks camera versatility, waterproofing, and expandable storage, it still offers strong value in its segment. And if you’re open to increasing your budget slightly, the OnePlus 12R brings even better performance and a more refined overall package.
2. Moto G96 5G
Motorola is back with yet another solid offering in the mid-range segment — the Moto G96 5G. With a sleek curved display, flagship-like design, and a powerful Snapdragon chipset, this phone is aimed at users who want premium aesthetics and dependable performance, all under the ₹20,000 mark.
| Moto G96 5G – Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Operating System |
|
| Fingerprint Sensor |
|
| Display |
|
| Rear Camera |
|
| Video Recording |
|
| Front Camera |
|
| Processor |
|
| RAM |
|
| Storage |
|
| Connectivity |
|
| Battery |
|
| Extras |
|
After looking at the complete specifications, it’s clear that the Moto G96 5G brings a solid mix of performance, style, and user-focused features to the table. With a stunning curved pOLED display, a reliable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, and clean Android experience, it aims to deliver value in the competitive mid-range space. However, like any phone, it has its strengths and trade-offs — let’s break them down.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Summing It Up
Expected to launch in July 2025 (₹22–25 K), the Moto G96 5G is an excellent pick for media lovers, mobile gamers, and design-conscious users who want a premium look and sleek curved pOLED display with 144 Hz — without crossing the mid‑range price barrier. It’s also perfect for those prioritizing battery life and fast charging, thanks to its 5,500 mAh cell and 67 W TurboPower, as well as users who appreciate clean Android with timely updates. On the flip side, if you need features like telephoto lenses, a 3.5 mm jack, or full waterproofing, you might want to explore alternatives.3. OPPO Reno 14 5G
The OPPO Reno 14 5G is the latest entry in OPPO’s mid-range segment, carrying forward its signature design focus and decent camera setup. It comes with Android 15, a capable Dimensity 8350 chipset, and a large 6000mAh battery. While it offers respectable on-paper specifications, not all choices may appeal to power users — especially when compared to other phones in the same price segment.
| OPPO Reno 14 5G – Full Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Operating System |
|
| Fingerprint Sensor |
|
| Dimensions & Weight |
|
| Display |
|
| Rear Camera |
|
| Video Recording |
|
| Front Camera |
|
| Processor |
|
| RAM |
|
| Storage |
|
| Connectivity |
|
| Battery |
|
The OPPO Reno 14 5G positions itself as a feature-rich mid-range option with a focus on sleek design, solid performance, and large battery backup. The use of the Dimensity 8350 chipset provides reliable everyday performance, and the 120 Hz AMOLED screen ensures a smooth visual experience. While the triple 50MP camera setup sounds impressive on paper, actual image quality will depend on OPPO’s image processing. The lack of expandable storage and stereo speakers may be limiting for some users, but features like IR blaster, reverse charging, and a slim build still make it a competitive choice for non-heavy users looking for a polished daily driver.
| Pros | Cons / Limitations |
|---|---|
|
- Slim and lightweight design - High-resolution AMOLED display with 120Hz - Capable Dimensity 8350 chipset - Strong camera hardware on paper (triple 50MP) - Big 6000mAh battery with 80W charging - Useful extras like IR Blaster and NFC |
- No expandable storage (no microSD support) - No IP rating or splash resistance - ColorOS may not appeal to stock Android fans - No stereo speakers mentioned - Slightly smaller screen than competitors in this range |
The OPPO Reno 14 5G, with a price tag of around ₹30,000, feels noticeably overpriced for what it offers. While the design is sleek and the AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate is decent, the overall value doesn’t justify the cost. The Dimensity 8350 chip handles daily use fine, but there’s nothing standout in performance or camera quality to separate it from cheaper alternatives. Lack of stereo speakers, and average real-world camera output make this more of a style-focused phone than a feature-packed one. It may suit casual users who prioritize looks and lightweight build — but better value options exist at lower prices.
4.Vivo Y400 Pro 5G
 |
| Source : Amazon.com |
The Vivo Y400 Pro 5G is a slim, lightweight phone aimed at the mid-range segment. While it doesn’t push any boundaries, it does bring a decent AMOLED display, reliable performance for everyday use, and fast charging. It’s a practical option for those who care about design and casual use more than raw power or camera performance.
| Vivo Y400 Pro 5G – Full Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Operating System |
|
| Dimensions & Weight |
|
| Fingerprint Sensor |
|
| Display |
|
| Rear Camera |
|
| Video Recording |
|
| Front Camera |
|
| Processor |
|
| RAM & Storage |
|
| Connectivity |
|
| Battery |
|
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Expected to launch in June last week or July 2025 at around ₹20,000–₹22,000, the Vivo Y400 Pro 5G is ideal for users who want a well-designed, lightweight phone with a large AMOLED display and strong battery life. It’s suitable for casual users, social media activity, and streaming. However, if you’re focused on camera quality or gaming, there are better choices in this price bracket.
5. Samsung M36 5G
 |
| Source : India Today |
Samsung’s M-series is known for offering mid-range budget phones packed with maximum possible features. The Galaxy M36 5G continues this trend, sporting a design that closely resembles the F-series lineup. While it stands out as a decent option in the mid-range category, I wouldn’t strongly recommend it — mainly due to previous user experiences with lag and software issues in earlier M-series models.
| Samsung Galaxy M36 5G – Full Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android v15 |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted |
| Display |
6.74″ Super AMOLED 1080 × 2340 pixels 382 PPI (Low for this size) 120Hz Refresh Rate 1500 nits peak brightness (HBM) Punch-hole design |
| Rear Camera |
50MP (main) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 5MP (macro) OIS supported |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Processor |
Samsung Exynos 1380 Octa-core, up to 2.4GHz |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage |
128GB internal storage Hybrid slot – expandable up to 1TB |
| Connectivity | 4G, 5G, VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi, NFC, USB-C v2.0 |
| Battery |
6500mAh 25W fast charging |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons / Downgrades |
|---|---|
|
- 6.74″ Super AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate - Huge 6500mAh battery for extended use - Android 15 with One UI - OIS support on 50MP main camera - Expandable storage up to 1TB - Trusted Samsung ecosystem |
- 382 PPI is low for the display size - Charging limited to 25W only - Front camera just 16MP - No IP rating (not waterproof) - Uses Exynos 1380, not the latest chip - Hybrid SIM slot (limits dual SIM + SD card) |
Key Takeaway
The Samsung Galaxy M36 5G delivers on core essentials like a large AMOLED display, massive 6500mAh battery, and a versatile triple-camera setup with OIS. It’s designed for users who want long battery life and a familiar Samsung software experience without spending too much. However, considering Samsung’s past M-series issues like occasional lag, slow charging, and the average-performing Exynos chipset, it’s not the most exciting or risk-free option in the segment. If you’re a light user who values battery and display over speed and updates, it might suit you — otherwise, there are better-balanced alternatives at similar prices.
Final Thoughts
This July 2025 lineup brings a good mix of smartphones from OnePlus, Vivo, OPPO, Moto, and Samsung, each targeting a different kind of user. If you want clean performance and solid build, the OnePlus Nord 5 makes a strong case. The Moto G96 stands out with its curved pOLED display and big battery, while Samsung’s Galaxy M36 offers a familiar design with dependable software, though it still struggles with optimization. Vivo Y400 Pro brings fast charging and a sleek design but cuts corners on camera versatility, and the OPPO Reno 14 5G, while stylish, feels a bit overpriced for what it offers.
None of these phones are perfect, but each has its own strengths. Focus on what matters to you — whether it’s battery, camera, display, or software — and you’ll find a decent pick without falling for unnecessary hype.