Best Mobile Phones Under 12000

Ahead of Diwali, Boltt as a brand has evolved and is ready to set fire in the entry-level segment with a value-for-money phone. Boltt Evo sets itself apart with an all-day battery, decent performance, fun cameras, a good display, and a clean Android experience. While its charging speed is not up to the mark and it's a hefty phone to carry around, these are minor compromises. In a market that lacks good affordable phones, a smartwatch maker's first phone gets the timing right with a pretty generous offering for the price.

At Rs 14,999, the Boltt Ace 5G surprised me with its clean Android 16 software, reliable performance, NFC and solid battery life. The cameras are far from its strong suit, and the stereo speakers could have been better, but those compromises don't take away from the day-to-day experience. With RAM prices climbing, Boltt has certainly played its Ace right for a first smartphone.

The Ai+ Pulse 2 is an endurance champion on a strict budget. A lower resolution display combined with a massive battery means the phone can easily last for two days straight. It’s also fairly durable with IP64 rating, which is rare in this segment. However, charging that huge battery is a nightmare, and the performance isn’t cut out for heavy loads. All in all, it could be a good option for those looking for an ultra-budget smartphone.