ISLAMABAD – Buying a smartphone with top-notch features under Rs100,000 is becoming hard as handset prices continue to climb, forcing Pakistanis to reconsider used phoenes or models that were previously seen as overpriced.
Phones that were once available in Rs80,000–85,000 range and were considered poor value are now looking far more attractive if found below the Rs100,000 mark as prices could rise by up to 40%, with soaring costs of RAM and storage components reportedly putting additional pressure on manufacturers.
Here are some of the phones you can consider in this budget range.
Tecno Camon 50
Tecno Camon 50 is another phone that has become more compelling as prices across the market have risen. Its official price is around Rs95,000, although it can reportedly be found near Rs90,000 depending on the retailer.
The phone packs a 6,500mAh battery and 256GB storage, an increasingly valuable combination as rising RAM and storage costs push many newer smartphones toward 128GB configurations.
Camon 50 also features a Sony camera sensor, AI-powered photography tools, a 32MP front camera and 50MP rear camera, making its camera setup one of its key attractions.
Redmi Note 15 Pro
Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 15 Pro were initially difficult to recommend because their processors did not justify their original launch prices. But with competing smartphones becoming more expensive, both have become considerably more interesting.
The phones offer 200MP cameras, durable construction and 4G chipsets. The sweet spot is particularly attractive if buyers can find the Redmi Note 14 Pro around Rs70,000 or the Redmi Note 15 Pro around Rs80,000.
Consumers should also not automatically reject older stock or slightly pre-activated retail units if sellers are offering significant discounts. In the current market, a heavily discounted older model can provide considerably better value than a newer phone sold at an inflated price.
Infinix: Note Edge Becomes the Main Pick
The Infinix Note 60 Pro, previously one of the strongest recommendations in this price category, has effectively moved out of the segment. It launched at around Rs95,000, climbed to Rs100,000 and now carries an official price of roughly Rs115,000, while some retailers are selling it for around Rs110,000.
For buyers sticking to a Rs100,000 budget, the Infinix Note Edge is now worth considering.
The phone generally sells between Rs85,000 and Rs95,000, although its launch price was around Rs75,000. Buyers should ideally target a price close to Rs85,000 rather than paying the higher retail asking price.
The Note Edge offers a curved AMOLED display, slim design, 6,500mAh battery and MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G chipset, along with capable cameras.
Infinix has also introduced the Hot 70 Pro, featuring a colour-changing rear panel and an active-matrix display on the back. It uses the same processor as the Note Edge but misses out on some of the latter’s premium features, including the curved AMOLED screen and in-display fingerprint scanner.
Oppo A6S Pro
Oppo’s A6S Pro is equipped with a 7,000mAh battery and MediaTek Dimensity 700 Max processor. It features a 50MP rear camera and an unusual 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera.The device can automatically switch to an ultra-wide selfie perspective when additional people enter the frame, making it particularly useful for group photographs.
Network performance is another major selling point. The A6 series includes an outdoor mode and signal-boosting technology. In testing, the phone reportedly maintained a stable LTE connection in a deep motorcycle-showroom basement where even iPhones struggled to retain LTE connectivity, allowing WhatsApp calls to continue.
Motorola Moto G77
Motorola is another contender with the Moto G77, priced at approximately Rs95,000. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400, the phone may not be the outright performance champion in the segment, but it compensates with its design and software experience.
The handset offers clean, near-stock Android software reminiscent of the Google Pixel experience, while its 108MP main camera can produce impressive photographs.
Its build quality and premium hand-feel also make it an attractive option for buyers who prioritise design alongside specifications.
Honor X8D
Honor’s X9D, previously a major recommendation for buyers seeking durability and 5G connectivity, has now climbed to approximately Rs120,000, putting it outside the target budget.
The more affordable alternative is the Honor X8D, available at around Rs80,000.
The X8D is a 4G smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 chipset. It combines a premium-looking design with a massive 7,000mAh battery and Honor’s MagicOS software. For buyers who prioritise design, battery life and the Honor software experience over 5G connectivity, it remains a strong option.
Samsung Options
Galaxy A26 previously considered one of the go-to choices around this price point. The current market, however, has complicated the equation.
The Galaxy A17 is available at around Rs80,000, while the Galaxy A27 moves closer to Rs120,000.
Samsung has also listed an A17 5G variant powered by the Exynos 1330. However, buyers may find better value by looking for remaining retail stock of the Galaxy A26 or stretching their budget toward the A27.
Samsung’s biggest advantage remains its long-term software commitment, with eligible devices offering up to seven years of software upgrades and extended support.
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