iQOO Budget Phone: Impressive Camera & Long Battery Life Under ₹12,000
iQOO has built a solid reputation in the Indian smartphone market by delivering performance-focused devices at competitive prices. While the brand initially gained recognition for its gaming-centric flagships, it has gradually expanded into the budget segment with equally compelling offerings. The latest buzz suggests iQOO is preparing to launch another affordable device under ₹12,000, one that promises to challenge established players in the entry-level category. With expectations of a capable camera system and impressive battery capacity, this upcoming phone could reshape what buyers expect from budget smartphones in 2025.
Design & Build Quality
At this price point, most manufacturers tend to cut corners with design, but iQOO has consistently shown that affordability does not have to mean compromise. The expected budget phone is likely to feature a polycarbonate back panel with a textured or matte finish, reducing fingerprint smudges while providing a comfortable grip. The frame should feel sturdy enough for everyday handling, and the overall weight is expected to remain balanced for single-handed use. iQOO typically opts for clean, minimalist aesthetics even in its affordable lineup, and this device will probably follow the same philosophy. The camera module placement and button positioning should feel familiar to anyone who has used a modern smartphone.
Display
The display is expected to be a 6.5-inch or 6.6-inch LCD panel with HD+ resolution, which is standard for this segment. While it may not offer the punch of an AMOLED screen, iQOO usually ensures decent color reproduction and adequate brightness for indoor usage. Outdoor visibility should be manageable under moderate sunlight, though direct sunlight might require some adjustment. A 90Hz refresh rate is likely, which would provide smoother scrolling compared to traditional 60Hz panels found in many competing devices. For media consumption, casual gaming, and everyday browsing, the display should perform adequately without major complaints.
Performance
iQOO has always prioritized performance, and even in the budget category, this philosophy is expected to continue. The device will likely be powered by a MediaTek Helio G or Dimensity entry-level chipset, paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. This combination should handle daily tasks like messaging, social media browsing, and light multitasking without noticeable lag. For gaming, popular titles like BGMI or Free Fire should run on medium settings with stable frame rates, though heavy graphical titles may require some compromises. The inclusion of virtual RAM expansion is also expected, which can help during extended multitasking sessions. Overall, the performance should meet the expectations of users who need a reliable daily driver without demanding flagship-level speeds.
Camera
The camera department is where budget phones often struggle, but iQOO is expected to equip this device with a practical dual-camera setup. A 50MP primary sensor is likely, which should capture decent daylight photographs with reasonable detail and color accuracy. Low-light performance will naturally have limitations, but features like night mode could help improve results in challenging conditions. A secondary depth or macro sensor is expected to assist with portrait shots and close-up photography. On the front, an 8MP selfie camera should handle video calls and casual self-portraits without issues. While this camera system will not compete with mid-range offerings, it should satisfy users who prioritize memories over pixel-perfect images.
Battery & Charging
Battery life is arguably the most important factor for budget phone buyers, and iQOO seems to understand this well. The device is expected to pack a 5000mAh or possibly a 5500mAh battery, which should comfortably last a full day of moderate to heavy usage. Users who primarily stick to calls, messaging, and social media could even stretch this to a day and a half. Charging speeds are likely to be in the 15W to 18W range, which means a full charge will take a couple of hours. While this is not the fastest charging available, it remains practical for overnight charging routines that most users follow.
Software & User Experience
On the software front, the phone is expected to run Android 14 with iQOO’s Funtouch OS layered on top. The interface should feel clean and responsive, with customization options for themes, icons, and gestures. iQOO typically includes useful features like app cloning, do-not-disturb modes, and battery optimization tools, all of which add value to the user experience. Software updates may be limited to one major Android upgrade and a couple of years of security patches, which is standard for this price bracket. The overall experience should feel smooth for everyday tasks, with minimal bloatware interfering with performance.
Final Thoughts
For users seeking a dependable smartphone under ₹12,000, this upcoming iQOO device appears to tick the essential boxes. It is designed for those who value reliable performance, long battery life, and a capable camera without stretching their budget. Students, first-time smartphone buyers, and anyone looking for a practical secondary device will find genuine value here. iQOO has proven time and again that affordable phones can still deliver quality, and this budget offering seems ready to continue that tradition. If the pricing and final specifications align with expectations, this could easily become one of the smarter choices in the entry-level segment this year.