Best Phones Under 20000 in Nepal (February 2026 Updated)

Getting a smartphone under Rs 20,000 can be quite nerve-wracking. For many of us, it is almost a month’s earnings. Given that, you would want to make the best possible decision. This is exactly why we’ve put together this list of “Best Phones Under 20,000 in Nepal”.

What to Expect?

While flagship phones and those priced over a lakh often generate a lot of buzz, the reality is that phones priced under 20,000 are the most popular and perform best (sales-wise) in Nepal.

These phones sell like hotcakes. But what can you expect in this price range? Well, let’s say the basics are done right. You can’t really expect much from this segment, to be honest.

However, phones at this price are more than enough for an average Joe — or Ram Bahadur (iykyk, and if you don’t, here’s the reference).

Plastic frames and back panels are to be expected. Screens are mostly LCD with HD+ (~720p) resolution. UNISOC T606, T612, MediaTek Helio G81, and such are the usual suspects over here. These chipsets might outshine the other on a good day, but they tend to fall into the same lump.

They may appear to have a multi-camera system, but it’s just one camera. The others are there just for aesthetics and can’t actually take a photo. We receive the industry-standard 5,000mAh battery, and charging speeds can range from 15W to 45W.

The software is where it becomes obvious why these phones are so cheap. They are mostly flooded with ads, and bloatware is baked into the system.

Generally, phones at this price are mostly similar to one another, with one or two standout features. And sometimes these features are what make them one of the best phones in Nepal under 20,000 rupees!

*While this list is for the best phones under 20000 in Nepal, it may contain phones that exceed the price tag by up to Rs 1,000. This is so that you don’t miss out on a solid choice due to a technicality.

*This list focuses primarily on helping you evaluate phones based on their “value for money” aspect, which is why some high-ranking models may not always be readily available in the market.

Best Mobile Phones Under 20000 in Nepal Price List

Best Phones Under 20000 in Nepal 2026

5. Ai+ Nova 5G

Ai+ Nova benefits from the RAM shortage that pushed rival phones out of this segment. While its price did increase, it was far less affected, allowing it to fill the gap as newer launches struggled to find their footing.

PRICING

Rs. 14,999 (6/128GB) | Rs. 17,999 (8/128GB)

KEY SPECS

6.74” 90Hz HD+ LCD

UNISOC T8200

50MP | 5MP

5,000mAh | 10W Fast Charging

Pros

• Affordability
• Decent performance

Cons

• Lack of brand value
• Weaker specs than the competition

Thoughts on Ai+ Nova 5G

The Ai+ Nova 5G is the silver medallist from our best phones under Rs 15,000 list, and it sneaks into this one as well.

Thanks to the global RAM shortage, the usual price-to-value balance has been thrown off. Several phones have seen sharp price hikes, pushing them out of the segments we’ve long associated them with. Redmi 15C is a prime example. The series was once a staple under Rs 15,000, but it now sits at Rs 17,000.

And here’s the thing, the Ai+ Nova 5G had beaten the Redmi 15C in our under Rs 15,000 rankings. So with the price hike, Redmi simply could not make the cut here. The same applies to phones like the Redmi 15 and Infinix Hot 60 Pro, which were originally contenders here but have since been priced out.

ALSO READ: Best Phones Under 25000 in Nepal (February 2026 Updated)

Meanwhile, newer launches struggle to justify their value. That’s not to say the Ai+ Nova 5G wins over them by flying colours.

It has a dated 10W charging, a frankly disappointing 5MP selfie camera, and an almost non-existent brand value. Still, its price-to-performance ratio remains excellent. It’s the cheapest phone on this list and packs the UNISOC T8200, which performs nearly as well as the T760 found in our podium finishers. In the meantime, many pricier rivals settle for weaker chips seen in lower price brackets.

It’s a choice between a cheaper phone with better raw performance and clean software, or a pricier phone that looks better on paper but falls short where it actually matters on a daily basis. I side with the former, which is exactly why the Ai+ Nova 5G earns its place on this list of best phones under 20000 in Nepal.

Check out our full review of the Ai+ Nova here:

4. Blackview Shark 9

Blackview Shark 9 has some interesting specs, like the UNISOC T820 chipset, which is the most powerful silicon on the list. It is also the only phone in here to offer 256GB of storage.

PRICING

Rs. 20,999 (8/256GB)

KEY SPECS

6.67” 90Hz HD+ LCD

UNISOC T820

50MP+2MP+2MP | 8MP

5,000mAh | 18W Fast Charging

Pros

• Great performance
• Great storage option

Cons

• Lack of brand value
• A little bit pricier

Thoughts on Blackview Shark 9

I would probably have ranked this phone a little higher, had it not been from Blackview. It is actually the best-performing phone in this price range.

It comes with the UNISOC T820 processor, which is comfortably the most powerful chipset in this entire list. Other than that, it has 8GB RAM and 256GB storage — the largest memory-storage combo in the segment. So, we could say that this phone follows a pretty similar formula to the Blackview A52 Pro, which managed to snag the silver medal in our best phones under Rs 10,000 list.

On top of that, this phone also supports up to 2TB of storage expansion. Hence, storage isn’t a worry with the Blackview Shark 9, unlike most phones in this bracket. Also, it proudly mentions that both its cameras are paired with Samsung sensors, something you don’t see easily, even in the higher price ranges.

ALSO READ: Best Phones Under 30000 in Nepal (February 2026 Updated)

If we were to base this list on performance alone, this phone would easily grab the first spot in our best phones under 20000 in Nepal list. However, a phone isn’t just about raw performance. We have to factor in other things as well, like, say… brand value.

Much like Ai+, the name “Blackview” doesn’t immediately inspire confidence. However, unlike Ai+, which was only established last year, Blackview has been around for over a decade and even has a foldable phone in its catalogue. That’s no small feat, especially when you realise that even Apple — one of the richest companies in the world, hasn’t pulled it off… YET.

So even if the brand name isn’t familiar, the Blackview Shark 9 is still worth considering, especially if pure price-to-performance is all you care about.

3. Samsung Galaxy A07

Samsung Galaxy A07 is actually our top pick for the best mobile phones under 15000. However, the phone is so good that it managed to crack into the best mobiles for under 20000 list as well. I mean, if Samsung locks in, they don’t miss, do they?

PRICING

Rs. 15,999 (4/64GB) | Rs. 17,999 (4/128GB) | Rs. 19,999 (6/128GB)

KEY SPECS

6.7” 90Hz HD+ PLS LCD

MediaTek Helio G99

50MP+2MP | 8MP

5,000mAh | 25W Fast Charging

Pros

• Affordability
• Supreme software experience
• Brand value

Cons

• No stereo speakers
• Waterdrop notch

Thoughts on Samsung Galaxy A07

Samsung rarely gives its A-series the same level of attention as its S-series, which is why A-series phones often feel mediocre, even though Samsung’s flagships are usually industry-leading. But if Samsung decides to make a good phone, they WILL make a good phone!

The Samsung Galaxy A07 is so good that it topped our best phones under Rs 15,000 and even cracked the top 3 of the Rs 20,000 list!

This phone has the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset powering it, one of the only viable options that deliver solid performance while keeping it 4G. That’s precisely why many manufacturers trust the Helio G99 and charge a premium for it.

Which brings me to why the Samsung Galaxy A07 is one helluva unit. Not only does it feature the great Helio G99, but it is also the most affordable phone to do so.

ALSO READ: Best Phones Under 40000 in Nepal (February 2026 Updated)

Looking at our database, this 4G-only processor consistently matches, and sometimes even beats budget 5G processors like the Dimensity 6020. So the performance side of things is solid on this phone.

Then there is the thing that Samsung does so well —  software. We get the full One UI and will be getting it for the next SIX years! Six years of software support on a Rs 16,000 phone is crazy work from Samsung. This thing even has a bit of AI capabilities.

Other than that phone comes with a 90Hz LCD panel, a 50MP main camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, a 5,000mAh battery, and supports 25W fast charging. Now the phone does not come with a charger in the box, but Samsung, being as classy as they are, bundles a separate charger for absolutely free.

There are a few things that make you go, “I wish Samsung hadn’t done that,” like sticking with a mono speaker setup and still shipping their phones with a waterdrop cutout when almost all of the competitors, even in the lower price tag, have moved on from it.

Despite all those tiny pet peeves, Samsung Galaxy A07 nails a lot of things right and makes it this high in this list.

Watch our full review of the Samsung Galaxy A07 here:

2. HMD Crest

HMD Crest has an OLED panel, UNISOC T760 chipset, 50MP cameras, and 33W charging, making it a great choice for a large number of people. There isn’t particularly anything on this phone that leaves a bad taste.

PRICING

Rs. 19,999 (6/128GB)

KEY SPECS

6.67” 90Hz FHD+ OLED

UNISOC T760

50MP+2MP | 50MP

5,000mAh | 33W Fast Charging

Pros

• OLED display
• Good performance

Cons

• Lack of stereo speakers
• Lack of a dedicated microSD card slot

Thoughts on HMD Crest

Taking the second spot is the HMD Crest, and calling it segment-defining wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

Let’s rewind a bit: not too long ago, the sub-Rs 20,000 segment was firmly a 4G-only zone. Sure, there were a few 5G phones under that mark, like the OnePlus Nord N30 SE — TechLekh’s Best Bang for Buck Phone at the 2024 Awards. But that only happened after a massive Rs 7,500 price cut.

The HMD Crest, on the other hand, launched at Rs 18,999 right out of the gate! It made 5G under Rs 20,000 a normal thing, not a discount miracle. Since then, the bar has moved even lower with phones like the Ai+ Nova dipping under Rs 15,000, and HMD Crest itself has crept up to Rs 19,999. So yes, the shock factor has faded, but back then, it was wild!

And here’s the thing, that wasn’t its only wow factor! It still leads the charge as the most affordable phone to rock an OLED screen! You also get a free 33W charger in the box with a Type-C to Type-C cable, something we don’t even see with many flagships in Nepal!

So, HMD Crest really pushed boundaries of what you can get under Rs 20,000! But of course, it’s not perfect! Nothing is!

A dedicated microSD card slot would have been nice. However, the lack of stereo speakers is a serious missed opportunity, since it would have been a godly pair for media consumption with its OLED screen!

And you may think I will once again complain about the lack of brand value, but that’s actually a non-issue here. That’s because HMD is the same company that produces phones for “NOKIA”! That’s an OG brand!  Also, its availability might be a little thin. But it was recently restocked with a price hike, so, we would say it isn’t as severe.

Check out our full review of the HMD Crest:

Lastly, THE Best Phone Under 20000 in Nepal is…

1. Motorola Moto G35

Motorola Moto G35 has an IPS panel with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera setup including 50MP primary and 8MP ultrawide, a 5,000mAh battery, and 18W charging. It is a no-nonsense, “do it all good enough to not be a problem to anyone” type of phone, which makes it the best pick in this list of best phones under 20000 in Nepal.

PRICING

Rs. 19,999 (4/128GB)

KEY SPECS

6.72” 120Hz FHD+ IPS LCD

UNISOC T760

50MP+8MP | 16MP

5,000mAh | 18W Fast Charging

Pros

• Premium-looking design
• Good performance
• Functional secondary camera
• 4K video recording

Cons

• Lack of a dedicated microSD card slot

Thoughts on Motorola Moto G35

After raving so much about the HMD Crest, you might be surprised to see another phone take the crown for the best phone under Rs. 20,000.

Here’s the thing: the Motorola Moto G35 isn’t objectively better than the HMD Crest. If I could, I would have placed both these phones in joint first place. Think of the Moto G35 as a sidegrade rather than an upgrade. Depending on what you value more, either phone could be the better pick.

Let’s start with the trade-offs. The most obvious one is the lack of an OLED panel. Honestly, the HMD Crest is a bit of a unicorn here because OLED displays at this price are almost nonexistent. Were it not for the Crest, the 120Hz IPS LCD on the Moto G35 would’ve been an easy standout.

There’s also the 4GB RAM and slower 18W charging, which most everyday users are unlikely to notice. What they will notice, though, are the areas where the Moto G35 pulls ahead.

Like, the design. Thanks to Motorola’s uniform design language across its lineup, the Moto G35 looks genuinely premium. It’s arguably the best-looking phone on this list, complete with a vegan leather finish. It’s also the only phone in this segment with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the display.

Then there’s the camera setup. The Moto G35 is the only phone here with a fully functional dual-camera system: a 50MP main paired with an 8MP ultrawide. It also allows 4K video recording, which no other phone in this bracket offers.

And the Moto G35 manages all this without compromising on performance, software experience, or battery life. So yes, the Moto G35 takes a step back in a few areas, but that’s in service of being a more balanced overall package.

It focuses on what the majority cares about, like the design, cameras, and a polished experience. That’s why, by the slimmest of margins, we’re crowning the Motorola Moto G35 as the best phone under Rs 20,000 in Nepal.

Watch our full review of the Moto G35 here:

Honourable Mentions

Aight. Those were our top 5 smartphones under 20000 in Nepal. Now we will round off this list with a few honourable mentions that just missed the list or at least deserve a shout-out!

Redmi 15C

The Redmi 15C was originally in our list of best phones under Rs 15,000, but a recent price hike pushed it out. As mentioned in the Ai+ Nova section, it wasn’t particularly competitive even in its original bracket, and it simply can’t keep up in the under Rs 20,000 segment.

That said, the Redmi 15C remains a staple product and is easily available. And when compared with other options at this price, it isn’t half as bad. Think of it as a hypothetical sixth-place finisher.

PRICING

Rs. 16,999 (4/128GB) | Rs. 18,999 (6/128GB) | Rs. 21,999 (8/256GB)

ZTE Nubia V80 Max

The ZTE Nubia V80 Max is very similar to the Redmi 15C on paper. Its UNISOC T7250 performs neck-and-neck with the Helio G81, while matching the Redmi’s 50MP camera, 6,000mAh battery, and 6.9-inch IPS display.

Its biggest advantage is software, as it’s the only phone in this segment to ship with Android 16 out of the box. That said, with the 8/128GB variant priced at Rs 21,499, its entry point sits on the higher side, which also weakens its value proposition compared to, say, the Redmi 15C.

PRICING

Rs. 21,499 (8/128GB) | Rs. 24,499 (8/256GB)

Itel RS 4

The final honourable mention goes to the Itel RS 4, which previously held the fourth spot on our best phones under 20000 in Nepal list.

Powered by the Helio G99, it’s the only phone with a gaming aesthetic and 256GB of storage to be available under Rs. 20,000.

But since it still boots on Android 13, its time in the spotlight is nearing its end.

PRICING

Rs. 19,990 (8/256GB)

In the meantime, feel free to check out our other lists for the best phones across different price ranges.

Do you agree with our list of the best phones under 20000 in Nepal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.