Motorola recently launched the Moto G45 5G, their latest contender in the budget-friendly 5G smartphone market in India. While the Moto G45 5G boasts a 120Hz display, 50MP main camera, and a clean Android experience, you might be considering other options before making your final decision. Let’s delve into some compelling alternatives to the Moto G45 5G, all falling within a similar price range.
Well before we dive in, let’s check out the quick specs of the Moto G45 G5. The device features a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 SoC with up to 8GB of RAM and 8GB of virtual RAM. It has a 16MP front camera, a 50MP rear camera, and a 2MP macro camera.

The phone runs Android 14 with a confirmed Android 15 update and three years of security updates. It includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging, and Moto Connect features on the 8GB RAM model. The device is available in Brilliant Blue, Brilliant Green, and Viva Magenta, priced at Rs. 10,999 for the 4GB + 128GB model and Rs. 12,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model.
1. iQOO Z9 Lite 5G

The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G (check out our first impressions of iQOO Z9 Lite 5G) presents itself as a strong competitor to the Moto G45. It features a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, an 8MP front camera, and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC with up to 6GB of RAM (plus 6GB of virtual RAM).
The phone runs Android 14 and will receive 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security updates. It has a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The device includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 5000mAh battery with 15W fast charging, and is available in Aqua Flow and Mocha Brown colors. Pricing starts at Rs. 10,499 for the 4GB + 128GB model and Rs. 11,499 for the 6GB + 128GB model.
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2. Realme Narzo N65 5G
Realme throws its hat into the ring with the Narzo N65 5G. It features a 6.67-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC with up to 6GB of RAM (and 6GB of virtual RAM). The phone comes with a 50MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, runs Android 14-based Realme UI 5.0, and has a 5000mAh battery with 15W QuickCharge fast charging.
It sports a Light Feather design, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and is IP54 rated for dust and water resistance. The Narzo N65 is available in two variants: 4GB+128GB for Rs. 11,499 (discounted to Rs. 10,499) and 6GB+128GB for Rs. 12,499.
3. Realme C65 5G
Realme doesn’t stop at just one option. It has another option called Realme C65 5G within the same price range. It features a 6.67-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, with up to 6GB of RAM and 6GB of virtual RAM. The phone includes a 50MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and runs on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0.
It has a 5000mAh battery with 15W SuperVOOC fast charging and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The device is available in Feather Green and Glowing Black colors. The 4GB + 64GB variant is priced at Rs.9,999, the 4GB + 128GB variant at Rs. 10,999, and the 6GB+128GB variant at Rs. 11,499.
4. Poco M6 Pro 5G
Poco offers the M6 Pro 5G as an option in the sub-12k range. It comes with a 6.79-inch FHD+ 90Hz LCD screen with a center punch-hole. It is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, with up to 6GB of RAM and 6GB of virtual RAM. The phone runs Android 13 with MIUI 14 out of the box and has a 50MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
It is 8.17mm slim, has an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance, and comes with a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. The M6 Pro 5G is available in Forest Green and Power Black colors, priced at Rs. 10,999 for the 4GB + 64GB model and Rs. 12,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model.
5. Redmi 13C 5G
The Redmi 13C 5G, launched in India last December, remains a solid option under 12k for Xiaomi fans. It features a 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 600 nits brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD.
The phone runs Android 13 with MIUI 14 out of the box and includes a 50MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm audio jack, and is dust and splash resistant. The device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W charging, though it comes with a 10W charger in the box.
The Redmi 13C 5G is available in Starlight Black, Startrail Silver, and Startrail Green colors. It is priced at Rs. 10,999 for the 4GB + 128GB version, Rs. 12,499 for the 6GB + 128GB version, and Rs. 14,499 for the 8GB + 256GB version.
6. Conclusion
The budget 5G smartphone market in India is highly competitive, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. While the Moto G45 5G is a solid choice, the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G, Realme Narzo N65, Realme C65 5G, Poco M6 Pro 5G, and Redmi 13C 5G all present compelling alternatives. By considering factors like display, processor, camera, battery, software, and price, you can find the best 5G smartphone that meets your specific needs and requirements.






