We have seen a good number of smart televisions being sold for less than Rs. 20,000, and the segment has seen great improvements lately. Before, you might only expect the basics, but TVs are getting better when it comes to software and performance. You can now get cutting-edge software and hardware on budget televisions, thanks in part to stiff competition in the segment from Indian and international players. The entry of major smartphone makers like Realme and OnePlus into the TV space has totally transformed the segment.
Here is our updated list of the best televisions that you can buy for under Rs. 20,000 in India. While the list contains some old favorites, we have a new pick that offers an enticing set of features at a bargain price. Read on to learn more.
India’s Best Budget TV: Realme Smart TV (32 inch)
Realme’s recent launch of televisions in India has shaken things up in the segment, thanks to impressive specs and software for the price. We reviewed the 43-inch variant of the Realme Smart TV which is priced at Rs. 21,999, and aside from panel resolution, the 32-inch model has the same features, including the standard Android TV interface, voice assistant remote control, and software-level support for HDR.
For Rs. At 12,999, the 32-inch Realme Smart TV is among the best entry-level TVs you can buy today. It’s a good way to get started with smart functionality without breaking the bank, and support for all popular apps on Android TV means you won’t need to buy any additional equipment. The Realme Smart TV is quite functional on its own, with no need to add anything other than your set-top box or game console.
As well as being a well-rounded and very capable smart TV, the picture quality on the 43-inch model was decent for us when used with good content. Sound quality was good too, so you won’t need to use external speakers or a soundbar with the TV if you don’t want to. In our opinion, this is the best affordable TV, especially if you’re looking to get started with streaming platforms. If you can stretch your budget just above Rs. 20,000, the 43-inch variant is worth checking out.
Runner-up: Blaupunkt 43BU680 (43 inch) 4K Smart TV
Although it cost just above our budget cap at launch, the price of the Blaupunkt 43BU680 has now dropped below Rs. 20,000. With that, it is among the most affordable 4K HDR TVs in India and indeed the most affordable way to get on the 4K and streaming bandwagon.
This TV supports the HDR10 format for high dynamic range viewing and features a 43-inch 4K LED display. Image quality is good with 4K and full-HD content, but drops considerably at lower resolutions. This means that this TV is only really suitable if you intend to stream most of your content in high resolutions. Sound is decent too, with a nominal 30W output.
The smart Android-based interface leaves a lot to be desired and we’d say it’s unusable; you’ll likely need a dedicated streaming device to use with this TV. There are no significant additional features, and even the remote is clunky and hard to get used to. However, this TV gets the basics right and does so with a 4K display, making it a television worth considering for under Rs. 20,000.
Also consider: Vu Ultra Android TV 43GA
While there are many options priced below Rs. 20,000 available offline, the best deals can be found online like Vu Ultra Android TV. Usually priced below Rs. 20,000 for the 43-inch variant, this TV nails things with a full-HD screen and full Android TV 9 Pie right out of the box.
While it doesn’t offer the same value for money as the Realme and Blaupunkt offerings, you do get a pretty consistent level of performance with content at all resolutions. The software is excellent too, so you won’t have any problems getting started with streaming services. Sound and color reproduction can be odd, but those are minor cons in an otherwise heavyweight TV for the pros.
How do we select these options?
While these picks didn’t make it through our in-depth review process, we were able to take a look at these models or different sizes from the same brand and series. We use these experiences, along with our assessments of their specs and value propositions, to narrow our list. Specifications, features, ease of use and value for money were key factors in selecting the TVs on this list.
There aren’t many 4K TVs available at this price point that we’re aware of, but our experiences with the ones we’ve tried haven’t been great. You can, however, get decent full-HD options for less than Rs. 20,000 in sizes up to 43 inches. With that said, the options with the most features and value for money are the 32-inch TVs. Most of the options in this range are LED-LCD TVs, as are all of our picks here.
There are a handful of brands worth considering, and we’ve used the prices listed on the companies’ official websites and retail partners to narrow our list down to fit the budget of Rs. 20,000.
Is it worth picking up a smart TV for this price?
Adding smart connectivity raises the price of any TV. When your budget is just Rs. 20,000, this is an important factor in the purchase decision. Depending on the brand you choose and the size of TV you want, you may be able to slip in smart connectivity. On the other hand, you could buy a more affordable ‘dumb’ TV and simply use the price difference to buy a streaming device and add some smarts to your setup.
If much of your viewing is limited to cable or DTH content, it might not be worth buying a smart TV. In that case, you might just invest in an affordable non-smart TV that’s more focused on size, resolution, or panel quality. On the other hand, you might like the convenience of having streaming services and other apps running on the TV itself if you use them a lot.
Best TV under Rs. 20,000: The competition
Xiaomi Mi TV 4A Pro (32 inches): Xiaomi’s most affordable television in India laid the groundwork for making smart TVs so popular, but this model is now a bit outdated and not as well equipped on Realme TV. Still a good option to consider at Rs. 12,499, especially if you like the PatchWall UI on Android TV.
TCL 40S62FS (40 inches): This full-HD TV from TCL is among the company’s most affordable options. It has a relatively large screen and would make a great upgrade for anyone with a 32-inch TV. The resolution and intelligent connectivity through the TCL Launcher also open up the possibility of streaming for users who are normally used to cable TV and DTH. Currently, this model costs R$ 1,000. 16,999.
Shinco SO42AS-E50 (40 inches): Shinco is best known for its outrageous sales and headline-grabbing prices, and the SO42AS-E50 is among its most popular models of all time. Priced at Rs. 14,499, this 40-inch full HD smart TV is worth checking out.
iFFalcon by TCL F2 (40 inches): This sub-brand of Chinese TV maker TCL may have a rather odd name, but it’s on par with its parent company in terms of product quality. The interesting thing about this TV is that it is very similar to the TCL 40S62FS with similar specs and features but with a lower price tag of Rs. 15,999.
Sony KLV-24P413D (24 inch): While it might seem odd to pick a 24-inch TV when you could spend a little more and get a 32-, 40- or 43-inch one, you’re buying Sony’s promise of quality with this option. Typically considered the maker of the world’s best high-end LED TVs, the Sony brand has significant appeal. If you’re looking for a small TV for a specific location or purpose – like in a kid’s room or a workspace – this compact TV from Sony with its HD panel (1366×768 pixels) might do the trick. It is available online for Rs. 13,890 and is the most affordable Sony LED TV right now.
Buying a cheap TV online? We discuss how you can pick the best, on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts or RSS, download the episode, or simply hit the play button below.