Redmi 17C vs Poco M8x 5G vs OnePlus N6x: Which Budget 5G Phone Is Best?
Redmi 17C, Poco M8x 5G and OnePlus N6x are competing in India's budget 5G segment. Here is a detailed comparison of their price, display, battery, camera and performance.
October 10, 2026: Redmi 17C has created new competition in the Indian budget 5G smartphone market. The new phone from Xiaomi's sub-brand was recently launched in India. It is available in the same price range as the Poco M8x 5G and OnePlus N6x. All three phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate display, 5G connectivity and an IP64 rating. However, there are several differences in terms of processor, battery, charging and cameras.
The Redmi 17C and OnePlus N6x use MediaTek chipsets, while the Poco M8x 5G is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor. All three phones run on Android 16-based software.
Redmi 17C, Poco M8x 5G and OnePlus N6x: Price
In India, the Redmi 17C is priced at ₹20,999 for the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage model. The 6GB RAM and 128GB storage version is priced at ₹22,999. The phone is available in Coffee Brew, Purple Dawn and Dark Night colours.
The 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant of the Poco M8x 5G is also priced at ₹20,999. The 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model is priced at ₹22,999. The phone comes in Black, Blue and Leather Green colours.
Of the three phones, the OnePlus N6x is available at a comparatively lower price. Its 4GB RAM and 64GB storage model is priced at ₹18,999, while the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage version is priced at ₹20,999. The phone is available in Burgundy Red and Ice Blue colours.
Display and Software
The Redmi 17C has a 6.9-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone runs on Android 16-based HyperOS 3. It also has an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.
The Poco M8x 5G also features a 6.9-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. The phone runs on Android 16-based HyperOS 3 and has an IP64 rating.
On the other hand, the OnePlus N6x has a 6.8-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone runs on Android 16-based OxygenOS 16. It also has an IP64-rated build.
Big Difference in Processor and Battery
The Redmi 17C is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor. It is available with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The phone has a 6,000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. It also supports 10W reverse charging.
The Poco M8x 5G stands out in this segment. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset and is available with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The biggest attraction of the phone is its massive 7,900mAh battery. It also supports 45W wired charging and 22.5W reverse charging.
The OnePlus N6x is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Apex chipset. The phone is available with 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage. It has a 7,000mAh battery. However, it lags behind in terms of charging, as it supports only 15W wired charging and 5W reverse charging.
Camera and Weight
The Redmi 17C has a 50-megapixel primary rear camera along with an auxiliary sensor. There is an 8-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls. The phone measures 171.56 x 79.47 x 7.99mm and weighs 211 grams.
The Poco M8x 5G has a 50-megapixel primary camera along with a 2-megapixel macro camera. There is an 8-megapixel front camera for selfies. The phone measures 170.12 x 78.43 x 8.80mm and weighs 232 grams.
The OnePlus N6x has a 13-megapixel autofocus camera on the rear. A 5-megapixel selfie camera is provided on the front. The phone measures 166.38 x 78.13 x 8.65mm and weighs around 214 grams.
Which Phone Should You Buy?
Although all three phones are available in the same price segment, each has different strengths. The OnePlus N6x is available at the lowest price. However, its 15W charging and 13-megapixel rear camera lag behind the Redmi 17C and Poco M8x 5G.
The Redmi 17C can be a good option for those who want a balanced combination of a 120Hz display, 50-megapixel camera, 6,000mAh battery and 33W charging.
On the other hand, if long battery life and fast charging are the main priorities, the Poco M8x 5G stands out. It is ahead of the other two phones in terms of battery capacity and charging, thanks to its 7,900mAh battery and 45W charging support.
Overall, the OnePlus N6x can be considered for its lower price, the Redmi 17C for its balanced specifications, and the Poco M8x 5G for its large battery and faster charging.