Smartphones have become a daily necessity, and Indian buyers continue to search for affordable yet powerful devices. The budget segment has grown rapidly, with companies competing to offer premium features at very low prices. The latest entries in this category are from TECNO and Poco, two brands that have created strong followings in India.

Both companies are now offering smartphones with up to 12GB RAM, massive batteries, and high-refresh-rate displays, all under ₹6999. This price point is often dominated by entry-level phones, but these new models bring advanced features that were once limited to mid-range devices.

The two phones making headlines this week are the TECNO Spark GO 2 and the Poco C71. With premium specifications, they promise to redefine what customers can expect in the affordable smartphone segment.

Smartphones Under ₹7000: A Growing Trend

In recent years, India’s smartphone market has shifted toward aggressive pricing. Brands like Realme, Redmi, TECNO, and Poco have changed consumer expectations by offering larger displays, strong processors, and higher RAM in budget-friendly devices.

Earlier, a smartphone under ₹7000 was limited to basic hardware and minimum performance. However, with the rise of competition and demand, manufacturers are now pushing advanced features such as high-refresh-rate displays, virtual RAM expansion, and fast charging even in this segment.

The TECNO Spark GO 2 and Poco C71 are the latest examples of this changing market. Both models not only provide large RAM capacity but also ensure long-lasting battery life and enhanced camera setups.

TECNO Spark GO 2: Power in an Affordable Package

The TECNO Spark GO 2 is listed on Amazon India with a price of ₹6999. It offers 4GB of physical RAM and 64GB internal storage. Through virtual RAM expansion, the total memory increases to 8GB, which allows smoother multitasking and app switching.

The smartphone features a 6.67-inch punch-hole display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. This feature is rare in budget devices and ensures fluid scrolling, smooth video playback, and enhanced gaming experiences.

Powered by the UNISOC T7250 chipset, the Spark GO 2 delivers balanced performance for daily use, social media, and light gaming. For photography, the device comes with a 13MP primary camera. On the front, it houses an 8MP selfie shooter designed for clear and bright images.

A 5000mAh battery powers the phone, supporting 15W fast charging. This ensures all-day use without the constant need for charging. Another highlight is its unique “No Network Communication” feature, designed to provide essential connectivity functions even without active network signals.

This model is positioned as a budget-friendly yet feature-rich phone, targeting users who want modern specifications without spending beyond ₹7000.

Poco C71: Budget Flagship Features

The second major entry in this category is the Poco C71. Priced at ₹6999 on Amazon India, this device comes with 6GB physical RAM and 128GB internal storage. It also includes Turbo RAM technology, which adds another 6GB, taking the total RAM capacity to 12GB. This gives it a clear advantage in multitasking and gaming performance compared to most budget devices.

The Poco C71 features a 6.88-inch HD+ display with 720 x 1640 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The large screen offers an immersive viewing experience, ideal for streaming content and casual gaming.

For performance, the phone runs on the Unisoc T7250 processor, similar to the TECNO Spark GO 2. However, its larger RAM support ensures smoother performance across apps. The device is equipped with a 32MP AI dual rear camera setup, making it stand out in the budget segment for photography. Selfies and video calls are enhanced by improved image processing technology.

The smartphone is powered by a 5200mAh battery, slightly larger than TECNO’s model, and supports 15W fast charging. With this capacity, the device is expected to last over a full day of active use. Another strong point is its operating system—Android 15—offering the latest features and security updates for users.

Comparing TECNO Spark GO 2 and Poco C71

While both smartphones are priced at ₹6999, there are significant differences in their specifications.

The TECNO Spark GO 2 is a balanced phone with 4GB RAM expandable to 8GB through virtual memory. Its highlight remains the 120Hz display and solid battery backup. The Poco C71, however, pushes boundaries with 6GB physical RAM expandable to 12GB, giving it an edge in multitasking.

In terms of display size, Poco’s 6.88-inch panel is slightly larger compared to TECNO’s 6.67-inch screen. On the camera front, the 32MP AI dual camera setup on the Poco C71 clearly outshines TECNO’s 13MP rear camera.

Battery life is another differentiator. With 5200mAh, Poco provides a bit more power than TECNO’s 5000mAh unit, though both come with 15W fast charging support.

For software, Poco gains another advantage with Android 15, while TECNO Spark GO 2 focuses more on hardware features like the “No Network Communication” option.

Why 12GB RAM Matters in Budget Phones

RAM expansion in budget smartphones has become a popular feature in India. While physical RAM may be limited, virtual RAM technology utilizes unused storage to expand memory capacity.

In the case of the Poco C71, physical RAM is 6GB, but with Turbo RAM, it reaches 12GB. This helps users run more apps in the background, reduce lag, and improve gaming performance.

TECNO Spark GO 2, with 4GB RAM expandable to 8GB, also benefits from this technology but falls slightly behind Poco in terms of overall memory performance.

For users seeking smooth performance in multitasking, higher RAM capacity is now an essential factor even in budget phones.

The Importance of 120Hz Refresh Rate

One of the most surprising features in both phones is the inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate display. This feature was previously exclusive to premium devices but is now available in smartphones under ₹7000.

A higher refresh rate makes scrolling smoother, animations more fluid, and gaming more enjoyable. For budget-conscious users, having this premium feature enhances the overall user experience significantly.

Battery Life and Charging Capabilities

Battery life is one of the most important factors for Indian buyers. Both TECNO and Poco have addressed this need by including large batteries. The Spark GO 2 comes with a 5000mAh battery, while the Poco C71 offers a slightly larger 5200mAh capacity.

Both devices support 15W fast charging, ensuring users can quickly recharge their phones. For daily heavy users—such as students, travelers, or working professionals—this feature ensures that the phone can last through the day with fewer interruptions.

Camera Performance in Affordable Phones

Photography continues to be a deciding factor for many smartphone buyers. The TECNO Spark GO 2 comes with a 13MP main rear camera paired with an 8MP front camera. While basic, this setup works well for social media photos and video calls.

On the other hand, Poco C71 steps ahead with its 32MP AI dual rear camera setup. This makes it one of the most advanced camera offerings in the sub-₹7000 segment. For selfie lovers and those who regularly capture videos, Poco provides a more attractive option.

Final Thoughts: Which Phone Should You Buy?

Both the TECNO Spark GO 2 and the Poco C71 deliver premium features at an affordable price point. At ₹6999, they redefine expectations in the budget category, offering specifications that were once limited to mid-range phones.

If your priority is strong multitasking, advanced photography, and the latest software, the Poco C71 is the better choice. Its 12GB RAM support, 32MP dual camera, and Android 15 OS make it stand out.

However, if you want a balanced phone with a stylish design, 120Hz display, and unique features like “No Network Communication,” the TECNO Spark GO 2 provides excellent value for money.

The arrival of smartphones like the TECNO Spark GO 2 and Poco C71 under ₹7000 signals a major transformation in India’s budget smartphone market. With 12GB RAM options, massive batteries, and 120Hz displays, they offer high-end features at extremely low prices.

For Indian consumers, this means more choices and better technology at affordable costs. Whether it is long battery life, smooth performance, or advanced cameras, these phones ensure that affordability does not mean compromise anymore.

As competition grows, more brands are expected to launch similar devices, pushing the boundaries of what budget smartphones can deliver.