Smartphones Get Smarter: The Rise of Affordable AI Phones in 2025
Explore how 2025 is transforming the smartphone landscape with affordable AI-enabled devices. Discover key models like the Itel A90 and understand the factors driving this technological shift.
In recent years, artificial intelligence has transitioned from a luxury feature in flagship smartphones to an essential component across various price segments. Initially, AI capabilities—such as intelligent photography, voice assistants, and predictive text—were exclusive to high-end devices. However, the landscape in 2025 has evolved significantly, with AI integration becoming commonplace even in budget-friendly smartphones.
This democratization of AI technology is largely attributed to the adoption of new-generation mid-tier chipsets by smaller smartphone brands. These cost-effective processors support on-device AI workloads, enabling manufacturers to incorporate advanced features without the need for expensive high-end hardware. As a result, consumers can now access AI-enhanced functionalities at more affordable price points.
For instance, the Itel A90, offers an HD+ display, a robust 5000mAh battery, and introduces Aivana 2.0—Itel’s intelligent AI Assistant designed to simplify routine tasks. This level of AI integration was previously uncommon in smartphones within this budget range .
This aims to explore the landscape of affordable AI-enabled smartphones in 2025, examining how technological advancements have made AI features more accessible to a broader audience. We will delve into the factors driving this shift, highlight notable devices leading the charge, and discuss the implications for consumers seeking intelligent functionalities without a premium price tag.
The Evolution of AI in Smartphones
In 2025, the smartphone industry is experiencing a significant shift as artificial intelligence features become increasingly accessible in budget-friendly devices. This democratization of AI technology is largely driven by smaller smartphone brands adopting new-generation mid-tier chipsets capable of supporting on-device AI workloads. These cost-effective processors enable manufacturers to incorporate advanced AI functionalities without the need for expensive high-end hardware, thereby reducing overall production costs and making AI-enhanced smartphones more affordable for a broader audience.
A prime example of this trend is the Itel A90, launched in India at an attractive price point of Rs 6,499. This entry-level smartphone boasts a 6.67-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a robust 5000mAh battery, and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. Notably, the Itel A90 introduces Aivana 2.0, Itel’s intelligent AI Assistant designed to simplify routine tasks—a feature uncommon in smartphones within this budget range.
The Aivana 2.0 AI Assistant enhances user experience by offering functionalities such as answering document-related questions, describing images, and facilitating communication through platforms like WhatsApp. These capabilities, previously reserved for higher-end models, are now accessible to consumers seeking affordable yet feature-rich smartphones.
The integration of AI features in budget smartphones like the Itel A90 signifies a broader industry movement towards making advanced technologies more accessible. As smaller brands continue to adopt cost-effective AI-capable chipsets, consumers can expect a wider selection of affordable smartphones equipped with intelligent functionalities. This shift not only enhances user experience across various price segments but also fosters greater competition and innovation within the smartphone market.
Factors Driving Affordability in AI Smartphones
1. Advancements in Mid-Tier Chipsets Supporting AI Workloads
The development of new-generation mid-tier chipsets capable of handling on-device AI workloads has been instrumental in reducing the cost of AI smartphones. Smaller smartphone brands are increasingly adopting these cost-effective processors, enabling them to integrate AI features without relying on expensive high-end hardware. This shift allows manufacturers to offer AI-enhanced functionalities at more accessible price points, broadening the market for AI smartphones.
2. Increased Competition Among Smartphone Manufacturers
The smartphone market has become highly competitive, with numerous brands striving to differentiate their products. This competition compels manufacturers to incorporate advanced features, such as AI capabilities, into their devices to attract consumers. As a result, even budget-friendly smartphones are now equipped with AI functionalities that were once exclusive to premium models, enhancing their appeal without significantly increasing costs.
3. Economies of Scale and Improved Manufacturing Processes
As the demand for AI-enabled smartphones grows, manufacturers benefit from economies of scale, reducing the per-unit cost of production. Producing larger quantities allows companies to spread fixed costs over more units and negotiate better prices for components. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing technologies and processes contribute to more efficient production, further lowering costs and enabling the offering of AI features in affordable smartphones.
4. Consumer Demand for Feature-Rich Yet Affordable Devices
Modern consumers expect their smartphones to offer advanced features, including AI capabilities, without a hefty price tag. This demand drives manufacturers to find innovative ways to include AI functionalities in budget devices. By leveraging cost-effective technologies and efficient production methods, companies can meet consumer expectations, making AI-enabled smartphones more accessible to a wider audience.
Collectively, these factors contribute to the increasing affordability of AI-enabled smartphones in 2025, allowing more consumers to experience the benefits of AI technology in their daily lives.
Notable Affordable AI-Enabled Smartphones in 2025
Priced at ₹6,499, the Itel A90 offers a 6.6-inch HD+ display, a 5,000mAh battery, and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. Its standout feature is the Aivana 2.0 AI Assistant, which facilitates tasks like answering document-related questions, describing images, and assisting with WhatsApp communications. ]
Available around ₹13,999, the Vivo T4x 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor. It features a 6.72-inch FHD+ display and a 6,500mAh battery. Running on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, it offers AI-driven functionalities such as Live Text, Circle to Search, and AI Screen Translation.
Priced under 21,499 INR, the CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing stands out with its modular design, allowing users to customize and swap components. It features a 6.77-inch FHD+ display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor. While its AI features are limited, it offers a unique user experience with its minimalist NothingOS interface.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, priced at 38,999 INR, boasts a 50MP main camera enhanced with AI capabilities for improved image quality. It features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ display, a 5,000mAh battery, and runs on Samsung's One UI 7, incorporating AI-driven features like smart autofocus and portrait mode.
Around 39,999 INR, the Google Pixel 8a offers features like Magic Eraser 2.0 for photo editing and Live Translate for real-time language translation. It provides a seamless AI experience, making it a strong contender in the affordable AI-enabled smartphone segment.
These models exemplify how AI integration is becoming increasingly accessible, offering consumers advanced features without the premium price tag.
Conclusion
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the democratization of artificial intelligence within the smartphone industry. Once exclusive to premium devices, AI features have now permeated the budget segment, offering consumers intelligent functionalities without the premium price tag.
This shift is largely attributed to the adoption of advanced mid-tier chipsets by smaller smartphone brands, enabling on-device AI processing without the need for high-end hardware. As a result, devices like the Itel A90, priced at ₹6,499, now offer features such as the Aivana 2.0 AI Assistant, which simplifies routine tasks—a capability previously uncommon in smartphones within this budget range .
The increasing affordability of AI-enabled smartphones is also driven by heightened competition among manufacturers, economies of scale, and improved manufacturing processes. Consumers' growing demand for feature-rich yet affordable devices compels manufacturers to innovate and integrate AI functionalities into budget-friendly models.
Notable devices leading this trend include the Vivo T4x 5G, CMF Phone 2 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, and Google Pixel 8a, each offering a unique blend of AI capabilities tailored to various user needs.
As AI continues to evolve, its integration into affordable smartphones is expected to deepen, further enhancing user experiences and setting new standards for what consumers can expect from budget-friendly devices. This progression not only benefits consumers by providing advanced features at lower costs but also fosters greater competition and innovation within the smartphone market.
