Best Mobile Phones Under ₹40,000 in India

The sub-₹40,000 smartphone segment in India has become increasingly competitive, offering premium features at a relatively affordable price. With flagship-level processors, high-refresh-rate OLED displays, versatile camera systems, and fast charging, these devices provide a near-premium experience without the hefty price tag of top-tier flagships. In 2024, brands like OnePlus, Samsung, iQOO, Vivo, and Xiaomi have been pushing the boundaries of this price segment, packing AI-powered software optimizations, powerful chipsets, and premium designs into their latest offerings. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, a photography lover, or someone looking for an all-rounder device, there’s a smartphone under ₹40,000 to meet your needs. This price range is also ideal for those looking for a balance between performance and longevity, as many of these devices now come with extended software support, making them future-proof. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best smartphones under ₹40,000 in India, highlighting their strengths in performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value for money. Let’s dive in!

• 1.

The Motorola Edge 60 Pro enters the competitive smartphone market with a strong first impression. It boasts a stunning 6.7-inch 1.5K quad-curved pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness which is easily one of its standout features. Paired with a robust camera setup, promising performance, and AI enhancements, the Edge 60 Pro feels like a premium phone at a mid-range price. With the recent launches of the Edge 60 Fusion and Stylus, Motorola is clearly on a roll, and the Edge 60 Pro could be its strongest offering yet.

• 2.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G continues the brand’s A-series legacy with a sleek design, vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, excellent battery life, and long-term software support. Aimed at everyday users and Samsung loyalists, it delivers a polished experience, particularly for media consumption, social apps, and casual photography. However, its mid-range processor and limited camera versatility mean it struggles to match rivals in raw power and photography flexibility. The A56 isn’t a major leap over its predecessor, and its value truly shines during discounts. It’s ideal for users who prioritise design, display, and longevity, but not for gamers or camera enthusiasts.

• 3.

The OnePlus 13R marks a bold comeback for the brand, aiming to regain lost ground with a device that feels more flagship than ever. It is originally priced at Rs 42,999 for the base variant (12GB + 256GB), but also gets discounts on e-commerce platforms that take its price to below Rs 40,000. The OnePlus 13R builds on the success of the 12R and upgrades nearly every aspect—display, battery, and camera performance. It’s no longer just a budget flagship; it’s a true premium contender at a mid-range price. For users upgrading after a couple of years, the 13R delivers excellent value.

• 4.

The Vivo V50 5G continues the brand’s focus on sleek design and camera capabilities, featuring a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, 50 MP ultra-wide, and AI-driven enhancements for superior night photography and detailed portraits. The 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support ensures a stunning visual experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, it handles multitasking and gaming efficiently. A massive 6,000 mAh battery with 90W fast charging ensures all-day endurance. With vivo’s Funtouch OS optimizations, and a stylish design, the V50 5G is a strong contender for users looking for a premium smartphone with an emphasis on photography.

• 5.

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is a powerhouse for gamers and performance enthusiasts, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and LPDDR5X RAM with UFS 4.0 storage. Its 50 MP primary camera captures impressive shots, while the 8 MP ultra-wide lens ensures versatility. A standout feature is iQOO’s gaming-centric optimizations, including motion control, frame rate boosting, and advanced cooling, making it a top pick for mobile gamers. The 5,160 mAh battery with 120W fast charging ensures quick top-ups. The Neo 9 Pro offers flagship-grade performance at a competitive price, making it one of the most powerful choices under ₹40,000.

• 6.

For software purists and photography enthusiasts, the Pixel 8A offers Google’s clean UI, long-term Android updates, and AI-powered photography. It features a 64 MP main sensor with Google’s computational photography magic, ensuring stunning shots in all lighting conditions. The Tensor G3 chip enhances AI-driven tasks and security. Its 6.1-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals. A 4,492 mAh battery ensures reliable usage, but the 18 W charging speeds are way slower than the competition. However, with guaranteed 7 years of software updates, the Pixel 8A is the most future-proof option in this segment.

• 7.

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a sleek and AI-powered smartphone, perfect for users who value stock Android with useful customizations. Featuring a 6.7-inch pOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos-tuned stereo speakers, it delivers an immersive experience. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor handles daily tasks efficiently, while the 50 MP main sensor with OIS ensures excellent low-light photography. It also boasts a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, which is a great feature to have at this price. The 4,500 mAh battery with a whopping 125W wired and 50W wireless charging ensures lightning-fast top-ups.

• 8.

The Honor 200 Pro stands out with its AI-powered MagicOS software and impressive camera system. It features a 50 MP Super Light Portrait Camera, a 50 MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultra-wide sensor, making it a camera-centric device. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 ensures smooth performance, while the 6.78-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant visuals. A 5,200 mAh battery with 100W wired charging ensures all-day use. With its sleek design, MagicOS AI features, and strong camera hardware, the Honor 200 Pro is an excellent choice for content creators and photography enthusiasts.

• 9.

The realme GT 6 is a performance-focused smartphone with the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage, making it an ideal pick for gamers and power users. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 6000 nits peak brightness delivers a flagship-level viewing experience. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with OIS ensures excellent photography, complemented by a 50 MP telephoto camera and an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor. A 5,500 mAh battery with 120W fast charging means minimal downtime. With a robust cooling system, the GT 6 delivers flagship-like speed at a mid-range price.

• 10.

The OPPO Reno 13 is all about aesthetic design and AI-enhanced imaging, featuring a 50 MP primary sensor with AI-powered image processing, a 50 MP selfie camera, and ultra-clear night mode for superior low-light shots. The 6.59-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate ensures a vivid visual experience. Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8350, it offers decent performance for daily use. It features a 5,600 mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC charging.