Deciding on a budget before buying a smartphone is one of the most important decisions you can and should make before purchasing one. And if you are ready to spare about Rs 40,000, then the modern Indian smartphone market is sure to offer you some of the most high-tech mobile phones. World-renowned brands, like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Samsung, and others offer smartphones equipped with impressive specifications like high-refresh-rate displays, versatile camera setups, and powerful processors. Mobiles in this segment have also seen a surge in demand for 5G-enabled devices, pushing brands to offer this connectivity feature also. Additionally, a growing emphasis on long-lasting battery life and innovative design elements has further intensified the competition. Indian buyers, increasingly tech-savvy and value-conscious, are always on the lookout for high-performing smartphones, making mobiles under 40000 a dynamic and competitive sect in the country’s ever-evolving mobile landscape. Keeping in mind all these aspects, we have compiled here a list of the best smartphone options available with a budget of Rs. 40000.
Best Phones Under 40000
| Best Phone Under 40000 |
Online Rating |
Approx Price |
| Google Pixel 6 |
5/5 |
Rs. 39,900 |
| Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G |
4.5/5 |
Rs. 38,999 |
| OnePlus 11R 5G |
4.4/5 |
Rs. 37,999 |
| Nothing Phone (2) 5G |
4.1/5 |
Rs. 38,999 |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
4.1/5 |
Rs. 33,999 |
| iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G |
4.1/5 |
Rs. 38,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G |
4.1/5 |
Rs. 37,499 |
| Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G Hyperphone |
4.1/5 |
Rs. 39,999 |
| OnePlus 12R |
3.5/5 |
Rs. 39,999 |
| Vivo V27 Pro 5G |
5/5 |
Rs. 34,480 |
A great choice for those switching from iOS or wanting to have an upgraded Android experience, the Google Pixel 6 is a good place to start. This phone is appropriately modish and offers an unparalleled Android experience. Not just that, at a budget of less than Rs. 40,000 the phone does manage to offer exceptional cameras, ultra-fast 5G speeds, and an innovative interface that adjusts the operating system’s hues to go well with your wallpaper. Operating and powered by Google’s in-house Tensor processors, the phone is good at enhancing vivid photography and live translation features without compromising battery life. It has an expansive 6.4-inch screen that caters to people who like to have a bigger view and large fonts.
Specifications of Google Pixel 6:
| Key Features |
Google Pixel 6 |
| Launched In |
October 2021 |
| Phone Dimension |
158.60 x 74.80 x 8.90 mm |
| Screen |
6.40-inch (1080×2400) pixels; 90 Hz refresh rate |
| OS |
Android 12 |
| Processor |
Google Tensor |
| Storage |
128GB | 256GB |
| RAM |
8GB |
| Rear Camera |
50MP (f/1.85, 1.2-micron) + 12MP (f/2.2, 1.25-micron) |
| Front Camera |
8MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture |
| Battery |
4614mAh |
| Pros |
Cons |
| Supports faster charging speeds |
You’ll have to separately pay for the charger |
| Bold design with vibrant 6.4-inch display |
|
| Camera features Face unblur and Magic Eraser |
|
User Feedback: Keeping up with the standards of Google Pixel phones, Google Pixel 6 comes with a great camera, attractive design and early software updates. All-in-all it is the best phone in this price range for Android fans.
Give yourself a little break from a regular smartphone and go for this glossy Oppo Reno 11 Pro that is made of polycarbonate and glass that gives it a gorgeous Pearl White 3D-etched finish, which looks and feels a lot like marble. It also has a 3D curved display glass on the front with an AMOLED panel which also curves into the sides by a bit. With this phone, Oppo switched to MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, which is built using the 4 nm fabrication process. For overall security, the phone has an in-display fingerprint reader that is reliable and quick. Connectivity standards include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, an IR blaster and support for the usual global positioning systems.
Specifications of Oppo Reno 11 Pro:
| Key Features |
Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G
|
| Launched In |
January 2024 |
| Phone Dimension |
16.3 x 7.42 x 0.82 cm |
| Screen |
6.7-inches FHD+ (2412×1080); 120Hz refresh rate |
| OS |
ColorOS 14.0 |
| Processor |
MediaTek Dimensity 8200 |
| Storage |
256GB | 512GB |
| RAM |
12GB |
| Rear Camera |
50MP + 8MP + 32MP |
| Front Camera |
32MP |
| Battery |
4600mAh |
| Pros |
Cons
|
| Impressive 120Hz AMOLED display |
Does not support wireless charging |
| Decent camera performance |
|
| 80W fast charging |
|
User Feedback: The Reno 11 is undoubtedly a very capable smartphone that offers a great display and solid battery life. Buyers claim that the new Reno device is made for those who want to flaunt a good-looking Android smartphone that does not cost a bomb.
Expand
The OnePlus 11R 5G features a 6.74-inch display along with curved edges. Further, it boasts a 120Hz Super Fluid Display with a resolution of 2772×1240 and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. It has a typical brightness of 500 nits and can reach a maximum brightness of 1450 nits. The 11R handset is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC which is powerful enough to handle and ease your day-to-day tasks. If you are a gamer and spend a lot of time on demanding games, then the battery life and quick refresh rate of the phone will certainly not disappoint you.
Features of OnePlus 11R:
| Key Features |
OnePlus 11R 5G |
| Launch Date |
October 2023 |
| Phone Dimension |
7.4 x 0.9 x 16.3 cm |
| Screen |
6.74 inches; 2772 X 1240 pixels; 360 Hz refresh rate |
| OS |
OxygenOS based on Android 13 |
| CPU |
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform |
| Storage |
128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
| RAM |
8GB | 16GB |
| Rear Camera |
50MP Main Camera with Sony IMX890 + 8MP Ultrawide Camera and Macro Lens |
| Front Camera |
16MP Front Camera with EIS support |
| Battery |
5000mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC |
| Pros |
Cons
|
| Stylish design and secured with gorilla glass |
Has no IP rating |
| The ultra-wide camera offers 120° field of view |
|
| Battery lasts long and charges in minutes |
|
User Feedback: Overall, most users love the OnePlus 11R 5G for its performance, display clarity, overall appearance, and smooth operation. They specifically highlight the clear display, the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, and the impressive ultra-speed charging feature. Additionally, users express satisfaction with the phone’s value, charging speed, and camera quality.
The design of the Nothing Phone 2 has a transparent back and a subtle layout that allows you to control Glyph lights. The 120Hz OLED screen delivers impressive performance with vibrant colours, excellent viewing angles, and FHD+ resolution. Nothing has a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, and the screen is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5. Finally, the Phone 2 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 which is sure to showcase a notable leap in performance.
Features of Nothing Phone (2) 5G:
| Key Features |
Nothing Phone (2) 5G
|
| Launch Date |
March 2024 |
| Phone Dimension |
162.10 x 76.40 x 8.60 mm |
| Screen |
6.7 inches; 2412×1080 pixel; 120Hz refresh rate |
| OS |
OxygenOS based on Android 13 |
| CPU |
Qualcomm® Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Storage |
128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
| RAM |
8GB | 12GB |
| Rear Camera |
50 MP + 50 MP |
| Front Camera |
32 MP |
| Battery |
4700mAh |
| Pros |
Cons |
| Unusually nice notification system |
The low-light performance with secondary cameras was very basic |
| Smooth software system |
|
| Long battery life |
|
User Feedback: While the Nothing Phone 2 has a striking resemblance to its predecessor and has impressive features. Notably, the camera capabilities of the phone are worth highlighting, featuring functions like Motion Photo, Super-res Zoom, AI scene detection, Expert mode, and Document Mode, all of which enhance the overall photography experience. In summary, the phone proves to be a comprehensive value-for-money option.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is something worth mentioning, having a fingerprint sensor at the bottom and a front-facing camera cutout at the top. The display boasts a 120-Hz refresh rate for smooth action and is overall pretty sharp and bright. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra processor, it seamlessly allows you in web browsing, email, and video recording.
Features of Redmi Note 13 Pro+:
| Key Features |
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
| Launch Date |
January 2024 |
| Phone Dimension |
16.1 x 0.9 x 7.4 cm |
| Screen |
6.67 inches CrystalRes AMOLED display; 2712×1220 resolution |
| OS |
Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Processor |
MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra |
| Storage |
256GB | 512GB |
| RAM |
8GB | 12GB |
| Rear Camera |
200MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera |
16MP |
| Battery |
5000mAh Supports 120W HyperCharge |
| Pros |
Cons |
| IP68 Certification |
The performance of ultra-wide and macro cameras are not very impressive |
| Design deserves praise |
|
| Display is excellent |
|
User Feedback: The design, display, and battery life of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is just fabulous. At this price point, the primary camera of this smartphone is impressive and the 120W fast charging and IP68 rating make it stand out from the competition.
Depending on the variant you choose, the iQoo Neo 9 Pro comes with either a glass or vegan leather rear panel. The latest handset has a flat AMOLED screen and a centrally aligned selfie camera in a hole punch cutout. On the back, the phone has a vertical dual rear camera module with an encircled metallic ring that makes it look gorgeous. Powering the handset is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is paired with the company’s dedicated Q1 chip. The device boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen and supports up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G, 4G LTE, and GPS.
Features of iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G:
| Key Features |
iQOO Neo 9 Pro |
| Launch Date |
February 2024 |
| Dimension |
75.2 x 164.81 x 8.83mm |
| Screen |
6.78 inches with 3200 x 1440 resolution and AMOLED screen |
| OS |
Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12 |
| Processor |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Processor |
| RAM |
8GB | 12GB |
| Storage |
256GB |
| Rear Camera |
50MP Clarity + 50MP (150° Fisheye wide Angle) + 16MP Portrait/Tele |
| Front Camera |
16MP |
| Battery |
4700mAh |
| Pros |
Cons
|
| Good for gaming |
Colour choices are limited |
| Supports fast charging |
|
| Reliable battery life |
|
User Feedback: The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is a reliable smartphone and has 50 MP primary camera that works well in both daylight and low-light conditions. If a good battery and fast charging matter to you, the Neo 9 Pro makes it a great choice for people with a budget of Rs 40,000.
Featuring a 6.4-inch 1080p OLED panel with an impressive top refresh rate of 120Hz, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a perfectly big phone for all types of modern Indian users. The swift refresh rate significantly enhances the A54’s user experience. Equipped with a 50MP F/1.8 main rear camera with optical stabilization, the A54 has great stabilization that creates incredible photos even in low-light conditions. Other cameras on the A54 include a 32 MP selfie camera of moderate quality, a satisfactory 12MP ultrawide camera, and a mostly redundant 5MP macro camera.
Features of Samsung Galaxy A54 5G:
| Key Features |
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G |
| Launch Date |
March 2023 |
| Dimension |
0.8 x 7.7 x 15.8 cm |
| Screen |
6.4-inch, 1080 x 2340 (FHD+) resolution |
| Processor |
Exynos1380 2.4GHz,2GHz Octa-Core processor |
| RAM |
8GB |
| Storage |
128GB | 256GB |
| Rear Camera |
50MP + 12MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera |
32MP |
| Battery |
5000mAh |
| Operating System |
Android 13.0 |
| Pros |
Cons
|
| Premium design with a glass back. |
The camera is a little below par |
| The display is very vibrant |
|
User Feedback: The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on quality or features, presenting an attractive option compared to expensive flagship devices.
The Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G, also known as the Xiaomi Hyperphone, boasts features such as 120W fast charging, a 120Hz display, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chipset. Elaborating the specifications further, the phone runs on Android 11-based MIUI 12, has a 6.67-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and 5,000mAh battery. For connectivity options, the Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G includes 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, GPS/A-GPS/NavIC, NFC, an IR blaster, and a USB Type-C port.
Features of Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G Hyperphone:
| Key Features |
Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G Hyperphone
|
| Launch Date |
January 2022 |
| Dimension |
16.4 x 0.9 x 7.7 cm |
| Screen |
6.67 inches AMOLED DotDisplay; 2400 x 1080 resolution |
| OS |
MIUI 12.5, Android 11 |
| RAM |
8GB |
| Storage |
256GB |
| Battery |
5000mAh |
| Processor |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Rear Camera |
108MP + 8MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera |
16MP |
| Pros |
Cons |
| Solid 120W charger |
Lacks an IP Rating |
| Crisp and loud stereo speakers |
|
| Good camera performance |
|
User Feedback: Users appreciate the sound quality of the mobile phone, commending the dual speakers for their pleasantness and the stereo for its excellence and perfection. However, some customers encounter heating issues. There are differing opinions among customers regarding performance, build quality, battery life, value, charging, and camera quality.
Sleek and capable of changing colours, the Vivo V27 Pro 5G is a state-of-the-art smartphone that is a great pick for students as well as office goers. The classy handset is equipped with a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display featuring a high refresh rate of 120Hz, a peak brightness reaching up to 1300 nits, and an extensive color range of 1.07 billion, providing an immersive viewing experience akin to being in a theater. The smartphone particularly, offers an enjoyable experience in binge-watching movies and series, thanks to its expansive display and vibrant color reproduction.
Features of Vivo V27 Pro 5G:
| Key Features |
Vivo V27 Pro 5G
|
| Launch Date |
March 2023 |
| Dimension |
19.7 x 9.9 x 5.2 cm |
| Screen |
6.78-inch, 2400×1080 (FHD+) resolution |
| Processor |
MediaTek Dimensity 8200 |
| RAM |
8GB | 12GB |
| Storage |
128GB | 256GB |
| Rear Camera |
50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera |
50MP |
| Battery |
4600mAh |
| Operating System |
Funtouch OS 13 |
| Pros |
Cons |
| Refreshing Camera features |
No stereo speakers |
| Stylish slim design |
Bloatware |
| Long battery life |
|
User Feedback: For those with a budget of 40k, the Vivo V27 Pro will certainly not disappoint. The handset boasts a striking design, a great screen, powerful battery life, dependable cameras, and decent performance. It might not have the best performance and speakers in the segment, but that is not a deal breaker.
Being a sibling of the high-end variant – the OnePlus 12, the OnePlus 12R has a pretty appearance. It has a simple aesthetic appeal with the same camera module with a glossy glass finish on the rear and is available in two color options – Cool Blue and Iron Grey. The 12R has a comfortable ergonomic design with a curved display and back panel. Additionally, the phone boasts an official IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, providing safety against occasional splashes or spills. Featuring a wide 6.78-inch LTPO curved AMOLED panel with minimal bezels, the OnePlus 12R offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, 10-bit colors, and HDR10+ support, along with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. On the software front, the OnePlus 12R runs on the latest Android 14 update with the OxygenOS custom skin, which aims to deliver a clean, stock-Android-like experience and unique features.
Features of OnePlus 12R:
| Key Features |
OnePlus 12R
|
| Launch Date |
January 2024 |
| Dimension |
16.3 x 7.5 x 0.9 cm |
| Screen |
6.78 inches; AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate |
| OS |
Not yet known |
| Processor |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM |
1TB |
| Storage |
16GB |
| Battery |
50MP Main Lens With an 8MP Ultrawide Lens And A 2MP Macro Lens |
| Rear Camera |
16MP |
| Front Camera |
5500mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC |
| Pros |
Cons
|
| Processor is top-notch |
Camera quality is disappointing |
| Affordable price |
|
| Excellent 120Hz display |
|
User Feedback: The OnePlus 12R stands out as an impressive smartphone with a satisfactory camera. While a few other phones in the same price range may provide a superior camera, the OnePlus 12R excels as an all-encompassing package. Boasting a fantastic display, outstanding performance, quality speakers, rapid wired charging, and a durable battery, it maintains a cool temperature during gaming sessions. Moreover, the primary camera delivers commendable performance, especially in daylight conditions.
Comparison of all handsets:
| Key Features |
Google Pixel 6 |
Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G |
OnePlus 11R 5G |
Nothing Phone (2) 5G |
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
iQOO Neo 9 Pro |
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G |
Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G Hyperphone |
Vivo V27 Pro 5G |
OnePlus 12R |
| Screen |
6.40-inch (1080×2400) pixels; 90 Hz refresh rate |
6.7-inches FHD+ (2412×1080); 120Hz refresh rate |
6.74 inches; 2772 X 1240 pixels; 360 Hz refresh rate |
6.7 inches; 2412×1080 pixel; 120Hz refresh rate |
6.67 inches CrystalRes AMOLED display; 2712×1220 resolution |
6.78 inches with 3200 x 1440 resolution and AMOLED screen |
6.4-inch, 1080 x 2340 (FHD+) resolution |
6.67 inches AMOLED DotDisplay; 2400 x 1080 resolution |
6.78-inch, 2400×1080 (FHD+) resolution |
6.78 inches; AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate |
| OS |
Android 12 |
ColorOS 14.0 |
OxygenOS based on Android 13 |
OxygenOS based on Android 13 |
Android 13, MIUI 14 |
Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12 |
Exynos1380 2.4GHz,2GHz Octa-Core processor |
MIUI 12.5, Android 11 |
MediaTek Dimensity 8200 |
Not yet known |
| Processor |
Google Tensor |
MediaTek Dimensity 8200 |
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform |
Qualcomm® Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Processor |
8GB |
8GB |
8GB | 12GB |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Storage |
128GB | 256GB |
256GB | 512GB |
128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
256GB | 512GB |
8GB | 12GB |
128GB | 256GB |
256GB |
128GB | 256GB |
1TB |
| RAM |
8GB |
12GB |
8GB | 16GB |
8GB | 12GB |
8GB | 12GB |
256GB |
50MP + 12MP + 5MP |
5000mAh |
50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
16GB |
| Rear Camera |
50MP (f/1.85, 1.2-micron) + 12MP (f/2.2, 1.25-micron) |
50MP + 8MP + 32MP |
50MP Main Camera with Sony IMX890 + 8MP Ultrawide Camera and Macro Lens |
50 MP + 50 MP |
200MP + 8MP + 2MP |
50MP Clarity + 50MP (150° Fisheye wide Angle) + 16MP Portrait/Tele |
32MP |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
50MP |
50MP Main Lens With an 8MP Ultrawide Lens And A 2MP Macro Lens |
| Front Camera |
8MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture |
32MP |
16MP Front Camera with EIS support |
32 MP |
16MP |
16MP |
5000mAh |
108MP + 8MP + 5MP |
4600mAh |
16MP |
| Battery |
4614mAh |
4600mAh |
5000mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC |
4700mAh |
5000mAh Supports 120W HyperCharge |
4700mAh |
Android 13.0 |
16MP |
Funtouch OS 13 |
5500mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC |
