Best Smartphones to Buy Under ₹40,000 in January 2025: A Detailed Comparison of Top Picks

The sub-₹40,000 smartphone segment is one of the most competitive in India, offering a perfect blend of high-end performance, flagship-grade features, and affordability. With brands like OnePlus, iQOO, Realme, Vivo, and Motorola vying for dominance, consumers are spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for a gaming powerhouse, a photography-focused device, or an all-rounder, this segment has something for everyone.

Here’s an in-depth look at the top smartphones under ₹40,000 for January 2025.

1. OnePlus 13R: The Performance Flagship

Price: ₹39,999
Why It Stands Out: Superior performance, flagship-grade build, and a bright, responsive display.

Specifications:

• Display: 6.78-inch 120Hz ProXDR AMOLED with LTPO 4.1 technology and 4,500 nits peak brightness, making it ideal for outdoor use.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the same processor as the OnePlus 12.
• Storage and RAM: Available in 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB configurations, with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
• Camera:
  • Rear: 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor, 50MP 2x Samsung JN5 telephoto lens, 8MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Front: 16MP Sony IMX480 selfie shooter, with video recording up to 1080p at 30fps.
• Battery: 6,000mAh with 80W SUPERVOOC charging, though wireless charging is absent.
• Software: Runs OxygenOS 15 on Android 15, with a commitment to long-term updates.

Pros:

• Excellent performance for gaming and multitasking.
• Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass 7i protection.
• Long battery life with fast charging.

Cons:

• No wireless charging.
• Limited front camera video resolution.

2. iQOO Neo 9 Pro: The Gaming Powerhouse

Price: ₹38,999
Why It Stands Out: Aimed at gamers, the Neo 9 Pro offers a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming and a robust chipset.

Specifications:

• Display: 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate (144Hz for supported games), and 3,000 nits brightness.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2, paired with Adreno 740 GPU.
• Storage and RAM: 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS 4.0 storage.
• Camera:
  • Rear: Dual camera setup with 50MP Sony IMX920 primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Front: 16MP selfie camera.
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 120W fast charging.

Pros:

• High-refresh-rate display tailored for gamers.
• Reliable performance with a tried-and-tested chipset.
• Fast charging that minimizes downtime.

Cons:

• Limited camera versatility due to a dual-camera setup.
• Not as premium in design compared to competitors.

3. Realme GT 6: A Display Marvel

Price: ₹39,499
Why It Stands Out: An ultra-bright display with a focus on durability and powerful optics.

Specifications:

• Display: 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED with 6,000 nits peak brightness and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 with Adreno 735 GPU.
• Storage and RAM: 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
• Camera:
  • Rear: 50MP Sony LYT 808 primary sensor, 50MP telephoto lens, 8MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Front: 32MP Sony IMX615 selfie shooter, capable of 4K video recording.
• Battery: 5,800mAh with 150W fast charging.

Pros:

• Exceptional display quality with vibrant colors and extreme brightness.
• Durable build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
• Strong camera performance, especially for selfies.

Cons:

• Slightly bulky due to its larger battery.
• UI could be more refined.

4. Vivo T3 Ultra: A Premium Multimedia Experience

Price: ₹37,999
Why It Stands Out: A curved AMOLED display, powerful cameras, and a focus on design make this a versatile choice.

Specifications:

• Display: 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED, 1.5K resolution (2800×1260), 120Hz refresh rate.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+, achieving over 16,00,000 Antutu score.
• Storage and RAM: 12GB RAM, 256GB storage.
• Camera:
  • Rear: 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Front: 50MP selfie shooter with Aura Ring Light for improved low-light selfies.
• Battery: 5,500mAh with 80W fast charging.
• Software: Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14.

Pros:

• Curved display adds a premium feel.
• Impressive selfie camera performance.
• Strong processing power for both daily use and gaming.

Cons:

• Funtouch OS has a learning curve.
• The ultra-wide camera could be better.

5. Motorola Edge 50 Pro: The All-Rounder

Price: ₹39,999
Why It Stands Out: A focus on clean software, robust build, and smooth performance makes it a reliable choice.

Specifications:

• Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ P-OLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 with a unique octa-core configuration.
• Storage and RAM: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage.
• Camera:
  • Rear: 50MP primary sensor, 13MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto lens.
  • Front: 50MP selfie camera.
• Battery: 4,500mAh with TurboPower charging via USB-C.

Pros:

• Clean software experience with minimal bloatware.
• 144Hz display ideal for gamers and streamers.
• Well-rounded camera setup.

Cons:

• Slightly smaller battery compared to competitors.
• Design feels less premium than other devices in this segment.

Key Comparison Table

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

1. For Performance Enthusiasts: The OnePlus 13R leads with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a stellar AMOLED display.
2. For Gamers: The iQOO Neo 9 Pro with its 144Hz refresh rate and powerful GPU is a top choice.
3. For Display Lovers: The Realme GT 6 with its ultra-bright display and strong cameras is unmatched.
4. For Photography Fans: The Vivo T3 Ultra offers excellent camera performance with a standout selfie experience.
5. For All-Rounders: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro provides a balanced mix of clean software, performance, and reliable cameras.