Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display: Super-Bright 120Hz | Camera: 50MP | Connectivity: 5G

OnePlus 12R smartphone can do incomparable computational photography, featuring RAW HDR Algorithm, 50MP Sony IMX890 camera and Ultra-wide camera 112° FoV Sony IMX355, Ultra-Clear image quality. The phone has a 5500 mAh battery with 100W SUPERVOOC and an advanced battery health engine for longevity.

What are other users saying?
Praised for its speed, display quality, and fast charging. Some users wished for a longer battery life and expandable storage.

Pros:

• Fast performance
• High refresh rate display
• Capable camera system

Cons:

• Lacks a microSD card slot and average battery life compared to some competitors.

2. Best in Design: iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G

OS: Funtouch OS 14 Based On Android 14 | RAM: 12 GB | CPU: Snapdragon

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is a mid-range flagship mobile phone focused on performance. It has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with up to 12GB of RAM and a 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display. However, the 144Hz feature is only available for gaming. The camera system has a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor.

What are others saying?
Users love the phone's performance and charging speed, but some prefer a stock or near-stock Android experience with a higher refresh rate display.

Pros:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
• Impressive 120W fast charging
• Capable triple-camera system

Cons:

• FunTouch OS can feel bloated for some users, with an average display refresh rate (60Hz).

3. Best in Battery: Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

OS: Android 14 | RAM: 8 GB | CPU Speed: 2 GHz

Get a massive 5000mAh Lithium-ion battery with C-Type super fast charging that keeps this Samsung Galaxy A55 5G mobile alive for longer. The latest Samsung Galaxy A55 5G sAMOLED display provides an immersive viewing experience with peak brightness of up to 500 nits.

What are others saying?
It is appreciated for its beautiful display, smooth performance for everyday tasks, and brand trust. Users might crave a more powerful processor and a longer-lasting battery.

Pros:

• Long-term software support
• Gorgeous Super AMOLED display
• 120Hz refresh rate, versatile quad-camera system

Cons:

• The processor lags behind some competitors (Exynos 1280), and the battery life is average.

4. Best in Interface: Nothing Phone (2) 5G

OS: Nothing OS 2.0 | RAM: 12 GB | CPU: Snapdragon

The innovative Glyph Interface of the Nothing Phone 2 lays the path for a unique communication. Furthermore, distinct light patterns alert you to incoming calls, app alerts, charging status, and other information. With this phone's fast-charging feature, you can effortlessly power your smartphone and enjoy up to 18 hours of fantastic battery life that charges up to 50 % in just 30 minutes.

What are other users saying?
Users adore the head-turning design and the stock Android experience. Some might wish for more storage options and a more substantial battery.

Pros:

• Glyph interface notifications
• Clean software experience
• Capable dual-camera system

Cons:

• Limited storage option (128GB only), average battery life.

5. Best in Security: Google Pixel 7A 5G

OS: Android 13.0 | RAM: 8 GB | Memory: 128 GB

Google Pixel 7a smartphone is fast and efficient, with 8 GB of RAM, a fantastic camera, and features rated highest in security. Furthermore, it has a 24-hour battery life and supports fast charging for up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.

What are other users saying?
Users rave about the camera quality and software experience, but some find the build quality needs to be improved compared to the price point.

Pros:

• Google's computational photography
• Clean and up-to-date Android software
• Guaranteed software updates for three years

Cons:

• Mid-range processors limit high-end gaming performance, and plastic build quality feels less premium.

6. Best in Cooling System: realme GT 6T

OS: Android 14 | RAM: 12 GB | CPU: Snapdragon

Realm GT 6T has India’s largest cooling system, which provides an excellent gaming experience. The phone's battery life, sound quality, charging speed, and brightness are impressive. It charges fast, has a good processor, and has a top-notch screen.

What are other users saying?
Users commend the phone's performance, battery life, and fast charging. However, a few would prefer stock Android or a more minimalist user interface.

Pros:

• Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8100 processor
• Long-lasting 5500mAh battery with 120W fast charging
• Smooth 120Hz display

Cons:

• It lacks wireless charging, so the software might not be for everyone (realme UI).

7. Most Lightweight: Vivo V21 5G

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 800U | Display: 6.44-inch 90Hz AMOLED | Camera: 44MP OIS

Vivo is the feather-light phone you’ve been waiting for. The unique Dual Selfie Spotlight on the front camera helps to level up selfies taken in low light. This 5g smartphone's 7nm octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 800U boosts performance, like apps opening in a split second.

What are other users saying?
Users appreciated its sleek design and capable front camera.

Pros:

• Lightweight design
• Good selfie camera
• Fast charging support

Cons:

• Average gaming performance, no high refresh rate display.

Conclusion:
Choosing the best smartphone under 40,000 INR depends on your needs, whether for gaming, photography, or productivity. Each of these smartphones offers unique features catering to different user preferences. Before deciding, consider factors such as performance, camera quality, battery life, and design to find the perfect fit for you. With 5G becoming increasingly prevalent, these smartphones ensure you’re ready for the future of mobile connectivity without breaking the bank.

FAQs
1. Which is the best phone, from 30k to 40k?
To experience the best features under 30k to 40k, you can explore models:

• Vivo V21 5G
• Pixel 7a 5G
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

2. Which processor is flagship?
In the Indian market, phones with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, and Dimensity 8300 are in the mid-premium segment, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and Apple A16 Bionic are good to go in the flagship segment.

3. Is Samsung A or S better?
The current average performance of the Samsung A series phones is close to that of the Samsung S series.

With the sheer number of options available, buying a new smartphone can be daunting. Modern smartphones are much more than just calling devices thanks to the technology advancements. Nowadays, they can be your work assistant, entertainment center, camera, and much more. So how do you pick the best one for your requirements? In the sea of brand claims and specifications, it's simple to get lost. Whether you're a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or someone searching for a long-lasting battery, understanding the crucial aspects that you must consider will enable you to recognize your needs and make an informed choice.

We'll walk you through the key features in this buying guide, including processing speed, camera quality, battery life, display technology, and storage capacity, to help you make an informed choice. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which features are most important for you and how to select a phone that offers the best value for your money.

Buying guide for phones: Key factors you should look for


Factors to look for while buying a smartphone

1. Display size:

The size of the display is one of the most crucial aspects to take into account when selecting a smartphone. This establishes how convenient it is to use with one hand or how small it can fit in your pocket. A smartphone's screen size is expressed in inches and measured diagonally.

Most smartphones have screens that are six inches or larger. A phone with a display size between 4 and 6 inches might be something to look into if you don't like the idea of a large smartphone or want to be able to use it with one hand. However, a display size larger than 6 inches is advised for heavy video editing, intense gaming, split-screen work, e-reading, and movie

2. Display type

Display type is another important factor that affects the viewing experience. Smartphones are now available with LCD, Retina, OLED, and AMOLED panels, each of which has optimal use cases, viewing angles, and color reproduction capabilities of its own. Here are all the display type explained.

LCD display:

Liquid crystal displays, or LCDs for short, are a common option for smartphones and other devices due to their affordability and widespread use. The term LCD refers to a collection of liquid crystals that are backlit by a backlight.

Relying on a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) layer with an active matrix, modern LCDs are less expensive and complex than their low-resolution, passive counterparts, like the ones found in many calculators, vintage watches, and even the original Game Boy. Because tiny transistors regulate the current received on each row and column of pixels in a TFT, each pixel can be turned on or off without requiring a dedicated connection.

OLED display:

Organic Light Emitting Diode, use OLED. Thin sheets of electroluminescent material make up an OLED display; as the name suggests, these materials emit light when current is applied to them. OLED displays are "always off," unless the individual pixels are powered, in contrast to backlit LCD panels.

This indicates that when black or darker colors are shown on the screen, OLED displays have much purer blacks and use less energy. On the other hand, OLED screens with lighter color themes consume a lot more power than an LCD screen with the same theme. The cost of producing OLED screens is higher than that of LCD screens.

In comparison to LCD screens, OLED displays have higher contrast ratios since their black pixels are "off." Although OLED displays can also have very quick refresh rates, they are not as visible in bright light as backlit LCDs. Other things to think about are screen burn-in and diode degradation (since they are organic).

AMOLED display:

Unlike PMOLEDs (passive matrix OLEDs), which drive the display on a row and line level, AMOLEDs (Active Matrix OLEDs) use a TFT layer to control individual pixels. The outcome is comparable to LCDs and enables larger and denser screens. Generally speaking, every OLED screen available today is an adaptation of AMOLED technology.

Apple's ProMotion, Liquid Retina, and Liquid Retina XDR:

The term "Retina" was first used in the past to refer to LCD screens that have "Retina" resolutions, meaning that at standard viewing distances, the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels. According to paper, every iPhone model since the iPhone 4.

Apple uses the term "Liquid" for the LCD panel and "XDR" for the HDR capabilities in its Mini LED technology. Another marketing term used by Apple to characterize screens with high refresh rates and dynamic adjustment is ProMotion. Comparable to the Dynamic & Fluid prefixes discussed earlier, but applicable to LCD screens in the case of Apple as well.

Refresh rate

The number of times your screen is refreshed every second is known as the refresh rate. The smoother your video viewing experience is, the higher the refresh rate, which is measured in Hz. Calling, light web browsing, and light social media use are best served by 60 Hz, whereas heavy web browsing, email, social media usage, light gaming, and editing are best served by 90 Hz. On the other hand, intense gaming, watching movies, and video editing work best at 120Hz and higher.

RAM and storage

A 4GB smartphone would be plenty if you're searching for an entry-level model. It would be best to get a phone with 6GB of RAM if you're looking for something between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 because it can hold more apps at once. It's best to spend your money on a smartphone with 8GB of RAM if you want to buy a mid-range or high-end phone that costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000 in order to enjoy more seamless multitasking. It would be wise to get a phone with at least 12GB of RAM if you're planning to buy a flagship device.

However, in case of iPhones, things are different. Last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max had only 8GB RAM, still it’s one of the most efficient phones available in the market. iOS is known for its efficient memory management and optimisation, which allows it to deliver smooth performance even with relatively lower amounts of RAM compared to some Android counterparts. Even iOS apps are designed in such a way that they work efficiently even with less amount of RAM.

In terms of Storage you can get a smartphone with 64GB and above depending on your need.

Processor

A processor is comparable to a smartphone's brain. You can say that almost everything you do on your smartphone is dependent upon it. Nevertheless, purchasing an expensive flagship smartphone is necessary to get a high-end processor. The tasks and apps you use on your phone will determine how much processing power you require, though. Selecting a smartphone with a processor that provides the ideal amount of power while remaining comfortably within your budget is crucial. Performance of a processor is primarily determined by two factors: the number of cores and clock speeds available. A variety of multi-core processors are available in the latest generations of smartphones. Dual-core (two), quad-core (four), and octa-core (eight) processors are the most prevalent. Here are mostly used processors:

Qualcomm:
Leading the processor industry, Qualcomm is well-known for its Snapdragon chipsets, which include models 4, 6, 7, and 8. These drive a number of high-end flagship devices from Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Samsung.

Mediatek:
Mediatek is another manufacturer known for powering flagship and mid-range smartphones. The popular Helio and Dimensity chipset families from Mediatek power 4G and 5G smartphones, respectively.

Apple:
Apple design its own chipsets exclusively for its own line of products only. All iPhone chipsets, starting with the A14 Bionic, are capable of supporting 5G technology.

Exynos:
Similar to Apple, Samsung also make Exynos mobile processors exclusively for its smartphones. Many Samsung smartphones, including the entry-level Galaxy J series models and the flagship Galaxy S series models, are powered by the same processor.

Camera
One of the first things that most of us look for in a smartphone is a camera. A good smartphone camera is now a need rather than a luxury in an era where social media and remote work have become integral parts of our lives.

Every manufacturer sells smartphones with various camera configurations, each with special features. Three primary types of smartphone lenses exist: telephoto or zoom, ultra-wide angle, and primary sensors.

Primary sensors:

When you open the camera app on a smartphone, the default camera is the primary lens. It is perfect for taking close-up pictures of everyday subjects. Additionally, the primary lens—which a phone may or may not have—always has the highest image resolution of all the sensors.

Ultra-wide-angle sensor:
Smartphones now comes with a wider field of vision between 117 and 123 degrees thanks to an ultra-wide-angle sensor. These lenses come in handy for taking pictures of landscapes at sunsets or perhaps of a sizable gathering of people, like at a wedding.

Telephoto sensors:
Telephoto sensors let you take pictures of distant objects. Essentially, it lets you enlarge an image without sacrificing quality when zooming in on a distant subject. These sensors come in handy for photographing things like wildlife.

What is Megapixel?
Digital image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, which are counted per inch. One million pixels, or discrete bits of data that go into creating an image, make up one megapixel.

When talking about the quality of their photos, the majority of smartphone brands usually mention the number of megapixels on the device. Though having more megapixels does contribute to sharper images, it is important to remember that this is not the only factor.

Other additional camera features:

Artificial Intelligence takes away all the hassle of photography; Optical Image Stabilization mechanism reduces blur in your images; High Dynamic Range (HDR) helps capture images with a better dynamic range; and Portrait Mode, which uses the Bokeh Effect to blur the background of your images and enhances your selfies and portraits.

Battery and Charging support

The battery life of a phone is very important, especially for people who are constantly on the go. Larger values, expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh), typically correspond to longer battery life. When used moderately, phones with batteries ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 mAh can usually last an entire day. Fast charging, on the other hand, is a modern necessity. With the fast charging technology found in many smartphones, you can charge your phone to 50% capacity in just 30 minutes. Convenience is increased by the fact that many high-end models offer wireless charging.

Conclusion
Buying a smartphone requires careful consideration of both your needs and your budget. It will be easier for you to choose if you focus on battery life, camera quality, and overall performance. Understanding these key factors will help you make an informed decision. So, the next time you're on the hunt for a new smartphone, our guide will help you find the perfect phone that fits in your lifestyle and budget.


FAQs

1. What is the minimum RAM capacity needed for a Mobile phone?
It is advised to choose a phone with RAM of at least 4GB if you want your end user experience to be as efficient as possible when using the phone. It is recommended that individuals who frequently use multiple programs and processes at once have RAM that is at least 6GB or 8GB.


2. What are the different display options available on Mobile phone?
In terms of external screen protection, mobile phones are available with LCD, OLED, and AMOLED screens, among other screen types. OLED and AMOLED displays are generally found to have better color reproduction and contrast than LCD displays.

3. What are the best display resolutions available on Mobile phone?
The Full HD (1080p) resolution, Quad HD (1440p), and 4k Ultra HD are the display resolutions that work best with smartphones. HD displays produce sharper images, which translates to an improved viewing experience all around.

The newest version of Samsung's flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, has many positive aspects. Compared to its predecessors, it is lighter and thinner. It weighs 8.4 ounces, which is actually a significant advancement for Samsung and equal to the weight of many big screen phones with conventional designs. We also appreciate that the Galaxy Z Fold 6's increased portability didn't come at the expense of its robustness, as it has stronger glass and dust resistance. The Galaxy Z Fold 6's AI features are the main attraction. The Galaxy S24 family offers the same features that were unveiled earlier this year, but there are also some new tools that take advantage of the Fold's distinctive design. The Fold's cover display provides access to Google Gemini, and Sketch to Image utilizes the larger drawing area to transform your doodles into beautifully styled illustrations. Note Assist is especially useful for summarizing and transcribing meeting minutes.

Users' feedback: Buyers have said that it's a stylish phone with good AI features. Compared to its predecessor, it feels lighter and bit more durable.

2. Best in display: Pixel 9 Pro Fold 5G

Google improved the design so that it resembles the Pixel 9 smartphones in terms of aspect ratio and has a 6.3-inch, 20:9 external display that is more comfortable to hold and use. Along with having slightly more screen real estate than before, the internal display also has a more square aspect ratio. The matte back and satin metal frame of the phone give it a more upscale feel and appearance overall. Despite not having any hardware upgrades from the original model, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold still has the best cameras of any foldable smartphone we've tried, along with strong performance (and battery life) and an upgraded design to match. Additionally, you get more with Google's AI image editing tools like Magic Editor provide you greater control over your images, and apps exclusive to Pixels, like Made You Look.

Users' feedback: Users have liked the design and overall experience.

The OnePlus Open's large screen real estate, superior performance, and overall affordability make it the greatest foldable available. At a comparatively cheaper price than notebook-style foldables from Google and Samsung, the phone hasn't really cut down many corners to lower the price. From impressive camera to Open Canvas multitasking features, which enable users to run multiple applications at once in any desired window size, the phone packs everything that you would expect from a foldable. As for the display, the OnePlus Open's 7.8-inch primary screen is the biggest available on a foldable device at the moment, but the hinge keeps the phone thin and light overall. This is a truly fantastic gadget that advances the foldable market as a whole.

Users' feedback: Customersappreciate the phone's foldability, build quality, and camera quality. They say the videos and images are crisp and clear, the folding design doesn't add bulk, and it's a great piece of engineering.

4. Best in design: Vivo X Fold3 Pro 5G

Since it is the newest model, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro naturally has the most potent processor hardware available: a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Not only that, but the phone is also the thinnest available, measuring only 5.2 mm when opened. Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners on the inner and outer screens are another practical and distinctive feature that sets this foldable phone apart from others. A layer of Armor Glass shields the 6.53-inch external AMOLED display, which has a resolution of 2748 x 1172 pixels, from scuffs and cracks. When it opens, you're presented with the largest 8-inch 10-bit LTPO AMOLED display available, measuring 2480 x 2200 pixels.

Users' feedback: Buyers liked the design, battery and overall performance. They also said that phone is very handy to hold and doesn't feel bulky.

5. Best in budget: TECNO Phantom V Fold 5G

With the Phantom V Fold, Tecno surprised everyone by joining the foldable smartphone bandwagon well ahead of some larger brands in the first half of 2023. It costs less than half as much as the other phones on this list and is still by far the most reasonably priced full-sized foldable phone available in India. Its low price does not deceive, though; this is a very competitive device that performs most of the functions of the other big boys. The Tecno Phantom V Fold features an exterior screen measuring 6.42-inches and an interior foldable display measuring 7.85-inches. These are both 10-bit LTPO AMOLED screens with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a maximum brightness of 1100 nits. The internal screen is 2296 x 2000 pixels in resolution, while the external screen, which is covered by Gorilla Glass Victus, is 2550 x 1080 pixels. Additionally, the phone has either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage and a 12GB RAM chip, all powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ SoC.

Users' feedback: Userslike the camera quality, value for money, and looks of the cell phone. They mention it fulfills almost all promises, looks and feels premium, and is a great phone to buy. Some are satisfied with the performance.

Samsung has been Apple's primary competitor in the smartphone market for a long time now. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is perhaps the closest to the iPhone 16. It is a great choice for anyone switching from iOS because it offers excellent value, a top-notch camera system, an impressive screen, quick performance, and all-day battery life. Moreover, the flat design has the same contemporary, sleek appearance as its iOS equivalent. This is the best purchase if you frequently need the 3x zoom lens, which is a feature not found in most smartphones at this price.

Users' feedback: Consumers like the phone's features for the camera, build quality, and display quality. They say the camera is its best feature, the device has an amazing appearance overall, and it's an impressive smartphone. The performance is well-liked by the audience as well.

2. Best in features: Pixel 9 5G

In 2024, the Google Pixel 9 is the best replacement for the iPhone 16. First off, it's a fantastic smartphone with one of the best cameras available; if you don't mind not having a dedicated zoom lens, its images can easily rival those taken by Apple. Second, switching to Google's version of Android will be the easiest because it is the easiest to understand, making the transition less difficult. Thirdly, it stands out from the other phone crowd thanks to its ultra-slim design and new camera island. The Google Pixel 9 has many innovative and practical Pixel-specific features that will transform the way you use your phone, giving it an advantage over the iPhone. These features include the Gemini AI chatbot, the Magic Eraser and many more.

Users' feedback: Users have shared that it has a longer-lasting battery, a better camera, strong construction, no heating problems, and fantastic photo editing software. Overall, the AI experience is fantastic and the performance seems very smooth.

3. Most value for money: OnePlus 12

With its exceptional performance, the OnePlus 12 can go Toe-to-toe with the latest iPhone 16 in terms of performance and certain productivity tasks. However, at Rs 64,999, it is significantly less expensive than the iPhone 16. The 6.82-inch 1440 x 3168 screen on the OnePlus 12 is larger, brighter, and more resolution-capable, with a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits. Additionally, a refresh rate of 120Hz makes it smoother. Together with a 3x telephoto lens, it boasts a larger 5,400mAh battery, significantly faster 100W charging (or a still-speedy 80W in the US), and a similarly high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. These features allow it to have more cameras than the iPhone 16.

Users' feedback: Buyers have appreciated the phone's speed, display quality, and camera quality. They say it's well-built, can run demanding games at 60 frames per second, and has excellent RAM management. Some value the features and long battery life.

4. Best in camera: Pixel 8 Pro 5G

Although Google has a very small market share for smartphones, the company does produce Android, so it has equal control over the software on its phones as Apple does. For this reason, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is another obvious alternative to the iPhone. The Pixel phone line isn't very well-liked, but it ought to be because these devices have amazing photo quality, unique designs, and useful software features. Notably, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a superior 6.7-inch 1344 x 2992 screen when compared to the iPhone 16. Either way, these are great phones that are almost exactly like an iPhone running Android, with simple to use interfaces and little to no bloat.

Users' feedback: Users have shared thatthe camera simply outperforms any other premium phones and the battery lasts for a whole day even after using camera.

5. Best in performance: Xiaomi 14 5G

Xiaomi 14 5G serves as one of the best alternative to the newly launched iPhone 16 that you can buy in 2024. From offering the tallest 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display with 3000 nits peak brightness, 1200 x 2670 resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate, it offers a great viewing experience along with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC which is as good as Apple's A18 chipset. Plus, the phone houses the a 4610mAh battery with support for 90W wired fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging that iPhone 16 misses out on. Additionally, you will get an extra 50-Megapixel third camera for ultra-wide shots.

Users' feedback: Consumers appreciate the phone's design, high-quality display, and camera. They mention that it has a 120Hz refresh rate, fits flawlessly in the hand, and is a true flagship phone. A few people find the performance admirable.