Back when things were simpler, smartphone makers were fewer and phone were launched once a year, it was easy to recommend a smartphone. However, we’ve now reached a point where practically every weekday sees a new device launching. Because of that we need to update our recommendations regularly so you always have the best options in mind.
And if you’re shopping at a relatively high price point of Rs 40,000, there are some interesting options this month. Here are our top recommendations for smartphones under Rs 40,000, spanning Android and iOS, along with various brands.
WATCH: OnePlus 6T Hands On
OnePlus 6T
The biggest recommendation this month is a new smartphone that has just gone on sale. The OnePlus 6T is brand new, and is a capable successor to the OnePlus 6. You get a new in-display fingerprint sensor, smaller notch and Android 9 Pie out of the box with this phone. At Rs 37,999 for the base variant, you get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. While the camera still has some catching up to do, the device checks all other boxes to be the most capable sub-Rs 40,000 device today.
LG G7 / G7+ ThinQ
The latest smartphone from LG brings the pricing down to solidly competitive levels for the first time, with the LG G7 ThinQ (4GB / 64GB) starting at Rs 32,990. The key difference between the two variants is the RAM and storage configuration, with the higher G7+ ThinQ sporting 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage at Rs 40,000. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC, and is touted for its superior audio performance, along with continued support for the 3.5mm jack.
Asus Zenfone 5Z
Although this device has a starting price of under Rs 30,000, your Rs 40,000 budget could get you the 8GB RAM / 256GB storage option. Priced at Rs 36,999 for the top variant, the Zenfone 5Z gives you plenty of storage and RAM, a great build and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, to name a few. It’s a worthwhile option to consider if performance, software and plenty of storage space are key purchase factors.
Huawei Nova 3
While it is powered by a now previous-generation chipset, the Huawei Nova 3 is still worth considering if you want a very good-looking smartphone at under Rs 40,000. The device sports 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage at Rs 34,999, along with a dual-camera setup at both the front and the back. The iris purple color option will appeal to anyone looking for an eye-catching new smartphone.
Image credit: Bodhisatwa Ray
Vivo X21
In terms of specifications, the Vivo X21 is the least capable on the list. However, at Rs 31,990, it’s also among the more affordable options with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. Furthermore, it also sports an in-display fingerprint sensor, although this is also available on the OnePlus 6T. What works most for the Vivo X21 is offline availability, making it among the easiest phones to buy on the list.
Samsung Galaxy S8
The Samsung Galaxy S8 was launched in early 2017, making it fairly aged for an Android device. Nonetheless, the superior camera capabilities and general quality of Samsung’s devices means it’s an option worth considering even today. Certain deals online and offline see the phone’s price drop to below Rs 40,000, making it among the better camera phones in the segment right now.
Apple iPhone 7
Android options at under Rs 40,000 are plenty, but what if you want to get onto the iOS platform? The Apple iPhone 7 is two years old at this point, but like other iOS devices, has the ability to continue performing at strong levels even today. It might make sense to buy the iPhone 7 if you have a budget of Rs 40,000 not only for iOS, but also for the compact form factor and good camera.
