Top 5 Best Phones Under 40000 in India 2023: A Comparison of Specifications, Prices, Reviews, and more
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The smartphone market is flooded with options, making it challenging to find the perfect phone that strikes the right balance between features and price. In this article, we'll explore the top five contenders for the title of the best phone under 40000 rupees in India. Each phone brings its unique strengths, catering to different preferences and requirements. Let's dive into a detailed review of each device.
1. iQoo Neo 7 Pro:
The iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G offers a compelling package with several notable upgrades over its younger sibling, the Neo 7 5G. With a more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, excellent display quality, and fast charging capabilities, it is a strong contender in the sub-Rs. 40,000 segment in India.
Design-wise, the Neo 7 Pro boasts a vegan leather rear panel with an attractive textured finish, available in Fearless Flame (orange) and Dark Storm (AG glass). The lightweight design (194.5g) ensures a comfortable grip, and the phone has an IP52 rating for water and dust resistance.
Performance is where the Neo 7 Pro excels, thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and LPDDR5 RAM. Games run smoothly, and benchmark scores are impressive, surpassing rivals like the OnePlus Nord 3. Battery life is also commendable, lasting over 22 hours in HD video loop testing, and the 120W fast charging adapter can fully charge the device in just 27 minutes.
The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and 2-megapixel macro sensor. While daylight images are detailed with good dynamic range, low-light performance could be improved, particularly in Night mode. Selfies are decent, but some skin smoothing may be noticeable, even with the beautification feature disabled.
The iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G is an enticing choice, offering a complete package with its powerful hardware and smooth display. Although facing tough competition from OnePlus devices in terms of software experience, it holds its own with excellent performance and overall value for the price.
Design-wise, the Neo 7 Pro boasts a vegan leather rear panel with an attractive textured finish, available in Fearless Flame (orange) and Dark Storm (AG glass). The lightweight design (194.5g) ensures a comfortable grip, and the phone has an IP52 rating for water and dust resistance.
Performance is where the Neo 7 Pro excels, thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and LPDDR5 RAM. Games run smoothly, and benchmark scores are impressive, surpassing rivals like the OnePlus Nord 3. Battery life is also commendable, lasting over 22 hours in HD video loop testing, and the 120W fast charging adapter can fully charge the device in just 27 minutes.
The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and 2-megapixel macro sensor. While daylight images are detailed with good dynamic range, low-light performance could be improved, particularly in Night mode. Selfies are decent, but some skin smoothing may be noticeable, even with the beautification feature disabled.
The iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G is an enticing choice, offering a complete package with its powerful hardware and smooth display. Although facing tough competition from OnePlus devices in terms of software experience, it holds its own with excellent performance and overall value for the price.
2. Oneplus 11R:
The OnePlus 11R 5G is making waves in the smartphone market, garnering more attention than its flagship sibling, the OnePlus 11 5G. For OnePlus fans, the 11R 5G brings back the company's original philosophy of offering premium features at an affordable price. With a starting price of Rs. 39,999 in India, it boasts a flagship-grade processor, the same primary camera as the OnePlus 11 5G, and fast charging, making it a compelling option in its segment.
Design-wise, the OnePlus 11R 5G closely resembles the more expensive OnePlus 11 5G, with only a few discernible differences. It lacks the Hasselblad logo on the camera module and has no visible antenna bands, maintaining its premium appeal. The 6.74-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate provides an immersive viewing experience, but the in-display fingerprint sensor's lower placement might be slightly inconvenient.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, the OnePlus 11R 5G delivers excellent overall performance. The OxygenOS 13, based on Android 13, offers a fluid interface with minimal bloatware and regular updates promised for the next three years.
Gaming and multimedia performance is top-notch, with smooth gameplay and reliable stereo speakers. The 5,000mAh battery lasts for a full day of heavy usage and can be rapidly charged using the 100W adapter.
The camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, captures good details and colours, particularly in low light. However, the ultra-wide and macro cameras are not as impressive. The phone can shoot 4K 60fps videos with stabilization, but the quality varies among the different lenses.
Overall, the OnePlus 11R 5G offers a solid comeback, catering to OnePlus enthusiasts seeking flagship features at an attractive price. For those looking for more options, the upcoming Realme GT 3 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G are worth considering, each with their unique advantages. Nevertheless, the OnePlus 11R 5G stands as a compelling choice in the value flagship segment.
Design-wise, the OnePlus 11R 5G closely resembles the more expensive OnePlus 11 5G, with only a few discernible differences. It lacks the Hasselblad logo on the camera module and has no visible antenna bands, maintaining its premium appeal. The 6.74-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate provides an immersive viewing experience, but the in-display fingerprint sensor's lower placement might be slightly inconvenient.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, the OnePlus 11R 5G delivers excellent overall performance. The OxygenOS 13, based on Android 13, offers a fluid interface with minimal bloatware and regular updates promised for the next three years.
Gaming and multimedia performance is top-notch, with smooth gameplay and reliable stereo speakers. The 5,000mAh battery lasts for a full day of heavy usage and can be rapidly charged using the 100W adapter.
The camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, captures good details and colours, particularly in low light. However, the ultra-wide and macro cameras are not as impressive. The phone can shoot 4K 60fps videos with stabilization, but the quality varies among the different lenses.
Overall, the OnePlus 11R 5G offers a solid comeback, catering to OnePlus enthusiasts seeking flagship features at an attractive price. For those looking for more options, the upcoming Realme GT 3 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G are worth considering, each with their unique advantages. Nevertheless, the OnePlus 11R 5G stands as a compelling choice in the value flagship segment.
3. Oneplus Nord 3:
The OnePlus Nord 3 5G has arrived as the successor to the Nord 2T, bringing significant upgrades over its predecessor. Packed with MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9000 SoC and a primary camera from the OnePlus 11, the Nord 3 offers an enticing package. Two storage options are available, with the 8GB RAM + 128GB variant priced at Rs. 33,999, and the 16GB RAM + 256GB variant, which we reviewed, priced at Rs. 37,999.
In terms of design, the Nord 3 5G resembles a premium version of the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, boasting a flat plastic frame and a Corning Gorilla Glass 5-covered glass back. The 6.74-inch 'Super Fluid' AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support delivers crisp visuals and immersive viewing experiences.
Under the hood, the Dimensity 9000 SoC ensures fluid performance, ideal for gaming and multitasking. The 5,000mAh battery offers good endurance and supports 80W fast charging, delivering a full charge in just 40 minutes.
Camera-wise, the Nord 3 5G excels with its 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary camera, offering impressive daylight and low-light performance. The ultra-wide camera falls short in comparison, but overall, the camera setup performs admirably for its price range.
The Oxygen OS 13.1 based on Android 13 ensures a smooth and customizable user experience. OnePlus promises three major Android updates and four years of security patches.
While the Nord 3 5G lacks an IP rating and the ultra-wide camera leaves room for improvement, its well-rounded features, flagship-grade performance, and attractive price make it a compelling contender for the best smartphone under Rs. 40,000 in India.
In terms of design, the Nord 3 5G resembles a premium version of the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, boasting a flat plastic frame and a Corning Gorilla Glass 5-covered glass back. The 6.74-inch 'Super Fluid' AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support delivers crisp visuals and immersive viewing experiences.
Under the hood, the Dimensity 9000 SoC ensures fluid performance, ideal for gaming and multitasking. The 5,000mAh battery offers good endurance and supports 80W fast charging, delivering a full charge in just 40 minutes.
Camera-wise, the Nord 3 5G excels with its 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary camera, offering impressive daylight and low-light performance. The ultra-wide camera falls short in comparison, but overall, the camera setup performs admirably for its price range.
The Oxygen OS 13.1 based on Android 13 ensures a smooth and customizable user experience. OnePlus promises three major Android updates and four years of security patches.
While the Nord 3 5G lacks an IP rating and the ultra-wide camera leaves room for improvement, its well-rounded features, flagship-grade performance, and attractive price make it a compelling contender for the best smartphone under Rs. 40,000 in India.
4. Vivo V27 Pro:
The Vivo V27 Pro continues the company's tradition of lightweight and stylish smartphones in the V series. With upgrades from its predecessor, the V25 Pro, the V27 Pro offers a sleek and lightweight design with a unique colour-changing rear panel that shifts from light to dark blue when exposed to sunlight. The phone's in-hand feel is excellent, with a slim and ergonomic build that weighs a mere 182g and measures just 7.36mm in thickness.
The 6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals, but the lack of stereo speakers and official IP rating disappoint. Nevertheless, the display remains enjoyable for indoor and outdoor use.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC and up to 12GB of RAM (including 8GB of extended RAM), the V27 Pro handles routine tasks and gaming quite well. However, the slim design causes the phone to heat up faster during extended gaming sessions.
The camera performance is a standout feature, particularly the 50-megapixel Sony IMX766V primary camera and the impressive front camera for selfies. Images captured in daylight and low-light conditions exhibit good details and contrast, though the ultra-wide camera falls short.
While the Vivo V27 Pro's design and camera prowess deserve commendation, some downsides are evident. Its single-channel speaker and the lack of an official IP rating might disappoint users at this price point. Additionally, strong competition from brands like iQoo and OnePlus offer better hardware and overall value.
In conclusion, the Vivo V27 Pro is an attractive choice for those seeking an excellent in-hand feel, unique design, and impressive camera performance. However, those looking for top-notch performance and additional features might find better alternatives in the market.
The 6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals, but the lack of stereo speakers and official IP rating disappoint. Nevertheless, the display remains enjoyable for indoor and outdoor use.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC and up to 12GB of RAM (including 8GB of extended RAM), the V27 Pro handles routine tasks and gaming quite well. However, the slim design causes the phone to heat up faster during extended gaming sessions.
The camera performance is a standout feature, particularly the 50-megapixel Sony IMX766V primary camera and the impressive front camera for selfies. Images captured in daylight and low-light conditions exhibit good details and contrast, though the ultra-wide camera falls short.
While the Vivo V27 Pro's design and camera prowess deserve commendation, some downsides are evident. Its single-channel speaker and the lack of an official IP rating might disappoint users at this price point. Additionally, strong competition from brands like iQoo and OnePlus offer better hardware and overall value.
In conclusion, the Vivo V27 Pro is an attractive choice for those seeking an excellent in-hand feel, unique design, and impressive camera performance. However, those looking for top-notch performance and additional features might find better alternatives in the market.
5. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers flagship-grade features at a mid-range price, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts. Although it doesn't boast significant improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, it still holds its ground as a valuable addition to Samsung's lineup.
With two storage variants, 128GB and 256GB, priced at Rs. 54,999 and Rs. 58,999 respectively, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers good value. The design features a ‘contour-cut' rear camera module, giving it a stylish look. The phone's lighter weight of 177g and slim 7.9mm profile contribute to a comfortable one-handed usage experience. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals and features an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for security.
Powered by the Exynos 2100 SoC, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers smooth performance and supports 5G bands. The OneUI 4.0, based on Android 12, offers a familiar Samsung experience with plenty of customizations. However, some units may experience occasional interface framerate dips.
The phone excels in multimedia and gaming performance, though battery life in our HD video battery loop test fell short of its predecessor's performance. Nonetheless, it comfortably lasted through a full day of mixed usage.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's camera setup delivers pleasing results, with good detail and vibrant colors in daylight shots. The 32-megapixel selfie camera performs well in both daylight and low-light conditions. The phone also supports 4K 60fps video recording.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a solid value flagship, offering premium features such as wireless charging and IP68 waterproofing. However, the absence of expandable storage, a bundled charger, and lower battery life during video playback may be a drawback for some users. Considering the current price of the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, it may be a better option until the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's price drops and the former is phased out.
With two storage variants, 128GB and 256GB, priced at Rs. 54,999 and Rs. 58,999 respectively, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers good value. The design features a ‘contour-cut' rear camera module, giving it a stylish look. The phone's lighter weight of 177g and slim 7.9mm profile contribute to a comfortable one-handed usage experience. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals and features an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for security.
Powered by the Exynos 2100 SoC, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers smooth performance and supports 5G bands. The OneUI 4.0, based on Android 12, offers a familiar Samsung experience with plenty of customizations. However, some units may experience occasional interface framerate dips.
The phone excels in multimedia and gaming performance, though battery life in our HD video battery loop test fell short of its predecessor's performance. Nonetheless, it comfortably lasted through a full day of mixed usage.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's camera setup delivers pleasing results, with good detail and vibrant colors in daylight shots. The 32-megapixel selfie camera performs well in both daylight and low-light conditions. The phone also supports 4K 60fps video recording.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a solid value flagship, offering premium features such as wireless charging and IP68 waterproofing. However, the absence of expandable storage, a bundled charger, and lower battery life during video playback may be a drawback for some users. Considering the current price of the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, it may be a better option until the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's price drops and the former is phased out.
Verdict:
In this comprehensive review of the best phones under 40000 in India, each contender brings its unique strengths and features. The iQoo Neo 7 Pro and OnePlus 11R excel in performance and value, while the OnePlus Nord 3 impresses with its display and camera. The Vivo V27 Pro stands out with its design and camera prowess. Lastly, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers flagship features at a mid-range price, appealing to Samsung enthusiasts. The final choice depends on individual preferences and requirements, but all five options offer a compelling package in their respective segments.
FAQs:
Q: What are the top 5 best phones under 40000 in India in 2023?
iQoo Neo 7 Pro, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus Nord 3, Vivo V27 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
Q: What is the standout feature of iQoo Neo 7 Pro?
Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and fast charging capabilities.
Q: Which phone offers flagship features at an affordable price?
iQoo Neo 7 Pro.
Q: What is the primary camera resolution of OnePlus Nord 3?
50 megapixels.
Q: Which phone has a unique colour-changing rear panel design?
Vivo V27 Pro.
Q: What is the processor in Samsung Galaxy S21 FE?
Exynos 2100 SoC.
Q: Does Samsung Galaxy S21 FE support 5G?
Yes, it supports 5G bands.
Q: Which phone has IP68 waterproofing?
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
Q: What is the weight of Vivo V27 Pro?
182g.
Q: Which phone offers a 120Hz refresh rate display?
OnePlus 11R, OnePlus Nord 3, and Vivo V27 Pro.