Highlights
- Comprehensive roundup of smartphones across various budget categories, just in time for the 2023 sale season on Amazon and Flipkart.
- High-end picks featuring Nothing Phone (2) and Samsung Galaxy S22 5G with a focus on unique user experience and robust camera systems.
- Mid-range marvels such as Google Pixel 5a and Realme GT Master Edition offering stellar camera performance and speedy charging.
Sale season is upon us, and the question on everyone’s mind is which is the best mobile phone for me?.
Looking to switch out your old phone or surprise someone with a new handset? You’re in luck! Online giants like Amazon and Flipkart are gearing up to roll out exceptional bargains across a wide range of mobile devices.
From high-end flagships to economical choices, expect to find hefty price cuts from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
We’ve sifted through the offerings to pinpoint standout options in every budget category, and we’ll share those top picks with you shortly. So let’s get started!
Best smartphones above Rs 30,000
If you’re looking for top-tier smartphones, the Nothing Phone (2) steals the spotlight with its well-rounded features.
However, the Samsung Galaxy S22 offers superior camera capabilities if you’re willing to stretch your budget.
Nothing Phone (2): Rs 36,999 onwards
Key Specs
- 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC
- Up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage
- Dual 50MP camera setup
- 4700mAh battery with 45W fast charging
- Android 13 with Nothing OS 2.0
Verdict: The Nothing Phone (2) takes mobile interaction to the next level with its Glyph interface and white LED notifications.
It’s more than just a smartphone; it’s an experience, enhanced by the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and a vibrant LTPO AMOLED display.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: Rs 50,450 onwards
Key Specs
- 6.1-inch flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 120Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC
- Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
- Triple camera system with 50MP primary camera
- 3700mAh battery, 25W fast wired charging
- Android 13 with One UI
Verdict: The Galaxy S22 offers a robust camera system and an immersive AMOLED display, perfect for content creators and entertainment enthusiasts.
While the battery capacity is on the lower side, the phone compensates with fast charging and performance.
OnePlus 11R: Rs. 39,694 onwards
Key Specs
- 6.74-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC
- Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
- Triple camera system with 50MP primary sensor
- 5000mAh battery, 100W fast charging
- OxygenOS based on Android 13
Verdict: The OnePlus 11R offers a great balance between performance and battery life.
Its AMOLED display and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset ensure a seamless user experience.
The phone is also a powerhouse when it comes to camera capabilities.
Best smartphones between Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000
The Google Pixel 5a is notable for its advanced camera and seamless software, making it a go-to for mobile photography enthusiasts who also appreciate timely Android updates.
In contrast, the Realme GT Master Edition is a performance powerhouse, offering a Snapdragon 778G chipset and 65W fast charging.
It’s an excellent choice for users seeking top-tier performance without a hefty price tag.
Google Pixel 5a: Rs 22,999
Key Specs
- 6.3-inch OLED display, 90Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 765G SoC
- 6GB RAM and 128GB storage
- Dual 12MP + 16MP camera setup
- 3885mAh battery with 18W fast charging
- Android 13 with Google’s software optimization
Verdict: The Pixel 5a offers a clean software experience with guaranteed updates.
Its camera setup is arguably the best in this segment, especially with Google’s image processing software.
Realme GT Master Edition: Rs 21,999 onwards
Key Specs
- 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 778G SoC
- Up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage
- Triple camera setup with a 64MP primary sensor
- 4300mAh battery with 65W fast charging
- Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11
Verdict: The Realme GT Master Edition offers excellent value with a high-refresh-rate display and fast charging.
The Snapdragon 778G chipset ensures smooth performance, making it a great all-rounder.
Best smartphones under Rs 20,000
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro offers an unbeatable combination of features and performance in this price range.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G offers reliable performance and a strong brand name.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro: Rs 17,999 onwards
Key Specs
- 6.6-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Helio G96 SoC
- Up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
- Quad camera setup with a 108MP primary sensor
- 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging
- MIUI 13 based on Android 11
Verdict: The Redmi Note 11 Pro packs in flagship-level specs at a budget-friendly price.
The high-refresh-rate AMOLED display and a massive 108MP camera make it the king of the budget segment.
Vivo T2 5G: Rs 17,999 onwards
Key Specs
- 6.38-inch AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 695 SoC
- Up to 16GB of Extended RAM and 128GB storage
- 64MP primary with OIS, 2MP depth sensor, 16MP selfie
- 4500mAh battery with 44W fast charging
- FunTouch OS 13 with up to 2 years of OS updates
Verdict: The Vivo T2 5G offers robust performance thanks to its Snapdragon SoC and extensive RAM.
It also impresses with fast charging capabilities and a high-resolution camera setup, ensuring an all-around strong performance.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo
Key Specs
- 6.55-inch curved pOLED display, 144Hz refresh rate
- Dimensity 7030 SoC
- RAM and storage not specified
- 13MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie, 50MP primary camera with OIS
- 5000mAh battery with 68W wired charging
- IP68 dust and water resistance
Verdict: The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is an attractive option for those looking for high refresh rates and strong durability features, such as its IP68 rating.
Its wide array of camera features make it versatile for various shooting conditions.
Best Smartphones Under Rs 10,000
In the sub-10,000 category, smartphone manufacturers are locked in an intense battle for consumer attention, focusing on design aesthetics, camera capabilities, and overall performance.
Here, we see some making the compromise of choosing one feature over the other, but there are three standout models that seem to break that mold.
POCO C55
Key Specs
- 6.71-inch HD+ display
- MediaTek Helio G85 SoC
- Up to 11GB Turbo RAM and 128GB storage (expandable)
- 50MP primary camera
- 5000mAh battery, 10W wired charging via micro-USB
- Android 12 with MIUI 13 for POCO
Verdict: The POCO C55 offers an expansive HD+ display and a 50MP primary camera that shines in capturing details.
The MediaTek Helio G85 chipset is competent for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
The leather stitch design adds a nice touch, and the phone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, though the 10W charging is a bit slow.
Realme C53
Key Specs
- 6.74-inch HD+ display, 90Hz refresh rate
- Unisoc Tiger T612 SoC
- Up to 12GB Dynamic RAM and 128GB storage (expandable up to 2TB)
- 108MP primary camera
- 5000mAh battery, 18W fast charging via USB Type-C
- 8MP selfie camera, Dual Band WiFi
Verdict: The Realme C53 stands out for its unique 108MP primary camera, a feature usually found in higher-end models.
The 90Hz refresh rate provides a smooth display experience, and the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset holds up well for general use and casual gaming.
The 5000mAh battery is supported by 18W fast charging, a noticeable advantage in this segment.
Final Thoughts
For the high-end category, the Nothing Phone (2) sets itself apart with its unique user experience and top-of-the-line specs, ideal for those looking for something more than just a smartphone.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 and OnePlus 11R closely follow, offering robust camera systems and fast performance, making them perfect for content creators and tech enthusiasts.
In the mid-range category, the Google Pixel 5a stands out for its exceptional camera capabilities and timely software updates.
The Realme GT Master Edition offers a compelling alternative with its robust performance and quick charging capabilities.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a compelling package of flagship-level features at an affordable price.
The Vivo T2 5G and Motorola Edge 40 Neo offer strong all-around performance, making them worthy contenders in this segment.
Overall, each phone has its unique selling points, and the best pick ultimately depends on what features are most important to you.
Whether you’re looking for top-tier performance, excellent camera capabilities, or budget-friendly options with great features, there’s something in this lineup for everyone.
FAQs
Ques) What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a High-End Smartphone?
When looking for a high-end smartphone, focus on features like the chipset, camera quality, display type and refresh rate, and battery life. Software experience and the brand’s reputation for updates should also weigh in your decision.
Ques) Are Mid-Range Smartphones Capable of Handling Heavy Multitasking and Gaming?
Most mid-range smartphones now come with powerful processors and sufficient RAM to handle multitasking and casual gaming. However, if you are a heavy gamer or use resource-intensive apps, checking benchmarks and reviews for performance insights is advised.
Ques) How Important are Software Updates and How Do I Check If a Phone Will Receive Them?
Software updates are crucial for security and for getting new features. Phones from reputable brands like Google, Apple, and Samsung generally receive regular updates. Check the manufacturer’s website or trusted tech reviews to know the update policy for a specific model.
Ques) Is It Better to Buy a Smartphone During Sale Season? Are There Downsides?
Sale seasons like those on Flipkart and Amazon offer significant discounts and bundled offers, making it an excellent time to buy a smartphone. However, be cautious of impulsive buys and do your research beforehand. Stocks also tend to run out quickly, so have alternate options in mind.
Also Read: Best Phones to Buy in Different Price Segments – under 10K, under 20, under 30K, under 40K, and above 50K
Also Read: Best Smartphones Under Rs 10,000: Top 5 Picks for Budget-Friendly Performance