Best Smartphones Under ₹40,000 in India | Buyer's Guide | Gaming, Camera & All-Rounder Picks

The Best Smartphones Under ₹40,000 in India 

Discover the top smartphones under ₹40,000 in India (2025). Best picks for gaming, photography & all-round performance with pros & cons.

Finding the right smartphone under ₹40,000 in India isn’t easy. With so many brands dropping flagship killers, it can be confusing to figure out which phone is actually worth your money. Some models are built for gaming, others shine in photography, while a few stand out as balanced all-rounders.

To make things easier, I’ve broken down the best phones under ₹40,000 into categories: gaming beasts, camera specialists, and all-round performers. Plus, I’ve added some honourable mentions for those who want something different. Let’s dive in ••

🎮 Best for Gamers & Power Users

iQOO Neo 10

If gaming is your priority, the iQOO Neo 10 is the monster you want. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, paired with a 7,000 mAh battery and 120W charging, it’s built to last through marathon gaming sessions. The 144Hz AMOLED display ensures buttery-smooth visuals whether you’re into PUBG, COD Mobile, or Genshin Impact.

Pros: Huge battery, super-fast charging, ultra-smooth display

Cons: Bulky design, cameras are average

Oppo K13 Turbo Pro

Another gaming powerhouse, the Oppo K13 Turbo Pro comes with the same Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and a giant 7,000 mAh battery. What makes it stand out is its built-in cooling system, so even after hours of gaming, the phone won’t heat up.

Pros: Excellent sustained performance, strong battery life

Cons: Heavy design, not the best for photos

Poco F7

If you want a gamer-friendly phone without burning your wallet, the Poco F7 is the go-to choice. It runs on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and packs one of the largest batteries in its class (~7,500 mAh).

Pros: Incredible value for money, superb endurance

Cons: MIUI bloatware, basic design

📸 Best for Photography Lovers

Oppo Reno 14

The Reno series is known for its sleek design and strong cameras, and the Reno 14 keeps that streak alive. Great for portraits and night photography, with a premium look and feel.

Pros: Stylish design, solid camera setup

Cons: Battery is average, gaming is not its strong point

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

Samsung’s Fan Edition phones are always popular, and the S24 FE is no different. Known for vivid colors, OIS stabilization, and reliable cameras, it’s perfect if you want photos that pop. Plus, you get Samsung’s legendary software support.

Pros: Excellent daylight and low-light shots, compact size

Cons: Slower charging, smaller battery than rivals

Realme GT 7

The star of this segment is the Realme GT 7. It comes with a 50 MP main + 50 MP 2× telephoto + ultra-wide setup, something you rarely get under ₹40,000. This makes it an excellent pick for versatile photography.

Pros: True telephoto camera at this price, great display

Cons: Realme UI isn’t for everyone, battery life is decent but not class-leading

⚡ Best All-Round Performers

OnePlus 13R

A true flagship killer, the OnePlus 13R runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with a 6,000 mAh battery and 80W fast charging. The best part? OnePlus promises 4 years of major Android updates, making it very future-proof.

Pros: Clean OxygenOS, powerful chipset, reliable battery

Cons: No dedicated telephoto lens, slightly premium price tag

Moto Edge 60 Pro

Moto is back in the premium midrange game, and the Edge 60 Pro is proof. With a Dimensity 8350, 90W super-fast charging, and near-stock Android, it’s a delight for those who hate bloatware.

Pros: Blazing fast charging, clean UI, slim build

Cons: Battery size is smaller than rivals, software updates not as long as Samsung/OnePlus

Vivo V60

The newest kid on the block, the Vivo V60 brings ZEISS optics, a curved AMOLED display, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. It’s not the raw powerhouse that iQOO or OnePlus are, but it nails the balance between design, performance, and photography.

Pros: ZEISS-branded cameras, premium design, consistent performance

Cons: Not as powerful as Snapdragon 8 series rivals, slower charging compared to gaming phones

⭐ Honourable Mentions

Nothing Phone 3a Pro - Unique transparent design, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, one of the best software experience, less cost

Google Pixel 8a - Best in class computational photography, stock Android, and long updates.

Final Verdict

Gamers → iQOO Neo 10, Oppo K13 Turbo Pro, or Poco F7

Camera lovers → Realme GT 7 or Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

All-rounders → OnePlus 13R, Moto Edge 60 Pro, or Vivo V60

At under ₹40,000, you don’t have to compromise - you just need to know which phone matches your lifestyle best.

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