8 Best Mobile Phones Under ₹40,000 (September 2025)

Update: We last updated this article with new mobile phones under ₹40,000 on 2nd September.

These days, most Indian buyers prefer premium smartphones over budget ones. While flagship phones offer top-of-the-line features, they also come with a hefty price tag. That’s where ‘flagship-killers’ or phones under ₹40,000 come in. They pack flagship-level specs at a much more affordable price, with just a few compromises here and there. Here is a list of the best mobile phones under ₹40,000.

OnePlus used to totally own this space. But now, you’ve got Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung all over the place. You’re getting powerful processors, high-quality screens, and super-fast charging. And the cameras are pretty versatile too, even if they don’t fully hit that flagship level. So, if you’re on the hunt for a premium mobile phone, here are some of the best options around ₹40,000.

1. Vivo V40 Pro 5G: Premium Smartphone With Zeiss Optics

The Vivo V40 Pro is a premium mid-range smartphone with high-end features focused on camera capabilities and design. It launched on August 7, 2024, priced at ₹49,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, which is now available for ₹37,899 on Amazon. The device runs Funtouch OS 14, based on Android 14 out of the box and is one of the best mobile phones under ₹40,000 budget.

The phone’s standout feature is its camera system, co-engineered with ZEISS optics. It features a triple 50MP rear camera setup including a main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a telephoto lens, and an ultrawide lens, alongside a 50MP front camera. It gives impressive detail and color accuracy, especially in daylight, and decent low-light performance. The telephoto lens allows for 2x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom.

The V40 Pro also features ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, AI Portrait Suite, AI Photo Enhancer, and an Aura Light for enhanced portrait photography.

However, some potential drawbacks include the pre-installed bloatware, which might not be to everyone’s liking, and the uncertainty of long-term software updates. Additionally, while the cameras perform well in good lighting, they might not live up to flagship standards in low-light conditions. The performance is pretty good with the Dimensity 9200+ processor.

You can consider buying this phone if you’re more focused on the camera, design and decent performance. However, you have to compromise with only 3 years of software updates with Android 14 out of the box and some pre-installed bloatwares. So, the Vivo V40 Pro presents itself as a solid option in the premium mid-range segment.

Pros	Cons
✅ Excellent camera performance with ZEISS optics	❌ Pre-installed bloatware.
✅ Stunning display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 4500 nits peak brightness.	❌ Limited software update longevity.
✅ Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ processor.	❌ Average low-light camera performance.
✅ Long-lasting 5500mAh battery with 80W fast charging.	❌ Higher price compared to some competitors.
✅ Premium design with IP68 dust and water resistance.	❌ Curved display may not be preferred by all users.
✅ Dual stereo speakers.

AnTuTu Score: ~1,590,000.

Software Updates: Android 14 | 3 OS updates (till Android 17, until 2027) | 4 years of security updates

Price: ₹37,349 for 8GB/256GB.

2. iQOO 12: The Best Gaming Phone

The iQOO 12 launched as a flagship at ₹52,999, but you can now grab this mobile phone for under ₹40,000 with bank offers. And before you dismiss it as an older device, check out these specs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage—all kept cool by a 6K Vapor Chamber Four-Zone Cooling System.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is just one generation behind the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite. Plus, the Supercomputing Chip Q1 boosts gaming with 144fps frame interpolation. Add in symmetrical dual speakers and 4D game vibration, and you’ve got an immersive gaming experience.

Backing up that performance is a 6.78-inch 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display with a 3000-nit peak brightness. All of this is powered by a 5000 mAh battery that charges fully in under 30 minutes with the included 120W fast charger.

It’s easily the best gaming phone in this price range. And don’t worry, the cameras aren’t an afterthought—you get a 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP 3x periscope telephoto lens. While it may not match the Vivo V40 Pro in overall image quality, it’s definitely the more versatile camera setup.

Pros	Cons
✅ Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor	❌ Can get noticeably warm under heavy load
✅ Vapor chamber cooling and 144fps in certain games using frame interpolation	❌ FuntouchOS comes loaded with bloatware
✅ Bright 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display	❌ No wireless charging
✅ Versatile 50MP + 50MP + 64MP periscope cameras	❌ There’s no official IP rating here
✅ 120W fast charging (can fully charge in under 30 min)

AnTuTu Score: 2.1 million

Software Updates: Android 15 (upgraded from Android 14) | 4 OS updates (up to Android 18, until 2028) | 5 years of security updates

Price: ₹41,999 for 12/256GB

3. OnePlus 13R: Great Performance and Value

Last year’s OnePlus 13R was one of my go-to phones in the ₹40,000 bracket. The new OnePlus 13R might not feel as premium with its flat design and less curved display, but it still offers solid value for the price.

It comes with a flat side and front profile, an aluminum frame, and a glass back. The phone features a 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED display and stereo speakers. Under the hood, you’ll find a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage—enough to run games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty with ease.

OnePlus has packed a huge 6,000 mAh silicon carbon battery in there, which easily lasts over a day, and you can fast-charge it in about an hour with the 80W adapter. Software-wise, OxygenOS 15 delivers smooth animations and cool new AI features, although it could use a little more fine-tuning on the 13R.

The cameras aren’t the phone’s strong suit. You get a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. It’s the first time a OnePlus ‘R’ has featured a telephoto lens, and while the photos are pretty good in daylight, they might not wow you in every situation. Plus, you’ll enjoy Wi-Fi 7 and support for Jio 5.5G in India.

Pros	Cons
✅ Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	❌ Flat design may feel less premium compared to last year’s curved display
✅ Huge 6,000mAh battery that fast-charges in an hour	❌ No wireless charging
✅ OxygenOS 15 with cool new AI features	❌ The camera setup is versatile but not the best
✅ Comes with Wi-Fi 7 and support for Jio 5.5G in India

AnTuTu Score: 1881054

Software Updates: Android 15 | 4 OS updates (up to Android 19, until 2029) | 6 years of security updates

Price: ₹39,383 for 12/256GB

4. Pixel 9a: Compact, Clean Android, Great Cameras

The Pixel 9a launched with Android 15 and will receive an impressive seven years of Android updates, meaning it will be updated until 2031—the highest in this price range. The Pixel UI, with its clean Android experience and satisfying haptics, is a pleasure to use. Plus, there’s no bloatware or pre-installed third-party apps.

The 9a also boasts a very promising rear camera setup. It features a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens on the back, along with a 13MP selfie camera. The camera shoots flagship-grade photos with natural colors, excellent skin tones, and outstanding dynamic range—easily the best in its class, thanks to Google’s image processing.

The phone is quite compact, and it comes with a 6.3-inch, 120Hz P-OLED display and a 5100 mAh battery (although it still lasts a day) with a decent 23W wired charging. It powers Google’s inhouse chip: Tensor G4, which has a decent performance for daily task. However, you may feel some performance and heating issues in heavy tasks.

Overall, choose this phone if you need a clean software experience and a great main camera. If you want good cameras along with other features, the Vivo V40 Pro still remains our pick.

Pros	Cons
✅ Compact and pocket-friendly	❌ Smaller display is not everyone’s cup of tea
✅ Clean Android experience with 7 years of updates	❌ Tensor G3 heats up and throttles very quickly
✅ Best-in-class image quality	❌ Thick bezels around the screen
✅ Qi Wireless Charging	❌ Very slow charging speeds by today’s standards
✅ Eye-catchy design, IP64 rating	❌ Limited ‘walk-in’ service centers in India

AnTuTu Score: ~1,257,329

Software Updates: Android 15 | 7 OS Updates (up to Android 22, until 2031)

Price: ₹40,035 for 8/256GB

5. Xiaomi 14 Civi: Compact Phone with Leica Cameras

Xiaomi 14 Civi is a great smartphone, originally launched at ₹42,999 but now available for under ₹37,000 after recent price cuts. And mind you, it’s a compelling camera phone with Leica-powered cameras.

To start with, the Xiaomi 14 Civi is one of the lightest and slimmest phones on this list at 177 grams and 7.4mm thick. It comes in six unique color options, including dual-tone Panda Editions with black mirror glass on a vegan leather back. Add to that the sleek metal frame and quad-curved display, and the phone really turns heads.

The phone features a 1.5K, 6.55-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3000 nits of peak brightness, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Watching Netflix is a pleasure here—the visuals are sharper, brighter, and rich in color. Plus, there’s a loud stereo speaker with Dolby Atmos.

Let’s talk about the cameras: it’s got a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, a 50MP 2x telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera—all powered by Leica. Daytime photos come out with plenty of detail, good dynamic range, and natural bokeh. Plus, the Leica filters really add life to the photos, making them look totally different from any other phone. If you’re a camera enthusiast rather than just a point-and-shoot type, you’ll love this device.

Even the front camera is interesting—there are two 32MP shooters, one primary and one ultra-wide, so you can capture wide selfies, or as they call them, “group-fies.” This is one of the most fun camera phones you can buy right now.

Despite spending a ton on the camera, Xiaomi hasn’t compromised on the processor. You get the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which actually performs on similar lines to the 8 Gen 2, paired with 8/12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256/512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

However, here’s the con: battery life. To maintain the lightweight design, Xiaomi had to cut down on capacity with a 4700 mAh cell. It can be fast-charged in 45 minutes using the included 67W charger, but the phone tends to heat up and throttle heavily under stress. So even though the performance is good, you might not really enjoy it during long gaming sessions. Overall, this is one of the best smartphone option under the ₹40,000 range.

Pros	Cons
✅ Attractive price after recent cuts	❌ Average battery life
✅ Super lightweight and slim design	❌ Tends to heat up under heavy stress
✅ Eye-catching color options, including dual-tone Panda Editions	❌ Not ideal for long gaming sessions due to performance throttling
✅ Fun, Leica-powered camera setup with standout filters	❌ No wireless charging
✅ Strong performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, ample RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage

AnTuTu Score: 1.5 million

Software Updates: Android 15 (launched with Android 14) | 3 Android upgrades (till Android 17) | 4 years of security updates (until 2028)

Price: ₹28,999 for 8/256GB

6. Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 has received its share of criticism for its high launch price, which is why we didn’t usually recommend it. However, with the recent price cuts, it is the best all-rounder smartphone under 40K. Here’s why:

• Long-Term Software Support: With 7 years of updates, it’s perfect for long-term use.
• Durability: It boasts Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an IP68 rating.
• Convenience: It offers strong after-sales support even in tier two cities; and NFC for tap-to-pay support.

On the display front, it has a vibrant 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under bright sunlight.

The phone is powered by the Exynos 2400 processor—often compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in terms of performance and features. It provides decent performance but is not suitable for haeavy gaming as it reportedly has heating issues.

It ships with Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1 and all Galaxy AI features (live translation, advanced photo editing), with an Android 16-based One UI 8 update coming soon. In fact, the phone is set to be updated almost all the way to Android 21—impressive software support overall.

The camera setup includes a 50MP main lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide. Daylight photos come out well, but low-light performance and portraits are decent. The ultrawide camera also lacks autofocus, a feature present on some competitors. A 12MP selfie shooter performs well in daylight.

However, the standard Galaxy S24 might face limitations compared to its larger siblings and competitors. The charging speed is limited to 25W, which is slower than some rival flagships. The inclusion of bloatware can also detract from the clean software experience.

If you’re seeking a compact, premium Android flagship with a long software support commitment, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a strong option. However, consider alternatives like the Google Pixel 8a for potentially better camera quality at a lower price, or the larger Galaxy S24+ if you prefer a bigger display and faster charging.

Pros	Cons
✅ 7 years of updates for reliable, long-term use	❌ Same Charging Speed As Galaxy S23
✅ Good quality display	❌ Exynos 2400 Has Heating Issues
✅ Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP68 rating for added protection	❌ Same Design As Previous S Series Phones
✅ Solid software with AI features
✅ NFC support enables easy tap-to-pay via Samsung Wallet
✅ Wireless Charging

AnTuTu Score: ~1,769,209

Software Updates: Android 14-based One UI 6 | 7 years of updates (till almost Android 21)

Price: ₹45,998 for 8/128GB. It can be bought for under 40k with bank offers.

7. Realme GT 7

The Realme GT 7 arrived in India on May 27, 2025, with an aggressive starting price of ₹39,999. It’s pitched as a performance powerhouse, featuring the new MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor and a huge 7,000mAh battery for extended usage. The phone runs on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0 and comes with a solid promise of four major Android updates and six years of security patches.

One of the major highlights is the display: a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a stunning 6,000 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The phone also boasts a robust cooling system featuring IceSense Graphene, a material designed for enhanced heat dissipation. The GT 7 also features an IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind against the elements.

However, the phone’s performance isn’t entirely flawless. While the Dimensity 9400e is a powerful chipset, the GT 7 has been reported to experience significant heating issues during prolonged gaming sessions, which could be a concern for hardcore mobile gamers.

The camera system is decent but doesn’t quite stand out in its price segment. While the 50MP primary sensor captures good daylight shots, the 8MP ultrawide camera underperforms, and portrait mode struggles with edge detection. Additionally, the presence of pre-installed bloatware may require some effort to remove.

The Realme GT 7 is a compelling option for those who prioritize a long-lasting battery, a top-tier display, and a powerful processor for daily use. The extensive software support and AI features are also attractive additions. So, if you have these things on priority, then this is the best smartphone under the ₹40,000. However, if you’re a serious mobile gamer or a photography enthusiast seeking the absolute best camera performance in this price range, you might find more balanced alternatives available.

Pros	Cons
✅ Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor	❌ Severe heating issues during prolonged gaming sessions
✅ Massive 7,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging	❌ Average rear camera performance, especially the ultrawide lens and portrait mode
✅ Stunning 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 6,000 nits peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate	❌ Primarily plastic build doesn’t feel as premium as some competitors
✅ Four years of Android OS updates and six years of security patches	❌ Pre-installed bloatware that needs to be removed manually
✅ IP69 rating for dust and water resistance	❌ Design lacks a unique flair or “oomph” factor
✅ Advanced cooling system with IceSense Graphene
✅Useful AI features like AI Planner and AI Gaming Coach
✅Fast UFS 4.0 storage

AnTuTu Score: ~2,055,848.

Price (in India): ₹39,999 for 8GB/256GB, ₹42,999 for 12GB/256GB, ₹46,999 for 12GB/512GB.

8. Vivo T4 Ultra

The Vivo T4 Ultra, launched in India on June 11, 2025, positions itself as a compelling contender in the best smartphone under 40K segment. It aims to bridge the gap between mid-range and flagship experiences with a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor and a high-end periscope camera system.

The phone’s highlights include a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels. Vivo has focused on the camera capabilities, integrating a 50MP primary sensor (Sony IMX921) with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom.

It also features AI-powered photography tools and an Aura Light for enhanced low-light photography. Powering the device is a 5500mAh battery supporting 90W fast charging, allowing for a quick top-up in under an hour. It runs Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15 and is promised three years of Android updates and four years of security patches.

However, some aspects might give users a pause. While the design is premium, the IP64 rating offers only basic dust and splash resistance, falling short of the IP68 or higher ratings found on some competitors.

The display, though impressive, is not adaptive and only offers switching between 60Hz and 120Hz or letting the phone automatically decide. The phone comes with pre-installed bloatware, and while most can be uninstalled, some may return after a factory reset. The ultrawide camera, at 8MP, might not perform optimally in low-light conditions compared to the primary lens.

Ultimately, the Vivo T4 Ultra is a solid option for users prioritizing a high-quality display, a versatile camera system with a periscope lens, and fast charging at a competitive price.

Pros	Cons
✅ Stunning AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 5000 nits peak brightness.	❌ IP64 rating, not as robust as IP68.
✅ Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor.	❌ Bloatware pre-installed (some re-appear after reset).
✅ Versatile triple camera setup with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens and 100x zoom.	❌ Display’s adaptive refresh rate is limited.
✅ Fast 90W wired charging.	❌ Average performance of the 8MP ultrawide camera.
✅ Generous software support: 3 years of OS and 4 years of security updates.	❌ No wireless charging.
✅ Excellent cooling system for sustained performance.

AnTuTu Score: ~1.8 million.

Price (in India): ₹37,999 (8GB/256GB), ₹39,999 (12GB/256GB), ₹41,999 (12GB/512GB).

Best Phone Under ₹40,000: Specifications Comparison

Feature	Vivo V40 Pro 5G	iQOO 12	OnePlus 13R	Pixel 9a	Xiaomi 14 Civi	Samsung Galaxy S24	Realme GT 7	Vivo T4 Ultra
Price (Starting)	₹37,349	₹41,999	₹39,383	₹40,035	₹28,999	₹45,998	₹39,999	₹39,999
Storage Variants	8GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB	12GB+256GB, 16GB+512GB, 16GB+1TB	12GB+256GB	8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB	8GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB	8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB	8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB	8GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB
Display	6.78″ AMOLED, 2800×1260, 120Hz	6.8″ AMOLED, 2800×1260, 144Hz	6.8″ ProXDR, 1.5K, 120Hz	6.3″ OLED, 60–120Hz	6.55″ Quad-Curve AMOLED, 120Hz, ~3000 nits	6.2″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz	6.78″ AMOLED, 2780×1264, 120Hz, 6000 nits	6.78″ 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz, 480Hz touch
Processor	Dimensity 9200+	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	Google Tensor G4	Snapdragon 8s Gen 3	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	Dimensity 9400e / 9400+	Dimensity 9300+
Main Camera	50MP + 50MP + 50MP	Triple Camera (50MP main)	50MP Sony LYT-700	48MP + 13MP	Leica 50MP + 50MP Telephoto + Ultra-wide	50MP + 10MP + 12MP	50MP + 8MP + 50MP	50MP Triple Camera
Front Camera	50MP	16MP	16MP	13MP	Dual 32MP	12MP	32MP	16MP
Battery	5500mAh, 80W	5000mAh, 120W	6000mAh, 55W (supports 80–100W)	5100mAh, 23W + Wireless Charging	4700mAh (approx)	4000mAh	7000mAh, 120W	5500mAh, 90W
Operating System	Android 14 (Funtouch)	Android 14 (Funtouch)	Android 14 (OxygenOS)	Android 15 (Pixel UI)	Android 14 (HyperOS)	Android 14 (One UI 6.1)	Android 14 (Realme UI)	Android 14 (Funtouch)

Which Phone Should You Pick?

Picking the right phone from this list can feel tricky, but it really comes down to what you care about most.

• For gaming: The iQOO 12 is a powerhouse with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a super-smooth 144Hz display, and 120W charging. If you want another strong option, the Realme GT 7 adds a huge 7,000mAh battery for marathon sessions.
• For all-day use: The OnePlus 13R is a great daily driver thanks to its 6,000mAh battery, clean OxygenOS, and steady performance. Prefer a brighter screen and faster top-ups? The Vivo T4 Ultra brings a 1.5K AMOLED and 90W charging.
• For a unique design: The Xiaomi 14 Civi stands out with its sleek quad-curve AMOLED and Leica styling. The Vivo V40 Pro 5G also looks premium with a slim profile and classy finish.
• For a well-rounded experience: The Samsung Galaxy S24 nails the basics—reliable cameras, compact build, long software support. Want polished software and effortless photos? The Pixel 9a is consistently smooth and dependable.
• For the best value: The Pixel 9a delivers flagship-grade photography, clean Android, and wireless charging without flagship pricing. If you’d like a value pick with bigger battery + faster charging, the OnePlus 13R is hard to beat.
• For premium build & display: Love a high-end feel? The Samsung Galaxy S24 offers a compact, solid build with a gorgeous AMOLED. The Xiaomi 14 Civi matches it with an elegant curved design and punchy panel.

At the end of the day, the best phone is the one that fits your priorities.