Are you on the hunt for a new smartphone to upgrade your old one, or perhaps you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one? Well, you’re in luck! This festive season, Flipkart and Amazon are gearing up to offer incredible deals on smartphones, covering a wide range of options from premium flagships to budget-friendly models. Get ready for a tech shopping extravaganza as we delve into the best smartphones to buy this sale season.
Best Smartphones Under Rs 10,000 Price Segment
The sub-10K smartphone segment has been fiercely competitive this year. Brands are vying to offer striking designs and impressive camera capabilities, though you may have to make a few trade-offs. However, three smartphones have truly stood out in this category:
Redmi 12C
- The Redmi 12C, a budget-friendly smartphone from Xiaomi, made its debut in India earlier this year.
- This device boasts a stylish design, a spacious 6.71-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop notch, and a MediaTek Helio G85 processor.
- It doesn’t stop there; the phone offers a capable camera setup for its price range. With options of up to 11GB of extended RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSD card slot, this phone is a versatile choice.
- The Redmi 12C features a dual rear camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor and a depth sensor. For selfies, it sports a 5MP front camera, capable of producing decent videos.
POCO C55
- Next up, we have the POCO C55, which boasts a powerful 50MP primary camera capable of capturing detailed photos.
- The images come to life on its expansive 6.71-inch HD+ display. This smartphone is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, making it a decent performer for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
- With options of up to 11GB of Turbo RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot, you won’t run out of space anytime soon.
- The phone features a unique leather-stitched design and runs on Android 12 with MIUI 13 for POCO skin on top. Its 5000mAh battery supports 10W wired charging via a micro-USB port.
Realme C53
- The Realme C53, a unique smartphone launched in July, offers some distinctive features within its price range.
- It boasts a remarkable 108MP primary camera capable of capturing detailed and sharp pictures. Moreover, its 6.74-inch HD+ display comes with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a more responsive experience compared to standard 60Hz screens.
- The phone also features a mini capsule feature that enhances the utility of the waterdrop notch through built-in software actions.
- Powering the Realme C53 is the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, which performs well for everyday tasks and casual gaming. With options of up to 12GB of Dynamic RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot (supporting up to 2TB), this phone offers ample storage space.
- The device is powered by a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W charging via its USB Type-C port. An 8MP selfie camera handles selfie duties, and the phone supports Dual Band WiFi and features a dedicated MicroSD card slot, expandable up to 2TB.
Best Option Under Rs 10,000?
When comparing these phones, the Realme C53 stands out as the clear winner. It boasts the most capable camera setup with its 108MP sensor and offers the best display with a 90Hz refresh rate for a smoother experience. Additionally, it features 18W charging support with a USB Type-C port, a definite advantage over the competition. Remember, if USB Type-C is available as an option, it’s always the preferred choice over micro-USB.
Best Smartphones in Rs 10,000 – Rs 20,000 Price Segment
The Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 price range has witnessed intense competition in recent months, with smartphones like the Moto Edge 40 Neo and Vivo T2 Pro challenging other contenders in this bracket. Let’s explore these options:
Motorola G54 5G
- The Motorola G54 is a mid-range smartphone that recently hit the market.
- This phone offers smooth performance, an enduring battery, a quality camera system, and stereo speakers for its price point. Sporting a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a dynamic 30-120Hz refresh rate, the phone features a punch-hole cutout for the 16MP selfie camera and thin bezels.
- Under the hood, it’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chipset, offering 5G support. You can choose from up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.
- The phone features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary camera equipped with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an 8MP ultrawide angle camera.
- Its massive 6000mAh battery supports 33W TurboPower charging, and it runs on stock Android 13 with added features such as ThinkShield for security and a promise of security updates for up to 3 years.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo
- In the same price range, the Moto Edge 40 Neo is another compelling offering.
- It boasts a beautiful Pantone colour finish with a vegan leather back, available in Caneel Bay, Beauty Black, and Soothing Sea finishes. The smartphone features a 6.55-inch curved pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by the Dimensity 7030 chipset, offering 5G support.
- The phone’s camera setup includes a 13MP ultrawide angle camera and a 32MP front camera, along with the same 50MP primary camera with OIS and Night Vision support for enhanced low-light photography.
- A 5000mAh battery supports 68W wired charging. Notably, the phone comes with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, making it resilient against water splashes and submersion.
Vivo T2 5G
- The Vivo T2 5G features a 6.38-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
- Powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset, it supports up to 16GB of extended RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The phone’s camera system includes a dual-camera setup with a 64MP primary sensor featuring OIS and a 2MP depth sensor.
- The front camera boasts a 16MP sensor.
- With a 4500mAh battery supporting 44W fast charging, the Vivo T2 5G ensures a long-lasting performance. It runs on FunTouch OS 13 out-of-the-box with support for up to 2 years of OS updates.
Samsung Galaxy M34
- The Samsung Galaxy M34, an option for those who appreciate the Samsung ecosystem, offers a 6.5-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with 1000 nits of peak brightness.
- Under the hood, it’s powered by an Exynos 1280 SoC, featuring a substantial 6000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. Running on One UI based on Android 13, Samsung promises software support for up to 5 years.
- In terms of camera performance, the phone offers a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide angle camera, and a 2MP macro unit.
Best Option Between Rs 10,000 – Rs 20,000?
In this category, the Moto G54 is our top recommendation. With its massive 6000mAh battery, generous 12GB of RAM, and 256GB storage, this smartphone is built to last. The camera setup includes OIS support for stable shots and videos. Plus, it includes a charger in the box, which is becoming increasingly rare these days. If you’re willing to invest a bit more, consider the Moto Edge 40 Neo, offering a well-rounded package with competitive specs.
Best Smartphones in Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000 Price Segment
In the Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 price range, we have a plethora of options, but some smartphones truly shine. Let’s explore them:
Motorola Edge 40
- The Moto Edge 40 comes equipped with the powerful Dimensity 8020 chipset and features UFS 3.1 storage for faster load times. The phone’s build quality is exceptional, featuring an aluminium frame for added durability.
- With a 4400mAh battery, it supports impressive 68W fast charging, and for those who prefer wireless charging, it offers up to 15W wireless charging along with IP68 certification.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G with Snapdragon 888
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a proper flagship smartphone, now elevated with the inclusion of the Snapdragon 888 chipset. It offers up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
- The camera setup in the S21 FE 5G is truly flagship-grade, with a 12MP primary sensor featuring OIS, an 8MP 3X Telephoto lens with OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide camera.
- The phone sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic 2X AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+. It’s also IP68-rated and supports wireless charging.
OnePlus Nord CE 3
- The OnePlus Nord CE 3, priced under Rs 30,000, boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.
- The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset and offers a triple camera setup with a 50MP primary camera featuring an IMX890 sensor, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro sensor. The selfie camera is a 16MP unit.
- With a 4500mAh battery supporting 44W fast charging, this device ensures reliable performance. It runs on OxygenOS based on Android 13, offering support for up to 2 years of OS updates.
OnePlus Nord 3
- The OnePlus Nord 3 is another strong contender in this price segment. It features a 6.74-inch AMOLED screen with 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.
- It’s powered by the Dimensity 9000 SoC, and you can opt for up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. The phone runs on Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.1 skin on top.
- The camera setup consists of a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera, similar to the Nord CE 3. The device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports 80W wired charging.
Best Phone Between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000?
From a value perspective, the Moto Edge 40 emerges as the overall winner in this category. It offers nearly all flagship features, including a stunning curved display, IP68 water resistance for worry-free travel, and an attractive vegan leather design—all without the flagship price tag. Additionally, it supports wireless charging, making it a compelling choice. However, if you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit, consider the Galaxy S22 for its superior camera performance, especially in low-light conditions.
Best Smartphones Above Rs 30,000
Now, for those with a more generous budget, we have some premium options to consider:
Nothing Phone (2)
- The Nothing Phone (2), the successor to the Nothing Phone (1), has arrived with features requested by fans.
- It boasts a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a high resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is exceptionally bright, reaching up to 1600 nits, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- The phone features an in-display fingerprint scanner and improved Glyph lighting on the back, which serves multiple functions, including notifications, charging progress, and more.
- Under the hood, the Nothing Phone (2) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a significant improvement from its predecessor.
- It offers up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Running on Android 13 with Nothing OS 2.0, this phone offers a minimalist and fast user experience. The camera setup includes dual 50MP sensors for improved photography, and it features a 4700mAh battery supporting 45W PD charging.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G
- The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is a flagship offering from the company, delivering an excellent mix of features for its price.
- It boasts a compact design, smooth performance, and a top-tier camera system. The phone sports a 6.1-inch flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a high refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
- The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and houses a 10MP selfie camera.
- The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, complemented by up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. Running on Android 13 with One UI, the phone offers a clean and customisable software experience.
- The camera setup comprises a 50MP primary rear camera with OIS, a 10MP 3X telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Nightography features enhance low-light photography.
- The phone is IP68-rated and supports wireless charging. Its battery capacity is around 3700mAh, with support for 25W fast wired charging.
OnePlus 11R
- The OnePlus 11R is a compelling option powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and features a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a high resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Its camera system includes a 50MP primary camera with a Sony IMX890 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2MP macro camera. The primary camera supports OIS and EIS, ensuring stable photos and videos. The front-facing camera is a 16MP shooter with a Sony IMX471 sensor and EIS.
- The handset houses a 5000mAh battery that supports 100W charging. Running on OxygenOS based on Android 13, it offers a clean and fluid user experience.
Which Is the Best Phone to Buy Over Rs 30,000?
In this category, the Nothing Phone (2) takes the crown, offering superior specifications and a well-rounded smartphone experience. With its unique features like Glyph lighting and an enhanced ultrawide angle camera, it stands out among the competition. However, if you can stretch your budget a bit further, consider the Samsung Galaxy S22 for its exceptional camera performance, especially in low-light conditions.
Special Mention: The iPhone 14
- Last but not least, we have the iPhone 14, a device that needs no introduction.
- While the iPhone 15 series has already made its debut, the iPhone 14 remains an attractive choice for those looking for premium features without breaking the bank. This phone boasts an improved primary rear camera with an f/1.5 aperture for better low-light photography.
- It also introduces features like Crash Detection and a larger battery capacity. As the iPhone 14 is expected to receive substantial discounts and deals during this festive season, it presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a high-end device at an attractive price.
In conclusion, this sale season promises an array of enticing smartphone options across various price segments. Whether you’re hunting for a budget-friendly device or aiming for a flagship experience, there’s a smartphone out there to meet your needs and preferences. Keep an eye out for those irresistible deals, and happy smartphone shopping!
