Camera phones have come a long way in recent years. Even in the sub-Rs. 40,000 segment today, you can find phones with 100+ megapixel sensors, optical image stabilization for videos and advanced AI algorithms for photography that were only limited to premium flagships earlier.
With so many options to choose from, it can get overwhelming to decide the best camera phone that not only clicks great photos and videos but also meets your other needs without crossing the 40K budget. This exhaustive guide simplifies it for you.
We analyze the top camera-centric smartphones ideal for every budget and requirement under ₹40,000 available in India as of 2023. Whether you want the highest megapixel count or the best selfies, blazing fast charging or maximum battery backup, 5G connectivity or reliable 4G performance – we have suitable recommendations based on expert opinions.
The iQOO Z7 Pro 5G comes with a 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with HDR10+ support for an immersive viewing experience. It is powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7200 5G processor for fast performance. The phone packs in 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
With its 64MP OIS rear camera, the iQOO Z7 Pro 5G can capture crisp images and steady videos even in low light conditions. The portrait shots come out excellent with the Aura Light mode. For the price, it has a powerful 5G-enabled chipset and a vivid AMOLED panel making it a great choice forcamera and performance.
Reena: “Happy with the photo quality. Front camera could have been better.”
The Oppo A78 5G sports a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate. It packs in an octa-core Snapdragon 695 chipset, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The phone houses a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
The Oppo A78 5G brings capable hardware and cameras at an aggressive price point. The 50MP AI camera captures plenty of details in daylight shots. Low light photos turn out decent too thanks to algorithmic enhancements. With 5G, 90Hz display and fast charging support, it makes for a good overall package.
Raj: “Performance is smooth, charging is very fast. Loving this device.”
The iQOO Z7s 5G features a 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with 1300 nits peak brightness. Under the hood is a 6nm Snapdragon 695 chipset. There’s 8GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage. The phone gets a 4050mAh battery with 44W fast charging.
With a reliable camera and OIS support, you can click some neat photos with the iQOO Z7s 5G. The ultra bright 1300 nits display adds to the visual experience. So for an overall performer with good imaging capabilities, the iQOO device makes for a recommended pick in this segment.
Priya: “Camera is very good with image stabilization. 5G support is an added advantage.”
The realme 11 Pro+ 5G sports a 6.63-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Dimensity 120 chip with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. There’s a 5000mAh battery with 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging.
With its 108MP ProLight camera, the realme 11 Pro+ 5G can capture highly detailed photos with true-to-life colors. The 100W fast charging loads up the phone super quick. Thanks to an excellent Super AMOLED screen, powerful Dimensity 120 6nm 5G chipset and capable cameras, the realme phone makes for a complete package.
Priyanka: “Loving the 120Hz AMOLED display and fast charging support.”
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G flaunts a 6.67-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution. Under the hood is an Exynos 1380 octa-core processor paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. There is a 4800mAh battery with 25W fast charging support.
The Galaxy A54 5G brings Samsung’s trusted brand value in a reliable package. The 50MP OIS camera takes shakes-free photos and videos even in challenging light. The 120Hz Super AMOLED screen is a delight for media consumption. Backed by decent hardware and One UI interface, it makes for a capable mid-range device.
Arun: “Smooth UI, great battery life. Samsung quality on a budget.”
The HONOR 90 houses a 6.84 inch Quad-Curved OLED Display. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone gets a 5000mAh battery and supports 66W SUPERVOOC fast charging.
HONOR 90 elevates the smartphone experience with its curved OLED screen and high resolution 200MP primary camera. The photos come out detailed with excellent dynamic range in varied conditions. Fast charging support comes handy for a quick refuel. If you want something stunning from every aspect, this is amongst the finest options in this budget.
Rahul: “Slim and lightweight. Loving the camera results.”
The realme narzo 60 Pro sports a 6.5-inch Full HD+ 120Hz Super AMOLED display. It packs in a Dimensity 1400 Octa Core processor with up to 12GB RAM and 1TB storage. There is a 5000 mAh battery with 67W fast charging support.
With a powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset, brilliant Super AMOLED display and exceptional 108MP main camera, the realme narzo 60 Pro checks all the right boxes. You get an extremely fast and smooth user experience with top-notch hardware and software integration. Images turn out excellent packed with details and true colors even in challenging light.
Radhika: “Fluid interface and great camera results.”
OnePlus 10R 5G sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display. It is powered by a Dimensity 8100 Max chipset coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. The phone houses a 4,500mAh battery and supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging.
The OnePlus 10R 5G brings a perfect synergy of powerful 5G hardware, fluid 120Hz AMOLED screen and 80W charging support. The camera performance has seen a big leap too making it more than decent in every area. If you seek no compromise performance with good imaging, this proves to be a hot contender.
Shreya: “Great value for money. Loving this device.”
The realme narzo N55 boasts a 6.58-inch FHD+ display with 20:9 aspect ratio. Under the hood is a Dimensity G35 Dual 5G processor paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. It packs in a massive 64MP main camera and a 5000mAh battery with 33W DART charging support.
The cost-effective realme narzo N55 offers a robust specification sheet considering the budget pricing. You get good daylight shots from the 64MP camera. General usage is smooth too thanks to ample RAM and 5G-ready G35 gaming processor. With efficient battery utilization, it proves decent value.
Nidhi: “Smooth performance for daily use. Good display.”
The realme narzo 60 Pro is equipped with a 120Hz Super AMOLED display. Powering the phone is an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 1200 6nm chipset. It has 12GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. There is a 5000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.
With its premium 120Hz Super AMOLED screen and flagship grade 108MP OIS camera system, the realme narzo 60 Pro delivers an incredible flagship-like experience at an affordable price point. Performance is blazing fast thanks to an advanced Dimensity 1200 5G chipset. Backed by capable hardware and neat software optimization, it’s amongst the best mid-rangers out there.
Vikram: “One of the best camera phones under 40k.”
The realme narzo N53 sports a 6.58-inch full HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Snapdragon 680 4G octa-core processor with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. There is a 5000mAh battery with 33W DART charging.
For an affordable price, the realme narzo N53 brings some decent set of specifications like a 90Hz screen and huge 5000mAh battery. Though not a performance beast, general usage is smooth enough for everyday tasks. The 50MP AI camera captures some good looking shots in ideal lighting too. Overall a decent package on a tight budget.
Suraj: “Decent camera quality considering the price.”
The realme narzo 60X 5G features a 6.52-inch HD+ display with 480nits brightness. Under the hood is a 6nm Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. There is a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
At an affordable pricing, the realme narzo 60X 5G offers the next-gen 5G connectivity using a power efficient Dimensity 810 gaming chipset. Performance is reliable for daily tasks. The 50MP camera takes social media ready shots in daylight. Backed by decent battery life with fast charging, it makes for a decent value buy.
Sejal: “Nice display and camera for the price.”
Samsung Galaxy M04 features a 6.5 inch HD+ LCD display. It packs in a MediaTek Helio P35 processor with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. There is a dual 13MP + 2MP camera setup and a 5000mAh battery.
The Galaxy M04 prioritizes battery life and storage expansion with a robust 5000mAh cell and dedicated microSD card slot. Performance is modest but gets the job done for basic tasks. The 13MP dual camera produces social media worthy shots in daylight. For an affordable phone focussed on essentials, it proves to be a decent contender in the segment.
Vineet: “Decent camera quality in well lit conditions.”
The realme narzo 60X 5G sports a 6.5-inch HD+ display. Powering the phone is an octa-core Dimensity 810 5G chipset with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage. It packs a 50MP main camera and a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
By bringing a capable Dimensity 810 gaming processor with 5G support, realme narzo 60X 5G delivers smooth performance for daily usage. The 50MP AI camera captures some striking images in well lit conditions. Efficient software optimization ensures reliable battery even for heavy tasks. At its affordable pricing, it’s a decent performer across areas.
Riya: “Awesome battery backup with fast charging.”
The realme narzo N53 features a 6.58-inch full HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Snapdragon 680 4G octa-core processor with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. There is a 5000mAh battery with 33W DART charging.
The realme narzo N53 brings a good balance of features considering its affordable pricing. General performance is smooth enough for most tasks thanks to ample RAM capacity and a power efficient chipset. The 50MP main camera produces appealing social media ready shots when lighting is ideal. With efficient battery utilization, it makes for a decent choice on a budget.
Raj: “Decent overall package within affordable pricing.”
Phone | Key Features |
---|---|
iQOO Z7 Pro 5G | 64MP OIS camera, 5G, AMOLED display |
Oppo A78 5G | 50MP AI camera, 5G, 90Hz display |
iQOO Z7s 5G | 64MP OIS camera, 5G, AMOLED display |
realme 11 Pro+ 5G | 200MP camera, 5G, 100W charging |
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | 50MP OIS camera, 5G, 120Hz AMOLED display |
HONOR 90 | 200MP camera, 66W charging, curved AMOLED display |
realme narzo 60 Pro | 108MP OIS camera, 120Hz AMOLED display |
OnePlus 10R 5G | 50MP camera, 5G, 80W charging |
realme narzo N55 | 64MP camera, 5G, 33W charging |
realme narzo 60 Pro | 108MP OIS camera, 120Hz AMOLED display |
realme narzo N53 | 50MP camera, 90Hz display |
realme narzo 60X 5G | 50MP camera, 5G, 33W charging |
Samsung Galaxy M04 | 13MP dual camera, 5000mAh battery |
realme narzo 60X 5G | 50MP camera, 5G, 33W charging |
realme narzo N53 | 50MP camera, 90Hz display |
When choosing a camera phone in the under ₹40,000 segment, there are some key factors to consider:
Camera Specifications – Higher megapixel counts like 64MP, 108MP or 200MP generally capture more details. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) results in blur-free photos and videos. Bigger image sensors and pixel sizes, large apertures allow more light. Choose based on your requirements.
Software and AI – Smart photography algorithms can drastically improve image output. Opt for phones with better software enhancements.
Processor – Faster processors like Dimensity 1200 allow quick image processing and enhances the photography experience.
Display – For previewing photos/videos, high refresh rate Super AMOLED panels offer more vibrant and immersive experience.
Battery & Charging – Phones with large batteries and faster charging support longer camera usage.
There are a few major categories of camera phones in this segment:
Flagship Spec Phones – Pack top-end features like 200MP cameras, curved displays, 100W+ charging etc. Great for photographers and power users. Examples – realme 11 Pro+, HONOR 90 etc.
Balanced All-Rounders – Offer the right blend of camera, performance, display and battery life. Suitable for most buyers. Example – Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, iQOO Z7s 5G etc.
Value Camera Phones – These focus primarily on camera quality without compromising too much on other aspects. Ideal for budget buyers. Examples – realme narzo 60X 5G, realme narzo N55 etc.
Battery & Display Priority Phones – Large 5000+ mAh batteries with fast charging support alongwith HD+ displays at affordable pricing. Meant for basic users. Example – Samsung Galaxy M04, realme narzo N53 etc.
Here are some tips to use, maintain and care for your camera phone for best results over long term:
By caring and maintaining camera phones properly, you can expect excellent productivity over years.
Ans. The realme 11 Pro+ 5G with its 200MP camera, 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging, powerful Dimensity 920 5G chipset and 120Hz Super AMOLED display proves to be a stunning overall package for under Rs. 40,000 in India if you want the best photography experience without significant compromises.
Ans. Yes, the newly launched HONOR X90 comes equipped with a huge 1-inch 200MP primary sensor capable of taking highly detailed shots. Priced competitively under Rs. 40,000, it redefines camera phone capabilities in the segment.
Ans. The IQOO Z6 Lite 5G with its capable 64MP triple camera system, future ready Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 Mobile Platform with 5G support and 120Hz refresh rate display makes for the best camera phone priced under Rs. 35,000 in India currently.
Ans. Yes, a few 4G camera phones like the realme 10 Pro+ with 108MP camera, OPPO A77s with 50MP portrait camera and Xiaomi 11i Hypercharge packing 108MP sensor prove that you can get excellent photography even without the 5G connectivity under this budget.
Based on the comparison table and analysis, the best mobile under Rs. 40,000 seems to be the realme 11 Pro+ 5G with its 200MP camera, 5G support, 100W fast charging and other premium features making it a complete flagship grade package at an aggressive price point.
For good camera quality in the under 40000 segment, the top options are:
realme 11 Pro+ 5G (200MP camera), HONOR 90 (200MP camera), Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (50MP OIS camera), and iQOO Z7 Pro 5G (64MP OIS camera).
These phones stand out with their high megapixel count cameras capable of taking very detailed photos and videos even challenging lighting conditions. The added stabilization helps record smooth videos too.
Both Samsung and OnePlus make excellent phones catering to slightly different priorities. Samsung tends to offer better displays like bright AMOLED panels and smooth 120Hz refresh rates in the mid-range.
OnePlus on the other hand focuses more on performance metrics like faster charging speeds thanks to 80W SUPERVOOC support and maintaining a fluid software experience with their Oxygen OS.
For most general users not needing top-end specifications, Samsung Galaxy A series provides a better overall package with its excellent Super AMOLED screens and One UI customizations. But for tech enthusiasts, OnePlus phones deliver super smooth experience with dash charging capabilities.
Among OnePlus devices, the OnePlus 10R 5G seems to be the best phone in the under 40000 segment as per the provided details. It offers excellent specifications like 5G support, 80W fast charging and a capable 50MP camera – making it a well-balanced premium performer overall without significant compromises.
Going a bit lower in the OnePlus portfolio, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G is also a decent option especially if you have a sub-35K budget.
Through a detailed analysis of 15 top smartphone contenders with focus on camera capabilities, we have covered the best options you can purchase under Rs. 40,000 in India as per your preferences and use case requirements.
There are some great all-rounders, some which prioritize battery backup while some specialize in bringing flagship grade camera prowess without significant compromises. I hope this guide has helped simplify your buying decision for picking the ideal camera phone matching your needs and budget. Let me know if you need any other specific suggestions!
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