The sub-Rs 45,000 smartphone segment is buzzing with new releases, offering a compelling mix of premium features and strong performance at an accessible price. If you’re looking for a device with a high-quality display, reliable performance, and long-lasting battery life without exceeding your budget, 2025 brings some excellent choices. Here are four standout smartphones in this category, including the OnePlus 13R, Samsung Galaxy A56, and more.
OnePlus 13R
Bringing flagship-level features at a more affordable price, the OnePlus 13R 5G starts at Rs 42,999. It boasts a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits, ensuring a vivid and fluid viewing experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it comes with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
A key highlight is its 6,000mAh silicon carbon battery, delivering up to 1.5 days of usage on a single charge, backed by 80W fast charging. Practical features like Glove Mode and Aqua Touch enhance usability. Running OxygenOS 15 on Android 15, the OnePlus 13R promises four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, along with AI-powered tools like AI Notes and AI Unblur. For those seeking flagship performance and an exceptional display without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 13R is a top contender.
Samsung Galaxy A56
A worthy successor to the Galaxy A55, the Samsung Galaxy A56 introduces meaningful upgrades, including a premium glass and metal build, a 120Hz AMOLED display with 1,200 nits brightness in HBM mode, and a reliable Exynos 1580 processor.
The phone’s redesigned camera module houses a 50MP primary sensor, delivering high-quality photos and videos. A full-day battery life ensures uninterrupted usage, and with six years of software support, you won’t need an upgrade anytime soon.
Available in three variants—8GB + 128GB (Rs 41,999), 8GB + 256GB (Rs 44,999), and 12GB + 256GB (Rs 47,999)—the Galaxy A56 may not be the most performance-focused option, but it excels in camera quality, software longevity, and an overall seamless user experience.
Google Pixel 8a
For Pixel fans seeking a more affordable alternative to flagship models, the Google Pixel 8a is an excellent choice. Featuring a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display and powered by the Tensor G3 chip, it delivers snappy performance while maintaining the signature Pixel camera experience.
Its low-light photography is exceptional, and while the 5W wireless charging is slower than premium models, it remains a rare feature in this price range. With a clean and intuitive software experience and timely updates from Google, the Pixel 8a is a great option for those prioritising camera quality, display, and software reliability. It is currently available for under Rs 45,000 on Flipkart.
Xiaomi 14 Civi
Striking a perfect balance between style and performance, the Xiaomi 14 Civi 5G starts at Rs 39,999. Inspired by the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14, it offers a sleek design and top-tier specifications.
The phone features a 12-bit AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. It runs on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring smooth and powerful performance.
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Equipped with a 4,700mAh battery and 67W fast charging, the Xiaomi 14 Civi also boasts a Leica-tuned camera system, producing vibrant images and videos in various lighting conditions—an ideal pick for photography enthusiasts.
