With 5G networks expanding across India, buying a budget 5G phone under ₹40,000 is now easier than ever. Brands like Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and Apple offer powerful smartphones in this price range with flagship-level features, smooth displays, and long-lasting batteries.
In this article, we’ll review the best 5G smartphones under ₹40,000 in 2025 based on performance, battery life, camera quality, and value for money.
Quick Comparison Table – Best 5G Phones Under ₹40,000
| Phone | Processor | Display | Camera | Battery | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 7a | Tensor G2 | 6.1″ OLED, 90Hz | 64MP + 13MP | 4385mAh | ₹39,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | Exynos 1380 | 6.4″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 50MP + 12MP + 5MP | 5000mAh | ₹38,999 |
| OnePlus Nord 3 5G | Dimensity 9000 | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP | 5000mAh | ₹37,999 |
| iPhone SE (2023) | A15 Bionic | 4.7″ Retina LCD | 12MP (Single) | 2018mAh | ₹39,900 |
| Motorola Edge 2025 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 | 6.6″ OLED, 144Hz | 50MP + 13MP | 5000mAh | ₹39,499 |
1. Google Pixel 7a – Best Camera Phone Under ₹40,000
Price: ₹39,999
✔ Pros:
✅ Google’s AI-powered camera is best in class.
✅ Stock Android experience with 5 years of updates.
✅ Compact, premium build with wireless charging.
❌ Cons:
✖ 90Hz refresh rate isn’t as smooth as 120Hz.
✖ Charging speed is only 18W.
Why Buy? If you want a flagship-like camera and clean Android experience, the Pixel 7a is unbeatable in this price range.
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G – Best Display & Battery Life
Price: ₹38,999
✔ Pros:
✅ 120Hz Super AMOLED display for smooth performance.
✅ Massive 5000mAh battery lasts 2 days on normal use.
✅ Samsung One UI with 4 years of updates.
❌ Cons:
✖ Exynos 1380 isn’t as powerful as Snapdragon chips.
✖ No headphone jack.
Why Buy? If you want a beautiful AMOLED display, great battery life, and Samsung’s software experience, this is the best choice.
⚡ 3. OnePlus Nord 3 5G – Best for Gaming & Performance
Price: ₹37,999
✔ Pros:
✅ Dimensity 9000 processor is ultra-fast for gaming.
✅ 120Hz AMOLED display for a smooth experience.
✅ 80W fast charging – 0 to 100% in 30 minutes!
❌ Cons:
✖ Camera quality isn’t as good as Pixel 7a.
✖ OxygenOS updates have some bloatware.
Why Buy? If you want flagship-level gaming performance under ₹40,000, the Nord 3 5G is the best option.
4. iPhone SE (2023) – Best Budget iPhone with 5G
Price: ₹39,900
✔ Pros:
✅ A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13) is super fast.
✅ iOS updates for 5+ years.
✅ Compact size – perfect for one-hand use.
❌ Cons:
✖ Old design with large bezels.
✖ Single rear camera (no ultra-wide or telephoto).
✖ Small 2018mAh battery doesn’t last all day.
Why Buy? If you want an affordable 5G iPhone with long-term software support, this is your best bet.
5. Motorola Edge 2025 – Best Battery & Smoothest Display
Price: ₹39,499
✔ Pros:
✅ 144Hz OLED display – smoothest screen at this price.
✅ 50MP AI-enhanced camera.
✅ Stock Android with minimal bloatware.
❌ Cons:
✖ Not as many software updates as Pixel or iPhone.
✖ Low-light camera performance isn’t great.
Why Buy? If you want a clean Android experience, long battery life, and a fast display, the Motorola Edge 2025 is a great pick.
Best 5G Phone Under ₹40,000 – Final Verdict
| Best For | Phone |
|---|---|
| Best Camera | Google Pixel 7a |
| Best Display & Battery | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G |
| Best Performance & Gaming | OnePlus Nord 3 5G |
| Best Budget iPhone | iPhone SE (2023) |
| Best Smooth Display & Battery | Motorola Edge 2025 |
Overall Winner: Google Pixel 7a (Best camera, best software updates, great overall value)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Which is the best budget 5G phone for gaming under ₹40,000?
The OnePlus Nord 3 5G is the best for gaming with its Dimensity 9000 processor and 120Hz AMOLED display.
2. Which budget 5G phone has the best camera under ₹40,000?
The Google Pixel 7a has Google’s AI-enhanced camera, making it the best camera phone under ₹40,000.
3. Does the iPhone SE (2023) support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone SE (2023) supports 5G, but it has an older design and a single rear camera.
4. What is the best 5G phone under ₹40,000 for battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and Motorola Edge 2025 both have 5000mAh batteries, offering great battery life.
5. Which budget 5G phone gets the most software updates?
- iPhone SE (2023) – 5+ years of iOS updates
- Google Pixel 7a – 5 years of Android updates
- Samsung A54 5G – 4 years of Android updates
