You may have noticed that the smartphone market is approaching saturation with each new devices that comes out. But, while that is almost always portrayed as a bad thing, it doesn't have to be so. There is a humongous number of smartphones to choose from now, in all price ranges. Also, the quality has improved a lot over the last couple of years. That said, more choice also means it's harder to make that choice. Hence, here's our recommendation for value for money smartphones that you can buy, in all price ranges.
We'll pick one phone that is our top pick in a particular price segment, followed by two other alternatives that you can go for.
Price range: Rs. 5,000-7000
The Redmi 5A is the undisputable champion in the entry-level segment. With an entry-level Snapdragon 425 chipset powering and a 5-inch HD display on top, it's one of the well-rounded budget phones available. But more than the hardware, it's the MIUI interface that makes the phone operate smoothly. That's why it's one of the best value for money smartphone you can buy under Rs 7,000.
Alternatives: Nokia 1 (Rs 5,499)
The Nokia 1 is an Android Oreo (Go Edition) phone that is optimised to run on entry-level hardware. It's hardware specs may not live up to your expectations, but the stock Android Oreo on it will be updated regularly and will not tax the memory much. It comes with a suite of Go apps by Google that run perfectly fine on low-end devices.
Price range: Rs. 7,000-10,000
Xiaomi knows how to make affordable phones with a rich set of features and the new Redmi 5 is no expception.The Redmi 5 even touts an 18:9 display and is powered by the newer Snapdragon 450 chipset. It's starts from Rs 8,999 which is indeed a good price for a well specced-out entry-level phone.
Alternatives: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
The base variant of the Redmi Note 5 comes for Rs 9,999 which means you get a lower mid-range device for a budget price. It is powered by the reliable Snapdragon 625 chipset along with 3GB of RAM and rocks the in-vogue 18:9 display with full HD+ resolution.
Price range: Rs. 10,000-15,000
Asus came back with a banger of a phone that is just as good as the more expensive Redmi Note 5 Pro but at a cheaper, more affordable price. It is powered by the powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There's even dual cameras at the back to boot. All of that for Rs 12,999.
Alternatives: Xiaomi Mi A1
Xiaomi's only Android One device was voted as the best all-rounder mid-range phone last year. It's essentially the Redmi Note 4 running on stock Android with a competent dual-camera setup at the back.The phone retails for Rs 14,999 and comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage and powered by the Snapdragon 625 chipset.
Price range: Rs. 15,000-20,000
The hottest phone in the market right now is also the best you can get under Rs 20,000. The Redmi Note 5 Pro set a new benchmark for mid-range phones when it launched. It's powered by a powerful Snapdragon 636 processor coupled with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. You can pick it up for Rs 16,999.
Alternatives: Nokia 6 (2018)
The new Nokia 6 may not be as powerful as the Redmi Note 5 Pro, but it is solidly built and comes with a promise of regular updates and monthly security patches. It also has one of the cleaner user interfaces thanks to pure stock Android. For Rs 18,999 you get a good smartphone that will last longer than most.
Price range: Rs. 20,000-Rs. 25,000
A lot of people are calling this the new Nexus. HMD-owned Nokia has done a lot of optimisations to the software to make it sing with the hardware underneath. The Nokia 7 Plus even has a newer 18:9 display which looks rad! For Rs 25,999 this is a great phone to buy.
Alternatives: Moto X4
The Moto X4 is looks exquisitive and supremely premium thanks to the glass body. Furthermore, it sets itself apart by offering an ultra-wide camera at the back. It also runs on near stock Android and is powered by the Snapdragon 630 coupled with 6GB of RAM. Get this for Rs 23,999.
Price range: Rs. 25,000-35,000
The Honor 10 is one of the best looking phones out there right now. It has a reflective glass back and comes in multiple colours. Underneath is the flagship-grade Kirin 970 chipset that has a dedicated AI chip. The camera of the Honor 10 relies on this AI chip to optimise the photos better and truth be told, it does help in taking some incredible shots. For Rs 32,999, this is one of best value for money phones that can compete with the most expensive flagship phones right now.
Alternatives: Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is a sign that Xiaomi knows how to make super premium smartphones. The Mi Mix 2 sports an edge-to-edge display housed in a ceramic body. It oozes luxury but is also quite powerful. There's a Snapdragon 835 chipset coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Get this for Rs 31,990.
Price range: Rs. 35,000-45,000
The OnePlus 6 is this year's flagship killer. With a glass sandwich design, and a notch up top, it's up to date with the latest trends. Add to that, the latest Snapdragon 845 chipset and 8GB RAM along with 128GB storage, and you get the fastest Android phone available right now, that too for Rs 39,999.
Alternatives: Google Pixel 2
The Pixel series is what Google uses to showcase the best of Android. It has by far the best camera seen on a smartphone and Google manages to do that with just a single camera at the back. It's light and compact as well and comes powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset coupled with 4GB of RAM. Pick it up for Rs 42,999.
Price range: Above Rs. 45,000
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is the Korean giant's latest flagship. It looks quite similar to the older Galaxy S8+ but touts a dual-aperture camera system at the back. It has all the good things from the Galaxy S8 and takes it even beyond. Get this one for Rs 64,900.
Alternative: iPhone 8 Plus
We'd have said the iPhone X but the iPhone 8 Plus gives you everything save for the notched display which hasn't been that big a hit with users. The iPhone 8 Plus comes with a bigger battery and an even better camera. But as they say, you can't go wrong with an iPhone. Get this for Rs 77,560.