OnePlus Nord CE6 and iQOO Z11 5G offer gaming-focused processors and high-refresh-rate displays.
Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G leads this list with its massive 9,000mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G offers five generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
Buyers with a Rs. 40,000 budget can consider the latest models featuring fast processors for smooth gaming, while others offer large batteries, sharp displays, and capable cameras. Nothing Phone (4b), Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, OnePlus Nord CE6, Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G, iQOO Z11 5G and Motorola Edge 70 Pro each bring something different. Prices start at Rs. 33,930, so there’s room for strong hardware without paying flagship money.
Nothing Phone (4b) in White, with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, costs Rs. 33,930 after a 43% discount from Rs. 59,999. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor with an octa-core CPU and the Qualcomm AI Engine handles daily apps, multitasking and regular gaming. The 8GB of RAM keeps several apps active at once, and 256GB leaves space for photos, videos and downloads.
The 6.77-inch Super AMOLED display runs at 120Hz with HDR10+ support, which means rich colors and smooth motion in games and videos. The rear cameras are a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide. A 6,000mAh battery means fewer trips to the charger. At this price, it suits buyers who want a big battery, a quality screen and a well-rounded feature set.
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G in Awesome Violet Glow costs Rs. 36,999 after a 30% discount from Rs. 52,999. This version has 8GB RAM, 256GB storage and the Exynos 1580 processor. Samsung says the 4nm chip delivers an 18% CPU gain, a 17% GPU gain and a 12% NPU gain over the previous model, and a larger vapor cooling chamber keeps heat down under heavy load.
The cameras include a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 5MP macro. It supports 4K video, video HDR on both front and rear cameras, AI portraits, Object Eraser, Best Face and Auto Trim. The 6.7-inch-class sAMOLED screen looks clear, and the 5,000mAh battery targets up to two days of use under suitable conditions.
Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, a metal frame, IP67 protection and Knox security add durability, and Samsung promises five generations of OS upgrades with five years of security updates. It’s a good match for buyers who care about camera tools, protection, and long software support.
OnePlus Nord CE6 in Lunar Pearl costs Rs. 38,999 after an 11% discount from Rs. 43,999. Its Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor posts a reported AnTuTu score above 1.17 million, and OnePlus claims support for up to 144 frames per second in optimized games. A 3,200Hz instant touch sampling rate aims for quick response and precise controls.
The battery is 8,000mAh, with 80W SUPERVOOC charging and 27W reverse charging. The 1.5K AMOLED display runs at 144Hz and reaches up to 1,800 nits in high brightness mode. The rear setup has a 50MP main camera with dual-axis OIS, and the front camera is a 32MP sensor with autofocus. Both support 4K video.
IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings give extensive dust and water protection, and OxygenOS 16 comes with a stated six-year smoothness target. Nord CE6 is the one for people who prioritize gaming response, battery size and display quality.
Also Read - Best Fast-Charging Phones Under Rs. 30,000 in India in 2026
Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G in Purple Vibe costs Rs. 36,998 after a 26% discount from Rs. 49,999. This variant has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. A Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor on a 4nm process targets daily apps, games, video calls and media, and virtual memory expansion can add up to 16GB of RAM.
The headline feature is the 9,000mAh battery, with 67W TurboCharge and 22.5W wired reverse charging. Redmi claims a full day of power after 25 minutes of charging and a full charge in 80 minutes. The 6.83-inch 12-bit TrueColour AMOLED screen runs at 120Hz with a claimed peak brightness of 3,500 nits.
Cameras include a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide and a 16MP front camera. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings add protection, and the No.1 Care plan covers eligible screen damage, battery replacement and an extra year of warranty. It’s built for buyers who want a very large battery and a bright display.
iQOO Z11 5G in Aurora Green costs Rs. 34,999 after a 30% discount from Rs. 49,999, with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. A MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo processor claims an AnTuTu score above 1.2 million, and an 8th-generation NPU and a 3,800mm² vapor chamber support AI tasks and cooling.
The 1.5K curved AMOLED display runs at 144Hz with a claimed 2,000 nits in high brightness mode. The 7,050mAh BlueVolt battery aims to last a full day of heavy use, and its rated 1,600 charge cycles are meant to keep more than 80% battery health after five years. Cameras include a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide and a 32MP front camera, with 4K video at 30 frames per second on both front and rear.
IP68 and IP69 protection come standard, along with three years of Android updates and five years of security updates. AI Captions adds transcription, translation and summary tools for classes, meetings and videos. Gaming hardware, battery capacity and display speed make a strong mix here.
Motorola Edge 70 Pro in Satin-Luxe Pantone Tea Green costs Rs. 37,999 after a 46% discount from Rs. 69,999. The MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor runs at 3.4GHz, and the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant has room for daily apps, large files and regular multitasking.
It has two 50MP rear cameras and a 50MP front camera, a strong spec on paper, especially for selfies and video calls. The 6.8-inch FHD+ display suits videos, games and reading, and a 6,500mAh battery covers long days away from a charger.
Motorola adds 5G and a slim, premium design. The Dimensity 8500 Extreme gives the phone a clear performance focus, while the big battery and high-resolution cameras add everyday value. At Rs. 37,999, it’s a strong case for buyers who want a powerful processor and generous storage.
Why This MattersRs. 40,000 now buys powerful processors, high-refresh-rate displays, capable cameras and large batteries. The right pick can improve gaming, daily tasks and long-term use without a costly flagship. A close comparison helps buyers get better features and value for their money.
Each phone has a clear strength. The Nothing Phone (4b) offers a balanced package at the lowest price, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G adds useful camera tools and long software support. The OnePlus Nord CE6 and iQOO Z11 5G focus on gaming, fast displays and large batteries. The Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G pushes battery capacity furthest with its 9,000mAh cell, while the Motorola Edge 70 Pro pairs a Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor with 256GB storage.
The best choice depends on what matters most. Nothing or Samsung suit buyers who want a capable all-rounder; OnePlus and iQOO are the picks for gaming, and Redmi is the answer for the biggest battery. Motorola appeals to anyone who values processor power and camera hardware. All six stay under Rs. 40,000 at the listed prices, and each gives a distinct reason to make the shortlist.
1. Which is the cheapest phone on this list?
The Nothing Phone (4b) is the cheapest option at Rs. 33,930 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant.
2. Which phone is best for gaming under Rs. 40,000?
The OnePlus Nord CE6 and iQOO Z11 5G stand out with their powerful processors, vapor cooling systems, and 144Hz displays.
3. Which phone has the largest battery?
The Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G has the largest battery on this list, with a 9,000mAh capacity and 67W TurboCharge support.
4. Which phone offers the longest software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G offers five generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
5. Which Motorola phone costs under Rs. 40,000?
The Motorola Edge 70 Pro costs Rs. 37,999 and offers a MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage.