The Indian smartphone market has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, particularly in the premium segment priced under Rs 50,000. This price bracket has become increasingly competitive, offering consumers flagship-level features without the exorbitant costs typically associated with high-end devices. Major brands such as Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, and Redmi are now aggressively competing in this space, delivering devices that combine exceptional performance, advanced camera systems, and impressive battery life.
Why Choose a Smartphone Under Rs 50,000?
For Indian consumers, smartphones in the Rs 50,000 range present an attractive proposition. They eliminate the need to stretch budgets to flagship levels while still providing cutting-edge technology. Whether you are a gaming enthusiast seeking high-refresh-rate displays, a photography lover looking for AI-powered camera features, or a professional requiring robust performance for multitasking, this category has something for everyone. The devices listed below have been carefully selected to offer a premium experience without compromising on quality or exceeding your budget.
Top Premium Smartphones Under Rs 50,000 in India
Samsung Galaxy S24 5G
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 alongside the Ultra model at its Galaxy Unpacked event. This smartphone is packed with AI capabilities as part of the comprehensive Galaxy AI suite. It features a 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, enhanced brightness, and Vision Booster technology. Under the hood, it is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, optimized for superior performance.
The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. For selfies, there is a 10MP dual-pixel front camera. The device is backed by a 4,000mAh battery supporting 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and wireless PowerShare. It runs on One UI 6.1 based on Android 14 and promises seven years of software and security updates.
Key Specifications:
- RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM; 128GB and 256GB storage options
- Display: 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
- Rear Cameras: 50MP + 12MP + 10MP telephoto
- Front Camera: 10MP
- Battery: 4,000mAh with 25W charging
Price in India (on Amazon): 8GB+128GB - Rs 42,350; 8GB+256GB - Rs 49,990
Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is the latest addition to Google's A-series, featuring the Tensor G4 chip, a redesigned body, and an improved camera system. Priced Rs 3,000 lower than its predecessor, it offers excellent value. The device boasts a 6.3-inch Actua display with 2,700-nit peak brightness and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It has a composite matte-glass back, satin-metal frame, and is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
Photography is a highlight with a dual-camera system comprising a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The front houses a 13MP selfie camera. AI-powered features like Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, and Night Sight enhance the imaging experience. Integrated Gemini AI assists across Google apps, while security features include Car Crash Detection and Theft Detection. The 5,100mAh battery supports 23W wired and Qi wireless charging, and the device runs on Android 15 with seven years of updates.
Key Specifications:
- RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM; 256GB storage
- Display: 6.3-inch Actua display, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- Rear Cameras: 48MP + 13MP ultrawide
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 5,100mAh with 23W charging
Price in India (on Flipkart): 8GB+256GB - Rs 39,999
OnePlus 15R
OnePlus has launched the 15R with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm. It features a 165Hz display, a massive 7,400mAh battery, and a three-layer cooling system. The device runs OxygenOS 16 on Android 16 and includes a 50MP main camera with OIS.
Performance is boosted by 36% faster CPU speeds, 11% improved GPU performance, and 46% better AI processing compared to the previous generation. The display is a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Camera capabilities are enhanced by the DetailMax Engine, offering features like Ultra Clear Mode and Clear Night Engine. The battery supports 80W fast charging, and the device promises four years of Android updates and six years of security patches.
Key Specifications:
- RAM and Storage: 12GB RAM; 256GB and 512GB storage options
- Display: 6.83-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
- Rear Cameras: 50MP + 8MP ultrawide
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 7,400mAh with 80W charging
Price in India (on Amazon): 12GB+256GB - Rs 47,998
Oppo Reno 15
Oppo has expanded its Reno series with the Reno 15, featuring an IP66+IP68+IP69 rating for dust and water resistance. It sports a 6.59-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Oppo Crystal Shield glass protection. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen chipset, it runs Android 16 with ColorOS 16.
The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto camera. A 50MP front camera handles selfies. The 6,500mAh battery supports 80W fast charging, and the device is available in Glacier White, Twilight Blue, and Aurora Blue colors.
Key Specifications:
- RAM and Storage: 8GB and 12GB RAM; 256GB and 512GB storage options
- Display: 6.59-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen
- Rear Cameras: 50MP + 8MP + 50MP telephoto
- Front Camera: 50MP
- Battery: 6,500mAh with 80W charging
Price in India (on Amazon): 8GB+256GB - Rs 45,999; 12GB+256GB - Rs 48,999
OnePlus Nord 5
The OnePlus Nord 5 is the first in the Nord series to feature a Snapdragon 8 series chipset—the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It comes with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color, and Ultra HDR support. The device runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15.
Camera highlights include a 50MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor with OIS and EIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP front camera. The 6,800mAh battery supports 80W SuperVOOC charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging for gaming. Additional features include dual stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6, and an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Key Specifications:
- RAM and Storage: 8GB and 12GB RAM; 256GB and 512GB storage options
- Display: 6.83-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
- Rear Cameras: 50MP + 8MP ultrawide
- Front Camera: 50MP
- Battery: 6,800mAh with 80W charging
Price in India (on Amazon): 8GB+256GB - Rs 33,999; 12GB+256GB - Rs 36,999; 12GB+512GB - Rs 39,999
Realme 16 Pro
Realme's 16 Pro focuses on camera capabilities and battery life, featuring a 200MP LumaColor Camera and a 7,000mAh battery. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Max chipset and runs Realme UI 7.0. The 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display offers a 144Hz refresh rate.
AI features include AI Framing Master, AI Recording, and integration with Google Gemini Live. The device is available in Master Gold, Pebble Grey, and Orchid Purple colors.
Key Specifications:
- RAM and Storage: 8GB and 12GB RAM; 128GB and 256GB storage options
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Max
- Rear Camera: 200MP LumaColor Camera
- Battery: 7,000mAh
Price in India (on Amazon): 8GB+128GB - Rs 33,699; 8GB+256GB - Rs 35,799; 12GB+256GB - Rs 38,999
Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G
Redmi's Note 15 Pro+ 5G boasts a 200MP ultimate clarity camera system with an HPE 1/1.4" sensor. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor and features a 6.83-inch quad-curved 1.5K AMOLED display with 3,200 nits peak brightness.
The device is backed by a 6,500mAh silicon carbon battery with 100W HyperCharge and 22.5W reverse charging. It has an IP69K rating for waterproofing and includes AI Wet Touch 2.0. The fiber glass back panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Key Specifications:
- RAM and Storage: 8GB and 12GB RAM; 256GB and 512GB storage options
- Display: 6.83-inch quad-curved 1.5K AMOLED
- Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
- Rear Camera: 200MP OIS camera
- Battery: 6,500mAh with 100W charging
Price in India (on Amazon): 8GB+256GB - Rs 37,999; 12GB+256GB - Rs 39,999; 12GB+512GB - Rs 43,999
Final Thoughts
The premium smartphone segment under Rs 50,000 in India is richer than ever, offering a diverse range of options tailored to different needs. From Samsung's AI-driven Galaxy S24 to Google's value-packed Pixel 9a, and from OnePlus's performance-centric models to Realme and Redmi's camera-focused devices, consumers have ample choices. When selecting a smartphone, consider factors such as display quality, camera performance, battery life, and software support to find the perfect match for your requirements.
