Due to the launch of new devices and price cuts on the previous generation flagships, the sub-Rs 45,000 smartphone segment has seen a revival of sorts. If you’re looking to buy a phone with high-end features without paying a premium – like a top-tier display, powerful processor, and efficient battery, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of great options available right now. , In this article, we recommend the best smartphones you can buy under Rs 45,000 in India this January. The list includes the newly launched OnePlus 13R and three other devices.

oneplus 13r

The OnePlus 13R 5G brings flagship-like features at a relatively affordable price, making it a standout contender under Rs 45,000. With a price starting at Rs 42,999, it offers a flat 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 4,500 nits peak brightness, providing a lifelike viewing experience. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the 13R excels in performance, handling gaming and multitasking with ease, thanks to its improved thermal management. The 6,000mAh silicon carbon battery ensures excellent endurance, lasting up to 1.5 days on a single charge, 80W fast charging optimized for long-term battery health. It also includes practical additions like Glove Mode, which makes the touchscreen usable with gloves in cold weather. Running OxygenOS 15 on Android 15, it promises 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches, with AI-powered tools like AI Notes and AI Unblur enhancing the software experience. For those looking for flagship-level performance, display, and battery life without stretching their budget, the OnePlus 13R is an excellent choice.

iQOO 12

The iQOO 12 5G is the last generation flagship smartphone available in India, and with the current discount, it is priced at par with the OnePlus 12R. Although it lacks some key features like wireless charging, IP rating, and USB-C 3.2 port, it more than makes up for it with impressive features for a phone priced under Rs 45,000. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, a massive 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, a stunning 144Hz AMOLED display with 3,000 nits peak brightness, and a 50-megapixel triple rear camera system with a 3x periscope lens. With this feature set, there’s nothing to complain about at this price. If you need the missing features, the more expensive iQOO 13 is your best option. However, for a significantly lower price, the iQOO 12 stands as a strong prime contender in the under Rs 45,000 segment.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro

The next phone on the list is iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G. Unlike the OnePlus 13R and iQOO 12, the Neo 9 Pro comes with a processor two generations older, but don’t let that fool you – it’s still a powerhouse. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 can handle anything you throw at it. Plus, it has a brilliant 144Hz flat AMOLED display, a reliable 50MP main camera and a relatively large 5,160mAh battery that easily lasts a whole day, complemented by 120W fast charging for those quick top-ups. Despite its large size, the Neo 9 Pro is surprisingly light and comfortable to hold. And the best part? With a starting price that usually hovers around Rs 35,000, this is an excellent option if pricier options don’t fit your budget.

Xiaomi 14 Civi

The Xiaomi 14 Civi 5G strikes a good balance between style and performance, with prices starting at Rs 39,999. This phone combines the best of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14, offering a sleek design and high-end features like a stunning 12-bit AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness. With up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, and the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, this phone delivers top-tier performance. The 4,700mAh battery supports 67W fast charging and the phone has a slim and ergonomic design. Plus, the Leica-tuned camera system ensures vibrant photos and videos in a variety of lighting conditions.