Top 5: Smartphones under Rs 50,000

The competition in the smartphone industry has forced manufacturers to launch mobile phones with high-end specs and features at affordable rates.

If you are mulling the idea of buying a smartphone with great specs in the sub-50K range, then these five launched in 2014 are worth a look.

1. Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)

This is surely one of the most coveted smartphones in the sub-50K segment. It comes with a HD 5.2-inch display and a curved metal frame, giving you enough reasons to flaunt your mobile phone.

You can choose from the multiple designs available. Whether it is real wood, colorful hues, metal accents, or laser etched signature, there are too many choices available for you to make your phone look unique.

Moto X 2nd Gen is not only about looks but performance too.

It runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system (upgradeable to Android Lollipop 5.0) and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.5GHz of speed. Performance of the handset is well supported by other specs such as Adreno 330 GPU (@578 MHz) and 2GB RAM.

The intuitive ability of your smartphone to know your requirement of switching on 'silent mode' or 'hands-free' mode is surely one of the features to look out for. Voice control or voice prompt makes this gear more interesting.

Some of the other features that needs special mention include 13MP rear camera, Quick Capture, 1080p HD and 2160p Ultra HD Video capture, 2MP front camera, multiple connectivity options (Wi-Fi, GPS NFC, 4.0 LE Bluetooth, 3G, 4G LTE, etc.), and 16GB ROM.

While Bamboo White and Black Leather versions are priced at Rs 33,999, the Black version is priced at Rs 31,999.

2. LG G3 (16GB/32GB)

Launch of LG G3 is surely one of the watershed moments in the history of Indian smartphone industry. This is the first flagship phone ever that stressed on simplicity over complexity, which requires user manuals to operate a device.

LG launched G3 with the tagline 'Simple is the New Smart', which it surely is.

Users will experience enhanced performance, excellent design, high display resolution and density and essentially simplified usability. USPs of this smartphone are Quad HD display (not before seen 1440 x 2560 pixels LCD screen and density of 534ppi), 13MP rear camera with ultra fast auto laser focus, mature interface with advanced notification alerts, sleek design, and wireless charging facility.

Some of the special features provided in LG G3 are KNOCK Code, Smart Notice, Quick Circle, Intuitive UI, Wireless Charging, 1-Watt Speaker that comes with Boost Amp, OIS+ Camera, Quad HD Display, Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor, 3,000mAh battery, multiple connectivity options (4.0 LE
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, A-GPS, USB 2.0, HDMI SlimPort and Glonass), and up to 128GB external memory capacity.

While the 16GB version is officially priced at Rs 52,000, the 32GB version is priced at Rs 55,000. However, most of the e-commerce sites in India are offering the 32GB version of LG G3 in the range of Rs 39,000 to Rs 40,000.

3. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

If it's Sony, the gear has to be high on entertainment value and high-end graphics. Xperia Z3 Compact comes with waterproof design, giving customers more value for their money. Some of the features that makes this device one of the best options in the high-end category include secure access to company networks and emails, exclusive movie entertainment, ultra long battery life, high end audio experience (Digital Noise-cancelling support and Hi-Res audio), availability of PS4 Remote Play for accessing PS4 console, immerse movie experience, excellent camera (having unparalleled low-light capability, Handycam and Cyber-shot technology, and ability to take under-water shot), one touch connectivity (listening, sharing, mirroring, back-up, and connection), excellent viewing experience, availability of LTE/4G technology, et al.

Other specs worth mentioning are X-Reality mobile picture engine, UKW-Radio mit RDS, PlayStation certification, advanced camera (20.7MP rear with 8x zoom, Sony Exmor RS, SteadyShot, and auto focus features), 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor and Sony 3D Surround Sound technology.

Various connectivity options available are 4.0 Bluetooth, GLONASS, ANT+ wireless technology, NFC, DLNA Certification, Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Hotspot, 3G with HSPA+ speed and 4G with LTE.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact has an MRP of Rs 44,990 but it can be purchased from other e-retailers at lower prices.

4. OnePlus One

The smartphone named 'One' from OnePlus is surely a great innovation in the smartphones market. For the same reason, the device is being marketed as the Flagship Killer.

The unusual name it has got is due to the amazing features, usually found in flagship smartphones, it offers but at half the price of the flagship smartphones.

The 64GB OnePlus One is available at an unbelievable price of Rs 21,999.

There are hundreds of reason for you to buy this smartphone and some of the most important ones include gigantic memory (64GB in-built), powerful processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad HD processor clocked at 2.5GHz speed), 3GB RAM, top-in-class connectivity options (such as GLOBAL 4G LTE, v4.0 Bluetooth, Dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, etc.), and many others.

In terms of multimedia, OnePlus One comes with a 13MP primary Sony Exmor IMX214 camera with f/2.0 aperture, 6 physical lenses, dual LED flash, 4K video resolution and 5MP secondary snapper.

To support heavy usage, a Li-po 3,100mAh non-removable battery is provided in the handset. As per the company's claim, OnePlus One delivers best audio quality as well as clarity and easy on-screen gesture control, which no other smartphone offers, as of now.

The other specifications are Android 4.4 KitKat OS, Full HD 5.5-inch screen (1920 x 1080 pixels resolution and 401ppi density), various sensors, Corning Gorilla Glass protection and multiple audio and video formats compatibility.

5. Motorola Google Nexus 6 (32GB)

Nexus series by Google has its own place in the market and there is no doubt that it is one of the most trusted series in the global market. Recently launched Google Nexus 6 is device for which many customers were waiting for long.

Apart from getting Google's first software updates, Nexus 6 is blessed with latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor (clocked at a speed of 2.7GHz) mated to 3GB RAM. The smartphone has 6-inch 1440p Quad-HD display with 493ppi, lithium-polymer 3,220mAh battery, and various connectivity options including 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi and v.4.0 Bluetooth.

It runs on latest Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system topped with Google Now launcher that provides user friendly experience. Google Nexus 6 comes with a 13MP primary snapper supporting dual LED flash and a 2MP front facing camera.

Nexus 6 (32GB version) is now available in India at a price of Rs 44,000.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, Nokia N1, Sony Xperia Z4 and many others are lined up for launch in 2015 to give a tough competition to these who have made the 2014 list.