While the sub-Rs. 60,000 smartphone market in India is bustling with choices, the segment under Rs. 80,000 surprisingly offers a more curated selection. For a long time, consumers primarily had options from Samsung’s Galaxy S series, Google’s Pixel lineup, and OnePlus’ flagship models. However, with the recent entry of Oppo’s Find X8 series and even Apple’s offerings, the landscape is now richer. Each of these high-end smartphones is crafted to excel in design, premium features, and exceptional camera performance, making any choice a solid investment.
It’s worth noting that certain recent releases, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE and Nothing’s Phone 3, are not featured in this guide. Although the Galaxy S25 FE impressed with its familiar design, stunning Super AMOLED display, and a generous 7-year commitment to OS and security updates, our tests revealed its Exynos 2400 SoC tended to overheat, and its camera performance lagged behind similarly priced rivals like the OnePlus 13. Similarly, the Nothing Phone 3 received lower review scores primarily due to its inconsistent camera capabilities.
| Phones under Rs. 80,000 | Gadgets 360 rating (out of 10) | Price in India (as recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 10 | 8 | Rs. 79,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | 9 | Rs. 74,999 |
| OnePlus 13 | 9 | Rs. 62,999 |
| Oppo Find X8 | 8 | Rs. 69,999 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus | 9 | Rs. 79,900 |
Google Pixel 10
The Pixel 10 was a highly anticipated addition to Google’s smartphone series this year, marking a significant milestone as the first non-Pro Pixel to include a telephoto camera. Its performance in daylight photography was impressive, though it struggled somewhat in low-light conditions. This was somewhat anticipated, given that it shares the same telephoto camera technology as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is also used in this year’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
The Google Pixel 10 isn’t primarily marketed as a gaming device, with its Tensor G5 processor mainly optimized for on-device AI tasks, meaning it couldn’t quite match the raw power of some competing smartphones. However, in all other aspects, it delivers the premium Pixel experience expected at this price point. From its vibrant display and sleek design to its overall camera prowess, smooth software, and a plethora of AI functionalities, it truly shines. The Pixel’s signature clean, bloatware-free Android experience remains a major draw, ensuring the Pixel 10 won’t disappoint on this front.
Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung’s Galaxy S series has long been a go-to choice in the premium segment for many Android enthusiasts, and for good reason. While yearly updates often involve subtle design refinements and a new processor, the core experience, including its camera system, tends to remain consistent. Although the underlying camera hardware is now four years old, it still captures excellent photos, even as rivals have pushed the boundaries in terms of quality and detail.
Despite this, choosing the base Galaxy S25 model this year is still a smart move. Samsung continues to integrate numerous AI features, and its software support commitment rivals Google’s, often backed by even more robust hardware performance. Surprisingly, even with one of the smaller batteries in this class (4,000mAh), the Galaxy S25 offers impressively good battery life.
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 solidifies its position as a strong contender in the sub-Rs. 80,000 category. Building upon the success of the OnePlus 12, it delivers comparable raw power and camera performance, all packaged in a sleeker, IP69-rated design. It’s also one of the few smartphones, alongside Google’s Pixel devices, to feature magnetic wireless charging when paired with its new cases. Indeed, for sheer value, the OnePlus 13 is hard to beat, offering a true flagship experience at a price point where many brands, including Oppo and Samsung, often present more compact alternatives.
This device makes no compromises. You’ll enjoy a stunning QHD+ display, a fluid software experience enhanced with AI features, top-tier performance from the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and flagship-level camera capabilities. Excellent battery life is another highlight, complemented by convenient 50W wireless charging.
Oppo Find X8
Oppo’s Find X8 is a truly compact powerhouse. It boasts a remarkably attractive design paired with outstanding performance, essentially delivering a ‘Pro’ phone experience without the ‘Pro’ branding. Its appealing price point makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a fresh alternative to Samsung’s often iterative Galaxy updates. After a four-year absence from this segment, Oppo ensured the Find X8 arrived packed with every feature one would expect from a premium compact flagship.
Much like the OnePlus 13, the Find X8 also supports MagSafe-like accessories, including 50W wireless charging via a magnetic case. Its cameras perform exceptionally well, meeting the high standards expected of a flagship in this price range. All of these features are presented in a compact form factor, making it ideal for comfortable one-handed use. With the Find X9 expected soon, it might be wise to wait and see what new innovations it brings.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Yes, Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus surprisingly earns its spot on this list! The main reason? Apple has opted not to release an iPhone 17 Plus this year. Last year, the iPhone 16 Plus thoroughly impressed us with its exceptional battery life, a quality that remains true this year, especially since the ultra-slim design of the iPhone Air simply cannot compete.
While the standard iPhone 17 model received numerous upgrades this year, it still comes with a smaller battery. Therefore, for budget-conscious buyers seeking an iPhone with a larger display, the iPhone 16 Plus remains a compelling option, starting at a lower price than this year’s smaller iPhone 17. However, be aware that the iPhone 16 Plus still begins with a basic 128GB storage option; if you need more, you’ll have to stretch your budget to Rs. 89,900 for the 256GB variant.