A lot of smartphones are launched every year and 2014 was no exception to the fact. The current smartphone market is bustling with new products added to it every day. From new Software updates to improved hardware and price slashes, the companies are trying hard to churn out the products people need today.
With so many options to choose from in nearly every category, consumers often get confused and end up dissatisfied. So, we’re here to help you in buying the smartphones you need. Our list includes the bestsellers along with a one or two honorable mentions of the year which will keep you static for the next one or two years.
Category 1: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
- Motorola Moto E (₹ 6,999)
A smartphone for the budget segment users which has some great features at a nominal price. This is the best smartphone for all those looking for smartphones in this price bracket and is highly recommended for first timers. A Value for Money smartphone.
With a combination of 4.6 inches of Gorilla Glass 3 covered display, a dual-core Snapdragon 200 processor and pure Android experience, Moto E strikes off its disadvantages with the price.
- Xiaomi Redmi 1S (₹ 5,999)
Xiaomi is a new entrant in the country’s smartphone market which organises flash sales for the customers to buy its products. Its popularity can be measured by the simple fact that these flash sales usually end in less than 10 seconds.
The Redmi 1S boasts of a 4.7 inches of IPS display running a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor with 8 megapixels of snapper capabilities among others. It runs on a highly customized MI User Interface which is based on Android 4.3.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note (₹ 8,999 / ₹ 9,999 for the 4G variant)
Another smartphone from the house of Xiaomi, the Redmi Note features a 5.5 inch HD IPS display, an octa-core MediaTek processor and 13 megapixels rear camera. It has a bigger 3100 mAh battery. There is a 4G variant available as well, the only difference being that it is powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor and it costs a thousand more.
The Redmi Note runs on Android 4.4 beneath a MI User Interface that is unique in its own way. The price and top-of-the-line features makes it worthy of getting into the list of bestselling devices.
- Motorola Moto G (2014) (₹ 12,999)
Motorola was the one to wake people up from the dark dreams made up by Samsung, Micromax and others to provide the customers with a unique combination of beauty and brains. The Moto G (2013) was a bestselling device even with many flaws like the non-expandable memory. Motorola worked upon the flaws and the result is its 2nd Generation Moto G.
The device flaunts a 5 inch Gorilla Glass 3 protected IPS display, a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 8 megapixel rear snapper. Moto G runs on Android 4.4.4 and will receive regular updates for a year or two.
Category 2: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
- One Plus One (₹ 21,999)
It is very rare for the only product of a start-up to make its way through to the top. Yes, if you’re looking for the best Value for Money smartphone, this is it. The specifications offered at this price may even lead people to say that it is un-justifiable. Though the device can only be availed via an Invite system which also makes it quite exclusive.
The One Plus One has no flaws except for a non-expandable memory. Other than that, it flaunts a 5.5 inches of full HD Gorilla Glass 3 protected display with a 13 megapixel rear and 5 megapixel front snapper. It is powered by quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor backed up by 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB internal memory. It is LTE enabled, NFC supported. It runs on Android 4.4.4 based CyanogenMod interface that makes it open to various types of customizations and tweaks.
- LG Nexus 5 (₹ 24,500/29,919 – 16/32 GB)
Nexus 5 has the pros of being a typical nexus device with a 4.95 inches of Gorilla Glass 3 protected full HD IPS display, a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and 8 megapixel rear snapper. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Category 3: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
- Motorola Moto X (2014) (₹ 29,999)
This is the 2nd Generation of Motorola’s flagship device which is a power packed performer. The device has a 5.2 inches of Gorilla Glass 3 protected full HD AMOLED display and is powered by quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor backed up by 2 GB of RAM. Additionally it has a 13 megapixel rear camera. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop. Another Value for Money smartphone.
- Samsung Galaxy S5 (₹ 32,999)
A refined update to the last year’s Galaxy S4, the Galaxy S5 offers a 5.1 inches of full HD Super AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and is by far one of the most breath-taking display’s found on a smartphone.
It is essentially a Samsung flagship device that offers plethora of features, say for instance a heart rate scanner. It is powered by quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor backed up by 2 GB of RAM. Photographic capabilities extend up to 16 megapixels rear and 2 megapixels front facing.
It runs on Android 4.4.4 with TouchWiz customizations and will be upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Category 4: ₹35,000 – ₹45,000
- Samsung Galaxy Alpha (₹ 37,448)
The Alpha range by Samsung was born out to right a wrong, usage of premium materials in the build of a smartphone which the company had often ignored. The all-metal chassis of Gorilla Glass 4 protected 4.7 inches Super AMOLED HD display is the first attempt by Samsung on making its devices feel more premium in hand while effectively managing prices.
Under the hood, it is powered by Exynos 5 Octa-core processor backed by 2 GB RAM. Additionally, it has a 12 megapixel rear and 2 megapixel front facing camera. Like the Galaxy S5, this device too has nearly all the features found on the device.
- Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (₹ 42,990)
The Xperia Z3 Compact is a tiny powerhouse by Sony which may as well be called the best compact smartphone available in the market right now. Companies have been churning out big displays for quite some time now and it gets bigger and bigger, but Sony has made an exception with the dust & water-proof Z3 Compact.
It is a solid performer with the specs that consists of quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor backed up by 2 GB of RAM. The device has a 20 megapixel Sony’s classic camera which is excellent. It has a 4.6 inch HD Triluminos display which makes it compact by today’s standards. It qualifies as to what small phone lovers want today.
- Apple iPhone 5S (₹ 39,899)
A typical Apple experience at an affordable price is what makes the iPhone 5S a good buy. A gorgeous display, powerful internals, beautiful iOS 8 UI and of course efficient security.
It flaunts a 4 inch retina display protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and an additional oleophobic coating. Photographic capabilities include an 8 megapixel rear camera and 1.2 megapixels front facing camera which still gives most premium smartphones a run for their money.
Category 5: Beyond ₹45,000
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (₹ 54,999)
Samsung has long ruled the huge “phablet” phones category and Galaxy Note 4 makes Samsung hold the ground even more firmer. The device boasts of a 5.7 inch quad-HD Super AMOLED display that is arguably the best display in any smartphone currently. It has a 16 megapixel rear, 3.7 megapixel front facing camera and a quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor backed up by 3 GB RAM.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 uses its big display efficiently with the integration of S-Pen and the software. It has features that make use of the whole screen and a user interface that is perfect for it.
- HTC One M8 (₹ 59,999)
HTC One M8 is the device responsible for getting everyone talking about the build quality of devices and hardware innovations. Samsung, LG, Apple followed suit but the One M8 is a huge update from last year’s M7. It is a refined premium metal body device.
It flaunts a 5 inch full HD display which is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Under the hood, it is powered by quad-core Snapdragon 801 backed up by 2 GB RAM. On the Photography front, it has a dual-4 megapixel camera and a 5 megapixel rear camera. It runs on Android 4.4.2 and is upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop.
- Apple iPhone 6 (₹ 53,500/62,500/71,500 – 16/64/128 GB)
Simply put, the iPhone 6 is the biggest improvement from Apple ever. It is slimmer, feature rich and the most beautiful device money can buy. On the specifications front, the iPhone 6 features a 4.7 inch IPS Retina full HD display, runs on a new and much improved iOS 8 under the Apple ecosystem. It has aesthetics that are unmatched for, be it the usage of Ion-strengthened glass or the anodized aluminium back.
An excellent all-rounder and is touted to be the best iPhone ever.
Honourable Mentions: Windows Phone Devices
Nokia Lumia 1320 (₹ 17,217)
Nokia Lumia 1020 (₹ 23,999)
Nokia Lumia 1520 (₹ 38,538)
