5. Nothing Phone (4a):
For those seeking a high-quality mid-range camera phone, the ‘Nothing Phone (4a)‘ is an excellent and affordable option.
It features a powerful triple rear camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel periscope zoom lens, and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Additionally, it includes a 32-megapixel front camera for capturing crisp images during daily use.
Its 6.78-inch 120Hz adaptive AMOLED display is a standout feature, offering Gorilla Glass 7i protection and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset and runs on the clean ‘Nothing OS 4.1’ interface, based on Android 16.
Hardware specifications include an IP64 water-resistance rating and a 5,400mAh battery that supports 50W wired charging. Prices start at ₹31,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant; the 8GB + 256GB variant is priced at ₹34,999, while the top-tier 12GB + 256GB variant costs ₹37,999.
For most people, the ‘Google Pixel 9a’ is the best overall choice, thanks to its effortless ‘point-and-shoot’ camera magic, long-lasting battery, and unmatched seven years of software support. However, if your priorities are the versatility of optical zoom and powerful hardware capabilities, you might opt for the ‘Xiaomi 15T Pro’ with its Leica telephoto lens; alternatively, for an excellent periscope shooting experience on a budget of under ₹35,000, you could buy the ‘Nothing Phone (4a)’.
