Budget 25-30k Need to buy 4-5 mobiles in upcoming sale

[TigerKing]

General :​

Budget -​

What is your budget? Mention Locality/Currency & Price Range.​

- 10k - 40k (for 4 mobiles)

New or Used? Online or in-store? ​

- New.
- Online or offline. Whichever offers more discounts.

Brand -​

Do you have any brand preference or dislikes? Please name them.​

- Any.
- for dad - confused between Samsung or Non-Samsung (buying galaxy watch 4 LTE or 5 LTE)

Usage -​

What is your intended use?​

- Camera (for mom & aunt)
- Camera + performance (for sister)
- Performance (custom rom support and all) (my 2nd device + family)
- Overall balanced (for dad)

What is your expected battery backup?​

- 5000+ mAh (except some good device)

How long are you intending to use this phone?​

- 3+ year

Connectivity -​

What is your preferred network?​

- 5G only

What is the number of connections required?​

- Dual SIM
- SIM or eSIM, any will do

Platform :​

Operating System (OS) -​

Do you have any OS preference?​

- Android

RAM & Storage -​

How much RAM and Storage do you want?​

- higher varient only
- if you suggested Redmi 12 5G then 8+258 (₹15499)
- but then comparison of prices also matters.

Do you want a memory card slot?​

- Anything will do.

Processing power -​

If you have an idea of how much processing power you'd need mention here, else feel free to ignore.​

- According to usage given above.

Display :​

What is your preferred display size, type, resolution and refresh rate?​

- Any

Mention any specific requirements here.​

- Suggestions should be better than the currently using mobiles by respective members
dad - poco x2
me - redmi note 4
aunt - Galaxy m21
mom - redmi note 7
sister - redmi note 7s

- higher varient only
- 5G
- 8Gb or 12GB or more RAM
- 128GB or 256GB or more Storage
- NAVIC is not supported now on most of the smartphones. As map my India (mapples and navimaps apps) provides better navigation than google maps (tried and tested by dad)

Miscellaneous :​

Any other requirements?​

I need this information so it will be easier to give them choices.

Camera (for mom & aunt)
1. Under 15k
2. Under 20k
3. Under 25k
4. Under 30k
5. Under 35k
6. Overall best VFM between 10k to 40k compared

Camera + performance (for sister)
1. Under 15k
2. Under 20k
3. Under 25k
4. Under 30k
5. Under 35k
6. Overall best VFM between 10k to 40k compared

Performance (custom rom support and all) (my 2nd device + family)
1. Under 15k
2. Under 20k
3. Under 25k
4. Under 30k
5. Under 35k
6. Overall best VFM between 10k to 40k compared

Overall balanced (for dad)
1. Under 15k
2. Under 20k
3. Under 25k
4. Under 30k
5. Under 35k
6. Overall best VFM between 10k to 40k compared

​

If you have already considered a phone, then please mention.​

- dad - Moto edge 40 neo 12+256 (non samsung), samsung M34, S21 FE, neo 7 pro
- me - poco f5
- aunt - samsung M34, S21 FE, neo 7 pro, moto g54, g84
- mom - redmi 12 5g
- sister - S21 FE, neo 7 pro, S23 FE

If any requirement takes a higher priority than other, mention here.​

(e.g.) Build quality > 3.5mm jack > LTPO
- dad - performance > storage > ram > camera > all poco x2 features (except NAVIC)
- me - performance > camera > all redmi note 4 features
- aunt - camera > all m21 features
- mom - camera > all redmi note 7 features
- sister - camera > performance > storage > ram > all redmi note 7s features

Buying all these upcoming amazon and flipkart sale.
do inform me about card discounts + cashback + coupons
will this be applicable for single phone single time, single phone multiple times, multiple phone single time and multiple phone multiple times

Thank you.

Need urgent reply for moto edge 40 neo
will this price remain same or there will be more discounts in upcoming sale? any guesses?

 

[TigerKing]

not showing 29 32 k.

refresh it .....still avaialble in 128 = 30k, 256 = 32k.


................

Yes - That's it - they promise 30k (29999/-) but I doubt 128 GB one is SD 888 version or not ?

not showing ...

 

[roadrash99]

Get Pixel 7 or 6a (any combination depending on budget). The Pixel 7 will sell for around 35k after discount and Pixel 6a will sell for around 22k with discount. Obviously you will get exchange value also.

 

[dissel]

All Heat Up Processor / Battery Drain capable / equipped phones have real price cut/deal.

Decided not to acquire S21FE as of now... due to S23FE being launched with better cooling as per review - I will wait and see.

Nothing Phone 2 seems interesting but no service center at all near my location.

 

[TigerKing]

All Heat Up Processor / Battery Drain capable / equipped phones have real price cut/deal.

Decided not to acquire S21FE as of now... due to S23FE being launched with better cooling as per review - I will wait and see.

Nothing Phone 2 seems interesting but no service center at all near my location.

i purchased s21 fe.
1st week I will use and then I will handover it.

this guy says no cpu throttling. but it heats.
no games will be played on this one. so it's okayish performance battery phone for aunt.
now searching for 25w adapter, long type c cable and case for it. another selling tactics.
another 2-3k price increase.
+ 20k mAh power bank for this one 1.5k price.

iqoo neo 7 pro was better choice. but there are very bad discount on amazon
iqoo brand site showing only 2k discounts on icici cc
35,999 - 2k = 33999 for 12+256

also very bad pricing from 11r
no sale price, no normal sale price, they are giving 3k coupons and 3k discount on MRP. :|

1 mobile down
4 remaining.

 

[DestGod]

i purchased s21 fe.
1st week I will use and then I will handover it.

this guy says no cpu throttling. but it heats.
no games will be played on this one. so it's okayish performance battery phone for aunt.
now searching for 25w adapter, long type c cable and case for it. another selling tactics.
another 2-3k price increase.
+ 20k mAh power bank for this one 1.5k price.

iqoo neo 7 pro was better choice. but there are very bad discount on amazon
iqoo brand site showing only 2k discounts on icici cc
35,999 - 2k = 33999 for 12+256

also very bad pricing from 11r
no sale price, no normal sale price, they are giving 3k coupons and 3k discount on MRP. :|

1 mobile down
4 remaining.

Any PD charger around 500 rs will get the job done. For the power bank, I remember seeing a MI powerbank for 1.5k or so. But see how long the phone goes before purchasing the power bank maybe.

Under 40k, I don't think there are good options apart from the ones you mentioned. Nothing Phone 2 or moto edge 40 would be your only other options that are worth considering. Maybe check Pixel 7 as well, it's a Google version of the S21 FE

 

[TigerKing]

Any PD charger around 500 rs will get the job done. For the power bank, I remember seeing a MI powerbank for 1.5k or so. But see how long the phone goes before purchasing the power bank maybe.

Under 40k, I don't think there are good options apart from the ones you mentioned. Nothing Phone 2 or moto edge 40 would be your only other options that are worth considering. Maybe check Pixel 7 as well, it's a Google version of the S21 FE

Just found
honor 90 5g 12+512
Under 30k with 4k bank discount
How's it?
Compared to s21 fe 5g.

Check description for suggestions.

 

[DestGod]

Just found
honor 90 5g 12+512
Under 30k with 4k bank discount
How's it?
Compared to s21 fe 5g.

Check description for suggestions.

I wouldn't recommend it, few factors being that it's a new company, so after sales support is definitely a question mark, and questionable durability as well. Based on this video I watched a while back, it seems rather flimsy -

.

There isn't much special about it either. If it's that 200 MP camera you're looking for, Realme 11 Pro + or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are a much better deal.

 

[TigerKing]

Can you link the source for updates causing hardware damage kernel dev?

not understood. please elaborate.
screen suddenly turned off like it does when fell in water, CRT tv like animation (if you use any custom rom you will know this "Screen Off Animation = CRT")
it was a screen damage (ic, capacitor or something, local repair guy know better, he said display IC damaged, and took zero fees and later replaced battery too with new poco x2 battery, he didn't charged much)
service center were refusing to repair as they only do parts replacements. they were replacing motherboard and display.

As of now, charging flex cable connecting port and charging connector board, there is some problem with this connection.
JUGAAD solved this issue, by applying little pressure on charging flex connector pins. We put some think paper cutting under back panel and there is also back case. So nothing falls off.
[posted again. for normal sale.

Wait for sale to begin.

Yes

No idea about S21FE situation, as mentioned, phone is not worth my time to me, not recommending it to anyone.

i did found only good thing about new s21 fe 888 all over youtube, except battery life.

I was surprised with Edge 40 neo's battery life test of GSMArena as well. Edge 40 & G84 did well, D7030 is in general efficient, I think its rebadged D920. So maybe phone specific OS optimisations were poor.

Yes. OS optimisations are poor.
overall great phone. the package they provide out of the box is more important for me.
As we don't know much about updates and all.

Samsung's midrange is in a poor shape if you look closely. M34 can be considered for basic usage.

yes for old people only. I did suggested this to aunt. but other relatives were interested in spending more for her.
most of these s21 fe features will useless for her.
Also this 4k or fhd is useless for her, as she will be doing point and shoot only.
money talks.

IF OS updates don't bother you, S20FE 5G is an easy recommendation over S21FE. Selfie cam ain't great.

mostly all you tubers says other wise.

Yes, charing with a power bank inside a bag with generate more heat.

I was worried about phone blast or power bank blast.
is there anything cooling substance (like cleaning gel or slime) which will keep temperature down.

Wait for sale to begin.

Yes

No idea about S21FE situation, as mentioned, phone is not worth my time to me, not recommending it to anyone.

i did found only good thing about new s21 fe 888 all over youtube, except battery life.

I was surprised with Edge 40 neo's battery life test of GSMArena as well. Edge 40 & G84 did well, D7030 is in general efficient, I think its rebadged D920. So maybe phone specific OS optimisations were poor.

Yes. OS optimisations are poor.
overall great phone. the package they provide out of the box is more important for me.
As we don't know much about updates and all.

Samsung's midrange is in a poor shape if you look closely. M34 can be considered for basic usage.

yes for old people only. I did suggested this to aunt. but other relatives were interested in spending more for her.
most of these s21 fe features will useless for her.
Also this 4k or fhd is useless for her, as she will be doing point and shoot only.
money talks.

IF OS updates don't bother you, S20FE 5G is an easy recommendation over S21FE. Selfie cam ain't great.

mostly all you tubers says other wise.

Yes, charing with a power bank inside a bag with generate more heat.

I was worried about phone blast or power bank blast.
is there anything cooling substance (like cleaning gel or slime) which will keep temperature down.

Nothing like that will happen. Most Type A USB power banks will limit charging to 10w, that's extremely miniscule to generate sufficient heat to warm up even the enclosure of the power bank, let alone the surroundings. I use a 7 year old power bank right next to my PC to charge my phone, no problems whatsoever. As long as you get a reliable power bank, heat issues are nil. Get one from mi or anker.

I'm thinking of buying boat powerbank. looks similar with type c protection
boat energyshroom PB400 - powerbank with fast charging Online
boat energyshroom PB300 - powerbank with fast charging Online

Get Pixel 7 or 6a (any combination depending on budget). The Pixel 7 will sell for around 35k after discount and Pixel 6a will sell for around 22k with discount. Obviously you will get exchange value also.

7a is better deal between these 2
also low reception, battery, and heating issues are there.
Also pixel are good at capturing humans (as per youtueber's videos)
Overall good camera needed,
And already purchased today,

now waiting for sale to start.
Neo 7 pro
11r
poco x5 pro
poco f5
g84

 

[OMEGA44-XT]

Yes

i did found only good thing about new s21 fe 888 all over youtube, except battery life.

Yes. OS optimisations are poor.
overall great phone. the package they provide out of the box is more important for me.
As we don't know much about updates and all.

yes for old people only. I did suggested this to aunt. but other relatives were interested in spending more for her.
most of these s21 fe features will useless for her.
Also this 4k or fhd is useless for her, as she will be doing point and shoot only.
money talks.

mostly all you tubers says other wise.

I was worried about phone blast or power bank blast.
is there anything cooling substance (like cleaning gel or slime) which will keep temperature down.

Yes

i did found only good thing about new s21 fe 888 all over youtube, except battery life.

Yes. OS optimisations are poor.
overall great phone. the package they provide out of the box is more important for me.
As we don't know much about updates and all.

yes for old people only. I did suggested this to aunt. but other relatives were interested in spending more for her.
most of these s21 fe features will useless for her.
Also this 4k or fhd is useless for her, as she will be doing point and shoot only.
money talks.

mostly all you tubers says other wise.

I was worried about phone blast or power bank blast.
is there anything cooling substance (like cleaning gel or slime) which will keep temperature down.

I'm thinking of buying boat powerbank. looks similar with type c protection
boat energyshroom PB400 - powerbank with fast charging Online
boat energyshroom PB300 - powerbank with fast charging Online

7a is better deal between these 2
also low reception, battery, and heating issues are there.
Also pixel are good at capturing humans (as per youtueber's videos)
Overall good camera needed,
And already purchased today,

now waiting for sale to start.
Neo 7 pro
11r
poco x5 pro
poco f5
g84

Battery life is an important part of a phone. I think I mentioned about my friend with S21FE exynos & another with iqoo 9 with S888. I think the modem is more inefficient as the battery backup hit on mobile data is huge (my S20FE 5G might get a 30-40% drop in battery life vs WiFi, their phone gets a 50% hit on a battery life already lower than my phone).

Hence I don't recommend phones with high-performance SoCs made at Samsung fab. People can do their research & be willing to live with this con, but I find this con to be a dealbreaker.

I don't know of any passive cooling solution for phone or power bank.

Sale this year has been lacklustre compared to last year. Very few actual deals. Some items I wanted to buy got a sneaky 200-300 price hike. Friend wanted to buy a high end TV (70k+), options seem worse than last year.

 

[TigerKing]

I don't know of any passive cooling solution for phone or power bank.

okay. i'm searching DIY or jugaad. It can be used with case. without damaging back panel.

Sale this year has been lackluster compared to last year. Very few actual deals. Some items I wanted to buy got a sneaky 200-300 price hike. Friend wanted to buy a high end TV (70k+), options seem worse than last year.

same. good deals specific to variants.
After deciding poco f5 for dad.
got to know about free firedrops coupons. now it's gone, you can purchase now and get 100-1000 discount.

After discussing with many people in telegram.
they say camera is bad compared to poco x2.
On the scale of 10, if poco x2 is 10 then poco f5 is 7

for poco f5.
- device heats up while charging 67 watt charger
- switching to 4g while on call
- 5g++ is shown but no VoNR even after turning on VoNR option in setting.

 

[DestGod]

Nothing like that will happen. Most Type A USB power banks will limit charging to 10w, that's extremely miniscule to generate sufficient heat to warm up even the enclosure of the power bank, let alone the surroundings. I use a 7 year old power bank right next to my PC to charge my phone, no problems whatsoever. As long as you get a reliable power bank, heat issues are nil. Get one from mi or anker.

okay. i'm searching DIY or jugaad. It can be used with case. without damaging back panel.

 

[dissel]

People are going absolutely mad to get S21FE with SD888 as I found Reddit and Facebook Groups. Lots of people Immediately bought 8/128 variant as FK put a picture of the SD888 which is fake and now the phone got delivered and they found out Ex 2100 variant.

As of now only Flashstar Commerce with 8/256 GB is the true SD888 version (31999/-)....The SCAM done by the TrueComRetail - 8/128 GB (29999/-) or FK itself....not sure.

Anyhow Samsung dot com also completely depleted its S21FE SD stock and now the price has increased by 33999/- with Out of stock everywhere. On Reddit, some European people chime in saying the SD888 version only belongs to either 6/128 or 8/256.

Looks like Samsung's S21 FE's most successful product - just remove the Camera System nobody even thinks about getting it for free.

 

[TigerKing]

People are going absolutely mad to get S21FE with SD888 as I found Reddit and Facebook Groups. Lots of people Immediately bought 8/128 variant as FK put a picture of the SD888 which is fake and now the phone got delivered and they found out Ex 2100 variant.

Yes on Samsung website there is only 8+256 GB variant and all color options are available.
But when sale started this 128 GB variant appeared out of nowhere.

Samsung S21 FE 2023 - Buy Samsung S21 FE 2023 Online at Low Prices In India | Flipkart.com

Samsung S21 FE 2023 - Shop Samsung S21 FE 2023 Online at Best Prices in India on Flipkart.com. ✔ Free Shipping ✔ Cash on Delivery ✔ Best Offers

www.flipkart.com

this official poster link from flipkart shows that this is 128gb snapdragon version they are selling.
Product name has 888 written, also product image has snapdragon printed, also they show all variants on product page.
Don't know what's happening. Need to crosscheck flipkart's claim with Samsung support.
Also now Flipkart is selling both variants Snapdron and Exynos.
Product name, Snapdragon is written for snapdragon version and exynos is written for exynos. Just crosscheck before anyone buys..

That is why avoid purchasing from flipkart nowadays. But most mobiles are exclusive to that flipkart only.
I wanted to from Samsung website and it's official store but there was no sale on their site, also bank discounts are not there.
Yesterday they changed S21 FE SD 888 pricing to ₹33999.
(Those willing to buy this S21 FE SD 888 buy from there)

As of now only Flashstar Commerce with 8/256 GB is the true SD888 version (31999/-)....The SCAM done by the TrueComRetail - 8/128 GB (29999/-) or FK itself....not sure.

I purchased that only on 7th.
May be Samsung silently released sd888 128 gb variant. But still Samsung is not selling it from it's website.

Anyhow Samsung dot com also completely depleted its S21FE SD stock and now the price has increased by 33999/- with Out of stock everywhere. On Reddit, some European people chime in saying the SD888 version only belongs to either 6/128 or 8/256.

I don't think so. OOS is shown from 7th oct (also not deliverable shown sometimes).
You need to keep refreshing and the link above. When available quickly add to cart and goto payment mode (this will secure your phone). After that you can take time.

Yes not 256 GB is gone. lets see at midnight, mostly after 11 pm to 4 am.

After delievery you need to check for product name on box when the delievery persone will do open box check.

SM-G990B = SD 888
SM-G990E = Exynos

1st check this then open box and then give OTP.
if it's not what you ordered, simply do not do "open check by flipkart" and don't accept product and don't give OTP.

Looks like Samsung's S21 FE's most successful product - just remove the Camera System nobody even thinks about getting it for free.

exactly.

*some youtubers says that service center told customers who raised this issue that s21 fe 128 gb is a snapdragon version only available online and only on flipkart.

 

[TigerKing]

Finally all mobiles arrived.

for Aunt = S21 FE 5G 8+256 = 30468
31999 (deal price)
+ 69 (secured packaging)
- 1600 (flipkart axis bank cc)

for Mom = POCO X5 Pro 5G 8+256 = 14806
18999 (deal price)
- 791 (no cost emi)
- 1500 (ICICI CC)
+ 49 (offer handling fee)
+ 49 (secured packaging)
- 2000 (300 paid for firedrops coupon = 1700 effective coupon)

for Dad = POCO F5 5G 12+256 = 20046
23999 (deal price)
- 1061 (no cost emi)
- 1500 (ICICI CC)
+ 59 (offer handling fee)
+ 49 (secured packaging)
- 1500 (400 paid for firedrops coupon = 1100 effective coupon)

for sister = 11R or neo 7 pro or v29 pro
not decided yet due to no discounts on 11R (looks overpriced)

for me = waiting for right device

Thank you all for helping.

 

[singenaadam]

Finally all mobiles arrived.

for Aunt = S21 FE 5G 8+256 = 30468
31999 (deal price)
+ 69 (secured packaging)
- 1600 (flipkart axis bank cc)

for Mom = POCO X5 Pro 5G 8+256 = 14806
18999 (deal price)
- 791 (no cost emi)
- 1500 (ICICI CC)
+ 49 (offer handling fee)
+ 49 (secured packaging)
- 2000 (300 paid for firedrops coupon = 1700 effective coupon)

for Dad = POCO F5 5G 12+256 = 20046
23999 (deal price)
- 1061 (no cost emi)
- 1500 (ICICI CC)
+ 59 (offer handling fee)
+ 49 (secured packaging)
- 1500 (400 paid for firedrops coupon = 1100 effective coupon)

for sister = 11R or neo 7 pro or v29 pro
not decided yet due to no discounts on 11R (looks overpriced)

for me = waiting for right device

Thank you all for helping.

Congrats!


As for you = waiting for the right device = wait forever

 

[OMEGA44-XT]

Congrats!


As for you = waiting for the right device = wait forever

Agreed.

S23 128GB was about 60k on the last sale. Next big sale might be around 26 Jan.

 

[dissel]

Congrats To OP.
------------------------
Once the S24 lineup is out then is the ideal time to look for S23 and if it is in the deal then the price is going to be sweet. If a person can wait for S23 next year this time then he is the ultimate gainer with lots of self-control....but I doubt Sam / FK may price S23 at 40k like this year.

Hope before the Independence Day Sale S24 comes out.

The same goes for the iPhone 15 and the 15 plus variant next year.

 

[OMEGA44-XT]

Congrats To OP.
------------------------
Once the S24 lineup is out then is the ideal time to look for S23 and if it is in the deal then the price is going to be sweet. If a person can wait for S23 next year this time then he is the ultimate gainer with lots of self-control....but I doubt Sam / FK may price S23 at 40k like this year.

Hope before the Independence Day Sale S24 comes out.

The same goes for the iPhone 15 and the 15 plus variant next year.

S23 might go to 40k, but in next Diwali sale. 1 year of wait for 20k reduction is not worth it, better buy a cheaper phone if you need a phone. But discounts this year were lower than last year for Samsung as S22 went as low as 50k & S22+ was 60k last year.

So who knows. With 4 OS updates & Exynos in S24, IMO S23 lineup will be the superior choice next year to S24 even if S24 gets an LTPO panel. But let's see what actually happens.

 

[DestGod]

Finally all mobiles arrived.

for Aunt = S21 FE 5G 8+256 = 30468
31999 (deal price)
+ 69 (secured packaging)
- 1600 (flipkart axis bank cc)

for Mom = POCO X5 Pro 5G 8+256 = 14806
18999 (deal price)
- 791 (no cost emi)
- 1500 (ICICI CC)
+ 49 (offer handling fee)
+ 49 (secured packaging)
- 2000 (300 paid for firedrops coupon = 1700 effective coupon)

for Dad = POCO F5 5G 12+256 = 20046
23999 (deal price)
- 1061 (no cost emi)
- 1500 (ICICI CC)
+ 59 (offer handling fee)
+ 49 (secured packaging)
- 1500 (400 paid for firedrops coupon = 1100 effective coupon)

for sister = 11R or neo 7 pro or v29 pro
not decided yet due to no discounts on 11R (looks overpriced)

for me = waiting for right device

Thank you all for helping.

Congrats, hows the S21 FE holding up?

Right now, there's unfortunately no perfect device from android, you end up getting only 75-80% of what you actually expect from a phone in any price range. I'd say that the Nothing Phone 2 and S23 are decently balanced phones but price let's both of them down. But the 7 years of OS upgrades and AI implementation from google might bring about some innovative features from other phone manufacturers as well. IPhone 15 looks like the most balanced phone rn, but i don't think it's what you might be after.

 

[OMEGA44-XT]

Congrats, hows the S21 FE holding up?

Right now, there's unfortunately no perfect device from android, you end up getting only 75-80% of what you actually expect from a phone in any price range. I'd say that the Nothing Phone 2 and S23 are decently balanced phones but price let's both of them down. But the 7 years of OS upgrades and AI implementation from google might bring about some innovative features from other phone manufacturers as well. IPhone 15 looks like the most balanced phone rn, but i don't think it's what you might be after.

For me, iOS is a dealbreaker, even if I disregard the pricing of iPhones. Not a fan of big punch hole as well.

Some people don't like the heavy UI of Samsung, so there's that. Some like me thinks that stock android is too barebones.

So, as you said, no perfect phones exists sadly.

I really hope Samsung pushes the Android OS updates to 5 years to S23 & S24 line up. At least they can say that they offer same duration of OS updates as Apple. But Apple is notorious for not providing a lot of new features to older iPhones, which happens on Androids as well, but not to Apple's extent. Xiaomi & BBK will be forced to increase their support as well which will help consumers.