4G smartphone options that won't pinch your pocket

4G services are being rolled out by multiple operators but to avail proper speeds, you need to have a smartphone that supports the Indian bands. Here are some options to consider to get onboard the 4G bandwagon.

Less than Rs 5,000



1) Lenovo A2010: Weighing 137 grams, this compact phone from Lenovo is 9.9mm thick and comes with a 4.5-inch display (854 x 480 pixels). It uses the quad core Mediatek MT6753 processor, 1GB RAM and has 8GB storage that can be expanded with additional 32GB card. You get a 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, 2,000mAh battery and it runs Android 5.1.

2) Swipe Elite: 2 At Rs 4,666 this is the cheapest 4G smartphone today. You get a 4.5-inch qHD resolution display (960 x 540 pixels). The dual SIM phone runs Android 5.1 on a quad core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage and a 1,900mAh battery. There is an 8MP rear camera capable of recording HD videos, 5MP front camera and it weighs just 84 grams.

3) Phicomm Energy: 653 Phicomm was the first one to launch a 4G smartphone in this price range. The Energy 653 has a 5-inch HD (1280 x 720 pixels) display but runs on a Snapdragon 200 series processor. Other hardware specifications include 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 2,300mAh battery, microSD slot for expansion (up to64GB supported), 8MP rear and a 2MP front camera.


Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000



1) Coolpad Note 3: The Note 3 is the only phablet in this price range to offer a fingerprint scanner for added security along with 3GB of RAM. The 5.5-inch display has a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. It has a great 13MP rear camera, a 5MP camera for selfies and a 3,000mAh battery. Other hardware specifications include octa core Mediatek processor, 16GB storage and a microSD slot.

2) Lenovo K3 Note and YU Yureka Plus: Both phablets offer a full HD display and run Android 5.1. The dual SIM devices run on octa core processor (Mediatek on Lenovo, Snapdragon 615 on Yureka), 2GB RAM and 16GB storage (expandable). You also get great 13MP rear camera, excellent 5MP front camera and both manage to deliver over a day of battery life easily.

3) Xolo Black 1X: If you are on the lookout for a powerful phone in a compact phone factor, the Xolo Black 1X is recommended. It is one of the few phones to come with 3GB RAM and a 5-inch full HD IPS display. It runs Android 5.0 (upgradable to Android 6.0) on octa core processor, 32GB storage (expandable) and a 2,400mAh battery. You also get a 13MP camera with phase detection autofocus.

4) Asus Zenfone 2 Laser: If a good camera is your primary need, the the Zenfone 2 laser is the only option in the price to come with a laser autofocus. Its 13MP camera takes excellent photos and records full HD videos. You get a 5.5-inch HD display protected by Gorilla Glass 4, Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage (expandable) and a 3,000mAh battery.


Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000



1) Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime: With a 4.7-inch HD display, the Redmi 2 Prime is a dual SIM smartphone powered by a quad core processor, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. It features best in class 8MP rear camera capable of full HD video recording, 2MP front camera and has a 2,200mAh battery. The MiUi interface is loaded with features and you also get fast battery charging support.

2) Micromax Canvas Xpress 4G: The latest phone from Micromax combines a stylish design with a 5-inch HD display. This dual SIM smartphone is powered by a 1Ghz quad core processor with 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and has a 2000mAh battery. Running Android 5.1, it comes with dual cameras (8MP rear, 2MP front) and has a microSD slot for storage expansion.

3) Meizu M2 Meizu M2: A lightweight (131 grams) phone that has a 5-inch HD display and a hybrid SIM slot (second slot supports either a nano Sim or a microSD card). It is the cheapest 4G smartphone to come with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Specifications include quad core Mediatek processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and a 2,500mAh battery.