Now we are talking....hmm let me see from your stated req i want to clear somethings
So if you want my requirements then here are they:
1. Budget- 25-30k...
Ok ur choice but wait
2. Display type and size-a minimum of 3.5" screen or more
get it
3. Form Factor-bar(touchscreen)
ok
4. Preferred choice of brand-apple n HTC
typical
5. Preferred input method-touch
ok...priorty 1...
6. What camera option I want-A minimum of 5MP camera or more and a front facing camera would be nice
this is a major req....
7. Preferred operating system-Android or iOS
iOS has only one option right now as you might be knowing....
8. Preferred connectivity options-3G as well as Wifi
got it
9. Preferred applications-GPS and all the basic applications like adobe reader,MS office applications etc
ok basic for all phone s above >10k
10. Primary use of handset-listening music,click some nice photos as I can't carry my camera everytime, checking mails, surfing the internet (n playing games sometimes)
Galaxy3,O1 or ACE can do it good....i.e if gaming sometimes
11. Any specific mobile phones in consideration?-its already written above
12. hardware specs-atleast 1Ghz processor and atleast 512mb of ram
why this for your requirements .......600-800Mhz is okay....
WHAT I GET ur req is:
- Camera >5mp....and front facing preffered
-Primary use of handset-listening music,click some nice photos as I can't carry my camera everytime, checking mails, surfing the internet (n playing games sometimes)
I SUGGEST:
Budget of 25-30k not req.......
FOR your Priority 1 and primary usage any android phone from O1(3.2") can do...if you want that extra .3" .... galaxy ACE is good(i.e if your drop the brand cliche....) to be on the safe side....
According to me get a IDEOS X6 or Olive smart 300 (indian name maybe too risjy for u) when it launches....comaparable to Galaxy SL if price is b/w 17-18k...buy this for the use of it...a no no if u want to show off ur new device to others...as it is a block evne uglier than the SL..
Reagarding camera i agree lower end phones do not have a decent option so we are above >13k now..
ACE has a 5MP camera which satisfies ur req...it has LED flash also which tops ur req...but i would recommend no phone is a substitue for a DLSR(joke) or even a decent digicam..except if you go for N8 or any good SE phone..which is not in ur brand list ...so if you want decent pics hold on...
SL and X6 have 5mp....but a front cam also..... with this u get ur proccy ram combo though
Now all you require is available withing 15k ....why spend more instead buy ACE and save some to get a good digicam like a NikonP series one.......or for higher go for X6 or SL....
That is not all...there is no mention to be able to use some great apps....no mods..no ROM... so why iOS or Android dont's know....this is where the hype comes in when looking into higher budgets....
1GHZ proccy and 512mb ram are just the config for the phones u mentioned earlier.....acc to ur usage you don;t need it..
Just becoz Nokia is not the norm these days among the tech community does not mean they do not deliver.....
For your req even nokia has some options ...you will get a good build quality with good h/w and ruggedness if u want .......
NOW that you haev stated clearly people here can really help you getting a device which suits your req
p>S

on't decide on a budget and then look into devices...first get ur usage and then decide on a price..

..hope i was able to help... intention was to do the same....
On giving it another thought maybe u will not take my advise as ur brand not being present...
LAST OPTION (MAYBE U NEED THIS):
SHOW OFF+great phone+OK PRICE+UR BRAND:
HTC DESIRE .... get it for 19.k from letsbuy(not sure but here is the cheapest price

don;t spend extra on HD/Incredible S .....not worth it now that dual core phones are coming like galaxy S2 and Optimus 2x...and yes not from HTC