Over the past few years, the cost of flagshipclass smartphones has increased, so it is not at all surprising to see consumers shell out more than Rs. 70,000 for the most recent models of the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel.Fortunately, you can buy virtually the same performance, features, and elegance for less than half as much if your budget isn’t quite as generous. There are several possibilities in the sub Rs. 30,000 price range, and some recently released models at this price point even boast of features that much more expensive flagships do not yet have.
You may purchase a phone that does everything for up to Rs. 30,000. You don’t have to give up on modern comforts like long battery life or high-quality cameras. With features like the Vivo V15 Pro’s pop-up selfie camera and in-display fingerprint sensor or the Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018)’s four rear cameras, some of our recommendations for the best smartphones under Rs. 30,000 may surprise you.
Each year, we evaluate hundreds of cellphones and put them through a variety of tests to see whether they are worthy of recommendation. We evaluate their functionality, cameras, displays, batteries, software, and physical construction quality. We also provide you with all the information you require regarding how they operate in regular use. The following smartphones have received the top ratings overall, so you can be sure you’re receiving the most value for your money.
Here are our current top selections for cellphones around 30,000 rupees.
1. Google Pixel 6a
The Pixel 6a is a significant improvement over the Pixel 4a, Google’s final smartphone to reach India. It costs more than the previous model but comes with many enhancements.
Its design makes use of a plastic panel for the back and a glass display, both of which are attached by an aluminium frame. Although it feels sturdy, it is not high-end because the plastic panel is a huge smudge and dust magnet.
Due to the display’s 60Hz refresh rate, software performance does not feel as seamless, but you do get Android 13 from Google, which is the most recent version without any additional bloatware.
While the camera performs admirably in all types of settings, the video seems to be a little underwhelming. The battery has enough power for a day’s worth of use, but charging takes a long time.
| Display | 6.10-inch, 1080×2400 pixels |
| Processor | Google Tensor |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4410mAh |
| Rear Camera | 12.2MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| PRICE | Rs 25,999 |
2. Motorola Edge 40
Motorola Edge 40 is based on Android Android 13 and packs 256GB of inbuilt storage. The Motorola Edge 40 is a dual-SIM mobile that accepts Nano-SIM and eSIM cards. The Motorola Edge 40 measures 158.43 x 71.99 x 7.49mm (height x width x thickness) and weighs 167.00 grams. It was launched in Eclipse Black, Lunar Blue, and and Nebula Green colours. It features an IP68 rating for dust and water protection.
Connectivity options on the Motorola Edge 40 include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, GPS, Bluetooth v5.20, NFC, and USB Type-C. Sensors on the phone include accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/ magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and in-display fingerprint sensor. The Motorola Edge 40 supports face unlock.
| Display | 6.50-inch, 2400×1080 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8020 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 13MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| PRICE | Rs 27,999 |
3. Nothing Phone 1
Some of the features of the Nothing Phone 1 that really stand out are its premium build quality, vibrant display, good primary camera, and clean Android experience. The glyph lights are a nice differentiator but you may or may not find them actually useful for daily use. The one thing that needs the most improvement right now is the secondary cameras, especially in low light. Video recording could also benefit from better stabilisation and features.
Phones such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro and iQoo 9 SE offer better specs and features for a simialr price. However, if you want a phone that looks completely unique while still having all the essential features, there’s nothing quite like the Phone 1 right now.
| Display | 6.55-inch, 1080×2400 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Plus |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 50MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| PRICE | Rs 28,999 |
4. OnePlus Nord 2T 5G
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G comes with minor upgrades over the previous model. Its design mostly remains the same as before, but has some minor changes around the back, which includes a new layout for the cameras.
Its processor has been upgraded to a Dimensity 1300 SoC, which brings some performance improvements. The display remains the same as before and offers a 90Hz refresh rate.
The phone offers OxygenOS 12.1 which is based on Android 12. It has minimal bloatware and comes with just one preinstalled third-party app. Software performance is smooth and it all feels fluid thanks to the 90Hz display.
Gaming performance is quite good as well. The phone still lacks a macro camera unlike the original Nord, but the primary camera can shoot decent close-up images. Low-light performance is quite good. Battery capacity remains the same as before, but OnePlus has amped up the charging to 80W.
| Display | 6.43-inch, 1080×2400 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1300 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| PRICE | Rs 28,199 |
5. Realme 9 Pro+5G
The Realme 9 Pro+ elevates the 9 series from the mainstream segment to the mid-range. The 9 Pro+ is priced higher than the 9 Pro and offers some added features such as optical image stabilisation (OIS) in the camera, which has been missing from Realme’s lineup for a long time.
The Realme 9 Pro+ is available in a colour-changing Sunrise Blue finish. The back panel transitions from blue to red upon exposure to UV light if you choose this. It has a slim profile overall and is also quite light, which makes it comfortable for one-handed use.
The phone offers enough grunt with its MediaTek Dimensity 920 SoC and it can easily handle demanding 3D games as well as take care of day-to-day tasks. Battery life is also quite good and it charges quickly using its bundled 60W charger.
Still camera performance is quite impressive. The primary camera with its OIS system captures clear and crisp photos in daylight and performs well in low-light conditions too. Android 12 also makes it here with Realme UI 3.0 and it brings most of its highlight features with it.
| Display | 6.40-inch, 1080×2400 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 920 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| PRICE | Rs 24,999 |
6. Realme 11 Pro+
Realme 11 Pro+ mobile was launched on 10th May 2023. The phone comes with a 6.70-inch touchscreen display offering a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels (FHD+). Realme 11 Pro+ is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor. It comes with 8GB, 12GB of RAM. The Realme 11 Pro+ runs Android 13 and is powered by a 5000mAh non-removable battery. The Realme 11 Pro+ supports proprietary fast charging.
As far as the cameras are concerned, the Realme 11 Pro+ on the rear packs a triple camera setup featuring a 200-megapixel primary camera; an 8-megapixel camera, and a 2-megapixel camera. It has a single front camera setup for selfies, featuring a 32-megapixel sensor.
The Realme 11 Pro+ runs Realme UI 4.0 is based on Android 13 and packs 256GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded via microSD card. The Realme 11 Pro+ is a dual-SIM mobile that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM cards. The Realme 11 Pro+ measures 161.60 x 73.90 x 8.70mm (height x width x thickness) and weighs 189.00 grams. It was launched in City of the Rising Sun, City of Green Fields, and Starry Night Black colours.
Connectivity options on the Realme 11 Pro+ include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v5.20, NFC, and USB Type-C. Sensors on the phone include accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/ magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and in-display fingerprint sensor.
| Display | 6.70-inch, 2400×1080 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7050 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| Rear Camera | 200MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| PRICE | Rs 23,999 |
7. iQoo 9 SE
The iQoo 9 SE has a polycarbonate back panel and mid-frame but feels and looks quite premium. There’s no official IP rating, but you get two high-quality stereo speakers that sound great while streaming video and playing games.
The phone has a 6.62-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, which produces punchy colours and is also HDR10+ certified, which is rare in this price segment.
The software experience with Android 12 is smooth and fluid, but the phone does come with too many preinstalled third-party apps. Gaming performance with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC is top-notch, and the same applies to its 4,500mAh battery, which lasted a day and a half on a single charge in our tests.
Camera performance in daylight is impressive, but we expected better from the ultra-wide-angle camera. The iQoo 9 SE also shoots some good macros, and selfies shot in all kinds of lighting conditions came out nicely
| Display | 6.62-inch |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 13MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| PRICE | Rs 29,999 |
8. iQOO Neo 7 5G
iQOO Neo 7 5G mobile was launched on 16th February 2023. The phone comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate 6.78-inch touchscreen display offering a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels (FHD+) at a pixel density of 388 pixels per inch (ppi). iQOO Neo 7 5G is powered by an octa-core processor. It comes with 8GB, 12GB of RAM. The iQOO Neo 7 5G runs Android 13 and is powered by a 5000mAh removable battery. The iQOO Neo 7 5G supports proprietary fast charging.
As far as the cameras are concerned, the iQOO Neo 7 5G on the rear packs a triple camera setup featuring a 64-megapixel primary camera; a 2-megapixel camera, and a 2-megapixel camera. It has a single front camera setup for selfies, featuring an Unspecified sensor.
The iQOO Neo 7 5G runs Funtouch OS 13 is based on Android 13 and packs 128GB, 256GB of inbuilt storage. The iQOO Neo 7 5G is a dual-SIM mobile that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM cards. The iQOO Neo 7 5G measures 164.81 x 76.90 x 8.50mm (height x width x thickness) and weighs 197.00 grams. It was launched in Frost Blue and Interstellar Black colours. It bears a plastic body.
Connectivity options on the iQOO Neo 7 5G include Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, USB OTG, USB Type-C, Micro-USB, 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India) , and 5G. Sensors on the phone include accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/ magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and in-display fingerprint sensor.
| Display | 6.78-inch, 1080×2400 pixels |
| Processor | octa-core |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| Rear Camera | 64MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| PRICE | Rs 27,999 |
9. Realme 10 Pro+
The Realme 10 Pro+ is the latest mid-ranger from the company. It has received some upgrades in multiple departments over the Realme 9 Pro+, with the display being the highlight.
The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G sports a 6.7-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate support. It is the most affordable smartphone to feature a curved screen. The phone’s base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at Rs. 24,999. The 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB storage options are priced at Rs. 25,999 and Rs. 27,999.
The phone comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC, and a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support.
The 108-megapixel main camera misses out on OIS support. Its triple-camera setup includes an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. For selfies, there is a 16-megapixel front camera. The handset runs on the Android 13-based Realme UI 4.0 out-of-the-box.
| Display | 6.70-inch |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| Rear Camera | 108MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| PRICE | Rs 23,999 |
10. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G mobile was launched on 16th March 2023. The phone comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate 6.60-inch touchscreen display offering a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels (HD+). Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is powered by a 2.6 MHz octa-core processor. It comes with 6GB, 8GB of RAM. The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G runs Android 13 and is powered by a 5000mAh non-removable battery. The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G supports proprietary fast charging.
As far as the cameras are concerned, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G on the rear packs a triple camera setup featuring a 48-megapixel (f/f/1.8) primary camera; an 8-megapixel (f/f/2.2) camera, and a 5-megapixel (f/f/2.4) camera. It has a single front camera setup for selfies, featuring a 13-megapixel sensor with an f/f/2.2 aperture.
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G runs One UI 5.0 is based on Android 13 and packs 128GB, 256GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded via microSD card (up to 1000GB). The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G measures 161.30 x 78.10 x 8.20mm (height x width x thickness) and weighs 199.00 grams. It was launched in Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, and Awesome Silver colours. It features an IP67 rating for dust and water protection.
Connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G include Wi-Fi and GPS. Sensors on the phone include accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and fingerprint sensor.
| Display | 6.60-inch, 2340×1080 pixels |
| Processor | 2.6 MHz octa-core |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 8MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| PRICE | Rs 30,000 |
