Smartphones under Rs 30,000 offer immense value for money in today’s smartphone market. Many features and specifications that were limited to flagships not very long ago have now trickled down to smartphones within this price-tier in India, offering users a wholesome smartphone experience that combines a mix of performance, usability, uniqueness and premiumness. Across brands, there are enough smartphones in this segment for all kinds of users. Be it for camera, performance, design, display, or battery, there are enough options within the segment to cater to all these needs. While of course, no iPhone model fits the budget, there are enough Android options within this segment to pick a good phone for your specific needs. That being said, the iPhone SE models do fall below 30,000 during certain sales in the year.
Summarizing Our Recommendations:
| Best Display | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion |
| Highest Storage | POCO F6 |
| Best Main Camera | OnePlus Nord CE4 5G |
| Best for Gaming | iQOO Neo7 Pro |
| Best Performance-Driven Phone | Redmi K50i |
| Super Fast Charging Phone | Realme GT Neo 3T |
| Best Battery Life | Infinix GT 20 Pro |
| Best for Vlogging | Realme 12 Pro+ |
| Best Selfie Camera | Vivo V30e |
- 1.
- Stylish design and comfortable to hold
- 68 W fast charging
- Clean, bloatware-free UI
- Decent primary camera
- Display is not the most colour accurate
- Not the best for power-users
- Display lacks HDR support
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is very similar to the elder sibling, the Moto Edge 50 Pro. We get a similar package with some compromises, such as using cheaper materials, incorporating a less powerful processor, and forgoing the telephoto lens.
- 2.
- Superb gaming performance,
- Bright and crisp AMOLED display
- Impressive primary camera
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging
- Bloatware-ridden OS
- No expandable storage
- Design doesn’t resonate with gamers
- Pixel density (PPI): 446
- Screen resolution (in pixels): 1220 x 2712
- Display technology: AMOLED
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
- Front camera megapixel: 20
- Charging type port: Type-C
- Storage: 256 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
- Colors: Titanium
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty for Phone and 6 Months Warranty for In the Box Accessories
- User rating: 4.2
- Whats inside the box: Handset, 90W Charger, USB Type-C Cable, Sim Eject Tool, Protective Case, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 3
- Fast charging: Yes
- 5G: Yes
The POCO F6 is more powerful than many flagships in the market right now. It is the first phone in India to feature the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, promising top-tier performance.
Verdict:
The POCO F6 reaffirms POCO’s knack for delivering fantastic value, top-notch performance with a rich feature set at a great price. It’s not just a gaming beast; the POCO F6 shines across the board. The Sony IMX882 primary camera is a big step up, and the 6.67-inch AMOLED display is stunningly vibrant and crisp. Plus, the beefy 5,000 mAh battery easily gets you through a busy day, and the included 120 W charger is a real treat for quick top-ups. Sure, the lack of expandable storage and some bloatware in HyperOS are minor hiccups, but they hardly overshadow the overall package.
- 3.
- Good performance
- Super fast charging
- Clean software
- Display isn’t very accurate
- Camera is average
OnePlus Nord CE4 is the first smartphone to arrive in the “Nord 4” series for 2024. Now, there are improvements across the board as compared to the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G from last year, but there are also downgrades.
- 4.
- Beast of a performer
- Premium vegan leather design
- Brilliant colour accurate display
- Front camera is average
- Battery drains sometimes
- No expandable storage
- Pixel density (PPI): 388
- Display technology: AMOLED
- Screen resolution (in pixels): FHD+
- Front camera megapixel: 16
- Charging type port: Type-C
- Storage: 128 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
- Colors: Orange
- Warranty: Domestic 1 Year of Device & 6 Months for In-Box Accessories
- User rating: 4.3
- Whats inside the box: Cell Phone, Eject tool , Phone Case, Power Adapter, USB Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 C
- Fast charging: Yes
- 5G: Yes
Winner of our Zero1 award for the Best Performing Mid-Range Smartphone, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro offers outstanding price-to-performance ratio.
Verdict:
After testing the iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G, it is no secret that this smartphone offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios that you can get in the market right now. For a ₹29,999 price tag, this smartphone takes the fight to devices that are twice its price or even more! So in terms of performance, the numbers speak for themselves.
- 5.
- Solid performance for daily use, Dependable battery life, 3.5mm audio jack, Main camera works well
- No expandable storage, AMOLED display is missed, Sub-standard low-light performance, Different colours from main and UW cameras
The Redmi K50i is a powerful daily driver that gives you a well-rounded experience at half the price of affordable flagship smartphones.
Verdict:
The Redmi K50i is a very capable smartphone that doesn’t skimp on performance and offers an efficient battery life. While it doesn’t have the marquee features of the K20 series, wherever the K50i compromises it more than makes up for it with raw performance and gaming chops. While the FFS LCD screen doesn’t match the viewing experience of an AMOLED screen, you won’t mind it for some casual watching. If you’re out in the market looking for a performance-driven phone, the K50i is one of the best phones you can get right now.
- 6.
The Realme GT Neo 3T offers well rounded features and is quite affordable for its asking price
Verdict:
Realme GT Neo 3T is the latest 5G phone from Realme with features such as a large 6.62-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 5 protection along with stereo speakers. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 870 chip and has a set of capable triple cameras on the back that includes a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro camera. On the front, there’s a 16MP selfie camera. The Realme GT Neo 3T has a large 5,000mAh battery that supports 80W fast wired charging.
- 7.
- Cool design with customisable RGB lighting strip
- Bright display
- No lag, even during long gaming sessions.
- Lack of microSD card slot
- Device tends to heat up during extended gaming sessions
- Lacks an ultra-wide lens
- Catches fingerprints easily without the case
- Pixel density (PPI): 388
- Screen resolution (in pixels): 1080 x 2436
- Display technology: AMOLED
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Front camera megapixel: 32
- Charging type port: Type-C
- Storage: 256 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
- Colors: Mecha Orange
- Warranty: 1 Year Warranty
- User rating: 3.4
- Whats inside the box: SIM Tray Ejector, Adapter, Phone Case, USB Cable
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate
- Fast charging: Yes
- 5G: Yes
The Infinix GT 20 Pro offers a blend of unique features tailored for gaming enthusiasts at an accessible price point.
Verdict:
The Infinix GT 20 Pro is a mid-range smartphone designed for gamers, featuring a cool design with a customisable RGB lighting strip. It boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate for an immersive visual experience. Performance is smooth for gaming, though it lacks a microSD card slot for storage expansion and an ultra-wide lens in its triple-camera system.
- 8.
- Stunning design
- good battery backup
- super fast charging
- Software experience isn’t the best
- average camera performance
- Pixel density (PPI): 394
- Screen resolution (in pixels): 1080 x 2412
- Display technology: AMOLED
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
- Front camera megapixel: 32
- Charging type port: Type-C
- Storage: 256 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
- Colors: Submarine Blue
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty for Device and 6 Months Manufacturer Warranty for Inbox Accessories
- User rating: 4.1
- Whats inside the box: Handset, Charger, USB Data Cable, Sim Ejector Tool, Safety Guide, Quick Guide, TPU Protective Case
- Processor: Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
- Fast charging: Yes
- 5G: Yes
The Realme 12 Pro+ 5G is the first smartphone that brings a luxurious design, a periscope telephoto lens, along with other premium features to Realme’s number series.
Verdict:
The Realme 12 Pro+ 5G has a good camera, which is better than any other Realme number series smartphone from the past. It also has a beautiful leather back with a very good combination of blue and golden. However, the smartphone’s performance isn’t up to the mark as compared to other competitors and Realme’s tuning of this rather good camera hardware has been disappointing to say the least.
- 9.
- Eye-catching design
- Solid primary and selfie cameras
- Long-lasting battery
- Display is not HDR certified
- Mediocre gaming performance
- No Gorilla Glass
- Pixel density (PPI): 388
- Display technology: AMOLED
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
- Front camera megapixel: 50
- Charging type port: Type-C
- Storage: 128 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
- Colors: Velvet Red
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty for Device and 6 Months Manufacturer Warranty for Inbox Accessories
- User rating: 4.5
- Whats inside the box: Handset, Type C to USB Cable, USB Power Adapter, Eject Tool, Phone Case
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- Fast charging: Yes
- 5G: Yes
The Vivo V30e stands out for its camera capabilities and stylish design, both of which are key features shared with its main competitor, the Realme 12 Pro
Verdict:
The Vivo V30e is a masterclass in design – it is meticulously designed to provide a premium look at a relatively affordable price. The battery life is also one of the best in the sub-₹30,000 price segment. The OnePlus Nord CE4 beats it in this regard but it is also a bulkier phone. Not just that, the Vivo V30e performs admirably in many other areas. The primary and selfie cameras are pretty solid for the price, the display is bright enough to use even in direct sunlight, and Vivo has promised a solid three years of software updates. However, if you are a mobile gamer looking for a powerful phone under ₹30K, the POCO X6 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE4 are better options, without a doubt.
- 10.
- Polished, bloatware-free software
- Snappy performance
- Solid primary camera
- Design is a bit too polarising
- Slow UFS 2.2 speeds
- No charger in the box
- Pixel density (PPI): 394
- Screen resolution (in pixels): 1080 x 2412
- Display technology: OLED
- Front Camera Megapixel: 16
- Charging type port: Type-C
- Storage: 128 GB
- RAM: 8 GB
- Colors: Black
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturing Warranty
- User rating: 4.4
- Whats inside the box: Handset, Nothing Cable (C-C), Screen Protector (Pre Applied), Sim Tray Ejector, Safety Information and Warranty Card
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro
- Fast charging: Yes
- 5G: Yes
The Nothing Phone (2a) marks Nothing’s first foray into the mid-range smartphone market. The Nothing Phone (2a) comes with some sacrifices to bring down the price.
Verdict:
The Nothing Phone (2a) is like a breath of fresh air, offering a smooth and bloatware-free experience in the competitive sub-₹25,000 price segment, which is a rarity. The design is polarising but gutsy, showcasing Nothing’s desire to set itself apart. Adding to that, an impressive primary camera, decent battery life, and smooth performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) could easily appeal to Indian masses.
How did we arrive at these recommendations?
For over two decades, Digit’s legacy as a trusted source of consumer gadget recommendations has been built on rigorous testing and unwavering commitment to quality. Our team of experts meticulously evaluates each product, ensuring that only the best make it to our recommendations. When it comes to smartphones priced under ₹30,000, we leave no stone unturned. From battery life and camera performance to software updates and build quality, we scrutinize every aspect. Our track record speaks for itself: countless satisfied readers have made informed choices based on our advice.
What to expect from phones under ₹30,000?
If you’re wondering what you can expect in smartphones under 30,000, then there are a few pointers to keep in mind. Expect the good processors or chipsets from the likes of Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek to be in most good smartphones. Screens will mostly be AMOLED and on the higher-end of the budget, you might even get some with HDR10+ certification which is a huge plus. And every phone will have decent fast-charging and by that we mean 25 W plus. If you’re looking to buy something now, you might even get 45 W plus fast charging. Also, be on the lookout for sales when prices of these phones can drop significantly.
Tips or Factors to consider while buying phones under ₹30,000
- Performance and Processor: Look for phones with capable processors like Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Helio series. These ensure smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
- Display: Opt for an AMOLED or IPS LCD display with FHD+ resolution for vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Higher refresh rates (90 Hz or 120 Hz) enhance the overall experience.
- Camera Quality: Check the main and front camera (selfie camera) specifications, including megapixel count, aperture size, and image stabilization (OIS and EIS). Look for phones with versatile camera setups for different scenarios.
- Battery Life: A larger battery capacity (4000 mAh or more) ensures longer usage. Fast charging support (25 W or higher) is also crucial for convenience.
- Storage and RAM: Choose a phone with at least 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. More RAM ensures smoother multitasking, while ample storage accommodates apps, photos, and videos
- Software Updates: Consider brands that provide timely Android OS updates and security patches. Regular updates enhance security and add new features.
- Build Quality: Look for phones with durable materials (metal or glass) and good build quality. Water and dust resistance (IP rating) is a bonus.
- 5G Connectivity: If you want future-proofing, consider 5G-enabled phones. They’ll be compatible with upcoming networks.
Common mistakes to avoid while buying smartphones
- Not Setting a Budget: Be realistic about what you can afford. Don’t fall for marketing hype. A budget model can serve you well without overspending.
- Ignoring Research: Research thoroughly. Look beyond specifications and consider real-world performance, user reviews, and brand reputation.
- Focusing Only on Megapixels: Don’t be swayed by high megapixel counts. Camera quality depends on other factors like sensor size, aperture, and image processing.
- Prioritizing Cores and Clock Speed: More cores and higher clock speeds don’t always mean better performance. Consider the overall chipset efficiency.
- Not Considering Peak Brightness: Check the display’s peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.
Bonus Entries
Motorola is giving the users what they want, but for the most limited time possible. A clean software experience, stylish and lightweight design, dependable performance, and fast charging to name a few. The only issue with the Moto Edge 40 and every Motorola phone for that matter, is the lack of software updates. Motorola is only promising one year of Android updates with the Moto Edge 40, which is a big bummer for a phone that does everything well.
The Poco F4 is one of the most feature rich mid–range smartphones featuring a large 120Hz AMOLED display which is Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compliant. It’s got a capable Snadpragon 870 under the chassis and has triple cameras on the back consisting of 64MP+8MP+2MP lenses along with a 20MP selfie camera. The Poco F4 has a 4,500mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging. It also has stereo speakers, Gorilla Glass 5 protection and is IP53 rated.
At a price of ₹30,999, the Realme GT 6T offers good value for money. There are more positives here than negatives. In terms of the build quality and design, the smartphone may not look the best, but we are getting IP65 and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 which is great. The cameras may not be the best, but we are getting exceptional battery life and crazy fast charging.
The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a nearly perfect mid-range smartphone. For the features on offer such as IP68 dust and water resistance, 50W wireless charging, and a 144 Hz pOLED display, it offers good value for money in this segment. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro also has one of the most gorgeous designs on the market in its price segment – the colour-matched aluminum frame, the soft vegan back, and the delightful colour choices make it a treat for the eyes.
