The under-₹30,000 smartphone segment in India is hotter than ever. As technology continues to advance, manufacturers have been packing premium features into budget-friendly devices. Some of these smartphones originally launched at higher price points but have seen price cuts, making them even more attractive. If you’re looking for a smartphone that offers excellent performance, great cameras, and a premium feel while staying under ₹30,000, this guide has got you covered. Let’s explore the top 10 smartphones that will remain solid options even in 2025.
Spacifications:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset
- 256GB storage
- IP68 rating for water and dust resistance
- Vegan leather back design
- Triple-camera setup (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto lenses)
The Motorola Edge 50 Neo stands out with its unique vegan leather back and robust build quality, making it ideal for users who value style and reliability.
PROS
- Durable build with military-grade certification.
- Clean and smooth user interface with minimal bloatware.
- Versatile camera system for photography enthusiasts.
CONS
- Limited availability of software updates beyond a few years.
Lacks wireless charging support.
Spacifications:
- Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- 256GB UFS 4.0 storage
- 100W fast charging with a 5500mAh battery
The OnePlus Nord 4 combines flagship performance with a user-friendly OxygenOS experience, making it perfect for those seeking speed and efficiency.
PROS
- Excellent display with vivid colors and smooth refresh rate.
- Flagship-level charging speeds.
- Great for multitasking and gaming.
CONS
- The design is similar to its predecessor, offering little innovation.
- No IP rating for water resistance.
Spacifications:
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset
- Up to 256GB storage
- 4500mAh battery with fast charging
A slightly more budget-friendly option compared to the Nord 4, the Nord CE4 is a great choice for users seeking a reliable, mid-range smartphone.
PROS
- Affordable yet powerful.
- Smooth and responsive performance for daily tasks.
- Slim and lightweight design.
CONS
- Camera performance is decent but not exceptional.
- No stereo speakers.
Spacifications:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset
- 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 67W fast charging
- Vegan leather back panel
The Oppo F27 Pro Plus stands out with its premium design and large display, making it a great option for media enthusiasts.
PROS
- Sleek and premium design.
- Long battery life with fast charging.
- Excellent for multimedia consumption.
CONS
- Software experience might feel bloated to some users.
- The chipset lags behind competitors in raw performance.
Spacifications:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset
- Dual 50MP cameras
- 6.7-inch AMOLED display with Glyph lighting interface
For those looking for something different, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus offers an unparalleled design and user experience.
PROS
- Unique design with a transparent back and innovative Glyph lighting.
- Seamless software experience with Nothing OS.
- Compact and lightweight.
CONS
- Limited camera flexibility compared to competitors.
- Battery life could be better.
Spacifications:
- Tensor G2 chipset
- Dual-camera system with exceptional photography capabilities
- 6.1-inch compact display
The Pixel 7a is a must-buy for photography lovers, offering incredible photo quality and the latest Android updates.
PROS
- Unmatched camera quality in this price segment.
- Regular and timely software updates.
- Compact design for one-handed use.
CONS
- Occasional heating issues.
- Average battery life.
Spacifications:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset
- 3000 nits AMOLED display
- IP68 rating
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G combines strong performance with a vibrant display, making it a great value-for-money option.
PROS
- Bright and vibrant display, ideal for outdoor use.
- Strong battery life with fast charging support.
- Robust build quality.
CONS
- MIUI software may feel cluttered for some users.
- Camera quality is good but not exceptional.
Spacifications:
- MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultra chipset
- 108MP primary camera
- 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display
If you prioritize design and camera performance, the Infinix Zero 40 5G is a compelling choice.
PROS
- High-resolution camera for detailed shots.
- Premium design with a curved display.
- Large storage options.
CONS
- Software experience might not appeal to everyone.
- Slightly bulkier design.
Spacifications:
- Snapdragon Gen 3 chipset
- 120Hz curved display
- 5500mAh battery
The iQOO Z9 Pro 5G is perfect for users seeking flagship-tier performance at a mid-range price.
PROS
- Powerful performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Long battery life.
CONS
- Limited software updates.
- Average camera performance.
Spacifications:
- Quad-curved AMOLED display
- 50MP triple cameras
- 5200mAh battery with 100W fast charging
The Honor 200 5G is a stylish and performance-driven device that ticks all the right boxes for most users.
PROS
- Premium design with a curved display.
- Great battery life with super-fast charging.
- Excellent selfie camera.
CONS
- Software customization might not appeal to everyone.
- Limited availability in some regions.
Final Thoughts
These smartphones redefine what it means to be a mid-range device, offering features that rival premium options. Whether you’re a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking a stylish phone, this list ensures there’s a smartphone tailored to your needs. Each device on this list is future-proof, making it a worthy investment even in 2025.
