Choosing the right smartphone is never easy, especially when you’re on a budget. While flagship devices often grab the spotlight, it’s the smartphones under 30000 that often offer the best balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life. In India, where smartphones play an essential role in our day-to-day lives, finding a phone that delivers excellent value without compromising on key features is crucial.

This guide focuses on the best smartphones you can get in India under ₹30,000. We have evaluated the latest offerings from various brands, comparing their performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value for money. Whether you’re into gaming, photography, or simply need a reliable smartphone, we have the right options for you.

Why ₹30,000 Is the Sweet Spot for Smartphones

The ₹30,000 price range is considered the sweet spot for smartphones in India. Devices in this segment offer a balance between high-end features and affordability. You get the best of both worlds—premium features like high refresh rate displays, powerful processors, and impressive camera setups, without having to spend a fortune.

Smartphones in this range can handle heavy multitasking, support gaming with decent graphics, and deliver long-lasting battery performance. Moreover, most phones come with solid camera setups, so whether you’re into photography or video calling, you’ll have a device that performs well.

Here are the top picks for smartphones under ₹30,000 in India for 2025:

1. Realme 11 Pro+ 5G

Realme continues to impress in the mid-range segment with the Realme 11 Pro+ 5G, offering a flagship-level experience at an affordable price point. The phone stands out primarily because of its camera setup, performance, and fast charging capability.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vivid colors and smooth scrolling.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050 ensures smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
• Camera: The 200MP primary camera is one of the highest in this price range, capable of capturing incredibly sharp and detailed images. It also offers 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro sensors.
• Battery: 5000mAh with 100W fast charging, capable of reaching 100% in just under 30 minutes.
• Storage: 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, making it a great option for heavy users.

Why You Should Consider It:

• The standout 200MP camera provides excellent photo quality in most lighting conditions, including low light.
• The fast-charging feature is a huge plus for users on the go.
• The AMOLED display ensures rich colors and sharp contrast, enhancing the viewing experience for movies and games.

Drawbacks:

• The macro lens isn’t as useful, offering only basic close-up shots compared to the primary lens.

• Realme 11 Pro 5G Price in India (INR): ₹27,490
• Realme 11 Pro 5G  Price in Nepal (NPR): NPR 61,999
• Realme 11 Pro 5G  Price in USD: $400

2. Samsung Galaxy M54 5G

Samsung is a household name, and the Galaxy M54 5G is one of the most reliable smartphones in this price range. With a massive battery and a stunning display, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable all-rounder.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, offering sharp and vibrant visuals.
• Processor: Exynos 1380 ensures stable performance, but it isn’t the best for gaming at high settings.
• Camera: 108MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP macro. The camera setup produces clear shots, though low-light performance could be better.
• Battery: 6000mAh, supporting 25W fast charging.
• Storage: 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, enough for most users’ needs.

Why You Should Consider It:

• The 6000mAh battery lasts all day even with heavy use, making it a great option for battery-conscious users.
• The Super AMOLED display adds a premium touch to the device, making it ideal for media consumption.
• Samsung’s One UI provides a smooth and intuitive software experience.

Drawbacks:

• The camera’s performance could be improved in low light, especially in comparison to other phones with similar pricing.

• Samsung Galaxy M54 5G Price in India (INR): ₹28,999
• Samsung Galaxy M54 5G Price in Nepal (NPR): NPR 60,999
• Samsung Galaxy M54 5G Price in USD: $380

3. Xiaomi 13 Lite 5G

Xiaomi’s 13 Lite 5G comes with an eye-catching design and robust performance at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s a great option for those looking for good value for money.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.55-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth interactions and vibrant visuals.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, which provides excellent performance for everyday use and moderate gaming.
• Camera: 50MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP depth sensor.
• Battery: 4500mAh, with 67W fast charging, capable of reaching 100% in about 40 minutes.
• Storage: 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage.

Why You Should Consider It:

• The 50MP camera offers good clarity, especially for daylight shots.
• The AMOLED display ensures that colors pop, which is ideal for watching videos and browsing.
• The 67W fast charging is a standout, allowing you to charge quickly and get back to using your phone.

Drawbacks:

• The depth sensor does not significantly contribute to improving the camera’s overall performance, making it somewhat redundant.

• Xiaomi 13 Lite 5G Price in India (INR): ₹29,999
• Xiaomi 13 Lite 5G Price in Nepal (NPR): NPR 54,999
• Xiaomi 13 Lite 5G Price in USD: $400

4. OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G

OnePlus continues to be a strong contender in the budget segment, and the Nord CE 3 5G is a testament to their value-driven approach to smartphones.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G, a solid mid-range chip that handles most tasks with ease.
• Camera: 50MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro.
• Battery: 5000mAh with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging.
• Storage: 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage.

Why You Should Consider It:

• OxygenOS is clean, bloatware-free, and known for its smooth, fast performance.
• The 80W SuperVOOC fast charging is among the fastest in this price range, fully charging the device in under 40 minutes.
• The AMOLED display offers great visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors.

Drawbacks:

• Camera performance could be better, especially in low-light conditions.

• OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G Price in India (INR): ₹24,999
• OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G Price in Nepal (NPR): NPR 39,999
• OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G Price in USD: $330

5. iQOO Neo 7 5G

The iQOO Neo 7 5G has quickly gained popularity thanks to its performance-oriented design. It’s built for those who enjoy gaming and multitasking without compromising on other aspects.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8200, which offers excellent performance for both gaming and multitasking.
• Camera: 64MP primary camera, 2MP depth, and 2MP macro.
• Battery: 5000mAh, supporting 120W fast charging.
• Storage: 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage.

Why You Should Consider It:

• The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 ensures smooth gaming performance with high frame rates.
• 120W fast charging is incredibly fast, making it easy to top up the battery in a short time.
• The AMOLED display offers excellent contrast and smooth visuals, perfect for gaming and media.

Drawbacks:

• The secondary cameras are not as useful as the primary lens, making the camera setup less versatile.

• iQOO Neo 7 5G Price in India (INR): ₹27,999
• iQOO Neo 7 5G Price in Nepal (NPR): NPR 40,999
• iQOO Neo 7 5G Price in USD: $400

6. Motorola Edge 30 5G

Motorola has always been known for providing a clean Android experience, and the Edge 30 5G is no exception. With its high-refresh-rate display and powerful Snapdragon chipset, it offers great performance.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.5-inch OLED with 144Hz refresh rate.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+, ideal for smooth performance and gaming.
• Camera: 50MP primary camera, 50MP ultra-wide, 2MP depth sensor.
• Battery: 4020mAh, supports 33W fast charging.
• Storage: 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage.

Why You Should Consider It:

• The ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate makes it perfect for gaming and fast-paced activities.
• Motorola’s clean Android experience means no unnecessary bloatware or ads.
• The 50MP ultra-wide camera is great for capturing landscape and group shots.

Drawbacks:

• The smaller battery capacity may not last as long, considering the high refresh rate and gaming performance.

• Motorola Edge 30 5G Price in India (INR): ₹26,999
• Motorola Edge 30 5G Price in Nepal (NPR): NPR 42,999
• Motorola Edge 30 5G Price in USD: $370

Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Smartphone Under ₹30,000

When choosing a smartphone, the decision comes down to what matters most to you. Are you a gamer? Then you should prioritize a device with a powerful processor and a high-refresh-rate display. Do you enjoy photography? Look for a phone with a high-resolution camera and a versatile setup.

Always consider:

• Performance: Phones with Snapdragon 7-series or MediaTek Dimensity 8000-series chips are ideal for gaming and multitasking.
• Camera: Higher megapixels, larger sensors, and multiple lenses will help you capture better photos.
• Battery: A phone with a large battery (4000mAh or more) and fast charging capabilities will ensure your phone stays charged through the day.