We last shared our list of the best-performing smartphones back in May, but the market moves fast. With a number of exciting new launches across the last quarter, it’s time for a refresh. Here is our updated list of the top-performing smartphones across all major price ranges.
At 91mobiles, we put every phone through a rigorous testing process. So far in 2025, we have reviewed nearly 50 smartphones and revisited top-performing models from last year. To curate this list, our evaluation combines objective benchmark data with practical, real-world testing to create a complete picture of each phone’s capabilities.
Table of Contents
Selection Criteria
We have organised our picks into five price categories to suit different budgets:
- Under Rs 15,000
- Under Rs 30,000
- Around Rs 50,000
- Under Rs 80,000
- Flagships (price no bar)
For our technical analysis, we rely on AnTuTu and Geekbench scores, the latter focused on multi-core results, which helps us estimate its multitasking capabilities. However, numbers alone don’t capture the full user experience. That’s why we also conduct a 60-minute gaming test, playing both BGMI and COD Mobile for 30 minutes each.
To ensure a fair comparison, we use consistent game settings across each price segment, though real-world stability and thermal performance naturally vary. The phone that delivers the best overall performance in each bracket earns the top spot. The final rankings are determined by the 91mobiles performance rating, a metric that combines benchmark scores, gaming performance, and real-world user experience.
Best performance phones under Rs 15,000
Winner: The QOO Z10x (review) is the undisputed champion in the sub-Rs 15,000 category. It delivered one of the highest AnTuTu scores and performed admirably in Geekbench’s multi-core test. Its gaming performance is among the best in this segment, and on top of that, it manages to keep its temperature in check during intense sessions, making it a clear top performer.
Runners-up: The Tecno POVA 7 (review) and Vivo T4x are hot on its heels. The Tecno POVA 7 shows good Geekbench performance but falls short on AnTuTu scores and thermal efficiency compared to the iQOO. The Vivo T4x (review) shares many specifications with the iQOO Z10x and boasts better gaming and Geekbench numbers, but its thermal management isn’t as effective, placing it just behind the winner.
Best performance phones under Rs 30,000
Winner: It’s no surprise that the POCO F7 (review) dominates around the Rs 30,000 segment. Thanks to its new top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, it achieves significantly high AnTuTu and Geekbench scores and maintains excellent thermal efficiency while gaming. This puts it miles ahead of the competition, cementing its status as a performance powerhouse.
Runners-up: The OnePlus Nord 5 (review) and POCO X7 Pro (review) are the runners-up. The Nord 5 is held back by its benchmark scores, though it marginally outperforms the POCO F7 in gaming and temperature control. The POCO X7 Pro, launched earlier this year, has better benchmark results than the Nord 5, but its gaming performance and heat management need improvement, landing it in third place.
Best performance phones around Rs 50,000
Winner: If you’re going strictly by performance, there’s little debate about our top pick, as the iQOO 13 (review) is an absolute powerhouse. It currently tops the AnTuTu charts in our lab tests and comes in second on Geekbench. Real-world usage backs up those numbers too; it’s ahead of its rivals in average gaming FPS and does a great job of staying cool under pressure. In fact, iQOO 13 also has the highest AnTuTu score across all segments.
Runners-up: The Realme GT 7 Pro (review) comes in a close second, as its real-world gaming performance doesn’t quite match up to the iQOO 13. That being said, it still deserves credit for offering some of the best cooling efficiency among all the phones we tested. The OnePlus 13s (review), on the other hand, is a performance powerhouse. Due to its compact size, it doesn’t manage heat as efficiently and thus trails the top contenders by a narrow margin. It is an excellent choice if you’re after flagship-grade performance in a more comfortable form factor.
Best performance phones under Rs 80,000
Winner: The OnePlus 13 (review) takes the lead as the best-performing smartphone under Rs 80,000. The OnePlus number series has always struck a great balance, and performance remains one of its strongest suits. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus 13 delivers top-tier performance across the board.
It posts some of the highest AnTuTu and Geekbench scores we’ve seen (especially in performance mode), and it doesn’t disappoint in gaming either, offering high average FPS while keeping temperatures impressively low. In fact, it has the best thermal performance of any phone we’ve tested so far.
Runners-up: The Samsung Galaxy S25 (review) is the top runner-up in this price segment, while the third position ends in a tie between the OPPO Find X8 (review) and the Xiaomi 15 (review). The Galaxy S25 has one of the highest Geekbench scores in our lab tests and offers excellent gaming performance and temperature control. The OPPO Find X8 and Xiaomi 15 are both tied to the third spot and have their own advantages. The Find X8 has better real-world performance in gaming and thermal efficiency, while the Xiaomi 15 has better benchmark results,. The 3rd spot thus ends in a tie.
Best flagship performance phones
Winner: Choosing a single winner in the flagship category is never easy, as this is where brands deploy their absolute best hardware and software. The race between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (review) and the Vivo X200 Pro (review) was incredibly close. The S25 Ultra took a clear lead in the Geekbench multi-core test, while the X200 Pro came out ahead in AnTuTu.
Gaming performance was a similar story, with both phones balancing average FPS and thermal readings. Ultimately, the decision came down to the nuances of real-world usage. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a flat, QHD, anti-glare display, snappier touch response, and built-in gaming features. The Vivo X200 Pro counters with a slimmer design and a brighter display, although its resolution is comparatively lower. With such distinct advantages, the choice boils down to personal preference, leading us to declare a tie.
Runner-ups: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra (review) secures the second spot, delivering a smooth, well-balanced experience but not quite excelling in any single area compared to the winners. The OPPO Find X8 Pro (review) lands in third; while its gaming performance is strong, its thermal control and Geekbench scores trail the top contenders.
