Best Mobile Phones Under 30,000 in India (Oct 2023)

Expert comment:   Build to impress its audience by packing in the performance needs to last years, the iQOO Neo7 is one of the best devices to come in the market under Rs 30,000. The handset has a 120Hz AMOLED panel with upwards of 1,300nits in peak brightness. Camera-wise the Neo7 does pack in a 64MP primary shooter that is adept in taking decent shots in daylight and night time scenarios. The newly launched Dimensity 8200 SoC makes its way on to the device for supreme performance and the 5,000mAh battery allows it last for long time.

Expert comment:   The POCO F5 is a capable device for gamers and streamers. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 12-bit panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR Dolby Vision support. The phone is equipped with a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, up to 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of onboard storage. It also has stereo speakers for an enhanced gaming and multimedia experience, along with a 5,000mAh battery and 67W fast charging. In terms of camera, the F5 has a triple rear camera setup with a 64MP primary sensor, capable of capturing excellent shots especially in daylight.

Expert comment:   The Motorola Edge 40 distinguishes itself as one of the sleekest phones in its category, with its external design alone providing a compelling incentive to consider this handset. Going beyond its visual charm, the phone boasts a gracefully curved 6.5-inch FHD+ 144Hz pOLED display, driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC. Enhanced by a 4,400mAh battery, the phone supports both rapid 68W wired charging. As far as optics are concerned, the phone comes with a capable 50MP OmniVision OV50A sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide shooter. On the front is a 32MP selfie camera which is also an OmniVision lens.

Expert comment:   Realme 11 Pro+ is a game-changing smartphone designed to redefine your mobile experience under Rs 30,000. Equipped with a powerful new Dimensity 7050 SoC and a stunning Super AMOLED display, this device offers seamless multitasking and immersive visuals. Capture life's moments with precision using the advanced triple-camera system powered by a 200MP sensor. Stay connected all day with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and enjoy lightning-fast 100W charging speeds. Last but not the least, is the device's premium leather back finish imparting it with a highly premium feel and look.

Expert comment:   Infinix Zero 30 comes as the latest offering from the brand and excels on several fronts. The handset's display, performance, and the charging speeds make it an extremely compelling buy. In particular, the phone's curved display is its highlight feature and along with its leather-like back panel, it provides a unique look to the phone that shouts premium. As far as camera performance is concerned, the phone's highlight is its front camera that can shoot in 4K up to 60fps. For budding social media influencers, this is the ideal choice in the price segment.

Expert comment:   The OnePlus Nord CE 5G stands out as a secure and reliable option under Rs 30,000. Its functionality shines with a mid-range Snapdragon 782G chipset and a captivating 6.7-inch FHD+ Fluid AMOLED display that boasts a 120Hz refresh rate. With a robust 5,000mAh battery, you can expect a full day of usage without worry, complemented by the support for an 80W fast charging solution. In terms of photography, it boasts a triple rear camera setup including a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro unit.

Expert comment:   While in many ways than one, the Realme GT Neo 3T appears very much like a repackaged version of the GT Neo 2, it still is one of the best phones to purchase under Rs 30,000. Harbouring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC makes it a super fast device while up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM amplifies the experience. The phone also has a Super AMOLED panel which can refresh at 120Hz to aid the viewing experience. As for the cameras, the primary sensor has a 64MP shooter supported by an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro sensor. Finally the phone packs in a 5,000mAh battery that can be ultra charged at 80W.

Expert comment:   The list of specs for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can go on and on, which makes you wonder how competitively Xiaomi has priced the device. Off the top there is the large 200MP shooter to handle camera capabilties. MediaTek has also supplied its Dimensity 1000 SoC for a seamless processing experience. The viewing experience is excellent as well thanks to the Super AMOLED 120Hz panel that has up to 900nits of peak brightness. To add the final cherry on top, the 5,000mAh battery can juice up at super fast 120W speeds.

Expert comment:   The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is a decent smartphone considering its price. The handset features the Exynos 1380 SoC at its core, which offers satisfactory performance for everyday use. The phone sports a 6.5-inch punch-hole AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for an impressive visual experience. Additionally, the device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging, ensuring a reliable and convenient power solution. In terms of photography, it boasts a 108MP triple rear camera setup and a 32MP selfie snapper.

Expert comment:   The POCO F4 5G checks all the right boxes while being priced below the Rs 30,000 mark. With a 64MP primary camera that can snap impeccable photos and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 SoC at the helm to offer lightening fast processing speeds, the POCO F4 is truly a breakthrough device. The phone doesn't cut corners in the viewing department thanks to the 6.67-inch E4 AMOLED panel up front that can refresh at 120Hz. Combine that with a sturdy build quality, 80W fast charging and more, the POCO F4 is the smartphone to beat this year.

Expert comment:   Very few phones can offer the performance reliablility in the mid-range segment as well as the iQOO Neo 6. Starting at Rs 29,999, the phone certainly has a stellar spec sheet under its belt including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset and an E4 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The fast UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 memory act as catalysts to boost any kind of processing tasks lined up for the device. On the camera side of things, the 64MP Samsung GW1P sensor handles primary photo taking abilities and the device has a 4,500mAh battery that can charge at 80W.

Expert comment:   Mi 11X directly enters the list at the top as the phone isn't just loaded with specs but also translates these specs on paper to real world performance extremely well. With a flagship-grade processor, brilliant AMOLED display with butter-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and premium design, Mi 11X definitely separates itself from other offerings on this list by some margin. While the cameras and software definitely have some room for improvement, the phone still needs more competition to dethrone it from the top.

Expert comment:   The OnePlus Nord 2T is quite remeniscent of the Nord 2 from last year with a few iterative upgrades. In terms of design the Nord 2T has a premium touch to it with a respectable in-hand feel. Processing-wise MediaTek's Dimensity 1300 SoC debuts on the phone and keeps up the Nord 2T's performance metrics for daily usage along with heavy-duty gaming. Cameras remain the same from last year including the 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor while the AMOLED panel upfront has a FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Lastly the device has 80W of charging speeds complimenting the 4,500mAh battery.

Expert comment:   Realme X7 Max is one of the most affordable flagships in the market at the moment. The phone comes with the backing of extreme performance along with a pleasing design, and a set of cameras that delivers excellent results. The handset runs Android 11-based Realme UI out of the box, which will later be upgraded to Android 12 via OTA update. Having said that, the phone comes with bloatware and lacks an expandable storage option.

Expert comment:   Samsung has been instrumental with its M series to grab a firm foothold in the budget and mid-range market. With the M53 5G, the company has made a worthy challenger that looks to get on even footing with other OEMs. For starters the M53 is extremely thin while still harbouring a 5,000mAh battery. The Super AMOLED display happens to be the best in the segment like any other Samsung device. The phone has a 108MP primary sensor along with three other lenses for varied functionality. MediaTek's Dimensity 900 SoC runs things for perormance needs on the device.

Expert comment:   The Moto Edge 30 from Motorola is thinnest and lightest 5G capable device on the market. With extremely premium looks for its price, the Moto Edge 30 is definitely a head turner. It has the performance specs to back up its pricetag thanks to the Qualcomm Snpadragon 778G+. On top of that the device also has a 144Hz pOLED panel with excellent colour accuracy, brightness levels and HDR10+ certification. The Edge 30 runs on one of the cleanest sofftware skins with almost no bloatware. However, the phone does have a smaller 4,000mAh cell than most competing phones.

Expert comment:   The Mi 111i HyperCharge, as the name suggests, is a device with supremely fast charging speeds. It is the first phone in the Indian market to make use of 120W charging that juices up the 4,500mAh battery in about 17 minutes flat. Apart from that the device also debuts MediaTek's Dimensity 920 chipset for performance needs. As for the cameras, Xiaomi has included a 108MP triple-camera setup including an 8MP ultra-wide shooter and 2MP macro sensor. Finally the phone has the finest of displays which uses an 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Expert comment:   The Vivo V23 amplifies its nature as a selfie centred phone with two shooters up front. The primary 50MP camera brings in the cleanest selfies you can get in the segment while the 8MP ultra-wide is very useful for group selfies. Other aspects of the device include a Dimensity 920 SoC with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The display is AMOLED with HDR10+ and 90Hz refresh rate. The main cameras on the back consist of a 64MP triple-lens setup. Android 12 runs on the device and there is a 4,200mAh battery with 44W charging support. The V23 is the sleekest phone in its price range.

Expert comment:   Xiaomi has really upped its game in the upper mid-range price category and the Mi 10T can easily be described as a flagship phone disguised as a mid-range handset. In the most crucial departments, Mi 10T blows the competition out of the water. The phone has powerful hardware that breezes through most tasks that you throw at it. On top of it, you get a 144Hz display, which isn't even present on most flagships worth twice this phone's price. In this price range, Mi 10T is an absolute steal.

Expert comment:   Realme X7 Pro is one of the few mid-range smartphones that offers truly flagship features at a reasonable price. Whether it is a butter-smooth 120Hz AMOLED display or a powerful processor, the handset shines on most fronts. The phone offers impressive camera performance but especially if you are a selfie enthusiast, you need to check this one out. Support for fast-charging and a premium design combine to make this an all-around package that is worth every penny.

Expert comment:   Realme GT Master Edition is an excellent choice in this price range but just like Realme GT 5G, the phone underperforms in the camera department. Do not get us wrong, by underperforming, we do not mean that these phones are not capable of taking excellent images, because they are, however, in comparison to some other phones on the list, they do present some issues in certain conditions. Apart from that, you get a phone that has a brilliant display and performs like a champ. The phone has a distinct look to go along with its powerful hardware.

Expert comment:   The Mi 11 Lite NE 5G is a phone that plays on the super-slim form factor, and also brings a number of interesting specs. Priced at Rs 26,999 the device packs in a Snapdragon 778G SoC and weighs 157g, making it truly one of the lightest phones in the segment. The handset offers a 64MP triple-camera setup and a 4,230mAh battery which supports up to 33W fast charging. The Dolby Vision support on the display adds to the viewing experience on the device.