Best smartphones under ₹30,000 in March 2025: Top picks for gaming, camera, and durability

Looking for the best smartphone under ₹30,000? With multiple options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Whether you need a powerhouse for gaming, a device with top-tier cameras, or a phone built to last, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a curated list of the best smartphones in this price segment for March 2025.

1) OnePlus 12R – Flagship Experience at a Mid-Range Price

Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED ProXDR, 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rate

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Adreno 740 GPU

Memory: Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB UFS 4.0 storage

Camera: 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro, 16MP front camera

Battery: 5,500mAh, 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging

Why Buy?

A near-flagship performance at an affordable price, making it a great all-rounder.

2) iQOO Neo 10R – Gaming Beast

Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate

Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 4nm TSMC process

Camera: 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide, 32MP front camera

Battery: 6,400mAh, 80W fast charging

Why Buy?

With a 90fps gaming mode, 2000Hz touch sampling, and esports mode, it's perfect for gamers.

3) Motorola Edge 50 Pro 5G – Camera and Display Champion

Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ P-OLED, 144Hz refresh rate

Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, 8GB RAM

Camera: 50MP + 13MP + 10MP telephoto, 50MP front camera

Battery: 4,500mAh, Turbo Power charging

Why Buy?

A telephoto camera, stunning display, and premium design make it a great choice for photography lovers.

4) Poco X7 Pro – Power-Packed Gaming Performance

Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, 3.25GHz clock speed

Camera: 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide, 20MP front camera

Battery: 6,550mAh, 90W HyperCharge

Why Buy?

A gaming powerhouse with a massive battery and solid build quality.

5) realme 14 Pro+ 5G – Telephoto Zoom and Durability

Display: 6.83-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 2800x1272 resolution

Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

Camera: 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide + 50MP periscope (120x digital zoom)

Battery: 6,000mAh, 80W SUPERVOOC charging

Durability: IP68/IP69 rated for water and dust resistance

Why Buy?

A unique combination of telephoto zoom, excellent durability, and premium features.

Which Phone Should You Buy?

For gaming: OnePlus 12R, iQOO Neo 10R, or Poco X7 Pro

For photography: Motorola Edge 50 Pro and realme 14 Pro+ (only two with telephoto cameras)

For durability: Poco X7 Pro and realme 14 Pro+ (IP68/IP69), Motorola Edge 50 Pro (IP68)

No matter your priority, these smartphones offer great value under ₹30,000!