We’ve done the homework and picked out a handful of phones that are genuinely worth considering, keeping all these factors in mind. This isn’t going to be an endless list that includes every phone available in this price range. Instead, it’s a focused selection of what we believe are the best options. Even within that list, we’ve highlighted our top recommendations based on different user priorities. So whether you’re looking for the best camera, the longest battery life, great all-round performance, or just the best value, we’ve tried to make the decision a little easier for you.

So here’s our pick of top five phones under Rs 30,000 for May 2025 with reviews. Or, if you decide to go for some flagship phone instead, check our list of hottest phones under Rs 50,000.

Nothing Phone 3A

• 6.77 inch 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1300 nits (HBM) AMOLED display
• Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.1
• Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
• 256GB 8GB RAM
• 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide) + 50 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto) + 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) camera
• 32 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide) selfie camera
• 5,000mAh battery with 50W wired charging
• Model year – March 2025

The Nothing Phone (3a) is the brand’s most accessible device yet, but it doesn’t let go of what makes a Nothing phone feel different. With a transparent back, customizable Glyph lights, and clean design, the 3a keeps the brand’s signature aesthetic alive, even at a lower price.

The phone feels premium in hand thanks to flat edges and a sturdy build, even though the frame is plastic. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is bright, punchy, and surprisingly good at this price. It lacks LTPO, so you won’t get dynamic refresh rate switching, but unless you’re a hardcore user, you probably won’t miss it.

Performance is where the 3a makes its biggest trade-off. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is serviceable for everyday use and casual gaming, but it’s not built for high-intensity tasks or long-term performance headroom. That said, it is smooth in daily use and the polished Nothing OS 2.5 helps the phone feel more responsive than the chip suggests.

The dual rear cameras are another area of give and take. The main sensor (50MP) delivers solid shots in daylight with good dynamic range. The lack of a dedicated ultrawide or telephoto sensor limits versatility, and low-light photos can be hit or miss. Still, for social media or general use, it gets the job done.

Battery life is impressive. The 5,000mAh cell easily lasts a full day, and the 50W fast charging is appreciated. Although, there’s no wireless charging, and you’ll need to bring your own charger.

Ultimately, the Nothing Phone 3a succeeds by knowing its limits. It’s not a spec beast, but it nails the experience where it counts. Clean software, standout design, good display, and all-day battery make it one of the most thoughtful mid-range phones this year.

OnePlus Nord 4

• 6.74 inch 120Hz, HDR10+ 2150 nits (peak) AMOLED display
• Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
• Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
• 256GB UFS 4.0, 8GB RAM
• 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide) + 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide)
• 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm selfie camera
• 5,500mAh battery with 100W wired charging
• Model year – July 2024

OnePlus has taken a confident swing at the mid-range with the Nord 4, a phone that brings back an all-metal unibody build something we haven’t seen in a while. It looks and feels premium in hand, with a clean, minimalist design and a slim profile that makes it easy to use one-handed.

The display is a 6.74-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s sharp, vibrant, and smooth to use, whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching videos. There’s no LTPO support though. The performance holds up impressively well thanks to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor. Apps open quickly, multitasking is seamless, and even gaming doesn’t push the phone too hard. It ships with OxygenOS 14.1, which is fast, fluid, and mostly clean, though there are a few minor bugs that could use ironing out.

Battery life is a highlight at 5,500mAh, the phone easily lasts a full day and more. When you do need to charge, the 100W fast charging gets you back up and running in under half an hour. That’s hard to beat in this segment.

The camera setup is functional but nothing groundbreaking. The 50MP main sensor captures detailed shots in daylight, and the 8MP ultra-wide is usable, but the absence of a telephoto lens is noticeable if you’re into zoom photography. Low-light results are average.

The Nord 4 is a great choice if you’re after a solid, premium-feeling phone without going into flagship territory. The design, performance, and battery life are standout features. If camera flexibility or absolutely polished software is a dealbreaker, you might want to look elsewhere—but otherwise, this one’s easy to recommend.

Motorola Edge 60 Pro

• 6.7 inch 120Hz, HDR10+ 4500 nits (peak) P-OLED display
• Android 15
• Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Extreme
• 256GB UFS 4.0, 8GB RAM
• 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide) + 10 MP, f2.0, 73mm (telephoto) + 50 MP, f/2.0, 120˚ (ultrawide)
• 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide) selfie camera
• 6,000mAh battery with 90W wired charging
• Model year – April 2025

The Motorola Edge 60 Pro enters the mid-range arena with a blend of premium features and some notable compromises. Its standout 6.7-inch pOLED display boasts a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 4,500 nits peak brightness, delivering vibrant visuals with HDR10+ support. The quad-curved design and Pantone-certified colors like Dazzling Blue and Sparkling Grape enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Performance-wise, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme chipset, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming experiences. The processor is comparable to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen3, albeit, being slightly behind on benchmarks. The 6,000mAh battery offers extended usage, complemented by 90W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities.

The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While daytime photography is commendable, low-light performance and skin tone accuracy could see improvements.
Smartprix

Running on Android 15 with Motorola’s Hello UI, the software experience is generally clean, though some bloatware and ads are present. The device also boasts IP68/IP69 ratings and MIL-STD-810H certification, ensuring durability.

iQOO Neo 10R

• 6.78 inch 144Hz, HDR10+ 4500 nits (peak) AMOLED display
• Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 15
• Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
• 256GB UFS 4.1, 8GB RAM
• 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide) + 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
• 32 MP, f/2.5 selfie camera
• 6,400mAh battery with 80W wired charging
• Model year – March 2025

The iQOO Neo 10R presents itself as a performance-centric smartphone in the mid-range segment, offering a blend of robust specifications and features tailored for gaming enthusiasts and power users.

At its core, the device is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance across demanding applications.

The smartphone boasts a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals and fluid animations. With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and support for HDR10+, the screen offers excellent clarity even under direct sunlight.

In terms of design, the Neo 10R features a polycarbonate frame and back panel, contributing to its lightweight build. While the materials used may not exude a premium feel, the device maintains a sleek profile and is comfortable to hold.

Photography is handled by a dual-camera setup, comprising a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. Daylight shots are commendable, though low-light performance sees a dip in quality. The 32MP front-facing camera caters well to selfie enthusiasts.

The device is equipped with a substantial 6,400mAh battery, supporting 80W fast charging. This ensures prolonged usage and quick top-ups, catering to users with intensive daily routines.

Running on Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, the software experience is fluid, albeit with some pre-installed applications that may not appeal to all users. The company promises three years of software updates and four years of security patches, ensuring longevity.

However, some users have reported concerns regarding the absence of a physical proximity sensor, which is replaced by a motion-based alternative.

realme GT 6T

• 6.78 inch 120Hz, HDR10 1000 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 6000 nits (peak) LTPO AMOLED display
• Android 14
• Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
• 256GB UFS 4.0, 8GB RAM
• 50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide) + 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide)
• 32 MP, f/2.5, 21mm (wide) selfie camera
• 5,500mAh battery with 120W wired charging
• Model year – May 2024

Realme’s GT 6T makes a strong case for being a value-packed phones in the sub-₹30K segment. From headline-grabbing numbers like 6,000 nits peak brightness to 120W charging, it reads like a flagship on paper—but not everything lands perfectly.

Design-wise, it’s got a striking dual-tone finish that stands out, though the plastic back doesn’t scream premium. It is IP65-rated, which adds a nice layer of durability for this price. At 191g, the phone feels substantial without being bulky, and the in-hand feel is surprisingly comfortable despite the large display.

The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display is a clear standout. Colors are punchy, viewing angles are great, and it’s easily visible outdoors—even in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate feels smooth across the UI and in supported games. The use of LTPO means the refresh rate can dynamically scale to save battery, which is rare at this price.

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 pulls its weight and then some—this phone flies through daily tasks, multitasking, and demanding games. Thermals are handled reasonably well, and you rarely see any frame drops unless you’re pushing it in sustained gaming sessions. The software, Realme UI 5.0 (based on Android 14), runs smoothly but comes with bloatware that takes the shine off an otherwise clean experience.

Battery life is reliable thanks to the 5,500mAh cell, easily lasting a day and then some. The 120W fast charging is more than a gimmick—real-world top-ups from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes hold up, though some might miss wireless charging at this price.

The camera setup is where the GT 6T treads safe ground. The 50MP main sensor (Sony LYT-600) is competent in daylight with good detail and dynamic range. The 8MP ultra-wide is serviceable, but low-light performance is average and video recording isn’t its strong suit. There’s no telephoto either, and digital zoom quality is just okay.

The post Top 5 Smartphones Under ₹30,000 in India [May 2025] – Reviews & Comparisons appeared first on Gizmopolitan.

But is the Exynos on the Samsung S24 really that bad? We’ll try to explore that using the information that some early adopters are reporting and compare how worlds apart are the two versions. But before we delve into that, let’s have a brief history lesson.

Time for a history lesson

When you look at the other major Android smartphone makers such as Xiaomi, and OnePlus, or champions from long-forgotten eras, such as HTC or LG, none of them have been as successful as Samsung. Samsung has been so successful at making smartphones that they have control over several parts of the value chain from displays, to batteries, to camera modules. In this vertically integrated approach, Samsung has heavily invested in semiconductor manufacturing, competing with companies like TSMC, which produces CPUs (or System on Chip – SoC, as they’re commonly known) for Qualcomm. Qualcomm, as you may know, is the company behind the Snapdragon series of SoC that you see on almost every other phone, right from budget-friendly offerings, to top-of-the-line flagship products.

Samsung has been making Exynos since the launch of its flagship Galaxy S series in 2010. Back then, the original Galaxy S was launched with a humble  Exynos 3 Single. Over time, the Exynos has featured on multiple flagships from not just Samsung but even other phones like the Google Nexus.

Back around 2014-2015, the Samsung Exynos was even beating the Qualcomm counterparts left and right and making the name worthy of a flagship.

By 2019, Qualcomm had started comfortably beating the Exynos brand. The Snapdragon 855 was comfortably ahead of the Exynos 9820 on most parameters of performance and efficiency.

In 2021, the gap was bridged and the Exynos 2100 touting Samsung S21 Ultra was pretty close to the Snapdragon 888 variant.

To simplify development, Samsung decided to skip Exynos altogether on the 2023 flagship, the S23 Ultra. This one came only with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor globally and the world thought that Samsung was maybe done with its playing catch up to Qualcomm for good.  But it was not to be.

Let’s talk about the Samsung S24

Come 2024 and the S24 again comes in two variants – Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) for the  USA/Canada/China markets and Exynos 2400 (4 nm) for the rest of the world. This has led to such a huge uproar on the internet that several users are recommending getting the S23 instead. But is the uproar justified?

A user on Reddit that goes by the handle of u/vsshal7 posted AnTuTu scores for both the S24 and S24 Ultra. The S24 comes with the Exynos 2400 and the Ultra touts the Qualcomm processor instead.

The run makes it quite evident that the Qualcomm variant outperforms the Exynos. There is, of course, the difference between the two models since the S24 Ultra is the more premium variant and perhaps might have better internal thermal management.

Another user also noted that the Exynos was about 29°C at the start while the S24 Ultra was about 32°C at the start, which is around a 3°C difference. In the end, the Exynos variant reached about 43°C, while the Snapdragon variant stayed at 39°C. The overall temperature rise in the Exynos variant is almost double at  14°C, as compared to about 7°C in the other variant. This is more worrisome since poor heat management can result in throttling and degraded performance over time.

Another Geekbench 6 report was released over the weekend which shows that the two processors are really close in performance and Samsung seems to have closed the gap significantly.  Exynos 2400 scored 2046 in the single-core test and 6,687 in the multi-core test. Meanwhile, the version with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scored a bit higher at 2,228 in the single-core test and 6,858 in the multi-core test.

When tested on the CPU throttling test, the Exynos 2400 was seen getting throttled to 72% of its maximum performance. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 throttled to 82% of its maximum performance. This again indicates better heat management on the Snapdragon version which might impact performance when used for prolonged duration of time.

Conclusion

In terms of performance, there seems to be some gap but not enough to warrant a complete boycott of the Exynos variant. Yes, the Snapdragon version seems to be better but the difference seems to be not out of the world.  Our opinion would be to still get the S24 even in its Exynos avatar for seven years of upgrades and the free generative AI feature (at least till the end of 2025). If that doesn’t mean much to you, getting last year’s S23 Ultra isn’t a bad proposition either. Although it will be slower than the new Exynos, you get an extra camera or two, a better battery, and a larger phone (literally). You can also pick the North American variant of the phone if you want and settle the debate for good.

The post Is the Exynos Samsung S24 Really Bad Compared to the Snapdragon variant? appeared first on Gizmopolitan.