Top 5 Android smartphones under Rs 30,000 to buy in May 2025

Published by

Tahir Bhat

May 4, 2025 2:19 pm

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone that won’t break the bank but still offers solid performance and features, you’re in luck. We’ve curated a list of five standout Android smartphones priced under Rs 30,000 that deliver exceptional value. Whether you prioritise performance, camera capabilities, or a well-rounded experience, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – Rs 29,999

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands out with its transparent back and Glyph LED lights — a distinctive design element that doubles as a notification system. The phone features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, offering capable performance for daily tasks and gaming, though it isn’t the segment leader in raw power.

Photography is a highlight, thanks to its triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The 5,000mAh battery supports 50W fast charging, and the phone runs on Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, ensuring a clean and bloat-free experience. With its blend of innovative design and dependable performance, the 3a Pro is a compelling pick.

2. realme 14 Pro+ – Rs 29,999

The realme 14 Pro+ combines high-end features with a focus on photography. Its 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display (120Hz refresh rate) delivers an immersive visual experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and paired with up to 12GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and gaming smoothly.

Equipped with a triple-camera setup, it includes a 50MP Sony IMX896 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. The phone also features triple flashes, making it a rarity in its class. Backed by a 6,000mAh battery and 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, it offers outstanding endurance. Realme UI 6, based on Android 15, includes some pre-installed apps but remains user-friendly. With IP69 water and dust resistance and Gorilla Glass 7i protection, the 14 Pro+ is a tough, versatile option.

3. OnePlus Nord 4 – Rs 29,499

Despite being slightly older, the OnePlus Nord 4 remains a strong contender. It’s the only smartphone in this segment to feature a premium metal unibody design, combining durability with sleek aesthetics. The 6.74-inch AMOLED display boasts a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,150 nits.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset and up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM deliver excellent performance. A 5,500mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC fast charging ensures a full charge in about 30 minutes. Running on OxygenOS 14.1 (Android 14), OnePlus offers four years of OS updates and six years of security patches. For those seeking long-term value and reliability, the Nord 4 is a smart choice.

4. Motorola Edge 60 Pro – Rs 29,999

The Motorola Edge 60 Pro is the newest addition to this segment, bringing flagship-level features to a mid-range price point. It sports a 6.7-inch quad-curved pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and a staggering 4,500 nits peak brightness for superb outdoor visibility. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme chipset and comes with up to 12GB of RAM.

Its camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, while the 32MP front camera ensures sharp selfies. A 6,000mAh battery supports 90W TurboPower fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Running Android 15 with Motorola’s Hello UI, it offers a near-stock Android experience.

5. iQOO Neo 10R – Rs 26,998

If raw performance is your priority, the iQOO Neo 10R delivers. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, earning an impressive AnTuTu score of over 1.7 million. The 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display offers a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 4,500 nits.

Also Read: 5 Samsung phones under Rs 50,000 offering long-term software support

Its dual-camera system includes a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The 6,400mAh battery supports 80W fast charging, ensuring extended usage with minimal delays. Running Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, iQOO promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. It’s a powerhouse wrapped in an affordable package.

Tahir Bhat

Tahir is the Chief Sub-Editor at Patriot and hails from north Kashmir's Kupwara district. He holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. His previous stints in the field of journalism over the past eight years include serving as online editor at Kashmir Life, where he covered a range of political and human-interest stories. At Patriot, he has expanded his focus to encompass the lifestyle and arts scene in Delhi, even as he has taken on additional responsibilities at the desk. If there’s news about Kashmir in Delhi, Tahir is the person to turn to for perspective and reportage. Outside of journalism, he loves travelling and exploring new places.