Though the premium phone market grew by 20 percent last year, the upper mid-range segment saw a hand full of device launches. So, if you want to know what are the best phones available under 30,000 INR, here are the options that you may consider.
1. Samsung Galaxy A70
Samsung Galaxy A70 (Review) brings in all the A-series awesomeness without compromising on performance. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s octa-core Snapdragon 675, runs the pleasant One UI software, has triple rear cameras, and a gorgeous 6.7-inch AMOLED display.
The 4500mAh battery is aided by 25W fast charging (currently the fastest on any Samsung phone). So, overall, the Galaxy A70 currently represents the best of mid-range Samsung experience.
Display: 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED | Processor: Snapdragon 675 SoC | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software: Android 9.0 | Rear camera: 32MP + 8MP + 5MP | Front camera: 32MP | Weight: 155g | Dimensions: 164.3 × 76.7× 7.9 mm
What We like (Pros)
- Excellent display
- Reasonable performance
- Camera hardware
- Big battery and fast charging
- Refined software
What we don’t like (Cons)
- Too big for comfortable one-hand usage
- Dated Gorilla Glass 3
2. Asus Zenfone 5Z
Asus Zenfone 5Z (review) offers excellent value for money. The base variant, that costs less than Rs 30k, comes with Snapdragon 845 octa-core chipset, 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 64GB of UFS2.1 storage.
Zenfone 5Z is also one of the best camera phones in its class. Other highlights include a sharp Full HD+ display (19:9), intuitive ZenfUI 5.0 software, a 3300mAh battery with fast charging.
Display: 6.2-inch (19:9) Full HD+ IPS | Processor: Snapdragon 845 SoC | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 64GB | Software: Android 8.1 | Rear camera: 12MP + 8MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 155g | Dimensions: 153×75.65×7.85mm
What We like (Pros)
- Great audio output
- Excellent performance
- Good quality display
- Great cameras for the price
- Good battery backup
What we don’t like (Cons)
- No water resistance
- No Gorilla Glass 5
3. Nokia 8.1
Nokia 8.1 is an Android One phone that’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 710 octa-core mobile platform. The successor of Nokia 7.1 Plus runs the latest Android 9 Pie, has an improved 20MP selfie camera and features a wide notch at the top.
Nokia has made notable improvements to the camera performance, but the phone still feels a tad overpriced.
Display: 6.18-inch (19:9) Full HD+ IPS, HDR 10 | Processor: Snapdragon 710 SoC | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Software: Android 9.0 Pie | Rear camera: 12MP + 13MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 180g | Battery: 3500 | Dimensions: 154.8 x 75.8 x 8 mm
What we like (Pros)
- Solid build
- Excellent performance
- Good cameras for the price
- Pure Android software
What we don’t like (Cons)
- Hybrid SIM slot
- A tad overpriced
4. Vivo V15 Pro
Vivo V15 Pro (Review) is an interesting all-rounder that brandishes latest trends including a pop-up camera, a continuous notch-free display, dual-engine fast charging, an in-display fingerprint sensor, triple rear cameras, and a 48MP camera sensor.
But besides style, there is a lot of substance too. The camera performance is quite impressive for the price, the 5th generation in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and consistent, and the interruption-free display makes it unique and exciting. The Funtouch OS slightly bogs down the experience, though.
Display: 6.39-inch (19:9) Full HD+ AMOLED | Processor: Snapdragon 675 SoC | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software: Android 9.0 Pie | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP +5MP | Front camera: 32MP | Weight: 185g | Battery: 3700 | Dimensions: 157.3 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm
Pros
- Excellent (notch-free) display
- Cool design
- Excellent performance
- Battery backup
- Great camera performance
Cons
- No USB Type-C port
- No HD streaming support
- UI needs some polishing
5. Vivo V11 Pro
Vivo V11 Pro (review) is the first smartphone under Rs 30,000 to boast of under display fingerprint sensor. That’s not all, it also features a water drop style notch screen and offers Infrared based face unlock feature.
Vivo is also launched a trimmed down version sometime Vivo V9 Pro which lacks in-display fingerprint sensor though.
Vivo V11 Pro specs
Display: 6.41-inch (19.5:9) Full HD+ AMOLED| Processor: Snapdragon 660 SoC | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 64GB | Software: Android 8.1 Oreo | Rear camera: 12MP+5MP | Front camera: 25MP | Battery: 3400mAh
What we like (Pros)
- Excellent design
- Great display
- Exciting selfie camera
- Dedicated microSD card slot
What we don’t like (cons)
- No USB Type C port
- User interface
6. Poco F1
Even several months after its launch, the Poco F1continues to be the most affordable Snapdragon 845 phone around. The design is a bit flimsy, but if you can look past that, the other hardware is quite enticing.
Notable highlights include QuickCharge 3.0, 12MP rear camera, regularly updated MIUI for Poco, and a long-lasting battery.
Display: 6.18-inch notched display, 1080x2246p resolution, 500nits brightness | Processor:2.8GHz octa-core Snapdragon 845 SoC | RAM:6GB/8GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB |Software: Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Rear Camera:12MP+5MP | Front Camera: 20MP | Weight: 180g | Dimensions: 155.5×75.3×8.8mm | Battery:4000mAh.
Pros
- Dependable Performance
- Feels solid
- Excellent Battery life
- Reasonable cameras for the price
Cons
- Average Display
- Not so appealing design
7. Oppo F11 Pro
The F11 Pro (Review) is Oppo’s current flagship with its star highlight being the pop-up selfie module. The F11 Pro also features VOOC 3.0 fast charging and a dual camera module helmed by a 48-megapixel primary sensor.
The Handset is powered by Helio P70, which is frankly a bit lackluster for the price. Still, if you are looking for a trendy phone and wish to buy from offline retail stores, this is one option you may consider.
Display: 6.53-inch (19.5:9) Full HD+ IPS | Processor: Helio P70 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Software: Android 9.0 Pie | Rear camera: 48MP + 5MP| Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 190 g | Dimensions: 161.3 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm | Battery: 4000mAh
What we like (Pros)
- Looks elegant
- Battery backup
- Good selfie camera
- Dual SIM Dual VoLTE
What we don’t like (Cons)
- Rear camera quality
- Mediocre chipset
8. Galaxy A50
If you think the Galaxy A70 is a bit too big, and if you aren’t particularly interested in high-end gaming, the Galaxy A50 (Review) is another option you may consider. Its USP is perhaps its 6.4 FHD+ AMOLED Infinity-U display. The phone also includes 3 rear cameras and a 25MP selfie camera.
As for performance, Samsung is using its Exynos 9610 chipset paired with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Display: 6.4-inch (16:9) Full HD IPS | Processor: Exynos 9610 | RAM: up to 6GB | Storage: up to 128GB | Software: Android 9.0 Pie | Rear camera: 25MP + 5MP + 8MP | Front camera: 25MP | Battery: 4000mAh
What we like (Pros)
- Good quality display
- Powerful chipset
- Decent camera
What we don’t like (Cons)
- EMUI software
- camera bum9. LG G7 ThinQ
After a slew of price cuts, the Snapdragon 845 powered LG G7 ThinQ is now available for under Rs. 30,000. The G7 ThinQ is a premium phone which is also a great option for audiophiles
The only downside is its mediocre battery mileage.
LG G7 ThinQ: Display: 6.1-inch (19:9) QHD+ IPS | Processor: Snapdragon 845 octa-core SoC | RAM: up to 6GB LPDDR4x | Storage: up to 128GB | Software: Android 8.0 | Rear Camera: 16MP+16MP | Front Camera: 8MP | Weight: 162g | Battery: 3000mAh.
What we like (Pros)
- Solid build, Water resistant
- Elegant design
- Good camera performance
- Excellent Audio
What we don’t like (Cons)
- Average battery
10. Huawei P30 Lite
Huawei P30 series has put in a lot of emphasis on the cameras. Like the pro variant, this one also comes with the triple rear camera setup. The primary camera is a 24MP( f/1.8) sensor then there is an 8MP 120 degree ultra wide-angle sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor.
The base variant of OnePlus 6T with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage retails for 37,990 INR, but you can buy it at a slightly lower price from recurring online sales.
Display: 6.41-inch (19:9) Full HD+ AMOLED | Processor: 2.8GHz Snapdragon 845 | RAM: 6GB/8GB | Storage: 128GB/ 256GB | Software: Android 9 Pie | Rear camera: 16MP+20MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 162g | Dimensions: 156.1 x 75 x 7.3 mm |Battery: 3700mAh
What we like (Pros)
- Excellent performance
- Intuitive software experience
- Elegant design
- Great display
What we don’t like (Cons)
- No MicroSD card slot
- No notification LED
- No headphone jack