The mid-range smartphone market in India is hotter than ever. If your budget is around ₹30,000, you now get features that were once reserved for premium flagships. From powerful processors and stunning AMOLED displays to AI-driven cameras and massive batteries, today’s smartphones pack everything users want.
But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel confusing. To help, we’ve handpicked the best 5G smartphones under 30000 in September 2025. These devices deliver the right mix of performance, photography, battery life, and value for money.
Let’s dive into the top contenders.
Motorola Edge 60 Pro 5g – Stylish Flagship Experience
Motorola has been on a roll, and the Edge 60 Pro is proof.
• Price in India: Starts at ₹29,999 (8GB + 256GB). The 12GB + 256GB model costs ₹33,999.
• Colours: Sparkling Grape, Dazzling Blue, and Shadow (Pantone-inspired).
The phone runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme processor paired with Android 15 and Motorola’s Hello UI. Buyers get 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches, making it a reliable long-term choice.
The 6.7-inch quad-curved pOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is among the brightest in its class, peaking at 4,500 nits. Protection comes via Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.
In the camera department, Motorola goes big. It features a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The 50MP front camera ensures detailed selfies.
Other highlights include IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
Why buy it? Premium design, versatile triple camera setup, and flagship-grade display.
iQOO Neo 10R – The Gaming Beast
If performance is your priority, the iQOO Neo 10R is a top pick in this price band.
• Price in India: ₹26,999 (8GB + 128GB). Higher models with 256GB storage go up to ₹30,999.
• Colours: Raging Blue and Moon Knight Titanium.
The smartphone packs the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, built with AI features like AI Erase, AI Photo Enhance, AI Transcript, and AI Translation. Paired with up to 12GB RAM, it’s a powerhouse for gaming and multitasking.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display supports a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for high-FPS gaming. With 1.5K resolution and 4,500 nits peak brightness, the screen also shines outdoors.
On the back, you’ll find a 50MP Sony IMX882 OIS camera with an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The 32MP selfie shooter delivers sharp images for social media.
Power comes from a 6,400mAh battery with 80W fast charging. iQOO promises long gaming sessions without worrying about heating, thanks to its cooling system.
Why buy it? Excellent gaming performance, smooth display, and AI-enhanced camera features.
Vivo T3 Ultra – Camera-Centric Performer
The Vivo T3 Ultra continues Vivo’s tradition of strong photography-focused smartphones under ₹30,000.
• Price in India: Starts at ₹27,999.
It sports a 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The screen reproduces over 1.07 billion colours, making movies and games look stunning.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ processor powers the phone, supported by up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Vivo claims an Antutu score above 1.6 million, which is impressive for its segment.
The phone runs on Funtouch OS 14 (Android 14) and packs a 5,500mAh battery with 80W charging.
For photography, the rear setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX921 sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The 50MP front camera with Vivo’s Aura Ring Light is perfect for selfies and low-light shots.
Why buy it? Best-in-class selfie experience, premium curved display, and powerful performance.
Realme 15 5G – AI-Powered Innovation
Realme 15 5G focuses on creativity with AI tools and a massive battery.
• Price in India: Starts at ₹25,999 (8GB + 128GB). The top-end 12GB + 256GB model costs ₹30,999.
The phone houses the MediaTek Dimensity 7300+ processor, backed by a huge 7,000mAh battery with 80W charging. To keep things cool, it includes a 7,000mm² vapor chamber system.
Photography lovers get a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera and a 50MP front shooter capable of 4K video. It also supports 2K live photos, a feature unique to Realme.
What sets it apart is its AI Edit Genie, which lets you edit photos using voice commands. You can swap backgrounds, add effects, or even change the season of a photo instantly. Other AI tools include MagicGlow 2.0, Landscape Mode, Glare Remover, and Snap Mode.
Why buy it? Huge battery, AI-powered editing tools, and a good all-round package.
OnePlus Nord CE 5 – Balanced Performer with Long Support
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is for those who want a smooth OxygenOS experience with long-term updates.
• Price in India: Starts at ₹24,997 (8GB + 128GB).
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, it offers up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and expandable storage up to 1TB. The 7,100mAh battery comes with Bypass Charging, which reduces heat during gaming. OnePlus claims up to 2.5 days of use on a single charge.
Gamers can enjoy up to 120 FPS in BGMI and COD Mobile, thanks to its optimised display with 120Hz refresh rate.
For cameras, the phone has a 50MP Sony OIS main sensor capable of 4K 60FPS video. On the software side, it ships with OxygenOS 15 and promises 4 years of Android upgrades and 6 years of security patches.
Extra perks include AI Best Face, AI Eraser, Detail Boost, and productivity features like AI Mind Space and Voice Scribe.
Why buy it? Long software support, strong battery backup, and reliable all-rounder performance.
Which One Should You Buy?
The under-₹30,000 segment in India is packed with excellent 5G smartphones in September 2025.
• If you want a premium design and versatile camera setup, the Motorola Edge 60 Pro is a great choice.
• For gamers, the iQOO Neo 10R offers unbeatable speed and display quality.
• If selfies and content creation are your priority, go for the Vivo T3 Ultra.
• The Realme 15 5G is perfect for those who love AI-powered creativity and need a massive battery.
• And if you value software updates and reliability, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 won’t disappoint.
No matter which one you pick, each of these smartphones is future-ready with 5G, strong performance, and long battery life. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value gaming, photography, or all-round performance.
✅ Tip: Look out for festive sales in October 2025, as prices of these models may drop further with bank offers and exchange discounts.
Also Read:
Poco X6 Pro 5G Launched in India: Flagship Power at a Mid-Range Price