Best Smartphones Under ₹30,000 to Buy Before the Price Hike! (2026 Edition)

If you are planning to buy a new smartphone under the ₹30,000 budget, now is the perfect time! With chipset prices expected to rise in the coming months, smartphones are going to get expensive. Today, we break down the top 5 smartphones that offer the best performance, camera, and battery life at this price point.

The Benchmark for 2026: If you are spending ₹30K, aim for at least 256GB Storage and 8GB RAM.

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1. Motorola Edge 70 – Best for Design & In-Hand Feel

If you prioritize a slim, lightweight phone with a premium feel, the Moto Edge 70 is the winner. It is in such high demand that it is frequently out of stock offline.

• Display: 6.7″ AMOLED, 1.5K Resolution.
• Battery: 5000mAh with 68W wired + 15W wireless charging.
• Durability: IP68 & IP69 Rating (High water/dust resistance).
• Price: Approx. ₹28,999 (with offers).
• Verdict: Perfect for users who want a clean UI and a sleek design.

2. Realme GT 70 – The Value King

For those seeking the absolute best “Value for Money” (VFM), the Realme GT 70 is unbeatable.

• Processor: Dimensity 8400 Max (Excellent efficiency & power).
• Thermals: 360-degree cooling system (Great for sustained performance).
• Software: Realme UI 6.0 with 3 years of major updates.
• Price: Around ₹27,100.
• Verdict: The best all-rounder for budget-conscious buyers.

3. iQOO Neo 10 – The Gaming Beast

A dream device for gamers, featuring the most powerful chipset in this segment.

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (Best-in-class performance).
• Battery: A massive 7000mAh battery with 120W Fast Charging!
• Price: ₹31,998 (Note: Base variant is 128GB).
• Verdict: If raw performance and long battery life matter most to you, this is the one.

4. POCO F7 – The Multimedia Powerhouse

The only phone on this list offering 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage under ₹30K. It is built like a tank.

• Battery: Insane 7550mAh battery (Biggest in the segment).
• Build: Premium Metal Frame with a Glass Back.
• Connectivity: Supports WiFi 7, Dolby Vision, and a 12-bit Panel.
• Price: ₹31,999 (Base Variant).
• Verdict: Ideal for heavy users and multimedia lovers who don’t mind a slightly heavier phone.

5. OnePlus Nord 5 – The Balanced Choice

If you want a phone that isn’t too heavy, isn’t too light, but offers a great “Overall Package,” go with OnePlus.

• Display: 6.83″ Screen with 144Hz Refresh Rate (Super Smooth).
• Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
• Software: OxygenOS (Clean & Smooth experience).
• Price: ₹31,000 – ₹31,500 (with offers).
• Verdict: A reliable, balanced phone for everyday usage with decent cameras.