Tag: Rs 20,000 – 30,000

  • Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

    Nothing launched the Phone (2a) Plus in India in July 2024 at Rs 27,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, just four months after the Phone (2a). Rather than a new design, it was a mid-cycle upgrade with a metallic finish in Grey or Black, a faster chip, more storage and better selfie hardware, aimed at buyers who found the (2a) slightly short on performance.

    The Dimensity 7350 Pro is a modest step up from the 7200 Pro, about ten percent quicker in practice, with the same 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14 is unchanged in its clean, minimal approach. The Glyph lights now support more custom ringtones and notification patterns.

    The rear pairing of a 50 MP main and 50 MP ultrawide carries over, but the front camera moves from 32 MP to 50 MP and records 4K video. The 5000 mAh battery gains 50W charging, slightly faster than before. Against the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Realme 13 Pro, it is a sensible choice for buyers who want the (2a) experience with more headroom.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1084 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g
    ColoursBlack, Grey

    What we like

    • 256 GB base storage
    • 50 MP selfie camera with 4K video
    • Slightly faster chipset
    • Metallic finish looks premium

    What could be better

    • Small upgrade over the Phone (2a)
    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP54

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who like the Phone (2a) but want more storage, a better selfie camera and a little extra speed.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Nothing Phone (2a)

    The Phone (2a) launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, making Nothing's design accessible to a much larger audience. It was also partly designed with Indian buyers in mind, and its horizontal camera layout, framed by three Glyph light strips, gave it a friendly, slightly retro look distinct from its pricier siblings.

    The 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED runs at 120Hz with thin, even bezels. The custom MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro is efficient and fast enough for everyday use and moderate gaming, broadly matching the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro. Nothing OS 2.5 over Android 14 stays clean, with no bloatware and three years of OS updates promised.

    The two 50 MP cameras, a main with OIS and an ultrawide, produce good daylight photos with natural tones. Battery life is a strength, with the 5000 mAh cell easily reaching a day and a half, and 45W charging. It lacks wireless charging and has only IP54, but against the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Realme 12 Pro it offers cleaner software and a more memorable design.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1084 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.5
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g
    ColoursBlack, White

    What we like

    • Distinctive design at a mid-range price
    • Excellent battery life
    • Clean software with no bloat
    • Uniform-bezel AMOLED

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP54
    • Fewer Glyph features than the Phone (2)

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want clean software, strong battery life and a phone that looks different from everything else.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Phone (3a) launched in India in March 2025 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought telephoto zoom to Nothing's affordable line for the first time and introduced the Essential Key, a dedicated side button that captures screenshots, voice notes and ideas into Essential Space, Nothing's AI-powered organiser.

    Its 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED runs at 120Hz with high brightness, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers a meaningful step up over the Phone (2a) in both performance and efficiency. The Glyph lights return, arranged around a horizontal camera island, and the phone gains IP64 protection. Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 promises three years of OS updates.

    The triple camera, a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP 2x telephoto and an 8 MP ultrawide, is versatile for the price, with portraits a highlight. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well over a day, with 50W charging. Against the Realme 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro, the (3a) wins on telephoto flexibility and clean software, though the ultrawide is weak.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.77-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2392
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Nothing OS 3.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201 g
    ColoursBlack, White, Blue

    What we like

    • 2x telephoto camera at a mid-range price
    • Faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
    • Essential Key and AI organiser
    • Clean software

    What could be better

    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide
    • No wireless charging
    • Essential Key cannot be fully remapped at launch

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want portrait-friendly zoom, clean software and good battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Edge 60 Pro

    Priced at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB when it launched in India in April 2025, the Edge 60 Pro moved Motorola's Pro badge into the sub-Rs 30,000 bracket. It competes directly with the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Realme GT 7T, and leans on durability with IP68 and IP69 ratings plus MIL-STD-810H testing.

    The MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme is the fastest chip Motorola had put in an Edge at this price, comfortable with demanding games at high settings. It drives a 6.7-inch curved 1.5K pOLED at 120Hz. Motorola paired it with a large 6000 mAh battery, 90W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, a combination that is unusual below Rs 30,000.

    The camera system uses a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP 3x telephoto, along with a 50 MP selfie camera. Results are balanced rather than class-leading, with the telephoto giving it an edge over the Nord 4. Software is clean Hello UI over Android 15, with Moto AI features carried over from the Razr line.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPantone Shadow, Pantone Dazzling Blue, Pantone Sparkling Grape

    What we like

    • Strong Dimensity 8350 performance
    • 6000 mAh battery with 90W charging
    • Wireless charging under Rs 30,000
    • 3x telephoto camera

    What could be better

    • Curved screen not to everyone's taste
    • Telephoto is only 10 MP
    • Hello UI update pace lags Samsung and Google

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want performance, battery and wireless charging together for under Rs 30,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Edge 60 Fusion

    Motorola launched the Edge 60 Fusion in India in April 2025 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, doubling the base storage of its predecessor at the same price. It keeps the brand's design-first approach with Pantone colours and textured finishes, and adds IP69 resistance to high-pressure water jets on top of IP68 submersion protection.

    The 6.67-inch quad-curved pOLED has a sharper 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a small step down from the Edge 50 Fusion's 144Hz that few users will notice. The Dimensity 7400 is a mild upgrade over the outgoing Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, handling daily tasks smoothly while keeping heat in check, and the phone shipped with Android 15.

    Cameras carry over the 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C main sensor with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro camera. Battery capacity rises to 5500 mAh with 68W charging, giving reliable two-day endurance. Against the Nothing Phone (3a) and Realme 14 Pro it is weaker on zoom but stronger on durability, storage and display sharpness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Quad-curved pOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7400
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPantone Amazonite, Pantone Slipstream, Pantone Zephyr

    What we like

    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Sharp 1.5K curved display
    • 256 GB base storage
    • Larger 5500 mAh battery

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Refresh rate drops from 144Hz to 120Hz
    • Performance only slightly ahead of the previous model

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, good-looking mid-ranger with long battery life and plenty of storage.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Edge 50 Neo

    The Edge 50 Neo reached India in September 2024 at Rs 23,999 with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and its headline feature was size. At 6.4 inches it was one of the very few compact Android phones left in the segment, and Motorola did not strip it down to get there: it kept IP68 sealing, a MIL-STD-810H durability rating and Pantone-curated finishes.

    The flat LTPO pOLED adapts its refresh rate up to 120Hz and is bright enough outdoors. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is efficient rather than fast, comfortable for everyday tasks and light gaming. Motorola also promised five years of OS upgrades for this model, a notable commitment for a Motorola mid-ranger at the time.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS is joined by a 13 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP 3x telephoto, giving it optical zoom that rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) lacked. The trade-off for compactness is a 4310 mAh battery, which gets through a day but not much more; 68W wired and 15W wireless charging soften that. It suits anyone tired of oversized phones.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.4-inch, LTPO pOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4310 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursGrisaille, Nautical Blue, Poinciana, Latte

    What we like

    • Truly compact 6.4-inch size
    • 3x optical telephoto in a mid-ranger
    • IP68 plus MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Wireless charging at this price

    What could be better

    • 4310 mAh battery is modest
    • Dimensity 7300 is not built for heavy gaming
    • Single memory variant

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, tough phone with real zoom and wireless charging without paying flagship prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

    The Edge 50 Fusion arrived in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999, aimed squarely at buyers who care more about how a phone looks and feels than about benchmark scores. Motorola gave it a curved 6.7-inch pOLED panel, a slim vegan leather or PMMA back depending on colour, and an IP68 rating that was still rare in this price band.

    Performance comes from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a chip that handles social apps, streaming and casual gaming comfortably but trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Nothing Phone (2a) and well behind anything Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Hello UI stays close to stock Android, with few preloaded apps, which keeps the phone feeling lighter than its specifications suggest.

    The 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C main camera produces pleasant daylight shots with natural colour, while the 13 MP ultrawide is merely adequate. A 5000 mAh battery and 68W charging make it an easy two-day phone for light users. Against the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Realme 12 Pro it offers cleaner software and better water resistance, though rivals push harder on camera hardware.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHot Pink, Marshmallow Blue, Forest Blue

    What we like

    • IP68 rating at a mid-range price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED looks premium
    • Near-stock software with little bloat
    • 68W charger in the box

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is only modestly fast
    • Ultrawide camera is weak in low light
    • Software update commitment shorter than Samsung's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 25,000 who want a stylish, water-resistant phone with clean software rather than the fastest chip.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Realme 14 Pro+

    Realme launched the 14 Pro+ in India in January 2025 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its design is the most unusual in the range: the Pearl White model has a cold-sensitive back that changes colour when the temperature drops, and the Bikaner Purple option was designed for the Indian market. The phone also carries IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings.

    The 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz is sharp and bright. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a modest upgrade, smooth in everyday use and capable in games at moderate settings. The camera set pairs a 50 MP Sony IMX896 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto. The 6,000 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance and charges at 80 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 14 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 4, the Poco X7 Pro and the Vivo V40e. The Poco X7 Pro was much faster, while the Redmi offered a similar balance with a 2.5x telephoto. The 14 Pro+ stood out for its zoom camera, durability and design. Its chip is the main compromise.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.83-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1272 x 2800
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPearl White, Suede Grey, Bikaner Purple

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto
    • Colour-changing back on Pearl White
    • 6,000 mAh battery
    • IP68 and IP69 protection

    What could be better

    • Only a modest chip upgrade
    • Quad-curved screen can cause accidental touches
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a distinctive design, strong zoom camera and long battery life under Rs 30,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Realme 13+

    Realme launched the 13+ in India in August 2024 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was pitched more toward performance and gaming than the camera-led Pro models, with Realme highlighting its cooling system and support for high frame rates in popular games. Its design is flashier than the Pro models.

    The Dimensity 7300 Energy is an efficient chip that handles everyday use and gaming well at this price. The 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. A 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS takes dependable photos, supported only by a 2 MP monochrome sensor, so there is no ultrawide. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W, and IP65 protection adds durability.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Poco X6, the OnePlus Nord CE4 and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The Redmi offered a sharper screen and a better camera system, while the Nord CE4 charged faster. The Realme 13+ was a solid pick for gaming on a budget. Photographers should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP monochrome
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursVictory Gold, Speed Green, Dark Purple

    What we like

    • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Energy
    • 80 W charging
    • IP65 protection
    • OIS main camera

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Full HD+ only
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Budget gamers who want efficient performance and fast charging in a durable phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Realme 11 Pro

    Realme launched the 11 Pro in India in June 2023 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Design was a major focus: the phone has a curved display and a vegan leather back with a large circular camera module, inspired by luxury travel luggage, giving it a premium feel at a mid-range price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. Performance comes from the Dimensity 7050, which is fine for everyday use and casual gaming but not a powerhouse. The 100 MP main camera with OIS produces detailed photos with good colour, but the only other rear camera is a 2 MP depth sensor, so there is no ultrawide. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M34, the iQOO Z7 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. The iQOO Z7 Pro offered similar specs with a faster chip, while the Motorola had IP68. The Realme 11 Pro's appeal was largely its design and curved display. Those who want an ultrawide should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras100 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSunrise Beige, Oasis Green, Astral Black

    What we like

    • Premium vegan leather design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 100 MP OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Dimensity 7050 is only average
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise design and a curved display in a mid-range phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (June 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.