If you are an avid gaming enthusiast who thrives on experiencing high-end games on your smartphone, then finding the perfect gaming device that doesn't break the bank is crucial. Thankfully, the Indian market offers a plethora of options that cater to your gaming needs, all under Rs. 30,000. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to the best new gaming smartphones available in India in 2023, providing an in-depth analysis of their features, specifications, performance, and pros and cons, to help you make a well-informed decision.
What Makes a Good Gaming Smartphone?
Before diving into our list of the best gaming smartphones under Rs. 30,000, let's establish the key features that define a good gaming smartphone. The following factors are essential considerations when choosing the ideal device:
1. Processor:
The processor acts as the brain of the smartphone, dictating how swiftly it can run games and applications. To ensure seamless gameplay without lagging or overheating, a powerful octa-core processor with a high clock speed and a capable GPU is vital. This enables the device to handle heavy graphics and multitasking efficiently.
2. RAM and Storage:
RAM (random access memory) is temporary memory used to store data and instructions for the processor. A higher RAM capacity allows for quicker data access and results in faster performance and reduced loading times. Additionally, sufficient storage is necessary to house games, apps, photos, videos, and files without running out of space or having to delete older files. Look for a smartphone with at least 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for optimal gaming performance.
3. Display:
The display is the window to your gaming world, so a good gaming smartphone should offer a large size, high resolution, high refresh rate, and accurate color reproduction. This combination guarantees a clear, sharp, and immersive gaming experience. Aim for a smartphone with at least a 6.5-inch display, FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an AMOLED or IPS LCD panel for enhanced contrast and brightness.
4. Battery and Charging:
The battery is the lifeblood of your smartphone during gaming sessions. A good gaming smartphone should have a sizable battery capacity, fast charging speed, and efficient battery life to sustain prolonged gameplay without interruptions. Consider a smartphone with at least a 4500mAh battery and fast charging support of at least 50W for quick and reliable recharging.
5. Camera:
While gaming performance is the priority, a good camera is still valuable for capturing gaming moments or other occasions. Look for a smartphone with a high megapixel count, a wide aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and multiple lenses to deliver clear, detailed, and stable photos and videos in various conditions.
Best New Gaming Smartphones Under Rs. 30,000 in India
Now that we have established the criteria for a good gaming smartphone, let's explore some of the best options available under Rs. 30,000 in India for 2023. These smartphones have been meticulously selected based on their processor, RAM, storage, display, battery, charging, camera, design, software, and user reviews. Here are our top picks:
1. iQOO Neo 7 5G:
The iQOO Neo 7 5G is a standout choice among the best new gaming smartphones available in India. This device boasts a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor with an octa-core CPU and an Adreno 642L GPU, guaranteeing smooth and lag-free gaming performance. It comes with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, providing ample space for your favorite games and applications.
The iQOO Neo 7 5G sports an impressive 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The display processor enhances graphics quality and reduces power consumption, ensuring an enthralling gaming experience. The integrated fingerprint sensor offers quick and secure unlocking.
To keep you gaming for extended periods, the iQOO Neo 7 5G boasts a powerful 5000mAh battery with 120W SuperVOOC charging. Charging the phone from 0 to 100% takes just 33 minutes, alleviating any concerns about low battery life. The dual-cell design ensures efficient heat dissipation and enhances safety during intense gaming sessions.
The camera setup on the iQOO Neo 7 5G includes a 64MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and PDAF, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots. The 16MP front camera captures impressive selfies and facilitates video calls.
With its sleek and stylish design, glass front and back, and metal frame, the iQOO Neo 7 5G radiates a premium feel. It comes in three colors: Frost Blue, Interstellar Black, and Oasis Green. Running on Android 13 with iQOO UI 4.0, the phone offers a smooth and customized user interface with numerous features and optimizations.
The iQOO Neo 7 5G is priced at Rs. 27,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and Rs. 29,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Buying Link: Amazon
2. Realme GT Neo 3 5G:
The Realme GT Neo 3 5G is another remarkable gaming smartphone option within the Rs. 30,000 budget range. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor and an Adreno 642L GPU, this device delivers flagship-level gaming performance. It offers 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring smooth and efficient multitasking.
The device boasts a stunning 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, offering captivating visuals with crisp details and vibrant colors. The punch-hole cutout for the front camera maximizes the screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive gaming experience. The in-display fingerprint sensor adds a touch of convenience and security.
For gamers who crave long-lasting power, the Realme GT Neo 3 5G comes with a massive 6000mAh battery and fast charging of up to 55W. With this, the phone can be charged from 0 to 100% in about an hour, allowing for uninterrupted gaming sessions.
In the camera department, the Realme GT Neo 3 5G features a 64MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and PDAF, a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 119-degree field of view. The 32MP front camera captures stunning selfies and facilitates high-quality video calls.
The Realme GT Neo 3 5G exudes a sleek and elegant design with its glass front and back and metal frame. It comes in two colors: Lunar Silver and Starry Blue, with a unique gradient effect on the back, adding a touch of sophistication.
Running on Android 13 with Realme UI 3.0, the phone offers a smooth and customized user interface, enhancing the overall user experience. The Realme GT Neo 3 5G is priced at Rs. 25,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and Rs. 27,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking flagship features on a budget.
Buying Link: Amazon
3. Poco F4 5G:
The Poco F4 5G is a compelling choice for those seeking a balanced gaming performance at an affordable price point. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor with an octa-core CPU and an Adreno 620 GPU, handling most games with ease. It offers 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.1 storage, providing sufficient space for gaming and multitasking.
The device comes with a beautiful 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. Although not an AMOLED display, it still delivers sharp and smooth visuals for an enjoyable gaming experience. The punch-hole cutout for the front camera contributes to a seamless design and maximizes the screen-to-body ratio. The fingerprint sensor on the side ensures quick and secure unlocking.
Powering the Poco F4 5G is a decent 4500mAh battery with fast charging support of up to 33W, enabling the phone to be charged from 0 to 100% in about an hour. An AI power-saving mode optimizes battery performance based on usage patterns, ensuring the device can keep up with your gaming needs.
The camera setup includes a 48MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 5MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode. While the camera performance is decent, it may not rival the other smartphones on this list.
In terms of design, the Poco F4 5G embraces simplicity and elegance with a glass front and back and a plastic frame. It comes in three colors: Phantom Black, Frost Blue, and Metal Bronze. The circular camera module on the back adds a stylish touch to the overall design.
The Poco F4 5G runs on Android 13 with MIUI 13 on top, providing a smooth and customized user interface. With a price tag of Rs. 23,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and Rs. 25,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, the Poco F4 5G offers a compelling combination of performance and affordability.
Buying Link: Flipkart
4. Realme 11 Pro:
The Realme 11 Pro stands as another excellent option for gamers looking for great performance within a budget. Powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 processor and a Mali-G76 MC4 GPU, this device delivers smooth gameplay for most popular titles. It comes with 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.1 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and sufficient space for your gaming needs.
The device sports a stunning 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support, providing captivating visuals with crisp details and vibrant colors. The in-display fingerprint sensor adds convenience and security.
For extended gaming sessions, the Realme 11 Pro packs a 4500mAh battery with fast charging support of up to 65W. Charging the phone from 0 to 100% takes just 34 minutes, ensuring that your gaming experience is uninterrupted.
The camera setup on the Realme 11 Pro includes a 64MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture and PDAF, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera captures impressive photos and videos in various modes and scenarios.
With a sleek and elegant design, glass front and back, and a plastic frame, the Realme 11 Pro emanates a premium feel. It comes in three colors: Infinite Blue, Infinite Black, and Punk Pink, with a gradient effect on the back that adds a touch of style.
Running on Android 13 with Realme UI 3.0, the phone offers a smooth and customized user interface with several features and optimizations. With a price of Rs. 21,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and Rs. 23,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, the Realme 11 Pro strikes a balance between performance and affordability.
Buying Link: Flipkart
5. OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is a strong contender for gamers seeking a smooth gaming experience within a reasonable budget. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor and an Adreno 619 GPU, this device provides commendable gaming performance. It offers 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.1 storage, ensuring seamless multitasking and sufficient space for your gaming needs.
The device boasts a beautiful 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, delivering sharp and smooth visuals for an immersive gaming experience. The in-display fingerprint sensor ensures quick and secure unlocking.
Powering the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is a decent 4500mAh battery with fast charging support of up to 30W. This ensures the phone can be charged from 0 to 100% in about an hour, offering reliable power for your gaming sessions. The AI power-saving mode optimizes battery performance based on your usage patterns.
The camera setup on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G includes a 64MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 16MP front camera captures impressive selfies and facilitates high-quality video calls.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G exudes a simple and elegant design with its glass front and back and plastic frame. It comes in three colors: Charcoal Ink, Silver Ray, and Blue Void. The matte finish on the back reduces fingerprints and smudges.
Running on Android 13 with OxygenOS 13 on top, the phone offers a smooth and customized user interface. With a price tag of Rs. 22,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and Rs. 24,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is an attractive option for gamers seeking a well-rounded device at an affordable price.
Buying Link: Amazon
Conclusion:
In conclusion, finding the best gaming smartphone under Rs. 30,000 in India requires careful consideration of the essential features that contribute to a seamless gaming experience. The iQOO Neo 7 5G, Realme GT Neo 3 5G, Poco F4 5G, Realme 11 Pro, and OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G stand out as top contenders, each offering unique features to cater to diverse gaming preferences.
The iQOO Neo 7 5G impresses with its powerful processor and GPU, large RAM and storage, stunning display, huge battery with super-fast charging, and impressive main camera with OIS. The Realme GT Neo 3 5G boasts a flagship-level performance, a gorgeous display with high refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, and a massive battery with fast charging.
On the other hand, the Poco F4 5G strikes a balance with its balanced processor and GPU, large RAM and storage, and beautiful display. The Realme 11 Pro offers great performance, a stunning AMOLED display, and a decent battery with super-fast charging. Lastly, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G provides a smooth gaming experience, a beautiful AMOLED display, and a good battery with fast charging.
Selecting the best gaming smartphone ultimately depends on your specific gaming needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize powerful performance, captivating visuals, or extended gaming sessions, there's a smartphone on this list that suits your requirements.
Remember, gaming smartphones are not solely defined by their technical specifications but also by their optimization for gaming experiences. Consider the software features, cooling systems, and gaming-centric enhancements provided by each brand to maximize your gaming enjoyment.
