Top Mid-Range Gaming Smartphones of 2024: Best Picks Under Rs 30,000

The year 2024 has seen smartphone manufacturers push the envelope in offering flagship-level performance at mid-range prices. For mobile gamers, this translates to excellent gaming capabilities at nearly half the price of premium devices. If you’re into games like Genshin Impact, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, or Zenless Zero, here are the best gaming smartphones you can buy under Rs 30,000.

Poco F6


Known for its stellar price-to-performance ratio, the Poco F6 is a top contender for gaming enthusiasts. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset—typically found in higher-priced devices—the phone boasts a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, perfect for immersive gaming and multimedia.

Running on HyperOS based on Android 14, the Poco F6 offers up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. However, its dual-camera setup, consisting of a 50MP primary and 8MP ultrawide lens, might disappoint photography enthusiasts.

For gamers seeking longevity and value, the Poco F6 is a solid pick. The base variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is available on Flipkart for Rs 24,999.

Motorola Edge 50


The Motorola Edge 50 offers a great gaming experience without breaking the bank. Equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE chipset, it features a 6.7-inch 120Hz P-OLED screen with Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

While not marketed as a gaming device, it handles titles like Genshin Impact, BGMI, and Garena Free Fire effortlessly. The Edge 50 stands out for its five-year OS update promise, ensuring long-term software support.

Its triple-camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 13MP ultrawide shooter. Backed by a 5,000mAh battery with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, the phone is priced at Rs 27,999 on Flipkart with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE


Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE is an easy choice for those wanting a gaming phone from the Korean tech giant. Sporting the Exynos 2200 chipset, the 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display provides smooth visuals.

With an IP68 rating, the device offers dust and water resistance and runs on Android 13, with Samsung promising four major OS updates. Though the Exynos 2200 lags slightly behind competing chipsets in raw power, it runs most games at stable frame rates and decent graphics settings.

The 50MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom enhance its versatility. However, the phone heats up during intensive gaming and has a 4,500mAh battery with 25W charging, which might not suit heavy gamers. Priced at Rs 30,999 on Flipkart, discounts during sales can bring it under Rs 30,000.

Realme GT 6T


If you’re after a phone that shines in the sub-Rs30,000 segment, the Realme GT 6T is worth considering. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in performance, and features a 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with excellent brightness levels.

Running Realme UI 5.0 on Android 14, the GT 6T delivers smooth gaming at high settings, though some demanding games may require graphics adjustments for 60fps. With a dual-camera setup featuring a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide shooter, the phone excels in design but has limited camera versatility.

Its efficient chipset ensures minimal heating, making it a great choice for extended gaming sessions. Priced at Rs 30,998 on Amazon, discounts during sales can bring it down to around Rs 26,000.

Vivo T3 Ultra


Stretching slightly beyond the Rs 30,000 budget, the Vivo T3 Ultra offers unmatched gaming performance for its price. The Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset powers the phone, making it capable of handling graphically demanding titles like Zenless Zero and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with ease.

Inspired by Vivo’s V40 series, the T3 Ultra features a lightweight plastic back and a 50MP primary camera that performs well in all lighting conditions. However, its 8MP ultrawide lens struggles in low-light scenarios.

The phone runs on Funtouch OS 14, based on Android 14, and comes with up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Backed by a 5,500mAh battery with 80W wired charging, the Vivo T3 Ultra is priced at Rs 31,999 on Flipkart but can be purchased at a lower cost during promotions.

For mobile gamers seeking flagship-like performance at mid-range prices, 2024 offers a wealth of options. Whether you prioritize performance, longevity, or design, these phones deliver excellent value for gaming and beyond.