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Who needs a flagship phone anyway? If you’re canny these days you can find solid specs, sharp design and smart features for less cash… But before you decide, here's a few things you must consider. You’ll already have a figure in mind if you’re looking at this category, so focus on what you most want it to be good at. Play a lot of games? Look for the most powerful processor. Don’t obsess over camera counts. Clever processing means some snappers deliver ace results with just one or two lenses. Big batteries usually mean big stamina, but also look at how quickly they charge. Wireless refuelling might not be worth paying extra for
if it’s really slow. The days when cheaper phones used LCD screens are gone. OLED is the standard now, but check the brightness rating for ease of use outdoors. Want to keep your handset for the long haul? Pay attention to how many years of OS updates and security patches are included. Here’s the list for you to decide…
Budget Bangers!
Four budget phones under Rs. 30K
Nothing Phone 3a Pro Rs. 27,138 Best For - Photo Fiends
What’s the story?
With a camera island that bulges out from its clear rear panel, the Phone 3a Pro makes room for the sort of snappers you’d expect from the class above. Subtle it is not, especially once Nothing’s signature glyph lights blink into life. This distinctive-looking device is otherwise a dead ringer for the Phone 3a, which loses the periscope lens but delivers identical specs, the same widget-heavy version of Android, and the same unique on-device AI.
Is it any good?
Swapping polycarbonate for Gorilla Glass helps this feel like a fancier phone than its predecessor, and the step up to IP64 protection is welcome. The circular camera bump is a bit ‘me too’ for a firm like Nothing, though. But with 3x optical zoom and 6x shots that hold
up to Nothing’s ‘lossless’ claim, there’s no doubting the advantage this phone has over its baby brother, which has a 2x telephoto. Neither model has a great ultrawide, but the main lenses deliver clean shots with supreme detail. That’s handy, as the camera app isn’t as customisable as the competition. The Snapdragon chip is a half-step quicker than the MediaTek in the old Phone 2a Plus. It’s still very much in mid-range territory, and has only really gained half an hour or so of battery life. Nothing OS 3 feels nippy, but the promise of three new Android generations
is merely average. If you rarely reach for the zoom button, the Phone 3a is the obvious choice. But if you’re sold on the brand’s features and also want its best camera setup, go Pro
Stuff Says - Divisive design aside, this is a capable phone with personality | 4 Stars
Acer Super ZX Rs. 9999 Best for - Bargain Hunters
What’s the story?
No, the price isn’t a missprint. This exact aggressive pricing makes the Acer Super ZX’s specifications even more impressive. With a sleek 8.6mm thickness and a solid 200g build that includes an IP50 dust-protected body, it feels well-constructed. Powering this budget-friendly device is the capable Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) 5G Processor. Its generous 6.78-inch IPS LCD, boasting a fluid 120Hz refresh rate and crisp 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, serves up a vibrant and immersive visual experience rarely seen at this price point.
Is it any good?
A You’re getting a surprising amount of bang for your buck here. Out of the box, the Acer Super ZX 5G runs Android 15, giving you the very latest software experience. Its large 120Hz display truly makes a difference, ensuring everything from scrolling through apps to enjoying videos feels remarkably fluid and responsive – a real treat at this price point. Daily battery anxiety quickly fades with the robust 5000 mAh battery, which consistently delivers all-day power. Even better, when you do need a top-up, 33W wired fast charging gets you back in action quickly, hitting 50% in just 35 minutes. The camera system, for a phone in this category, is quite versatile. You get a 64 MP main lens that leads a triple rear setup, joined by 2 MP macro and 2 MP depth sensors for exploring different photographic styles. Snapping selfies and making video calls is handled by a 13 MP front camera. While it might not compete with flagships, the results are certainly commendable for the price. Add to that convenient features like a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and even a 3.5mm headphone jack, and it’s clear Acer has focused on delivering a truly functional and user-friendly experience without the hefty cost. Think about it... How often do you see a smartphone in our mag that’s under ₨10k.
Stuff Says - It doesn’t overpromise, but it sure overdelivers in some areas | 4 Stars
CMF Phone 2 Pro Rs. 18,999 Best for - Design Lovers
What’s the story?
For anyone tired of bulky, uninspired handsets, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a refreshing change with its commitment to sleek, distinctive design. Its ultra-slim 7.8mm profile, making it the slimmest CMF smartphone yet, combined with durable stainless steel screws and an aluminum camera surround, sets it apart. This commitment to thoughtful aesthetics extends to a unique accessory point with a small, user-removable cover (secured by screws), allowing for personal customization and attachment of dedicated accessories.
Is it any good?
The CMF Phone 2 Pro launched running Nothing OS 3.2, powered by Android 15, and promises an impressive three years of Android updates alongside six years of crucial security patches. While it doesn’t quite match Google’s seven-year commitment, it surpasses many competitors, ensuring long-term usability. The underlying modern silicon provides ample power for smooth operation, handling everything from everyday tasks to more demanding applications with ease. A 5000 mAh battery ensures exceptional longevity, easily stretching to two days on a single charge, and 33W fast charging means you’re rarely waiting long to power up.
The camera system is equally impressive, featuring a versatile four-camera setup with a 50MP main lens, a 50MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 16MP front camera. With the TrueLens Engine 3.0, it delivers advanced image processing, resulting in sharp, vibrant photos with consistent dynamic range. While low-light performance is solid, it may not outperform every class leader, but it certainly comes very close. Overall, the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out as a superb all-rounder, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, and practical features with no significant compromises.
Stuff says - A refreshing design inside and out with the goods to back it up (5 stars)
Iqoo Neo 10 Rs. 29,999 Best For - Flagship Seekers
What’s the story?
Most phone makers love the two-tier approach: take your recent flagship, dilute the hardware a tad and charge a little less cash. iQOO prefers a bit of a maximalist approach with the Neo 10, bringing a truly powerful upgrade. At its core is the formidable Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, a flagship-grade processor ready for anything you throw at it. But the real game-changer is the massive 7000 mAh silicon-carbon battery paired with an obscenely fast 120W wired charging...
Is it any good?
Absolutely, and then some. Running Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, the software experience is notably smooth and refined. The phone feels substantial in hand, with its IP65 dust and water resistance adding peace of mind. Its 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display is stunning, boasting an incredible 5,500 nits peak brightness and a 144Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid visuals. Gamers will especially love the responsiveness from the dedicated Supercomputing Q1 chip and rapid 3000 Hz instant touch sampling rate.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a beast. This phone handles everything from intense multitasking to demanding games at 144fps without a stutter, all kept cool by its advanced 7K Ultra VC cooling system. Battery life is a major highlight; the colossal 7,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half, pushing two days for lighter users. And the 120W FlashCharge is simply insane, topping up 50% in a mere 15 minutes.
For photos, a capable 50 MP main lens with OIS (Sony IMX882) captures sharp, vibrant shots, supported by an 8 MP ultrawide, and a clear 32 MP front camera. While it lacks a telephoto, the quality for the price is impressive, even in decent low light. The iQOO Neo 10 isn’t just about raw power; it’s a remarkably complete package, offering a true flagship-level punch in the mid-range.