The budget smartphone market is huge in Nepal. Like in earlier years, 2023 has seen a lot of budget from in and around Rs 30,000 entering the market. These phones, even though popular, are not as good as mid-range or flagship phones but they offer decent all-around performance.
Today we bring you a list of the eight best smartphones under Rs 30,000 that are popular in Nepal.
List of smartphones
| S.N. | Model | Price |
| 1 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Rs 20,999 (8/256GB) |
| 2 | POCO M5 | Rs 20,499 (4/64GB) Rs 23,999 (6/128GB) |
| 3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Rs 22,999 (4/128GB) Rs 24,999 (6/128GB) Rs 27,999 (8/256) |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Rs 27,999 (6/128GB) Rs 29,999 (8/128GB) |
| 5 | Vivo Y36 | Rs 28,999 (8/128GB) |
| 6 | Realme 10 4G | Rs 29,999 (8/128GB) |
| 7 | Redmi Note 12 5G | Rs 29,999 (6/128GB) |
| 8 | Samsung Galaxy A24 | Rs 28,999 (6/128GB) |
1. Xiaomi Redmi 12
| Dimensions | Height: 168.60mm Width: 76.28mm Thickness: 8.17mm Weight: 198.5g |
| Display size | 6.79-inch |
| Display type | IPS LCD DotDisplay |
| Resolution | 1,080 x 2,460 |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90Hz |
| IP rating | IP53 dust and splash resistance |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G88 12nm manufacturing process |
| CPU | Octa-core 2 x Arm Cortex-A75 @ 2GHz 6 x Arm Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G52 |
| OS | MIUI 14 based on Android 13 |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB Supports expandable storage: up to 1 TB |
| Rear camera | 50MP main camera, f/1.8 8MP ultra-wide camera, 120° FOV, f/2.2 2MP macro camera, f/2.4 |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP, f/2.1 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| SIM | SIM1 + Hybrid* (SIM or MicroSD) *Hybrid slot can be used either for a second SIM or a MicroSD card(1TB expandable) |
| Audio | 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Security | Side fingerprint sensor AI face unlock |
| Battery | 5,000mAh (typ) |
| Charging | 18W fast charging |
| Sensors | Accelerometer E-compass Fingerprint (side-mounted) |
| Colours | Sky Blue | Polar Silver | Midnight Black |
| Price | Rs 17,999 (6/128GB) Rs 20,999 (8/256GB) |
First on the list of the best smartphones under Rs 30,000 is the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
The Redmi 12 presents an elegant glass design housing a triple camera system. Slim at 8.17mm, it flaunts a 6.79-inch FHD+ DotDisplay with adaptive refresh rates. Powered by MediaTek Helio G88, it offers 6GB/128 GB and 8GB/256 GB memory options.
Its camera array includes 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP macro cameras. An 8MP front camera complements the setup. The phone boasts a 5,000 mAh battery with 18W fast charging and supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual SIM or expandable storage. The Redmi 12 also integrates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, AI face unlock, accelerometer, and E-compass.
Available in Sky Blue, Polar Silver, and Midnight Black, the Redmi 12 starts at Rs 17,999 for the 6/128 GB option and Rs 20,999 for the 8/256 GB option. It is arguably the best budget smartphone given the specs and the price.
2. POCO M5
| Dimensions | Height: 163.99mm Width: 76.09mm Thickness: 8.9mm |
| Weight | 201g |
| Display size | 6.58-inch |
| Display type | FHD+ DotDrop display |
| Resolution | 1,080 x 2,408 (FHD+) |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz |
| Touch sampling rate | 240 Hz |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| OS | MIUI 13 for POCO, based on Android 12 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core CPU, 2x Performance core (A76-based), 2.2GHz 6x Efficiency cores (A55-based), 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G57 MC2 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Selfie camera | 8MP |
| Rear camera | Wide camera: 50MP primary camera Macro camera: 2MP Depth camera: 2MP |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Wifi | 2.4G Wi-Fi / 5G Wi-Fi |
| Audio | 3.5mm audiojack |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor | Proximity sensor | E-compass | Accelerometer | Gyroscope | Hall sensor | Barometer | Fingerprint scanner |
| Battery | 5,000mAh (typ) lithium-ion polymer |
| Charging | 22.5W inbox supports 18W USB type C |
| Colours | Black | Green | Yellow |
| Prices | 4/64GB: Rs 20,499 6/128GB: Rs 23,999 |
Next up on the list of smartphones under Rs 30,000 is the POCO M5. The POCO M5 showcases a sleek design with a textured plastic back for improved grip. Its rear boasts a square camera module housing three cameras and an LED flash, while the display offers a 6.58-inch FHD+ DotDrop screen with 1,080 x 2,408 resolution, and a 90Hz refresh rate, and is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass.
Under the hood, the POCO M5 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor featuring an octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. It operates on the MIUI 13 interface, built upon Android 12. Users can opt for 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM paired with 64 GB or 128 GB of storage, expandable up to 1 TB via MicroSD. The camera system encompasses a 50MP main sensor, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensors, while the front camera offers 8MP. The device houses a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. It is available in black, green, and yellow colour options.
The POCO M5 costs Rs 20,499 for the 4/64 GB option and Rs 23,999 for the 6/182 GB option in Nepal.
3. Redmi Note 12 4G
| Dimensions | 165.66 x 75.96 x 7.85mm |
| Weight | 183.5g |
| Display | 6.67 inches, AMOLED DotDisplay, FHD+ (2,400 x 1,080 pixels), 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection |
| OS | MIUI 14 on top of Android 13 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 4G (6nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.8 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 6×1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB |
| Rear camera | 50MP main camera 8MP ultra-wide camera 2MP macro camera |
| Selfie camera | 13MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 33 W wired |
| Sensor | Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | IR blaster ｜Gyroscope |
| Colours | Onyx Gray Ice Blue Mint Green |
| Price | Rs 22,999 (4/128GB) Rs 24,999 (6/128GB) Rs 27,999 (8/256GB) |
The next smartphone is again from Redmi, the Redmi 12 4G. The Redmi Note 12 4G is a 6.67-inch smartphone with a sleek and lightweight design. The display is an AMOLED DotDisplay with FHD+ resolution (1,080 x 2,400 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 4G chipset, which is fabricated on a 6nm process along with an Adreno 610 GPU. The phone comes in three RAM configurations: 4 GB, 6 GB, and 8 GB, accompanied by storage choices of 128 GB or 256 GB. The camera setup on the Redmi Note 12 4G consists of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. Selfies are captured through a 13MP front camera. The phone is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with 33W wired charging.
The Redmi Note 12 4G is available in three colours: Onyx Gray, Ice Blue, and Mint Green. Prices start at Rs 22,999 for the 4GB/128 GB variant, Rs 24,999 for the 6GB/128 GB model, and Rs 27,999 for the 8GB/256 GB configuration.
4. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
| Dimensions | Width: 78mm Height: 167.7mm Weight: 202 grams |
| Display | 6.6-inch, IPS LCD, 90hz |
| Sim | Dual sims |
| Resolution | 1,080 x 2,408 (FHD+) |
| OS | One UI based on Android 13 |
| Chipset | Exynos 1330 |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Selfie camera | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Rear camera | 50MP primary 2MP macro 2MP depth |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Fingerprint Gyro Geomagnetic Light Proximity |
| Colours | Dark red, black and light green |
| Price | Rs 27,999 (6/128GB) Rs 29,999 (8/128GB) |
Of course, a listicle isn’t complete without a Samsung smartphone. This year the A series from Samsung is getting the hype in the Nepali market with the Samsung A14 5G.
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G stands apart with its distinctive design, notably featuring a 6.6-inch rounded display. This IPS LCD panel boasts 16M colours and a full HD+ resolution of 1,080 x 2,408. The smartphone is equipped with a triple camera setup on its back and features a waterdrop notch on the front.
The camera system includes a 50MP primary camera, accompanied by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors. The smartphone is powered by the Exynos 1330 octa-core chip, paired with a Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. It is available with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, expandable up to 1 TB via an SD card slot. The battery capacity is of 5,000mAh and colour options include dark red, light green, and black.
The price of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G for the 6/128 GB option is Rs 27,999 and Rs 29,999 for the 8/128 GB option.
5. Vivo Y36
| Dimensions | 164.06 × 76.17 × 8.07 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams |
| Display size | 6.64-inch |
| Display type | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1,080 x 2,388 (FHD+) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz |
| IP rating | IP54 dust and water resistant |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Funtouch OS 13 (Based on Android 13) |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Selfie camera | 16MP |
| Rear camera | 50MP main camera 2MP depth camera |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz/5 GHz |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| SIM | Dual SIM |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh (typ) |
| Charging | 44W wired |
| Sensors | Fingerprint Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Proximity Sensor E-compass Gyroscope (Entity) |
| Colours | Meteor Black | Vibrant Gold |
| Price | Rs. 28,999 (8/128GB) |
The Vivo Y36 features a matte glossy finish in black and a shiny texture-like finish in gold. The dual-camera setup sits within a curved rectangular frame called a fantasy frame. The 6.64-inch IPS LCD display boasts a 1,080 x 2,388 pixels resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and 650 nits peak brightness.
The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 680 chipset with an octa-core CPU and runs Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13. It offers 8GB RAM and 128 GB storage, with an option to add 8 GB more via virtual memory and expand storage through a Micro SD card. The camera setup includes a 50MP wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor on the back whereas the 16MP front camera handles selfies. The phone boasts a 5,000mAh battery with 44W wired charging, IP54 dust and water resistance, and dual SIM functionality.
The smartphone is available in Meteor Black and Vibrant Gold, with the 8/128 GB variant priced at Rs 28,999 in Nepal.
6. Realme 10 4G
| Dimensions | Length: 159.9mm Width: 73.3mm Depth: 7.95mm |
| Weight | 178 grams |
| Display size | 6.4-inch |
| Display type | 90Hz super AMOLED display |
| Resolution | 1,080 x 2,400 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz |
| OS | Realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12 |
| RAM | 8GB (can be expanded up to 16GB using DRE technology) |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Chipset | Helio G99 chipset |
| GPU | ARM G57 MC2 |
| Rear camera | 50MP main camera 2MP depth camera |
| Selfie camera | 16MP selfie camera |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Charger | 33W SUPERVOOC Charge |
| Buttons and ports | 3.5mm Headset jack 2 nano sim card slots Type-C Port 2 microphones 1 speaker Power button Volume buttons |
| Sensors | Magnetic induction sensor Light sensor Proximity sensor Gyro-meter Acceleration sensor |
| Colours | Clash white and rush black |
| Price | Rs 29,999 (8/128GB) |
The Realme 10 4G has a 6.4-inch super AMOLED display with a 1,080 x 2,400 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, guarded by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Fueling performance is the Helio G99 chipset, an octa-core CPU, and ARM G57 MC2 GPU, suitable for demanding games and tasks.
The smartphone’s camera setup comprises a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The smartphone on the rear has a 50MP sensor and a 16MP front camera. The 5,000mAh battery supports the smartphone’s extended usage, with the 33W SUPERVOOC charger enabling a swift 50 per cent charge in 28 minutes. The device offers a single speaker, a 3.5mm headset jack, dual nano SIM slots, and a type-C port.
It is priced at Rs 29,999 in Nepal with two colour options of Clash white and Rush black.
7. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G
| Dimensions | Height: 165.88mm Width: 76.21mm Depth: 7.98mm Weight: 188g |
| Display | 6.67-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED |
| Sim | Dual sims |
| Resolution | 1,080 x 2,400 pixels |
| OS | MIUI 13 based on Android 12 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon® 4 Gen 1 |
| GPU | Adreno 619 |
| Storage | 128GB |
| RAM | 5/6GB |
| Selfie camera | 13MP (F2.45) |
| Rear camera | 48MP Main camera (F1.8) 8MP Ultra wide camera (F2.2) 2MP Macro camera(F2.4） |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 33W |
| Sensors | Ambient Light SensorProximity Sensor E Compass Accelerometer Gyroscope Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner |
| Colours | Frosted green, matte black, mystique blue |
| Price | Rs 29,999 (6/128GB) Rs 31,999 (8/256GB) |
The next smartphone on the list is the Redmi Note 12 5G. It features a 6.67-inch full-HD+ Super AMOLED display with 1,200 nits brightness, IP53 splash and dust resistance, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The rear camera setup on the smartphone includes a 48MP Main camera, an 8MP Ultra-wide camera and a 2MP Macro camera whereas the front includes a 13MP selfie camera.
The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon® 4 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno™ 619 GPU. A 5,000 mAh li-polymer battery supports 33W max charging, facilitated by the provided 33W fast charger. The device includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, ambient light and proximity sensors, and a hybrid SIM slot, accommodating dual 5G SIM connectivity.
It is available in three colour options; frosted green, matte black and mystique blue. The smartphone costs Rs 29,999 for the 6/128 GB option in Nepal.
8. Samsung Galaxy A24
| Dimensions | 162.1×77.6×8.3 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams |
| Display size | 6.5-inch |
| Display type | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1,080 X 2,340 (FHD+) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| OS | Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Selfie camera | 13MP |
| Rear camera | Main camera: 50MP Ultrawide camera: 5MP Macro: 2MP |
| Battery | Li-Po 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, fingerprint sensor, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, light sensor, virtual proximity sensing |
| Colours | Black, silver, green |
| Price | Rs 28,999 (6/128GB) Rs 31,999 (8/128GB) |
Last on the list and one of the best is the Samsung Galaxy A24. It has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution of 1,080 x 2,340 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, the smartphone has a MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) chipset and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. The smartphone comes in two RAM options, 6 GB and 8 GB paired with 128 GB of storage, expandable through a dedicated MicroSD card slot.
The camera setup features a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultrawide lens, and 2MP macro lens on the rear, with OIS for improved stability with a 13MP front camera. The smartphone houses a 5000mAh non-removable battery with 25W charging support and features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, compass, and virtual proximity sensor. The Samsung Galaxy A24 supports dual SIMs and offers a 3.5mm headphone jack.
It comes in black, green, and silver colour options. The price of the Samsung Galaxy A24 for the 6/128 GB option in Nepal is Rs 28,999.
So these are the list of 8 best smartphones under Rs 30,000 in Nepal as of August 2023. There are sure to be new and more exciting smartphones on the way along with a lot of new smartphones bringing in power-packed performance in the year 2024.
