As smartphone technology becomes more affordable and accessible, the mid-range segment in India has evolved into a competitive battleground. In 2025, users searching for a powerful smartphone under ₹28,000 are spoilt for choice. Brands like iQOO, Samsung, Vivo, OnePlus, and Nothing have launched feature-rich devices with high-end specifications previously reserved for premium phones priced above ₹40,000.

Whether you’re a gamer, photography enthusiast, or a productivity-focused user, these phones offer tremendous value with flagship-grade processors, high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, long battery life, and extended software support. Below, we explore the top contenders in this segment in detail.

Quick Summary Table

iQOO Neo 10R – High-Speed Gaming and Performance

The iQOO Neo 10R is a power-packed device tailored for performance-heavy users. At its heart lies the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process, ensuring blazing-fast processing with high energy efficiency. This phone is ideal for gamers and power users who multitask frequently.

Display & Design

The phone sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and an ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, visibility under direct sunlight is excellent. Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor and IP65 certification, offering resistance to dust and water splashes.

Camera & Battery

It has a 50MP main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide lens, optimized with AI for night shots and subject recognition. The 6,400mAh battery is among the largest in this segment and supports 80W fast charging, achieving a full charge in less than 40 minutes.

Software

It ships with Android 15 and includes AI enhancements such as smart replies, call screening, and content suggestions.

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – Unique Design Meets Software Simplicity

Nothing has established itself as a brand that values aesthetic design and minimalist software. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a testament to that philosophy.

Design & Display

With its transparent back panel and interactive Glyph interface, this phone stands out visually. It features a 6.7-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness, ideal for multimedia consumption.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the phone pairs well with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, easily handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Camera & Battery

It includes a triple-camera setup: 50MP primary, 50MP 3x telephoto, and 8MP ultrawide lenses. The 5,000mAh battery supports 50W wired and limited wireless charging through accessories.

Software

Runs on Nothing OS 3, based on Android 15, with a bloatware-free interface and smart AI features.

Vivo T3 Ultra – Stylish Display and Powerful Imaging

The Vivo T3 Ultra is a great choice for users prioritizing aesthetics and camera quality. Its curved OLED screen offers a premium look and feel, usually found in high-end flagships.

Display & Performance

The 6.7-inch curved OLED display supports a 1260p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 4,500 nits brightness. Under the hood, the Dimensity 9200+ processor, along with 8GB RAM, provides excellent everyday and gaming performance.

Camera & Battery

The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and 8MP ultrawide, supported by Vivo’s image processing algorithms. The 5,500mAh battery with 80W charging ensures a full day of usage and quick top-ups.

Software

It runs on FunTouch OS 14 (Android 14) with smart gestures, extended RAM, and privacy features.

Samsung Galaxy M56 5G – Long-Term Software Support

Samsung’s Galaxy M56 5G appeals to users who prefer long-term reliability. It provides an industry-leading 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches.

Display & Build

A 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate delivers rich colors and contrast. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+.

Processor & Camera

It houses the Exynos 1480 processor and features a 50MP OIS primary camera, 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. AI-assisted stabilization enhances video capture.

Battery & OS

A 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging powers the phone. It runs One UI 6 on Android 14, integrating services like Samsung Wallet and Samsung Health.

OnePlus Nord 4 – Premium Design With Flagship-Level Charging

The OnePlus Nord 4 combines performance, design, and software longevity, making it one of the best-rounded phones under ₹28,000.

Build & Display

It features a metal unibody design and a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1,500 nits brightness.

Hardware

Driven by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, the phone offers 8GB to 12GB RAM options. Storage ranges from 128GB to 256GB.

Camera & Battery

Its 50MP OIS main camera and 8MP ultrawide shooter perform reliably in all lighting conditions. The 5,500mAh battery charges at a blazing 100W, one of the fastest in the segment.

Software

Runs on OxygenOS 14 with a promise of 4 years OS updates and 6 years security patches.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best phone for gaming under ₹28,000 in 2025?

The iQOO Neo 10R and OnePlus Nord 4 offer flagship-like gaming performance, thanks to their advanced chipsets and high-refresh displays.

2. Which phone has the best camera in this segment?

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, with its triple-lens setup including a 50MP telephoto, is ideal for varied photography needs.

3. Which phone lasts the longest in terms of software support?

Samsung Galaxy M56 and OnePlus Nord 4 both promise 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches.

4. Are there phones with wireless charging under ₹28,000?

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers limited wireless charging with accessories.

5. What’s the fastest charging phone in this category?

The OnePlus Nord 4 leads with 100W fast charging, followed closely by Vivo T3 Ultra and iQOO Neo 10R with 80W.

Final Verdict: Premium Experience at Mid-Range Prices

In 2025, mid-range smartphones no longer mean compromise. For under ₹28,000, you get blazing-fast processors, 120Hz+ displays, powerful cameras, fast charging, and long-term software support. Choose the iQOO Neo 10R for gaming, the OnePlus Nord 4 for balanced usage, the Samsung Galaxy M56 for longevity, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro for aesthetics, or the Vivo T3 Ultra for camera and display experience.

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