Herea Are the Best Performance Phones Across Price Ranges (December 2024) According to Our Tests

For those who demand smartphones that can handle high-end gaming or deliver steady performance even when the battery dips to 20–30%, we’ve got you covered. We dove deep into testing, pushing devices through benchmarks like AnTuTu and Geekbench 6, while also putting them to the test with heavy games like Call of Duty: Mobile and BGMI. Whether you’re looking for a budget champion or a flagship beast, here’s a curated list of top-performing smartphones, which dominate every price segment.

Testing Criteria

In this article, we relied on two key tests to rank the top-performing phones: the AnTuTu benchmark and an intense gaming session. AnTuTu provides an in-depth assessment of hardware capabilities, offering a clear comparison against other devices. On the other hand, the gaming test evaluates real-world smartphone usage, highlighting which device excels under pressure.

Best Performance Phone Under Rs 15,000

CMF Phone 1

  • Price: Starts at Rs 14,999
  • Specifications: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC + Up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage

The CMF Phone 1 (review) takes the crown in the under Rs 15,000 segment, boasting an impressive AnTuTu score of 642,898. During gaming tests, it delivered a smooth 60fps on BGMI with ‘Smooth’ graphics and ‘Extreme’ fps settings, which is outstanding for its price. If top-tier performance on a budget is what you’re after, the CMF Phone 1 won’t disappoint. According to us, what makes the CMF Phone 1 stand out from the competition is its exceptional performance combined with a design that’s far from the usual slab phone. It’s a perfect blend of style and functionality. We also stacked it up against rivals like the iQOO Z9x and the Realme C65 in this price range—here’s what we uncovered:

Best Performance Phone Under Rs 25,000

Infinix GT 20 Pro

  • Price: Starts at Rs 22,999
  • Specifications: MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate SoC + Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage

Under Rs 25,000, the Infinix GT 20 Pro (review) dominates, smashing nearly 10 lakh points on the AnTuTu benchmark. For gaming enthusiasts, it’s a beast—hitting 90fps in BGMI with ‘Smooth’ graphics and ‘Extreme’ fps settings. Plus, it comes with a gaming kit featuring a cooling fan, perfect for keeping temperatures in check during intense sessions, especially in scorching weather. In the sub-Rs 25,000 price range, the Infinix GT 20 Pro clearly stands out as the leader. In our view, the GT 20 Pro delivers a complete performance experience, excelling in both aesthetics and gameplay. Rivals like the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion and the Nothing Phone (2a) hold their ground but don’t even come close to the GT 20 Pro’s performance. Let’s see how these contenders stack up:

Best Performance Phone Under Rs 30,000

Realme GT 6T

  • Price: Starts at Rs 29,500
  • Specifications: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC + Up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage

For gaming enthusiasts looking for a phone under Rs 30,000, the Realme GT 6T (review) is a powerhouse. With a staggering 1,465,167 points on AnTuTu, it sets the bar high. In our BGMI test on ‘HDR’ graphics and ‘Extreme’ fps settings, the phone maintained a steady 60fps, delivering smooth gameplay. Thermal management is handled like a pro after a recent software patch. Our experts believe that although the Realme GT 6T was the first GT to make a comeback in India, this phone not only offers great performance on paper but also excels in real-world usage. On the contrary, while the OnePlus Nord 4 and Poco F6 also cross the 1 million mark, they don’t quite match the GT 6T’s level. Check out the image below to see how these contenders stack up in raw performance:

Best Performance Phone Under Rs 50,000

Realme GT 6

  • Price: Starts at Rs 40,999
  • Specifications: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC + Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage

The Realme GT 6 (review) sets a new benchmark in performance under Rs 50,000. With an incredible 1,561,973 points on AnTuTu, it outclasses the OPPO Reno 12 Pro, which doesn’t even hit a million, and the Xiaomi 14 CIVI, which surpasses 1 million but still stutters. For gaming, it delivers a smooth 60fps on ‘Very High’ graphics and ‘Very High’ FPS settings in Call of Duty: Mobile. The Realme GT 6 is the flagship model in the GT 6 series in India, providing impressive performance for both daily tasks and intensive use. According to our experts, this phone offers enhanced efficiency and robust performance. On the flip side, the Xiaomi 14 CIVI shines in CODM, delivering a stellar 90fps performance. Here’s how these devices measure up against each other:

Best Performance Phone Under Rs 60,000

iQOO 13

  • Price: Starts at Rs 54,999
  • Specifications: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC + Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage

The iQOO 13 (review) takes the lead, featuring Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, surpassing the 2-million mark on the AnTuTu benchmark. In comparison, the HONOR 200 Pro and the Xiaomi 14 fall short of this milestone. Gaming performance is seamless at 120fps, with no stuttering. Plus, the added benefit of game frame interpolation makes intensive gaming effortless. Apart from that, we believe this phone offers the best of all worlds. So, if you’re a user who wants the best of everything, this is the ideal choice in this price segment. Here’s how the iQOO 13 measures up against its competitors:

From extraordinary performance to smooth gaming, each phone stands out in its way. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly pick or a premium powerhouse, this guide aims to match you with the perfect performance phone tailored to your needs.