Author: Abhishek

  • Motorola Edge 50 Pro

    Motorola launched the Edge 50 Pro in India in April 2024 with an impressive spec sheet for its price, including a telephoto camera, very fast wired and wireless charging, and a Pantone-validated display and camera. It competed with the Nothing Phone (2a), Vivo V30 and Oppo Reno 11 for buyers wanting a premium feel without a flagship price.

    The 6.7-inch curved pOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and refreshes at up to 144Hz, giving sharp, colour-accurate visuals. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 delivers smooth everyday performance and handles moderate gaming well. Its vegan leather back and slim build feel premium, and IP68 adds water protection. Motorola's near-stock Android 14 is clean, though update support was shorter than rivals.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 13 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto give it a flexible setup, and the 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 4,500 mAh battery is modest, but 125W wired and 50W wireless charging support make top-ups fast, though the base variant shipped with a slower charger in the box. Against the Nothing Phone (2a), it offered a telephoto lens and wireless charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging125W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Luxe Lavender, Moonlight Pearl

    What we like

    • 1.5K curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • 3x telephoto camera
    • 125W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Base variant ships with a slower charger
    • Shorter software support

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling phone with a telephoto lens and fast charging at a mid-range price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Edge 40 Neo

    The Motorola Edge 40 Neo launched in India in September 2023 as a more affordable version of the Edge 40. It kept the curved 144Hz display, IP68 rating and slim design, while using a less powerful chip and dropping wireless charging. It competed with the Realme 11 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M34.

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display is bright and smooth at up to 144Hz. The Dimensity 7030 provides dependable everyday performance and handles casual gaming, though it is not a powerhouse. Its vegan leather finish in Pantone-certified colours gives it a premium look and feel. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 is clean and easy to use, with minimal bloatware.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide take natural-looking photos in daylight, though low-light performance is average. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 5,000 mAh battery offers good endurance, with 68W charging. Against the Realme 11 Pro, it offered IP68 water resistance and cleaner software, while Realme had a sharper main camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7030
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Caneel Bay, Soothing Sea

    What we like

    • IP68 at a lower price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • Clean near-stock Android
    • Pantone vegan leather finishes

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7030 is modest
    • No wireless charging
    • Average low-light photos

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with clean software on a budget.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Edge 40

    Motorola launched the Edge 40 in India in May 2023 with a very slim design, a vegan leather back and an IP68 rating, a rare combination at its price. It also included wireless charging, which almost no other phone around 30,000 rupees offered. It competed with the OnePlus Nord 3, Samsung Galaxy A54 and Nothing Phone (1).

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display refreshes at up to 144Hz and looks vibrant and smooth. The Dimensity 8020 delivers solid performance for daily use and gaming. The phone is light and comfortable to hold. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 with a few useful gestures was praised for being clean, though the brand's update commitment was shorter than Samsung's.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide, which doubles as a macro, take good photos with natural colours. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 4,400 mAh battery is on the smaller side but lasts a day, with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging. Against the OnePlus Nord 3, it offered IP68 and wireless charging, while OnePlus was faster with a bigger battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4400 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Eclipse Black, Lunar Blue

    What we like

    • Slim, light design with vegan leather
    • IP68 rating
    • Wireless charging at a mid-range price
    • Clean near-stock Android

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,400 mAh battery
    • Shorter update commitment
    • Only one storage variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with wireless charging and clean software.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Oppo K12x

    Oppo launched the K12x in India in July 2024 as an online-focused budget phone sold through Flipkart. It carried MIL-STD-810H certification and an IP54 rating, positioning itself as a tough phone at a low price. Competitors included the Redmi 13 5G, Samsung Galaxy M15 and Realme Narzo 70x. For buyers who mostly message, stream and browse, that trade-off is easy to live with.

    The 6.67-inch LCD display refreshes at 120Hz with an HD+ resolution, which makes scrolling smooth but text less crisp. The Dimensity 6300 handles daily tasks such as messaging, browsing and video well, but heavy games are a stretch. Oppo also highlighted Splash Touch, which lets the screen respond with wet fingers. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 feels polished.

    The 32 MP main camera takes acceptable daylight photos, with a 2 MP depth sensor alongside. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,100 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, and 45W charging is quick for this price. Against the Redmi 13 5G, it offered better durability and faster charging, while Redmi had a sharper display and a stronger camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 12,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6300
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras32 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursBreeze Blue, Midnight Violet

    What we like

    • MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Splash Touch works with wet hands
    • 5,100 mAh battery with 45W charging
    • Affordable 5G

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution display
    • 32 MP main camera is basic
    • Limited gaming performance

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a durable 5G phone with long battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Oppo A3 Pro

    The Oppo A3 Pro launched in India in June 2024 with durability as its main selling point. Oppo highlighted its drop resistance and military-grade testing, along with a splash-proof design. It targeted budget buyers who wanted a tough phone, competing with the Samsung Galaxy M15, Redmi 13 5G and Realme Narzo 70x.

    The 6.67-inch LCD display refreshes at 120Hz but has an HD+ resolution, so text and images are less sharp than full HD rivals. The Dimensity 6300 is an entry-level 5G chip suited to basic tasks and light gaming. The IP54 rating guards against splashes and dust. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 offered a polished interface with useful features.

    The 50 MP main camera takes acceptable daylight photos, supported by a 2 MP depth sensor. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,100 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day, and 45W charging is faster than many budget rivals. Against the Redmi 13 5G, it offered better durability and faster charging, while Redmi had a sharper display and better cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6300
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursMoonlight Purple, Starry Black

    What we like

    • Durable build with drop resistance
    • 5,100 mAh battery
    • 45W charging
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution display
    • Basic cameras
    • Expensive for the hardware

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a tough phone with long battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (June 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Oppo A79 5G

    The Oppo A79 5G launched in India in October 2023 as an affordable 5G option sold widely through offline retailers. It offered a large display, a dependable battery and Oppo's polished ColorOS, competing with the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Vivo Y200 and Redmi 12 5G. Its real advantage was easy access to demos, EMI plans and after-sales service at Oppo retail partners.

    The 6.72-inch full HD LCD display refreshes at 90Hz, giving smooth scrolling though lacking the contrast of AMOLED. The Dimensity 6020 is an entry-level 5G chip that handles calls, social media and video comfortably but struggles with heavier games. The design has a glossy finish and flat edges. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 offered a clean, easy-to-use interface.

    The 50 MP main camera takes decent photos in good light, and a 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, with 33W charging. Online rivals such as the Redmi 12 5G offered similar specifications for less, so the A79 mainly appealed to buyers who preferred to shop in physical stores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.72-inch, LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    ColoursGlowing Green, Mystery Black

    What we like

    • Large 90Hz display
    • Long battery life
    • Clean ColorOS interface
    • Widely available offline

    What could be better

    • Expensive for the specifications
    • LCD lacks contrast
    • Basic cameras

    Who should buy it

    Offline shoppers who want a simple 5G phone with good battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Oppo F27 Pro+

    Oppo launched the F27 Pro+ in India in June 2024, highlighting durability above all. It was marketed as the first phone in India with IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings and also carried an MIL-STD-810H certification and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It targeted buyers who wanted a tough yet stylish phone, competing with the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, Realme 12 Pro and Vivo T3.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and vivid, and the phone looks slimmer than many rugged rivals. The Dimensity 7050 handles daily tasks and light gaming comfortably but is not a gaming chip. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 is smooth and offers useful features, though some reviewers felt the price was high for the performance on offer.

    The 64 MP main camera captures decent daylight photos, but the 2 MP depth sensor adds little and there is no ultrawide. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic for the price. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging lasts a full day. Against the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, it offered stronger water resistance, while Motorola had a better camera system and cleaner software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMidnight Navy, Dusk Pink

    What we like

    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Curved AMOLED display
    • Slim for a rugged phone

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Basic 8 MP selfie camera
    • Modest performance for the price

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who need a durable, water-resistant phone that still looks stylish.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (June 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Oppo F25 Pro

    Oppo launched the F25 Pro in India in February 2024 as an offline-friendly mid-range phone that brought Reno-style design to a lower price. Its slim profile, curved display and bold Lava Red finish were its main appeal. It competed with the Vivo V29e, Realme 12 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and smooth, giving the phone a premium look. The Dimensity 7050 handles everyday tasks, streaming and casual games well, though it is not built for heavy gaming. IP65 dust and water protection was rare at this price. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 offered a polished interface with useful features and limited bloatware compared with some rivals.

    The 64 MP main camera captures good daylight photos, with an 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro alongside. The 32 MP selfie camera is a strong point. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging lasts a full day. Against the Realme 12 Pro, it offered better water resistance, while Realme had a periscope telephoto camera at a similar price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLava Red, Ocean Blue

    What we like

    • Slim design with curved AMOLED display
    • IP65 rating
    • 32 MP selfie camera
    • 67W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Main camera lacks OIS
    • Dimensity 7050 is modest
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish, water-resistant phone with good selfies at a mid-range price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Oppo Reno 13 Pro

    The Reno 13 Pro launched in India in January 2025 as the top model of the series, bringing a periscope telephoto camera back to the Reno line. It targeted buyers in the 50,000 rupee range who wanted strong zoom and portrait photography, competing with the Vivo V40 Pro, OnePlus 13R and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

    The 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is large and immersive. The Dimensity 8350 provides fast, efficient performance, though the OnePlus 13R's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is quicker in games. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings mean the phone can handle submersion and high-pressure water jets. ColorOS 15 on Android 15 includes AI editing tools and smooth animations.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 50 MP 3.5x periscope telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make a versatile camera system, and portraits are the standout. The 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 5,800 mAh battery with 80W charging provides excellent endurance. Against the OnePlus 13R, it offered a better telephoto and stronger water resistance, while OnePlus was faster and cheaper.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.83-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8350
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP 3.5x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, ColorOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMist Lavender, Graphite Grey

    What we like

    • 50 MP periscope telephoto
    • Large quad-curved display
    • 5,800 mAh battery
    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • Slower than the OnePlus 13R
    • Large and heavy
    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want periscope zoom and great portraits below flagship prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Oppo Reno 13

    The Oppo Reno 13 launched in India in January 2025 with a noticeably more compact design than previous Reno phones, along with a flat aluminium frame and a much faster chip. It aimed at buyers who wanted a smaller, premium-feeling phone, competing with the Vivo V50, Samsung Galaxy A56 and Nothing Phone (3a).

    The 6.59-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz is sharp and easy to use with one hand. The Dimensity 8350 marks a big performance jump over the Reno 12's Dimensity 7300, handling games and multitasking with ease. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings give it strong protection against dust and water. ColorOS 15 on Android 15 brings smooth animations and a set of AI editing and writing features.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide handle most situations well, though there is no telephoto lens on the standard model. The 50 MP selfie camera is excellent. The 5,600 mAh battery offers strong endurance for a compact phone, with 80W wired charging. Against the Vivo V50, it was smaller and faster, while Vivo had a better ultrawide and a bigger battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.59-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1256 x 2760
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8350
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, ColorOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursIvory White, Luminous Blue

    What we like

    • Compact, premium design
    • Dimensity 8350 performance
    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • 5,600 mAh battery for its size

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Basic 8 MP ultrawide
    • Priced higher than previous Reno base models

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact, durable phone with strong performance and selfies.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.