Category: Mobiles

  • 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.

  • iQOO Z9

    iQOO launched the Z9 in India in March 2024 through Amazon, sharing most of its hardware with the Vivo T3 sold on Flipkart. It focused on balanced specs for the price: a capable chip, a stabilised main camera and a bright display. Competitors included the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Redmi Note 13 and Poco X6 Neo.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz gets very bright outdoors, which reviewers praised. The Dimensity 7200 provided strong performance for the segment, handling popular games at decent settings. IP54 protection against dust and splashes was included. The phone feels light and well built, with a flat frame. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 offered gaming features alongside some preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS takes sharp, natural photos and handles low light better than most rivals at the price, while a 2 MP depth sensor rounds out the rear. The 16 MP front camera is adequate. The 5,000 mAh battery with 44W charging easily lasts a day. Compared with the Narzo 70 Pro, it was faster but missed an ultrawide camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX882 main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBrushed Green, Graphene Blue

    What we like

    • Very bright AMOLED display
    • Dimensity 7200 performance
    • OIS main camera
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • 44W charging trails rivals
    • Some bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Amazon shoppers who want balanced performance and a reliable camera under 20,000 rupees.

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

  • Oppo Find N3 Flip

    The Oppo Find N3 Flip launched in India in October 2023 as Oppo's second clamshell foldable. It stood out by offering a triple-camera system with a telephoto lens, something rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra lacked. Its vertical cover screen and Hasselblad branding aimed at buyers who wanted style and photography in a compact foldable.

    The main 6.8-inch AMOLED display folds in half, with a barely visible crease, and runs at 120Hz. The 3.26-inch vertical cover screen supports widgets and some full apps, though it is smaller than the Galaxy Z Flip 5's display. MediaTek's Dimensity 9200 offers flagship-level performance. An Alert Slider, borrowed from OnePlus, adds quick sound control. ColorOS 13.2 brought useful cover-screen features.

    The 50 MP main camera, 48 MP ultrawide and 32 MP 2x telephoto, all tuned by Hasselblad, give the Find N3 Flip the most versatile camera system among clamshells of its time. The 4,300 mAh battery is decent for a foldable, with 44W charging, though wireless charging is missing. Against the Galaxy Z Flip 5, it offered better cameras, while Samsung had a larger cover screen and water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 94,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.8-inch, Foldable AMOLED, with 3.26-inch cover display, 120Hz, 1080 x 2520
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4300 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.2
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCream Gold, Sleek Black

    What we like

    • Triple camera with telephoto, rare in clamshells
    • Hasselblad colour tuning
    • Flagship Dimensity 9200 performance
    • Alert Slider

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • No official water resistance
    • Cover screen smaller than the Galaxy Z Flip 5's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish flip foldable without compromising on camera versatility.

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

  • Oppo Find X8 Pro

    Oppo brought the Find X8 Pro to India in November 2024, marking the return of its Find X flagship series to the country after a long break. It took aim at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Vivo X200 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its standout feature being two periscope telephoto cameras for 3x and 6x optical zoom.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate and is bright and vibrant. The Dimensity 9400 delivers top-tier performance with good efficiency. A new Quick Button on the side lets users launch the camera and take photos. IP68 and IP69 ratings add serious durability. ColorOS 15 on Android 15 was praised for smooth animations and a refined feel compared with earlier versions.

    The 50 MP Sony LYT-808 main sensor, 50 MP ultrawide and two 50 MP periscope telephotos at 3x and 6x give the Find X8 Pro one of the most versatile zoom ranges on any phone. Hasselblad tuning provides natural colours. The 5,910 mAh battery supports 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. Against the Vivo X200 Pro, it offered a second periscope lens, while Vivo's 200 MP telephoto produced more detail at mid-range zoom.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchNovember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9400
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony LYT-808 main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto + 50 MP 6x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5910 mAh
    Charging80W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, ColorOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPearl White, Space Black

    What we like

    • Two periscope telephoto cameras
    • Hasselblad colour tuning
    • Large battery with wired and wireless charging
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • Single expensive configuration
    • Heavy and large
    • Oppo's after-sales network weaker than Samsung's

    Who should buy it

    Zoom photography enthusiasts who want the widest optical range on a phone.

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

  • Oppo Reno 10 Pro+

    The Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ launched in India in July 2023 as the top model in the Reno 10 series, bringing a periscope telephoto camera to the mid-premium segment. Its slim curved design and portrait-focused camera system made it a style and photography pick, competing with the OnePlus 11R, Vivo V27 Pro and Google Pixel 7a.

    The 6.74-inch curved AMOLED display runs at 120Hz with 1240 x 2772 resolution, giving it a premium look. Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the previous year's flagship chip, delivers strong performance for gaming and multitasking. The thin body and glossy back make it feel elegant. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 offered a polished experience with some preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make it one of the few phones under 60,000 rupees with true periscope zoom. Portraits were particularly impressive. The 4,700 mAh battery with 100W charging lasts a full day. Against the OnePlus 11R, it offered a far better zoom camera, while the OnePlus had a larger battery and similar performance for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 54,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSilvery Grey, Glossy Purple

    What we like

    • 64 MP periscope telephoto
    • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
    • 100W fast charging
    • Slim, elegant design

    What could be better

    • Expensive compared with the OnePlus 11R
    • No wireless charging
    • Weak ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Portrait and zoom photography fans who want a slim, premium-looking phone.

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

  • Oppo Reno 11

    Oppo launched the Reno 11 in India in January 2024 with a focus on portrait photography and a refined design. Unlike most phones at its price, it included a dedicated telephoto camera for 2x portraits. It competed with the Vivo V29, Samsung Galaxy A35 and OnePlus Nord CE 4 for buyers who valued camera quality and looks.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz offers good colours and brightness. The Dimensity 7050 is a modest chip that handles daily tasks and light gaming well but is outpaced by rivals at the same price. The slim body with a wave-patterned back looks distinctive. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 is smooth and feature-rich, with useful AI editing tools introduced over time.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 32 MP 2x telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make for a flexible setup, and portraits are the standout. The 32 MP selfie camera is also capable. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging lasts a full day. Against the Vivo V29, it offered a telephoto lens, while the Vivo had a sharper screen and IP68 rating.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 32 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursWave Green, Rock Grey

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x portrait telephoto
    • Curved AMOLED display
    • Smooth ColorOS 14
    • Distinctive design

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7050 is weak for the price
    • No meaningful IP rating
    • Ultrawide is average

    Who should buy it

    Portrait lovers who want a telephoto lens in a stylish mid-range phone.

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

  • Oppo Reno 11 Pro

    The Reno 11 Pro launched in India in January 2024 alongside the Reno 11, stepping up to a faster Dimensity 8200 chip and a better main camera sensor. It targeted buyers in the 40,000 rupee range who prioritised portrait photography and design, competing with the OnePlus 12R, Vivo V29 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A55.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is sharp and vibrant, though the OnePlus 12R offered a brighter, sharper LTPO panel. Dimensity 8200 provides strong performance for gaming and multitasking. The slim body and pearl-like finish on the white variant were highlights. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 felt smooth and offered useful customisation options.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, 32 MP 2x telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide deliver excellent portraits, and the 32 MP selfie camera is strong. The 4,600 mAh battery with 80W charging gets through a day but is smaller than rivals. Against the OnePlus 12R, it offered better portraits with a dedicated telephoto, but OnePlus was faster and had a bigger battery at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 32 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPearl White, Rock Grey

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • Excellent portraits with 2x telephoto
    • Dimensity 8200 performance
    • Elegant pearl finish

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,600 mAh battery
    • OnePlus 12R is faster for less
    • No meaningful IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise portrait photography and elegant design over raw speed.

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

  • Oppo Reno 12

    Oppo launched the Reno 12 in India in July 2024 with a strong emphasis on AI features, including AI Eraser, AI Best Face and AI Clear Face for photo editing. It used MediaTek's Dimensity 7300 Energy chip and a slim curved design. Rivals included the Vivo V40, Samsung Galaxy A35 and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 7300 Energy offers efficient everyday performance, though it is not built for heavy gaming. IP65 protection against water jets is a useful addition. ColorOS 14.1 on Android 14 brings Oppo's AI tools, which work well for removing unwanted objects and fixing blinks in group shots.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro take reliable photos, though the telephoto lens from the Reno 11 was dropped. The 32 MP selfie camera is good. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a full day. Against the Vivo V40, it offered more AI editing tools, while Vivo had better cameras and higher water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatte Brown, Sunset Peach, Astro Silver

    What we like

    • Useful AI photo editing tools
    • Curved AMOLED display
    • IP65 rating
    • 80W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Dropped the telephoto lens
    • Dimensity 7300 is modest for the price
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish phone with practical AI editing features.

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

  • iQOO 12

    iQOO launched the iQOO 12 in India in December 2023, again beating rivals to the newest Qualcomm flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It continued the brand's formula of high performance at a lower price, competing directly with the OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14 and Samsung Galaxy S24. The Legend edition's BMW M Motorsport stripes returned.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display runs at up to 144Hz with a 1260 x 2800 resolution, slightly lower than the iQOO 11's 2K panel but brighter. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance was excellent, and iQOO's Q1 supercomputing chip helped with gaming frame rates and resolution upscaling. Thermals held up well in long gaming sessions. Funtouch OS 14 included a dedicated game mode and performance controls.

    The camera setup was a big upgrade: a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto. Zoom photos were impressive for the price. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging refills very quickly, though wireless charging is absent. Against the OnePlus 12, it was cheaper and faster to charge, while OnePlus offered wireless charging and a sharper display.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 52,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Alpha

    What we like

    • First Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phone in India
    • 64 MP periscope telephoto
    • 144Hz bright AMOLED display
    • 120W fast charging

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Lower resolution than the iQOO 11
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and enthusiasts who want the latest flagship chip and a zoom camera without overspending.

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

  • iQOO 13

    The iQOO 13 launched in India in December 2024 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, keeping iQOO's tradition of being among the first to ship the newest chip. It also addressed past criticisms by adding IP68 and IP69 protection and a larger battery. Rivals included the OnePlus 13, Realme GT 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24.

    The 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, with excellent brightness. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top-tier performance, and iQOO's Q2 gaming chip adds frame interpolation and upscaling. An RGB light ring around the camera module adds flair. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 came with a promise of four Android updates and five years of security patches.

    The camera setup has three 50 MP sensors: a main with OIS, an ultrawide and a 2x telephoto, offering consistent results. Zoom is weaker than the iQOO 12's periscope, though portrait shots are pleasant. The 6,000 mAh battery with 120W charging provides outstanding endurance and quick top-ups. Against the OnePlus 13, it was cheaper and more gaming-focused, while OnePlus offered wireless charging and better cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 54,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 144Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Nardo Grey

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • 2K 144Hz LTPO display
    • 6,000 mAh battery with 120W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • 2x telephoto is a step back from the iQOO 12
    • Some bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want the fastest chip and great battery life at a lower flagship price.

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