Category: Mobiles

  • OnePlus 12

    OnePlus launched the 12 in India in January 2024 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It addressed several complaints about the OnePlus 11 by restoring wireless charging, adding a periscope telephoto, and improving water resistance to IP65, while keeping the alert slider and the large circular camera module.

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier performance with good thermal management. The 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED is exceptionally bright, rated for up to 4,500 nits peak. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 main, a 48 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope, all Hasselblad-tuned, producing natural colours and good zoom. The 5,400 mAh battery charges at 80 W wired in India and 50 W wireless.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+, the iPhone 15, the Xiaomi 14 and the iQOO 12. The Galaxy S24 offered seven years of updates and a compact size, while the iQOO 12 was cheaper with a similar chip. The OnePlus 12 stood out for its display, charging and battery life.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 64,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5400 mAh
    Charging80W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight220 g
    ColoursFlowy Emerald, Silky Black

    What we like

    • Very bright 2K LTPO display
    • Wireless charging returns
    • Useful 3x periscope
    • Strong battery life

    What could be better

    • Only IP65
    • Heavy at 220 g
    • Shorter update promise than Samsung

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a fast, long-lasting flagship with a superb screen and versatile cameras.

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

  • OnePlus 12R

    OnePlus launched the 12R in India in January 2024 at Rs 39,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, alongside the OnePlus 12. It used the previous year's flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and brought LTPO display technology to the R-series for the first time, a feature rarely seen at this price.

    Performance is excellent for gaming and multitasking, comfortably ahead of most mid-range rivals. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1264 x 2780 resolution reaches very high peak brightness and adapts its refresh rate to save power. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is reliable, but the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. Battery life is a standout, with the 5,500 mAh cell lasting well over a day and recharging at 100 W.

    Rivals included the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the Xiaomi 14 Civi and the Poco F6. The S23 FE offered wireless charging and longer support, while the iQOO Neo 9 Pro had a similar chip for less. The 12R was a strong all-rounder for performance and battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight207 g
    ColoursIron Gray, Cool Blue

    What we like

    • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    • Bright LTPO display
    • Excellent battery life
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • No wireless charging
    • Base storage only 128 GB

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class performance and long battery life for around Rs 40,000.

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

  • OnePlus 13

    OnePlus launched the 13 in India in January 2025 at Rs 69,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It was one of the first phones in the country with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it addressed long-standing gaps by adding IP68 and IP69 ratings, magnetic wireless charging support through cases, and a much larger battery.

    Performance is top tier, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite runs efficiently. The 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED is bright, accurate and flatter than earlier OnePlus curved screens. All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a Sony LYT-808 main, an ultrawide and a 3x periscope, tuned with Hasselblad. The 6,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery delivers excellent endurance, with 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25+, the iPhone 16, the Vivo X200 and the iQOO 13. The iQOO 13 offered the same chip for less, and the Galaxy S25 a longer update promise. The OnePlus 13 stood out with battery life, durability and charging speed. Its cameras also hold their own against similarly priced rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 69,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB / 24 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging100W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, OxygenOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMidnight Ocean, Arctic Dawn, Black Eclipse

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • 6,000 mAh battery with 100 W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Versatile triple 50 MP cameras

    What could be better

    • Expensive higher variants
    • Zoom trails dedicated camera flagships
    • Large and heavy

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a fast, durable flagship with excellent battery life and charging.

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

  • OnePlus 13R

    The OnePlus 13R arrived in January 2025 alongside the OnePlus 13, priced at Rs 42,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the previous year's flagship chip, and adopted the flatter, squarer design of its bigger sibling, with IP65 protection. The alert slider remains on the frame.

    Performance is strong enough for any game or workload in its class. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1264 x 2780 is bright and smooth. A notable upgrade is the camera set: a 50 MP main, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2x telephoto, replacing the macro lens of earlier R models and making portraits much better. The 6,000 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance, recharged at 80 W.

    Rivals included the iQOO Neo 10R, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and the Poco F7. The S24 FE offered wireless charging and longer updates, while the iQOO was cheaper with a similar chip. The 13R combined performance, battery and a useful telephoto at a reasonable price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 42,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, OxygenOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Noir, Astral Trail

    What we like

    • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
    • Useful 2x telephoto
    • Big 6,000 mAh battery
    • Bright LTPO display

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP65
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want near-flagship speed, a telephoto camera and long battery life for under Rs 45,000.

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

  • OnePlus Open

    OnePlus entered the foldable market in October 2023 with the Open, priced at Rs 1,39,999 for 16 GB and 512 GB. Co-developed with Oppo, it was praised for its light weight, almost invisible crease and a cover screen with a normal phone aspect ratio, which made it far more usable when closed than Samsung's narrow Galaxy Z Fold5.

    The inner 7.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED and the 6.31-inch cover display both refresh at 120 Hz and are very bright. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is fast and efficient, and OxygenOS includes Open Canvas, a clever multitasking system for running several apps at once. The triple camera system pairs a 48 MP main, a 48 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x telephoto, and it is one of the best on any foldable. The 4,805 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Its main rival was the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, which offered IPX8 water resistance, wireless charging and S Pen support. The Open countered with a better camera, a more practical cover screen and faster charging at a lower price. Its IPX4 rating and lack of wireless charging were the main compromises.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 139,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display7.82-inch, LTPO AMOLED (6.31-inch cover display), 120Hz, 2268 x 2440
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP (cover) + 20 MP (inner)
    Battery4805 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIPX4
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursEmerald Dusk, Voyager Black

    What we like

    • Light for a book-style foldable
    • Practical, normal-width cover screen
    • Excellent triple camera
    • Open Canvas multitasking

    What could be better

    • Only IPX4 splash resistance
    • No wireless charging
    • Very expensive

    Who should buy it

    Professionals who want a large screen for multitasking in a foldable that still works well as a normal phone.

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

  • Poco F5

    Poco's F-series has always been about flagship-class speed at a lower price, and the Poco F5 continued that tradition when it launched in India in May 2023. It was the first phone with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, a chip derived from the 8+ Gen 1 flagship, and it started at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB.

    In everyday use and gaming the 7+ Gen 2 performs close to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, with good efficiency and thermals. The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with 12-bit colour and Dolby Vision. Weighing about 181 g, it is unusually light for a 5,000 mAh phone, and it keeps the headphone jack and IR blaster. The 64 MP main camera has OIS and produces decent photos, but camera quality is clearly secondary to speed.

    At launch it went up against the OnePlus Nord 3, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the Realme GT Neo 3 and the Samsung Galaxy A54. The Nord 3 had a better main camera and the Galaxy A54 longer updates, but the F5 delivered more performance per rupee than any of them.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight181 g
    ColoursCarbon Black, Snowstorm White, Electric Blue

    What we like

    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 performance
    • Light 181 g design
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • Good 120 Hz AMOLED

    What could be better

    • Average camera system
    • Plastic frame feels less premium
    • Only IP53

    Who should buy it

    Performance-focused buyers who want flagship-class gaming speed for around Rs 30,000.

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

  • Poco F6

    Poco launched the F6 in India in May 2024 at Rs 29,999, and it carried Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a slightly trimmed version of the 8 Gen 3 flagship. That made it one of the cheapest ways to get genuinely flagship-tier performance in India at the time, and it shipped with HyperOS on Android 14.

    The 8s Gen 3 handles demanding games at high frame rates, and Poco's cooling keeps sustained performance stable. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. The camera set is simpler than earlier F phones, with a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, and results are good rather than great. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 90 W, and the phone is slim and light at about 179 g.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme GT 6T, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The GT 6T had a brighter screen, and the Nord 4 a metal unibody, but the Poco F6 had the strongest chip of the group at its price. Its weaker camera is the trade-off.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight179 g
    ColoursBlack, Titanium

    What we like

    • Flagship-tier Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 90 W charging
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Camera is only average
    • No headphone jack
    • Promotional apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want the fastest chip available around Rs 30,000.

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

  • Poco M6 Pro 5G

    Poco launched the M6 Pro 5G in August 2023, shortly after the Redmi 12 5G, with which it shares most of its hardware. Its job was simple: undercut almost everyone on the price of a usable 5G phone. The base 4 GB and 64 GB model started at Rs 10,999, and the glass-backed design with a two-tone camera panel helped it stand out on store shelves.

    The 6.79-inch full HD+ LCD refreshes at 90 Hz, large enough for comfortable video watching. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is efficient and handles everyday tasks, with light gaming possible. A 50 MP main camera is supported by a 2 MP depth sensor, producing passable daylight shots. The 5,000 mAh battery lasts well, but charging at 18 W is slow.

    Competitors included the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, the Lava Blaze 5G, the Realme Narzo 60x and its own sibling, the Redmi 12 5G. The Galaxy M14 offered a larger battery, while the Poco M6 Pro 5G undercut the Redmi on price for nearly identical hardware. The Redmi does offer more colour choices.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 10,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursPower Black, Forest Green

    What we like

    • Very affordable 5G
    • Large full HD+ display
    • Glass back design
    • Expandable storage

    What could be better

    • Slow 18 W charging
    • LCD only
    • Base model has just 64 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Price-sensitive buyers who want 5G connectivity and a big screen without spending much.

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

  • Poco C65

    Poco launched the C65 in India in December 2023 as a rebadged sibling of the Redmi 13C, aimed at buyers who shop mainly online. The base model offered 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, which was generous for a phone at this price, and it came with a clean flat-edged design.

    Its 6.74-inch HD+ LCD runs at 90 Hz, helping basic navigation feel smooth. The MediaTek Helio G85 is an older 4G chip that handles messaging, calls, social media and streaming, but struggles with heavier multitasking and games. A 50 MP main camera handles daylight photos adequately. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day, recharged at 18 W.

    In this bracket it competed with the Redmi 13C, the Realme C53, the Samsung Galaxy A05 and the Itel P55. The Galaxy A05 offered more years of updates, while the Poco C65 matched the Redmi 13C on hardware at a slightly lower effective price. For a basic 4G phone with plenty of storage, it ticks the boxes.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,499 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.74-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro + auxiliary lens
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMatte Black, Pastel Blue

    What we like

    • 128 GB storage in the base model
    • Low price
    • Long battery life
    • 90 Hz display

    What could be better

    • 4G only
    • HD+ resolution
    • Older, slower chip

    Who should buy it

    Online shoppers who want a cheap 4G phone with plenty of storage for photos and apps.

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

  • OnePlus 10 Pro

    OnePlus launched the 10 Pro in India in March 2022 at Rs 66,999, continuing its push into true flagship territory. It was the first OnePlus phone to ship with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and carried a distinctive camera module that wraps around the side of the frame. The Indian version charged at 80 W, faster than the 65 W North American model.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED panel at 1440p is one of the best displays OnePlus has made, with adaptive refresh from 1 to 120 Hz. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is fast but known to run warm under sustained load. Cameras include a 48 MP main, a 50 MP ultrawide with a 150-degree mode, and an 8 MP 3.3x telephoto, all tuned with Hasselblad. Battery is 5,000 mAh with 50 W wireless charging.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+, the iPhone 13 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The Galaxy S22 Ultra had a far better zoom, and Samsung offered longer software support. The 10 Pro competed on charging speed, display quality and a cleaner software experience, though the move toward ColorOS-based OxygenOS divided long-time fans.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 66,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3216
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3.3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight200.5 g
    ColoursVolcanic Black, Emerald Forest

    What we like

    • Excellent 1440p LTPO display
    • 80 W wired and 50 W wireless charging
    • Hasselblad colour tuning
    • Fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs warm
    • Weak 3.3x telephoto
    • No official IP rating in India

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium Android display and very fast charging in a 2022 flagship.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.