Tag: 5G

  • Vivo V40

    The Vivo V40 launched in India in August 2024, bringing Zeiss optics down to the standard V model and adding IP68 and IP69 ratings. It kept the slim curved design while increasing the battery to 5,500 mAh. Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy A55, Oppo Reno 12 Pro and Motorola Edge 50 Pro.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh is sharp and bright. Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 again provides reliable performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. The new dust and water ratings meant the V40 could handle submersion and high-pressure water jets, a rare combination at this price. Funtouch OS 14 continued with useful features and some preloaded apps.

    Dual 50 MP cameras, a main sensor with OIS and an ultrawide, benefit from Zeiss colour science, giving natural tones and pleasing bokeh. The Aura light helps in low light. The 50 MP selfie camera remains a strength. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging easily lasts a full day. Compared with the Galaxy A55, it offered faster charging, a bigger battery and better water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 34,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitanium Grey, Ganges Blue, Lotus Purple

    What we like

    • Zeiss-tuned dual 50 MP cameras
    • 5,500 mAh battery in a slim body
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • Sharp curved display

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Performance is merely adequate
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, rugged mid-range phone with strong portraits and battery life.

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

  • Vivo V40 Pro

    Launched in August 2024 alongside the V40, the V40 Pro brought a flagship-grade Dimensity 9200+ chip and a 50 MP 2x telephoto to the V-series. It positioned itself against the OnePlus 12R, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Oppo Reno 12 Pro for buyers who wanted premium portraits and solid performance in a slim body.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Dimensity 9200+ delivers near-flagship performance, comfortably handling high-end games and heavy multitasking. The V40 Pro retained the slim profile and added IP68 and IP69 protection. Funtouch OS 14 provided solid features, but bloatware remained a criticism in reviews.

    Three 50 MP rear cameras, comprising main, ultrawide and a 2x telephoto, use Zeiss optics and colour profiles, producing excellent portraits with natural skin tones. The 50 MP selfie camera is also strong. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging delivers all-day endurance. Against the OnePlus 12R, it offered better portraits and water resistance, though OnePlus had a slight edge in gaming performance and software cleanliness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9200+ near-flagship performance
    • Zeiss triple 50 MP cameras with telephoto
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • 5,500 mAh battery

    What could be better

    • Priced close to flagship killers
    • No wireless charging
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-level portraits and performance in a slim mid-premium phone.

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

  • Vivo X100

    Vivo brought the X100 to India in January 2024 as the more accessible sibling of the X100 Pro. It used the same flagship Dimensity 9300 chip and Zeiss branding, but swapped the 1-inch sensor for a smaller main camera and added a 64 MP telephoto periscope. It competed directly with the OnePlus 12, iQOO 12 and Samsung Galaxy S24 in the 60,000 to 80,000 rupee range.

    The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers 120Hz refresh and high peak brightness, and the curved edges give it a refined look. Dimensity 9300's all-big-core design delivers performance on par with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals, and sustained gaming was strong. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 was functional, though it lacked the polish of Samsung's One UI and still shipped with extra apps.

    The camera system is versatile: a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x telephoto that delivers good zoom and portrait shots. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging is faster than the OnePlus 12's 80W, but wireless charging is absent, which the OnePlus and Galaxy S24 both offered. For buyers who wanted a capable telephoto camera and flagship speed at a lower price, it was an appealing choice.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 63,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9300
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAsteroid Black, Stargaze Blue

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9300 flagship performance
    • Versatile camera with 3x telephoto
    • 120W fast charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Funtouch OS feels cluttered
    • Main sensor smaller than the Pro's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship performance and a capable zoom camera without paying Pro-level prices.

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

  • Vivo X100 Pro

    The X100 Pro launched in India in January 2024 as Vivo's top camera phone, building on the X90 Pro with a new periscope telephoto and a larger battery. Sold in a single 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage configuration, it went head to head with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro and OnePlus 12 for buyers who wanted the most capable camera possible.

    Its 6.78-inch curved LTPO AMOLED display is bright and smooth at 120Hz. The Dimensity 9300 offered top-tier performance with good efficiency, and Vivo's V3 imaging chip handled computational photography and video. The large camera ring and glass back with an orange-peel finish look striking but add weight. Funtouch OS 14 was capable, though not as clean as Pixel software.

    The 1-inch Sony IMX989 main sensor delivers rich detail and excellent low-light photos, while the 50 MP periscope telephoto with about 4.3x optical zoom became one of the best portrait and zoom cameras of 2024. The 5,400 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. It lacked the S24 Ultra's stylus and seven years of updates, but for pure photography it was a serious rival.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9300
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch Sony IMX989 main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5400 mAh
    Charging100W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAsteroid Black

    What we like

    • Outstanding 1-inch main camera
    • Excellent periscope telephoto for portraits
    • Large battery with fast wired and wireless charging
    • Bright LTPO display

    What could be better

    • Heavy and top-heavy camera bump
    • Only one configuration in India
    • Shorter update promise than Samsung

    Who should buy it

    Photographers who want one of the best zoom and low-light cameras of 2024.

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

  • Vivo X200

    The Vivo X200 launched in India in December 2024 and stood out for bringing a periscope telephoto camera to a phone priced well below the usual Pro models. It used MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9400 and a flat-edged design that felt more compact than the curvy X100. Rivals included the OnePlus 13, iQOO 13 and Samsung Galaxy S24.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display has slim bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate, making the phone easier to handle than most flagships. Dimensity 9400 performance is excellent in games and multitasking, with efficient thermals. IP68 and IP69 ratings add rare protection against high-pressure water. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 brought cleaner design than before, though some preinstalled apps remained.

    The triple 50 MP camera system includes a main sensor, an ultrawide and a 3x periscope telephoto, giving genuinely useful zoom and portrait flexibility. Vivo's tuning produces natural colours and strong low-light results. The 5,800 mAh battery with 90W charging offers excellent endurance, though wireless charging is missing. Compared with the OnePlus 13, it traded wireless charging for a sharper telephoto camera at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 65,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9400
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCosmos Black, Natural Green

    What we like

    • Periscope telephoto at a lower flagship price
    • Dimensity 9400 performance
    • 5,800 mAh battery
    • IP68 and IP69 protection

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Some bloatware remains
    • Flat design lacks the drama of the Pro

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact-feeling flagship with real zoom capability.

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

  • Vivo X200 Pro

    Vivo's X200 Pro arrived in India in December 2024 with the headline 200 MP Zeiss periscope telephoto camera, aimed at buyers who wanted the strongest zoom outside the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It competed with the Samsung flagship, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Oppo Find X8 Pro, and was sold in a single high-end configuration with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display is bright, sharp and smooth at 120Hz. The Dimensity 9400 delivers flagship performance with good efficiency, and the phone carries IP68 and IP69 ratings. Its large circular camera island and heft make it a two-handed device. Funtouch OS 15 is more refined than earlier versions but still includes some third-party apps out of the box.

    The main camera uses a large Sony LYT-818 sensor, paired with a 50 MP ultrawide and the 200 MP 3.7x periscope telephoto, which produces detailed zoom shots and impressive portraits. The 6,000 mAh battery offers excellent endurance, with 90W wired and 30W wireless charging. Against the S24 Ultra, it lacked a stylus and seven-year update promise but often matched or beat Samsung on telephoto and low-light results.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 94,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9400
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony LYT-818 main + 50 MP ultrawide + 200 MP 3.7x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCosmos Black, Titanium Grey

    What we like

    • 200 MP periscope telephoto is superb
    • Excellent low-light main camera
    • 6,000 mAh battery with wireless charging
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • Heavy and bulky
    • Single expensive configuration
    • Shorter software support than Samsung

    Who should buy it

    Zoom and portrait photography enthusiasts who want an alternative to the Galaxy Ultra.

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

  • Vivo V27 Pro

    Vivo launched the V27 Pro in India in March 2023 as a fashion-forward phone with a colour-changing rear panel that shifted shade under sunlight. The V-series has always prioritised design and selfie cameras, and the V27 Pro followed that formula while adding a capable Dimensity 8200 chip. It competed with the Oppo Reno 8 Pro, OnePlus 11R and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is vivid and immersive, and the slim body feels light for its size. Dimensity 8200 provides strong performance that comfortably handles gaming and multitasking, better than the Exynos chip in the Galaxy A54. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered plenty of customisation, but reviewers continued to note duplicated apps and preinstalled software.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766V main camera with OIS performs well, and Vivo's Aura light ring helps with portraits at night. The 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are secondary. A 50 MP autofocus selfie camera remains a V-series strength. The 4,600 mAh battery with 66W charging gets through a day. Against the OnePlus 11R, it offered a nicer design and selfie camera but less raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX766V main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMagic Blue, Noble Black

    What we like

    • Colour-changing back is eye-catching
    • Strong Dimensity 8200 performance
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Slim and light design

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,600 mAh battery
    • Weak ultrawide and macro cameras
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious users who take lots of selfies and want solid performance.

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

  • Realme C67 5G

    Launched in December 2023, the C67 5G was Realme's attempt to push 5G further down its C-series range. It targeted buyers who wanted future-proof connectivity for the lowest possible outlay, going up against the Redmi 13C 5G, Samsung Galaxy A14 5G and Lava Storm. The design followed the flat-edged look that Realme used across its 2023 budget lineup, with a glossy rear finish.

    The 6.72-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz, which helps scrolling feel smooth even if colours and contrast fall short of AMOLED. MediaTek's Dimensity 6100+ is a common budget 5G chip that handles calls, social media and video comfortably, though gaming is limited to lighter titles. IP54 splash resistance was a welcome inclusion that many rivals at this price skipped.

    A 50 MP main camera and 2 MP depth sensor produce usable daylight shots, and the 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts more than a day for light users, and 33W charging is faster than the 18W chargers some competitors bundled. Compared with the Redmi 13C 5G, the Realme offered quicker charging and a smoother display, while Samsung's option promised longer software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 13,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.72-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6100+
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursDark Purple, Sunny Oasis

    What we like

    • 5G at an entry price
    • Smooth 120Hz screen
    • 33W charging
    • IP54 splash protection

    What could be better

    • LCD panel lacks contrast
    • Basic camera setup
    • Limited gaming performance

    Who should buy it

    Price-conscious buyers who want 5G and good battery life in a simple phone.

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

  • Realme P1

    The Realme P1 opened a new Flipkart-focused P-series in April 2024, effectively positioning itself as a value alternative to the Narzo line sold on Amazon. It packed familiar Realme hardware into a fresh design with a large circular camera module, aiming squarely at the Redmi Note 13, Poco X6 Neo and iQOO Z9 in the sub-16,000 to 20,000 rupee range.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display refreshes at 120Hz and gets bright enough for outdoor use, which is a clear advantage over LCD rivals. The Dimensity 7050 provides consistent, if unspectacular, performance for gaming at medium settings and multitasking. IP54 dust and splash protection and a vapour chamber for cooling were highlighted at launch, reflecting the P-series focus on durability and sustained performance.

    Cameras include a 50 MP main sensor and a 2 MP depth unit, delivering good daylight results but nothing remarkable after dark. The 16 MP front camera is fine for video calls. A 5,000 mAh battery with 45W charging gives dependable endurance. The iQOO Z9 offered better low-light photos with OIS, but the P1 often undercut it on price during sales, which made it a popular value choice.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPeacock Green, Phoenix Red

    What we like

    • AMOLED 120Hz display
    • Reliable Dimensity 7050 performance
    • IP54 rating
    • Good value during sales

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Average low-light photos
    • Bloatware in Realme UI

    Who should buy it

    Flipkart shoppers who want an AMOLED 5G phone at a tight budget.

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

  • Realme P2 Pro

    Realme's P2 Pro launched in September 2024 and moved the P-series upmarket with a curved display, a Qualcomm chipset and a larger battery. It was aimed at buyers in the 20,000 to 25,000 rupee range who were also considering the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, Poco X6 Pro and Nothing Phone (2a). Its slim curved design gave it a more premium in-hand feel than the earlier P1.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is sharp and vivid, and the curved glass sides make the phone easy to hold. Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 delivers steady, efficient performance for everyday use and moderate gaming, though it trails the Poco X6 Pro's Dimensity 8300 Ultra in raw power. IP65 protection against water jets was a step up from the IP54 ratings common in this segment.

    The 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS takes balanced photos, and an 8 MP ultrawide adds flexibility. The 32 MP selfie camera is a strong point for video calls and social media. The 5,200 mAh battery with 80W charging is among the best combinations at this price. For buyers who prioritise battery, display and design over benchmark scores, it was a well-rounded option.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5200 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursEagle Grey, Parrot Green

    What we like

    • Curved AMOLED display feels premium
    • 5,200 mAh battery with 80W charging
    • IP65 water resistance
    • OIS main camera and 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is not a gaming chip
    • Curved edges can catch accidental touches
    • Ultrawide camera is average

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who value battery life and a slim curved design over raw performance.

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