Tag: Camera phone

  • Tecno Camon 30 5G

    Tecno launched the Camon 30 5G in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It continued the Camon series' focus on cameras and design, with a textured back in white or dark finishes and a large camera island, aimed at buyers comparing it with the Nothing Phone (2a) and Realme 12 Pro.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED refreshes at 120Hz and is sharp and bright. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is efficient but modest, enough for social apps and casual games, though slower than the Dimensity 8050 that powered the cheaper Camon 20 Pro. HiOS 14 on Android 14 is feature-packed but still carries a fair amount of preinstalled software.

    A 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS produces natural, detailed daylight photos and capable night shots, while the 50 MP front camera with autofocus is well suited to selfies and video calls. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 70W, among the fastest in its segment. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) it offers faster charging and more storage but less polished software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging70W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HiOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursUyuni Salt White, Basaltic Dark

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Fast 70W charging
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7020 is slower than its predecessor's chip
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Busy HiOS software

    Who should buy it

    Selfie lovers and casual users who want strong cameras and fast charging in the low Rs 20,000s.

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

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    Nothing launched the Phone (3a) Pro in India in March 2025 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, alongside the Phone (3a). It shares most of its hardware with its sibling but adds a 3x periscope telephoto inside a large circular camera module with a metal ring, giving it a very different look from the regular (3a).

    Display and performance match the cheaper model: a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which handles daily use and moderate gaming well. Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 brings the Essential Key and Essential Space, with a promise of three years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The camera system is the reason to choose it: a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP 3x periscope with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, plus a 50 MP selfie camera. The periscope makes it one of the cheapest phones with genuine 3x optical zoom and strong 6x results. The 5000 mAh battery and 50W charging carry over. It undercuts the Motorola Edge 60 Pro but lacks its wireless charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.77-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2392
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Nothing OS 3.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight211 g
    ColoursGrey, Black

    What we like

    • 3x periscope zoom under Rs 30,000
    • 50 MP selfie camera
    • Distinctive design
    • Long security update promise

    What could be better

    • Same chipset as the cheaper Phone (3a)
    • Weak ultrawide
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want real periscope zoom photography on a budget without giving up clean software.

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

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a launched in India in April 2025 at Rs 49,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It dropped the camera visor that defined Pixel design since 2021 in favour of a nearly flush camera module, giving it a clean look. It also upgraded to IP68 dust and water resistance and carried over Google's seven-year update commitment.

    The 6.3-inch Actua pOLED runs at 120Hz and is notably brighter than the Pixel 8a's panel, though the bezels remain thicker than on rivals. Tensor G4 is the same chip as the Pixel 9 series, delivering smooth everyday performance and Gemini features, even if 8 GB of RAM limits some on-device AI functions compared with its pricier siblings.

    The camera pairing is a 48 MP main with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide, producing reliably good results with strong low-light processing. Battery capacity grows to 5100 mAh, the largest in any A-series Pixel, with 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. Against the OnePlus 13R and Galaxy A56, it wins on camera consistency and support length rather than speed.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.3-inch, pOLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2424
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging23W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight186 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Iris

    What we like

    • Largest battery in an A-series Pixel
    • IP68 rating
    • Seven years of updates
    • Clean, flush camera design

    What could be better

    • Thick bezels
    • Charging still slow
    • 8 GB RAM limits some AI features

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel cameras and long-term updates with better battery life than previous A-series models.

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

  • Google Pixel 8a

    The Pixel 8a launched in India in May 2024 at Rs 52,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought the flagship Tensor G3 and the seven-year update promise down to the A series, along with a 120Hz screen at last. The price, however, was significantly higher than earlier A-series Pixels, placing it against the OnePlus 12R and Galaxy S23 FE.

    Its 6.1-inch Actua OLED is bright and smooth, and the compact body with rounded edges is easy to use one-handed. Tensor G3 handles everyday tasks and Google's AI features, including Circle to Search, Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser. The thick bezels and plastic back remind you it is a cheaper Pixel, though IP67 rating is retained.

    The 64 MP main and 13 MP ultrawide cameras produce Pixel-quality images that outclass most phones at this price, particularly in tricky lighting. Battery capacity is 4492 mAh with slow 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. The OnePlus 12R offers far faster charging and performance for similar money, so the 8a mainly suits buyers who prioritise camera and update longevity.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 52,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4492 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight188 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe

    What we like

    • Seven years of updates on a mid-ranger
    • Excellent camera for the price
    • Compact, easy to hold
    • 120Hz Actua display

    What could be better

    • Expensive for an A-series Pixel
    • Slow charging
    • Thick bezels and plastic back

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small phone with Pixel cameras and long software support more than fast charging or gaming power.

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

  • Google Pixel 7

    The Pixel 7 launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, the first mainline Pixel sold in the country since the Pixel 4 skipped it. Google positioned it as an alternative to the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22, betting on software, camera processing and a promise of five years of security updates.

    The 6.3-inch OLED runs at 90Hz rather than 120Hz, a noticeable compromise at the price. Google's second-generation Tensor G2 is not as fast as Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in benchmarks and can run warm, but it powers on-device features such as Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and fast voice typing. The aluminium camera bar and matte frame give it a distinctive look.

    Photography is the reason to buy it. The 50 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide deliver consistent, natural results with excellent dynamic range and Night Sight, and video improved noticeably over the Pixel 6. Battery life is adequate rather than great from the 4355 mAh cell, and charging is slow by Indian standards, with no charger in the box.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery4355 mAh
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight197 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Lemongrass

    What we like

    • Excellent point-and-shoot camera
    • Clean Android with useful AI tools
    • Five years of security updates
    • IP68 and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Only 90Hz display
    • Tensor G2 runs warm
    • Slow charging, no charger in box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want the most reliable camera and clean Android in a compact flagship.

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

  • Google Pixel 7a

    Google launched the Pixel 7a in India in May 2023 at Rs 43,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most feature-rich A-series Pixel so far, adding a 90Hz screen and wireless charging, two things the Pixel 6a lacked, while sharing the Tensor G2 chip with the more expensive Pixel 7.

    The 6.1-inch OLED is compact and colour-accurate, though 90Hz felt behind the 120Hz panels on the OnePlus 11R and Galaxy A54 at similar prices. Tensor G2 offers flagship-grade software features, Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur among them, but warms up under sustained load. The plastic back and matte aluminium frame feel solid, and the phone is IP67 rated.

    The new 64 MP main camera with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide produce photos that rival far pricier phones, especially in low light. The 4385 mAh battery gets through a day, but 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are slow. The main argument against it in India was price: the Pixel 7 itself often sold for only a little more during sales.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4385 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursCharcoal, Snow, Sea

    What we like

    • Flagship-quality camera at a lower price
    • Compact size
    • Wireless charging added
    • Same Tensor G2 as the Pixel 7

    What could be better

    • Slow wired and wireless charging
    • 90Hz while rivals offer 120Hz
    • Priced close to the Pixel 7 during sales

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel camera quality in a smaller, cheaper phone and can live with slow charging.

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

  • Realme 13 Pro+

    Realme launched the 13 Pro+ in India in July 2024 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB. It continued the camera-first approach of the 12 Pro+, upgrading both the main sensor and the periscope, and it introduced a Monet-inspired design with a textured back that resists fingerprints. Realme also pushed AI photo tools.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and smooth. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 carries over from the previous model, adequate for everyday use and moderate gaming but not class-leading. The cameras are the highlight: a 50 MP Sony LYT-701 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 3x periscope, along with Realme's AI-powered imaging features. The 5,200 mAh battery charges at 80 W.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Poco F6, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the Vivo V30. The Nord 4 and Poco F6 were much faster, while the Edge 50 Pro offered a similar telephoto setup. The 13 Pro+ remained a strong choice for zoom photography. Gamers should look at the Poco instead.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5200 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursEmerald Green, Monet Gold, Monet Purple

    What we like

    • Excellent 3x periscope telephoto
    • Strong Sony main camera
    • 80 W charging
    • Fingerprint-resistant design

    What could be better

    • Chip carried over from the previous model
    • Pricier than its predecessor
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Camera enthusiasts who want strong zoom and main-camera performance in an upper mid-range phone.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro+

    The Realme 12 Pro+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its main attraction was a 64 MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, a feature that had previously been limited to far more expensive phones. It shares the luxury watch-inspired design of the 12 Pro, with an extra red colour option.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz looks premium and is bright enough outdoors. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a step up from the 12 Pro's chip and handles everyday use and moderate gaming well. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is excellent, and the periscope delivers sharp zoom shots up to about 6x. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 3, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40. The Redmi offered IP68 and faster charging, and the Poco more speed, but the 12 Pro+ was the clear choice for zoom photography in its class. It is an easy recommendation for travel photographers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto at a mid-range price
    • Excellent Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Premium design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • 67 W charging trails some rivals
    • Performance is only moderate
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who want genuine optical zoom without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    Xiaomi brought the 15 Ultra to India in March 2025 in a single 16 GB and 512 GB configuration, priced above most Android rivals and pitched less as an all-rounder than as a camera you can make calls on. The Leica co-branding, the large circular camera island and the optional photography grip kit all push the same message: this phone is for people who shoot a lot and care about how the files look.

    Under the glass sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which handles games, 4K video and heavy multitasking with ease, and a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel at 1440p that is bright and accurate. The rear array is the real story: a 1-inch type main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP 3x telephoto and a 200 MP periscope at roughly 4.3x. The Indian unit uses a 5,410 mAh silicon-carbon cell with 90 W wired and 80 W wireless charging.

    Against the Galaxy S25 Ultra it gives up the S Pen and Samsung's seven-year update promise, but its main camera and long-zoom detail are generally stronger, especially in low light. The Vivo X200 Pro is its closest rival on imaging and costs less. Buyers who mostly want a fast phone with a good camera will find the OnePlus 13 far cheaper; the 15 Ultra makes sense only if photography is the priority.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x telephoto + 200 MP periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5410 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with excellent low-light detail
    • 200 MP periscope gives usable long-range zoom
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Very expensive, single configuration in India
    • Heavy and top-heavy because of the camera island
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Google

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want the most capable zoom and low-light camera on an Android phone and will pay for it.

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

  • Xiaomi 14 Ultra

    Xiaomi launched the 14 Ultra in India in March 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB/512 GB, the first time an Ultra model was officially sold in the country. Its design looks like a compact camera, with a large circular module and vegan leather back, and an optional Photography Kit grip added a shutter button and extra battery.

    The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1440 x 3200 is very bright and sharp, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers excellent performance and the cooling handles extended camera and gaming use. It shipped with HyperOS on Android 14. The phone is big and heavy, and the camera bump makes it rock on a table.

    Four 50 MP cameras define it: a 1-inch-type LYT-900 main sensor with stepless variable aperture from f/1.63 to f/4.0, an ultrawide, a 3.2x floating telephoto and a 5x periscope. Results rival the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Vivo X100 Pro, especially in portraits and low light. The 5000 mAh battery supports 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, both well ahead of Samsung and Apple.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto + 50 MP 5x periscope
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Outstanding camera system with variable aperture
    • Two telephoto lenses
    • Fast wired and wireless charging
    • Bright QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Large, heavy and top-heavy camera bump
    • Expensive
    • Photography Kit sold separately

    Who should buy it

    Mobile photographers who want a camera-like phone with the most versatile lenses.

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