Tag: Fast charging

  • Oppo Reno 10 Pro

    The Oppo Reno 10 Pro launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 39,999 for 12 GB plus 256 GB. Oppo's Reno series has long focused on portraits and design, and this model took that further with a dedicated 32 MP telephoto portrait camera and a slim, curved body that clearly targeted the Vivo V27 Pro and OnePlus Nord 3.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and has thin bezels. The Snapdragon 778G was an older chip by 2023, competent for daily use but slower than the Dimensity 9000 in the Nord 3, which sold for less. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 is smooth and polished, though it includes some preinstalled apps.

    The camera system is the highlight: a 50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 32 MP 2x telephoto for portraits, with a 32 MP autofocus selfie camera. Portraits look natural, with good edge detection. The 4600 mAh battery charges at 80W, filling in under an hour. It is a portrait specialist held back by its ageing chip and price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight185 g
    ColoursGlossy Purple, Silvery Grey

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x portrait telephoto
    • Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Fast 80W charging
    • Slim, premium design

    What could be better

    • Ageing Snapdragon 778G
    • Expensive for the performance
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who mainly shoot portraits and want a slim, stylish phone with fast charging.

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

  • Vivo V27

    The Vivo V27 launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, aimed at style- and selfie-focused buyers. Its Magic Blue variant has a colour-changing back that shifts shade under sunlight, and the phone is slim and light despite its large display, positioning it against the Oppo Reno 8T and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and looks premium. The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 was a new chip at the time, efficient and capable for everyday use and moderate gaming. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 is feature-rich and fluid, but it comes with a batch of preinstalled apps that need to be cleared out after setup.

    Photography is the focus. The 50 MP Sony IMX766V main camera with OIS is paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, and the ring-shaped Aura Light gives soft, adjustable lighting for night portraits. The 50 MP autofocus front camera is excellent. The 4600 mAh battery with 66W charging lasts a day. Rivals offered more performance for the money, but few matched its portrait results.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (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 design
    • Aura Light for night portraits
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Performance modest for the price
    • Preinstalled apps in Funtouch OS
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious buyers who take a lot of selfies and night portraits.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G

    The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G launched in India in January 2023 at Rs 24,999 for 6 GB plus 128 GB. It was the middle model in a three-phone Note 12 lineup, below the 200 MP Note 12 Pro+, and it marked a shift for the Note series toward higher prices as Xiaomi chased the more premium end of mid-range.

    The 6.67-inch OLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and slim bezels. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 provides steady everyday performance, though it was only a small step over the Dimensity 920 in the Note 11 Pro+. Xiaomi kept practical extras, including a headphone jack, an IR blaster and IP53 splash resistance.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera with OIS is the highlight, producing consistent results with good low-light performance, paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 67W and lasts a full day. Its main drawback was software, as MIUI carried ads and preinstalled apps that Nothing and Motorola rivals avoided.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight187 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Glacier Blue, Stardust Purple

    What we like

    • Sony IMX766 camera with OIS
    • Vibrant 120Hz OLED with Dolby Vision
    • Fast 67W charging
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is a small upgrade
    • MIUI ads and bloatware
    • Launched on an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable camera and fast charging in a mid-range phone with a headphone jack.

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

  • Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

    The ROG Phone 8 Pro launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB plus 512 GB. Asus redesigned the series to look and feel more like a normal flagship, slimming the body, adding IP68 water resistance for the first time on a ROG phone and introducing a camera gimbal, while keeping the gamer-focused AniMe Vision mini-LED panel on the back.

    The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED runs at up to 165Hz in games and drops to 1Hz when idle. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the fastest Android chip of its generation, supported by effective cooling, AirTrigger ultrasonic shoulder buttons and an optional AeroActive Cooler accessory. Asus kept a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a rarity among 2024 flagships.

    The camera system improved substantially, with a 50 MP gimbal-stabilised main sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide and a 32 MP 3x telephoto. The 5500 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. Against the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iQOO 12, it is the clear choice for serious mobile gamers, though its cameras are not quite class-leading.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 165Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM16 GB / 24 GB
    Storage512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (gimbal) + 13 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging65W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ROG UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight225 g
    ColoursPhantom Black

    What we like

    • Top-tier gaming performance and cooling
    • 165Hz LTPO display
    • IP68 and headphone jack together
    • Excellent battery life

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Cameras good but not class-leading
    • Heavy at around 225 g

    Who should buy it

    Serious mobile gamers who want the fastest, best-cooled Android phone with a headphone jack.

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

  • Lava Agni 3 5G

    The Lava Agni 3 5G launched in India in October 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, in a version sold without a charger; a bundle with the 66W charger cost more. Lava gave it a feature no rival offered at the price: a 1.74-inch secondary AMOLED on the back, next to the cameras, for notifications, music controls and rear-camera selfies.

    The main 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300X provides efficient, consistent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Lava also added a customisable Action Key, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro's, and kept the software clean on Android 14 with a promise of OS updates and no bloatware.

    The triple camera includes a 50 MP main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and an 8 MP 3x telephoto, giving it real zoom capability at this price. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day, with 66W wired charging. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) and CMF Phone 1, it offers more hardware novelty, while Nothing counters with a more polished overall software experience.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 1.74-inch rear AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300X
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHeather Glass, Pristine Glass

    What we like

    • Useful rear secondary display
    • 3x telephoto at this price
    • Customisable Action Key
    • Clean, ad-free software

    What could be better

    • Base model ships without a charger
    • 8 MP telephoto is soft in low light
    • Brand's service network smaller than rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want something genuinely different, with a rear screen and telephoto, from an Indian brand.

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

  • Lava Agni 2 5G

    The Lava Agni 2 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 21,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It was the most ambitious phone from the Indian brand at the time, and the first to use MediaTek's Dimensity 7050. Lava built its pitch around clean software, a premium curved design and home-grown credentials, alongside a free at-home service offer.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, and the matte glass back in Viridian green gives it a premium feel. The Dimensity 7050 delivers steady performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. The software is near-stock Android 13 with no bloatware or ads, a real differentiator against Realme and Xiaomi rivals at the time.

    The quad camera has a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide, a 2 MP depth and a 2 MP macro lens. Daylight results are respectable, low light less so. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 66W charging fills it quickly. Against the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 11 5G, it stands out for its clean software more than its cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursViridian

    What we like

    • Clean Android without ads or bloatware
    • Premium curved AMOLED
    • Fast 66W charging
    • Indian brand with home service

    What could be better

    • Average low-light camera
    • Filler 2 MP lenses
    • Single colour option

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a clean, ad-free Android experience from an Indian brand at a mid-range price.

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

  • Honor 200

    Honor launched the Honor 200 in India in July 2024 at Rs 34,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, alongside the pricier Honor 200 Pro. Its pitch was portrait photography, with camera modes developed together with the Parisian photo studio Studio Harcourt, wrapped in a slim, curved design that clearly targeted the OnePlus Nord 4 and Galaxy A35.

    The 6.7-inch curved OLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K-class resolution and high-frequency PWM dimming. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers solid mid-range performance, comfortable with everyday multitasking and moderate gaming, but behind the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the Nord 4. MagicOS 8.0 on Android 14 includes Honor's AI features, though it carries some preinstalled apps.

    The triple camera, with a 50 MP main, a 50 MP 2.5x telephoto and a 12 MP ultrawide, delivers excellent portraits with a distinctive studio look, and the 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 5200 mAh silicon-carbon battery charges at 100W wired. It is a portrait specialist; buyers prioritising raw performance would pick the Nord 4, while photographers may prefer the Honor.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 34,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved OLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2664
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP 2.5x telephoto + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5200 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, MagicOS 8.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, Moonlight White

    What we like

    • Excellent portrait photography
    • 50 MP telephoto at this price
    • Fast 100W charging
    • Slim, comfortable design

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 trails the Nord 4's chip
    • No official IP rating
    • Preinstalled apps in MagicOS

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who shoot lots of portraits and want a stylish, fast-charging mid-ranger.

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

  • Honor 90

    The Honor 90 marked the brand's return to India in September 2023, launched at Rs 37,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB through a new partnership with HTech. It arrived as a stylish, slim mid-ranger competing with the OnePlus Nord 3 and Samsung Galaxy A54, and its sales pitch focused on the display and a headline 200 MP camera.

    The 6.7-inch quad-curved AMOLED has a sharp 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and very high peak brightness, along with high-frequency PWM dimming that Honor promoted as easier on the eyes. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition is adequate for daily use but slower than the Dimensity 9000 in the Nord 3. MagicOS 7.1 on Android 13 is feature-rich but heavier than OxygenOS.

    The 200 MP main camera captures plenty of detail in good light, joined by a 12 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP depth sensor, while the 50 MP selfie camera is excellent. The 5000 mAh battery with 66W charging lasts comfortably through a day. Its display and selfie camera stand out, but the price felt high against the faster Nord 3.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2664
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MagicOS 7.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight183 g
    ColoursMidnight Black, Diamond Silver, Emerald Green

    What we like

    • Sharp, bright quad-curved display
    • Detailed 200 MP main camera
    • Excellent 50 MP selfie camera
    • Slim, light design

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is slow for the price
    • No official IP rating
    • MagicOS feels heavy

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise display quality, selfies and slim design over raw performance.

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

  • Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G

    The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. The Pova series targets young, gaming-inclined buyers, and this model continued that theme with an angular design and Arc Interface LED strips on the back that light up for notifications, calls and charging, Tecno's take on Nothing's Glyph lights.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz and has thin bezels. Performance comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 6080, a modest chip that handles daily tasks and lighter games but trails the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro. HiOS 14 on Android 14 offers plenty of features, including a gaming mode, but comes with preinstalled apps.

    The headline is endurance: a 6000 mAh battery with 70W charging, a combination that was rare under Rs 20,000. The 108 MP main camera is detailed in daylight, while the 32 MP selfie camera is decent. Dolby Atmos stereo speakers add to the media experience. It suits heavy users who prize battery life and charging speed over raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6080
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging70W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HiOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMeteorite Grey, Comet Green

    What we like

    • Large 6000 mAh battery
    • Fast 70W charging
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED
    • Fun Arc Interface LED lights

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 6080 is underpowered
    • Basic secondary camera
    • Bloatware in HiOS

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want long battery life and fast charging under Rs 20,000, with a flashy design.

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

  • 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.