RAG Demo

Tag: Flagship

  • Samsung Galaxy S23

    The Galaxy S23 arrived in India in February 2023 as the small-screen entry to Samsung's flagship line, priced at Rs 74,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB model. Its biggest change was under the hood: every S23 sold in India used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, ending years of Exynos versus Snapdragon complaints from Indian buyers who felt they got the weaker chip.

    Design is cleaner than the S22, with three separate camera rings on a flat glass back and an aluminium frame. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is bright and sharp at 1080 x 2340, and the phone weighs just 168 g, which makes it one of the few truly one-hand flagships of its year. Performance stays cool under gaming loads that made its predecessor throttle hard.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto setup is versatile and reliable, though not class-leading in low light. The 3900 mAh battery is the real compromise: it gets through a day of moderate use, but 25W charging feels slow next to the OnePlus 11 or iQOO 11 at a similar price. Against the iPhone 14, it offers zoom and a faster display for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 74,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3900 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight168 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • Genuinely compact and light for a flagship
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 runs cool and fast
    • Optical 3x telephoto at this size
    • Long software support commitment

    What could be better

    • 3900 mAh battery is only just enough
    • 25W charging is slow for the price
    • Base model has 128 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium Android phone that fits comfortably in one hand and a jeans pocket.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 11

    The iQOO 11 launched in India in January 2023 and was the first phone in the country to ship with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. iQOO positioned it as a performance flagship at a lower price than Samsung or Apple, taking on the OnePlus 11 and Xiaomi 12 Pro. The BMW M Motorsport-inspired Legend edition with its striped design was especially popular.

    The 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED display has a 1440 x 3200 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, making it one of the sharpest and smoothest screens of its time. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance was excellent, with strong efficiency and sustained gaming. iQOO also included its own V2 chip for frame interpolation in games. Funtouch OS 13 offered gaming-focused features but included some preinstalled apps.

    The camera setup includes a 50 MP Samsung GN5 main sensor with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 13 MP 2x portrait telephoto. Photos were solid, though not class-leading compared with the Pixel 7 Pro. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging can refill in under half an hour. Against the OnePlus 11, it offered a sharper, faster display and quicker charging at a similar price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, E6 AMOLED, 144Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Samsung GN5 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 13 MP 2x portrait telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Alpha

    What we like

    • First Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone in India
    • Sharp 2K 144Hz display
    • 120W fast charging
    • BMW M Motorsport Legend design

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Camera is good but not class-leading
    • Lacks an official high IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want flagship performance and a top display at a lower price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2023). 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 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 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 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 X90 Pro

    The Vivo X90 Pro arrived in India in April 2023 as Vivo's photography flagship, built around a 1-inch Sony IMX989 main sensor and Zeiss co-engineered optics. It took on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Pixel 7 Pro and OnePlus 11 for buyers who cared most about camera quality. A vegan leather back and a large circular camera ring gave it a distinctive, classic-camera look.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display runs at 120Hz with a resolution of 1260 x 2800, offering excellent brightness and colour. MediaTek's Dimensity 9200 proved a capable flagship chip with good thermal behaviour, and Vivo's V2 imaging chip assisted with photo and video processing. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 was criticised for preinstalled apps, a recurring complaint with Vivo phones in India.

    Camera performance is where it excelled: the 1-inch sensor produced natural depth and impressive low-light shots, and the 50 MP portrait lens with roughly 2x zoom made it a portrait specialist. It lacked the long-range zoom of the S23 Ultra. The 4,870 mAh battery supports 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, both faster than Samsung's. For photographers who rarely zoom far, it was one of the best camera phones of 2023.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 84,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50.3 MP 1-inch Sony IMX989 main + 50 MP portrait telephoto + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4870 mAh
    Charging120W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegendary Black

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor excels in low light
    • Excellent portrait lens with Zeiss tuning
    • 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • No long-range periscope zoom
    • Funtouch OS bloatware
    • Single colour and storage option in India

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want flagship low-light and portrait performance.

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