RAG Demo

Tag: Gaming

  • Poco X5 Pro

    Poco launched the X5 Pro in India in February 2023 as a performance-focused mid-ranger at Rs 22,999. It is closely related to the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed edition sold in China, and its biggest selling point was the Snapdragon 778G, a proven chip that was faster than the Dimensity 1080 in the pricier Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED display runs at 120 Hz, with good brightness and Dolby Vision support. At 181 g and under 8 mm thick, the phone is notably light. The 778G handles gaming well, sustaining stable frame rates in popular titles. The 108 MP main camera takes sharp daylight shots but lacks OIS, so low-light results suffer. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging delivers solid endurance and quick top-ups.

    Rivals included the iQOO Z7, the Realme 10 Pro+, the Samsung Galaxy M54 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro. The iQOO Z7 offered OIS for less, while the Poco X5 Pro won on performance and display. It remains a strong value pick for gamers on a budget. Buyers who care more about photos than games should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 14 for Poco
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight181 g
    ColoursAstral Black, Horizon Blue, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 778G is strong for gaming
    • Slim and light at 181 g
    • 120 Hz AMOLED with Dolby Vision
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No OIS on the main camera
    • Shipped with Android 12
    • Bloatware in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget-conscious gamers who want a light phone with a proven Snapdragon chip and a good screen.

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

  • iQOO Z9

    iQOO launched the Z9 in India in March 2024 through Amazon, sharing most of its hardware with the Vivo T3 sold on Flipkart. It focused on balanced specs for the price: a capable chip, a stabilised main camera and a bright display. Competitors included the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Redmi Note 13 and Poco X6 Neo.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz gets very bright outdoors, which reviewers praised. The Dimensity 7200 provided strong performance for the segment, handling popular games at decent settings. IP54 protection against dust and splashes was included. The phone feels light and well built, with a flat frame. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 offered gaming features alongside some preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS takes sharp, natural photos and handles low light better than most rivals at the price, while a 2 MP depth sensor rounds out the rear. The 16 MP front camera is adequate. The 5,000 mAh battery with 44W charging easily lasts a day. Compared with the Narzo 70 Pro, it was faster but missed an ultrawide camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX882 main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBrushed Green, Graphene Blue

    What we like

    • Very bright AMOLED display
    • Dimensity 7200 performance
    • OIS main camera
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • 44W charging trails rivals
    • Some bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Amazon shoppers who want balanced performance and a reliable camera under 20,000 rupees.

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

  • iQOO Neo 10R

    The iQOO Neo 10R launched in India in March 2025 as a performance phone aimed at younger buyers and gamers. It used the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a slightly trimmed flagship chip, and a very large 6,400 mAh battery. Its main rivals were the Poco X7 Pro, OnePlus Nord 4 and Realme P3 Ultra, all targeting the space just below 30,000 rupees.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and refreshes at up to 144Hz, giving sharp visuals and very smooth gameplay. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 delivers excellent sustained performance, and iQOO highlighted long stable sessions at high frame rates in popular shooters. An IP65 rating adds water-jet protection. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 came with a game mode and the usual Vivo-family extras.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS takes dependable photos, and an 8 MP ultrawide is functional but basic. The 32 MP front camera is a step up from earlier Neo models. The 6,400 mAh battery easily lasts more than a day, and 80W charging is quick. Against the Poco X7 Pro, it offered similar speed with a larger battery and a higher refresh rate.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX882 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6400 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursRaging Blue, Moonknight Titanium

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 gaming performance
    • 6,400 mAh battery
    • 144Hz 1.5K AMOLED display
    • IP65 rating

    What could be better

    • Basic ultrawide camera
    • No wireless charging
    • Funtouch OS preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want flagship-class speed and a huge battery under 30,000 rupees.

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

  • iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    The iQOO Neo 9 Pro launched in India in February 2024 with the previous year's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, offering near-flagship performance well below flagship prices. Its dual-tone vegan leather design in Fiery Red caught attention. It competed directly with the OnePlus 12R, which used the same chip, as well as the Poco X6 Pro and Realme GT 6T.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display has a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals and smooth gaming. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance was excellent, and iQOO's Q1 chip improved gaming frame rates. An IP54 rating offered basic protection. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 included gaming features, along with preinstalled apps that some users disliked.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX920 main camera with OIS produces good photos, while an 8 MP ultrawide is merely acceptable. The 16 MP selfie camera is average. The 5,160 mAh battery with 120W charging refills very quickly. Against the OnePlus 12R, it was cheaper with similar performance, while the OnePlus offered cleaner software, a larger battery and a slightly better display.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 36,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX920 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5160 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFiery Red, Conqueror Black

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 at a mid-range price
    • 144Hz AMOLED display
    • 120W fast charging
    • Distinctive vegan leather design

    What could be better

    • Average ultrawide and selfie cameras
    • Only IP54 rating
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want flagship-class performance without paying flagship prices.

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

  • iQOO Neo 7

    The iQOO Neo 7 launched in India in February 2023 as a performance-first mid-ranger. It used MediaTek's then-new Dimensity 8200 and 120W charging, two features rarely seen below 30,000 rupees at the time. It competed with the Poco X5 Pro, OnePlus Nord 2T and Redmi Note 12 Pro+, appealing mainly to gamers and speed-focused users.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz offers good colours and smooth gaming. Dimensity 8200 delivered excellent performance, comfortably outpacing the Snapdragon 778G in the Poco X5 Pro in sustained tests. The phone is heavier and thicker than some rivals, reflecting its large battery and cooling system. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 included gaming modes but also preinstalled apps.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS produces decent daytime photos, while the two 2 MP helpers add little. There is no ultrawide, a notable gap. The 16 MP front camera is average. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging is a highlight, refilling in about 25 minutes. Against the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, it was faster and charged more quickly, though Redmi had a 200 MP camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursInterstellar Black, Frost Blue

    What we like

    • Dimensity 8200 gaming performance
    • 120W fast charging
    • 120Hz AMOLED display
    • OIS main camera

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Heavy and thick
    • Average selfie camera

    Who should buy it

    Gamers on a mid-range budget who want fast performance and very fast charging.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2023). 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.

  • Vivo T3 5G

    Vivo launched the T3 5G in India in March 2024, sharing much of its hardware with the iQOO Z9 that arrived around the same time. It focused on balanced performance, a capable camera and a bright AMOLED screen, competing against the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Redmi Note 13 and Poco X6 Neo.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and colourful, making it great for video and gaming. MediaTek's Dimensity 7200 is a strong performer in this segment, offering better gaming frame rates than the Dimensity 7050 in Realme rivals. IP54 dust and splash resistance adds peace of mind. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 was functional, with the usual Vivo customisation options.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS produces detailed, well-balanced photos in daylight and decent results at night, while a 2 MP depth sensor rounds out the rear. The 16 MP front camera is fine for selfies. The 5,000 mAh battery with 44W charging lasts a full day. Compared with the Narzo 70 Pro, it was faster but lacked an ultrawide camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX882 main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCosmic Blue, Crystal Flake

    What we like

    • Dimensity 7200 performance
    • OIS main camera
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED display
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • 44W charging is slower than rivals
    • Some preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want strong performance and a stable main camera.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2024). 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 T3 Ultra

    The T3 Ultra launched in India in September 2024 as the most powerful phone in Vivo's online-focused T-series. It borrowed the Dimensity 9200+ chip from the V40 Pro and wrapped it in a slim curved design, competing against the Poco F6, OnePlus Nord 4 and Motorola Edge 50 Pro for buyers seeking performance without a flagship price.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, giving excellent clarity and colour. Dimensity 9200+ handles demanding games and multitasking with ease, putting the T3 Ultra among the fastest phones in its segment. The IP68 rating adds durability, and the phone remains slim despite its large battery. Funtouch OS 14 offered plenty of features but came with preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX921 main camera with OIS performs well, joined by an 8 MP ultrawide that is noticeably weaker. The 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is a highlight. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts comfortably through a day. Against the Poco F6, it offered better water resistance and a curved display, though Poco had a slight performance advantage in some tests.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX921 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLunar Grey, Frost Green

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9200+ flagship-class performance
    • Sharp curved AMOLED display
    • IP68 rating
    • 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide
    • Curved screen can cause accidental touches
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Performance-focused buyers who also want water resistance and a slim curved design.

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