Tag: Mid-range

  • Oppo Reno 11

    Oppo launched the Reno 11 in India in January 2024 with a focus on portrait photography and a refined design. Unlike most phones at its price, it included a dedicated telephoto camera for 2x portraits. It competed with the Vivo V29, Samsung Galaxy A35 and OnePlus Nord CE 4 for buyers who valued camera quality and looks.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz offers good colours and brightness. The Dimensity 7050 is a modest chip that handles daily tasks and light gaming well but is outpaced by rivals at the same price. The slim body with a wave-patterned back looks distinctive. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 is smooth and feature-rich, with useful AI editing tools introduced over time.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 32 MP 2x telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make for a flexible setup, and portraits are the standout. The 32 MP selfie camera is also capable. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging lasts a full day. Against the Vivo V29, it offered a telephoto lens, while the Vivo had a sharper screen and IP68 rating.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 32 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursWave Green, Rock Grey

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x portrait telephoto
    • Curved AMOLED display
    • Smooth ColorOS 14
    • Distinctive design

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7050 is weak for the price
    • No meaningful IP rating
    • Ultrawide is average

    Who should buy it

    Portrait lovers who want a telephoto lens in a stylish mid-range phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). 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 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.

  • Vivo Y200

    Vivo launched the Y200 in India in October 2023, borrowing design cues from the V-series, including a slim profile and the Aura light ring for portraits. It was largely sold through offline retail stores, where Vivo has a strong presence, and competed with the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Oppo A79 and Redmi Note 12 5G.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz looks vibrant and smooth, giving it an edge over many LCD rivals at retail. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is an entry-level 5G chip, suitable for calls, social media and streaming but limited for gaming. Critics noted that the price was high for this level of performance. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered the usual Vivo features.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes stable daytime photos, and the Aura light helps illuminate faces at night. The 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 16 MP selfie camera is decent for video calls. The 4,800 mAh battery with 44W charging lasts a day. Buyers focused on value could get faster chips online for less, but the Y200's looks and retail availability appealed to many.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4800 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursJungle Green, Desert Gold

    What we like

    • Slim and stylish design
    • 120Hz AMOLED display
    • OIS main camera with Aura light
    • Widely available in offline stores

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is underpowered for the price
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Online rivals offer better value

    Who should buy it

    Offline shoppers who want a stylish, slim phone with a good display.

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

  • Realme P3 Pro

    Launched in February 2025, the Realme P3 Pro built on the P2 Pro with a bigger battery, stronger dust and water protection and an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark Nebula Glow colour option. It targeted the same buyers as the Poco X7, Motorola Edge 50 Fusion and Vivo T3, offering a mix of durability and endurance at a mid-range price.

    The 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, making it one of the sharpest screens in its segment. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset is a modest upgrade over its predecessor, handling everyday use and mid-level gaming well, helped by a large vapour chamber. The IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings were unusual at this price and meant the phone could survive high-pressure water jets.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX896 main camera with OIS is the only meaningful rear lens, as the second sensor is a 2 MP depth unit and there is no ultrawide. That is a step back from the P2 Pro for photography flexibility. The 6,000 mAh battery with 80W charging easily lasts two days of moderate use. Buyers wanting an ultrawide or better gaming performance would find the Poco X7 Pro a stronger alternative.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.83-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1272 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX896 main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursGalaxy Purple, Nebula Glow, Saturn Brown

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K quad-curved AMOLED display
    • 6,000 mAh battery lasts up to two days
    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Glow-in-the-dark Nebula Glow finish

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Only incremental performance gains
    • Curved screen is prone to accidental touches

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long battery life and rugged water resistance in a stylish mid-range phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2025). 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.

  • Realme Narzo 60 Pro

    Realme launched the Narzo 60 Pro in India in mid-2023 as the most premium phone the online-first Narzo line had carried so far. The pitch was looks first: a curved AMOLED display, a vegan leather back on some colours and a large circular camera island that borrowed heavily from the number-series design language. It went up against the Redmi Note 12 Pro, the iQOO Z7 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy M-series in a very crowded bracket.

    The 6.7-inch curved panel refreshes at 120Hz and is the highlight of daily use, with deep blacks and comfortable brightness indoors. Inside, the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 is a modest 6nm chip that handles social apps, streaming and casual games without fuss, though demanding titles need lower settings. Realme UI 4.0 on Android 13 felt clean for the price, but early units shipped with a fair number of preinstalled apps that buyers had to clear out.

    The 100 MP main sensor produces detailed daylight shots, while the 2 MP depth unit adds little and there is no ultrawide, which rivals such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro offered. Battery life from the 5,000 mAh cell is a solid full day, and 67W charging refills it quickly. Buyers who wanted a curved, premium-looking phone without paying Nothing or OnePlus prices found it appealing; spec-sheet hunters looked elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 1 TB
    Rear cameras100 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Curved 120Hz AMOLED display looks premium
    • 100 MP main camera is sharp in good light
    • Fast 67W charging
    • Vegan leather finish stands out

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Dimensity 7050 is ordinary for gaming
    • Preinstalled apps out of the box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a curved-screen phone with a premium look on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Realme Narzo 70 Pro

    The Narzo 70 Pro arrived in March 2024 with one clear selling point for its price: the Sony IMX890 sensor with optical stabilisation, the same main camera found in far more expensive phones of the previous year. Realme also marketed air gestures, letting users scroll or answer calls with a hand wave, and a glass back with a textured finish. Its main competition came from the Redmi Note 13, iQOO Z9 and Poco X6.

    The flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display runs at 120Hz and has thin enough bezels to feel current. Performance comes from the Dimensity 7050 again, which is dependable for daily tasks and moderate gaming but not a step up from the previous Narzo. An IP54 rating offers splash protection. Realme UI 5.0 on Android 14 brought a tidier interface, although bloatware remained a common complaint among reviewers.

    Photos from the main camera are the real reason to pick this phone: natural colours, good dynamic range and steadier low-light shots thanks to OIS. The 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are average. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging is a reliable pairing. Against the iQOO Z9, which had a stronger Dimensity 7200, the Narzo traded some performance for a better primary sensor.

    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 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursGlass Gold, Glass Green

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED screen
    • 67W fast charging
    • Air gestures are a neat extra

    What could be better

    • Same chipset as the older Narzo 60 Pro
    • Weak secondary cameras
    • Bloatware on the software

    Who should buy it

    Camera-focused buyers who want stabilised photos for under 20,000 rupees.

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