Tag: Performance

  • Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G

    The Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. Tecno, better known for budget phones, used it to show it could compete on camera and performance in the mid-range, taking on the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 10 Pro+ with a combination of strong specifications and a lower price.

    Its 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 8050 is the real surprise, a near-flagship chip that is far quicker than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro and handles demanding games comfortably. HiOS 13 on Android 13 is busy and includes preinstalled apps, which detracts from an otherwise strong package.

    The 64 MP RGBW main camera with OIS captures more light than conventional sensors and produces good low-light shots, but there is no ultrawide, only a 2 MP depth sensor. The 32 MP selfie camera is solid. A 5000 mAh battery with 33W charging delivers dependable endurance. It offered unusual performance for the money, held back mainly by software polish.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP RGBW main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, HiOS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursSerenity Blue, Dark Welkin

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8050 for the price
    • 64 MP RGBW camera with OIS
    • Good low-light photos
    • Competitive pricing

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • HiOS is cluttered
    • 33W charging is average

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want near-flagship performance and decent low-light photos for under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Realme GT 7 Pro

    Realme launched the GT 7 Pro in India in November 2024 at Rs 59,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It was the first phone in the country with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it marked Realme's most serious attempt yet at the full flagship segment. The Indian version shipped with a 5,800 mAh battery, smaller than the Chinese model because of local regulatory constraints.

    Performance is top tier, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite handling any game or workload with ease. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, a Samsung-supplied panel, is bright and accurate. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto. Charging is rated at 120 W, and the phone carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for strong water and dust resistance.

    Rivals included the iQOO 13, the OnePlus 13, the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Vivo X200. The iQOO 13 offered the same chip at a lower price, and the OnePlus 13 had a larger battery with wireless charging. The GT 7 Pro competed on early availability, its periscope camera and durability.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchNovember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMars Orange, Galaxy Grey

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • 3x periscope telephoto
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • 120 W charging

    What could be better

    • Smaller battery than the Chinese model
    • iQOO 13 offers the same chip for less
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want top-tier performance and a periscope camera in a durable flagship below Rs 60,000.

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

  • Realme GT 6T

    Realme brought the GT series back to India with the GT 6T in May 2024, priced at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was the first phone in India with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, and Realme marketed it as offering flagship-grade performance and display quality at a mid-range price.

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 performs close to older flagship chips and sustains performance well thanks to a large vapour chamber. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED is rated for 6,000 nits peak brightness, among the brightest panels available at the time. The camera set is simpler than the GT 6, with a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide. The 5,500 mAh battery charges at 120 W, and the phone is relatively light at about 191 g.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord CE4, the Poco F6, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2a). The Poco F6 had a slightly faster chip, while the Edge 50 Pro offered a telephoto lens. The GT 6T led on display brightness and charging speed. Its camera setup is the main trade-off.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight191 g
    ColoursFluid Silver, Razor Green

    What we like

    • Extremely bright LTPO display
    • Strong Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    • 120 W charging
    • Relatively light

    What could be better

    • Only two rear cameras
    • No telephoto
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-grade display and performance without crossing Rs 35,000.

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

  • OnePlus Nord 3

    OnePlus launched the Nord 3 in India in July 2023 at Rs 33,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was a major step up from the Nord 2T, borrowing the previous year's flagship Dimensity 9000 chip and adding the alert slider, a feature usually reserved for the numbered series.

    Performance is excellent for the price, handling demanding games at high settings. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is sharp and bright. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, shared with the OnePlus 11, delivers reliable photos, though the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W, reaching full in about 30 minutes.

    Rivals included the Poco F5, the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Nothing Phone (2) and the iQOO Neo 7 Pro. The Poco F5 was cheaper with similar performance, while the Galaxy A54 offered IP67 and longer updates. The Nord 3 balanced speed, camera and charging well, with a cleaner software experience than most rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 33,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9000
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursMisty Green, Tempest Gray

    What we like

    • Flagship-class Dimensity 9000
    • Good 50 MP OIS main camera
    • Alert slider
    • 80 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Only IP54
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-level performance and clean software in a mid-range Nord.

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

  • OnePlus Nord 4

    OnePlus launched the Nord 4 in India in July 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its most distinctive feature is a metal unibody design, unusual for a modern 5G phone because of antenna challenges, which gives it a durable, premium feel. OnePlus also promised four years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 delivers near-flagship performance, handling demanding games smoothly. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, a simpler setup that drops the macro lens. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day and charges at 100 W.

    Rivals included the Poco F6, the Realme GT 6T, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The Poco F6 had a slightly faster chip and the Edge 50 Pro a telephoto lens, while the Nord 4 stood out for build quality and long software support. Its camera remains the weak spot.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199.5 g
    ColoursMercurial Silver, Oasis Green, Obsidian Midnight

    What we like

    • Premium metal unibody
    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    • Long software support promise
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Only two rear cameras
    • No telephoto
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who value build quality and long-term software support in a fast mid-range phone.

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

  • OnePlus 11R

    The OnePlus 11R launched in India in February 2023 at Rs 39,999 as a more affordable sibling to the OnePlus 11. It shared the flagship's circular camera styling and alert slider but used the previous-generation Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which was still one of the fastest chips available at the time.

    The 6.74-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with a 1240 x 2772 resolution, sharper than typical full HD panels. Performance is excellent for gaming and multitasking, and the 8+ Gen 1 runs cooler than the original 8 Gen 1. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS produces reliable photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are filler. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 100 W, reaching full in about 25 minutes.

    It competed with the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Xiaomi 12 Pro discounted and the Nothing Phone (2), which arrived later. The Galaxy A54 offered IP67 and longer updates, while the 11R was faster and charged much quicker. The lack of an IP rating was its main weakness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight204 g
    ColoursSonic Black, Galactic Silver

    What we like

    • Flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    • 100 W charging
    • Sharp curved display
    • Alert slider

    What could be better

    • No IP rating
    • Weak secondary cameras
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship performance and very fast charging for around Rs 40,000.

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

  • OnePlus 12R

    OnePlus launched the 12R in India in January 2024 at Rs 39,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, alongside the OnePlus 12. It used the previous year's flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and brought LTPO display technology to the R-series for the first time, a feature rarely seen at this price.

    Performance is excellent for gaming and multitasking, comfortably ahead of most mid-range rivals. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1264 x 2780 resolution reaches very high peak brightness and adapts its refresh rate to save power. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is reliable, but the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. Battery life is a standout, with the 5,500 mAh cell lasting well over a day and recharging at 100 W.

    Rivals included the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the Xiaomi 14 Civi and the Poco F6. The S23 FE offered wireless charging and longer support, while the iQOO Neo 9 Pro had a similar chip for less. The 12R was a strong all-rounder for performance and battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight207 g
    ColoursIron Gray, Cool Blue

    What we like

    • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    • Bright LTPO display
    • Excellent battery life
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • No wireless charging
    • Base storage only 128 GB

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class performance and long battery life for around Rs 40,000.

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

  • OnePlus 13R

    The OnePlus 13R arrived in January 2025 alongside the OnePlus 13, priced at Rs 42,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the previous year's flagship chip, and adopted the flatter, squarer design of its bigger sibling, with IP65 protection. The alert slider remains on the frame.

    Performance is strong enough for any game or workload in its class. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1264 x 2780 is bright and smooth. A notable upgrade is the camera set: a 50 MP main, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2x telephoto, replacing the macro lens of earlier R models and making portraits much better. The 6,000 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance, recharged at 80 W.

    Rivals included the iQOO Neo 10R, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and the Poco F7. The S24 FE offered wireless charging and longer updates, while the iQOO was cheaper with a similar chip. The 13R combined performance, battery and a useful telephoto at a reasonable price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 42,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, OxygenOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Noir, Astral Trail

    What we like

    • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
    • Useful 2x telephoto
    • Big 6,000 mAh battery
    • Bright LTPO display

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP65
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want near-flagship speed, a telephoto camera and long battery life for under Rs 45,000.

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

  • Poco F5

    Poco's F-series has always been about flagship-class speed at a lower price, and the Poco F5 continued that tradition when it launched in India in May 2023. It was the first phone with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, a chip derived from the 8+ Gen 1 flagship, and it started at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB.

    In everyday use and gaming the 7+ Gen 2 performs close to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, with good efficiency and thermals. The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with 12-bit colour and Dolby Vision. Weighing about 181 g, it is unusually light for a 5,000 mAh phone, and it keeps the headphone jack and IR blaster. The 64 MP main camera has OIS and produces decent photos, but camera quality is clearly secondary to speed.

    At launch it went up against the OnePlus Nord 3, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the Realme GT Neo 3 and the Samsung Galaxy A54. The Nord 3 had a better main camera and the Galaxy A54 longer updates, but the F5 delivered more performance per rupee than any of them.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight181 g
    ColoursCarbon Black, Snowstorm White, Electric Blue

    What we like

    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 performance
    • Light 181 g design
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • Good 120 Hz AMOLED

    What could be better

    • Average camera system
    • Plastic frame feels less premium
    • Only IP53

    Who should buy it

    Performance-focused buyers who want flagship-class gaming speed for around Rs 30,000.

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

  • Poco F6

    Poco launched the F6 in India in May 2024 at Rs 29,999, and it carried Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a slightly trimmed version of the 8 Gen 3 flagship. That made it one of the cheapest ways to get genuinely flagship-tier performance in India at the time, and it shipped with HyperOS on Android 14.

    The 8s Gen 3 handles demanding games at high frame rates, and Poco's cooling keeps sustained performance stable. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. The camera set is simpler than earlier F phones, with a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, and results are good rather than great. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 90 W, and the phone is slim and light at about 179 g.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme GT 6T, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The GT 6T had a brighter screen, and the Nord 4 a metal unibody, but the Poco F6 had the strongest chip of the group at its price. Its weaker camera is the trade-off.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight179 g
    ColoursBlack, Titanium

    What we like

    • Flagship-tier Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 90 W charging
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Camera is only average
    • No headphone jack
    • Promotional apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want the fastest chip available around Rs 30,000.

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