RAG Demo

Tag: Performance

  • Poco X6 Pro

    Poco launched the X6 Pro in January 2024 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB, and it quickly became the performance benchmark for its price. It was the first phone in India with the Dimensity 8300 Ultra and among the first to ship with Xiaomi's HyperOS instead of MIUI. The design mixes a flat frame with a large camera bar and, on the yellow model, vegan leather.

    Performance is the main draw. The Dimensity 8300 Ultra comfortably outpaces the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Note 13 Pro and Poco X6, running demanding games at high settings with stable frame rates. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED is bright and smooth. Its 64 MP main camera with OIS is dependable, if not exciting. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging gives good endurance.

    Rivals included the Realme 12 Pro, the iQOO Neo 7, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and the Redmi Note 13 Pro. The Realme offered a telephoto lens and the Nord CE 3 cleaner software, but nothing near the price matched the X6 Pro's raw speed. Camera-focused buyers should weigh the Realme first.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursRacing Grey, Spectre Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Class-leading performance for the price
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Early HyperOS on Android 14
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Average camera beyond the main sensor
    • Runs warm under sustained load
    • Only IP54 protection

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want flagship-level speed at a mid-range price.

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

  • Poco X7 Pro

    The Poco X7 Pro arrived in January 2025 at Rs 27,999 as the first phone in India with MediaTek's Dimensity 8400 Ultra and the first to ship with Android 15-based HyperOS 2. Poco gave the Indian model a larger 6,550 mAh battery than the global version, reinforcing its pitch as a performance phone that also lasts.

    The Dimensity 8400 Ultra is a substantial upgrade, edging close to previous-generation flagship chips in sustained gaming. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Poco dropped the macro camera and kept a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS plus an 8 MP ultrawide. Battery life is outstanding, and 90 W charging fills the large cell in under an hour. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings add real durability.

    Its competitors included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme 14 Pro+, the iQOO Neo 10R and the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. The Nord 4 offered a metal body and longer update promises, while the Realme and Redmi had telephoto lenses. For raw speed and battery per rupee, the X7 Pro led its class at launch.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6550 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Obsidian Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    • Huge 6,550 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Android 15 out of the box

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Only two rear cameras
    • HyperOS includes promotional apps

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and heavy users who want top-tier mid-range speed with excellent battery life and durability.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.