RAG Demo

Tag: Periscope zoom

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    Nothing launched the Phone (3a) Pro in India in March 2025 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, alongside the Phone (3a). It shares most of its hardware with its sibling but adds a 3x periscope telephoto inside a large circular camera module with a metal ring, giving it a very different look from the regular (3a).

    Display and performance match the cheaper model: a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which handles daily use and moderate gaming well. Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 brings the Essential Key and Essential Space, with a promise of three years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The camera system is the reason to choose it: a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP 3x periscope with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, plus a 50 MP selfie camera. The periscope makes it one of the cheapest phones with genuine 3x optical zoom and strong 6x results. The 5000 mAh battery and 50W charging carry over. It undercuts the Motorola Edge 60 Pro but lacks its wireless charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.77-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2392
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Nothing OS 3.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight211 g
    ColoursGrey, Black

    What we like

    • 3x periscope zoom under Rs 30,000
    • 50 MP selfie camera
    • Distinctive design
    • Long security update promise

    What could be better

    • Same chipset as the cheaper Phone (3a)
    • Weak ultrawide
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want real periscope zoom photography on a budget without giving up clean software.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Ultra

    Launched in India in June 2024 at Rs 59,999 for a single 12 GB plus 512 GB configuration, the Edge 50 Ultra was Motorola's attempt to undercut the OnePlus 12 and Galaxy S24 while offering something they did not: a choice of a genuine wood back or Pantone-matched vegan leather. It feels distinctive in the hand and carries an IP68 rating.

    The 6.7-inch curved pOLED runs at up to 144Hz with a sharp 1.5K-class resolution, and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 delivers near-flagship speed, a step below the full Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in sustained gaming but more than enough for daily use. Hello UI is clean, with useful gestures and the Moto AI features introduced that year.

    Cameras are a strong point: a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope that gives it real zoom flexibility, plus a 50 MP selfie camera. The 4500 mAh battery is smaller than rivals, but 125W wired and 50W wireless charging compensate. Compared with the OnePlus 12 it trades some raw performance and battery capacity for a lighter feel and a periscope lens.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging125W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursForest Grey, Peach Fuzz, Nordic Wood

    What we like

    • Real wood back option is unique
    • 64 MP periscope zoom at this price
    • 125W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Generous 512 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • 4500 mAh battery is small for a flagship
    • Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 trails the full 8 Gen 3
    • Only one memory variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class cameras with periscope zoom and fast charging in a lighter, more distinctive body than the usual glass slabs.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (June 2024). 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 13 Pro+

    Realme launched the 13 Pro+ in India in July 2024 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB. It continued the camera-first approach of the 12 Pro+, upgrading both the main sensor and the periscope, and it introduced a Monet-inspired design with a textured back that resists fingerprints. Realme also pushed AI photo tools.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and smooth. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 carries over from the previous model, adequate for everyday use and moderate gaming but not class-leading. The cameras are the highlight: a 50 MP Sony LYT-701 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 3x periscope, along with Realme's AI-powered imaging features. The 5,200 mAh battery charges at 80 W.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Poco F6, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the Vivo V30. The Nord 4 and Poco F6 were much faster, while the Edge 50 Pro offered a similar telephoto setup. The 13 Pro+ remained a strong choice for zoom photography. Gamers should look at the Poco instead.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5200 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursEmerald Green, Monet Gold, Monet Purple

    What we like

    • Excellent 3x periscope telephoto
    • Strong Sony main camera
    • 80 W charging
    • Fingerprint-resistant design

    What could be better

    • Chip carried over from the previous model
    • Pricier than its predecessor
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Camera enthusiasts who want strong zoom and main-camera performance in an upper mid-range phone.

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

  • Realme 14 Pro+

    Realme launched the 14 Pro+ in India in January 2025 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its design is the most unusual in the range: the Pearl White model has a cold-sensitive back that changes colour when the temperature drops, and the Bikaner Purple option was designed for the Indian market. The phone also carries IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings.

    The 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz is sharp and bright. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a modest upgrade, smooth in everyday use and capable in games at moderate settings. The camera set pairs a 50 MP Sony IMX896 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto. The 6,000 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance and charges at 80 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 14 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 4, the Poco X7 Pro and the Vivo V40e. The Poco X7 Pro was much faster, while the Redmi offered a similar balance with a 2.5x telephoto. The 14 Pro+ stood out for its zoom camera, durability and design. Its chip is the main compromise.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.83-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1272 x 2800
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPearl White, Suede Grey, Bikaner Purple

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto
    • Colour-changing back on Pearl White
    • 6,000 mAh battery
    • IP68 and IP69 protection

    What could be better

    • Only a modest chip upgrade
    • Quad-curved screen can cause accidental touches
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a distinctive design, strong zoom camera and long battery life under Rs 30,000.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro+

    The Realme 12 Pro+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its main attraction was a 64 MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, a feature that had previously been limited to far more expensive phones. It shares the luxury watch-inspired design of the 12 Pro, with an extra red colour option.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz looks premium and is bright enough outdoors. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a step up from the 12 Pro's chip and handles everyday use and moderate gaming well. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is excellent, and the periscope delivers sharp zoom shots up to about 6x. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 3, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40. The Redmi offered IP68 and faster charging, and the Poco more speed, but the 12 Pro+ was the clear choice for zoom photography in its class. It is an easy recommendation for travel photographers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto at a mid-range price
    • Excellent Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Premium design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • 67 W charging trails some rivals
    • Performance is only moderate
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who want genuine optical zoom without paying flagship prices.

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

  • OnePlus 12

    OnePlus launched the 12 in India in January 2024 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It addressed several complaints about the OnePlus 11 by restoring wireless charging, adding a periscope telephoto, and improving water resistance to IP65, while keeping the alert slider and the large circular camera module.

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier performance with good thermal management. The 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED is exceptionally bright, rated for up to 4,500 nits peak. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 main, a 48 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope, all Hasselblad-tuned, producing natural colours and good zoom. The 5,400 mAh battery charges at 80 W wired in India and 50 W wireless.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+, the iPhone 15, the Xiaomi 14 and the iQOO 12. The Galaxy S24 offered seven years of updates and a compact size, while the iQOO 12 was cheaper with a similar chip. The OnePlus 12 stood out for its display, charging and battery life.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 64,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5400 mAh
    Charging80W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight220 g
    ColoursFlowy Emerald, Silky Black

    What we like

    • Very bright 2K LTPO display
    • Wireless charging returns
    • Useful 3x periscope
    • Strong battery life

    What could be better

    • Only IP65
    • Heavy at 220 g
    • Shorter update promise than Samsung

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a fast, long-lasting flagship with a superb screen and versatile cameras.

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

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    Xiaomi brought the 15 Ultra to India in March 2025 in a single 16 GB and 512 GB configuration, priced above most Android rivals and pitched less as an all-rounder than as a camera you can make calls on. The Leica co-branding, the large circular camera island and the optional photography grip kit all push the same message: this phone is for people who shoot a lot and care about how the files look.

    Under the glass sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which handles games, 4K video and heavy multitasking with ease, and a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel at 1440p that is bright and accurate. The rear array is the real story: a 1-inch type main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP 3x telephoto and a 200 MP periscope at roughly 4.3x. The Indian unit uses a 5,410 mAh silicon-carbon cell with 90 W wired and 80 W wireless charging.

    Against the Galaxy S25 Ultra it gives up the S Pen and Samsung's seven-year update promise, but its main camera and long-zoom detail are generally stronger, especially in low light. The Vivo X200 Pro is its closest rival on imaging and costs less. Buyers who mostly want a fast phone with a good camera will find the OnePlus 13 far cheaper; the 15 Ultra makes sense only if photography is the priority.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x telephoto + 200 MP periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5410 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with excellent low-light detail
    • 200 MP periscope gives usable long-range zoom
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Very expensive, single configuration in India
    • Heavy and top-heavy because of the camera island
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Google

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want the most capable zoom and low-light camera on an Android phone and will pay for it.

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

  • Xiaomi 14 Ultra

    Xiaomi launched the 14 Ultra in India in March 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB/512 GB, the first time an Ultra model was officially sold in the country. Its design looks like a compact camera, with a large circular module and vegan leather back, and an optional Photography Kit grip added a shutter button and extra battery.

    The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1440 x 3200 is very bright and sharp, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers excellent performance and the cooling handles extended camera and gaming use. It shipped with HyperOS on Android 14. The phone is big and heavy, and the camera bump makes it rock on a table.

    Four 50 MP cameras define it: a 1-inch-type LYT-900 main sensor with stepless variable aperture from f/1.63 to f/4.0, an ultrawide, a 3.2x floating telephoto and a 5x periscope. Results rival the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Vivo X100 Pro, especially in portraits and low light. The 5000 mAh battery supports 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, both well ahead of Samsung and Apple.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto + 50 MP 5x periscope
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Outstanding camera system with variable aperture
    • Two telephoto lenses
    • Fast wired and wireless charging
    • Bright QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Large, heavy and top-heavy camera bump
    • Expensive
    • Photography Kit sold separately

    Who should buy it

    Mobile photographers who want a camera-like phone with the most versatile lenses.

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

  • Oppo Reno 13 Pro

    The Reno 13 Pro launched in India in January 2025 as the top model of the series, bringing a periscope telephoto camera back to the Reno line. It targeted buyers in the 50,000 rupee range who wanted strong zoom and portrait photography, competing with the Vivo V40 Pro, OnePlus 13R and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

    The 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is large and immersive. The Dimensity 8350 provides fast, efficient performance, though the OnePlus 13R's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is quicker in games. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings mean the phone can handle submersion and high-pressure water jets. ColorOS 15 on Android 15 includes AI editing tools and smooth animations.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 50 MP 3.5x periscope telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make a versatile camera system, and portraits are the standout. The 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 5,800 mAh battery with 80W charging provides excellent endurance. Against the OnePlus 13R, it offered a better telephoto and stronger water resistance, while OnePlus was faster and cheaper.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.83-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8350
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP 3.5x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, ColorOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMist Lavender, Graphite Grey

    What we like

    • 50 MP periscope telephoto
    • Large quad-curved display
    • 5,800 mAh battery
    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • Slower than the OnePlus 13R
    • Large and heavy
    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want periscope zoom and great portraits below flagship prices.

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