Tag: Rs 30,000 – 50,000

  • 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 GT 6

    Realme launched the GT 6 in India in June 2024 at Rs 40,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB. It marked the return of the GT series as a performance flagship in India and was pitched as a flagship killer, combining a near-top-tier chip with an extremely bright display and a versatile camera set.

    The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 delivers excellent performance in games and multitasking, supported by a large vapour chamber. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED is rated for up to 6,000 nits peak brightness and remains readable in harsh sunlight. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2x telephoto. The 5,500 mAh battery charges at 120 W, reaching full in under 30 minutes.

    Rivals included the OnePlus 12R, the Poco F6, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. The Poco F6 had the same chip for less, while the OnePlus 12R offered a slightly faster processor. The GT 6 stood out with its telephoto camera and very bright screen.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 40,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFluid Silver, Razor Green

    What we like

    • Very bright LTPO display
    • Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 performance
    • 2x telephoto camera
    • 120 W charging

    What could be better

    • Pricier than the Poco F6 with the same chip
    • No wireless charging
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Performance-focused buyers who also want a telephoto camera and a display that excels outdoors.

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

  • 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 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 10R

    The OnePlus 10R arrived in India in April 2022 at Rs 38,999 and was essentially a rebranded Realme GT Neo 3, sold under the OnePlus name with OxygenOS. It was the first OnePlus with a MediaTek chip, the Dimensity 8100-Max, and it was offered in two versions: a 5,000 mAh model with 80 W charging and a 4,500 mAh Endurance Edition with 150 W charging.

    The 6.7-inch flat AMOLED runs at 120 Hz and is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 8100-Max delivers strong, efficient performance that holds up well in games. The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera has OIS and takes good photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are average. The boxy design with racing-style stripes, in some colours, marked a departure from the usual OnePlus look.

    Competitors included the iQOO 9 SE, the Xiaomi 11T Pro, the Samsung Galaxy A73 and the Realme GT Neo 3 itself. The Xiaomi 11T Pro offered a faster Snapdragon 888, but the 10R was more efficient and charged faster. Critics noted the absence of the alert slider, a long-standing OnePlus feature.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 38,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2022
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8100-Max
    RAM8 GB / 12 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 12, OxygenOS 12.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight186 g
    ColoursForest Green, Sierra Black

    What we like

    • Efficient, fast Dimensity 8100-Max
    • Optional 150 W charging edition
    • Good 50 MP OIS main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED

    What could be better

    • No alert slider
    • No IP rating
    • Average secondary cameras

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want fast performance and very quick charging below Rs 40,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 13 Pro+ 5G arrived in January 2024 as the most premium Redmi Note yet. Xiaomi gave it a curved 1.5K AMOLED display, a vegan-leather option in its Fusion colourways, and an IP68 rating, a first for the Note line. At Rs 31,999 it competed directly with phones that had traditionally sat a class above Redmi.

    Performance comes from the Dimensity 7200 Ultra, a solid upper mid-range chip that runs games smoothly at moderate settings and stays efficient. The 200 MP main camera uses a larger sensor than the Note 13 Pro's and delivers good dynamic range, although the ultrawide and macro remain basic. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 120 W, reaching full in about 20 minutes, and the curved screen makes the phone feel slimmer in hand.

    Its main rivals were the Realme 12 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope zoom, the OnePlus Nord 3 with a stronger Dimensity 9000, and the Motorola Edge 40. The Note 13 Pro+ stands out on durability and charging speed, but lacks a telephoto camera and drops the headphone jack that the cheaper Note models keep.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFusion White, Fusion Purple, Fusion Black

    What we like

    • IP68 dust and water resistance
    • 120 W charging
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Premium design options

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera at this price
    • No headphone jack, unlike cheaper Notes
    • MIUI bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, premium-feeling Redmi with fast charging and a great screen.

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

  • Xiaomi 14 Civi

    Xiaomi brought the Civi line to India in June 2024 with the Xiaomi 14 Civi, priced at Rs 42,999 for 8 GB/256 GB. It is a rebranded Civi 4 Pro from China, aimed at style-conscious buyers who want flagship-like cameras and design without paying flagship prices. It competed with the OnePlus 12R, Nothing Phone (2) and Galaxy S23 FE.

    The 6.55-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with 1236 x 2750 resolution and high peak brightness. The slim body comes in finishes including vegan leather and a metallic texture, making it one of the slimmer phones of its class. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers near-flagship performance, comfortably handling games at high settings, with HyperOS running on Android 14.

    The rear cameras are a 50 MP Leica main with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2x telephoto, producing pleasing portraits. Up front are dual 32 MP cameras, one wide and one standard, a rarity for group selfies. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 67W charging refills it quickly, though there is no wireless charging or high IP rating.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 42,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.55-inch, AMOLED, curved, 120Hz, 1236 x 2750
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP + 32 MP ultrawide
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatcha Green, Cruise Blue, Shadow Black

    What we like

    • Slim, stylish design
    • Leica cameras with a 2x telephoto
    • Dual selfie cameras
    • Near-flagship performance

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • No strong water resistance rating
    • Curved screen not for everyone

    Who should buy it

    Selfie lovers and style-focused buyers who want Leica cameras and strong performance under Rs 45,000.

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

  • Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

    Apple launched the third-generation iPhone SE in India in March 2022 at Rs 43,900 for 64 GB. It reused the iPhone 8 design, complete with thick bezels, a Home button with Touch ID and a 4.7-inch screen, but inside it carried the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13 and added 5G support for the first time on an SE.

    The 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD at 750 x 1334 looks dated next to OLED Android phones at this price, such as the OnePlus 10R or Galaxy A73. The upside is a tiny, 144 g phone that is easy to use with one hand. Performance is excellent, far beyond any Android phone in its price band, and iOS updates were expected to continue for many years.

    There is a single 12 MP rear camera, which benefits from the A15's image processing and handles daylight well, but it lacks Night mode and an ultrawide lens. The small battery is the major weakness and heavy users will struggle to reach the evening. It has IP67 water resistance and wireless charging, making it a practical choice for those who want Touch ID and a compact phone.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,900 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display4.7-inch, Retina HD LCD, 60Hz, 750 x 1334
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide
    Front camera7 MP
    Battery2018 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 15.4
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight144 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Flagship A15 performance
    • Very compact and light
    • Touch ID Home button
    • Long iOS support

    What could be better

    • Dated design with thick bezels
    • Weak battery life
    • No Night mode or ultrawide
    • 64 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    People who want the cheapest new iPhone with Touch ID in a small, familiar body.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.