Tag: Rs 50,000 – 80,000

  • OnePlus 10 Pro

    OnePlus launched the 10 Pro in India in March 2022 at Rs 66,999, continuing its push into true flagship territory. It was the first OnePlus phone to ship with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and carried a distinctive camera module that wraps around the side of the frame. The Indian version charged at 80 W, faster than the 65 W North American model.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED panel at 1440p is one of the best displays OnePlus has made, with adaptive refresh from 1 to 120 Hz. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is fast but known to run warm under sustained load. Cameras include a 48 MP main, a 50 MP ultrawide with a 150-degree mode, and an 8 MP 3.3x telephoto, all tuned with Hasselblad. Battery is 5,000 mAh with 50 W wireless charging.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+, the iPhone 13 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The Galaxy S22 Ultra had a far better zoom, and Samsung offered longer software support. The 10 Pro competed on charging speed, display quality and a cleaner software experience, though the move toward ColorOS-based OxygenOS divided long-time fans.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 66,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3216
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3.3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight200.5 g
    ColoursVolcanic Black, Emerald Forest

    What we like

    • Excellent 1440p LTPO display
    • 80 W wired and 50 W wireless charging
    • Hasselblad colour tuning
    • Fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs warm
    • Weak 3.3x telephoto
    • No official IP rating in India

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium Android display and very fast charging in a 2022 flagship.

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

  • Xiaomi 15

    Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 15 in India in March 2025 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, cheaper than its predecessor's launch price. It keeps the compact 6.36-inch format and introduces Snapdragon 8 Elite, putting it against the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 while offering more storage and faster charging.

    The flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz with very slim bezels. The aluminium frame and glass back feel premium and the phone is easy to use one-handed. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top performance with better efficiency than the previous generation. It shipped with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, with features like AI writing tools and Google Gemini.

    Cameras include a 50 MP Leica main with Light Fusion 900 sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 60 MP 2.6x telephoto with good close-focus ability. The Indian variant has a 5240 mAh battery, large for a compact phone, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its main competitor in size and price was the Galaxy S25, which offered longer software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 64,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 60 MP 2.6x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5240 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, White, Green

    What we like

    • Compact with a big battery
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite
    • Three capable Leica cameras
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Only one storage variant
    • Preinstalled apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small, fast Android flagship with excellent cameras and battery life.

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

  • Xiaomi 14

    Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 14 in India in March 2024 at Rs 69,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, with no lower storage option. It is one of the few compact Android flagships with three capable cameras, competing directly against the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 while offering more storage and faster charging for less money.

    The 6.36-inch flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz, with slim, even bezels. The flat aluminium frame and glass back make it comfortable for one-handed use. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier performance, and it was among the first phones in India to run HyperOS, Xiaomi's successor to MIUI, on Android 14.

    All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a Leica Summilux main with a Light Fusion 900 sensor, an ultrawide and a 3.2x telephoto. Photos are sharp with natural or vibrant Leica looks, and the telephoto handles portraits well. The 4610 mAh battery lasts a full day, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi promised four Android upgrades, fewer than Samsung's seven.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 69,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4610 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatte Black, White, Jade Green

    What we like

    • Compact size with a real telephoto
    • 512 GB storage as standard
    • 90W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

    What could be better

    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Some preinstalled apps
    • Battery only average for heavy users

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact Android flagship with strong Leica cameras and fast charging.

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

  • Xiaomi 13 Pro

    Xiaomi launched the 13 Pro in India in February 2023 at Rs 79,999 for 12 GB/256 GB, its first Leica co-engineered phone in the country. It signalled Xiaomi's push back into the premium segment after years of focusing on Redmi, with a ceramic back, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a camera aimed squarely at the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro.

    The 6.73-inch curved AMOLED with LTPO and 1440 x 3200 resolution is sharp, bright and smooth at up to 120Hz. The ceramic back feels premium but makes the phone heavy at 229 g and slippery. Performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is excellent, and MIUI 14 on Android 13 offered lots of customisation, though it came with some preinstalled apps.

    The camera system centres on a 50 MP 1-inch-type IMX989 sensor, joined by a 50 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3.2x floating telephoto that doubles as a close-focus macro. Leica Authentic and Vibrant looks give images a distinctive character. The 4820 mAh battery charges at 120W wired and 50W wireless, both far faster than Samsung and Apple. Long-term software support was a weaker point.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, curved, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4820 mAh
    Charging120W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight229 g
    ColoursCeramic White, Ceramic Black

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with Leica tuning
    • Very fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Sharp QHD+ LTPO display
    • Premium ceramic build

    What could be better

    • Heavy and slippery
    • Bloatware in MIUI
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Apple

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want a large-sensor Leica camera and very fast charging.

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

  • Apple iPhone 16e

    Apple launched the iPhone 16e in India in February 2025 at Rs 59,900 for 128 GB, replacing the iPhone SE as the entry point to the lineup. It drops the Home button and Touch ID in favour of Face ID and a notch, and introduces Apple's first self-designed cellular modem, the C1, which proved notably power efficient.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED runs at 60Hz and uses a notch rather than the Dynamic Island. The aluminium frame and glass back are modelled on the iPhone 14 design, and at 167 g it is light and comfortable. Inside is the A18 chip with a four-core GPU and 8 GB RAM, enough for Apple Intelligence features and long-term iOS support.

    There is a single 48 MP Fusion camera with 2x crop zoom, but no ultrawide and no MagSafe, though Qi wireless charging works. Battery life is excellent for a 6.1-inch iPhone, outlasting the iPhone 16 in many tests. Critics pointed out that Android phones like the Pixel 8a and Galaxy S24 FE offered more hardware for less, while the 16e relied on Apple's ecosystem and longevity.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,900 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A18 (4-core GPU)
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3961 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18.3
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight167 g
    ColoursBlack, White

    What we like

    • A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support
    • Excellent battery life
    • OLED and Face ID replace the dated SE design
    • Light and compact

    What could be better

    • Single rear camera
    • No MagSafe
    • Notch and 60Hz
    • Priced high for its hardware

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a new iPhone with long support and good battery at the lowest Apple price.

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

  • Apple iPhone 16

    Apple launched the iPhone 16 in India in September 2024 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It was built around Apple Intelligence, with the new A18 chip and 8 GB of RAM, although the AI features arrived later through software updates. It also gained the Action button from the 15 Pro and a new Camera Control button on the right edge.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and sharp but remains at 60Hz, still the biggest gap against Android rivals like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9. The vertically stacked camera layout enables spatial video recording for Apple Vision Pro. The A18 is fast and efficient, comfortably handling demanding games, and the phone weighs a manageable 170 g.

    Cameras are a 48 MP Fusion main sensor with 2x crop and a 12 MP ultrawide that now supports macro photography. Camera Control lets you launch the camera and adjust exposure or zoom with a press and swipe, though many users took time to adapt to it. Battery life improves over the iPhone 15, and MagSafe charging gets faster with newer chargers. Local assembly helped availability in India.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A18
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3561 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight170 g
    ColoursBlack, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

    What we like

    • Fast A18 chip with 8 GB RAM
    • Action button and Camera Control
    • Macro mode on the ultrawide
    • Better battery life than the iPhone 15

    What could be better

    • Still 60Hz
    • Apple Intelligence arrived late
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    iPhone buyers who want the new Apple Intelligence-ready hardware at the standard price.

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

  • Apple iPhone 15

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 in India in September 2023 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, and for the first time some units sold on launch day were assembled in India. Its biggest changes came from the previous year's Pro models: the Dynamic Island replaced the notch and the A16 Bionic chip took over from the A15.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED gets much higher peak brightness but still runs at 60Hz. A colour-infused frosted glass back and contoured aluminium edges make it more comfortable than the iPhone 14. Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C, which pleased Indian buyers who already used USB-C for Android phones and laptops, though transfer speed stays at USB 2.

    The 48 MP main camera produces 24 MP photos by default and offers a 2x crop that works as a near-optical telephoto, along with a 12 MP ultrawide. Portraits can be captured automatically when a face is detected. Battery life is a full day, and charging remains slow. It competed with the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8, matching them on video quality but trailing on refresh rate.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3349 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight171 g
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

    What we like

    • Dynamic Island on a non-Pro iPhone
    • USB-C port
    • 48 MP main camera with 2x crop
    • Comfortable frosted design

    What could be better

    • Still 60Hz
    • USB-C limited to USB 2 speeds
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers upgrading from older iPhones who want the modern design and better camera at the standard price.

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

  • Apple iPhone 14

    The iPhone 14 launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It looked almost identical to the iPhone 13 and kept the same A15 Bionic chip, albeit with a five-core GPU and 6 GB of RAM. Apple's new features were safety-focused: Crash Detection and, in some countries, Emergency SOS via satellite, which was not available in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is unchanged and still runs at 60Hz, which drew criticism when Android phones at half the price offered 120Hz. Internally Apple redesigned the chassis so the back glass is easier and cheaper to replace. Performance remains excellent for daily use and games, and battery life is slightly better than the iPhone 13.

    The 12 MP main camera got a larger sensor with faster aperture, improving low-light photos, and the front camera gained autofocus. Action mode made handheld video remarkably stable. Charging is around 20W with MagSafe up to 15W. With the iPhone 13 cheaper and nearly identical, most reviewers advised buyers to choose the older model or step up to the 14 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3279 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight172 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Improved low-light main camera
    • Action mode stabilisation
    • Crash Detection
    • Easier back-glass repair

    What could be better

    • Same chip as the iPhone 13
    • Still 60Hz
    • Little reason to upgrade from iPhone 13

    Who should buy it

    First-time iPhone buyers who want a new, long-supported model with safety features.

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

  • Apple iPhone 13

    Apple launched the iPhone 13 in India in September 2021 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, doubling the base storage of the iPhone 12. It kept the flat-edged aluminium design but trimmed the notch by about 20 percent and moved the cameras into a diagonal layout. Over the following years, price cuts and festive sales made it one of the best-selling iPhones in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and colour accurate, though it is limited to 60Hz while Android rivals at this price had 120Hz. The A15 Bionic chip was the fastest phone chip of its time and kept the phone feeling quick long after launch. At 173 g it is comfortable, and IP68 water resistance plus Ceramic Shield glass make it durable.

    Both 12 MP cameras improved, with the wide camera gaining sensor-shift stabilisation and Cinematic mode adding rack-focus video. Battery life was a big step over the iPhone 12, comfortably lasting a day. Charging is slow at around 20W with an adapter bought separately. Against the Galaxy S21 FE and OnePlus 9, it won on video, longevity and resale value.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2021
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3227 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight173 g
    ColoursPink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • A15 Bionic remains fast for years
    • Excellent video recording
    • Much improved battery life
    • Long iOS support and resale value

    What could be better

    • 60Hz display
    • Slow charging, no charger in box
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable, long-supported iPhone, especially at discounted prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2021). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

    Samsung brought the Galaxy S24 FE to India in October 2024 at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It runs the Exynos 2400e, a slightly lower-clocked version of the chip in the Indian S24, which is a big step up from the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE. Samsung also extended its seven-year update promise to this model, along with most Galaxy AI features.

    The display grew to 6.7 inches, making it larger than the regular S24, with a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at 1080 x 2340. Bezels are thicker than on the main S series, and the 213 g weight is noticeable. Day-to-day performance is smooth and thermals are better controlled than on its predecessor, though it still warms up in long gaming sessions.

    The camera trio is familiar: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 8 MP 3x telephoto, with a 10 MP selfie camera. Battery rises to 4700 mAh and lasts a full day comfortably, but 25W charging feels dated next to the OnePlus 12R and Pixel 8a era competition. IP68 and wireless charging remain its strongest arguments in this price band.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2400e
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g

    What we like

    • Seven years of updates at a lower price
    • Optical 3x telephoto
    • Big 120Hz AMOLED
    • IP68 and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Heavy and has thick bezels
    • 25W charging
    • 128 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long-term Samsung support, zoom and water resistance at a mid-premium price.

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