RAG Demo

Tag: Rs 50,000 – 80,000

  • Samsung Galaxy S24

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 in India in January 2024 at Rs 79,999 with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as the starting point, a welcome doubling of base storage over the S23. Indian units moved back to Exynos, using the 10-core Exynos 2400. The marketing focus was Galaxy AI: Live Translate on calls, Circle to Search, Note Assist and generative photo edits.

    The body grows slightly to fit a 6.2-inch panel, now with a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate and much higher peak brightness. Bezels are thinner and more uniform, and the phone still weighs only 167 g. The Exynos 2400 proved competitive in benchmarks, though it runs a little warmer and less efficiently than the Snapdragon version sold in the US.

    Cameras are essentially carried over: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4000 mAh battery is a modest bump, and charging stays at 25W. Samsung's promise of seven years of OS and security updates matched Google's Pixel 8, and against the iPhone 15 the S24 offered a 120Hz screen and optical zoom at the same starting price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2400
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight167 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow

    What we like

    • Seven years of OS and security updates
    • Compact and light
    • 256 GB base storage
    • Bright adaptive refresh display

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2400 less efficient than the Snapdragon version
    • 25W charging
    • Camera hardware unchanged from S23

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, long-supported Android flagship with Samsung's AI features.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

    The Fan Edition returned in India in October 2023, with the Galaxy S23 FE starting at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Indian units used Samsung's own Exynos 2200, the chip from the international Galaxy S22, rather than a Snapdragon part. Samsung's pitch was simple: the look, water resistance and camera layout of the S23 for a noticeably lower price.

    It feels like a larger S23, with a 6.4-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, flat aluminium frame and separate camera rings. At 209 g it is denser than you expect. The Exynos 2200 is quick for daily use, but it gets warm during long gaming sessions and camera use, and battery life from the 4500 mAh cell is good rather than great.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 12 MP ultrawide and 8 MP 3x telephoto give it real zoom, something the Pixel 7a and OnePlus 11R lacked at the time. Charging is limited to 25W wired, with wireless and reverse wireless included. Discounts quickly pushed its street price far below launch, and at those prices it became a sensible route into Samsung's flagship ecosystem.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g

    What we like

    • 3x telephoto rare at this price
    • IP68 and wireless charging included
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED panel
    • Samsung's long update policy

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2200 runs warm under load
    • Heavy for its size
    • Slow 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Samsung fans who want flagship features like zoom, IP68 and wireless charging without paying S23 prices.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23

    The Galaxy S23 arrived in India in February 2023 as the small-screen entry to Samsung's flagship line, priced at Rs 74,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB model. Its biggest change was under the hood: every S23 sold in India used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, ending years of Exynos versus Snapdragon complaints from Indian buyers who felt they got the weaker chip.

    Design is cleaner than the S22, with three separate camera rings on a flat glass back and an aluminium frame. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is bright and sharp at 1080 x 2340, and the phone weighs just 168 g, which makes it one of the few truly one-hand flagships of its year. Performance stays cool under gaming loads that made its predecessor throttle hard.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto setup is versatile and reliable, though not class-leading in low light. The 3900 mAh battery is the real compromise: it gets through a day of moderate use, but 25W charging feels slow next to the OnePlus 11 or iQOO 11 at a similar price. Against the iPhone 14, it offers zoom and a faster display for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 74,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3900 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight168 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • Genuinely compact and light for a flagship
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 runs cool and fast
    • Optical 3x telephoto at this size
    • Long software support commitment

    What could be better

    • 3900 mAh battery is only just enough
    • 25W charging is slow for the price
    • Base model has 128 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium Android phone that fits comfortably in one hand and a jeans pocket.

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

  • Oppo Reno 10 Pro+

    The Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ launched in India in July 2023 as the top model in the Reno 10 series, bringing a periscope telephoto camera to the mid-premium segment. Its slim curved design and portrait-focused camera system made it a style and photography pick, competing with the OnePlus 11R, Vivo V27 Pro and Google Pixel 7a.

    The 6.74-inch curved AMOLED display runs at 120Hz with 1240 x 2772 resolution, giving it a premium look. Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the previous year's flagship chip, delivers strong performance for gaming and multitasking. The thin body and glossy back make it feel elegant. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 offered a polished experience with some preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make it one of the few phones under 60,000 rupees with true periscope zoom. Portraits were particularly impressive. The 4,700 mAh battery with 100W charging lasts a full day. Against the OnePlus 11R, it offered a far better zoom camera, while the OnePlus had a larger battery and similar performance for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 54,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSilvery Grey, Glossy Purple

    What we like

    • 64 MP periscope telephoto
    • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
    • 100W fast charging
    • Slim, elegant design

    What could be better

    • Expensive compared with the OnePlus 11R
    • No wireless charging
    • Weak ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Portrait and zoom photography fans who want a slim, premium-looking phone.

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

  • iQOO 13

    The iQOO 13 launched in India in December 2024 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, keeping iQOO's tradition of being among the first to ship the newest chip. It also addressed past criticisms by adding IP68 and IP69 protection and a larger battery. Rivals included the OnePlus 13, Realme GT 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24.

    The 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, with excellent brightness. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top-tier performance, and iQOO's Q2 gaming chip adds frame interpolation and upscaling. An RGB light ring around the camera module adds flair. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 came with a promise of four Android updates and five years of security patches.

    The camera setup has three 50 MP sensors: a main with OIS, an ultrawide and a 2x telephoto, offering consistent results. Zoom is weaker than the iQOO 12's periscope, though portrait shots are pleasant. The 6,000 mAh battery with 120W charging provides outstanding endurance and quick top-ups. Against the OnePlus 13, it was cheaper and more gaming-focused, while OnePlus offered wireless charging and better cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 54,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 144Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Nardo Grey

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • 2K 144Hz LTPO display
    • 6,000 mAh battery with 120W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • 2x telephoto is a step back from the iQOO 12
    • Some bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want the fastest chip and great battery life at a lower flagship price.

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

  • iQOO 12

    iQOO launched the iQOO 12 in India in December 2023, again beating rivals to the newest Qualcomm flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It continued the brand's formula of high performance at a lower price, competing directly with the OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14 and Samsung Galaxy S24. The Legend edition's BMW M Motorsport stripes returned.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display runs at up to 144Hz with a 1260 x 2800 resolution, slightly lower than the iQOO 11's 2K panel but brighter. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance was excellent, and iQOO's Q1 supercomputing chip helped with gaming frame rates and resolution upscaling. Thermals held up well in long gaming sessions. Funtouch OS 14 included a dedicated game mode and performance controls.

    The camera setup was a big upgrade: a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto. Zoom photos were impressive for the price. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging refills very quickly, though wireless charging is absent. Against the OnePlus 12, it was cheaper and faster to charge, while OnePlus offered wireless charging and a sharper display.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 52,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Alpha

    What we like

    • First Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phone in India
    • 64 MP periscope telephoto
    • 144Hz bright AMOLED display
    • 120W fast charging

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Lower resolution than the iQOO 11
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and enthusiasts who want the latest flagship chip and a zoom camera without overspending.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2023). 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.

  • Vivo X100

    Vivo brought the X100 to India in January 2024 as the more accessible sibling of the X100 Pro. It used the same flagship Dimensity 9300 chip and Zeiss branding, but swapped the 1-inch sensor for a smaller main camera and added a 64 MP telephoto periscope. It competed directly with the OnePlus 12, iQOO 12 and Samsung Galaxy S24 in the 60,000 to 80,000 rupee range.

    The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers 120Hz refresh and high peak brightness, and the curved edges give it a refined look. Dimensity 9300's all-big-core design delivers performance on par with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals, and sustained gaming was strong. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 was functional, though it lacked the polish of Samsung's One UI and still shipped with extra apps.

    The camera system is versatile: a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x telephoto that delivers good zoom and portrait shots. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging is faster than the OnePlus 12's 80W, but wireless charging is absent, which the OnePlus and Galaxy S24 both offered. For buyers who wanted a capable telephoto camera and flagship speed at a lower price, it was an appealing choice.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 63,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9300
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAsteroid Black, Stargaze Blue

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9300 flagship performance
    • Versatile camera with 3x telephoto
    • 120W fast charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Funtouch OS feels cluttered
    • Main sensor smaller than the Pro's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship performance and a capable zoom camera without paying Pro-level prices.

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

  • Vivo X200

    The Vivo X200 launched in India in December 2024 and stood out for bringing a periscope telephoto camera to a phone priced well below the usual Pro models. It used MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9400 and a flat-edged design that felt more compact than the curvy X100. Rivals included the OnePlus 13, iQOO 13 and Samsung Galaxy S24.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display has slim bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate, making the phone easier to handle than most flagships. Dimensity 9400 performance is excellent in games and multitasking, with efficient thermals. IP68 and IP69 ratings add rare protection against high-pressure water. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 brought cleaner design than before, though some preinstalled apps remained.

    The triple 50 MP camera system includes a main sensor, an ultrawide and a 3x periscope telephoto, giving genuinely useful zoom and portrait flexibility. Vivo's tuning produces natural colours and strong low-light results. The 5,800 mAh battery with 90W charging offers excellent endurance, though wireless charging is missing. Compared with the OnePlus 13, it traded wireless charging for a sharper telephoto camera at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 65,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9400
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCosmos Black, Natural Green

    What we like

    • Periscope telephoto at a lower flagship price
    • Dimensity 9400 performance
    • 5,800 mAh battery
    • IP68 and IP69 protection

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Some bloatware remains
    • Flat design lacks the drama of the Pro

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact-feeling flagship with real zoom capability.

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