Tag: Selfie camera

  • Vivo V27

    The Vivo V27 launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, aimed at style- and selfie-focused buyers. Its Magic Blue variant has a colour-changing back that shifts shade under sunlight, and the phone is slim and light despite its large display, positioning it against the Oppo Reno 8T and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and looks premium. The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 was a new chip at the time, efficient and capable for everyday use and moderate gaming. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 is feature-rich and fluid, but it comes with a batch of preinstalled apps that need to be cleared out after setup.

    Photography is the focus. The 50 MP Sony IMX766V main camera with OIS is paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, and the ring-shaped Aura Light gives soft, adjustable lighting for night portraits. The 50 MP autofocus front camera is excellent. The 4600 mAh battery with 66W charging lasts a day. Rivals offered more performance for the money, but few matched its portrait results.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMagic Blue, Noble Black

    What we like

    • Colour-changing back design
    • Aura Light for night portraits
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Performance modest for the price
    • Preinstalled apps in Funtouch OS
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious buyers who take a lot of selfies and night portraits.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M55 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy M55 5G in India in April 2024 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most powerful M-series phone to date and sold mainly online, a platform where Samsung needed to compete with the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Realme 12 Pro and Nothing Phone (2a). It is also slimmer than earlier M phones, which were known for their bulk.

    The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus panel runs at 120Hz and is bright and punchy. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is a capable chip, faster than the Exynos parts in the Galaxy A35, and handles everyday tasks well. One UI 6.1 on Android 14 brings Samsung's familiar polish, along with a multi-year OS and security update commitment that rivals struggled to match.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS is supported by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro, while the 50 MP front camera records 4K video. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well into a second day, and 45W charging was a welcome upgrade for the series. Rivals offer faster charging, but the M55 wins on software support and display quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight180 g
    ColoursDenim Black, Light Green

    What we like

    • Vivid Super AMOLED Plus display
    • Long software update support
    • 50 MP 4K selfie camera
    • Slim for an M-series phone

    What could be better

    • Charging slower than Chinese rivals
    • Filler macro camera
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Samsung's software support and a great display in a slim mid-range phone.

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

  • Tecno Camon 30 5G

    Tecno launched the Camon 30 5G in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It continued the Camon series' focus on cameras and design, with a textured back in white or dark finishes and a large camera island, aimed at buyers comparing it with the Nothing Phone (2a) and Realme 12 Pro.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED refreshes at 120Hz and is sharp and bright. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is efficient but modest, enough for social apps and casual games, though slower than the Dimensity 8050 that powered the cheaper Camon 20 Pro. HiOS 14 on Android 14 is feature-packed but still carries a fair amount of preinstalled software.

    A 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS produces natural, detailed daylight photos and capable night shots, while the 50 MP front camera with autofocus is well suited to selfies and video calls. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 70W, among the fastest in its segment. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) it offers faster charging and more storage but less polished software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging70W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HiOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursUyuni Salt White, Basaltic Dark

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Fast 70W charging
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7020 is slower than its predecessor's chip
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Busy HiOS software

    Who should buy it

    Selfie lovers and casual users who want strong cameras and fast charging in the low Rs 20,000s.

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

  • Honor 90

    The Honor 90 marked the brand's return to India in September 2023, launched at Rs 37,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB through a new partnership with HTech. It arrived as a stylish, slim mid-ranger competing with the OnePlus Nord 3 and Samsung Galaxy A54, and its sales pitch focused on the display and a headline 200 MP camera.

    The 6.7-inch quad-curved AMOLED has a sharp 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and very high peak brightness, along with high-frequency PWM dimming that Honor promoted as easier on the eyes. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition is adequate for daily use but slower than the Dimensity 9000 in the Nord 3. MagicOS 7.1 on Android 13 is feature-rich but heavier than OxygenOS.

    The 200 MP main camera captures plenty of detail in good light, joined by a 12 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP depth sensor, while the 50 MP selfie camera is excellent. The 5000 mAh battery with 66W charging lasts comfortably through a day. Its display and selfie camera stand out, but the price felt high against the faster Nord 3.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2664
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MagicOS 7.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight183 g
    ColoursMidnight Black, Diamond Silver, Emerald Green

    What we like

    • Sharp, bright quad-curved display
    • Detailed 200 MP main camera
    • Excellent 50 MP selfie camera
    • Slim, light design

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is slow for the price
    • No official IP rating
    • MagicOS feels heavy

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise display quality, selfies and slim design over raw performance.

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

  • Infinix Zero 30 5G

    Infinix launched the Zero 30 5G in India in September 2023 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It positioned the phone as a creator device, with a front camera that records 4K video at 60 frames per second, a feature normally reserved for much pricier phones. The curved display and slim body gave it a premium look to match.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at up to 144Hz and is bright and vivid. The MediaTek Dimensity 8020 is a capable chip, comfortably ahead of the Snapdragon 695 in rivals like the Moto G84, and handles demanding games well. XOS 13 on Android 13 is feature-rich but includes preinstalled apps and promotional notifications that some users will want to disable.

    The 108 MP main camera has OIS, backed by a 13 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP depth sensor. The 50 MP selfie camera is the star, producing sharp video with good stabilisation. A 5000 mAh battery with 68W charging fills quickly. Against the Realme 11 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro, it offers the best selfie video of the group but less polished software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, XOS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursRome Green, Golden Hour

    What we like

    • 4K60 selfie video
    • Curved 144Hz AMOLED
    • Strong Dimensity 8020 performance
    • Fast 68W charging

    What could be better

    • XOS bloatware and ads
    • Average low-light rear photos
    • Short update promise

    Who should buy it

    Vloggers and selfie-video creators who want premium front-camera video on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

    Nothing launched the Phone (2a) Plus in India in July 2024 at Rs 27,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, just four months after the Phone (2a). Rather than a new design, it was a mid-cycle upgrade with a metallic finish in Grey or Black, a faster chip, more storage and better selfie hardware, aimed at buyers who found the (2a) slightly short on performance.

    The Dimensity 7350 Pro is a modest step up from the 7200 Pro, about ten percent quicker in practice, with the same 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14 is unchanged in its clean, minimal approach. The Glyph lights now support more custom ringtones and notification patterns.

    The rear pairing of a 50 MP main and 50 MP ultrawide carries over, but the front camera moves from 32 MP to 50 MP and records 4K video. The 5000 mAh battery gains 50W charging, slightly faster than before. Against the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Realme 13 Pro, it is a sensible choice for buyers who want the (2a) experience with more headroom.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1084 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g
    ColoursBlack, Grey

    What we like

    • 256 GB base storage
    • 50 MP selfie camera with 4K video
    • Slightly faster chipset
    • Metallic finish looks premium

    What could be better

    • Small upgrade over the Phone (2a)
    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP54

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who like the Phone (2a) but want more storage, a better selfie camera and a little extra speed.

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

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    For the first time Google offered its Pro-tier Pixel in a compact size. The Pixel 9 Pro was announced for India in August 2024 at Rs 1,09,999 for 16 GB plus 256 GB, sharing the 6.3-inch footprint of the regular Pixel 9 while adding the telephoto camera, a sharper LTPO screen and more memory. It competed directly with the iPhone 16 Pro.

    The Super Actua LTPO display runs at 1280 x 2856 and up to 120Hz, with very high peak brightness. Tensor G4 with 16 GB of RAM handles Gemini Nano and Google's AI suite smoothly, though gaming performance and efficiency still trail Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple's A18 Pro. The polished frame and matte glass back give it a premium feel.

    Its triple camera, with a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP 5x telephoto, is among the most consistent of its year, and the 42 MP selfie camera with autofocus is a big step up for video calls and group shots. The 4700 mAh battery lasts a day with 27W charging. For buyers wanting a small phone with a top-tier zoom camera, few alternatives existed on Android.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1280 x 2856
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera42 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz

    What we like

    • Full Pro camera system in a compact size
    • 42 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • 16 GB RAM for on-device AI
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Tensor G4 trails rivals in gaming
    • 27W charging is slow

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact Android flagship with a 5x zoom camera and Google's AI features.

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

  • Oppo Reno 12 Pro

    The Reno 12 Pro launched in India in July 2024 alongside the Reno 12, adding a 50 MP telephoto camera and a 50 MP selfie camera while keeping the same AI features. It targeted buyers who wanted portraits and AI tools in a slim design, competing with the Vivo V40, Samsung Galaxy A55 and OnePlus Nord 4.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is sharp and bright. Oddly, the Reno 12 Pro uses the same Dimensity 7300 Energy chip as the cheaper Reno 12, so performance is adequate for daily use but not for heavy gaming. IP65 protection is included. ColorOS 14.1 on Android 14 brings AI Eraser, AI Best Face and other editing tools that work well in practice.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 50 MP 2x telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide deliver strong portraits, and the 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is a highlight. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a day. Against the OnePlus Nord 4, it offered better portraits and a telephoto lens, while OnePlus had much stronger performance and a metal unibody at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 36,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSpace Brown, Sunset Gold

    What we like

    • 50 MP 2x telephoto camera
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • AI editing tools
    • IP65 rating

    What could be better

    • Same chip as the cheaper Reno 12
    • Weak for heavy gaming
    • Priced above faster rivals

    Who should buy it

    Selfie and portrait enthusiasts who want AI editing tools in a slim phone.

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

  • Oppo F25 Pro

    Oppo launched the F25 Pro in India in February 2024 as an offline-friendly mid-range phone that brought Reno-style design to a lower price. Its slim profile, curved display and bold Lava Red finish were its main appeal. It competed with the Vivo V29e, Realme 12 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and smooth, giving the phone a premium look. The Dimensity 7050 handles everyday tasks, streaming and casual games well, though it is not built for heavy gaming. IP65 dust and water protection was rare at this price. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 offered a polished interface with useful features and limited bloatware compared with some rivals.

    The 64 MP main camera captures good daylight photos, with an 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro alongside. The 32 MP selfie camera is a strong point. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging lasts a full day. Against the Realme 12 Pro, it offered better water resistance, while Realme had a periscope telephoto camera at a similar price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLava Red, Ocean Blue

    What we like

    • Slim design with curved AMOLED display
    • IP65 rating
    • 32 MP selfie camera
    • 67W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Main camera lacks OIS
    • Dimensity 7050 is modest
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish, water-resistant phone with good selfies at a mid-range price.

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