Tag: Telephoto

  • Oppo Reno 10 Pro

    The Oppo Reno 10 Pro launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 39,999 for 12 GB plus 256 GB. Oppo's Reno series has long focused on portraits and design, and this model took that further with a dedicated 32 MP telephoto portrait camera and a slim, curved body that clearly targeted the Vivo V27 Pro and OnePlus Nord 3.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and has thin bezels. The Snapdragon 778G was an older chip by 2023, competent for daily use but slower than the Dimensity 9000 in the Nord 3, which sold for less. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 is smooth and polished, though it includes some preinstalled apps.

    The camera system is the highlight: a 50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 32 MP 2x telephoto for portraits, with a 32 MP autofocus selfie camera. Portraits look natural, with good edge detection. The 4600 mAh battery charges at 80W, filling in under an hour. It is a portrait specialist held back by its ageing chip and price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight185 g
    ColoursGlossy Purple, Silvery Grey

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x portrait telephoto
    • Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Fast 80W charging
    • Slim, premium design

    What could be better

    • Ageing Snapdragon 778G
    • Expensive for the performance
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who mainly shoot portraits and want a slim, stylish phone with fast charging.

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

  • Lava Agni 3 5G

    The Lava Agni 3 5G launched in India in October 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, in a version sold without a charger; a bundle with the 66W charger cost more. Lava gave it a feature no rival offered at the price: a 1.74-inch secondary AMOLED on the back, next to the cameras, for notifications, music controls and rear-camera selfies.

    The main 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300X provides efficient, consistent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Lava also added a customisable Action Key, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro's, and kept the software clean on Android 14 with a promise of OS updates and no bloatware.

    The triple camera includes a 50 MP main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and an 8 MP 3x telephoto, giving it real zoom capability at this price. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day, with 66W wired charging. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) and CMF Phone 1, it offers more hardware novelty, while Nothing counters with a more polished overall software experience.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 1.74-inch rear AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300X
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHeather Glass, Pristine Glass

    What we like

    • Useful rear secondary display
    • 3x telephoto at this price
    • Customisable Action Key
    • Clean, ad-free software

    What could be better

    • Base model ships without a charger
    • 8 MP telephoto is soft in low light
    • Brand's service network smaller than rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want something genuinely different, with a rear screen and telephoto, from an Indian brand.

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

  • Honor 200

    Honor launched the Honor 200 in India in July 2024 at Rs 34,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, alongside the pricier Honor 200 Pro. Its pitch was portrait photography, with camera modes developed together with the Parisian photo studio Studio Harcourt, wrapped in a slim, curved design that clearly targeted the OnePlus Nord 4 and Galaxy A35.

    The 6.7-inch curved OLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K-class resolution and high-frequency PWM dimming. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers solid mid-range performance, comfortable with everyday multitasking and moderate gaming, but behind the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the Nord 4. MagicOS 8.0 on Android 14 includes Honor's AI features, though it carries some preinstalled apps.

    The triple camera, with a 50 MP main, a 50 MP 2.5x telephoto and a 12 MP ultrawide, delivers excellent portraits with a distinctive studio look, and the 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 5200 mAh silicon-carbon battery charges at 100W wired. It is a portrait specialist; buyers prioritising raw performance would pick the Nord 4, while photographers may prefer the Honor.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 34,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved OLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2664
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP 2.5x telephoto + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5200 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, MagicOS 8.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, Moonlight White

    What we like

    • Excellent portrait photography
    • 50 MP telephoto at this price
    • Fast 100W charging
    • Slim, comfortable design

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 trails the Nord 4's chip
    • No official IP rating
    • Preinstalled apps in MagicOS

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who shoot lots of portraits and want a stylish, fast-charging mid-ranger.

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

  • CMF Phone 2 Pro

    Nothing launched the CMF Phone 2 Pro in India in April 2025 at Rs 18,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It keeps the modular spirit of the CMF Phone 1, with interchangeable lenses and accessories attached through a screw on the back, but is noticeably slimmer and lighter, and moves to a triple camera setup that budget rivals rarely match.

    The 6.77-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz and reaches high brightness outdoors. The Dimensity 7300 Pro is a minor refresh of the chip in the Phone 1, so performance is similar: smooth in daily use and capable in popular games. Nothing OS 3.2 on Android 15 comes with Essential Space and the Essential Key, features first seen on the Phone (3a).

    The cameras include a 50 MP main, a 50 MP 2x telephoto and an 8 MP ultrawide, giving the phone far more flexibility than most sub-Rs 20,000 devices. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day, with 33W charging. Against the Redmi Note 14 and Realme Narzo 80 Pro it offers telephoto zoom and cleaner software, though rivals can charge faster.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.77-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2392
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Nothing OS 3.2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight185 g
    ColoursBlack, White, Orange, Light Green

    What we like

    • Telephoto camera under Rs 20,000
    • Slim and light design
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED
    • Clean software with Essential Space

    What could be better

    • Chipset barely changed from the Phone 1
    • 33W charging is average
    • Weak ultrawide

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want zoom photography and a stylish, customisable phone without paying mid-range prices.

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

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Phone (3a) launched in India in March 2025 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought telephoto zoom to Nothing's affordable line for the first time and introduced the Essential Key, a dedicated side button that captures screenshots, voice notes and ideas into Essential Space, Nothing's AI-powered organiser.

    Its 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED runs at 120Hz with high brightness, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers a meaningful step up over the Phone (2a) in both performance and efficiency. The Glyph lights return, arranged around a horizontal camera island, and the phone gains IP64 protection. Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 promises three years of OS updates.

    The triple camera, a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP 2x telephoto and an 8 MP ultrawide, is versatile for the price, with portraits a highlight. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well over a day, with 50W charging. Against the Realme 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro, the (3a) wins on telephoto flexibility and clean software, though the ultrawide is weak.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentMid-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 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Nothing OS 3.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201 g
    ColoursBlack, White, Blue

    What we like

    • 2x telephoto camera at a mid-range price
    • Faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
    • Essential Key and AI organiser
    • Clean software

    What could be better

    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide
    • No wireless charging
    • Essential Key cannot be fully remapped at launch

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want portrait-friendly zoom, clean software and good battery life.

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

  • Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

    The Razr 50 Ultra launched in India in July 2024 at Rs 99,999 with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, competing head-on with the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Motorola enlarged the cover display to 4 inches, wrapping it around the cameras for the largest outer screen on any flip phone at the time, and added IPX8 water resistance after the IP52 of its predecessor.

    The 6.9-inch inner LTPO pOLED and the cover panel both run at up to 165Hz. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is quick and runs cool in the slim body. Motorola also leaned into AI, with Google Gemini usable directly from the cover screen and several Moto AI features for photos and summaries.

    The camera pairing is unusual: a 50 MP main sensor with OIS and a 50 MP 2x telephoto instead of an ultrawide, which favours portraits over landscapes. The 4000 mAh battery with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging is an improvement on the 40 Ultra. Against the Z Flip 6, it offers a bigger cover screen and more storage, while Samsung counters with longer update support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.9-inch, Foldable LTPO pOLED, 4-inch pOLED cover display, 165Hz, 1080 x 2640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIPX8
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Spring Green, Peach Fuzz

    What we like

    • Largest cover screen on a flip at launch
    • 2x telephoto for portraits
    • IPX8 water resistance
    • 512 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Battery still average for heavy users
    • Expensive at launch

    Who should buy it

    Flip-phone fans who want the most capable cover screen and portrait-friendly cameras in a compact foldable.

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

  • Motorola Edge 60 Pro

    Priced at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB when it launched in India in April 2025, the Edge 60 Pro moved Motorola's Pro badge into the sub-Rs 30,000 bracket. It competes directly with the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Realme GT 7T, and leans on durability with IP68 and IP69 ratings plus MIL-STD-810H testing.

    The MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme is the fastest chip Motorola had put in an Edge at this price, comfortable with demanding games at high settings. It drives a 6.7-inch curved 1.5K pOLED at 120Hz. Motorola paired it with a large 6000 mAh battery, 90W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, a combination that is unusual below Rs 30,000.

    The camera system uses a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP 3x telephoto, along with a 50 MP selfie camera. Results are balanced rather than class-leading, with the telephoto giving it an edge over the Nord 4. Software is clean Hello UI over Android 15, with Moto AI features carried over from the Razr line.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPantone Shadow, Pantone Dazzling Blue, Pantone Sparkling Grape

    What we like

    • Strong Dimensity 8350 performance
    • 6000 mAh battery with 90W charging
    • Wireless charging under Rs 30,000
    • 3x telephoto camera

    What could be better

    • Curved screen not to everyone's taste
    • Telephoto is only 10 MP
    • Hello UI update pace lags Samsung and Google

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want performance, battery and wireless charging together for under Rs 30,000.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Neo

    The Edge 50 Neo reached India in September 2024 at Rs 23,999 with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and its headline feature was size. At 6.4 inches it was one of the very few compact Android phones left in the segment, and Motorola did not strip it down to get there: it kept IP68 sealing, a MIL-STD-810H durability rating and Pantone-curated finishes.

    The flat LTPO pOLED adapts its refresh rate up to 120Hz and is bright enough outdoors. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is efficient rather than fast, comfortable for everyday tasks and light gaming. Motorola also promised five years of OS upgrades for this model, a notable commitment for a Motorola mid-ranger at the time.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS is joined by a 13 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP 3x telephoto, giving it optical zoom that rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) lacked. The trade-off for compactness is a 4310 mAh battery, which gets through a day but not much more; 68W wired and 15W wireless charging soften that. It suits anyone tired of oversized phones.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.4-inch, LTPO pOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4310 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursGrisaille, Nautical Blue, Poinciana, Latte

    What we like

    • Truly compact 6.4-inch size
    • 3x optical telephoto in a mid-ranger
    • IP68 plus MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Wireless charging at this price

    What could be better

    • 4310 mAh battery is modest
    • Dimensity 7300 is not built for heavy gaming
    • Single memory variant

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, tough phone with real zoom and wireless charging without paying flagship prices.

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

  • 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.