RAG Demo

Tag: Telephoto

  • Realme 12 Pro+

    The Realme 12 Pro+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its main attraction was a 64 MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, a feature that had previously been limited to far more expensive phones. It shares the luxury watch-inspired design of the 12 Pro, with an extra red colour option.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz looks premium and is bright enough outdoors. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a step up from the 12 Pro's chip and handles everyday use and moderate gaming well. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is excellent, and the periscope delivers sharp zoom shots up to about 6x. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 3, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40. The Redmi offered IP68 and faster charging, and the Poco more speed, but the 12 Pro+ was the clear choice for zoom photography in its class. It is an easy recommendation for travel photographers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto at a mid-range price
    • Excellent Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Premium design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • 67 W charging trails some rivals
    • Performance is only moderate
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who want genuine optical zoom without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro

    Realme launched the 12 Pro in India in January 2024 at Rs 25,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its design took cues from luxury watches, with a vegan leather back and a large circular camera ring with a sunburst-style finish. The bigger story was the camera: a dedicated 2x telephoto lens, rare at this price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and smooth. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is the weakest part of the package, adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming but slower than many rivals. The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS performs well, and the 32 MP 2x telephoto produces good portraits; the 8 MP ultrawide is average. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Poco X6 Pro, the OnePlus Nord CE3 and the Samsung Galaxy A25. The Poco X6 Pro was significantly faster, and the Redmi had a sharper screen. The Realme 12 Pro stood out for portrait photography and design. Its weaker chip is the main compromise.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x telephoto camera
    • Premium watch-inspired design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • IP65 protection

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is slower than rivals
    • Average ultrawide
    • Preinstalled apps in Realme UI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want good portrait photography and a stylish design without paying for a flagship.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). 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.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G

    Launched in December 2024, the Note 14 Pro+ 5G finally gave the Redmi Note line a proper telephoto camera. Priced from Rs 29,999, it sits at the top of the range and carries Xiaomi's Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, an IP68 rating with additional IP66 and IP69 claims, and a large silicon-carbon battery.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a modest upgrade over the previous Dimensity 7200 Ultra, comfortable for everyday use and most games. The curved 1.5K AMOLED panel is bright and accurate. The camera set includes a 50 MP Light Fusion 800 main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2.5x telephoto that makes portraits and mid-range zoom far more useful than on earlier Notes. The 6,200 mAh battery is a standout, and 90 W charging keeps top-ups short.

    It went up against the Realme 14 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 4. The Nord 4 had a faster chip and metal body, while the Realme matched the zoom. The Note 14 Pro+ is the most balanced of the group, with battery life as its trump card.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2.5x telephoto
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6200 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitan Black, Spectre Blue, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Useful 2.5x telephoto camera
    • Large 6,200 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 plus IP69 claims
    • Bright curved 1.5K screen

    What could be better

    • Chip is only a small step up
    • Ultrawide remains basic
    • Pricier than earlier Pro+ models in higher variants

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a telephoto camera and multi-day battery life without paying flagship prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). 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.

  • 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.

  • Motorola Edge 50 Pro

    Motorola launched the Edge 50 Pro in India in April 2024 with an impressive spec sheet for its price, including a telephoto camera, very fast wired and wireless charging, and a Pantone-validated display and camera. It competed with the Nothing Phone (2a), Vivo V30 and Oppo Reno 11 for buyers wanting a premium feel without a flagship price.

    The 6.7-inch curved pOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and refreshes at up to 144Hz, giving sharp, colour-accurate visuals. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 delivers smooth everyday performance and handles moderate gaming well. Its vegan leather back and slim build feel premium, and IP68 adds water protection. Motorola's near-stock Android 14 is clean, though update support was shorter than rivals.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 13 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto give it a flexible setup, and the 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 4,500 mAh battery is modest, but 125W wired and 50W wireless charging support make top-ups fast, though the base variant shipped with a slower charger in the box. Against the Nothing Phone (2a), it offered a telephoto lens and wireless charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging125W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Luxe Lavender, Moonlight Pearl

    What we like

    • 1.5K curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • 3x telephoto camera
    • 125W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Base variant ships with a slower charger
    • Shorter software support

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling phone with a telephoto lens and fast charging at a mid-range price.

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

  • Oppo Find N3 Flip

    The Oppo Find N3 Flip launched in India in October 2023 as Oppo's second clamshell foldable. It stood out by offering a triple-camera system with a telephoto lens, something rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra lacked. Its vertical cover screen and Hasselblad branding aimed at buyers who wanted style and photography in a compact foldable.

    The main 6.8-inch AMOLED display folds in half, with a barely visible crease, and runs at 120Hz. The 3.26-inch vertical cover screen supports widgets and some full apps, though it is smaller than the Galaxy Z Flip 5's display. MediaTek's Dimensity 9200 offers flagship-level performance. An Alert Slider, borrowed from OnePlus, adds quick sound control. ColorOS 13.2 brought useful cover-screen features.

    The 50 MP main camera, 48 MP ultrawide and 32 MP 2x telephoto, all tuned by Hasselblad, give the Find N3 Flip the most versatile camera system among clamshells of its time. The 4,300 mAh battery is decent for a foldable, with 44W charging, though wireless charging is missing. Against the Galaxy Z Flip 5, it offered better cameras, while Samsung had a larger cover screen and water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 94,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.8-inch, Foldable AMOLED, with 3.26-inch cover display, 120Hz, 1080 x 2520
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4300 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.2
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCream Gold, Sleek Black

    What we like

    • Triple camera with telephoto, rare in clamshells
    • Hasselblad colour tuning
    • Flagship Dimensity 9200 performance
    • Alert Slider

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • No official water resistance
    • Cover screen smaller than the Galaxy Z Flip 5's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish flip foldable without compromising on camera versatility.

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

  • Vivo V40 Pro

    Launched in August 2024 alongside the V40, the V40 Pro brought a flagship-grade Dimensity 9200+ chip and a 50 MP 2x telephoto to the V-series. It positioned itself against the OnePlus 12R, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Oppo Reno 12 Pro for buyers who wanted premium portraits and solid performance in a slim body.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Dimensity 9200+ delivers near-flagship performance, comfortably handling high-end games and heavy multitasking. The V40 Pro retained the slim profile and added IP68 and IP69 protection. Funtouch OS 14 provided solid features, but bloatware remained a criticism in reviews.

    Three 50 MP rear cameras, comprising main, ultrawide and a 2x telephoto, use Zeiss optics and colour profiles, producing excellent portraits with natural skin tones. The 50 MP selfie camera is also strong. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging delivers all-day endurance. Against the OnePlus 12R, it offered better portraits and water resistance, though OnePlus had a slight edge in gaming performance and software cleanliness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9200+ near-flagship performance
    • Zeiss triple 50 MP cameras with telephoto
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • 5,500 mAh battery

    What could be better

    • Priced close to flagship killers
    • No wireless charging
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-level portraits and performance in a slim mid-premium phone.

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