Tag: Upper Mid-range

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    Nothing launched the Phone (3a) Pro in India in March 2025 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, alongside the Phone (3a). It shares most of its hardware with its sibling but adds a 3x periscope telephoto inside a large circular camera module with a metal ring, giving it a very different look from the regular (3a).

    Display and performance match the cheaper model: a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which handles daily use and moderate gaming well. Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 brings the Essential Key and Essential Space, with a promise of three years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The camera system is the reason to choose it: a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP 3x periscope with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, plus a 50 MP selfie camera. The periscope makes it one of the cheapest phones with genuine 3x optical zoom and strong 6x results. The 5000 mAh battery and 50W charging carry over. It undercuts the Motorola Edge 60 Pro but lacks its wireless charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-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 3x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Nothing OS 3.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight211 g
    ColoursGrey, Black

    What we like

    • 3x periscope zoom under Rs 30,000
    • 50 MP selfie camera
    • Distinctive design
    • Long security update promise

    What could be better

    • Same chipset as the cheaper Phone (3a)
    • Weak ultrawide
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want real periscope zoom photography on a budget without giving up clean software.

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

  • Nothing Phone (2)

    Nothing launched the Phone (2) in India in July 2023 at Rs 44,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, pushing the brand into premium territory. It refined the Phone (1) design with a subtly curved glass back, more segmented Glyph lights and new functions such as a progress bar that can track an Uber or food delivery, and a Glyph timer.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED adapts from 1 to 120Hz and is noticeably bigger and brighter than its predecessor's screen. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 was a previous-generation flagship chip but still fast and efficient, comfortably ahead of the OnePlus Nord 3's Dimensity 9000. Nothing OS 2.0 introduced the monochrome icons and widgets that became a signature of the brand.

    The dual 50 MP cameras, with a Sony IMX890 main and a Samsung JN1 ultrawide, improved processing but remained a step behind the OnePlus 11R and Pixel 7a. The 4700 mAh battery lasts a full day, with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. It is a polished, distinctive alternative to Samsung and OnePlus at the upper end of mid-range.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 44,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Nothing OS 2.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201.2 g
    ColoursWhite, Dark Grey

    What we like

    • Fast Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    • Useful upgraded Glyph functions
    • Smooth LTPO display
    • Clean, stylish Nothing OS 2.0

    What could be better

    • Cameras trail similarly priced rivals
    • Only IP54
    • Expensive compared with the Phone (1)

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class performance with a distinctive design and clean software for under Rs 50,000.

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

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a launched in India in April 2025 at Rs 49,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It dropped the camera visor that defined Pixel design since 2021 in favour of a nearly flush camera module, giving it a clean look. It also upgraded to IP68 dust and water resistance and carried over Google's seven-year update commitment.

    The 6.3-inch Actua pOLED runs at 120Hz and is notably brighter than the Pixel 8a's panel, though the bezels remain thicker than on rivals. Tensor G4 is the same chip as the Pixel 9 series, delivering smooth everyday performance and Gemini features, even if 8 GB of RAM limits some on-device AI functions compared with its pricier siblings.

    The camera pairing is a 48 MP main with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide, producing reliably good results with strong low-light processing. Battery capacity grows to 5100 mAh, the largest in any A-series Pixel, with 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. Against the OnePlus 13R and Galaxy A56, it wins on camera consistency and support length rather than speed.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.3-inch, pOLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2424
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging23W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight186 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Iris

    What we like

    • Largest battery in an A-series Pixel
    • IP68 rating
    • Seven years of updates
    • Clean, flush camera design

    What could be better

    • Thick bezels
    • Charging still slow
    • 8 GB RAM limits some AI features

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel cameras and long-term updates with better battery life than previous A-series models.

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

  • Google Pixel 8a

    The Pixel 8a launched in India in May 2024 at Rs 52,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought the flagship Tensor G3 and the seven-year update promise down to the A series, along with a 120Hz screen at last. The price, however, was significantly higher than earlier A-series Pixels, placing it against the OnePlus 12R and Galaxy S23 FE.

    Its 6.1-inch Actua OLED is bright and smooth, and the compact body with rounded edges is easy to use one-handed. Tensor G3 handles everyday tasks and Google's AI features, including Circle to Search, Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser. The thick bezels and plastic back remind you it is a cheaper Pixel, though IP67 rating is retained.

    The 64 MP main and 13 MP ultrawide cameras produce Pixel-quality images that outclass most phones at this price, particularly in tricky lighting. Battery capacity is 4492 mAh with slow 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. The OnePlus 12R offers far faster charging and performance for similar money, so the 8a mainly suits buyers who prioritise camera and update longevity.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 52,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4492 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight188 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe

    What we like

    • Seven years of updates on a mid-ranger
    • Excellent camera for the price
    • Compact, easy to hold
    • 120Hz Actua display

    What could be better

    • Expensive for an A-series Pixel
    • Slow charging
    • Thick bezels and plastic back

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small phone with Pixel cameras and long software support more than fast charging or gaming power.

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

  • Google Pixel 7a

    Google launched the Pixel 7a in India in May 2023 at Rs 43,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most feature-rich A-series Pixel so far, adding a 90Hz screen and wireless charging, two things the Pixel 6a lacked, while sharing the Tensor G2 chip with the more expensive Pixel 7.

    The 6.1-inch OLED is compact and colour-accurate, though 90Hz felt behind the 120Hz panels on the OnePlus 11R and Galaxy A54 at similar prices. Tensor G2 offers flagship-grade software features, Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur among them, but warms up under sustained load. The plastic back and matte aluminium frame feel solid, and the phone is IP67 rated.

    The new 64 MP main camera with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide produce photos that rival far pricier phones, especially in low light. The 4385 mAh battery gets through a day, but 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are slow. The main argument against it in India was price: the Pixel 7 itself often sold for only a little more during sales.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4385 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursCharcoal, Snow, Sea

    What we like

    • Flagship-quality camera at a lower price
    • Compact size
    • Wireless charging added
    • Same Tensor G2 as the Pixel 7

    What could be better

    • Slow wired and wireless charging
    • 90Hz while rivals offer 120Hz
    • Priced close to the Pixel 7 during sales

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel camera quality in a smaller, cheaper phone and can live with slow charging.

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