Tag: Upper Mid-range

  • 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.

  • Realme 14 Pro+

    Realme launched the 14 Pro+ in India in January 2025 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its design is the most unusual in the range: the Pearl White model has a cold-sensitive back that changes colour when the temperature drops, and the Bikaner Purple option was designed for the Indian market. The phone also carries IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings.

    The 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz is sharp and bright. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a modest upgrade, smooth in everyday use and capable in games at moderate settings. The camera set pairs a 50 MP Sony IMX896 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto. The 6,000 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance and charges at 80 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 14 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 4, the Poco X7 Pro and the Vivo V40e. The Poco X7 Pro was much faster, while the Redmi offered a similar balance with a 2.5x telephoto. The 14 Pro+ stood out for its zoom camera, durability and design. Its chip is the main compromise.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.83-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1272 x 2800
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPearl White, Suede Grey, Bikaner Purple

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto
    • Colour-changing back on Pearl White
    • 6,000 mAh battery
    • IP68 and IP69 protection

    What could be better

    • Only a modest chip upgrade
    • Quad-curved screen can cause accidental touches
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a distinctive design, strong zoom camera and long battery life under Rs 30,000.

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

  • Realme GT 6T

    Realme brought the GT series back to India with the GT 6T in May 2024, priced at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was the first phone in India with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, and Realme marketed it as offering flagship-grade performance and display quality at a mid-range price.

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 performs close to older flagship chips and sustains performance well thanks to a large vapour chamber. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED is rated for 6,000 nits peak brightness, among the brightest panels available at the time. The camera set is simpler than the GT 6, with a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide. The 5,500 mAh battery charges at 120 W, and the phone is relatively light at about 191 g.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord CE4, the Poco F6, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2a). The Poco F6 had a slightly faster chip, while the Edge 50 Pro offered a telephoto lens. The GT 6T led on display brightness and charging speed. Its camera setup is the main trade-off.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight191 g
    ColoursFluid Silver, Razor Green

    What we like

    • Extremely bright LTPO display
    • Strong Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    • 120 W charging
    • Relatively light

    What could be better

    • Only two rear cameras
    • No telephoto
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-grade display and performance without crossing Rs 35,000.

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

  • 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.

  • OnePlus Nord 4

    OnePlus launched the Nord 4 in India in July 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its most distinctive feature is a metal unibody design, unusual for a modern 5G phone because of antenna challenges, which gives it a durable, premium feel. OnePlus also promised four years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 delivers near-flagship performance, handling demanding games smoothly. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, a simpler setup that drops the macro lens. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day and charges at 100 W.

    Rivals included the Poco F6, the Realme GT 6T, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The Poco F6 had a slightly faster chip and the Edge 50 Pro a telephoto lens, while the Nord 4 stood out for build quality and long software support. Its camera remains the weak spot.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199.5 g
    ColoursMercurial Silver, Oasis Green, Obsidian Midnight

    What we like

    • Premium metal unibody
    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    • Long software support promise
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Only two rear cameras
    • No telephoto
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who value build quality and long-term software support in a fast mid-range phone.

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

  • OnePlus Nord 3

    OnePlus launched the Nord 3 in India in July 2023 at Rs 33,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was a major step up from the Nord 2T, borrowing the previous year's flagship Dimensity 9000 chip and adding the alert slider, a feature usually reserved for the numbered series.

    Performance is excellent for the price, handling demanding games at high settings. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is sharp and bright. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, shared with the OnePlus 11, delivers reliable photos, though the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W, reaching full in about 30 minutes.

    Rivals included the Poco F5, the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Nothing Phone (2) and the iQOO Neo 7 Pro. The Poco F5 was cheaper with similar performance, while the Galaxy A54 offered IP67 and longer updates. The Nord 3 balanced speed, camera and charging well, with a cleaner software experience than most rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 33,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9000
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursMisty Green, Tempest Gray

    What we like

    • Flagship-class Dimensity 9000
    • Good 50 MP OIS main camera
    • Alert slider
    • 80 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Only IP54
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-level performance and clean software in a mid-range Nord.

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

  • OnePlus 12R

    OnePlus launched the 12R in India in January 2024 at Rs 39,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, alongside the OnePlus 12. It used the previous year's flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and brought LTPO display technology to the R-series for the first time, a feature rarely seen at this price.

    Performance is excellent for gaming and multitasking, comfortably ahead of most mid-range rivals. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1264 x 2780 resolution reaches very high peak brightness and adapts its refresh rate to save power. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is reliable, but the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. Battery life is a standout, with the 5,500 mAh cell lasting well over a day and recharging at 100 W.

    Rivals included the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the Xiaomi 14 Civi and the Poco F6. The S23 FE offered wireless charging and longer support, while the iQOO Neo 9 Pro had a similar chip for less. The 12R was a strong all-rounder for performance and battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight207 g
    ColoursIron Gray, Cool Blue

    What we like

    • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    • Bright LTPO display
    • Excellent battery life
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • No wireless charging
    • Base storage only 128 GB

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class performance and long battery life for around Rs 40,000.

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

  • OnePlus 11R

    The OnePlus 11R launched in India in February 2023 at Rs 39,999 as a more affordable sibling to the OnePlus 11. It shared the flagship's circular camera styling and alert slider but used the previous-generation Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which was still one of the fastest chips available at the time.

    The 6.74-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with a 1240 x 2772 resolution, sharper than typical full HD panels. Performance is excellent for gaming and multitasking, and the 8+ Gen 1 runs cooler than the original 8 Gen 1. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS produces reliable photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are filler. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 100 W, reaching full in about 25 minutes.

    It competed with the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Xiaomi 12 Pro discounted and the Nothing Phone (2), which arrived later. The Galaxy A54 offered IP67 and longer updates, while the 11R was faster and charged much quicker. The lack of an IP rating was its main weakness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight204 g
    ColoursSonic Black, Galactic Silver

    What we like

    • Flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    • 100 W charging
    • Sharp curved display
    • Alert slider

    What could be better

    • No IP rating
    • Weak secondary cameras
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship performance and very fast charging for around Rs 40,000.

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