RAG Demo

Tag: Upper Mid-range

  • iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    The iQOO Neo 9 Pro launched in India in February 2024 with the previous year's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, offering near-flagship performance well below flagship prices. Its dual-tone vegan leather design in Fiery Red caught attention. It competed directly with the OnePlus 12R, which used the same chip, as well as the Poco X6 Pro and Realme GT 6T.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display has a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals and smooth gaming. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance was excellent, and iQOO's Q1 chip improved gaming frame rates. An IP54 rating offered basic protection. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 included gaming features, along with preinstalled apps that some users disliked.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX920 main camera with OIS produces good photos, while an 8 MP ultrawide is merely acceptable. The 16 MP selfie camera is average. The 5,160 mAh battery with 120W charging refills very quickly. Against the OnePlus 12R, it was cheaper with similar performance, while the OnePlus offered cleaner software, a larger battery and a slightly better display.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 36,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX920 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5160 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFiery Red, Conqueror Black

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 at a mid-range price
    • 144Hz AMOLED display
    • 120W fast charging
    • Distinctive vegan leather design

    What could be better

    • Average ultrawide and selfie cameras
    • Only IP54 rating
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want flagship-class performance without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Vivo T3 Ultra

    The T3 Ultra launched in India in September 2024 as the most powerful phone in Vivo's online-focused T-series. It borrowed the Dimensity 9200+ chip from the V40 Pro and wrapped it in a slim curved design, competing against the Poco F6, OnePlus Nord 4 and Motorola Edge 50 Pro for buyers seeking performance without a flagship price.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, giving excellent clarity and colour. Dimensity 9200+ handles demanding games and multitasking with ease, putting the T3 Ultra among the fastest phones in its segment. The IP68 rating adds durability, and the phone remains slim despite its large battery. Funtouch OS 14 offered plenty of features but came with preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX921 main camera with OIS performs well, joined by an 8 MP ultrawide that is noticeably weaker. The 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is a highlight. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts comfortably through a day. Against the Poco F6, it offered better water resistance and a curved display, though Poco had a slight performance advantage in some tests.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX921 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLunar Grey, Frost Green

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9200+ flagship-class performance
    • Sharp curved AMOLED display
    • IP68 rating
    • 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide
    • Curved screen can cause accidental touches
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Performance-focused buyers who also want water resistance and a slim curved design.

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

  • Vivo V50

    Vivo launched the V50 in India in February 2025, continuing the series focus on slim design and portraits while pushing the battery to 6,000 mAh. A quad-curved display and Zeiss-branded dual cameras were the headline features, and the phone took on the Samsung Galaxy A56, Oppo Reno 13 and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro in the upper mid-range.

    The 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and colourful, wrapping gently on all four sides. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, carried over from the V30 and V40, keeps performance steady but no faster than before, which reviewers pointed out given the price. IP68 and IP69 ratings returned. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 brought some AI editing tools alongside Vivo's usual customisation.

    The dual 50 MP rear cameras, main with OIS and ultrawide, deliver reliable Zeiss-tuned colours and the familiar Aura light helps night portraits. The 50 MP selfie camera remains excellent. The real story is endurance: the 6,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts well beyond a day, and 90W charging refills it fast. Buyers wanting more performance at this price might prefer a Poco or OnePlus Nord, but few match its battery in such a thin body.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 34,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.77-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursRose Red, Titanium Grey, Starry Blue

    What we like

    • 6,000 mAh battery in a slim body
    • Zeiss-tuned dual cameras
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • Excellent 50 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • Same chip as two previous generations
    • No telephoto camera
    • Pricier than performance-focused rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long battery life and great portraits in a thin, stylish phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2025). 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.

  • Vivo V40

    The Vivo V40 launched in India in August 2024, bringing Zeiss optics down to the standard V model and adding IP68 and IP69 ratings. It kept the slim curved design while increasing the battery to 5,500 mAh. Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy A55, Oppo Reno 12 Pro and Motorola Edge 50 Pro.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh is sharp and bright. Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 again provides reliable performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. The new dust and water ratings meant the V40 could handle submersion and high-pressure water jets, a rare combination at this price. Funtouch OS 14 continued with useful features and some preloaded apps.

    Dual 50 MP cameras, a main sensor with OIS and an ultrawide, benefit from Zeiss colour science, giving natural tones and pleasing bokeh. The Aura light helps in low light. The 50 MP selfie camera remains a strength. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging easily lasts a full day. Compared with the Galaxy A55, it offered faster charging, a bigger battery and better water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 34,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitanium Grey, Ganges Blue, Lotus Purple

    What we like

    • Zeiss-tuned dual 50 MP cameras
    • 5,500 mAh battery in a slim body
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • Sharp curved display

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Performance is merely adequate
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, rugged mid-range phone with strong portraits and battery life.

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

  • Vivo V30 Pro

    The V30 Pro launched in India in March 2024 and was the first V-series phone to carry Zeiss-branded optics, previously reserved for Vivo's X flagships. It added a 50 MP 2x portrait telephoto camera and the Dimensity 8200 chip, positioning it against the Oppo Reno 11 Pro, OnePlus 12R and Samsung Galaxy A55 for buyers focused on photography.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display offers 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, with good brightness. The Dimensity 8200 handled gaming and multitasking smoothly, though the OnePlus 12R's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 was clearly faster. The slim body still housed a 5,000 mAh battery, and the large Aura light returned. IP54 protection was modest for the price.

    All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a main sensor with OIS, an ultrawide and a 2x portrait telephoto, with Zeiss colour profiles and bokeh styles. Portraits were the standout, rivalling more expensive phones. The 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is excellent. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a day. Buyers choosing between this and the OnePlus 12R traded performance for portrait quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 41,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x portrait telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAndaman Blue, Classic Black

    What we like

    • Zeiss-tuned triple 50 MP cameras
    • Excellent portrait telephoto
    • Slim design with 5,000 mAh battery
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera

    What could be better

    • Slower than the OnePlus 12R
    • Only IP54 rating
    • Funtouch OS clutter

    Who should buy it

    Portrait-focused buyers who want Zeiss tuning below flagship prices.

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

  • Vivo V30

    Vivo launched the V30 in India in March 2024 with a focus on a slim design that still packed a 5,000 mAh battery, along with a larger Aura light for portraits. It targeted the same buyers as the Samsung Galaxy A55, Oppo Reno 11 and Nothing Phone (2a), particularly those who value photography and looks over gaming performance.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and it is bright enough for comfortable outdoor use. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers efficient, steady performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming. Its thin profile remains one of the slimmest among phones with a 5,000 mAh battery. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 was tidier than before.

    The camera setup includes a 50 MP main sensor with OIS and a 50 MP ultrawide, a welcome upgrade over the usual 8 MP ultrawide in this segment. The 50 MP selfie camera continues Vivo's tradition. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a full day. The Galaxy A55 offered better build quality and longer updates, but the V30 had a nicer display and a more capable ultrawide.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 33,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAndaman Blue, Peacock Green, Classic Black

    What we like

    • Slim body with a 5,000 mAh battery
    • 50 MP ultrawide camera
    • Bright curved AMOLED display
    • Larger Aura light

    What could be better

    • Only IP54 protection
    • Modest gaming performance
    • Funtouch OS preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a thin, stylish phone with good portraits and wide-angle shots.

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

  • Vivo V29 Pro

    Launched alongside the V29 in October 2023, the V29 Pro targeted buyers who wanted better portrait photography and stronger performance. It added a dedicated 2x portrait telephoto camera and the more powerful Dimensity 8200, while keeping the slim curved design. Competition came from the OnePlus 11R, Oppo Reno 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display offers 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Dimensity 8200 delivers noticeably quicker performance than the standard V29's Snapdragon 778G, with better gaming frame rates and app loading. The thin body and smooth glass finish make it feel premium. Funtouch OS 13 was the same as on the V29, with useful features and some clutter.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera, 12 MP Sony IMX663 portrait telephoto with 2x zoom and 8 MP ultrawide form a flexible setup, and the Aura light helps with portraits at night. The 50 MP front camera captures detailed selfies. The 4,600 mAh battery with 80W charging is adequate. For buyers who wanted a telephoto lens below 40,000 rupees, it was among the few choices at the time.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX766 main + 12 MP Sony IMX663 2x portrait telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x portrait telephoto
    • Dimensity 8200 performance
    • Sharp curved AMOLED display
    • Aura light for night portraits

    What could be better

    • 4,600 mAh battery is modest
    • Priced close to the OnePlus 11R
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Portrait photographers who want a telephoto lens in a slim mid-range phone.

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

  • Vivo V29

    The Vivo V29 launched in India in October 2023 with a focus on design, portraits and durability. It brought an IP68 rating to the V-series for the first time in this price range, along with a curved 1.5K AMOLED display and a slim, colourful body. Competitors included the Samsung Galaxy A54, Oppo Reno 10 and Nothing Phone (2).

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED panel offers a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and looks excellent. The Snapdragon 778G was an older chip by then, but it remained efficient and handled most games well. The phone's thin profile and light weight made it comfortable to carry. Funtouch OS 13 offered good features but shipped with apps that many users would rather remove.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, paired with the Smart Aura light, produces flattering portraits in dim conditions, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro play supporting roles. A 50 MP autofocus front camera continues Vivo's selfie focus. The 4,600 mAh battery with 80W charging gives a day of use and refills quickly. The Galaxy A54 offered longer updates, but the V29 had a better display and faster charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 778G
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHimalayan Blue, Majestic Red, Space Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K curved AMOLED display
    • IP68 rating in a slim body
    • Aura light improves night portraits
    • 80W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 778G was ageing
    • Average secondary cameras
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Portrait lovers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with a great screen.

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

  • Vivo V27 Pro

    Vivo launched the V27 Pro in India in March 2023 as a fashion-forward phone with a colour-changing rear panel that shifted shade under sunlight. The V-series has always prioritised design and selfie cameras, and the V27 Pro followed that formula while adding a capable Dimensity 8200 chip. It competed with the Oppo Reno 8 Pro, OnePlus 11R and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is vivid and immersive, and the slim body feels light for its size. Dimensity 8200 provides strong performance that comfortably handles gaming and multitasking, better than the Exynos chip in the Galaxy A54. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered plenty of customisation, but reviewers continued to note duplicated apps and preinstalled software.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766V main camera with OIS performs well, and Vivo's Aura light ring helps with portraits at night. The 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are secondary. A 50 MP autofocus selfie camera remains a V-series strength. The 4,600 mAh battery with 66W charging gets through a day. Against the OnePlus 11R, it offered a nicer design and selfie camera but less raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX766V main with 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 is eye-catching
    • Strong Dimensity 8200 performance
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Slim and light design

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,600 mAh battery
    • Weak ultrawide and macro cameras
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious users who take lots of selfies and want solid performance.

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