Tag: Water resistant

  • Google Pixel 8

    The Pixel 8 launched in India in October 2023 at Rs 75,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, a sizeable jump over the Pixel 7. Google justified it with a brighter 120Hz display, the new Tensor G3 and, most importantly, seven years of Android OS and security updates, a commitment no Android rival matched at the time.

    The 6.2-inch Actua OLED is smaller than the Pixel 7's screen and very bright, and the softer rounded corners make the phone comfortable to hold. Tensor G3 improved efficiency and enabled new AI tools such as Best Take, Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. It still trails the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy S23 on gaming performance.

    The 50 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide cameras, now with autofocus on the ultrawide for macro shots, remain dependable and natural. The 4575 mAh battery gives a solid day of use, charging at 27W wired and wirelessly. Against the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15, it competes on camera and software longevity, but its launch price made it hard to recommend over discounted rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 75,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery4575 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursObsidian, Hazel, Rose

    What we like

    • Seven years of OS and security updates
    • Bright, smooth 120Hz Actua display
    • Excellent AI photo tools
    • Compact and comfortable

    What could be better

    • High launch price in India
    • Tensor G3 still trails Snapdragon in gaming
    • Charging is slow by Indian standards

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who plan to keep a compact phone for many years and value camera and software over raw speed.

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

  • Motorola Edge 60 Fusion

    Motorola launched the Edge 60 Fusion in India in April 2025 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, doubling the base storage of its predecessor at the same price. It keeps the brand's design-first approach with Pantone colours and textured finishes, and adds IP69 resistance to high-pressure water jets on top of IP68 submersion protection.

    The 6.67-inch quad-curved pOLED has a sharper 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a small step down from the Edge 50 Fusion's 144Hz that few users will notice. The Dimensity 7400 is a mild upgrade over the outgoing Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, handling daily tasks smoothly while keeping heat in check, and the phone shipped with Android 15.

    Cameras carry over the 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C main sensor with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro camera. Battery capacity rises to 5500 mAh with 68W charging, giving reliable two-day endurance. Against the Nothing Phone (3a) and Realme 14 Pro it is weaker on zoom but stronger on durability, storage and display sharpness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Quad-curved pOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7400
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPantone Amazonite, Pantone Slipstream, Pantone Zephyr

    What we like

    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Sharp 1.5K curved display
    • 256 GB base storage
    • Larger 5500 mAh battery

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Refresh rate drops from 144Hz to 120Hz
    • Performance only slightly ahead of the previous model

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, good-looking mid-ranger with long battery life and plenty of storage.

    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.

  • Motorola Edge 50 Ultra

    Launched in India in June 2024 at Rs 59,999 for a single 12 GB plus 512 GB configuration, the Edge 50 Ultra was Motorola's attempt to undercut the OnePlus 12 and Galaxy S24 while offering something they did not: a choice of a genuine wood back or Pantone-matched vegan leather. It feels distinctive in the hand and carries an IP68 rating.

    The 6.7-inch curved pOLED runs at up to 144Hz with a sharp 1.5K-class resolution, and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 delivers near-flagship speed, a step below the full Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in sustained gaming but more than enough for daily use. Hello UI is clean, with useful gestures and the Moto AI features introduced that year.

    Cameras are a strong point: a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope that gives it real zoom flexibility, plus a 50 MP selfie camera. The 4500 mAh battery is smaller than rivals, but 125W wired and 50W wireless charging compensate. Compared with the OnePlus 12 it trades some raw performance and battery capacity for a lighter feel and a periscope lens.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging125W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursForest Grey, Peach Fuzz, Nordic Wood

    What we like

    • Real wood back option is unique
    • 64 MP periscope zoom at this price
    • 125W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Generous 512 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • 4500 mAh battery is small for a flagship
    • Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 trails the full 8 Gen 3
    • Only one memory variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class cameras with periscope zoom and fast charging in a lighter, more distinctive body than the usual glass slabs.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

    The Edge 50 Fusion arrived in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999, aimed squarely at buyers who care more about how a phone looks and feels than about benchmark scores. Motorola gave it a curved 6.7-inch pOLED panel, a slim vegan leather or PMMA back depending on colour, and an IP68 rating that was still rare in this price band.

    Performance comes from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a chip that handles social apps, streaming and casual gaming comfortably but trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Nothing Phone (2a) and well behind anything Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Hello UI stays close to stock Android, with few preloaded apps, which keeps the phone feeling lighter than its specifications suggest.

    The 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C main camera produces pleasant daylight shots with natural colour, while the 13 MP ultrawide is merely adequate. A 5000 mAh battery and 68W charging make it an easy two-day phone for light users. Against the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Realme 12 Pro it offers cleaner software and better water resistance, though rivals push harder on camera hardware.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHot Pink, Marshmallow Blue, Forest Blue

    What we like

    • IP68 rating at a mid-range price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED looks premium
    • Near-stock software with little bloat
    • 68W charger in the box

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is only modestly fast
    • Ultrawide camera is weak in low light
    • Software update commitment shorter than Samsung's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 25,000 who want a stylish, water-resistant phone with clean software rather than the fastest chip.

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

  • Realme GT 7 Pro

    Realme launched the GT 7 Pro in India in November 2024 at Rs 59,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It was the first phone in the country with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it marked Realme's most serious attempt yet at the full flagship segment. The Indian version shipped with a 5,800 mAh battery, smaller than the Chinese model because of local regulatory constraints.

    Performance is top tier, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite handling any game or workload with ease. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, a Samsung-supplied panel, is bright and accurate. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto. Charging is rated at 120 W, and the phone carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for strong water and dust resistance.

    Rivals included the iQOO 13, the OnePlus 13, the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Vivo X200. The iQOO 13 offered the same chip at a lower price, and the OnePlus 13 had a larger battery with wireless charging. The GT 7 Pro competed on early availability, its periscope camera and durability.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchNovember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMars Orange, Galaxy Grey

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • 3x periscope telephoto
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • 120 W charging

    What could be better

    • Smaller battery than the Chinese model
    • iQOO 13 offers the same chip for less
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want top-tier performance and a periscope camera in a durable flagship below Rs 60,000.

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

  • OnePlus 13

    OnePlus launched the 13 in India in January 2025 at Rs 69,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It was one of the first phones in the country with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it addressed long-standing gaps by adding IP68 and IP69 ratings, magnetic wireless charging support through cases, and a much larger battery.

    Performance is top tier, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite runs efficiently. The 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED is bright, accurate and flatter than earlier OnePlus curved screens. All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a Sony LYT-808 main, an ultrawide and a 3x periscope, tuned with Hasselblad. The 6,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery delivers excellent endurance, with 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25+, the iPhone 16, the Vivo X200 and the iQOO 13. The iQOO 13 offered the same chip for less, and the Galaxy S25 a longer update promise. The OnePlus 13 stood out with battery life, durability and charging speed. Its cameras also hold their own against similarly priced rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 69,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB / 24 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging100W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, OxygenOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMidnight Ocean, Arctic Dawn, Black Eclipse

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • 6,000 mAh battery with 100 W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Versatile triple 50 MP cameras

    What could be better

    • Expensive higher variants
    • Zoom trails dedicated camera flagships
    • Large and heavy

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a fast, durable flagship with excellent battery life and charging.

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

  • Poco X7 Pro

    The Poco X7 Pro arrived in January 2025 at Rs 27,999 as the first phone in India with MediaTek's Dimensity 8400 Ultra and the first to ship with Android 15-based HyperOS 2. Poco gave the Indian model a larger 6,550 mAh battery than the global version, reinforcing its pitch as a performance phone that also lasts.

    The Dimensity 8400 Ultra is a substantial upgrade, edging close to previous-generation flagship chips in sustained gaming. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Poco dropped the macro camera and kept a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS plus an 8 MP ultrawide. Battery life is outstanding, and 90 W charging fills the large cell in under an hour. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings add real durability.

    Its competitors included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme 14 Pro+, the iQOO Neo 10R and the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. The Nord 4 offered a metal body and longer update promises, while the Realme and Redmi had telephoto lenses. For raw speed and battery per rupee, the X7 Pro led its class at launch.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6550 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Obsidian Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    • Huge 6,550 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Android 15 out of the box

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Only two rear cameras
    • HyperOS includes promotional apps

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and heavy users who want top-tier mid-range speed with excellent battery life and durability.

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