RAG Demo

Tag: Zoom camera

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro

    Google launched the Pixel 8 Pro in India in October 2023 at Rs 1,06,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, putting it in the same bracket as the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra. It moved to a flat 6.7-inch display, a matte glass back, and introduced a temperature sensor, a curious extra that saw little real-world use.

    The Super Actua LTPO OLED is one of the brightest displays of its year, running between 1 and 120Hz. Tensor G3 brings on-device AI features including Video Boost, Magic Editor and Best Take, though it remains behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple A17 Pro in graphics performance and efficiency. Seven years of updates make it a long-term proposition.

    The camera system was upgraded to a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP 5x telephoto, with Pro controls for manual settings. Image quality is excellent across lenses, especially in low light. The 5050 mAh battery gives a full day, charging at 30W wired and supporting wireless. Its high Indian price was the biggest obstacle compared with the S23 Ultra.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 106,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1344 x 2992
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery5050 mAh
    Charging30W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay

    What we like

    • Outstanding triple camera with Pro controls
    • Very bright flat LTPO display
    • Seven years of updates
    • Useful on-device AI features

    What could be better

    • Very expensive in India
    • Tensor G3 gaming performance lags rivals
    • Temperature sensor adds little

    Who should buy it

    Photography-focused buyers who want Google's best camera and long software support and can absorb the premium price.

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

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    For the first time Google offered its Pro-tier Pixel in a compact size. The Pixel 9 Pro was announced for India in August 2024 at Rs 1,09,999 for 16 GB plus 256 GB, sharing the 6.3-inch footprint of the regular Pixel 9 while adding the telephoto camera, a sharper LTPO screen and more memory. It competed directly with the iPhone 16 Pro.

    The Super Actua LTPO display runs at 1280 x 2856 and up to 120Hz, with very high peak brightness. Tensor G4 with 16 GB of RAM handles Gemini Nano and Google's AI suite smoothly, though gaming performance and efficiency still trail Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple's A18 Pro. The polished frame and matte glass back give it a premium feel.

    Its triple camera, with a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP 5x telephoto, is among the most consistent of its year, and the 42 MP selfie camera with autofocus is a big step up for video calls and group shots. The 4700 mAh battery lasts a day with 27W charging. For buyers wanting a small phone with a top-tier zoom camera, few alternatives existed on Android.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1280 x 2856
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera42 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz

    What we like

    • Full Pro camera system in a compact size
    • 42 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • 16 GB RAM for on-device AI
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Tensor G4 trails rivals in gaming
    • 27W charging is slow

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact Android flagship with a 5x zoom camera and Google's AI features.

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

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    The Pixel 9 Pro XL launched in India in August 2024 at Rs 1,24,999 for 16 GB plus 256 GB. It is the large-screen version of the Pixel 9 Pro and the successor to the Pixel 8 Pro, positioned against the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The flat aluminium sides and rounded corners make it more comfortable than its size suggests.

    Its 6.8-inch LTPO OLED runs at 1344 x 2992 and up to 120Hz, with excellent brightness and colour accuracy. Tensor G4 and 16 GB of RAM drive Gemini Live, Pixel Screenshots, Add Me and Magic Editor. As with earlier Tensor phones, sustained gaming performance and heat management are behind Qualcomm's best, but the phone feels quick in daily use.

    Cameras are identical to the smaller Pro: a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP 5x telephoto and a 42 MP selfie camera, all capable of excellent results, with Video Boost for cloud-processed footage. The 5060 mAh battery is the largest in the 2024 Pixel line, charging at up to 37W with a compatible adapter. The S24 Ultra counters with the S Pen and 10x zoom.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 124,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1344 x 2992
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera42 MP
    Battery5060 mAh
    Charging37W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight221 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz

    What we like

    • Large, bright LTPO display
    • Excellent triple camera
    • Largest battery in the Pixel 9 line
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Very high price
    • Heavy at around 221 g
    • Tensor G4 lags in gaming

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a big-screen Android flagship with top cameras and long support, and do not need an S Pen.

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

  • Google Pixel 7 Pro

    The Pixel 7 Pro launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 84,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, taking on the Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro. It was Google's most complete phone up to that point, refining the bold camera-bar design of the Pixel 6 Pro with a polished aluminium finish and a slightly less aggressive curve to the display.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED runs at a sharp 1440 x 3120 with a variable 120Hz refresh rate. Tensor G2 is quick in everyday use and excels at speech recognition and image processing, though it trails Snapdragon rivals in gaming and efficiency. Android 13 here felt fluid, with exclusive features such as Call Screen, Recorder transcription and Photo Unblur.

    The triple camera, with a 50 MP main, a 12 MP ultrawide with autofocus for macro shots and a 48 MP 5x telephoto, is among the best of its year. Super Res Zoom stays usable well beyond 10x. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a day, though charging at 23W is slow. Against the S22 Ultra it lacks the S Pen and 10x lens but matches it on overall photo quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 84,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging23W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight212 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Hazel

    What we like

    • Class-leading camera with 5x zoom
    • Sharp 1440p LTPO display
    • Clean software with exclusive Pixel features
    • Premium build with IP68

    What could be better

    • Tensor G2 efficiency and thermals
    • Slow 23W charging
    • Only 128 GB storage in India

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want a top-tier zoom camera and the purest Android experience.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro Max in India in September 2023 at Rs 1,59,900, with storage now starting at 256 GB. Beyond the titanium frame, A17 Pro and Action button it shares with the 15 Pro, it adds the first periscope-style tetraprism telephoto on an iPhone, offering 5x optical zoom.

    The 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED is bright and smooth, and slimmer bezels make it feel slightly smaller than the 14 Pro Max. Titanium cut weight to 221 g, a noticeable improvement in daily handling. The A17 Pro handled games and heavy video editing well, and USB 3 transfers through USB-C made it practical for creators recording ProRes Log video to external drives.

    The camera system combines a 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x telephoto. The 5x lens is excellent for portraits and distant subjects, though the Galaxy S23 Ultra still reached further. Battery life is among the best of any iPhone at the time, often well into a second day. Its high price made it a premium choice even in the flagship segment.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 159,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A17 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4422 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight221 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

    What we like

    • 5x tetraprism telephoto
    • Excellent battery life
    • Lighter titanium frame
    • Pro video features with USB 3

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Slow charging
    • Still large and heavy

    Who should buy it

    Creators and heavy users who want Apple's best camera, zoom and battery in 2023.

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

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro

    Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro in India in September 2024 at Rs 1,19,900 for 128 GB, notably lower than the 15 Pro's launch price after an import duty cut and local assembly. The screen grew to 6.3 inches with the thinnest bezels on any iPhone so far, and the smaller Pro finally got the same 5x tetraprism telephoto as the Pro Max.

    The ProMotion OLED with always-on support now dims to 1 nit for night use. The titanium frame keeps weight at 199 g. The A18 Pro chip delivers stronger CPU and GPU performance with better thermals than the A17 Pro. Camera Control and the Action button both appear, and Apple Intelligence features rolled out through iOS 18 updates.

    The camera system is a 48 MP Fusion main, 48 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x telephoto. Video can be recorded in 4K at 120fps with Dolby Vision, and the four studio-quality microphones support audio mix effects. Battery life improves over the 15 Pro. Against the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 Pro, it led on video while trailing on charging speed and customisation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 119,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1206 x 2622
    ProcessorApple A18 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3582 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium

    What we like

    • 5x telephoto in a smaller Pro
    • 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video
    • 48 MP ultrawide
    • Lower launch price than the 15 Pro

    What could be better

    • Slow wired charging
    • Camera Control has a learning curve
    • 128 GB base storage for a Pro

    Who should buy it

    Videographers and photographers who want a full pro camera system in a manageable size.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra went on sale in India in early 2025 after a January launch, priced at Rs 1,29,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. It kept the Ultra recipe of a built-in S Pen, titanium frame and four rear cameras, but softened the design with rounded corners and a slightly larger 6.9-inch display that is easier to hold than the boxy S24 Ultra.

    The QHD+ screen keeps Gorilla Armor 2 with anti-reflective coating, which remains one of the best outdoor displays on any phone. Weight drops to 218 g, a meaningful change for an Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is fast and efficient, and Samsung removed Bluetooth Air Actions from the S Pen, a small loss for people who used it as a remote.

    The ultrawide camera jumps to 50 MP, joining the 200 MP main, 10 MP 3x and 50 MP 5x telephotos. Battery stays at 5000 mAh with 45W charging, but endurance is excellent. Rivals such as the Vivo X200 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max matched or beat it in some camera tests, yet nothing else combines a stylus, this zoom range and seven years of updates.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.9-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 50 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight218 g
    ColoursTitanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Gray

    What we like

    • Excellent anti-reflective display
    • Lighter, more comfortable design
    • Upgraded 50 MP ultrawide
    • Integrated S Pen and long update support

    What could be better

    • S Pen lost Bluetooth gestures
    • 45W charging
    • Very high price

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want a stylus, outstanding zoom and the best Samsung display in one phone.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

    Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra landed in India in January 2024 at Rs 1,29,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. Unlike the S24 and S24+, every Ultra worldwide used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which was a relief for Indian enthusiasts. It also debuted Galaxy AI features such as Circle to Search, Live Translate and Generative Edit.

    The frame switched from aluminium to titanium, and the 6.8-inch QHD+ panel is finally flat, which helps S Pen use and reduces accidental touches. Corning's Gorilla Armor glass has an anti-reflective coating that makes the screen noticeably easier to read outdoors. At 232 g it remains a heavy phone, but the squared-off design is more balanced than before.

    Samsung replaced the 10x telephoto with a 50 MP 5x lens, betting that sensor cropping would hold up at 10x. Results at 5x are excellent, and 10x stays good in daylight, while the 200 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide carry over. Battery life from the 5000 mAh cell is superb. Against the iPhone 15 Pro Max it offers the pen and more zoom flexibility, but charging is still 45W.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 50 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight232 g
    ColoursTitanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow

    What we like

    • Anti-reflective flat display is superb outdoors
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in every market
    • Seven years of updates
    • Versatile four-camera system with built-in S Pen

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Heavy at 232 g
    • 10x zoom no longer optical
    • 45W charging

    Who should buy it

    Anyone who wants the most capable Samsung phone with a stylus, strong zoom and long-term support.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 Ultra in India in February 2023 at Rs 1,24,999 for the 12 GB/256 GB variant, with no 8 GB base model to undercut it. It carried forward the Note-style boxy body and integrated S Pen from the S22 Ultra, but the headline upgrades were a 200 MP primary sensor and the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip used worldwide.

    The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen has slightly less curvature than before, which makes S Pen writing near the edges easier. At 234 g it is heavy, but the Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 feel built to last. Efficiency gains from the new chip transformed battery life, and the 5000 mAh cell routinely stretches into a second morning for lighter users.

    Four rear cameras cover almost every focal length: 200 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP telephotos at 3x and 10x. The 10x lens remains the reason many people buy this phone, delivering usable shots at distances where the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pixel 7 Pro fall back on cropping. Charging is capped at 45W, and the price makes the OnePlus 11 look like a bargain if you do not need the pen.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 124,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1440 x 3088
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 10 MP 10x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight234 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • 10x optical zoom is unmatched among rivals of its year
    • Excellent battery life thanks to the efficient chip
    • Built-in S Pen for notes and markup
    • Bright, sharp QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Heavy and wide in the hand
    • Very expensive with no lower storage tier
    • 45W charging trails Chinese flagships

    Who should buy it

    Power users and professionals who want the best zoom camera and stylus input in one Android phone.

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