The Indian smartphone market in November 2024 reflects a surge in diversity, catering to every budget and need. From cutting-edge flagship devices to budget-friendly all-rounders, brands are competing fiercely, driven by advancements like generative AI integration, lightning-fast 5G, and innovations in design and cameras. Flagship phones now blur the lines between smartphones and professional tools, while high-end and mid-range phones deliver premium experiences without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, budget smartphones are closing the gap, offering quality displays, robust performance, and efficient software. Here are the top 10 best phones across flagship, high-end, mid-range, and budget segments to suit varied preferences.
Price: ₹1,44,900
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max exemplifies premium design, combining a durable titanium body with a vibrant Super Retina XDR OLED display. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, it excels in raw performance and battery optimisation. Its camera setup features a tetraprism telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities, paired with a 48 MP sensor that captures stunning details in any light, thanks to the 24 MP binned output. Features like Apple Intelligence and a speedy processor make it a top choice for professionals. While pricey, the seamless ecosystem and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for Apple loyalists.
Price: ₹99,999
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a dream device for photography enthusiasts. Equipped with a 1-inch sensor and a variable aperture lens, it delivers incredible clarity and depth. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring blazing-fast performance and efficient multitasking. The 120Hz AMOLED display is vibrant and sharp, ideal for media consumption. Xiaomi’s MIUI 15 brings refined features, further enhancing user experience. Though its hefty design might not suit everyone, its standout camera and reliable battery life make it one of the best flagship choices.
Price: ₹1,09,999
The Galaxy S24 Ultra builds on Samsung’s legacy of excellence, featuring a QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It houses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and up to 16 GB RAM, making it a multitasking powerhouse. The S Pen integration adds versatility, while the quad-camera setup—featuring a 200 MP primary sensor—delivers stunning photos. Its robust build with Gorilla Glass Armor and IP68 certification ensures durability. The Galaxy S24 Ultra caters to professionals, gamers, and photographers alike, though its bulkiness might deter some users.
Price: ₹79,999
The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra redefines the flip form factor every year with its sleek design and innovative features. Sporting a 6.9-inch foldable AMOLED display and a massive 4-inch cover display with a 165Hz refresh rate, both displays offer vibrant visuals and smooth navigation. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 ensures smooth day-to-day performance, and the improved hinge design enhances durability. Its outer display enables quick tasks without unfolding the device. The camera system, while not the most advanced, produces respectable results. Ideal for trendsetters seeking a unique blend of style and functionality, the Razr 50 Ultra carves a niche in the premium market.
Price: ₹89,999
The Vivo X100 Pro 5G is a photography-centric smartphone featuring a Zeiss-tuned camera setup. Its 1-inch sensor captures stunning details, while advanced stabilization ensures sharp shots. Powered by the Dimensity 9300 chip, it handles multitasking and gaming effortlessly. The LTPO AMOLED display delivers vivid visuals, complemented by a sleek glass-and-metal design. The 100W fast charging adds convenience, though its battery life might not match rivals. For creators and photography enthusiasts, the Vivo X100 Pro 5G stands out as a high-end device worth considering.
Price: ₹35,999
The OnePlus 12R is a mid-range powerhouse with flagship-like performance. Featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, and a 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging, it excels in daily tasks and gaming. OxygenOS delivers a smooth user experience, with relatively low bloatware. The triple-camera setup is versatile though the 2 MP macro seems dated. The phone captures decent shots in various lighting conditions. The phone’s premium design and build quality make it feel more expensive than it is. It’s an excellent choice for users wanting flagship performance at a relatively affordable price.
Price: ₹33,999
Geared towards gamers, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro combines the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with a 144Hz AMOLED display, ensuring fluid visuals and responsive gaming. Its 5,160 mAh battery supports 120W fast charging, delivering extended playtime and quick recharges. The phone’s design caters to gaming aesthetics, while its triple-camera system offers decent versatility. Despite its gaming focus, it handles everyday tasks and multitasking with ease, making it a compelling mid-range option for users seeking speed and power.
Price: ₹12,999
The Redmi 13 5G offers excellent value with a 120Hz FHD+ display, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE processor, and a sleek design. It handles everyday tasks smoothly and delivers decent gaming performance. The 108 MP main camera captures sharp daylight shots, though low-light results are average. Its 5,030mAh battery ensures reliable longevity, with fast charging for added convenience. While it lacks stereo speakers and has some bloatware, it remains an easy recommendation for budget-conscious buyers.
Price: ₹15,498
The Realme Narzo 70 Pro impresses with its Dimensity 7050 chipset and capable cameras, offering quick performance and noteworthy photography chops. Its AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a rarity in this price segment, delivering vibrant visuals. The battery life easily lasts a day too. The Narzo 70 Pro stands out for its balance of performance, cameras, and affordability, appealing to students and young professionals.
Price: ₹18,498
The iQOO Z9 is a feature-packed budget phone with the snappy Dimensity 7200 chipset and a 120Hz AMOLED display. Ideal for gamers and streamers, it offers smooth performance and immersive visuals. Its dual-camera system produces decent photos in good lighting. The 5,000mAh battery ensures reliable usage, with 44W fast charging for quick top-ups. While its design may feel basic compared to competitors, its reliable performance and display quality make it an excellent budget option for multimedia users.