Buying guide: 10 best phones in India

Investing in a smartphone is a must as phones have become a daily need. With technological advancements, phones have become a convenience for communication and you have everything you need at your fingertips. Nowadays, almost every phone is equipped with features that offer you something, however, the best phones provide the right balance between the software and the hardware. Here we present to you the list of the best phones in India that are real all-rounders.

Product list

1. Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G

Pixel 7 Pro is Google’s best yet for its premium customers. This is one of the latest phones in India from Google offering a curved display, larger battery and more cameras. The phone is equipped with three rear cameras supporting 4K video recording. It has a custom tensor G2 chipset that is capable in supporting the features of the phone and with the frequent updates provided, bugs are fixed promptly.

Specifications

• Display: 6.7-inch PLS LCD
• Processor: Google Tensor G2 Octa-core
• RAM: 8/ 12 GB
• Storage: 128/256/512 GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 50 MP, 48 MP, 12 MP
• Front Camera: 10.8 MP
• Weight: 283 grams

2. Google Pixel 6a 5G

Google Pixel 6a is a budget-friendlier variety of Pixel Pro versions with the core features included. This phone also has a custom Google tensor processor for seamless functioning. The phone supports the latest Android 13 operating system and the camera performs well in all types of lighting conditions.

Specifications

• Display: 6.10 inch
• Processor: Google Tensor G2 Octa-core
• RAM: 6 GB
• Storage: 128 GB
• Battery Capacity: 4410 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 12.2 MP, 12 MP
• Front Camera: 8 MP
• Weight: ‎178 grams

3. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Released just last September, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max does secure the spot of being one of the top 10 phones in India. This Pro version offers a higher resolution camera and an always-on display setting. This always-on display setting allows you to check time or notifications without having to turn on the display. The phone has a refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz which allows for smooth scrolling. There is a rear camera of 48 megapixels and cameras offer great recording of videos, even in low-light conditions.

Specifications

• Display: 6.70 inch
• Processor: Hexa-core A16 Bionic chip
• RAM: 6 GB
• Storage: 128/256/512 GB/1 TB
• Battery Capacity: 4323 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 48 MP, 12 MP, 12 MP
• Front Camera: 12 MP
• Weight: ‎240 grams

4. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the premium phones offered by Samsung. The main camera with 200 megapixels captures detailed photos in both well-lit and low-light conditions and at 30x zoom as well. Furthermore, the cameras offer 8K video recording with up to 30fps. The phone supports the Android 13 operating system and has its customized processor, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which enables smooth software operation. This phone also comes with an S pen.

Specifications

• Display: 6.80 inch
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 8/ 12 GB
• Storage: 128/256/512 GB/ 1 TB
• Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 200 MP, 12 MP, 10 MP
• Front Camera: 12 MP
• Weight: ‎233 grams

5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G

Samsung offers a stylish phone that can fit in your pocket. The Galaxy Z Flip4 caters to the trendy and those searching for a unique Android smartphone in India. Open it up to get the big 6.7-inch display and fold it and use the small outer screen to check for notifications and make use of basic widgets. It has an IPX6 water-resistant rating. The cameras offered are just decent, but with no telephoto lens.

Specifications

• Display: 6.70 inch
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128/256/512 GB
• Battery Capacity: 3700 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 12 MP, 12 MP
• Front Camera: 10 MP
• Weight: ‎187 grams

6. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G

Samsung has outdone itself with its S series phones. If you like the look of the S23 Ultra but require a decently sized phone, then this S23 suffices. Its compact factor allows for easier single-handed usage. The customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor allows for seamless use. Furthermore, four OS upgrades and five years of security updates are offered with this phone. The cameras offer decent megapixels and the portrait mode stands out. Video recording is available at 8K, 4K, and 1080p with video stabilization.

Specifications

• Display: 6.10 inch
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128/ 256 GB
• Battery Capacity: 3900 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 50 MP, 12 MP, 10 MP
• Front Camera: 12 MP
• Weight: ‎168 grams

7. OnePlus 11 5G

If you are looking for a relatively decently priced flagship smartphone in India, OnePlus has your back. Just launched in February of this year, OnePlus 11 5G comes with software support with four OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This phone runs on Android 13 OS and offers triple-rear cameras with a main camera of 50 megapixels.

Specifications

• Display: 6.74 inch
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2
• RAM: 8/ 16 GB
• Storage: 128/ 256 GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 50 MP, 48 MP, 32 MP
• Front Camera: 16 MP
• Weight: ‎205 grams

8. OnePlus 11R 5G

OnePlus 11R has the same processor, Snapdragon 8+, albeit Gen 1, and a primary camera of 50 megapixels as the OnePlus 11 at a relatively cheaper price. This is appealing to consumers who are looking for the latest phones in India under a price tag of Rs. 45,000. The phone supports the Android 13 operating system. This phone looks highly similar to OnePlus 11, which has not been the circumstance in the past with the 9R and 10R and their flagship versions.

Specifications

• Display: 6.74 inch
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
• RAM: 8/ 16 GB
• Storage: 128/ 256 GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 50 MP, 8 MP, 2 MP
• Front Camera: 16 MP
• Weight: ‎205 grams

9. Xiaomi 13 Pro

Xiaomi 13 Pro is the company’s premium phone launched in December 2022. This phone has a triple rear camera with the primary 50 MP camera equipped with a large sensor with a large aperture allowing it to capture photos and videos well in well-lit and low-light conditions. Furthermore, the main camera allows for shooting both 8K videos. The robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor supports the powerful performance of the phone. It has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The phone also offers a great display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Specifications

• Display: 6.73 inch
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 8/ 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB
• Battery Capacity: 4820 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 50 MP, 50 MP, 50 MP
• Front Camera: 32 MP
• Weight: ‎204 grams

10. iQOO 11 5G

iQOO brand offers premium segment phones that entered the Indian market in 2020 and IQOO 11 has become one of the top ten phones in India post its release in December 2022. It positions itself as a fast phone with powerful performance being supported by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The triple rear camera setup features a 50 megapixels primary camera with decent photos in low-light conditions. Stereo speakers are decent with an IR emitter. This display is the game changer with a 2K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate.

Specifications

• Display: 6.78 inch
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 8/ 16 GB
• Storage: 256 GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh battery
• Rear Camera: 50 MP, 13 MP, 8 MP
• Front Camera: 16 MP
• Weight: ‎205 grams

Best three features for you

Best value for money

OnePlus 11 5G garners as the best value for money as you get a phone with great features within the price range of INR 60,000. Thislatest phone in India from OnePlus offers 100W fast charging and has a 5000 mAh battery, which indicates a longer battery life. It’s a premium quality phone offered at a great price that sustains performance under more load. The phone also supports the latest hardware from Qualcomm and the camera works well day and night.

Best overall product

Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max steps up as the best overall product from our list ofbest phones in India. The cameras are superb that support great stabilization. Equipped with an A16 Bionic chip, this phone has faster performance and a 120Hz refresh rate allowing for smooth scrolling. The phone is dust and water-resistant and has storage capacity options for 128, 256, 512 GB and 1 TB. Furthermore, this triple-camera phone allows for 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, and 60fps. If you are looking for an upgrade and would like new features, this is the phone for you.

How to find the best phone available in India right now?

Yes, there are a lot of phones in this Indian market, which can be overwhelming. If you are looking for an upgrade this year, we share with you criteria you can follow to help you select the phone that you desire.

1. Specifications: This is the main point. Consider the aspects that you require in your new phone. This may be related to camera quality, storage space, or good battery life.
2. Budget: You may be looking for a phone that has the latest features but is budget-friendly. Phone brands offer basic varieties to the pro versions which most of the time have the same features and functions.
3. Storage: These days thebest mobiles in India start with 128 GB of storage, which is ideal for the functions and camera quality that it supports. You may also prefer to choose a phone that allows microSD card insertion that can extend storage space.
4. Camera Quality: If you prefer taking a lot of photos and videos, then you require a phone with advanced camera features. Focus on aspects such as the aperture, image stabilization, recording quality of videos and multiple lenses.
5. Battery life: As phones are constantly used throughout the day, go for a phone that can serve a long battery life and quick charging capabilities. Note that the larger the mAh, the more battery life.
6. Reviews: Check reviews online and go talk with people. In the end, the customer is the end-user and they have more insight into how the phone functions in their daily lives.