Lenovo V15 has always been a straightforward business laptop rather than a fashionable one, and that is still the point of the 2026 configuration. This is a machine built for office work, long browser sessions, spreadsheets, video calls, and all the unglamorous tasks that make up most real laptop use. 

The specific configuration reviewed here is priced at Rs 64,200 on Amazon. The Lenovo V15 G4 packs in a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB DDR4 memory, and 512GB NVMe storage.

That defines the V15 neatly. This is not a creator laptop or a sleek ultrabook but more of a dependable work machine with a few genuinely useful strengths, especially in performance and connectivity. The important question is whether those strengths outweigh the compromises. Here is our complete review.

Built for work, not for show

The Lenovo V15 takes the standard business-laptop route and does not deviate from it. The design is plain, black, and highly functional. Lenovo lists the chassis at 359.2 x 235.8 x 19.9mm with a starting weight of 1.65kg, which places it firmly in the large mainstream 15.6-inch category rather than the ultra-portable one. The body uses PC-ABS construction, which is entirely expected in this class. It is not metal, but it does not feel flimsy either. Lenovo also treats this as a utilitarian product, and the physical design reflects that. 

There is a certain honesty to the build. No unnecessary surface drama, no decorative cutouts, no fake luxury cues. The texture on the shell helps hide handling marks better than glossy plastics usually do, and the overall look is professional enough for office environments without trying too hard. The Lenovo V15 is the kind of laptop that disappears into the background, which is often exactly what a business machine should do.

Connectivity is where the V15 earns some real points. Lenovo gives it a useful mix of legacy and modern ports: one USB 2.0, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 with data, Power Delivery, and DisplayPort 1.2 support, HDMI 1.4b, Ethernet, a 3.5mm combo jack, a round-tip power connector, and a Kensington Nano security slot. That is a very practical spread for office users because it means you can plug in a mouse, storage, external display, wired network, and charger without constantly reaching for dongles.

There is also the less glamorous but more important business-laptop stuff: firmware TPM 2.0, a camera privacy shutter, and the option to drive up to three displays, including the native panel. Lenovo also lists Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support for this platform. In other words, the V15 is not flashy, but it is built with the basic realities of office life in mind.

A display that prioritises function over flair

The display is the weakest part of the package, and there is no way around that. The V15 configuration here uses a 15.6-inch Full HD TN panel with 250 nits of brightness and anti-glare coating. With 45% NTSC colour coverage and a 60Hz refresh rate, this is definitely not a machine for creative users. Viewing angles are also typical TN territory, with much narrower vertical headroom than an IPS panel.

That spec sheet tells you almost everything you need to know. The panel is fine for office work, web browsing, documents, and spreadsheets, but it is not a display you buy for visual pleasure. Colours are restrained, contrast is modest, and off-axis viewing is limited. If you tilt the lid too far back or share the screen with someone sitting beside you, the image starts showing its TN limitations pretty quickly.

The upside is that the anti-glare coating does help in a bright room, and the panel is at least honest about what it is. It is not pretending to be a creator display or a media-first screen. For the use case this machine targets, that matters. You would rather have a plain panel that behaves predictably than a glossy but awkward one that looks better in a product photo than on a desk. Lenovo does offer IPS options on the wider V15 G4 IRU platform, but the unit you shared is clearly the entry TN configuration.

Familiar Lenovo ergonomics with a few compromises

The keyboard is functional, with a 6-row spill-resistant keyboard with multimedia function keys, a numeric keypad, 1.3mm key travel, and no backlight. The lack of backlighting is the bigger annoyance here than the key feel itself. On a laptop meant for office use, not having a backlit keyboard makes late-evening work or dim conference rooms more awkward than they need to be. 

The numpad is useful if you spend your day in sheets, billing software, or data entry, and the 1.3mm travel is enough to keep typing from feeling flat. Still, this is a typing deck that prioritises utility over comfort.

The trackpad is modestly sized at 62 x 104mm and uses a buttonless Mylar surface with Precision TouchPad support. It is accurate enough for standard productivity work, but it does not feel like a standout feature. That is fine, because Lenovo clearly expects most users to rely on a mouse in this class anyway. On a desk, that makes sense. On the move, it is serviceable, not memorable.

Surprisingly capable everyday performance

The V15's Core i5-13420H is not a decorative spec. It is a genuine H-series processor with enough headroom to separate this machine from basic office laptops running lower-power chips. Intel rates it at 45W base power and up to 115W maximum turbo, which is a strong clue that it is meant to burst hard under load rather than run forever at a low fixed wattage.

In our testing, the V15 delivered 8,539 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 1,733 in single-core. Geekbench 6 returned 2,243 in single-core and 5,788 in multi-core. PCMark 10 landed at 6,078, while PCMark 10 Extended reached 4,605. Those are sensible numbers for a budget office machine with an H-series processor. The important thing is not that the V15 is a record-breaker. It is that it feels meaningfully quicker than the cheaper, lower-wattage machines that usually populate this category.

That difference shows up in day-to-day use. Browser-heavy workflows, office apps, light local multitasking, document work, spreadsheets, and video calls all feel more composed than they do on entry-level U-series machines. The processor has enough room to handle short bursts confidently, which is exactly what most productivity users need. You are not buying this laptop for sustained rendering or workstation-style workloads. You are buying it because you want a machine that does not slow down when your day becomes busy.

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The integrated Intel UHD graphics are the other half of the story, and they establish a very clear ceiling. Fire Strike Ultra scored 466, Fire Strike Extreme 872, and Night Raid 8,798 in our testing. Geekbench GPU scores came in at 8,257 in OpenCL and 9,378 in Vulkan. That is enough for standard desktop acceleration, basic media work, and everyday UI use, but not enough for anything resembling serious gaming or creative GPU work. A game like Battlefield V at 1440p Ultra is simply outside the V15's comfort zone.

That limitation is not a flaw so much as a reality check. This is a productivity laptop, and the graphics hardware behaves like it.

RAM limits, upgrade paths, and thermal behaviour explained

This is the section that really determines whether the V15 feels merely adequate or actually well thought-out.

The first thing to say is that 8GB of RAM is the biggest limitation on the machine if that is the configuration being used. In 2026, 8GB is enough for light office work, but it gets tight quickly once you start stacking browser tabs, Office apps, video calls, and background tasks. Windows itself is no longer especially forgiving about memory pressure, and the moment you push this laptop into heavier multitasking, the system starts leaning more on storage as virtual memory. That is when responsiveness can begin to soften.

The good news is that Lenovo has not created a dead-end platform. The V15 G4 IRU uses one soldered memory module plus one DDR4 SODIMM slot, and there are 16GB and even up to 24GB options available, depending on how the soldered and slot memory are arranged. The platform is also dual-channel capable when configured appropriately. That means RAM upgrades are very much part of the story here, and anyone buying the base model should treat a memory upgrade as the first post-purchase move.

Storage is less dramatic but more predictable. The platform supports one M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot on 45Wh battery models, and Lenovo lists M.2 SSD options up to 1TB on this platform family. The 512GB SSD in this unit is fast enough, but capacity will become the practical bottleneck long before speed does.

Also, the thermals deserve a careful reading since Lenovo is using a 45W-class H-series chip inside a 1.65kg office chassis with a plastic shell. That combination tells you the cooling system is going to prioritise reasonable office acoustics and safe sustained operation rather than all-out performance headroom. Based on Intel's 45W base power and 115W turbo spec, this chip is clearly capable of brief high-power bursts, but in a chassis like this, it is reasonable to expect the laptop to dial back once the load becomes prolonged.

In plain English, the V15 is likely to feel responsive in everyday work and warm, not cool, under extended CPU-heavy use. That is not a problem for the target audience. It does mean this is not a machine for rendering projects, long video exports, or extended compute-heavy tasks. For office work, the thermal behaviour should be perfectly acceptable. For sustained heavy workloads, it is not the right tool.

Workday Audio and Dependable Battery Life

The audio setup is as modest as the rest of the laptop's non-performance hardware. Lenovo uses stereo speakers rated at 1.5W x2 with Dolby Audio, backed by a Realtek ALC3287 codec. The two-mic array and 720p webcam with privacy shutter make the laptop serviceable for meetings, calls, and online classes, but not especially rich in media playback.

That speaker setup is enough for voices, podcasts, and casual YouTube. It is not the sort of system that gives music much body or movie soundtracks much depth. There is very little reason to expect bass from a chassis like this, and indeed that is exactly how it behaves. For office work, this is perfectly acceptable. For entertainment, headphones will be the better choice almost every time.

Battery life is respectable rather than impressive. In our PCMark 10 Video test, the laptop lasted 7 hours 45 minutes from 97% down to 3%. That is a sensible result for a 15.6-inch H-series Windows laptop with a basic display and a mainstream battery. Lenovo also supplies a 65W round-tip adapter, with USB-C charging support listed as an option on the platform. That is useful because it keeps the charging story simple. 

Final Verdict

The Lenovo V15 is exactly the kind of laptop that many people actually need, even if it is not the kind they most enjoy shopping for. It gives you a proper H-series Intel processor, fast enough storage, useful connectivity, Ethernet, a numeric keypad, and a chassis that feels built for office duty. That makes it a sensible business laptop rather than a decorative one.

Its weaknesses are just as clear. The TN display is the biggest compromise by far, the keyboard should have been backlit, and the speakers are basic. But none of those issues are surprising in a budget 15.6-inch office laptop. The real question is whether Lenovo spent the limited budget on the right things. For the most part, it did. The CPU performance is strong, the port selection is practical, and the chassis is easy to live with.

If your priority is a no-nonsense Windows machine for office work, browsing, spreadsheets, calls, and general productivity, this one does the job with very little drama. If you care about display quality, media consumption, or a more premium daily feel, you will notice the compromises quickly.

Editor's Rating: 7.8 / 10

Pros:

• Strong Core i5-13420H performance for office and multitasking
• Useful port selection with USB-C, HDMI, RJ45, and USB-A
• Fast NVMe SSD and solid everyday responsiveness
• Practical business-laptop design with privacy shutter and TPM 2.0

Cons:

• TN display has limited viewing angles and modest colour
• The keyboard is not backlit
• Basic speakers with little bass
• No card reader or fingerprint reader

Budget laptops have always come with an unspoken rulebook: cut corners here, compromise there, hope the buyer doesn't notice. The Acer Aspire 3 A324-53 doesn't quite play by those rules.

Usually priced under Rs 55,000, this 14-inch machine goes up against a crowded field of similarly spec'd contenders. On paper, it looks like just another U-series Intel laptop with a plastic chassis and a modest display. But spend a week with it, and a slightly different story starts to emerge, one that involves surprisingly fast storage, a battery that genuinely goes the distance, and a keyboard that punches well above its price tag.

Is it perfect? No. Are there compromises? Absolutely. But the more interesting question is: do those compromises matter for the person this laptop is actually built for? Let's find out.

Design and Build: Not Pretty, Not Ugly, Just Right

First things first, the steel grey colour? Chef's kiss. Put it under any sort of lighting condition, and it genuinely shines. Look closely enough, and you'll notice a very subtle, grainy texture running across the entire chassis. It adds a quiet elegance to what is otherwise a straightforward design. Weighing just under 1.5 kg and measuring just 19.4mm thin, this is a genuinely portable machine. The kind you can throw into a backpack without giving it a second thought.

That said, not everything about the build is flawless. The lid can't be opened with one hand, which hints at slightly uneven weight distribution. On the flip side, the 180-degree hinge is a legitimately useful feature. It only recently occurred to me just how handy it is when you don't have a height-adjustable desk. As someone who likes working standing up, I could simply lay the screen flat and carry on, though fair warning, don't make a habit of that for long hours unless you want your neck to file a formal complaint.

There's minor keyboard flex and slight screen wobble too, but nothing that would genuinely bother you. The all-plastic build might feel a little underwhelming at times, but don't get me wrong, this laptop is surprisingly robust. Meanwhile, the minimalist design keeps things clean and professional.

Display and Audio: Fine for Excel, Not for Movie Night

I'll keep this simple: it's a perfectly adequate display for this kind of laptop. The Aspire 3 packs a 14-inch 1080p non-reflective panel. It means whether you're working under harsh office lighting or out in direct sunlight, you won't constantly be repositioning the screen just to see what's on it. That said, yes, you may occasionally notice some glare when watching dark content. But for the Excel and Mail crowd? This display is just fine.

Viewing angles are decent, colours are okayish thanks to a 45% NTSC colour gamut, and the 60Hz refresh rate gets the job done. On the brightness front, the display is perfectly comfortable indoors. However, it gets a little tricky under very harsh lighting. But the non-reflective panel handles most of the reflections well enough.

As for the audio, the Aspire 3 features two upward-firing stereo speakers. The output is nothing to brag about, but it's not bad enough to be written off either. Let's put it this way: the speakers sound better than most laptops in this price range, but they're nowhere near the MacBook Airs of the world. For meetings or college classes, they'll hold up fine. But I'd still recommend keeping a pair of earphones handy. Don't expect this laptop to fill a room even during a casual Netflix and chill session.

The built-in 2MP webcam works for the most part, delivering a usable output. The same goes for the microphones. We have seen better in Acer's own budget lineup, specifically the Acer Aspire 14 AI, but for the price, it's passable.

At the end of the day, the display and audio on the Aspire 3 will comfortably handle basic office chores and college tasks. Just don't expect it to double as your entertainment setup.

Keyboard and Trackpad: You'll adapt quickly

This is where I have to hand it to Acer. For the price, you're getting a genuinely solid keyboard. It leans more towards the clicky side rather than the mushy side, which most people tend to prefer for extended typing sessions. Key travel is good, and whether you're coming from a full-sized keyboard or a tenkeyless, you'll adapt quickly. The backlight is a nice cherry on top.

The trackpad, however, is a little cramped. I found myself occasionally clicking just outside the trackpad area, which does take some getting used to. Meanwhile, Acer has added a slight texture to it, not sure what that's about, but it's there.

Ports and Connectivity: Every Port You Actually Need

For its size and price, the port selection here is genuinely impressive. You won't need to carry any dongle, and I mean that. On the left side, you get two USB-C ports, one of which doubles as the charging port, which means one cable can handle both your laptop and other Type-C devices. You also get a USB 3.0 Type-A port and an HDMI port.

On the right, there's a headphone jack, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, a microSD card slot, and a Kensington lock slot for added security.

On the wireless side of things, unlike most competitors in this price segment, you're getting Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. A notable upgrade that makes a real-world difference in connectivity speed and reliability.

Performance and Battery Life: Gets you through 

Here's where the trade-offs start to show. This is clearly where the price cut has been made, and it does show, but not as dramatically as you'd expect.

The Aspire 3 runs on the Intel Core i5-1334U. Now, I'm not saying it's a bad processor, far from it. But the U-series designation tells you everything: this chip is built for efficiency, not raw muscle. Meaning, in real-world terms, juggling 15+ Chrome tabs alongside light photo editing won't be a problem at all. For everyday office and college use, this laptop holds up very well. Just don't expect it to run Black Myth: Wukong or Cyberpunk 2077 at even medium settings; this one is built for light gaming.

GTA V and Valorant are still manageable at decent frame rates with a few settings tweaks. That said, and credit where it's due, Acer has paired it with 16GB of RAM (expandable to 32GB) and a 512GB Gen 4 SSD, which honestly blew my mind when I benchmarked it using CrystalDiskMark. 7,000+ MB/s read speeds and 5,000+ MB/s write speeds at this price point? That's genuinely impressive.

For more context, I compared this laptop against a few similarly priced alternatives with comparable specs. Acer Aspire 15 AS15-42 (review), Lenovo ThinkBook 16 21MWA0AJIN (review), Infinix Air Pro Plus XL434 (review), Acer Aspire 14 AI A14-11M NX.JP3SI.001 (review). Much like the Aspire 3, most budget alternatives in this segment rely on U-series chips either from Intel or AMD, trading peak performance for longer battery life. We ran our full benchmarking suite on performance settings: Geekbench 6, Geekbench AI, PCMark 10, Cinebench, 3DMark, and CrossMark, to see how they stack up.

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On the battery front, the Aspire 3 surprises. Its 45Wh battery may look standard on paper, but the power-efficient i5-1334U stretches it further than you'd expect. In the PCMark 10 Video Loop benchmark, it lasted 7 hours and 25 minutes. This is roughly twice what most budget alternatives manage. For a typical day of web browsing, emails, and streaming, you'll get through comfortably on a single charge. Charging is handled by the included 65W USB-C power delivery adapter, which also conveniently tops up your other Type-C devices. For hybrid professionals or students on the go, this is a genuinely low-maintenance setup.

Verdict

The Acer Aspire 3 A324-53 is a hard laptop to dismiss. It's not the fastest thing at this price, and it won't win any design awards. But it's genuinely well-suited for the audience it's built for: students, hybrid professionals, and everyday users who need a reliable, portable machine that doesn't demand constant attention.

The Aspire 3 goes up against some solid competition, and depending on what you value, any one of its rivals could make a stronger case. It gives some ground on build quality, display, and raw performance. What keeps it in the conversation is mostly the price it comes at.

One more thing worth flagging before you make a decision: laptop prices in India have risen sharply over the last few weeks, and the Aspire 3 hasn't been spared. It's currently listed at over Rs 57,000 on platforms like Flipkart, which makes it a tough sell at that price. I've personally seen it drop as low as Rs 43,000 during sale events. Though with the way the market is behaving right now, expecting that kind of deal again would be a "holy smokes" kind of situation. But this laptop does find itself around the Rs 50,000 mark fairly regularly. At that price point, the Acer Aspire 3 genuinely becomes a no-brainer, one of the best laptops under Rs 50000.

That said, if you're looking for a no-drama, all-day work companion under Rs 55,000, the Aspire 3 makes a very strong case for itself. Just keep your expectations calibrated; this is a productivity-first machine, not a powerhouse.

Editor's Rating: 7.5/10

Pros:

• Light and slim enough to forget it's in your bag
• No dongle needed, ever
• Clicky, satisfying keyboard
• Chews through everyday multitasking easily

Cons:

• Display colours are just okayish
• Subpar Audio and webcam

If you have been putting off a new PC build because you assumed Rs 2 lakh would only get you a half-decent setup, it is time to revisit that assumption. Right now, with the right combination of components, this budget gets you a Ryzen 7 or Intel Core Ultra 5 processor paired with an RTX 5070, 32GB of DDR5 memory, and a full terabyte of fast NVMe storage. That is a properly capable gaming and productivity machine, not a compromise build.

We have put together two configurations here, one built around AMD and one around Intel, both centred on the same GPU.

Understanding the Rs 2 Lakh PC Sweet Spot

One thing that might get overlooked at this price point is frame consistency, not just peak FPS. It's easy to focus on headline numbers like "120 FPS" or "144 FPS," but what actually affects your experience is how stable those frame rates remain during heavy scenes.

Modern engines like Unreal Engine 5 can introduce sudden dips due to CPU spikes, asset streaming, or shader compilation. This is where a stronger CPU and faster DDR5 memory combination can make a big difference. You're not just buying performance for today's games, but also for how upcoming titles behave.

Also, you need to think about the minimum FPS. A system that averages 100 FPS but drops to 55 FPS during intense sequences will feel noticeably worse than one that stays consistently above 75 FPS. Both the AMD and Intel builds that we have are designed to avoid those dips by maintaining strong CPU overhead alongside GPU performance.

At this budget, a well-built PC should comfortably deliver high-refresh 1440p gaming along with solid productivity performance. In modern AAA titles, you can expect frame rates in the 80–120 FPS range at 1440p using high or ultra settings. Competitive games like Valorant, CS2, and Apex Legends will easily push past 200 FPS, often going well beyond 300 FPS depending on settings.

On the productivity side, this tier handles 4K video editing timelines smoothly, accelerates rendering in Blender, and supports efficient streaming through modern GPU encoders. 

The key takeaway is simple: you're no longer building for "playable performance." You're building for consistency, stability, and long-term usability.

The GPU Both Builds Are Built Around: RTX 5070 12GB

Both our recommended configurations in this guide use the RTX 5070 with 12GB of GDDR7 memory. This is the card that makes the most sense at this budget tier in India right now. It runs on Nvidia's Blackwell architecture, supports DLSS 4, and comes with a 192-bit memory bus feeding that 12GB frame buffer at high bandwidth.

On pricing, you can find genuine RTX 5070 cards starting from around Rs 58,000 and climbing into the Rs 80,000 range depending on the cooling solution, factory overclock, and brand. For a build like this, anything in the Rs 65,000 to Rs 72,000 zone gets you a solid, well-cooled variant without paying a premium for RGB lighting or a triple-fan shroud you do not need. We are budgeting Rs 70,000 for this build, which sits comfortably in that range and leaves room to pick from several brands without scraping the bottom of the barrel.

For 1440p gaming, which is where this card is most at home, you are looking at strong, consistent frame rates across the board. DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation gives the RTX 5070 a significant edge in newer titles that support it, and the card handles ray tracing more effectively than its previous generation's equivalent tier. If you game at 1080p, you will have frames to spare. If you are eyeing a 1440p 165Hz monitor, this is exactly the card that pairs well with it.

Average FPS Across Popular Titles (1440p High/Ultra)

Build 1: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X

This is the build for anyone who wants a clean, no-nonsense gaming rig without spending extra on a platform they do not need. The Ryzen 7 9700X is AMD's current-generation 8-core processor, and on the AM5 socket, you are buying into a platform that still has a few years of upgrade life left in it.

Recommended Components

Total build cost: ~ Rs 1,95,000

Why This Build Works

The Ryzen 7 9700X is built on AMD's Zen 5 architecture, with 8 cores and 16 threads, a base clock of 3.8 GHz, and a boost clock that climbs to 5.5 GHz. It runs on the AM5 socket, which means DDR5 memory support is native, and you are not stuck choosing between RAM generations the way you sometimes are on older platforms. Current pricing for this chip sits in the Rs 28,000 to Rs 32,000 range, depending on the retailer and ongoing offers, so budgeting Rs 30,000 is realistic.

For the motherboard, a B650 chipset board is the right call here. You do not need B650E or X670E for this build since the RTX 5070 does not saturate PCIe 5.0 bandwidth, and you would just be paying extra for a feature you are not using. A solid B650 board with Wi-Fi, dual M.2 slots, and DDR5 support comfortably fits in the Rs 15,000 to Rs 22,000 range across brands like ASUS, Gigabyte, and ASRock.

For memory, a 32GB kit running at 5600MHz across two sticks is the sensible default. This leaves you running dual-channel, which matters more for performance than chasing higher MHz numbers on a single stick. AMD's EXPO profiles work cleanly with most 5600MHz DDR5 kits on B650 boards, so you get the full rated speed without manually tuning timings.

The Ryzen 7 9700X runs noticeably cooler than the previous generation's flagship 8-core chip, but a proper dual-tower air cooler is still the right move here rather than relying on a basic stock cooler, particularly if you want quiet, sustained performance under extended gaming sessions.

Build 2: Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF

If you would rather go the Intel route, the Core Ultra 5 245KF is the chip to build around at this budget. It belongs to Intel's newer Core Ultra Series 2 desktop lineup, drops the integrated graphics since you are running a discrete GPU anyway, and lands on the newer LGA1851 socket.

Recommended Components

Total build cost: ~ Rs 1,85,000

Why this combination works

The Core Ultra 5 245KF carries a hybrid core layout with 6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficiency-cores, totalling 14 cores and 14 threads, with boost clocks reaching up to 5.2 GHz. Intel's Thread Director handles the job of routing tasks to the right core type in real time, which in practice means demanding games and applications get prioritised on the Performance-cores while background processes sit on the Efficient-cores without you having to think about it. The chip currently sells for roughly Rs 20,000 to Rs 21,000, which is genuinely good value for what you get on the processing side.

The K and F in the name both matter here. The K means the multiplier is unlocked, so overclocking is on the table if that interests you. The F means there is no integrated graphics on the chip, which keeps the price down and is irrelevant since the RTX 5070 is doing all the graphics work regardless.

This is also where the build diverges meaningfully from the Ryzen option on platform cost. Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 processors use the new LGA1851 socket, which means you need a board built on the 800-series chipset family. A B860 board is the practical choice here, since it gives you everything this build needs without paying extra for Z890's overclocking headroom. These boards run from around Rs 13,000 to Rs 18,000 depending on brand and form factor, and at the lower end of that range, you are still getting DDR5 support, dual M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi.

What is worth noting is that this build ends up roughly Rs 10,000 cheaper than the AMD configuration, primarily because the processor itself costs less while still offering more total cores. If your workloads lean toward anything multi-threaded outside of gaming, like video exports or compiling code, the extra E-cores on the 245KF genuinely help.

So Which One Should You Pick

Both of these builds are running the identical GPU, so your actual gaming frame rates are not going to swing dramatically between the two. What you are really deciding between is platform cost, core count, and where you want your money to go.

The Ryzen 7 9700X build costs more upfront, largely because the AM5 platform and the 9700X itself sit at a higher price point than their Intel counterparts right now. What you get in return is a socket that AMD has confirmed will carry forward into future Ryzen generations, so a CPU-only upgrade down the line without a full motherboard swap is realistic.

The Core Ultra 5 245KF build saves you close to Rs 10,000 while handing you six additional threads. If your day-to-day use involves anything beyond gaming, that extra thread count adds up in real, measurable ways. The trade-off is that LGA1851 is a newer socket, and how far Intel extends support on it before the next architectural shift is still an open question.

Neither answer is wrong. If you are purely optimising for gaming and want the platform with a longer confirmed upgrade runway, go AMD. If you want more cores for less money and do not mind a newer, less proven socket, go Intel.

Prebuilt vs DIY: What Should You Do?

Sourcing every component individually, checking compatibility, and assembling the system yourself is not for everyone, and there is no shame in that. If you would rather skip the process entirely, system integrators like EliteHubs sell fully assembled, tested desktops with comparable specifications, often built around this exact Ryzen 7 9700X or Core Ultra 5 series and RTX 5070 combination. 

You will pay a bit more than sourcing components yourself, but you get a working system out of the box, a single point of contact for warranty issues, and none of the risk that comes with a first-time build, like a bent CPU pin or a missed power cable.

If you do go the pre-built route, it is still worth checking the exact component list before paying. Some pre-built listings substitute a lower-tier PSU or a generic case to hit a price point, and those are corners worth knowing about before you commit.

Final Thoughts

A genuinely capable PC build under Rs 2 lakh is absolutely achievable in India right now, provided you are buying from retailers that price components honestly and you are not getting talked into brand premiums that do not translate to real performance gains. Both builds here get you an RTX 5070, 32GB of DDR5 memory, and a full terabyte of fast Gen4 NVMe storage, the kind of specification sheet that would have cost considerably more not too long ago.

Pick AMD if platform longevity and a slightly more established socket matter to you. Pick Intel if you want more cores for less money and do not mind being an early adopter on the newer chipset. Either way, you are walking away with a build that handles 1440p gaming comfortably and has enough headroom to stay relevant for the next several years.

Picking a laptop in 2026 should be simple. It is not. Every price band now has credible options from at least four or five brands, and the difference between a great buy and a regrettable one often comes down to details that spec sheets do not mention. This guide cuts through the noise with hands-on tested recommendations across four non-gaming price tiers, so you can stop second-guessing and start using.

Our Testing Process

Every laptop in this guide was tested with a consistent benchmark suite and real-world usage patterns. We run Cinebench R23 and R24 for CPU performance across both multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads, PCMark 10 and PCMark 10 Extended for productivity and creative performance, and Geekbench 6 for cross-platform comparisons. Battery runtimes are recorded using PCMark's Video Loop test at 80% brightness on Balanced mode.

Beyond the numbers, each machine goes through extended daily use to assess build quality, thermals, keyboard feel, display accuracy, and port layout. A laptop that looks good on paper but throttles under load or runs uncomfortably hot does not make the cut.

Each price tier has one Ultimate Champion with the full breakdown, and two Quick-Fire Alternatives for different priorities or budgets.

Best Non-Gaming Laptops Across Price Ranges

Under Rs 50,000: Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 (21MWA0AJIN) - Rs 46,990

The sub-50K non-gaming segment is littered with 15-watt processors stuffed into plasticky chassis that feel designed to hit a price point, not to be used. The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is different. It runs the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS at a 45W TDP, which is significantly higher than most competitors at this price, and it produces benchmark results that genuinely reflect that. Cinebench R23 multi-thread came in at 9,393 with a single-thread score of 1,463. Cinebench R24 multi-thread was 519. PCMark 10 scored 5,779. Geekbench 6 returned 2,002 single-core and 8,072 multi-core.

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Those numbers matter because this is a laptop you will actually feel the difference on. Multitasking with twenty browser tabs, running spreadsheets with heavy formulas alongside Teams calls, handling local media work, the ThinkBook 16 does not hesitate the way cheaper machines do. The HS-series chip has genuine headroom where U-series alternatives do not.

The 16-inch IPS display in a 16:10 aspect ratio is a meaningful productivity upgrade over standard 16:9 panels. You get more vertical screen real estate for documents, code, and content, and the chassis carries the display without flex. Build quality here punches above the price as the ThinkBook series has always leaned professional, and Gen 7 continues that. The dual RAM and dual SSD slots deserve a specific mention: at under Rs 50,000, the ability to upgrade your machine as your needs grow is a rare and practical advantage.

Battery life from the 45Wh cell came to 9 hours in our test. Respectable, though not class-leading. The display brightness is average, and colour accuracy is not going to impress anyone doing colour-critical work, but for document editing, productivity, and general use, it is fine. The chassis is heavier than 14-inch alternatives, which is the trade-off for the larger screen.

For anyone who wants the strongest performing laptop available under Rs 50,000 and is willing to carry a little extra weight, the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is the clear answer.

Pros:

• Strongest CPU performance in the sub-50K non-gaming segment
• Spacious 16-inch 16:10 display with genuine productivity benefit
• Dual RAM and dual SSD slots for upgradability
• Professional build quality that justifies the ThinkBook name

Cons:

• Average display brightness and colour accuracy
• Heavier than 14-inch alternatives
• 45Wh battery is adequate but not a standout

Performance Rating: 8.4/10

Quick-Fire Alternatives

• Acer Aspire 14 AI (NX.JP3SI.001) — Rs 43,999 (7.3 / 10)

• Acer Aspire 3 A324-53 (UN.34RSI.004) — Rs 40,990 (7.5 / 10)
  

Non-Gaming Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 Lakh: ASUS Vivobook 16 AMD (M1607KA-MB109WS) - Rs 75,990

The Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh non-gaming bracket in 2026 has genuine depth, and picking the right machine requires being clear about what you actually need from it. For most users, whether they are students, professionals, content consumers, or anyone running a mix of productivity and creative applications, raw CPU throughput delivered consistently is the most important single metric. On that basis, the ASUS Vivobook 16 AMD is the top pick in this segment.

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The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 at 28W TDP delivered Cinebench R23 multi-thread of 14,035 and single-thread of 1,937. Cinebench R24 multi-thread reached 773 and single-thread 111. PCMark 10 scored 6,820. Geekbench 6 single-core was 2,814, and multi-core came in at 10,968. Those are strong numbers across the board, and the Ryzen AI 7 350 is built on AMD's newest mobile architecture with NPU cores for AI-accelerated workloads. The Radeon 860M integrated GPU is a meaningfully capable chip for light creative work, significantly ahead of what Intel's integrated options can manage at this price.

As for the rest of the machine, the 16-inch IPS panel at 60Hz gives you a large canvas for productivity. 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB of Gen 4 NVMe storage are appropriately specced. The chassis is well-built without being precious about it. Clearly, this is a laptop designed to be used and put through the wringer. Battery life from the 42Wh cell came to 7 hours 51 minutes. That is the honest limitation: the battery is smaller than you would ideally want for a 16-inch machine, and if portable untethered use is a priority, you should have a look at the alternatives section. For users who work near a charger and want the most raw performance at this price, the trade-off is easy to accept.

At Rs 75,990, no other reviewed laptop in this band comes close to this level of multi-threaded CPU performance.

Pros:

• Highest CPU performance in the Rs 50K to Rs 1L non-gaming segment
• AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 with strong integrated Radeon 860M graphics
• 16-inch display with good productivity real estate
• Competitively priced at Rs 75,990

Cons:

• 42Wh battery limits all-day portable use
• 60Hz IPS display is functional but unremarkable
• No OLED option at this price

Performance Rating: 9.3/10

Quick-Fire Alternatives

• ASUS Vivobook 16 Intel (X1607CA-MB139WS) — Rs 70,990 (8.0 / 10)

• Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51, NX.J2HSI.002) — Rs 89,990 (7.8 / 10)
  

Non-Gaming Rs 1 Lakh to Rs 1.5 Lakh: MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo B2HMG - Rs 1,50,000

There is a shift that happens around the Rs 1 lakh mark. Below it, you are mostly choosing between CPU platforms and accepting display compromises. Above it, the best machines stop making you choose. The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo B2HMG is exactly that kind of laptop. It is a laptop where performance, build, display, and battery have all been treated as requirements rather than variables.

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The Intel Core Ultra 9 285H at 45W TDP is the strongest Intel non-gaming mobile processor in active production, and the numbers reflect it. Cinebench R23 multi-thread came in at 17,882 and single-thread at 2,131, the highest single-thread score across all laptops in this guide outside the over-1.5L segment. Cinebench R24 multi-thread was 1,015 and single-thread 126. PCMark 10 scored 8,183, and PCMark 10 Extended 8,303. Geekbench 6 single-core returned 2,931 and multi-core 17,538. These are workstation-adjacent scores in a portable chassis.

The battery is where this machine makes its clearest statement. The 99.9Wh cell is the largest allowed in passenger aircraft carry-on under IATA regulations, and our measured runtime was 14 hours 13 minutes. For a 16-inch laptop with a Core Ultra 9 processor and an OLED display, that endurance is genuinely unusual. The Prestige 16 is designed for hybrid professionals who move between office work, travel, and extended sessions without wanting to think about battery anxiety.

The 16-inch OLED panel is a proper display, rich and accurate in a way that IPS panels at this price cannot match. The 32GB LPDDR5x and 1TB Gen 4 NVMe are matched to the class. Intel Arc 140T integrated graphics handle light creative work without complaint. The port layout, including dual Thunderbolt 4 and an SD card reader, covers professional connectivity. The 60Hz refresh rate is the one area where the panel feels conservative for a laptop at Rs 1,50,000, and the rear-positioned ports require adjustment for desk setups. Neither is a dealbreaker.

If you are spending in this range and need a large display, powerful CPU, and exceptional battery life in one package, the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo earns its place at the top of this segment decisively.

Pros:

• Core Ultra 9 285H delivers the highest single-thread scores in this segment
• 99.9Wh battery with 14+ hour runtime is exceptional for a 16-inch machine
• OLED display with strong accuracy and rich colour
• Comprehensive connectivity with dual Thunderbolt 4 and SD card reader

Cons:

• 60Hz panel refresh rate feels conservative at this price
• Rear-facing ports require some adjustment for desk users
• Keyboard feedback is adequate but not the best in class

Performance Rating: 9.2/10

Quick-Fire Alternatives

• ASUS Vivobook S 14 (M5406WA-PP962WS) — Rs 1,04,990 (7.5 / 10)

• HP OmniBook X 14 (B91BSPA) — Rs 1,43,499 (7.5 / 10)

Non-Gaming Over Rs 1.5 Lakh: Dell Pro Max 16 Plus (MB16250) - Rs 9,00,000

Most laptops at this price are very good. The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus is something different. It is a professional workstation that happens to be portable, and it makes no attempt to disguise that. In one sentence, it's the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX at 55W, NVIDIA RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell, 128GB CAMM2 RAM, and Gen 5 NVMe storage in a 16-inch chassis. That is a platform specification you would expect to find in a tower. It is priced comparably to a tower as well, with the budget that can be allotted to a small hatchback in India.

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The benchmark results match the hardware. Cinebench R23 multi-thread reached 36,274, by far the highest CPU score in this guide, with single-thread at 2,199. Cinebench R24 multi-thread was 1,982, again the highest here. PCMark 10 scored 8,430 and PCMark 10 Extended came in at 11,599. Geekbench 6 single-core was 3,008 and multi-core 20,962. The RTX Pro 5000 is not a gaming GPU. It is a professional graphics card with certified drivers for workstation applications. The kind of setup used by engineers, architects, and visual effects professionals running simulation, rendering, and compute workloads, where reliability and accuracy under sustained load matter more than peak frame rates.

The 4K Tandem OLED display is among the best panels available in any laptop currently on the market. The modular architecture allows for RAM, storage, and port expansion in ways that consumer laptops do not permit. The 96Wh battery is reasonable given the hardware it supports. It runs hot under full load, and it is not light, and at Rs 9 lakh it occupies a completely different purchasing category from everything else in this guide.

The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus is not a laptop you buy to cover your bases. It is a laptop you buy when your work genuinely demands it, and when it does, nothing else in this guide can substitute.

Pros:

• Highest CPU performance in this guide by a significant margin
• RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell for professional GPU workloads
• 128GB CAMM2 RAM and modular expansion architecture
• 4K Tandem OLED display is exceptional
• Enterprise build quality and durability

Cons:

• Runs very hot under sustained load
• Significant weight for a portable workstation
• Rs 9,00,000 price point is a specific professional investment

Performance Rating: 9.4/10

Quick-Fire Alternatives

• Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra — Rs 3,00,000 (8.5 / 10)

• ASUS ExpertBook Ultra — Rs 3,49,990 (8.0 / 10)
  

Computex 2026 will likely be remembered as the show where two things happened simultaneously: the budget end of the laptop market got genuinely interesting, and the high end got genuinely strange.

Apple's MacBook Neo forced Windows OEMs to show up with affordable, well-built machines for the first time in years. And NVIDIA's RTX Spark changed what "high performance laptop" even means, pulling the conversation away from discrete GPU specs into unified memory, Arm cores, and local AI compute. Here is every laptop worth knowing about from this year's show.

Acer Swift Air 14 - MacBook Neo Competitor

When Apple launched the MacBook Neo earlier this year, starting at $599 (Rs 69,900 in India), Windows laptop makers had a problem. The Neo was cheap, looked great, and worked well. The Acer Swift Air 14 is Acer's most direct answer to that problem.

The Swift Air 14 starts at $699 in the US and runs Intel's Core Series 3 processors, topping out at a Core 7 350. It weighs 1.25 kg, measures 12.9 mm at its thinnest point, and comes in four pretty unique colours of sage green, frost blue, blossom pink, and lilac purple. The 14-inch display runs at 1920x1200 in a 16:10 aspect ratio at 120Hz, and the 70Wh battery is rated for up to 19 hours of video playback, and fast charging brings it to 50 percent in 30 minutes.

The Swift Air 14 is not a performance machine. The Core Series 3 chip with its 17 TOPS NPU is positioned well below Copilot+ territory, and the ceiling of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage reflects its budget-conscious position. What it is, is a machine that finally makes the Windows ultraportable argument with deliberate design and real portability credentials rather than by cutting corners everywhere. A quad-speaker setup with DTS:X Ultra adds something most laptops at this price skip entirely.

Acer Aspire Go 15 - World's First Snapdragon C Laptop

The Acer Aspire Go 15 has a distinction no other laptop currently holds: it is the first device ever announced with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon C processor. That makes it historically interesting even before you look at the rest of the spec sheet.

The Snapdragon C platform is Qualcomm's entry into the budget PC market, targeting devices at $300 and up. The Aspire Go 15 runs Windows 11 Home on this new ARM chip, with the Adreno GPU on board, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage. The 15.6-inch Full HD display has narrow bezels, and the 53Wh battery is positioned for all-day use.

However, the Go 15 is a machine with a few constraints. The 8GB RAM ceiling means this is firmly a web browsing, documents, and streaming device, and the Snapdragon C chip is a new, largely unproven platform.

Acer has not confirmed pricing or a launch date for the Indian market yet. But as the first commercial device on Snapdragon C, the Aspire Go 15 represents something important: Qualcomm's attempt to bring Arm-based Windows laptops to the price range where most people actually buy computers.

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026) - 20th Anniversary Flagship

This is ROG's 20th anniversary, and the company chose to celebrate it by building what it calls the most powerful laptop it has ever made.

The ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026) is configured with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor paired with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, and it runs at a maximum total system power of 320W in Manual mode, with 175W available to the GPU and up to 145W for the CPU.

The display is the headline spec: it is the world's first 18-inch 4K 240Hz Mini LED laptop panel, featuring ROG Nebula ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) with over 2,000 dimming zones, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and AGLR (anti-glare, low reflection) technology that ROG claims enhances contrast by 4.5x over standard glass. Storage scales up to 8TB across dual PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slots, and RAM can reach 128GB of DDR5-6400 across dual upgradeable slots.

Cooling is extensive: a 20% thicker vapor chamber than the previous generation, Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU, and a new tri-fan design that ROG claims improves total airflow by 91% over the prior Scar 18.

The Scar 18 launched as part of the wider ROG Edition 20 anniversary showcase at Computex and is already listed on the ASUS US website, making it one of the few Computex announcements with immediate availability.

ASUS ProArt P16 and P14 - RTX Spark Creator Machines

The ASUS ProArt P16 and P14 are among the first laptops in the world powered by NVIDIA's new RTX Spark superchip, and they represent perhaps the most complete implementation of the platform announced at this show.

RTX Spark integrates a 20-core NVIDIA Grace CPU with a Blackwell-architecture RTX GPU carrying 6,144 CUDA cores and fifth-generation FP4 Tensor Cores, all connected via NVIDIA's NVLink-C2C chip-to-chip interconnect and backed by up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory. The platform is said to deliver up to 1 petaflop of AI compute and can run 120B-parameter language models locally with up to 1 million tokens of context.

The ProArt P16 doesn't skimp at all in the display department with a 16-inch 4K 120Hz Lumina Pro OLED touchscreen with NVIDIA G-Sync, Delta E under 1 colour accuracy, anti-reflection coating, and 1,600 nits of peak brightness.

ASUS also bundles its ProArt Creator Hub software, along with AI-assisted tools including MuseTree and StoryCube. Availability begins in fall 2026 in select regions, with pricing not yet announced.

Dell XPS 13 (2026) - MacBook Neo Competitor

Dell's answer to the MacBook Neo may be the most compelling one at Computex. The XPS 13 (DX13260) starts at $699 for regular buyers and $599 for students during the back-to-school period, matching the MacBook Neo's pricing while offering a different feature set.

It launches with Intel's "Panther Lake" Core 5 320 processor, with a more powerful Core Ultra 7 355 option coming post-launch. The chassis weighs 0.9 kg and measures 12.7 mm thin, making it the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop Dell has ever built. It is constructed from CNC-machined aluminium. The base configuration includes 8GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 storage, with options scaling up to 32GB RAM and 1TB storage.

Where the XPS 13 pulls ahead of the MacBook Neo on paper is connectivity and features. It has dual USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 on Core Ultra models, Wi-Fi 7 versus the Neo's Wi-Fi 6E, a quad-speaker array with 8W output and Dolby Atmos versus the Neo's two-speaker system, a 1080p webcam with IR for Windows Hello face unlock, a 120Hz display, and a backlit keyboard. The Neo has no keyboard backlight, although the tradeoff is that the XPS 13 has no headphone jack.

HP OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 -Thinnest RTX Spark Laptops

HP's entry into the RTX Spark wave comes with a specific claim: these are the thinnest laptops in the world powered by the platform, and HP has the measurements to back it up. The OmniBook Ultra 16 comes in at a rear height of 15.73 mm, and the OmniBook X 14 at 13.53 mm, verified against HP's internal analysis of comparable RTX Spark machines at the time of announcement.

Both laptops are built around NVIDIA's RTX Spark superchip with its 20-core Grace CPU, Blackwell RTX GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, and support for up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory delivering up to 1 petaflop of AI compute. HP has designed these machines for creators, developers, and AI-focused workflows, positioning them as pre-configured platforms with OpenClaw-based starter kits and support for agent frameworks, reducing setup time for developers who need local AI environments.

The OmniBook Ultra 16 is HP's bid for the creative professional market, targeting users who need a 16-inch machine that does not feel like a desktop replacement. The OmniBook X 14 sits in the portable productivity tier, where the existing Snapdragon X Elite version of the OmniBook X already had a strong reputation for efficiency and endurance. Full specifications, pricing, and availability details have not been disclosed. Both are expected to launch later in 2026.

Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n - RTX Spark for Creators

Lenovo named it cleanly: the Yoga Pro 9i is the Intel version, and the Yoga Pro 9n is the NVIDIA one. The 9n is Lenovo's first laptop built on RTX Spark, and from what Computex attendees saw on the show floor, it follows the Yoga Pro 9i's established design language while adapting its internals and port configuration to the new platform.

The RTX Spark chip at its core combines a 20-core Grace CPU with 10 Cortex-X925 performance cores and 10 Cortex-A725 efficiency cores, paired with a Blackwell GPU carrying 6,144 CUDA cores and fifth-generation Tensor Cores. The system supports up to 128GB of unified memory and 1 petaflop of AI compute. The chassis is 15 inches, built in aluminium in Thunder Grey, with a Yoga aesthetic and a large rear exhaust area indicating thermal headroom for sustained RTX Spark performance.

Unlike the Yoga Pro 9i with its proprietary charging connector, the 9n moves to USB-C charging, consistent with RTX Spark's Arm-based architecture. Lenovo cites all-day battery life. Pricing and launch date have not been announced.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra - RTX Spark's Flagship Statement

Microsoft called the Surface Laptop Ultra the most powerful Surface device it has ever built, and the specification behind that claim is straightforward: it is the first Surface laptop to run on NVIDIA silicon since the Tegra-powered Surface RT in 2012.

The Surface Laptop Ultra is powered by RTX Spark, delivering a 20-core Grace CPU, a Blackwell RTX GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores (NVIDIA equates this to approximately RTX 5070 performance at the platform's power envelope), and up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory.

It can run 120B-parameter AI models locally. The display is a 15-inch mini-LED PixelSense Ultra touchscreen at 2,880x1,920 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio and up to 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness, which is apparently the brightest display Microsoft has ever shipped in a Surface.

What makes the Surface Laptop Ultra significant is the combination of what it represents architecturally and who makes it. This is Microsoft building its flagship professional laptop on NVIDIA's first consumer PC processor platform, effectively endorsing RTX Spark as the direction Windows on Arm should go. Pricing has not been announce and it launches in fall 2026.

MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+ - RTX Spark's Most Versatile Form Factor

MSI holds the distinction of building the world's first 16-inch 2-in-1 convertible powered by NVIDIA's RTX Spark platform. That combination of a large professional display, a 360-degree hinge, and unified AI compute in a single machine is genuinely new.

The Prestige N16 Flip AI+ features a 16-inch UHD+ Tandem OLED touchscreen with a dual-layer emissive structure that stacks two OLED panels to share light output, resulting in over 1,000 nits of peak brightness with improved panel longevity and power efficiency over standard OLED. Touch and pen input via the MSI Nano Pen are included while the 360-degree hinge enables laptop, tablet, tent, and presentation modes.

At its core is RTX Spark: 20-core Grace CPU, 6,144 Blackwell CUDA cores, up to 128GB of unified memory, and 1 petaflop of AI compute. MSI frames this machine for creators who want to work locally with large models and creative pipelines without sacrificing portability, and for gaming when needed, the full RTX feature set including DLSS, G-Sync, and Reflex is present. No launch date or price has been set globally.

MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ Vincent van Gogh Edition - Art Meets Performance

The MSI Artisan Collection returned at Computex 2026 with its boldest entry yet. The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ Vincent van Gogh Edition draws from two of van Gogh's most recognisable night paintings, The Starry Night and Starry Night Over the Rhône, rendered across the lid in two distinct variants.

MSI has not simply printed artwork onto a lid. The finish uses layered materials and light-reactive treatments to echo the texture and movement of van Gogh's brushwork, with the MSI logo integrated seamlessly into both compositions. Last year's Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition sold out and now resells for up to $3,000, which explains the ambition behind this successor. The bundle accompanying the Van Gogh Edition includes a wireless mouse, two art-inspired mousepads, a keyboard cover, ID badge, sleeve bag, and Van Gogh-themed packaging.

Underneath the artwork is a capable machine. The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ runs Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, specifically the Core Ultra X9 378H with Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics, with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 NVMe storage. Pricing has not been announced.

MSI Katana Series - Confirmed for India

The MSI Katana Series makes a return to India, which matters to Indian buyers because the Katana line has historically been one of the most practical pathways into mid-range gaming laptop territory.

The 2026 Katana 15 HX targets mainstream gamers with up to an Intel Core i9 or i5 HX processor paired with up to a full-powered NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU at up to 170W of combined CPU and GPU power. The display is a 15.6-inch FHD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, and the chassis carries a customisable 4-zone RGB keyboard. MSI is positioning this as the accessible entry point into RTX 50 Series gaming performance, for users upgrading from older systems or entering PC gaming for the first time.

The Katana remains deliberately positioned: this is not a thin machine, and it does not try to be. The trade-off for the mainstream GPU power and full-wattage configurations is a thicker chassis that handles thermals without compromise. India pricing and exact availability dates will be announced through official MSI India channels.

MSI Crosshair 16 HX - Mainstream Gaming with Serious Performance

The MSI Crosshair 16 HX sits in an interesting position in MSI's 2026 gaming lineup. It is the machine for mainstream gamers who want more than the Katana but do not need the flagship Raider or Titan hardware.

The 2026 Crosshair 16 has been made substantially thinner at 21.9 mm, which MSI says represents a 14.3 percent reduction from the previous generation, while delivering up to 200W of combined CPU and GPU power, a 17.6 percent improvement. The standard Crosshair 16 HX uses Intel Core i9-14900HX and Core i7-14650HX processors paired with RTX 5070, 5060, or 5050 Laptop GPU options, all with 8GB GDDR7. The display on the standard Crosshair 16 HX is a 2.5K 240Hz IPS-level panel. Cooling comes from MSI's Cooler Boost system with dual fans, five heat pipes, and four exhaust vents. An 80Wh battery is standard across the Crosshair 16 range.

The more premium Crosshair 16 Max steps up to Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors and an RTX 5070 GPU, with a 2.5K 165Hz OLED panel instead of IPS. Ports on both models include three USB-A, two USB-C (one Thunderbolt 4 on the Max), HDMI, and Ethernet. For the Indian market, MSI India confirmed that Computex 2026 products will reach India, with pricing and dates to follow through official channels.

Battery life has always been one of the most important laptop specs. At least for non-gaming machines. It is not the flashiest number on a spec sheet, and it rarely gets the same attention as a faster processor or a brighter OLED display, but it is the one feature that decides whether a laptop actually fits into your day. A machine can look premium, benchmark well, and still become annoying the moment you leave the charger behind. That is why a strong battery result matters so much. It changes how you work, where you work, and how often you have to think about power management.

This list is built around laptops we have personally tested over the last 18 months, not around claimed endurance numbers from marketing pages. That distinction matters. A laptop with a big battery is not automatically a long-lasting laptop. Display type, processor platform, efficiency tuning, and even how the laptop behaves in Balanced mode all influence real-world runtime. In practice, this year's list is interesting because it shows two clear trends. First, Qualcomm-powered Windows laptops have made a serious push into endurance. Second, ASUS has quietly built one of the strongest battery-life lineups in the market, across clamshells, convertibles, and premium ultrabooks.

Note: This is a living list built from laptops we have personally tested over the last 18 months. New models will be added when they earn a place here.

How We Test Laptop Battery Life

To keep the results consistent, we use the PCMark 10 Video Loop battery benchmark. It is a simple but useful test that loops video playback until the laptop shuts down from a full charge. The point is not to recreate one perfect workload but to have a repeatable baseline that gives us an honest sense of how long the laptop lasts in a light, real-world scenario.

Every laptop is tested in Balanced power mode, with brightness fixed at 80 percent, and battery-saving or sleep features turned off. Fan modes stay on Auto wherever possible. That means the results are not inflated by aggressive low-power settings that most people would never actually use in daily life. It also means the numbers are easier to compare across platforms, because the same method is applied to each machine.

That testing approach is important here because battery life does not exist in isolation. A laptop that lasts 20 hours but feels sluggish or awkward to use is not automatically better than one that lasts 16 hours but gives you a better screen, stronger performance, or a more practical keyboard. In other words, battery life is only part of the story. The best machines on this list are the ones that combine endurance with enough polish to make the rest of the experience worthwhile.

Top 5 laptops with the best battery life we've tested

1. ASUS Vivobook S16 S3607QA-SH079WS

Battery life tested: 26 hours 18 minutes
Battery capacity: 70Wh

The ASUS Vivobook S16 is still the standout here, and not by a small margin. A tested runtime of 26 hours and 18 minutes is outstanding for any Windows laptop, and even more so for a 16-inch machine with an OLED display. In practical terms, this is the kind of laptop that changes your habits. You stop hovering around charging points. You stop carrying a charger everywhere. You stop mentally tracking battery percentage in the middle of the day.

That level of endurance is not accidental. Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform plays a big role here, but so does ASUS' decision to position this as a productivity-focused machine rather than a performance-first one. The Vivobook S16 is clearly meant for users who spend most of their time in browsers, documents, meetings, email, and media. It feels like a laptop built for modern hybrid work, where you may start the day on a desk and end it on a sofa, in a café, or in a meeting room.

The large OLED panel is one of the reasons the S16 feels premium, but it also explains part of the battery balancing act. OLED gives you excellent contrast and vibrant colours, which makes the display more pleasant for long viewing sessions. At the same time, the 1200p resolution is not especially crisp at this size. That is one of the few compromises you notice if you sit close to the screen. ARM compatibility is the other obvious caveat. Most users will be fine, but anyone relying on niche legacy software should still be aware of the platform shift.

Even so, none of those limitations undo the main achievement here. The Vivobook S16 is the laptop on this list that most effectively removes battery anxiety from the equation. That is why it sits at the top.

Pros

• Exceptional battery life
• Lightweight 16-inch form factor
• Vibrant OLED display
• Stylish Salvia Green design

Cons

• ARM architecture quirks
• 1200p resolution is not very crisp

2. ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip TP3407SA-QL025WS

Battery life tested: 23 hours 25 minutes
Battery capacity: 70Wh

The Vivobook 14 Flip takes the same endurance-first approach and packages it into a more flexible body. At 23 hours and 25 minutes, it is one of the few convertibles that genuinely feels ready for all-day use without forcing a charger into your bag as a permanent accessory. In a 2-in-1 this is pretty good than in a standard clamshell, because convertible laptops are usually expected to do more. They need to work as a laptop, a tablet, a media stand, and occasionally a presentation device. Battery life becomes even more critical when a single machine is expected to handle all of that.

What makes the 14 Flip appealing is not just the number, but the way it fits into real usage. It is practical both as a laptop and as a tablet, accomplishing tasks like browsing and note-taking. In tent or stand mode, it becomes a good companion for streaming and presentations. The battery endurance means you can actually use those modes freely instead of treating them as short novelty sessions that have to be timed around a charger.

The review pointed out a few things that make the laptop easier to live with. The keyboard is comfortable, the build quality is solid, the display is good, and features like Windows Hello and the camera shutter add real-world convenience. That said, it is still not a performance monster, and the reflective panel can become annoying in brighter environments.

This is the sort of laptop that makes sense for students, travellers, and office users who like the idea of a single machine that can shift roles throughout the day without dying halfway through.

Pros

• Fantastic battery life
• Good build with a comfortable keyboard
• Great display with convertible form factor
• Windows Hello with camera shutter

Cons

• Raw performance is not class-leading
• Reflective display

3. HP OmniBook X 14-ka0068TU

Battery life tested: 19:59
Battery capacity: 70Wh

HP's OmniBook X 14 is the first laptop on this list that starts to feel like a genuinely premium daily driver rather than a battery endurance specialist. At 19 hours and 59 minutes, it still clears the kind of runtime most people would happily take on a work laptop, but what makes it more interesting is how complete the rest of the package feels.

This is a compact 14-inch machine, which immediately gives it a portability advantage. It is easier to carry than the larger 16-inch Vivobooks, and it feels more suited to users who move around frequently. The 3K OLED display adds a real premium touch, because the sharper panel makes the laptop feel more expensive the moment you start using it. Text looks cleaner, visuals pop more, and the panel quality adds a sense of polish that many thin-and-light laptops still fail to deliver.

Our review has framed it as a freelancer-friendly machine, and that is a pretty accurate way to think about it. It has a strong keyboard, sturdy build quality, and enough ports to avoid the usual ultrabook frustration. The battery life helps reinforce that sense of practicality as this is not just about being able to keep going. It is about doing so while still feeling like a capable work machine.

There are a couple of trade-offs. The audio could be fuller, and the lack of a built-in SD card reader will matter to some creators. Still, the OmniBook X 14 earns its place because it balances endurance, portability, and a premium display better than almost anything else in its class.

Pros

• Stunning 14-inch 3K OLED 120Hz VRR display
• Exceptional keyboard
• Fantastic build quality with plenty of ports
• Compact 100W GaN charger included

Cons

• Audio performance lacks bass and depth
• No built-in SD card reader

4. ASUS Zenbook A14 OLED UX3407QA-QD259WS

Battery life tested: 19:57
Battery capacity: 70Wh

The Zenbook A14 is the lightest-feeling laptop in this group, and that gives it a very different kind of appeal. As such the machine is not the biggest, the fastest, or the most dramatic machine here, but it is trying to be the easiest one to carry and use for long stretches. At 19 hours and 57 minutes, it lands almost exactly on the HP OmniBook X 14 in battery life, which makes the portability story even more convincing.

This is a laptop that makes sense for users who spend a lot of time away from a desk. Just toss the machine into a backpack without a second thought, take it to meetings, move between rooms, or carry it across a campus or office floor without feeling burdened. This practicality is a big part of its appeal. The keyboard and touchpad are both strong and when a laptop is this light, every part of the typing and navigation experience has to be good, because there is less physical heft to hide any flaws.

In our review, the biggest compromise is the display. The 60Hz 1200p panel does not match the premium nature of the rest of the machine. Storage is another limitation, since 512GB can start to feel tight if you keep a lot of media, projects, or large software installs on the machine. But the upside remains compelling. Battery life is excellent, portability is excellent, and the build feels sturdy enough to last through heavy daily use.

The Zenbook A14 is not the most exciting laptop on paper. It is just one of the easiest to actually live with.

Pros

• Exceptional battery life and portability
• Solid everyday performance
• Durable build quality
• Great keyboard and touchpad

Cons

• 60Hz 1200p display feels outdated
• Only 512GB storage offered
• Not for performance enthusiasts

5. ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606WA-RJ310WS

Battery life tested: 16:27
Battery capacity: 78Wh

The Zenbook S 16 is the most performance-oriented machine on this list, and that changes how you should think about its battery result. At 16 hours and 27 minutes, it is not chasing the same extreme longevity as the top two entries, but it is doing very well for a machine with heavier hardware and a much more ambitious overall design.

That approach is visible everywhere. The display is a 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreen, which immediately gives the laptop a more upscale feel than the typical productivity machine. The performance is strong enough to handle demanding multitasking and creative work comfortably, and the build quality is clearly aiming at the premium end of the market. In use, it feels like a laptop for people who want one machine that can do a bit of everything, without looking or feeling like a compromise.

Its place on the list is important for another reason too. It shows that battery life is not only about efficiency-driven hardware like Qualcomm chips. It also depends on how well a manufacturer tunes a more powerful, more feature-rich design. The Zenbook S 16 is proof that you can have strong performance, a premium OLED panel, and still avoid the kind of battery collapse that used to be common in this class.

It is expensive, no question. But it is also the most rounded option here for users who care about power as much as endurance.

Pros

• Premium build quality
• Impressive battery life
• Great performance
• Gorgeous 3K 120Hz OLED display with touch support

Cons

• Quite expensive

Final Takeaway

Battery life is no longer just a supporting spec. On the best laptops, it is a core part of the experience. It determines whether a machine feels flexible or fragile, whether it can travel with you comfortably, and whether it turns into a laptop you enjoy using or one you keep checking for a charger.

What this list makes clear is that there is no single formula for great battery life. Some laptops get there through ultra-efficient processors, some through careful tuning, and some by simply balancing a lot of expensive hardware more intelligently than most. The ASUS Vivobook S16 is the endurance leader. The Vivobook 14 Flip is the most versatile. The HP OmniBook X 14 and Zenbook A14 are the strongest portable all-rounders. The Zenbook S 16 is the premium choice for users who want a more powerful machine without giving up too much runtime.

That is the real story here. Good battery life is no longer about compromise. It is about freedom. And these five laptops deliver more of it than most of the market.

Wzatco is a familiar name in the budget projector segment. You can sense its popularity from the sheer number of mostly positive reviews across e-commerce platforms. However, the Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra isn't positioned in the budget space. Its Rs 17,990 sticker price positions it in a relatively premium category and demands higher expectations in return.

On paper, it appears to justify the asking price with features such as Google TV, built-in battery support, autofocus, keystone correction, and native Full HD resolution. The Yuva Go Ultra also promises the convenience of a portable entertainment system that can be carried almost anywhere. But in a market crowded with capable smart projectors, specifications alone are not enough.

After spending time with the Yuva Go Ultra as my primary entertainment device for movies, shows, sports, and casual gaming, here's whether it truly delivers an experience worthy of its price tag.

Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra specs

• Display projection: 40-inch to 200-inch
• Resolution: 1080p native with HDR10+
• Brightness: 13,000 lumens
• Viewing angle: 360-degree
• Audio: 5W built-in output
• OS: Android 14
• Keystone correction: 4-point digital keystone, auto
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.0, 1x HDMI, 1x USB, 1x Aux
• Other features: auto focus, digital focus
• Dimensions & weight: 22 × 24 × 7 cm, 1.4 kgs

Design

The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra can be placed on a flat surface, such as a table, or mounted on a stand (sold separately). Thanks to its innovative 360-degree rotating frame, the projector offers multiple positioning options regardless of how it is installed. The frame provides enough resistance to securely hold the projector at various angles without slipping. It also features anti-skid pads for added stability on flat surfaces, along with a threaded mounting point for stand installation.

Apart from its flexible positioning options, the Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra also impresses with its design. Its squarish form factor with rounded corners makes it compact, roughly the size of a diary, and lightweight enough to carry around with ease. While the projector features a plastic body, the matte finish lends it a premium look and feel, allowing it to blend seamlessly into not just a bedroom setup but also a living or drawing room.

My only gripe with the device is its power cable. For a projector designed for home use and intended to be positioned at least a metre away from the wall for an optimal projection setup, the included roughly one-metre cable feels short. It limited the placement options, even in a room like mine, where there is a power socket on nearly every wall.

After several attempts, I was able to find a sweet spot for the projector where the image fit comfortably within the wall without overshooting its boundaries. In my case, that ended up being a table in the living room, paired with a power extension board. The setup didn't look clean, and for most users, this is how it is going to be. If you want a slightly cleaner setup, then mounting the projector might be a better solution.

Controls & remote

The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra features just a single physical button, located at the rear alongside all the connectivity ports. This button is solely used to power the projector on or off. For everything else, you'll need to rely on the bundled IR remote, which is compact and styled similarly to the remotes found with modern Android TVs.

The remote includes dedicated hotkeys for popular streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video, along with a Google Assistant button for voice commands. Instead of traditional channel-switching controls, it features dedicated focus adjustment buttons for quick image tuning. The rest of the layout is straightforward and intuitive, making the remote easy to use from the outset.

The remote works reliably even from a reasonable distance. However, since it uses IR rather than Bluetooth, it performs best when pointed directly at the projector with a clear line of sight and minimal obstructions in between.

Software

The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra's software experience feels instantly familiar. Running Google TV based on Android 14, it delivers the intuitive interface users have come to expect. The home screen highlights personalised content recommendations at the top (if enabled), followed by a row of neatly arranged circular app icons for quick access. As a Google TV device, the projector also gives you access to a vast library of applications through the official Google Play Store, allowing you to customise the experience to your liking.

While the software is generally intuitive and easy to navigate, it isn't without its shortcomings. Minor stutters are noticeable during the initial boot-up process, and the interface occasionally feels sluggish when the projector is connected to an external speaker. Certain elements, particularly the Settings menu, also appear dated compared to the more polished interfaces found on newer Google TV devices. Additionally, the dedicated Disney+ button on the remote has not been updated to launch JioHotstar following the service's rebranding in India.

Audio

The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra features dual 5W built-in speakers, with the speaker grilles positioned along the side edges. Given the modest power output, the audio performance is fairly basic and lacks the clarity and richness needed for an engaging entertainment experience. In my usage, the speakers were adequate for following commentary during live sports, such as IPL matches. At maximum volume levels, the projector can fill an entire room, but the soundstage is very limited, resulting in flat audio.

The projector does offer several preset sound profiles, including Movie, Sports, Music, and others, allowing you to tailor the audio to different types of content. However, these modes only bring marginal improvements. Even with the most suitable profile selected, the built-in speakers struggle to deliver the depth and immersion that films and shows deserve. If audio quality matters to you, pairing the projector with a dedicated soundbar or external speaker system is highly recommended.

I paired the Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra with the Zebronics Juke Bar 9710C over Bluetooth, but there was noticeable audio latency. The delay was particularly evident while watching videos, where dialogue and on-screen action were not perfectly in sync. I even tried it with the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker, but ended up facing the same problem.

The projector includes a 3.5mm Aux output for wired audio connections, which should ideally eliminate latency altogether. However, during my testing, the aux port failed to output any sound, preventing me from verifying its performance with external speakers. As a result, the audio experience remained one of the more disappointing aspects of the Yuva Go Ultra.

Performance

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Keystone-Correction-Wzatco-Yuva-Go-Ultra-e1782187934494.jpeg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Auto-Focus-Wzatco-Yuva-Go-Ultra-e1782187823268.jpeg" offset="0.5" before="Auto Keystone Correction" after="Auto Focus"]

The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra takes a little time to start up, as it also analyses focus and keystone alignment before projecting an image. The process is impressively accurate, automatically adjusting both focus and keystone correction to deliver a sharp, well-aligned picture. The projector repeats this process every time it is moved or nudged, ensuring the image remains straight and properly aligned. I barely had to dig into the settings to manually adjust the focus and alignment.

Video quality

The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra does a respectable job when it comes to image projection. While it performs best in a pitch-dark room, where it delivers a crisp, bright, and contrast-rich picture, the image remains surprisingly watchable even in dimly lit environments across its supported screen sizes from 40 to 200 inches. During my testing, I primarily used the projector at a screen size between 60 and 170 inches (measured diagonally), and its native 1080p resolution proved sufficient to keep text sharp and easily readable while also providing a reasonably cinematic viewing experience.

The colours look vibrant, with warm, saturated tones that many casual viewers will appreciate. There are several picture modes to play around with, such as Sports, which offers punchier tones than the Movie profile and is ideal for action content. Gamers can also plug their consoles into the Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra, which supports the segment's standard 60Hz refresh rate.

But like other projectors in the segment, the Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra's 13,000-lumen brightness doesn't hold up well even in a moderately lit environment. The picture quality looks washed out, although watchable, with a window open in daylight.

Verdict

The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra is a viable option for smaller spaces. Its compact footprint and flexible mounting options make setup hassle-free, while its large projection range delivers a cinematic viewing experience without requiring a dedicated media room. In dark environments, the projector produces a sharp, vibrant image with pleasing colours, which is one of its strongest attributes. The audio quality also feels respectable, if not impressive, for tight spaces.

However, it is far from being a TV alternative. The Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra's picture quality feels underwhelming in brighter environments, and its speaker lacks a wide soundstage for an immersive experience. Furthermore, Bluetooth audio suffers from noticeable latency, and the Aux output failed to work during testing. Software performance is acceptable but not particularly polished.

While there is room for improvement, the Wzatco Yuva Go Ultra remains a capable portable smart projector with good image quality and hassle-free setup.

Editor's rating: 8/10

Pros

• Compact, lightweight
• Reliable auto focus and keystone correction
• Sharp visuals in dark rooms

Cons

• Audio quality could have been better
• Noticeable Bluetooth latency

The Shark 2 5G is the Lava's answer to the recent new 5G releases under Rs 15,000. Launched at Rs 11,999 for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, the Shark 2 5G takes on the Ai+ Nova 2 5G and HMD Vibe 2 5G by offering one of the most aggressive prices in a segment heavily hit by rising memory costs. While this has led to newer phones coming with noticeably inferior hardware compared to last year's models, are Lava's core strengths, such as offering clean software and free home service, enough to beat the competition? Find out in this detailed review where I used the Shark 2 5G for over a week

Quick verdict

The Lava Shark 2 5G is a strong option under Rs 15,000, offering an appealing gaming-inspired back design, a decent display, clean software, and excellent battery life for daily use. However, its cameras fall short of the competition, and charging speeds feel underwhelming.

Design: flaunts gaming-inspired accents

[pdp-expert-review]
The smartphone integrates several intricate gaming-inspired elements into the back panel, giving it a distinct and modern appearance.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Lava Shark 2 5G sports a boxy polycarbonate build with a glossy rear panel. For a distinct appeal, Lava has integrated several intricate elements into the panel, including a large mesh-like portion, an orange triangle in the bottom-right corner, and a reflective camera module. When all the elements are combined, they give the phone a gaming-inspired accent.

Much like the HMD Vibe 2 (review) and Ai+ Nova 2 (review) that I recently reviewed, the Lava Shark 2 5G is a large phone that may feel bulky to hold at first. However, most users should get used to it with time. The handset features a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom and a dedicated microSD card slot on the SIM tray. For added durability, the Shark 2 5G is rated IP64 for dust and water resistance. In my brief use, the camera module has endured micro scratches, so if you wish to keep the back panel clean, make sure to use the bundled TPU case.

[comparative-benchmark type="1000" products="42191,41905,41369,41754," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Display: serviceable panel for everyday use

[pdp-expert-review]
The 720p display outputs adequate saturation and contrasty tones for an LCD panel, while the YouTube video watching experience is assisted by 4K resolution playback.
[/pdp-expert-review]

Next up is the display. Just as when I thought the viewing experience would be average, given the 720p resolution, the hardware onboard allows the Shark 2 5G to play YouTube videos at up to 4K quality. Even though the video isn't rendered in 4K, selecting a higher resolution delivers a higher bitrate, resulting in sharper details. However, beyond YouTube, the detail levels on OTT apps may not be as impressive.

Coming to technical specifications and colour output, the 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display with a U-shape cutout up top delivers adequate saturation and contrasty tones. Given the technology, the display's colours fade away when tilting or viewing the phone from the sides. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling through the UI and apps was fairly smooth, except for times when the performance takes a hit due to multiple apps running in the background.

Although the phone came with a pre-installed screen protector, I removed it on day one. Even after using the phone without it, the display remains completely free of scratches and scuffs, mainly because I always keep it in a pocket without any other items like coins, keys, or a wallet. Lastly, just like other budget phones, the screen gets sufficiently bright indoors, while outside, viewing the screen becomes challenging, especially under sunlight.

[comparative-benchmark type="2000" products="42191,41905,41369,41754," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Performance: needs slight improvement

[pdp-expert-review]
While it handles basic tasks smoothly, games like Call of Duty: Mobile stutter during extended gaming sessions.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Unisoc T8200 powers the Lava Shark 2 5G, providing it enough performance prowess for handling basic to medium-level tasks. The phone comes in a single storage configuration of 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB UFS 2.2 storage. In benchmark tests such as AnTuTu and Geekbench, the phone delivers scores similar to other Unisoc T8200-powered devices and slightly behind the Dimensity 6300.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42191,41905,41369,41754," ][/comparative-benchmark]

[comparative-benchmark type="11" title="Geekbench multi-core score" caption="Geekbench assesses the efficiency of the CPU's single and multiple cores (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42191,41905,41369,41754," ][/comparative-benchmark]

While the phone initially handled basic tasks smoothly, such as chatting on WhatsApp and scrolling through Instagram Reels, occasional stutters started appearing as soon as I installed and used more apps, such as running Google Health and Realme Link in the background. If you're someone who resorts to basic phone use, the Lava Shark 2 5G should be able to keep up, but beyond that, the performance may feel sluggish.

Moving on, I tried playing Call of Duty: Mobile's Multiplayer mode on the Lava Shark 2 5G. For the initial few minutes, the handset delivered consistently high frame rates, but noticeable stutters cropped up after a couple of matches. Since the processor is 5G enabled, I had no issues browsing social media, web pages, or YouTube videos on mobile data, since it delivered reliable internet speeds.

Battery and charging: strong backup, slow top-up speeds

[pdp-expert-review]
The Lava Shark 2 5G's battery is capable of easily lasting a full working day from morning to night, while the charging speeds are quite slow.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The Lava Shark 2 5G runs on a fairly sized 6,000mAh battery, which is particularly more optimised than the same cell found on the HMD Vibe 2, per our in-house tests. Just like every other device that comes in for review, we put the Shark 2 5G through the PCMark Battery drain test, which mimics real-world use cases, such as browsing webpages, playing and editing videos, opening documents, and more. In the test, the device clocked 13 hours of runtime.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42191,41369,41801,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

When carrying out light workflows on the Lava Shark 2 5G, the handset delivered a screen on time of five hours over a course of three days, with 17 percent battery remaining. During this period, the usage included WhatsApp chatting, doomscrolling on Instagram, playing YouTube videos, checking stats on Google Health, and playing a few matches of CODM. As for heavy use cases, the phone should easily last a full working day from morning to night, given my experience with the device.

Coming to charging, the device took a sluggish 3 hours and 14 minutes to go from 20 to 100 percent. This is relatively slow, especially when compared to many phones with larger batteries that charge noticeably faster.

[comparative-benchmark type="4000" products="42191,41369,41754,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Camera: outputs modest results

[pdp-expert-review]
While the primary camera delivers vibrant images, it falls behind the competition in dynamic range and highlight control.
[/pdp-expert-review]

Even though the camera module displays two lenses, the Shark 2 5G houses a single 13MP main camera, while the U-shape notch within the display carries a 5MP selfie shooter. Given that it's a budget smartphone, one can expect modest camera outputs with a bare minimum of processing.

While the main camera outputs sufficiently vibrant colours, the high dynamic range is almost always a miss when the sky accumulates a major part of the background. The selfie camera shows similar characteristics, where the background tends to be blown out. Such flaws can be fixed with minor editing touch-ups, though. For a 13MP sensor, the details are serviceable.

At night, the images turn out soft and blurry, even if you capture the shots with steady hands. On the other hand, the highlight control of light sources is average, which is to be expected given the phone's price.

Now, let's see how the cameras of the Lava Shark 2 5G fare against the HMD Vibe 2:

[smartslider3 slider=2143]

Daylight

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Lava-Shark-2-daylight-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/HMD-Vibe-2-daylight-1-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Lava Shark 2 5G" after="HMD Vibe 2"]

Right off the bat, it's evident that the HMD Vibe 2 delivered a more realistic shot of the scene, with superior dynamic range over the Lava Shark 2 5G. In detail, too, the HMD handset does a better job; however, if you prefer vibrant results, the Shark 2 may appeal to you more.

Portrait

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Lava-Shark-2-portrait-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/HMD-Vibe-2-portrait-1-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Lava Shark 2 5G" after="HMD Vibe 2"]

The Lava Shark 2 5G turns the result in its favour in portrait by capturing near-accurate and appealing tones and colours. Even though the highlight control is inferior to the HMD Vibe 2, it doesn't add a greenish tint to the overall image and also preserves the details around the subject's edges.

Selfie

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Lava-Shark-2-selfie-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/HMD-Vibe-2-selfie-1-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Lava Shark 2 5G" after="HMD Vibe 2"]

In selfies, the HMD Vibe 2 produces more natural skin tones while delivering better contrast and clarity in both face and background. It's also less overexposed than Shark 2 5G's image.

Night mode

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Lava-Shark-2-night-mode-scaled.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/HMD-Vibe-2-nightmode-scaled.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Lava Shark 2 5G" after="HMD Vibe 2"]

While at first glance both images may seem on par, the HMD Vibe 2's shot preserves better clarity when zoomed in. It's also advantageous in highlight control and colour accuracy.

Software: departure from stock Android

[pdp-expert-review]
Unlike previously launched Lava phones, the Shark 2 5G runs a custom Android skin that moves away from stock Android
[/pdp-expert-review]

Unlike previous Lava releases from last year, I could easily identify that the smartphone doesn't sport a stock Android-like user interface. Instead, the software was more in line with the likes of HMD Vibe 2 and Ai+ Nova 2. For instance, the quick settings panel houses vertical sliders for adjusting media volume and brightness, along with two big rectangular toggles beside them.

If it were running stock Android, it would have featured pill-shaped toggles like those on Pixel UI or Hello UI with a horizontal brightness slider. Similarly, the Settings app lays out small colourful menu icons, which are not seen on stock Android skins based on Android 16.

On the positive note, the software continues to be devoid of third-party applications, theme stores, and marketplaces out of the box. However, you do get apps like Clean Assistant, Game Space, and Phone Clone, which were not present on older Lava smartphones. While there's no information on the number of major Android upgrades the Shark 2 5G is set to receive, the phone will get two years of security patches.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42191,41369,41754,," pias=",,,,"][/comparative-benchmark]

Final verdict: Is the Lava Shark 2 5G worth your money for Rs 11,999?

The Shark 2 5G's closest competitor, HMD Vibe 2 5G, is selling at Rs 12,999 on Flipkart. The Lava Shark 2 5G, meanwhile, with its Rs 11,999 sticker price (unless the gap widens due to price hikes), delivers an identical display, software, battery, and performance experience.

Meaning, you get a decent display for watching videos and browsing, a processor that's good enough for engaging in basic to medium-level tasks, and strong battery life that'll last at least one working day. While I would have preferred a stock Android experience to maintain distinction, the Shark 2's software experience is similar to the Vibe 2, with minimal third-party apps out of the box. On the other hand, if cameras somewhat matter to you under Rs 15,000, the HMD smartphone tends to produce better primary and selfie camera results over the Shark 2 5G.

As for the Lava Shark 2 5G, it remains a competitively priced smartphone that remains a reliable companion for the most part, except for the cameras.

Editor's rating: 7.9/10

Reasons to buy the Lava Shark 2 5G

• Good-looking gaming-inspired design.
• Display delivers a decent content viewing experience for the price.
• Fairly clean software devoid of theme stores and app marketplaces.
• Offers enough battery endurance for a full working day.

Reasons to skip the Lava Shark 2 5G

• Takes almost three hours for a full charge.
• Cameras aren't on par with the competition.

The OPPO Reno 16 5G series is set to launch in India as the latest premium mid-range lineup from the brand. It will succeed the Reno 15 series, which was launched in India earlier this year. OPPO follows a bi-annual launch cycle for its Reno lineup. The new Reno 16 continues with the compact design of its predecessor, the Reno 15 (review), and a striking design as well. OPPO has always been known for its charming aesthetics, especially in the Reno series, and the same strategy has been applied to the latest Reno 16. 

Ahead of the India launch, and with more details to be revealed about the Reno 16, we got to experience the phone and talk about its design. Here are our first impressions of the Reno 16. 

Same compact feel, striking design 

The Reno 16, like the Reno 15, has a compact body, perfect for those who like smaller phones. The colour variant that we received is the Starry White version. The handset has a 3D design of what's supposed to portray a planet-like aesthetic. OPPO calls it its exclusive HoloVerse 3D. Personally, the 3D effect feels a little too strong. You also get a bit of sparkle, adding to the overall aesthetic.

Keeping aside the fact that it might make your head feel heavy, the 3D effect on the Reno 16 is actually quite impressive and would make the phone stand out, at least in terms of design. The Reno 16 is confirmed to launch in Twilight Violet and Stellar Purple colour variants as well. 

Design remains subjective, and personally, the sparkly bow pattern on the Reno 15 series feels and looks much prettier.

The form-factor and in-hand feel stay premium and highly ergonomic. One-handed use is pretty easy on the Reno 16, thanks to its compact size. This means you can scroll through the phone, switch between apps, and type out messages with just one hand. The display might feel small for some users who are used to a large 6.7-inch display, but with very thin bezels, the Reno 16 still offers a sizeable screen that should be comfortable enough for watching videos, social media scrolling, and playing games.

The OPPO Reno 16 series debuts a new AI Snap Key, located on the top-left corner of the phone. Like the AI Plus Key on OnePlus phones, this one works similarly to save on-screen content to Mind Space, so users can find important details organised properly. The phone also doesn't feel heavy in your hands, and the buttons, especially, give a good tactile feel. It's quite slim, measuring 8.22mm in thickness and weighing 182g. At the bottom, the Reno 16 houses a Type-C port, a speaker grille, and the SIM tray. The earpiece on top doubles as a speaker. 

The Reno 16's 6.32-inch display feels crisp and vibrant with ColorOS 16 running in the background. The display offers a FHD+ resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,800 nits. The handset is also confirmed to get IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications for dust and water resistance. 

It's too early to comment on the phone's performance, as it's something we can determine only after using it extensively. The Reno 16 is still expected to deliver capable performance for regular to moderate usage, as the series isn't focusing on power users. 

What to expect from the OPPO Reno 16

We're yet to learn about the Reno 16's specifications, but leaks suggest a triple camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. Up front, too, the smartphone is tipped to house a 50MP selfie camera. The Reno 16 is also expected to launch with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset and a 6,000mAh battery in India, which would be different from the Chinese variant. 

OPPO has also teased the Bubble accessory in India, which is a magnetic circular display that sticks to the back of the Reno 16. It's designed to work as a selfie screen, letting you use the rear cameras for selfies. You can also customise the display with different wallpapers and use the OPPO Bubble as a bag charm. This accessory should make using the Reno 16 more fun, especially since the phone's cameras are a big part of its selling point. 

The Reno 16 series is expected to stand out as a premium compact option offering capable performance, versatile cameras, and a sizeable battery. If you prioritise a compact phone with good cameras, the Reno 16 might be worth considering, but Reno 15 users might want to compare properly before upgrading. Stay tuned for our full review for performance details.

Back in December last year, I reviewed the BenQ MOBIUZ EX271Q and walked away impressed. It was a well-sorted gaming monitor that delivered solid value for the asking price. Now it is the turn of a similar-sounding yet drastically dissimilar EX271QZ, which operates in a completely different league. With a QD-OLED panel and absurdly high refresh rate of 500Hz, this monitor is built for a very particular kind of gamer. I've spent a good while with it, so let me break down exactly what it gets right and where it gets complicated.

First, let's get the pricing out of the way. The BenQ MOBIUZ EX271QZ retails for ₹84,998 in India, which lands it in distinctly premium territory. At that price, it has plenty to prove, and not just against rival brands. As you'll see in the verdict, its toughest competition comes from inside BenQ's own cupboard.

Specs

• Panel type: 26.5″ QD-OLED, glossy finish
• Curved: No
• Resolution: 2,560 × 1,440 (16:9)
• Refresh rate: 500Hz
• Response time: 0.03 ms (GtG)
• Brightness: 300 nits (typical); 1,000 nits (peak HDR)
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500
• Native contrast: 1,500,000:1
• Colour coverage: 99% DCI-P3
• PPI: 110
• Ports:
  • 2 × HDMI 2.1 (one with eARC)
  • 1 × DisplayPort 1.4
  • 1 × USB-C upstream (USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 Gbps, data only)
  • 1 × USB-C downstream (USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 Gbps, 7.5W)
  • 2 × USB-A downstream (USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 Gbps, 4.5W)
• Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack (no built-in speakers)
• Stand adjustments: Height (100mm), tilt, swivel
• In the box: Remote control, calibration report, cleaning cloth, cables

Instantly recognisable design

If you've used a BenQ MOBIUZ monitor before, the EX271QZ will feel like familiar ground. The design sticks to the brand's established formula, pairing matte white plastic with solid metal for a look that feels premium without trying too hard. The white finish dominates the rear, broken up by a dark, hexagonal ventilation pattern and the MOBIUZ logo tucked into the corner. There's even a subtle 'Pixsoul Engine' marking running along the stand, a small touch that adds a bit of character.

The bezels are fairly narrow on all sides, which keeps your focus where it belongs, on the QD-OLED panel and its glossy coating. The stand is sturdy and supports up to 100mm of height adjustment along with tilt and swivel, so dialling in a comfortable viewing position is easy. BenQ also bundles a remote control in the box, which makes hopping between colour modes and tweaking settings far less fiddly than poking at OSD buttons.

Flip the monitor around, and the generous port selection becomes evident. You get two HDMI 2.1 ports (one of which supports eARC), a DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-C upstream port for data, a USB-C downstream port rated at 7.5W, and two USB-A downstream ports at 4.5W. On the audio front, there's a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the eARC-enabled HDMI lets you route sound out to a soundbar or AV receiver. As with most gaming-focused OLED panels, there are no built-in speakers here, so factor that into your setup.

Tuning takes the display from great to stunning

Straight out of the box, the EX271QZ looks very good. But spend a little time tuning it, and the experience climbs to an entirely different level. This is where the 2K QD-OLED panel flexes its muscles. The inky blacks, punchy colours, and wide viewing angles combine to deliver a picture that very few monitors can match. Because each pixel lights itself, there's no backlight bleed to muddy the darker scenes, and the 1,500,000:1 contrast figure isn't just a number on a spec sheet, you can actually see the difference.

The panel covers 99% of the DCI-P3 colour space, so colours land with the right amount of saturation rather than looking artificially boosted. As you might expect, BenQ's Color Shuttle app acts as the cherry on the top and lets you download game-specific colour profiles directly from BenQ, and loading them up made a real difference. Each profile tuned the visual output to match the creator's intent, and once I'd seen a game the way it was meant to look, going back to a generic preset felt like a clear downgrade.

Where 500Hz earns its keep

A 500Hz refresh rate sounds like overkill on paper, so I spent time testing a range of titles to work out which ones could actually make use of it. The answer became obvious the moment I loaded up competitive shooters.

In Valorant and Counter-Strike 2, the responsiveness is hard to put into words. Flicks feel instant, tracking is impeccable, and the motion clarity is so sharp that it borders on handing you an unfair edge over the competition. That's a slight exaggeration, of course, but only just. Paired with the 0.03ms response time, this is about as fast as displays get right now.

Console gaming on PS5

I also hooked up my PS5 to see how the monitor handles more relaxed, casual sessions, and it sailed through the test. Single-player titles like Black Myth: Wukong, 007 First Light, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 looked superb.

The QD-OLED panel brought out the detail and depth in every scene, and the visual experience was consistently top-notch. Console gaming won't push the panel anywhere near its 500Hz ceiling, since the PS5 tops out at 120Hz, but the sheer image quality more than makes up for it.

HDR that creators can rely on

HDR is an area where most monitors overpromise and underdeliver, so I'm pleased to report the EX271QZ does no such thing. It performed exceedingly well across the HDR content I tested, helped along by the DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.

Highlights pop, shadow detail holds up, and the overall image carries weight. Beyond gaming, this also makes the monitor a strong pick for creators who edit their videos in HDR, as the colour accuracy and brightness headroom give you a reliable canvas to work on.

OLED care options that make you feel at ease 

There's no getting around it, burn-in is the one concern that hangs over every OLED purchase, so I was glad to see BenQ pack the EX271QZ with a proper set of protection tools to keep the panel healthy over the long haul.

The first line of defence is Pixel Refresh, a maintenance cycle that recalibrates the panel and clears out any uneven wear before it has a chance to settle in. You can set a reminder to run it at 8-hour, 16-hour, or 24-hour intervals, depending on how heavily you use the monitor, which takes the guesswork out of routine upkeep.

Then there's Pixel Shift, which nudges the entire image by a tiny amount at regular intervals so that no single pixel is stuck displaying the same content for too long. You get fast, medium, and slow settings to control how often it kicks in, and the movement is subtle enough that you won't notice it during normal use. It's a simple trick, but an effective one for spreading wear evenly across the panel.

Rounding things off are the Idle Dimmer and Logo Dimming features. The Idle Dimmer automatically lowers brightness when the screen has been sitting on a static image, easing the strain on pixels during those idle stretches. Logo Dimming, on the other hand, targets the bright, static elements that tend to linger on screen (game HUDs, taskbars, or channel logos, for instance) and dims them specifically so they don't end up etched into the panel. Taken together, these safeguards meant I never found myself fretting about the long-term health of the display.

A stellar monitor that sits in a niche

At ₹84,998, the positioning of the BenQ MOBIUZ EX271QZ could be a bit tricky. If you're chasing pure competitive performance, BenQ has its Zowie range, which pushes refresh rates as high as 600Hz. And if you want a more balanced package, the EX271UZ (review) sits in roughly the same price bracket with a QD-OLED panel, 4K resolution, and 240Hz refresh rate, which is arguably the sweet spot for anyone who wants high resolution and a fast panel without fully committing to either extreme.

That overlap makes the EX271QZ slot into a niche of its own. Judged purely on its own merits, though, this is a brilliant piece of kit. If you specifically want a blistering 500Hz refresh rate combined with the visual richness of a QD-OLED panel, there's very little out there that does it better. It could be a niche product, but for the people in that niche, it absolutely delivers.

Editor's Rating: 8.4 / 10

Pros:

• Gorgeous QD-OLED panel
• Blistering 500Hz refresh rate
• Excellent HDR performance
• Color Shuttle app support

Cons:

• Premium price tag
• Overlaps awkwardly with BenQ EX271UZ
• Niche appeal

The recently launched Redmi Turbo 5 is now on sale in India. Redmi's first performance-focused smartphone has been competitively priced, starting at Rs 37,999, and largely delivers on its promise. However, as observed in our Redmi Turbo 5 review, there are a few areas where the handset could have done better to appeal to a wider audience in the segment. As a result, buying this smartphone requires careful consideration.

So, should you buy the Redmi Turbo 5? Here are the reasons why it may or may not be the right smartphone for you.

Reasons to buy Redmi Turbo 5

Excellent choice for gamers

The Redmi Turbo 5 remains the only viable option for gaming, following the OnePlus Nord 6 price hike. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra, the smartphone handles demanding workloads and high-end gaming with ease. During our testing, the handset consistently delivered 120fps gameplay in BGMI and COD: Mobile, ensuring a fluid and responsive experience.

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More importantly, the Redmi Turbo 5 sustains its performance well under prolonged loads, as reflected in its strong Burnout benchmark results. While rivals such as the OnePlus Nord 6 may manage heat slightly better, the Redmi Turbo 5 holds a slight advantage when it comes to maintaining peak performance over extended periods.

Battery that lasts long and also recharges quickly

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="41180,42052,42001,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Battery life is another area where the Redmi Turbo 5 shines. The smartphone packs a huge 7,540mAh battery, which comfortably lasts a full day even with relatively heavy usage involving gaming, video streaming, and social media. While the OnePlus Nord CE6's larger 8,000mAh battery delivers slightly better endurance figures, the Redmi remains among the strongest performers in the segment. The inclusion of 100W fast charging further strengthens the package, taking the battery from 20 percent to 100 percent in just 51 minutes.

For users who spend long hours away from a charger, the combination of a large battery and fast charging makes the device particularly appealing.

Vibrant display for gaming and entertainment

The Redmi Turbo 5 features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display that ticks most of the right boxes. The panel delivers vibrant colours, excellent viewing angles, and strong outdoor visibility, while the 120Hz refresh rate keeps animations and scrolling smooth. HDR support on compatible streaming platforms adds richer contrast and improved highlights when watching content. The display is also highly responsive thanks to its high touch sampling rate, which benefits gaming. Combined with slim bezels and stereo speakers, the Redmi Turbo 5 offers one of the more immersive multimedia experiences in its price segment.

Class-leading durability, premium build

Despite housing a massive battery, the Redmi Turbo 5 remains relatively compact and comfortable to hold. The aluminium frame and glass back give the device a premium in-hand feel that matches, and in some cases exceeds, rivals in the segment. What truly sets it apart, however, is durability. The handset comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications, allowing it to withstand dust, water immersion, and even high-pressure water jets. This gives it a clear advantage over competitors such as the Motorola Edge 70 Pro, which focuses more on sleekness than ruggedness.

Reasons not to buy Redmi Turbo 5

Cameras may not be its strongest suit

[gallery link="none" columns="1" size="large" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="705269,705271,705280,705276,705270"]

The Redmi Turbo 5's camera setup is functional, but it isn't among the best in its segment. The 50MP primary camera captures sharp and vibrant daylight shots, and low-light performance is reasonably good. However, the ultrawide camera produces softer images with less detail, while the selfie camera struggles with facial details and colour accuracy.

When compared with rivals such as the Motorola Edge 70 Pro, the Redmi consistently falls behind in areas like dynamic range, colour accuracy, portrait photography, and overall versatility. Buyers who prioritise photography will likely find better options elsewhere.

Thermal management is good, but not class-leading

Redmi's 3D Ice Loop Cooling system does a respectable job of controlling temperatures during gaming sessions, allowing the phone to maintain strong performance. However, the device still develops noticeable warmth around the camera module during extended gaming sessions. While this doesn't significantly impact usability, rivals such as the OnePlus Nord 6 demonstrate slightly better thermal efficiency under sustained workloads. For most users, this won't be a dealbreaker, but those sensitive to heat generation may notice the difference.

Not the cleanest software experience

The Redmi Turbo 5 runs HyperOS 3 out of the box, which brings several useful features, including AI-powered tools, refined animations, personalised lock-screen options, and broad cross-device connectivity. However, the software is burdened by a large number of pre-installed applications, with over 60 apps available out of the box, including numerous third-party offerings. In comparison, competing software experiences from brands such as Motorola feel cleaner and more streamlined. HyperOS also lacks some customisation options available on rival devices.

Final thoughts

To sum it up for you, the Redmi Turbo 5 succeeds in delivering a flagship-grade gaming performance, strong sustained output, a vibrant display, and excellent battery life, all wrapped in a premium and highly durable package. These strengths make it a compelling option for gamers, power users, and anyone who prioritises performance and endurance above all else.

Despite the badge, this is the largest Mini ever and the most affordable Countryman in India yet. Sliding right off the assembly line and into our hearts, the locally-assembled Mini Countryman C is the largest and most grown-up Mini ever made. Featuring best-in-segment height and ground clearance, a massive 1450L boot with the rear seats folded down and typical Mini design language and driving characteristics, at Rs. 47.5 lacs, it also steals the show with the aggressive pricing. If you factor in the reassurance of  66% buy back value after 3 years, it becomes an even more enticing proposition.

But Mini buyers don't buy Mini with the head but more of the heart. So while it may be based on a BMW X1 platform, its 1.5L 3-cylinder engine is tuned differently, and so is its suspension. Power comes from a TwinPower Turbo petrol unit good for 156 hp and 240 Nm, sent through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and all of that can be customised via 8 different Mini Experience Modes that channel the go-kart like handling through a sporty and direct steering wheel. Enthusiasts may lament the lack of paddle shifters, though.

Inside the cabin is where things start differentiating themselves even more than any BMW. Typical Mini quirkiness, round themes, funky textures and sustainable materials make for a unique interior that you won't mistake for anything else. Here are the five things that set it apart from anything else. 

1. Circular Screen While every rival is racing toward bigger and wider displays, MINI has gone the other way with a 9.4in circular Samsung-made OLED unit that doubles as the instrument cluster and infotainment hub. It's a deliberate callback to the original Countryman's centre-mounted speedometer, except now it animates with crisp graphics, projects wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and genuinely looks like nothing else on sale. Tap the speed readout in certain Experience Modes, and the entire display flips into a full analogue-style speedometer face. There's also a built-in AirConsole gaming layer with access to over 130 multiplayer titles playable via smartphone-as-controller while parked.

2. "Hey MINI" While BMW's voice assistant answers like a concierge, Mini's Intelligent Personal Assistant answers like it's an old friend, handling navigation, calls, and entertainment through the same wake phrase architecture as its more serious sibling, but with a noticeably cheekier script and tone. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon hi-fi system is great at more than delivering speech, though. Its Class-D DSP amplifier outputs 200 watts above Mini's standard system, and the midrange cones use a three-layer aluminium-sandwich diaphragm (ALumaprene) rather than conventional paper or polymer, chosen specifically for stiffness-to-weight ratio at speaker sizes this small.

3. 8 Experience Modes From the race-leaning Go-Kart Mode to the eco-focused Green Mode and the deliberately over-the-top Vivid Mode, these don't just retune the throttle but alter ambient lighting, the graphics on that circular screen, and the cabin sound design simultaneously. In classic Mini fashion, toggle-style switches for power and drive selector add the tactility that evokes the feeling of interacting with a living, breathing entity rather than just an all-screen layout.

4. Digital Key Plus Your phone becomes the key, transferable across users along with their personal settings, while a single Toggle Bar Island consolidates start/stop, the gear selector, parking brake, experience mode switching, and volume into one physical strip. There's even a wireless charging slot tucked beneath it. The welcome sequence as you approach the car is triggered not by regular Bluetooth but by ultra-wideband radio positioning, the same precision-ranging tech that Apple uses for Find My.

5. A 360-degree camera Parking Assistant Plus and a 360-degree camera handle the serious business of not bumping into things or other cars. Then there's the Fisheye Camera inside the cabin, built specifically to capture fun selfies and in-car moments with sound, which is a feature no 3 Series owner is getting anytime soon and exactly the kind of indulgence Mini buyers expect. The only thing that remains an eyesore is the CarPlay screen that doesn't cover the entire circular screen, but a smaller rectangle within the display.

This is a clear sign that Mini believes in platform sharing but not personality sharing. BMW's tech stack is built to disappear into the background, whereas Mini's is built to be the main character. For a brand that's spent two decades selling charm over horsepower, OS 9 might be the most on-brand piece of engineering it's shipped yet.

Over the past three or so years, smartphone makers have increasingly adopted more concrete measures to improve the durability of their offerings. What was once treated as a premium extra has slowly turned into something far more common, with better dust and water protection now showing up across a much wider range of phones.

The change came about with a mix of changing buyer expectations, tougher competition between brands, and a market where even affordable phones need to feel more dependable in everyday use. The result is a landscape where IP ratings are no longer just a flagship talking point but a feature that has steadily moved into the mainstream.

That begs the question of how this shift took shape and what pushed phone makers to make durability a regular part of the conversation. By the end of the story, you'll have your answer and a complete picture of how smartphone durability evolved in India.  

What Are IP Ratings?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it tells you how well a phone is protected against common elements such as dust and water. The rating is usually denoted by a two-digit number. The first number ranges from 0 to 6 and shows dust resistance, while the second ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates water resistance. The higher the numbers, the better the protection usually is.

The most common IP ratings people come across on smartphones are IP54, IP67, IP68, and IP69. IP54 means basic dust and splash protection. IP67 means the phone can handle dust and survive brief submersion in water. IP68 means better dust protection and better resistance to deeper or longer water exposure. IP69 means the phone can withstand high-pressure water jets, which goes beyond normal everyday use.

How do IP Certifications Work

IP ratings are based on a formal standard called IEC 60529, which sets out how a device should be tested for dust and water protection. The numbers are not just marketing shorthand, as they reflect specific test results.

Brands usually have to pay for this testing, either through their own labs or through outside testing agencies. Those labs carry out controlled dust, water, and pressure tests, then issue the report that supports the claimed IP rating.

That is why an IP rating is not something a phone gets casually. It takes time, money, and proper testing to back up the claim, which is also why some phones could actually be impervious to dust and water exposure without carrying an IP badge. Testing is often voluntary rather than mandatory, but brands tend to pay for recognised third‑party reports because the certification adds credibility and keeps them on safer ground should anything go wrong.

The IP ratings timeline in India

We've collated the data for all the phones we've tested since 2024 to see whether a clear pattern emerges and how IP ratings have evolved over time.

Smartphone IP ratings across price bands in 2024:

Across the three years, the under Rs 30,000 segment saw the sharpest change: the share of higher protection ratings rose from 12 percent in 2024 to 23 percent in 2025 and 29 percent in 2026, while lower IP52/IP53/IP54 phones fell from 58 percent to 41 percent and then 36 percent, respectively.

Smartphone IP ratings across price bands in 2025: 

The Rs 30,000-60,000 bracket stayed the most balanced, but it still moved toward higher protection, with IP67/IP68/IP69 phones rising from 70 percent in 2024 to 73 percent in 2025 and 81 percent in 2026.

Smartphone IP ratings across price bands in 2026 (as of June): 

At the over Rs 60,000 level, premium protection was already common in 2024, and the mix was heavily skewed toward IP67/IP68/IP69, easing only slightly from 84 percent in 2024 to 90 percent in 2025 and 91 percent in 2026.

Smartphones with high IP protection in India

Why high IP Ratings have become common in affordable phones

For a long time, high dust and water resistance was mostly reserved for more expensive phones. It made sense then, because adding proper sealing, testing, and certification increased cost, and brands did not always see enough demand for it in their more affordable products.

In a market where many phones already offer similar chipsets, cameras, and battery life, durability has become one of the ways to make a device feel more complete. There is also a practical side to it, as phones are used in unpredictable conditions, and in markets like India, dust, sudden rain, and accidental spills are part of everyday life. Brands know this, so an IP rating gives them a way to show that a phone is better prepared for real-world use.

At the same time, the cost of adding this protection has become easier to absorb. Sealing methods, adhesives, and production processes have improved over the years, so brands can now offer better protection without pushing prices up as much as they once did.

That is a big reason why IP67, IP68, and even higher ratings have started appearing in phones that are no longer just at the top end of the market. Once a few brands started offering stronger ratings in lower price brackets, others had to follow. That is how a feature that once looked premium slowly turned into something more ordinary.

Does each phone have to have an IP rating?

Not every phone gets an IP rating, as some devices may still use seals, coatings, or stronger build choices, but the brand may choose not to go through formal testing and certification.

That can happen for a few reasons. Certification costs money, takes time, and adds another layer to the launch process. In some cases, brands may also prefer to keep the phone positioned as durable without making a formal claim that would need to be tested and defended.

There is also a difference between being resistant and being certified. A phone can be reasonably well protected in daily use and still not carry an IP badge, simply because the company did not pay for the testing or did not want to market it that way.

Some brands also focus on other durability standards instead, such as drop or shock protection. So a phone may be built to handle rough use in one sense, but still not have an official IP rating for dust and water.

Why do major brands still stick to IP68?

If you look at the way the market has moved, it is mostly Chinese OEMs that have pushed IP69 into the spotlight. Brands like OPPO, Vivo, OnePlus and Realme have used it as a clear talking point, while companies such as Samsung, Apple, Google and Nothing have mostly stayed with IP68.

That does not mean IP68 is weak. It already covers the level of protection most people actually need in daily life, from dust to rain to the odd splash or short dip in water. For the bigger brands, that has been enough to call the phone durable without going further.

There is also a simple marketing angle here, as IP69 rating gives Chinese brands a way to stand out on the specification sheet, especially in crowded mid-range and flagship segments where many phones look similar on paper. So while the standard itself is not new, the way it has been used very much is.

What IP ratings mean for Indian consumers

For most buyers, IP ratings are mainly about peace of mind. They do not make a phone indestructible, but they do give you a better idea of how it may fare against dust, rain, and the occasional spill. In India, that distinction matters quite a lot. A phone with IP67 or IP68 is safer for everyday use, especially if you travel a lot, use your phone outdoors, or just do not want a small accident to turn into a costly repair.



However, the highest rating is not always the most useful one for every person. For many users, an IP67 or IP68 rating is more than enough, while IP69 is only worth caring about if you want the extra safeguard or are regularly present in an environment where chances of mishaps tend to be greater. 

Conclusion

Overall, the data makes one change quite clear: higher IP ratings are no longer confined to premium phones. Since 2024, better protection has steadily moved down the price ladder, with the strongest momentum visible in the under Rs 30,000 segment.

That makes the trend less about waterproofing as a flagship badge and more about it becoming a mainstream expectation. In other words, IP ratings are no longer just a premium expectation and are increasingly becoming a basic part of the feature set across the market.

This matters because it shows how quickly a once-top-end spec can become widely adopted. The market is not only bringing more protected phones, it is also normalising better protection across price bands.

The Redmi Turbo 5 is an ambitious addition to the brand's portfolio, positioned just below the Redmi Note 15 Pro+. Unlike the Note series, which places greater emphasis on cameras and all-around usability, the Turbo 5 is designed with performance and endurance in mind. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra SoC and backed by a massive 7,540mAh battery, it is Redmi's most capable performance-focused smartphone yet, aimed squarely at gamers, power users, and heavy multitaskers.

How does all that come together in real-world usage? In this Redmi Turbo 5 review, we find out where it stands and compare it against some of its rivals.

Verdict

The Redmi Turbo 5 excels in the areas that matter most to power users. The handset delivers excellent gaming performance, rich visuals, and long battery life. The 100W fast charging further enhances the overall experience. The premium build and robust IP ratings are added bonuses. However, the cameras lag behind those of key rivals, and thermal management and standby battery efficiency could be improved. If performance and endurance are your priorities, the Redmi Turbo 5 is an easy recommendation.

Performance: strong gaming credentials

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Turbo 5 delivers fast and reliable performance thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra, up to 12GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage. Its advanced cooling system helps sustain 120fps gameplay in BGMI and COD: Mobile, though some warmth is noticeable around the camera module during extended sessions.
[/pdp-expert-review]

The MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra, ticking at the Redmi Turbo 5's core, is paired with 8GB LPDDR5X/12GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 256GB UFS 4.1 storage onboard. It's the same chipset we saw on the Xiaomi 17T smartphone, but the Turbo 5 features Redmi's 3D Ice Loop Cooling system, which comprises a large 5,300 mm² stainless steel layer and a Graphite Layer that is said to offer 3x better thermal management than a traditional vapour chamber.

The setup certainly helps the smartphone deliver smooth performance for everyday usage and gaming. The handset even managed to offer 120 fps gaming consistently while playing BGMI and COD: Mobile extensively with Wild Boost enabled, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. However, the Redmi Turbo 5 needs further optimisation to be the most thermally efficient device out there. While it didn't get uncomfortably warm, I could feel the smartphone getting warm around the camera module.

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During our internal testing, the Redmi Turbo 5's surface temperature increased by 14°C after 40 minutes of BGMI and COD: Mobile. While this is lower than the lifestyle-focused Motorola Edge 70 Pro, which is powered by a similar MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset, the OnePlus Nord 6, originally launched in the sub-Rs 40,000 segment, demonstrated slightly better thermal efficiency.

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That said, our Burnout CPU throttling test shows that the Redmi Turbo 5 holds a slight advantage over the OnePlus Nord 6 in sustaining peak performance under heavy workloads. Its results in other benchmarks, including AnTuTu and Geekbench, are also among the best in the segment, reinforcing its strong performance credentials.

Battery: fast charging, excellent endurance

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Turbo 5 packs a massive 7,540mAh battery that comfortably lasts a full day, even with heavy use. Battery endurance is good overall, although higher-than-expected standby drain prevents the phone from fully utilising its large capacity. On the upside, 100W HyperCharge support ensures minimal downtime, taking the battery from 20 to 100 percent in just 51 minutes.
[/pdp-expert-review]

Backing the needs of power users is a massive 7,540mAh battery, one of the largest capacities in this segment. The benefits are evident in both synthetic tests and day-to-day usage. In the PCMark battery benchmark, the handset lasted 16 hours and 5 minutes, placing it slightly behind the OnePlus Nord CE6, whose larger 8,000mAh battery delivered close to 18 hours of runtime.

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In our real-world battery tests, which included 30 minutes of video streaming and 60 minutes of gaming, the Redmi Turbo 5 consumed a combined 14 percent of its charge. While not class-leading, this is a respectable result for the segment and should comfortably last a full day, even under relatively heavy use.

Users can expect upwards of seven hours of screen-on time between charges, although standby power consumption remains higher than expected, preventing the handset from fully capitalising on its massive 7,540mAh battery. As a result, its overall endurance falls slightly short of what one would typically expect from a smartphone with a 7,500mAh-plus battery, and you may need to recharge the device sooner than anticipated.

[comparative-benchmark type="4000" products="41180,42052,42001,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Nevertheless, charging the Redmi Turbo 5 is a quick affair. The smartphone supports 100W HyperCharge and ships with a compatible charger in the box. In our testing, it took just 51 minutes to charge from 20 to 100 percent, which is impressive considering the sizeable 7,540mAh battery. The combination of a large battery and fast charging makes the handset particularly appealing for users who spend long hours away from a power outlet and need minimal downtime between charges.

Display: bright and immersive

[pdp-expert-review]
The Redmi Turbo 5 features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, which delivers punchy colours, excellent viewing angles, and strong outdoor visibility, while slim bezels and a centred punch-hole cutout help create an immersive viewing experience. HDR content on supported streaming platforms looks rich and dynamic, and the high touch sampling rate ensures responsive interactions during gaming.
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The Redmi Turbo 5 sports a 6.59-inch 12-bit AMOLED display that bears 1.5K resolution, up to 120Hz refresh rate, DCI-P3 colour gamut, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, wet touch support, and 3,200 nits peak brightness. The screen is also TUV triple eye protection certified and offers up to 2,560 instant touch sampling rate for a highly responsive gaming and everyday user experience.

There are slim bezels all around and a small centred punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera, helping the display feel immersive while watching videos or gaming. HDR10 support is available out of the box on YouTube and other compatible streaming platforms, delivering richer contrast, improved highlights, and a wider dynamic range for a more engaging viewing experience.

Colours also appear punchy and vibrant by default, though users can switch to a more natural colour profile if preferred. Combined with excellent viewing angles, the display offers a consistently enjoyable viewing experience across different types of content. Additionally, the display remains perfectly legible outdoors under direct sunlight.

To enhance the viewing experience, the POCO X8 Pro boasts a stereo speaker setup, which gets fairly loud but may lack crispness at maximum volume. For security, there is an optical fingerprint scanner, which isn't very intuitive owing to its positioning at the bottom of the screen, but it accurately unlocks the device.

Design: excellent durability

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Despite housing a massive 7,540mAh battery, the Redmi Turbo 5 remains relatively compact and comfortable to hold, thanks to its curved corners and flat-edged design. The combination of an aluminium frame and glass back lends the smartphone a premium feel, while the matte finish does a good job of resisting fingerprints and smudges. The customisable Pixel Matrix lighting system on the rear adds a touch of personality.
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As observed in the first impressions, the Redmi Turbo 5 feels a tad heavier in the hand at 204 grams, but it is comfortable to hold thanks to its relatively compact form factor, nicely curved corners, and flat edges. The smartphone measures 157.53 x 75.19 x 8.18mm, which is impressive for a phone with a massive battery capacity.

The smartphone also feels solid and premium with its aluminium framing and glass back. There is a matte finish on the back panel and flat edges to ward off fingerprints and smudges, while the front of the smartphone features Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, which should survive minor drops and falls. We didn't have the heart to test that, but we did put the Redmi Turbo 5 underwater, and it survived with flying colours. The smartphone is IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certified, which means it can withstand high temperatures and high-pressure water jets as well.

This makes the Redmi Turbo 5 more durable than most smartphones in the segment, including the Motorola Edge 70 Pro, which stands out for its sleek appearance. The Redmi smartphone attempts to stand out with its Pixel Matrix housed within the two camera rings on the back. The Matrix comes with 8 built-in colours, customisable and adjustable brightness, for gaming, notifications, call alerts, and music. The lights can also be used with any app and as a camera status indicator when taking timed or burst shots.

While I did not find it particularly useful during gaming sessions (it was only supported with COD: Mobile during my time), the lighting system proved handy for alerts and notifications when the phone was placed face down and set to silent mode.

Software: smooth and connected

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The Redmi Turbo 5 runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 and delivers a smooth, feature-rich experience with refined animations, lock screen depth effects, Hyper Island, and extensive cross-device connectivity. While an array of pre-installed apps weighs down the software and lacks some customisation options and advanced AI photo editing features found on rivals, Xiaomi's HyperAI suite remains useful for everyday tasks. The promise of four OS upgrades and six years of security updates further strengthens the package.
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The Redmi Turbo 5 boots HyperOS 3 layered atop Android 16 out of the box. It's the latest custom skin from Xiaomi, which delivers a near-identical experience to the Xiaomi 17T. The overall UI looks less user-friendly due to a plethora of pre-installed apps, including 22 third-party ones. In fact, the Redmi Turbo 5's 63 pre-installed apps are higher than I've come across within the segment.

The software also feels slightly less mature than some rival Android skins and misses a few customisation options, such as widget customisation and app folders. But other than that, HyperOS 3 feels quite good for day-to-day use, with smoother animations, a Gaussian blur effect, personalised lock screen options with depth effects, and numerous subtle visual improvements throughout the interface.

The haptic feedback could be better integrated, but there are also some fun additions, including AI pets that can live on your home screen. Furthermore, the Hyper Island, which functions similarly to Apple's Dynamic Island, previews content and expands to more details with a tap. Add to that HyperOS 3's cross-ecosystem integration, which allows seamless communication not only across all Xiaomi devices, but also with Windows PCs, Macs, iPads, and iPhones via the Xiaomi Interconnectivity and Link to Windows features. Users can now run Xiaomi phone apps directly on their iPad or Mac, thereby reducing dependency on a particular device and enhancing productivity.

The usual Xiaomi HyperAI tools are all here, including features for generating wallpapers, assisting with writing, recognising speech, translating conversations, transcribing calls, and more. The AI photo editing suite, however, feels less comprehensive than some rivals in the segment. For instance, the OPPO Reno15C offers tools such as AI Reflection Remover, AI Eraser, AI Unblur, and AI Perfect Shot, giving users more ways to refine their photos.

Hopefully, this will be addressed in a future software upgrade for the Redmi Turbo 5. The smartphone is promised to receive at least 4 major OS upgrades and six years of security updates, which is standard for the segment.

Cameras: primary camera excels

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The Redmi Turbo 5's camera system is largely carried by its 50MP primary sensor, which delivers sharp, detailed daylight shots with punchy colours. However, the ultrawide and selfie cameras offer only average image quality, while the limited feature set and inconsistent video capabilities make photography a secondary strength rather than a key highlight of the smartphone.
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For photography, the Redmi Turbo 5 features a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera with OIS and an f/1.5 aperture, paired with an 8MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2). On the front, it houses a 20MP selfie camera in a punch-hole cutout. The phone can record videos at up to 4K 60fps, but this capability is limited to the primary camera. The ultrawide and selfie cameras are limited to 1080p at 60 fps, resulting in an inconsistent video recording experience across the camera system.

Having said that, the cameras are not the smartphone's forte, resulting in minimal features and modes. You get mixed results with the camera system, with the 50MP primary sensor doing all the heavy lifting here. The sensor captures sharp, detailed images in daylight with slightly oversaturated tones for a visually appealing look. As for the ultrawide lens, it is average at best, with soft details and muted colours. The 20MP front camera offers similar performance, with oversaturated tones, neon-green tones, and underwhelming facial details.

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To better analyse the Redmi Turbo 5's camera performance, we compared it against the similarly priced Motorola Edge 70 Pro to see how well it stacks up against the competition in its segment.

Daylight

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Redmi-Turbo-5-daylight.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Motorola-edge-70-Pro-daylight.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Turbo 5" after="Motorola Edge 70 Pro"]

The Redmi Turbo 5 captures pleasing daylight shots with vibrant colours and good overall exposure. However, when compared side by side, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro delivers richer details, more accurate colours, and a wider dynamic range, resulting in images that look more refined and closer to reality.

Ultrawide

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Redmi-Turbo-5-ultrawide.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Motorola-Edge-70-Pro-ultrawide.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Turbo 5" after="Motorola Edge 70 Pro"]

The Redmi Turbo 5's ultrawide camera maintains colour consistency with the primary sensor; however, image details appear softer compared to the Motorola Edge 70 Pro, which produces sharper results and more accurate-looking images. Motorola also benefits from a wider field of view and improved edge correction, resulting in less distortion and more usable frame coverage.

Portrait

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Redmi-Turbo-5-portrait.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Motorola-Edge-70-Pro-portrait.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Turbo 5" after="Motorola Edge 70 Pro"]

The Redmi Turbo 5 offers a couple of focal points for portrait shots, but the results appear very overexposed and artificial, with underwhelming facial detail. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro, which offers a wider focal length range, remains a superior choice for portraits.

Selfie

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Redmi-Turbo-5-selfie.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Motorola-Edge-70-Pro-selfie.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Turbo 5" after="Motorola Edge 70 Pro"]

The Redmi Turbo 5 does a decent job with selfies. That said, if accurate skin tones and facial details matter to you, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro is worth considering. The handset also excels with better exposure to background details.

Low light (night mode)

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Redmi-Turbo-5-low-light.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Motorola-Edge-70-Pro-low-light.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Redmi Turbo 5" after="Motorola Edge 70 Pro"]

In low light, the Redmi Turbo 5 outperforms the Motorola Edge 70 Pro with sharper details and better control over light flare. However, it achieves this by noticeably brightening the scene, resulting in images that stray from the actual ambience.

Final verdict

Currently retailing at its starting price of Rs 37,999, the Redmi Turbo 5 delivers on its core promise. The MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra SoC ticking at its core offers excellent gaming performance and strong sustained performance. Furthermore, its vibrant AMOLED display enhances both entertainment and gaming, while its massive 7,540mAh battery, paired with 100W fast charging, strengthens its appeal for power users who prioritise endurance and minimal downtime.

Beyond performance, Redmi has also paid attention to durability and design. The aluminium-and-glass construction feels premium, while the IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings make the device one of the most rugged options in its segment. HyperOS 3 brings a feature-rich software experience and long-term software support, although the excessive number of pre-installed apps somewhat detracts from the overall experience.

Speaking of its drawbacks, the Redmi Turbo 5 also falls short on the camera front. Largely reliant on the primary camera, the setup is serviceable but lacks the capabilities that competitors such as the Motorola Edge 70 Pro (review) bring to the table. The smartphone's thermal management could also benefit from further optimisation, while standby battery drain prevents it from fully capitalising on its enormous battery capacity.

But if you have your priorities figured out, the Redmi Turbo 5 remains an easy recommendation for gamers, power users, and anyone seeking outstanding battery life and performance.

Editor's rating: 8.4/10

Reasons to buy

• The IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings make the device one of the most rugged options in its segment.
• Its vibrant AMOLED display enhances both entertainment and gaming.
• The handset offers excellent gaming performance and strong sustained performance.
• The phone should appeal to power users who prioritise endurance and minimal downtime.

Reasons not to buy

• The excessive number of pre-installed apps somewhat detracts from the overall experience.
• The smartphone's thermal management could also benefit from further optimisation.

Pitting a flat 32-inch 4K monitor against an aggressively curved 34-inch ultrawide is a bit like comparing a luxury SUV to a luxury sedan; they both get you to the same destination, but the ride is entirely different. On one hand, we have the MSI MAG 321UP (₹85,999) which is a value-oriented 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Pro 34WD-10 is a premium 34-inch 1440p WOLED ultrawide (₹89,990) that demands serious desk space.
Which type of monitor should you blow your hard-earned rupees on? Good question. Let's dive in.

Tech Specs

Design, Build, and The Heat Check

First off, the shape. The Lenovo throws an absolute curveball, literally. It rocks a bonkers 800R curvature that wraps around your face like you are sitting inside a VR headset. For gaming? Bloody brilliant. You feel completely swallowed by the world. But if you try to edit photos, straight lines look like they've had a few too many Kingfishers and appear distorted. The MSI plays it much safer. It's a standard, flat chassis that won't mess with your workflow.

Under the hood, they both use custom passive heatsinks instead of fans to manage the heat generated by the OLED panels. However, having had the Lenovo Legion Monitor on my desk for 5 months now, I have to point out that it sometimes generates a wee bit more heat directly from the display than I'd like.
The MSI also has an extremely thin display chassis, while the complicated bits are inside a slightly thicker plastic housing at the back. The Lenovo is a chunky monitor by OLED standards, but both are fairly manageable on a big desk.

Display Tech: The Brightness and The Burn-in

Here is where things get spicy. I have been using this MSI OLED monitor for almost a year now, and I have not faced a single whisper of burn-in issues. The brightness on this thing is absolutely stellar and will properly spoil you when you compare it to non-OLED models. The colours are jaw-droppingly saturated, and thanks to the QD-OLED pixel arrangement, the text clarity is spot-on without the awful colour fringing that plagued older OLEDs.
The Lenovo also has a few tricks up its sleeve. It has an anti-glare coating and is one of the very few OLED monitors currently on the market to have this. It really helps with work and gaming, especially for me, because my table is facing against the window. However, Lenovo can theoretically hit a higher peak brightness of 1,300 nits, but its Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL) under SDR is quite aggressive and cannot be bypassed. Sometimes you can see it aggressively shifts brightness depending on what's on screen.
So in real-world use, the MSI is brighter in everyday usage, and if you're very particular about your whites and colour accuracy for video and photo editing, the MSI instantly wins that side of the battle.

Despite MSI being much better with its brightness levels and burn-in protections, it aggressively puts the monitor into a Pixel Refresh state. The pop-up doesn't let you cancel or postpone it. It gets really annoying when you're in a sweaty, ranked multiplayer match and cannot quit or pause for the monitor to do its thing. Having your screen hijacked mid-battle is incredibly frustrating, but I think it can be fixed with a firmware update.

Gaming and Productivity: The Goblin vs The Magician

If you are an esports fanatic, the Lenovo pushes a silky-smooth 240Hz refresh rate. The MSI, on the other hand, caps out at 165Hz. Both monitors boast a 0.03ms GTG response time. What does that actually mean for you? It means ghosting and motion blur are virtually non-existent.

Technically, the MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED is a 4K (3840 x 2160) monitor, and the Lenovo Legion Pro 34WD-10 has an ultrawide UWQHD resolution of 3440 x 1440. So naturally, the contents are sharper on the MSI, but the Lenovo is also equally crisp for gaming and text legibility.
But let's talk about real-world usage. The Lenovo Legion is an absolute productivity monster. I thoroughly enjoy using it for work and gaming because it's one of those rare monitors that can easily do both. You can be an Excel sheet magician by day and a gaming goblin by night; the Lenovo, or really any ultrawide monitor of this calibre, offers that flexibility incredibly well.

If you're chasing punchy colour and contrast, then the MSI has an edge over the Lenovo. The whites are pristine, and the blacks are deep. This translates to better contrast while gaming, but more importantly, it helps while colour correcting videos and photos in Adobe. So if your usage requires heavy editing, then MSI is the way to go, but if you're more of a Microsoft Office user, then the Lenovo Legion is better for productivity.

Ports and Extras: The Dongle Life

This is where Lenovo pulls ahead. The Legion Pro features a massive built-in dock packing a 140W USB-C Power Delivery port, a KVM switch, and a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port. You plug in one cable and your whole desk is sorted, making your secondary laptop dock entirely redundant. The MSI? It ships with a 15W Type-C port and completely lacks a USB upstream hub or KVM switch. You can tell where the cost-cutting happened.
The Lenovo also packs two 5W speakers, which are such a godsend for when you just want to play something without wearing headphones or turning on your expensive desktop speakers. I wish more expensive gaming monitors shipped with built-in speakers, even if they're measly 5W ones.

Verdict

Why buy either of these? Because going back to an LCD after seeing these true blacks is simply impossible. The MSI MAG 321UP gives you breathtaking, stellar 4K QD-OLED gaming without leaving your bank account utterly mullered, but that unskippable pixel refresh will thoroughly test your patience.

However, if you want a cinematic ultrawide curve and a badass all-in-one docking station, the Lenovo Legion Pro 34WD-10 is your flexible work magician-by-day, gaming goblin-by-night desk companion, provided you can look past the extra heat and lower brightness.

When most people think of Computex, they imagine giant booths packed with RGB lights, impossibly thin laptops, and enough processors to make your head spin. That's exactly what I expected too. But tucked away from the chaos of the show floor was something far more interesting: a trip to ASUS's headquarters in Taipei and, more importantly, its Design Center.

Honestly, I thought I'd spend the day looking at prototypes. Instead, I spent a surprising amount of time looking at sketches, touching unfinished materials, obsessing over laptop hinges, and walking through decades of ASUS history. And somehow, it completely changed the way I look at the products we review every day.

Every great laptop starts with a pencil

The biggest surprise inside the ASUS Design Center wasn't a futuristic prototype or some secret device hidden behind glass. It was the walls covered in hand-drawn sketches. In an age of AI and advanced 3D modelling, ASUS still starts every product the old-fashioned way: with pencil and paper.

Whether it's a Zenbook, a ROG gaming laptop, or even something as small as a ventilation grille, every idea begins as a sketch. Most of them never make it to production, with designers constantly refining and redrawing concepts until they finally land on the right one.

ASUS also showed us years of material experiments that never reached consumers, including concepts built around bamboo, leather, and other unconventional finishes. Rather than treating them as failures, the company sees them as stepping stones that helped shape the products we see today.

Ceraluminum is more science than marketing

One of the biggest talking points during the visit was ASUS' now well-known Ceraluminum material, which has become a defining feature of its premium Zenbook lineup. Before visiting the headquarters, I'll admit I thought it was mostly clever branding. Turns out, it's a genuinely fascinating engineering process.

The ASUS team explained that Ceraluminum isn't a coating applied to aluminium. Instead, the aluminium itself undergoes Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), where high-voltage electrical currents transform the outer surface into a ceramic layer. In simple terms, the material itself changes rather than having another layer added on top.

Getting to hold the raw samples made that explanation click immediately. The finish feels unlike traditional aluminium. It has an almost stone-like texture that's warm to the touch, yet still retains the rigidity and premium feel you'd expect from a flagship laptop. It's one of those details that might seem insignificant on paper but becomes immediately noticeable the moment you pick up the device. And honestly, that's a recurring theme throughout ASUS' design philosophy.

It's also interesting to see where ASUS is positioning itself in the broader premium laptop market. While Apple continues to refine its iconic unibody aluminium construction and brands like Dell and HP explore materials such as carbon fibre and recycled composites, ASUS is carving out its own identity with Ceraluminum. Rather than simply chasing thinner or lighter designs, the company seems focused on creating a material that feels distinct the moment it lands in your hands. And after trying it firsthand, I'd say it's a strategy that's paying off.

I never thought laptop hinges could be this interesting

I never expected laptop hinges to be one of the most fascinating parts of the ASUS HQ tour, but they genuinely were. The company showed us how different hinge systems are designed and fine-tuned depending on the product, whether it's a convertible creator laptop, a thin-and-light ultrabook, or a gaming machine.

What impressed me most was the sheer precision involved. Engineers carefully calibrate the hinge torque so some laptops can be opened with a single finger without lifting the base, while automated rigs repeatedly cycle prototypes thousands of times to simulate years of use. It's the kind of engineering most people never notice, and that's exactly what makes it so impressive.

A walk through ASUS' Hall of Fame

The final stop on the tour felt like walking through ASUS' own hall of fame. Lined across the display were products that defined different chapters of the company's journey, from the ASUS P6300, the world's first notebook to travel to the Mir Space Station, to the iconic Eee PC that helped kickstart the netbook era. Sitting nearby were ambitious experiments like the PadFone and early ZenFone devices, alongside premium showpieces such as the ASUS Lamborghini VX Series laptops that proved gaming hardware could have serious style too.

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The collection wasn't limited to laptops either. ASUS also showcased projects like its IoT Medical Box PC, CMF design studies, and special editions, including the Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition and Vivobook 13 Slate OLED Philip Colbert Edition. Looking around the room, one thing became obvious: ASUS has never been afraid to try something different. Not every experiment became a blockbuster, but every one of them helped shape the brand into what it is today.

The biggest takeaway wasn't a product

Walking out of ASUS HQ, I realised the biggest story wasn't a new laptop or breakthrough technology. It was the process behind them. The sketches, material experiments, hinge prototypes, and even the products that never made it to market all revealed just how much thought goes into the devices we often reduce to a spec sheet.

The next time I review an ASUS laptop, I'll still benchmark its processor and test its battery life, but I'll also be thinking about the hundreds of invisible decisions that shaped it long before it reached my desk. And somehow, that makes the final product even more impressive.

Qualcomm recently announced a collaboration with boAt to launch the very first Snapdragon Sound-compatible audio device in India, the Nirvana Eutopia 2 Pro headphones. The commercial availability of the device is still a few months away, so I got my hands on the EarFun Air Pro 4+, a pair of TWS earbuds that proudly wear the Snapdragon Sound badge, and can be bought off Amazon India for just about Rs 8,999. It's not a high price to pay, as I discovered over the course of my review. I'll excuse you if you haven't heard of EarFun before, but let me tell you – they do promise a lot of fun for your ears.


Snapdragon Sound, in case you're unaware, is a premium audio technology from Qualcomm that promises a pristine aural experience for audiophiles and delivers Hi-Res and lossless sound via compatible devices.

Design: smooth, matte and easy to carry

Features: a lengthy list

• Qualcomm QCC3091 SoC
• Codec support: aptX Lossless, aptX adaptive, LDAC, Auracast, LC3
• 10mm Dynamic drivers
• Bluetooth 6.0
• Adaptive Hybrid (50dB) ANC
• IP55
• Fast charging, wireless charging
• Google Fast Pair
• Multipoint connection
• AI translation

App and connectivity

Audio, performance and battery life

Verdict

Rating: 8.5 / 10

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Advanced codec support
• Loaded with features
• Good battery life

Cons:

• ANC could be better
• Touch controls are iffy

The first Redmi Turbo-series smartphone, the Redmi Turbo 5, has debuted in India. Positioned as a performance-focused powerhouse, the handset is designed to handle intensive multitasking and gaming without slowing down. To support this claim, Redmi has equipped the Turbo 5 with its fastest processor yet, its largest battery, and one of its brightest displays. The handset is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra SoC, sports up to 3,500 nits bright AMOLED display, and houses a 7,540mAh battery.

While its true capabilities will be evaluated in our full review, here are our first impressions of the Redmi Turbo 5 after spending some time with the device.

Design: practical and durable

The Redmi Turbo 5 adopts a modern design with flat edges and two individually housed rear camera rings, giving it a clean and minimalist look. The camera rings feature Redmi Pixel Matrix for light effects for notifications, gaming, charging, and more. The smartphone is available in two colour options: Turbo White, Nitro Blue, and Asphalt Black. We received the Nitro Blue variant, which has a cool, understated aesthetic and a matte finish that does a good job of resisting fingerprints and smudges.

The smartphone delivers a premium in-hand feel, thanks to its glass back panel and aluminium frame. The build feels reassuringly solid, giving the impression that it can withstand the occasional bump or drop during everyday use. Adding to its durability credentials, Redmi claims the Turbo 5 comes with flagship-grade protection, including an IP69K rating for resistance against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets. The handset also carries IP69, IP68, and IP66 certifications for protection against water and dust ingress.

Measuring 157.5 x 75.2 x 8.2mm, the Redmi Turbo 5 feels relatively compact for a smartphone in its segment and sits comfortably in the hand. While its 204-gram weight isn't particularly light, the device feels well-balanced and never cumbersome during use. The power button and volume rocker are positioned on the right edge within easy reach, while the USB Type-C port is located at the bottom, flanked by the speaker grille and SIM card tray. The top end features an IR blaster for remote control of home appliances.

One area where the Redmi Turbo 5 could have been better is its optical in-display fingerprint scanner. Positioned quite low on the display, it doesn't feel as natural or convenient to use as an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner placed higher up, where the thumb would typically rest while holding the device. That said, this is an understandable compromise considering the smartphone's pricing.

What is harder to overlook is the bundled protective case. While the accessory itself feels sturdy and well-made, its design doesn't complement the phone's colour scheme, making it look somewhat out of place and taking away from the otherwise cohesive aesthetic of the device.

Specifications: speak volumes

The Redmi Turbo 5 features a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a centred punch-hole cutout. The panel offers a 1.5K resolution, Dolby Vision, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of up to 3,200 nits, making it one of the more impressive displays in its segment on paper. The display is surrounded by razor-thin bezels, which help maximise the screen-to-body ratio and contribute to a more immersive viewing experience when watching videos, gaming, or browsing content. There is Corning Gorilla Glass 7i guarding the display.

During our brief time with the device, the display delivered a pleasing visual experience with vibrant colours and good sharpness. However, we will be putting it through more rigorous testing across a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions to evaluate its brightness, colour accuracy, and overall performance in our full review.

Under the hood, the Redmi Turbo 5 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra SoC, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage. On paper, the hardware package appears well-equipped for the segment and should comfortably handle demanding multitasking, gaming, and everyday workloads.

The chipset previously made its debut on the Xiaomi 17T, where it delivered a strong balance of performance and efficiency for its target audience. As a result, expectations are high for the Redmi Turbo 5, particularly when it comes to sustained gaming performance and handling resource-intensive tasks. To keep temperatures in check and minimise thermal throttling during extended sessions, Redmi has equipped the smartphone with a 3D Ice-Loop Cooling system that features a large 5,300mm2 heat dissipation area.

Powering the Redmi Turbo 5 is a massive 7,540mAh silicon-carbon battery, which should comfortably deliver extended battery life even for power users. The smartphone supports 100W wired fast charging, allowing users to top up the battery quickly when needed. It also offers 27W wired reverse charging, enabling the device to function as a power bank for charging compatible smartphones, accessories, and other gadgets on the go.

Binding everything together is Xiaomi's latest HyperOS 3 skin atop Android 16 out of the box. The company promises several features with the software, including intuitive design, Xiaomi HyperIsland, Lock Screen personalisation, and cross-ecosystem experience, among other things. The cameras don't look like it's a major USP, but they should be serviceable, thanks to the 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS+EIS and 8MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 20MP shooter for selfies and video calling.

Other features of the smartphone include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth v6.0 for wireless connectivity. The Redmi Turbo 5 also sports an IR Blaster.

My takeaway...

The Redmi Turbo 5 leaves a strong first impression as a smartphone that prioritises performance and endurance above everything else. The handset gets several fundamentals right, including a comfortable in-hand feel, robust durability credentials, and modern connectivity options. Furthermore, its combination of strong build, upper mid-range chipset, a large battery, and bright display makes it a compelling package for power users and mobile gamers alike. 

However, specifications only tell part of the story. The Redmi Turbo 5 is priced in India starting at Rs 37,999. In this segment, the handset's closest competitor seems to be the Motorola Edge 70, which may not have a massive battery capacity but packs a variant of the same chipset used on the Redmi smartphone. While our initial impressions are that the Redmi Turbo 5 has all the ingredients of a strong contender in its segment, we'll reserve our final judgement for the full review.

For the longest time, Windows on ARM gaming has carried a reputation that wasn't exactly flattering. Great battery life? Absolutely. Impressive efficiency? Sure. But gaming? That usually meant crossing your fingers, hoping your favourite title would launch, and then praying the emulation layer wouldn't throw a tantrum halfway through.

So, when I walked into NVIDIA's gaming showcase at Computex 2026, I carried a healthy amount of scepticism with me. A few demos later, I walked out thinking something I never expected to say: I had stopped thinking about the processor altogether. And for Windows on ARM, that's probably the biggest compliment I can give.

The games looked good, but that's not what impressed me

NVIDIA's gaming demos revolved around a handful of blockbuster titles, with Pragmata and Black Myth: Wukong taking centre stage. Neither game is exactly known for being lightweight, making them ideal showcases for RTX Spark's capabilities. Both demos ran with DLSS and Multi Frame Generation enabled, allowing NVIDIA's AI-powered rendering technologies to shoulder a significant portion of the workload.

The company understandably kept the performance overlay hidden, so there was no official FPS counter for anyone to scrutinise. But after years of reviewing gaming laptops and monitors, I'd comfortably estimate both titles were running somewhere around the 45 to 50 FPS mark.

More importantly, though, they felt smooth. Camera movement was fluid, combat remained responsive, and I never encountered the kind of hitching or micro-stutters that typically remind you a game is fighting through an emulation layer behind the scenes. NVIDIA's latest DLSS 4.5 implementation, complete with improved Ray Reconstruction and Multi Frame Generation, was clearly doing a lot of heavy lifting, but that's precisely the point.

Modern graphics technology isn't just about pushing raw silicon harder anymore. It's about making smarter use of the hardware available. Halfway through my Black Myth: Wukong session, I realised I wasn't wondering whether ARM could handle the game. I was simply playing it.

Fortnite quietly stole the entire show

Ironically, the biggest highlight of NVIDIA's gaming demo was Fortnite. I'm much more of a VALORANT player myself, but I still enjoyed a few matches on the RTX Spark system. And if your first thought was "Can it run VALORANT?", hold your horses. Riot Vanguard still doesn't support Windows on ARM, so Riot's shooter remains off the table for now. Even so, this demo gave me real hope that the gap is finally starting to close.

On paper, Fortnite running on ARM might not sound like headline material. In reality, it's a huge deal. For years, Windows on ARM's biggest hurdle wasn't graphics performance but anti-cheat compatibility, with kernel-level solutions like Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye often refusing to work properly through translation layers.

NVIDIA seems determined to fix that. The company is working alongside Microsoft, game developers, and security providers to improve ARM compatibility, while Microsoft's Prism translation layer continues to make x86 games feel increasingly seamless. It may not be the flashiest announcement from Computex, but cracking anti-cheat support could be the breakthrough that finally brings mainstream multiplayer gaming to Windows on ARM.

RTX Spark feels like more than just another processor

On paper, RTX Spark is an impressive piece of engineering, combining a 20-core Grace CPU, Blackwell-based RTX graphics, and a unified memory architecture to seamlessly juggle AI workloads, creative applications, and gaming. But after trying it firsthand, I found myself caring less about the specifications and more about how effortlessly everything just worked.

That's perhaps the biggest achievement here. I never caught myself thinking, "This is good... for ARM." While I'd still reserve final judgment until retail devices arrive, the combination of DLSS 4.5, Prism, and improving anti-cheat support makes RTX Spark feel less like an experiment and more like a genuinely exciting new direction for portable gaming.

RTX Spark is about far more than gaming

Gaming was only one piece of NVIDIA's showcase. The company also demonstrated AI-assisted image generation inside Adobe Photoshop, intelligent video editing workflows in Premiere Pro, AI debugging tools for developers, and a range of local AI experiences that highlighted just how versatile RTX Spark can be. Even more impressive was the fact that these laptops maintained virtually identical performance whether plugged in or running on battery power, showcasing the efficiency benefits of the underlying ARM architecture rather than forcing users to choose between speed and endurance.

Even so, the gamer in me walked away most excited about the gaming demos. I'm not suggesting anyone will buy an RTX Spark laptop purely to play Fortnite or Black Myth: Wukong, but NVIDIA has undeniably chipped away at many of the barriers that have held ARM gaming back for years. Better translation, smarter rendering, and meaningful anti-cheat support paint a future that suddenly feels a lot more believable. And if I can spend an entire demo forgetting that I'm gaming on ARM, then perhaps that's the biggest sign yet that ARM gaming has finally grown up.

The Xiaomi 17T (review) and Vivo X200T (review) are both sub-Rs 60,000 smartphones that aim to deliver flagship-grade camera performance without the flagship price tag. While Xiaomi leans on its Leica partnership to enhance the photography experience, Vivo continues to rely on the Zeiss optics that have helped the X-series build a strong reputation among mobile photography enthusiasts. However, in doing so, both phones take slightly different approaches, with the Xiaomi 17T opting for a mid-range chipset instead of the sub-flagship processor found in the Vivo X200T.

How these differing philosophies translate into real-world usage is what we aim to find out in this comparison. Unlike our previous specifications-based comparison, this article focuses on everyday performance, camera experience, battery life, and usability to help you determine which smartphone is the better fit for your needs.

Design and in-hand feel

Both smartphones offer a design identical to their respective flagship offerings. However, corners have been cut on the Xiaomi 17T. Although you can't tell by looking at it, the handset boasts a plastic frame. The Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display protection on the smartphone is also inferior to the vanilla Xiaomi 17. That said, the Xiaomi 17T still feels sturdy and is IP68 water and dust resistance certified.

The Vivo X200T carries nearly the same build quality and durability as the Vivo X200. The handset features an aluminium frame. The display protection glass may have been swapped for Schott Sensation Core glass instead of Corning Gorilla Glass, but it has IP68, and a premium in-hand feel remains unchanged. 

While the Vivo X200T is marginally taller, it is not as broad as the Xiaomi 17T. This makes the Vivo smartphone relatively easy to handle, hold, and reach those far corners with minimum finger gymnastics with just one hand. The handset also feels easier to unlock with its ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, positioned naturally where the thumb would rest, as opposed to lower down the screen on the Xiaomi 17T, which uses a relatively slower optical fingerprint scanner for security.

However, if looks matter more than ergonomics, the Xiaomi 17T should be your pick. The handset exudes a cleaner look with its relatively compact, squarish camera module, matching the colour scheme of the smartphone.

Cameras

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The Xiaomi 17T and Vivo X200T are both camera-focused smartphones, but they take slightly different approaches to delivering top-tier photography in their segment. One of the most noticeable differences lies in their camera partnerships. Xiaomi has teamed up with Leica to fine-tune the imaging experience on the 17T, while Vivo continues its long-standing collaboration with Zeiss on the X200T.

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Both devices offer a wide range of shooting modes and features within their camera apps. The Vivo X200T feels more feature-rich, with numerous AI-powered photography tools and additional shooting options aimed at enthusiasts. The Xiaomi 17T, on the other hand, takes a cleaner approach, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly camera interface that makes it easier to access key controls and modes.

Individually, we have observed that the Xiaomi 17T camera looks more versatile with a triple 50MP setup, including a 5x periscope telephoto lens that you won't find even on more expensive smartphones. The enhanced telephoto lens proves its worth with strong zoom performance, though images can sometimes appear soft or over-processed.

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As for the rest of the setup, the images look crisp and vibrant across cameras. The Leica Authentic mode provides more natural colours and stronger contrast at the expense of some shadow detail. Additional Leica features, including Leica Ultra Pure optics, Live Moments, and creative shooting modes, enhance the photography experience. Selfies from the 32MP front camera tend to look soft with slightly oversaturated colours.

The Vivo X200T, on the other hand, offers a capable and visually appealing camera system, even though it ships with a 3x periscope telephoto lens instead of 5x. The handset's image processing favours punchy colours, strong contrast, and eye-catching results over strict realism, producing sharp photos with reliable exposure and good dynamic range in most conditions. The 3x telephoto camera performs well for portraits, creating pleasing background separation, although Vivo applies noticeable beautification that softens facial details.

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A standout aspect of the X200T is its 32MP front camera, which captures detailed selfies with natural-looking skin tones and good clarity. Low-light performance is also impressive, with effective lens flare suppression, controlled noise levels, and solid detail retention after dark.

To evaluate how they stack up against each other, we put both smartphones through a series of tests across different scenarios using their default settings. Here's how they performed.

Daylight

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The Vivo X200T outputs images with superior details, colour accuracy and contrast, and relatively well-balanced exposure from its main camera in daylight. The Xiaomi 17T, on the other hand, tends to overexpose the image clicked in the same environment and angle. This results in slightly blown-out details, underwhelming dynamic range and contrast, and less accurate colours. 

Ultrawide

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A similar trend continues with the ultrawide camera, at least when it comes to colour science. The Xiaomi smartphone leans towards warmer, slightly overexposed tones, while Vivo keeps things closer to reality and maintains better contrast. However, the Xiaomi 17T pulls ahead by producing cleaner images overall. Its shots appear noticeably less grainy than those from the Vivo X200T, resulting in less distorted images.

Portraits

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Portraits are where the Xiaomi 17T truly shines. Captured using its 5x periscope telephoto camera, the handset delivers portraits with near-accurate skin tones and colours. It also retains more fine detail, giving subjects a sharper and more natural look. The Vivo X200T, meanwhile, tends to oversaturate skin tones and applies noticeable beautification effects even when Beauty mode is disabled. As a result, facial features appear softer, and the image takes on a slightly watercolour-like appearance when viewed closely.

As for the edge detection and bokeh effect, both smartphones appear on par with each other. There is minimal distortion while separating the foreground from the background, and the bokeh effect also looks pretty natural.

Selfie

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The Xiaomi 17T may offer near-accurate-looking selfies, but the Vivo X200T outshines it with more appealing images from the front camera. The Vivo smartphone also excels with superior details, although the exposure to background details and dynamic range looks better on the Xiaomi 17T.

Low light (night mode)

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Xiaomi-17T-night-mode-3.50.13 PM.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Vivo-X200T-night-mode.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Xiaomi 17T" after="Vivo X200T"]

In low light, the Vivo X200T excels with better control over light flare, lower noise levels, and a more accurate representation of the scene compared to the Xiaomi 17T. While Xiaomi still manages to produce a pleasing image in challenging lighting conditions, it falls short of its rival, which delivers superior detail and overall image quality.

Display and audio

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The Xiaomi 17T and Vivo X200T both are backed by an AMOLED display with near-identical features. As a result, there isn't a day and night difference in the viewing experience on the two smartphones. Even the bezels are razor-thin. The Xiaomi 17T has an added advantage of superior 1.5K resolution as opposed to FHD+ on its counterpart, but it is difficult to tell them apart. The picture quality and colours on the Vivo smartphone appear just as sharp as those on the Xiaomi 17T.

However, the X200T has an advantage when used outdoors under direct sunlight. Its display, which can reach up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness, appears noticeably brighter than the Xiaomi 17T's panel, which tops out at 3,200 nits. As a result, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Vivo X200T may be the better choice.

Both smartphones ship with stereo speakers, but the audio from the Xiaomi 17T sounds fuller and louder than the Vivo X200T. This tilts the competition in Xiaomi's favour for multimedia enthusiasts.

Performance and software

The Xiaomi 17T is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra SoC, paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB/ 512GB storage onboard. It's a capable mid-range chipset, which, as observed in the phone's review as well, has enough firepower to deliver smooth performance for both everyday and demanding workloads. I don't have much to complain about the smartphone, except that it is not as snappy as the Vivo X200T.

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The Vivo smartphone is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ SoC, aided by 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage. It might be last year's flagship chipset, but it easily outperforms the Xiaomi 17T's SoC on major synthetic benchmark apps such as AnTuTu and Geekbench. However, the Vivo smartphone seems less optimised to handle demanding workloads in the Burnout CPU Throttle test. This could be attributed to its cooling capabilities.

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The handset's temperature rose by an average of 14.4 degrees Celsius after a 30-minute gaming session involving BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile. This is notably higher than the Xiaomi 17T, which recorded a temperature increase of just 9.2 degrees Celsius under the same conditions, graphics settings, and test duration. While the Xiaomi smartphone is the better choice for sustained performance, we did not notice any significant performance degradation on the Vivo X200T during intensive tasks such as multitasking, gaming, and photo editing.

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On the software front, both smartphones prioritise longevity, offering five years of major Android OS upgrades and a largely similar user experience. The Xiaomi 17T runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 out of the box, while the Vivo X200T ships with OriginOS 6 atop Android 16. Both interfaces are heavily customised, offering a wealth of personalisation options alongside a growing suite of AI-powered features.

During my time with both devices, the Vivo X200T's interface felt more polished and feature-rich than that of the Xiaomi 17T. Features such as floating windows, a desktop-style app dock, and several thoughtful multitasking enhancements help elevate the overall experience. However, it falls short when it comes to ecosystem integration. Unlike HyperOS 3, which offers seamless connectivity with Xiaomi devices and even select third-party products such as Apple's AirPods, OriginOS lacks the same level of cross-device interoperability.

Battery and charging

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On paper, the Xiaomi 17T packs a 6,500mAh battery, which is superior to the Vivo X200T's 6,200mAh battery. This won't give it an edge in the PCMark battery test, but our internal testing shows the Xiaomi smartphone offering superior backup. When subjected to the same YouTube video streaming and gaming tests, the 17T consumed a total of 15 percent battery. The Vivo X200T's battery, on the other hand, dropped by 19 percent.

However, the Xiaomi 17T has to work on its standby time to actually make its battery count for everyday usage. Despite the bigger battery, the handset delivered roughly 5.5 hours of screen time, which is marginally lower than the Vivo X200T's 6 hours of screen time during our review.

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The Vivo X200T also has an edge when it comes to juicing up the battery. The handset boasts a 90W fast charging solution, which takes just 44 minutes to fully charge an almost dead battery to 100 percent. Contrary to this, the Xiaomi 17T takes around 73 minutes for the same amount to be charged. This makes the smartphone less appealing to users who are always on the go. The Vivo X200T seems to be a better choice for users who want long battery endurance with minimum charging times.

Verdict

Priced identically at Rs 59,999 for the base variant, the Xiaomi 17T and Vivo X200T both cater to different priorities despite their camera-focused approach. The Xiaomi 17T stands out with its stylish design, versatile 5x telephoto camera, sharper portraits, richer stereo speakers, and better thermal management under sustained workloads. The handset also offers a cleaner camera experience and stronger ecosystem integration through HyperOS.

The Vivo X200T, however, emerges as the more complete all-rounder, delivering superior camera consistency across most scenarios, particularly in daylight, selfies, and low-light photography. Furthermore, its brighter display, significantly faster performance, quicker charging speeds, and more refined software experience further strengthen its appeal. While it runs warmer under heavy loads, the performance advantage remains evident in everyday use.

Which one should you buy?

The Rs 20,000 smartphone segment remains one of the most competitive and popular price ranges in India. However, the rising memory component costs have forced many brands to focus heavily on core essentials like massive batteries and reliable everyday performance while keeping costs in check. Despite these, buyers today expect more than just long battery life. With growing interest in quality cameras, smooth gaming, and thoughtful software experience, people have different preferences.

In this list, we've curated the top five phones worth buying around Rs 20,000 that cater to different priorities. Our picks include the POCO M8, which offers a well-rounded day-to-day experience, the Realme P4x for its strong performance capabilities, and the Moto G57 Power for its detailed camera outputs. For software, the Galaxy M36 excels with an expansive feature set, while the Realme C83 offers long-lasting battery life.

Best in day-to-day usage - POCO M8

Why we chose it

Amid the industry-wide price hikes on smartphones, the sub-Rs 20,000 segment has appeared to have taken the biggest hit, where brands are heavily cutting down on something or the other to keep pricing in check. As a result, phones with AMOLED displays have become scarce in this segment, with the POCO M8 (review) being an exception. If you're seeking a phone with the best possible display experience to binge-watch shows and movies, this phone is currently your best bet.

Featuring a 6.77-inch curved FHD+ AMOLED display, the M8 offers vibrant, high-contrast visuals while remaining comfortable to hold, thanks to its lightweight 178g body and slim 7.4mm thickness. While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC may not pull high numbers as its rival, the Dimensity 7300/7400 chipset, in benchmarks, the POCO smartphone remains suitable for daily tasks, thanks to the smooth animations of HyperOS 3.

The 50MP primary camera may not produce as detailed images as something like the Moto G57 Power, but it should deliver serviceable results. Paired with a 5,520mAh battery on board, the POCO M8 presents itself as a skilled midrange smartphone that covers almost all the basics.

Key specifications

Best in performance - Realme P4x

Why we chose it

Launched in early December last year, the Realme P4x's current price hovers around Rs 20,999 after the price hikes. Given that most newly released Dimensity 7400-powered smartphones are selling above Rs 22,999 this year, such as the iQOO Z11x and OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite, the Realme P4x brings great value to the table. Also, unlike others, P4x features a UFS 3.1 storage that should ensure smooth and reliable UI operations in the long-run.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="41672,41567,41839,41638," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Realme P4x (review) supports 90FPS gameplay in popular titles like BGMI and CODM, similar to the much higher-priced OnePlus Nord CE 6. During our in-house CODM gaming tests, the P4x stayed well under 40 degrees Celsius while delivering 69 to 75 FPS in 30 to 40 minutes of gaming sessions. Furthermore, the 5,300mm2 vapour cooling should assist in keeping the temperatures under check, while offering sustained frame rates.

Key specifications

Best in cameras - Moto G57 Power

Why we chose it

Just like the Realme P4x, the Moto G57 Power (review) has received a significant price hike since its release. Launched at Rs 14,999 late last year, the phone now sells for around Rs 20,999 or under Rs 20,000 with bank discounts and offers. That being said, the camera hardware on offer is more than capable compared to what other companies are offering in the segment.

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To begin with, the Moto G57 Power gets a 50MP 1/2-inch Sony LYT 600 primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP selfie shooter. The half-inch main sensor on board should deliver superior details and relatively sharper results in low light over newer releases, such as OPPO K14 and POCO M8, both of which carry 1/2.88-inch sensors and also miss out on an ultrawide camera. Combined with a massive 7,000mAh battery, the Moto G57 Power is currently one of the best options for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists who spend long durations out in the wild capturing images.

Key specifications

Best in software - Samsung Galaxy M36

Why we chose it

If you're on the hunt for a phone with a feature-rich and highly customisable software that is promised to receive major OS upgrades for years to come, the Samsung Galaxy M36 (review) has got you covered. Currently flaunting One UI 8 based on Android 16, the software offers deep personalisation options, such as tweaking the toggles in the quick settings panel to change their positions or make them large or small, styling the lockscreen clock, using adaptive app icons, and much more.

Beyond customisation, One UI 8 shines with smart multitasking features like highly flexible split-screen ratios (including 90:10 mode), enhanced Now Bar with live updates, side bar to instantly open any app or shortcut, and thoughtful AI integrations in Sound Recorder and Gallery. Then comes the user interface of One UI, which looks completely distinct from other Android skins out there since most of them are now chasing similar glass and light effects. With the Android 16 update rolled out, the M36 is set to receive five more OS upgrades, the highest in its price class.

Key specifications

Best in battery - Realme C83

Why we chose it

While the Realme C83 (review) sells for around Rs 16,000, it's hard to ignore the smartphone if a long-lasting battery is your absolute top priority. In our in-house PCMark Battery Drain test, which assesses the endurance by simulating real-world tasks like editing and rendering videos, scrolling through documents, social media, web browsing, and more, the phone lasted 17 hours and 9 minutes.

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The handset delivers the best battery endurance we've recorded for any smartphone under Rs 20,000 in our PCMark tests, offering outstanding real-world backup. Its idle drain is almost negligible, easily delivering multi-day standby times. In our in-house tests, the phone lost just 5 percent battery after an hour of 2K YouTube playback at 50 percent brightness. Even after 40 minutes of CODM gaming, it consumed only 7 percent.

Key specifications

[block-highlights]Also read: Top 5 phones worth buying under Rs 50,000 in June 2026
[/block-highlights]

Conclusion

While most phones in this list deliver reliable day-to-day performance and solid battery life thanks to optimised software processors and large batteries, the best choice ultimately depends on what matters most to you. To make it easier, we've categorised our top picks based on their standout strengths, whether it's an excellent all-round experience, class-leading battery endurance, reliable gaming performance, feature-packed software, or workable cameras.

FAQs

Which smartphone around Rs 20,000 offers the best value?

The POCO M8 and Moto G57 Power stand out as great all-rounders in June 2026, delivering strong value for money. Both phones offer smooth software experiences and FHD+ displays, with the POCO M8 going a step further with its AMOLED panel. They also feature reliable cameras that handle everyday photography well.

Which smartphone is most suitable for gaming at Rs 20,000?

The Realme P4x with its MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset scores around 10,00,000 on AnTuTu, indicating strong performance prowess for running games in medium graphics settings. Furthermore, it gains 90FPS support in both BGMI and CODM, while certain casual games like Brawl Stars can run in up to 144FPS. In our experience, the phone managed to deliver around 70FPS in CODM in a 30 to 40-minute gaming session.

Which smartphone at Rs 20,000 is best for cameras?

The Moto G57 Power remains one of the only phones to come with a flexible camera setup, thanks to the inclusion of an 8MP ultrawide lens alongside the 50MP Sony LYT600 primary camera. The G57 Power captures decently detailed images for its price, while rendering good dynamic range and contrast. The ultrawide aids in capturing wide perspective shots, suitable for clicking landscape images.

Motorola unveiled its latest TWS - Moto Buds 2 Plus - early last month and given how well the first generation of these earphones was received, there is a lot of buzz and excitement around these new wireless earphones. To be blunt, the wireless earphones segment in India is packed with good options across every price bracket, making it increasingly difficult for brands to stand out. The Buds 2 Plus attempt to do exactly that with features such as 'Sound by Bose' tuning, active noise cancellation, long battery life, and app-based customisation. On paper, the package certainly looks promising, but as we all know, the specifications only tell a part of the story.

Is the 'Sound by Bose' tuning a game-changer? Do these new earbuds have the features and capabilities to dominate the sub-₹7,000 segment? Should you consider buying these new Motorola earbuds? After using the Moto Buds 2 Plus as my primary pair of earphones for several weeks, here are my thoughts.

Minimalistic Design for Comfort

The first thing I noticed about the Moto Buds 2 Plus was just how comfortable they are to wear. Many earbuds start causing fatigue after a couple of hours, but that wasn't the case here. Even during extended listening sessions, I rarely felt the need to take them out and give my ears a break.

The charging case also deserves praise. It is compact enough to slip into any pocket without creating an awkward bulge, making it convenient to carry throughout the day. Motorola has also placed a USB Type-C charging port at the bottom of the case, which feels like the obvious choice in 2026 but is still worth mentioning.

As for the earbuds themselves, the stems are relatively compact and lightweight. More importantly, they stay securely in place. Whether I was walking, running, or aggressively shaking my head purely to test the fit, the earbuds remained firmly seated in my ears. That level of stability is always welcome, especially for users who intend to use them during workouts or outdoor activities.

Overall, Motorola has done a commendable job with the design. The combination of long-term comfort, secure fit, and a pocket-friendly case makes these earphones easy to live with daily.

App Connectivity and Features

The Moto Buds app adds a healthy amount of functionality to the experience. Beyond firmware updates, it allows users to tweak various settings and customise the listening experience according to personal preference.

The app itself is intuitive to navigate and provides access to equaliser settings, ANC controls, touch customisation, and several other useful features. Thanks to Bluetooth 6.0 support, connectivity performance was also impressive throughout my testing period. Pairing was quick, device switching was smooth, and I rarely encountered any connection drops.

The only area that felt slightly inconsistent was the in-ear detection functionality. While it worked correctly most of the time, there were occasions when playback didn't pause or resume as reliably as expected.

That aside, Motorola has delivered a well-rounded software experience that genuinely adds value rather than simply existing as a companion app. Unfortunately, the app is only available on the Google Play store and not on iOS.

Sound Quality

The Moto Buds 2 Plus come with dual (11mm + Balanced Armature) drivers and carry Sound by Bose branding, which naturally creates certain expectations regarding audio performance. Unfortunately, while the sound quality is perfectly decent, it never quite reaches the level I expected it to.

The easiest way to describe the experience is that the earbuds often feel like they stop just short of greatness. There is enough quality here to enjoy your music, but there is also a lingering feeling that the drivers are capable of more than what they're delivering.

Bass performance is perhaps the most obvious example. Low frequencies are present and reasonably controlled, but they lack the punch and depth that bass-heavy tracks often demand. Listening to tracks such as 'Blinding Lights' by The Weeknd or 'Starboy' revealed decent rhythm, but the impact wasn't as satisfying as it could have been.

The highs perform better. Tracks that rely on treble detail generally sound clean enough, and instruments such as cymbals and guitars retain a respectable amount of clarity. Songs like 'Hotel California' showcased this reasonably well, although there isn't a huge amount of sparkle in the upper frequencies.

The mids are where things become slightly inconsistent. Vocal-focused tracks occasionally sound natural and engaging, but the performance isn't always uniform across different genres. Listening to tracks such as Adele's "Hello" or Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," vocals generally came through clearly, but there were moments when the presentation lacked the richness and consistency I'd expect at this price point.

Instrument separation is acceptable for casual listening, though more complex tracks can occasionally feel congested. Similarly, the soundstage isn't particularly expansive, which limits the sense of immersion during live recordings and orchestral compositions.

To summarise the audio experience, the Moto Buds 2 Plus sound good, but the Sound by Bose branding doesn't translate into the major refinement or leap in audio quality that some buyers may expect.

ANC and Other Features

The 55dB active noise cancellation offered by the Moto Buds 2 Plus performs reasonably well for everyday usage. It is effective enough to reduce background sounds during commutes, office work, or while sitting in a café. While it doesn't completely isolate you from your surroundings, it does enough to improve the listening experience in noisy environments. Call quality was also dependable during my usage, with voices coming through clearly on both ends.

Battery Life

Battery life is one area where the Moto Buds 2 Plus genuinely deliver on their promises.

The earbuds consistently provided endurance that felt in line with Motorola's claims (up to 40 hours with the charging case and 9 hours without the case), and comfortably managed to get through 3-4 days of moderate usage. More importantly, I rarely found myself worrying about battery levels, which is arguably the biggest compliment you can give a pair of wireless earphones.

For frequent travellers, daily commuters, or users who simply dislike charging multiple devices every day, the Moto Buds 2 Plus are easy to recommend. The combination of efficient battery management and reliable backup from the charging case makes them dependable companions for extended journeys.

Verdict

The Moto Buds 2 Plus are a decent pair of wireless earphones that get several fundamentals right. They are extremely comfortable to wear, stay securely in place, offer a compact and practical case design, and deliver battery life that comfortably lives up to expectations. Motorola has built on the foundation laid down by the first TWS in this series but the upgrades feel mostly incremental, rather than true game-changers.

That said, the sound quality leaves some room for improvement. While it is perfectly enjoyable for everyday listening, it doesn't fully capitalise on the promise created by the Sound by Bose branding. Bass lacks impact, mids can be inconsistent, and the overall presentation occasionally feels like it's holding back from reaching its full potential. Also, the companion app for the earbuds is only available on Android and not iOS.

If your priorities are comfort, stability, reliable connectivity, and excellent battery life, the Moto Buds 2 Plus are worth considering. However, listeners seeking a more refined or engaging audio experience may find themselves wanting a little more.

Editor's rating: 7.5 / 10

Pros

• Comfortable and compact design
• Great battery life
• App customisation
• Decent ANC

Cons

• Sound quality could be better
• No app for iOS

If you're looking at the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ (review) and want a clear overview of its strengths and weaknesses, this article is for you. You've likely already seen the specifications and the price. What matters now is understanding how the phone performs in real use and whether it fits what you need.

We've shortlisted the key pros and cons of the phone from our full review. This is a simple guide to help you decide if the Edge 70 Pro+ is the right choice for you. Let's get started!

Reasons to buy

The slimmest phone under Rs 50,000

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ is the slimmest phone in its price segment, measuring just 7.19mm thick and weighing 190g. It feels light in hand and the overall comfort is excellent for long use.

The deep red Silk-inspired finish looks distinct and premium, and the phone is surprisingly durable with IP68, IP69, and MIL-STD 810H certification. If you want a phone that is easy to carry and comfortable to hold, the Edge 70 Pro+ is something you'll like a lot.

Bright 144Hz AMOLED display

The 6.8-inch quad-curved AMOLED panel is smooth, vibrant, and sharp. With a 144Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution, scrolling feels effortless, and content looks quite detailed. The screen reaches 1800 nits in high-brightness mode, so it stays legible even under direct sunlight.

It covers 100 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, and the panel is 10-bit, which makes for some vibrant, rich visuals. Alongside that, you get blue light and motion reduction certifications that make it gentler on the eyes during longer sessions. The display works well for videos, browsing, and night use without straining your vision. If you consume a lot of media on a day-to-day basis, the Edge 70 Pro+ is worth investing in.

It is worth noting that, at the time of writing, the Edge 70 Pro+ was limited to a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. While it may not give you the fluency of the 144Hz panel, the display is still good to look at.

Periscope camera system with vibrant, detailed photos

The Edge 70 Pro+ includes a proper periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, which most rivals skip at this price. The 50MP primary Sony LYT 710 sensor delivers sharp, detailed images with accurate colours in daylight. The dedicated night mode controls exposure well and handles lens flares better than many competitors.

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The 50MP ultrawide stays consistent with the main camera, and the 50MP selfie sensor includes autofocus, which is rare here. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ is a good choice if you want versatile and reliable camera performance without sacrificing other aspects.

Smooth performance with Dimensity 8500 Extreme

The phone runs on the Dimensity 8500 Extreme with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.1 storage, handling everything smoothly. There is no lag even with multiple apps running, and gaming is solid with 120fps support in COD Mobile and BGMI.

AnTuTu scores sit near the top of the segment, excluding performance-focused devices. If you want consistent, high-end performance for daily tasks and gaming, this chip delivers without compromise.

Reasons not to buy

Battery efficiency could be better

Despite the large silicon-carbon 6500mAh battery, the phone's actual real-world endurance is disappointing. In the PCMark test, it lasted just over 14 hours, below the segment average of around 16 hours.

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With 5G on most of the time, you will struggle to get more than 7 hours of screen-on time. Overnight drain is pretty low, but day-to-day usage does not reflect the capacity on paper. For a phone at this price and a battery this large, it should last longer. If you want longer battery life, the Vivo V70 (review) and OPPO Reno15 (review) are better suited to your needs within the same price bracket. 

Only three major OS updates

Motorola promises only three major OS updates and six years of software support in total. That is weaker than most rivals in this price bracket, many of which now offer four or more major updates. Over time, this could mean the phone feels outdated sooner than competing devices. If long-term software support matters to you, this is a clear limitation. The Samsung Galaxy A37 and Google Pixel 10A offer six and seven years of upgrades, respectively, within the segment.

Slippery design, prone to drops

The Silk-inspired finish looks beautiful but is quite slippery in daily use. The phone slides off your lap or any slightly angled surface easily, and the curved edges do not help with grip. Motorola does not include a case, and finding one is tricky due to the curved display. You will need to buy a case soon, and even then, the phone's grip will not be ideal for cautious users.

The handheld gaming PC market has grown ridiculously fast. A couple of years ago, it was mostly a niche playground dominated by enthusiasts willing to put up with awkward software, questionable battery life, and hardware that often felt like it was still figuring itself out. Today, every major manufacturer wants a slice of the pie, and the competition has never been fiercer.

MSI knows that better than anyone. The original Claw showed plenty of promise but also arrived with its fair share of growing pains. So when I picked up the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ at Computex 2026, I wasn't expecting a revolution. After spending some time with it, though, I quickly realised this wasn't just another yearly refresh. It felt like MSI had genuinely gone back to the drawing board.

Intel finally has a handheld chip that feels purpose-built

The biggest upgrade to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ sits beneath the shell. Powering the handheld is Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme platform, built on the Panther Lake architecture and the company's cutting-edge 18A process. Unlike previous solutions that essentially adapted laptop chips for smaller devices, this one feels purpose-built for handheld gaming, pairing a 14-core CPU, 12 Xe3 GPU cores, and 32GB of LPDDR5X memory into a remarkably cohesive package.

That design philosophy shows in everyday use. During my hands-on session, everything from navigating Windows to launching games felt quick and responsive, with none of the awkward pauses or inconsistent behaviour that can sometimes plague portable PCs. Add support for hardware ray tracing and XeSS 3 with Multi Frame Generation, and Intel seems to have finally built a platform that's genuinely ready for modern AAA gaming.

But what impressed me most wasn't a benchmark number or a flashy feature. It was the fact that I stopped thinking about the processor entirely. The hardware simply got out of the way and let me enjoy the experience, and that's probably the highest praise I can give any gaming handheld.

MSI fixed more than just the silicon

A great processor doesn't automatically make a great handheld. Thankfully, MSI seems to understand that.

The moment I picked up the Claw 8 EX AI+, the revised ergonomics were immediately noticeable. Weight distribution feels much better balanced than before, making the handheld comfortable to hold without ever feeling unwieldy. The grips sit naturally in your palms, the thumbsticks offer reassuring resistance, and both the triggers and face buttons feel tactile enough to inspire confidence, whether you're racing through menus or frantically dodging enemies.

The 8-inch Full HD+ display is another highlight. It looked sharp even under the unforgiving lights of the Computex show floor, with vibrant colours and smooth motion that made everything from UI elements to gameplay easy to appreciate. Reading text, something that can often become a chore on smaller handhelds, never felt like a struggle.

Battery anxiety has also become one of the defining challenges of this category, and MSI appears determined to address it with a sizeable 80Wh battery. Naturally, a busy trade show isn't the right place to test endurance, but it's encouraging to see the company focusing just as much on longevity as raw performance.

The software experience finally feels polished

For all the focus on hardware, software often makes or breaks a gaming handheld, and that's another area where the Claw 8 EX AI+ feels noticeably more mature. MSI's updated interface acts as a proper console-style hub, letting users quickly switch performance modes, remap controls, adjust power settings, and tweak the system without digging through layers of Windows menus.

Just as importantly, the whole experience feels cohesive. The Claw no longer behaves like a tiny laptop with controllers attached but like a gaming-first device that happens to run Windows. In fact, after a few minutes, I stopped analysing the hardware altogether and simply found myself enjoying the games.

This feels like a handheld built for the long run

Of course, I'll reserve my final verdict for a full review. A few hours on a crowded Computex show floor can only reveal so much about battery life, sustained thermals, software stability, and long-term performance. But as far as first impressions go, the Claw 8 EX AI+ couldn't have asked for a better start.

Rather than relying on one flashy gimmick, MSI has quietly improved almost every part of the handheld experience, from the purpose-built Intel silicon and refined ergonomics to the polished software and thoughtful hardware design. If this brief hands-on is anything to go by, the Claw 8 EX AI+ doesn't just feel like one of the best gaming handhelds you can buy today, but one that's ready to stay relevant for a long time to come.

The sub-Rs 50,000 segment has emerged as a new category in the smartphone market, driven in part by the shortage of memory components. While these smartphones offer flagship-level performance, premium designs, excellent cameras, and exceptional battery life, each tends to excel in one area while making compromises elsewhere. As a result, choosing the right one is less about finding a single "best" option and more about identifying the device that best matches your priorities.

We've tested as many as nine phones in this price range so far this year, and after putting them through real-world use and benchmark tests, only five stood out for us. The list includes: 

• Motorola Edge 70 Pro+
• QOO 15R
• Nothing Phone (4a) Pro
• Samsung Galaxy A37
• OnePlus Nord 6

Read on to find out where each one of them dominates and who it is better suited for:

Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ – Best all-rounder

Why we chose it

Price: Rs 47,999 (12GB + 256GB)

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ (review) is the safest recommendation for anyone who wants a phone that does almost everything well without any major compromises. The handset delivers strong performance with the Dimensity 8500 Extreme, a smooth 144Hz AMOLED display, a proper periscope camera with 3.5x optical zoom, and a slim, premium design that feels great in hand. Its 6,500mAh battery easily lasts through a day, and 90W charging is fast enough to refill it quickly.

The only downsides are that the battery doesn't match the endurance you'd expect from a 6,500mAh cell, and the software support is weaker than rivals, with only three major OS updates. But for someone who wants a balanced flagship experience under Rs 50,000, this is the phone that covers the most ground.

Key specifications

iQOO 15R – Best performer

Why we chose it

Price: Starting at Rs 47,999 (8GB + 256GB)

The iQOO 15R (review) is the clear winner for performance and gaming at this price. It packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, which is a flagship-level processor, and comes with up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. In daily use, it is blazing fast, and in games like COD Mobile and BGMI, it delivers consistent, high-frame-rate performance with strong thermal management.

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The handset also features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate and 5,000 nits peak brightness, so multimedia use is smooth and vibrant. The 7,600mAh silicon anode battery is another major advantage, offering excellent endurance and fast 100W wired charging.

The camera setup is decent but not a key here, with a 50MP main and 8MP ultrawide, and the iQOO 15R also lacks wireless charging. But if raw performance and gaming are your priorities, the smartphone is the obvious choice in this segment.

Key specifications

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro – Best camera phone

Why we chose it

Price: Starting at Rs 49,999 (8GB + 128GB)

The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro (review) is the best camera phone around Rs 50,000 based on our testing. The handset sports a 50MP Sony LYT700C primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom and OIS, and an 8MP ultrawide. The duo of main and telephoto lenses produces detailed, consistent results in daylight, portraits, and low light.

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The phone is built with an all-metal unibody, feels premium, and comes with the Glyph interface for notifications. The handset runs Nothing OS on Android, which is clean and customisable, though software support is not as strong as Samsung's.

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 handles daily tasks well and is decent for gaming, but it's not as powerful as the iQOO 15R. The 5,400mAh battery with 50W charging is good enough, but not special for this price. If photography is your main priority, the Phone (4a) Pro is the best option in this group.

Key specifications

Samsung Galaxy A37 – Best software

Why we chose it

Price: Starting at Rs 41,999 (8GB + 128GB)

The Samsung Galaxy A37 (review) is the best phone here for software and long-term support. It runs One UI 8.5 on Android 16, with deep customisation options, a polished interface, and a wide range of Galaxy AI features like real-time call transcription, translation, and advanced photo editing. One UI feels smooth and refined in daily use, and Samsung's visual language and layout changes make the phone feel especially mature.

Samsung is offering 6 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates, which gives the A37 a clear advantage for users who want a phone that stays relevant for years. The phone also has an IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, and a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display up to 1,900 nits. For anyone who prioritises software polish and long-term support, the A37 is the top choice.

Key specifications

OnePlus Nord 6 – Best battery life

Why we chose it

Price: Starting at Rs 42,999 (8GB + 256GB)

The OnePlus Nord 6 (review) is the best battery phone in this group. It packs a massive 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, the largest on any OnePlus smartphone launched in India to date. In our testing, the handset easily delivered close to two days of use in normal scenarios. Its run-time on our PCMark benchmark test was close to 21 hours, which is quite exceptional.

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The OnePlus smartphone also has a 6.78-inch 165Hz 1.5K AMOLED display with HDR10+, and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 delivers strong performance for daily tasks and gaming. As for its software, OxygenOS 16, it is fast, polished, and supports 5 OS updates and 6 years of security.

The camera setup is decent with a 50MP main, but it is not the key trait here. Charging is fast at 80W SuperVOOC, but there's no reverse charging. If battery life is your top priority, the Nord 6 is the easiest recommendation in this segment.

Key specifications

Conclusion

This segment is now much easier to recommend because each phone has one clear strength. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ is the safest all-rounder, the iQOO 15R is for gamers and performance seekers, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the camera-first option, the Samsung Galaxy A37 is for software and long-term support, and the OnePlus Nord 6 is the battery champion. If you want a phone that fits your priorities without too much compromise, this is a segment with very clear winners.

FAQs

Is it better to buy a well-rounded phone or a specialised one?

Since all these phones cover the basics well, the real difference is their key strength. If you want a generalist device, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ is the safest choice. If you have a specific priority like gaming, cameras, software, or battery, pick the specialised phone that matches it.

Which phone is best for heavy users?

For heavy users, the choice depends on your usage patterns. The iQOO 15R is the best fit if you game a lot, while the OnePlus Nord 6 is better if long battery life matters more.

Which phone here offers the best long-term software experience?

The Samsung Galaxy A37 is the lead, thanks to its polished One UI experience and 6 years of OS updates.

Which is the best camera phone around Rs 50,000?

The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the strongest camera phone in this list, especially for daylight shots, portraits, and dependable low-light performance with its periscope telephoto.