In this article, we delve into our the latest android phones that have been launched in 2024 until now.

Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Xiaomi is known for offering high-end features at competitive prices. The Xiaomi 14 has a compact design with a powerful processor, while the 14 Ultra boasts a larger display and even more impressive camera system.

The Xiaomi 14 launched in India on March 7, 2024, and has been receiving positive reviews for its features and performance.

Features:

Display: 6.36-inch 10-bit Pro HDR LTPO 120Hz OLED panel with Dolby Vision certification for a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
Performance: Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring top-tier performance for multitasking and gaming.
Cameras: Leica co-developed triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with potential for good zooming, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes.
Battery: 4,610mAh battery with support for Xiaomi’s 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging for fast and convenient power solutions.
Build: A sleek and sturdy design with an Aluminum chassis, a glass back, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Software: Runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s own HyperOS on top.

Pricing:

The Xiaomi 14 comes in a single variant with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced at Rs 69,999 in India (approximately $840 USD).
Early adopter offers include a Rs 5,000 instant discount on ICICI Bank cards and a Rs 5,000 exchange bonus, bringing the effective price down to Rs 59,999 (approximately $720 USD).

Reception:

Reviews for the Xiaomi 14 have been generally positive, highlighting its:

Compact design: A welcome change for users who prefer smaller phones.
Powerful performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers smooth and fast performance.
Excellent camera: The Leica co-developed cameras capture high-quality photos and videos, particularly in portrait mode.
Beautiful display: The LTPO OLED panel offers vibrant colors and a high refresh rate for a great viewing experience.
Competitive pricing: Compared to other flagships, the Xiaomi 14 offers similar features at a slightly lower price point.

Some reviewers have mentioned minor drawbacks like:

Bloatware: A few pre-installed apps that some might find unnecessary.
Camera: Some reports of slight light flare issues in certain situations.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra launched alongside its smaller sibling, the Xiaomi 14.

Features:

Display: A massive 6.73-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display with curved edges and HDR10+ support for an immersive viewing experience. Protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass for scratch resistance.
Performance: The top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage ensures blazing-fast performance for any task.
Cameras: The star of the show! The 14 Ultra boasts a quad-camera system, all featuring 50MP sensors: a main sensor, a telephoto lens, an ultrawide lens, and a dedicated periscope telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities.
Battery: A large 5,300mAh battery with support for Xiaomi’s incredibly fast 90W wired charging and 80W wireless charging, keeping you powered up all day.
Build: Premium design with a choice between a glass back or a vegan leather back with a titanium frame (special edition), offering both style and durability. IP68 dust and water resistance ensures peace of mind.
Software: Runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s own HyperOS on top.

Pricing:

Unlike the Xiaomi 14, the 14 Ultra comes in a single variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced at Rs 99,999 in India (approximately $1200 USD). This makes it a premium phone with a price tag to match.

Reception:

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has garnered a lot of attention for its impressive features, but reviews have been mixed:

Positives:

Top-notch display: The large, high-resolution display with a high refresh rate is praised for its vivid colors and smooth visuals.
Unmatched camera system: Reviewers are impressed with the versatility and quality of the quad-camera setup, particularly the zoom capabilities.
Excellent performance: The powerful processor and ample RAM provide a lag-free user experience for even demanding tasks.
Fast charging: Both wired and wireless charging speeds are incredibly fast, a major convenience for users on the go.
Premium build: The choice of materials and the IP68 rating make the phone feel luxurious and durable.

Negatives:

High price: The hefty price tag might deter some buyers who can find similar features in other flagships for slightly less.
Large size: The phone’s size might not be ideal for users who prefer smaller, more manageable devices.

OnePlus 12

OnePlus is a brand known for its sleek design and powerful performance. The OnePlus 12 continues this tradition, with a focus on fast charging and a smooth user experience. The OnePlus 12 launched globally in January 2024, following its debut in China. Here’s a breakdown of its key points:

Features:

Display: A large 6.82-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and a peak brightness of 4500 nits for excellent outdoor readability. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for scratch resistance.
Performance: The powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM ensures smooth performance for multitasking and demanding games.
Cameras: A triple-camera system on the back: a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP wide-angle sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. There’s also a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
Battery: A 5,400mAh battery with support for OnePlus’ 80W wired charging (100W in China) for quick power top-ups. Wireless charging also makes a comeback with support for 50W speeds.
Build: A premium design with a glass back and a metal frame. While the IP rating isn’t the best (IP64), it offers some protection against splashes and dust.
Software: Runs on Android 14 with OnePlus’ OxygenOS 14 on top, known for its clean and near-stock Android experience.

Pricing:

The OnePlus 12 comes in two storage variants:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Starting at $799.99 (US) / £849 (UK) / ₹64,999 (India)
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage: $899.99 (US) / £999 (UK) / ₹69,999 (India)

Reception:

The OnePlus 12 has received generally positive reviews, with some key points highlighted:

Positives:

Powerful performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers excellent performance for all tasks.
Fast charging: Both wired and wireless charging are incredibly fast, a major convenience for users.
Bright and smooth display: The QHD+ OLED panel offers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and a high refresh rate for a seamless experience.
Clean software: OxygenOS is praised for its user-friendly interface and lack of bloatware.

Negatives:

Lower water resistance rating: Compared to some competitors offering IP68, the IP64 rating raises concerns about water damage.
No major design change: The design is considered by some to be quite similar to the OnePlus 11.
Camera performance: While good, some reviewers felt it wasn’t a significant leap from the OnePlus 11.

Asus ROG Phone 8 / ROG Phone 8 Pro

For gamers, Asus ROG phones are a top choice. The ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro come with the latest and greatest specs to deliver the best possible gaming experience.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 series consists of two phones: the ROG Phone 8 and the ROG Phone 8 Pro. Both cater to the high-end gaming smartphone market with impressive specs and features.

Features (Common to ROG Phone 8 & 8 Pro):

Display: A large 6.78-inch Full HD+ (2400 x 1080) Samsung AMOLED LTPO display with a super smooth 165Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch sampling rate for an ultra-responsive gaming experience. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers protection.
Performance: The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers top-notch performance for demanding games.
Battery: A sizable 5500mAh battery keeps you powered up during long gaming sessions. Both phones support 65W fast wired charging.
Cooling: The ROG Phone series is known for its advanced cooling systems. While details haven’t been officially revealed yet, expect efficient heat dissipation for sustained performance during gaming.
Software: ASUS’ ROG UI built on top of Android 14 provides a gaming-centric interface with customizable settings and performance optimizations.

Additional Features (ROG Phone 8 Pro):

RAM & Storage: The Pro model boasts higher configurations, with options for 16GB, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB or even 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage for faster loading times and multitasking.
Camera: While the standard ROG Phone 8 details are unknown, the Pro features a 50MP main sensor with a 3-axis gimbal for stabilization, a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is 32MP for high-resolution selfies.

Pricing:

ROG Phone 8: Starts at $980 (USD) for the base variant (expected to be 12GB RAM + 256GB storage).
ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage: $1199 (USD)
- 24GB RAM + 1TB storage: $1499 (USD)

Reception:

Positives:

Powerful performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 promises a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
High refresh rate display: The 165Hz display ensures super smooth visuals for fast-paced games.
Long-lasting battery: The 5500mAh battery should provide ample power for extended gaming sessions.
Advanced cooling system: Efficient heat management is crucial for sustained performance during gaming.
Gaming-focused features: Customizable settings and performance optimizations within the ROG UI cater to gamers. (For Pro model)
Improved camera system (Pro model): The camera upgrades in the Pro model are a welcome addition for users who also want a good camera phone.

Negatives:

Price: The ROG Phone series is known for its premium pricing, which might deter some budget-conscious buyers.
Bulkier design: Gaming phones often prioritize performance over sleek designs, so the phone might be thicker or heavier than some users prefer.
Limited software updates (uncertain): ASUS’ update history for ROG phones can be spotty, so software updates might be a concern for some users.

Vivo X100 Pro

Vivo is known for its camera-centric phones, and the X100 Pro is expected to be no exception. It is rumored to have a powerful zoom lens and excellent low-light performance. The Vivo X100 Pro is a camera-centric flagship phone launched in India on January 4, 2024.

Features:

Display: A large 6.78-inch 3D Curved AMOLED FHD+ (2400 x 1080) display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a great viewing experience. Protected by Schott Xensation Up for scratch resistance.
Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset delivers good performance for daily tasks and even some gaming. While not the absolute top-tier processor, it helps keep the price down.
Cameras: This is where the X100 Pro shines:
- 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX989 1-inch) with OIS for exceptional low-light performance and image quality.
- 50MP ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes.
- 50MP floating telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom for impressive close-up shots.
- 32MP front-facing camera for high-resolution selfies.
Battery: A 4700mAh battery with support for Vivo’s 120W fast charging, ensuring you can quickly power up the phone.
Build: A sleek design with a glass back and a metal frame. IP68 rated for dust and water resistance.
Software: Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, known for its customization options but can sometimes include bloatware.

Pricing:

The Vivo X100 Pro comes in a single variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced at Rs 89,999 in India (approximately $1080 USD).

Reception:

The Vivo X100 Pro has received mixed reviews, with some key points to consider:

Positives:

Excellent camera system: Reviewers are impressed with the camera’s low-light performance, image quality, and zoom capabilities.
Fast charging: The 120W fast charging ensures you can quickly get back to using the phone.
Beautiful display: The large AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and a smooth refresh rate for a great viewing experience.

Negatives:

Processor not top-tier: While the Dimensity 9300 performs well, some users might prefer the absolute best processors available.
Funtouch OS bloatware: Vivo’s software can sometimes come with pre-installed apps users might not want.
Price: Compared to some competitors offering similar features with top-tier processors, the price might be a little high for some users.

Honor Magic 6 Pro

Honor is a brand that’s making a comeback, and the Magic 6 Pro is its latest flagship phone. It is has a powerful processor, a versatile camera system, and a stylish design.

Features:

Display: A large 6.8-inch FHD+ (2800 x 1280) LTPO curved OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth visuals and power efficiency. Giant Rhinoceros Glass protects the display, offering a 10-fold anti-drop rating.
Performance: The powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers top-notch performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
Cameras: A triple-camera system on the back:
- 50MP main sensor with AI image processing for high-quality photos and videos.
- 50MP ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive scenes.
- 180MP periscope telephoto sensor for incredible zoom capabilities rumored to be up to 10x optical zoom.
Battery: A 5600mAh battery with support for Honor’s fast charging technology (exact wattage not confirmed yet).
Build: A stylish design with a choice of color options and a glass back. While the official IP rating isn’t confirmed yet, some sources suggest it might have dust and water resistance.
Software: Magic UI 8 based on Android 14, known for its user-friendly interface and customization options.

Pricing (China):

The Honor Magic 6 Pro comes in three storage variants:

12GB RAM + 256GB storage: CNY 5,699 (approximately $803 USD)
16GB RAM + 512GB storage: CNY 6,199 (approximately $873 USD)
16GB RAM + 1TB storage: CNY 6,699 (approximately $944 USD)

Reception (Limited due to China release):

Since the Honor Magic 6 Pro is currently only available in China, in-depth reviews from international tech publications are scarce. The phone is yet to release worldwide. However, initial impressions based on Chinese sources are positive, highlighting:

Positives:

Powerful performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures a smooth and lag-free user experience.
Unique 180MP periscope telephoto lens: This camera offers impressive zoom capabilities, making it a standout feature.
Large and vibrant display: The LTPO display offers a high refresh rate for smooth visuals and good battery optimization.
Competitive pricing (in China): Compared to other flagships with similar features, the price seems attractive in China.

Negatives:

Global availability: As of now, there’s no confirmed information on a global release for the Honor Magic 6 Pro.
Uncertain software experience: Magic UI’s bloatware situation in the global market needs to be evaluated when it launches elsewhere.
Missing IP rating confirmation: While some sources suggest dust and water resistance, the official IP rating needs confirmation.

Bonus Content

Nothing Phone 2a

The Nothing Phone 1 surprised many with its unique design and transparent back. The Phone 2a is a more affordable option with many of the same features. The Nothing Phone 2a is a more affordable version of the Nothing Phone (1) that launched earlier. Here’s a breakdown of its features, pricing, and reception:

Features:

Display: Likely a 6.55-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, similar to the Phone (1).
Performance: A mid-range processor like the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 or similar, providing good performance for everyday tasks.
Cameras: Expected to be a dual-camera system on the back, possibly a primary sensor around 50MP and an ultrawide sensor. The transparent back design with LED light strips might be retained.
Battery: A 4500mAh battery is likely, with support for fast charging (exact wattage not confirmed yet).
Build: A plastic back with an aluminum frame is rumored, keeping the weight down and offering a more affordable build compared to the Phone (1). The signature transparent design elements might still be present.
Software: Expected to run on Android 14 with Nothing OS on top, known for its clean and near-stock Android experience.

Pricing:

The Nothing Phone 2a launched in India on February 21, 2024, with a starting price of Rs 23,999 (approximately $280 USD) for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.

Reception:

The Nothing Phone 2a has received mixed reviews:

Positives:

Affordable price: The Phone 2a offers a more accessible entry point into the Nothing Phone ecosystem with a similar design aesthetic.
Clean software: Nothing OS is praised for its user-friendly interface and lack of bloatware.
Decent performance: The mid-range processor should handle daily tasks and some gaming well.

Negatives:

Downgrades from Phone (1): The plastic build, lower refresh rate display, and potentially less powerful cameras are seen as downgrades compared to the Phone (1).
Limited storage: The base variant only offers 128GB storage, which might be limiting for some users.
Uncertain camera quality: Without proper reviews of the camera system, its capabilities are yet to be determined.

Realme 12+ 5G

Realme offers good value for money, and the Realme 12+ 5 G is expected to be no different. It is rumored to have a powerful processor, a long-lasting battery, and support for 5G connectivity. The Realme 12 Plus launched in India on March 6, 2024, so it’s very new. Here’s what we know so far:

Features:

Display: Likely a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Compared to some competitors that offer AMOLED displays, this might be a slight downgrade.
Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 8100 processor, offering good performance for everyday tasks and even some gaming.
Cameras: Triple-camera system on the back:
- 50MP main sensor (Sony LYT-600 OIS) for good image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- 8MP ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive scenes.
- 2MP macro sensor for close-up shots.
Battery: A 5000mAh battery with support for fast charging (exact wattage not confirmed yet, but likely around 67W based on other Realme phones).
Build: Plastic back and a plastic frame, keeping the weight down and offering a budget-friendly build. This is a common feature in this price range.
Software: Realme UI 4 based on Android 14, known for its customization options.

Pricing:

The Realme 12 Plus starts at Rs 19,999 (approximately $250 USD) for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.

Reception:

Since the Realme 12 Plus just launched, in-depth reviews are scarce. However, initial impressions based on leaks and announcements suggest:

Positives:

Expected to be a good value for money: The combination of decent performance, a large battery, a smooth display, and a starting price of Rs 19,999 makes it an attractive option in the budget-friendly 5G phone segment.
50MP Sony main sensor with OIS: This promises good image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Large battery with fast charging: The 5000mAh battery with fast charging ensures you can stay powered up for longer stretches.

Negatives:

LCD display: Compared to some competitors offering AMOLED displays, the Realme 12 Plus might have a less vibrant viewing experience.
Plastic build: While common in this price range, some users might prefer a more premium feel of a glass back.