Curtains are about to draw on 2023 and this year has been a year of technological innovation and stiff competition. From 200MP cameras coming to smartphones to Curved displays in mid-budget devices, from AMOLED panels in under 20k phones to 1TB onboard storage in a 30,000 device, we have seen all this year. Tech giants like Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, Motorola, and Apple have pushed boundaries to make smartphones even more stylish and accessible. In this article, we have rounded up the best phones launched in the year 2023.
Best Xiaomi Smartphones launched in 2023
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus
Redmi begins the year with a bang by launching the Redmi Note 12 Series on January 6, 2023. The high-end variant Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus was announced as a successor to the popular Redmi 11 Pro Plus. It started at Rs. 29,999 and went all the way up to Rs. 32,999. It was available in Arctic White, Obsidian black, and Iceberg Blue shades.
Design & Specs- The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G has a flat display design wherein the back is made of glass inside a plastic chassis. It features a 6.67-inch pro-AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by Dimensity 1080 5G chipset. The smartphone runs Android 12 and comes with up to 12GB RAM and up to 256GB onboard storage. Under the hood, it juices from a 4980mAh battery with super-fast 120W wired charging support. Redmi went big with the camera setup as well with the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus featuring a 200MP main camera at the back. Additionally, there is an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens completing the triple lens setup. The front features a 13MP selfie lens for video calls.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is one of the best offerings by Redmi of 2023. Recently, Redmi announced the date for the launch of the Redmi Note 13 series, wherein the brand also claimed that the Note Series has sold over 33.8 crore units worldwide. This itself speaks about the reliability and quality of the Note Series smartphones.
2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Alongside the Pro Plus model, the middle member of the Note 12 Series was the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G. It was launched on 6th January 2023 as well and is priced slightly less than the high-end variant. Redmi Note 12 Pro starts at Rs. 24,999 and goes all the way up to Rs. 27,999. It comes in Onyx Black, Frosted Blue, and Stardust Purple shades.
Design & Specs- Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G has a minimal yet aesthetic design language. It features a glass back panel with a matte anti-glare coating which leads to fewer fingerprints. The device is 7.98mm thick and weighs less than 190 grams making it comfortable to hold in hand for long durations. The Pro version sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by an octa-core Dimensity 1080 chipset. Paired with up to 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage, Redmi Note 12 Pro runs Android 12 out of the box. In terms of camera optics, the smartphone has a 50MP+8MP+2MP setup at the back and a 16MP selfie lens at the front. Juicing the device is a 5000mAh battery with 67W wired fast charging capability.
For those who need a smartphone for under 25k, Redmi Note 12 Pro proves to be a solid option.
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G
The third and final member of the Redmi Note 12 Series is the Redmi Note 12 5G smartphone. Just like the other two, it was also launched on January 6, 2023, and aimed to give a new direction to mid-budget 5G phones in the country. Redmi Note 12 5G starts at Rs. 17,999 and the highest storage configuration costs Rs. 19,999. It comes in Matte Black, Frosted Green, and Sunrise Gold shades.
Design & Specs- Redmi Note 12 5G sports the same 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 SoC and runs Android 12 out of the box. It supports 7 5G bands and packs a 5000mAh battery with 33W wired fast charging. At the back is a 48MP+8MP+2MP camera setup while at the front is a 13MP selfie camera.
For those who need a 5G device under Rs 20k, the Redmi Note 12 5G can be a good option.
Best Samsung Smartphones launched in 2023
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung launches its flagship Galaxy S-Series in Q1 every year and this year, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series was announced in February 2023. The top-end model, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G came with top-of-the-line specs and an aesthetic design offering a premium experience to dedicated Samsung users. The price of Galaxy S23 Ultra began at Rs. 1,24,999 and went all the way up to Rs. 1,54,999. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra came out in 4 shades- Phantom Black, Phantom Green, Cream and Lavender. Additional colors were available via the Samsung India website.
Design & Specs- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses recycled material which is a part of Samsung’s initiative to save the environment. It has a rectangular shape with flat edges and a Notesy feel. The device is 8.9mm thick and comes with an IP68X rating for remaining safe against dust and water. It comes with S-Pen support and features a dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO panel measuring 6.8 inches. The display has QHD+ resolution and 1750 nits maximum brightness. Samsung partnered with Qualcomm to make a customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It runs One UI 5.1 on top of Android 13 and packs a huge 5000mAh battery under the hood with fast charging. The back camera setup includes 200MP+12MP+10MP lenses while the front features a 12MP selfie lens.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is almost a perfect Android flagship. If you are someone who needs a premium smartphone experience and has no budget constraints, then Galaxy S23 Ultra can be a good choice for you.
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 5G
The middle member of the Galaxy S23 family, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 5G was launched alongside the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Being the middle member, the Galaxy S23 Plus is the most neglected device of the series but its specs and performance don’t give any reasons to neglect it. The device starts at Rs. 94,999 for the 8GB+256GB model and goes up to Rs. 1,04,999 for the 8GB+512GB variant. It comes in Phantom Black and Cream shades along with Graphite and Lime available online.
Design & Specs- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 5G is also made of recycled material and it has a thickness of 7.6mm. The smartphone weighs under 200 grams and features a Dynamic AMOLED panel that measures 6.6 inches and has an FHD+ resolution. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC paired with 8GB RAM and up to 512GB onboard storage capacity. At the back is a triple camera setup (50MP+12MP+10MP) and the front features a 12MP selfie lens. The premium smartphone draws juice from a 4700mAh powerhouse with 45W wired rapid charging.
If you want a premium smartphone for under 1 lakh, you can keep Galaxy S23+ as one of your options.
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung created a foldable market when the brand launched Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices. This year, in August 2023 the brand announced the fifth Generation of foldables, including 2 smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 aims to fill whatever little gaps Galaxy Z Fold 4 left in 2022. It starts at Rs. 1,84,999 and goes up to Rs. 1,64,998. The foldable comes in Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Gray, Cream, and Blue shades.
Design & Specs- The design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is mostly similar to its predecessor. When you look closely, you will notice tiny differences like LED flash on the back, camera lenses are taller, speaker covers have fewer holes, and more. On unfolding, there is a new hinge that has reduced the crease to almost zero between the two parts. The phone is slimmer and more comfortable to carry around. It is protected by an IPX8 rating against water.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 7.6-inch primary Dynamic AMOLED panel powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It has a 3-lens setup at the back (50MP+12MP+10MP) and a dual selfie camera setup at the front (10MP+4MP). It supports 5G connectivity and packs a large 4400mAh powerhouse with 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse charging support.
Best Realme Smartphones launched in 2023
1. Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G
Realme took the next leap forward by launching the Realme 11 Pro Series in May 2023. The top-end model Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G can be deemed as a blockbuster entrant to the mid-budget category as the phone offers a good combination of aesthetic design and top-notch specs. The Realme 11 Pro Plus costs Rs. 27,999 for the 8GB+256GB model and Rs. 29,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant. It comes in Oasis Green, Astral Black, and Sunrise Beige shades.
Design & Specs- Realme 11 Pro Plus 5G has an eye-catching design with a distinctive leather panel on the back and a curved display. Realme has partnered with GUCCI designer Matteo Menotto to give this design to the 11 Pro Series. The vegan leather back panel offers a better in-hand grip as well. The smartphone has a 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display and it is powered by Dimensity 7050 chipset with up to 12GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. Realme 11 Pro+ is the first Realme phone that comes with a 200MP main camera. Alongside the main lens are the 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro lenses. The premium device sports a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Juicing up the device is a 5000mAh battery with 100W wired fast charging that recharges from 0 to 50% in 27 minutes.
2. Realme Narzo 60 Pro
2 months after launching the Number Pro Series, Realme launched the Narzo 60 Series in July 2023. The Realme Narzo 60 Series includes 2 smartphones- Narzo 60 5G & Narzo 60 Pro 5G. With Realme Narzo 60 pro, the company has taken its Narzo series a step ahead. The Narzo 60 Pro smartphone costs Rs. 23,999 for the base, Rs. 26,999 for 12GB+256GB, and Rs. 29,999 for a 12GB+1TB storage model. It comes in cosmic black and Mars orange colors.
Design & Specs- Realme Narzo 60 Pro 5G features a plastic finish for the black and a vegan leather finish for the Orange shade. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and is powered by Dimensity 7050 6nm SoC paired with up to 12GB RAM and up to 1TB onboard storage, which is huge for a mid-ranger. The Narzo 60 pro packs a 5000mAh built-in battery with 33W SuperVOOC charging support.
If you want 1TB storage for under 30k, Narzo 60 Pro can be a good option for you.
3. Realme 11 Pro 5G
Realme 11 Pro 5G was launched alongside the Realme 11 Pro Plus and this one too packs cutting-edge features at an aggressive price point. Realme 11 Pro is priced at Rs. 23,999 for the base model and costs Rs. 27,999 for the top-most storage configuration. It comes in Astral Black, Oasis Green, and Sunrise Beige shades.
Design & Specs- With the Realme 11 Pro Series, the brand has confirmed that every series will now have a signature design. The design of the Realme 11 Pro is similar to the Realme 11 Pro Plus. In terms of specs, it offers 5G connectivity and features a 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC and has up to 12GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. At the back is a 100MP+2MP camera setup while the front has a 16MP selfie lens. There is a 5000mAh battery with 67W wired fast charging technology.
If you want a device that is stylish and efficient for under 25k, you can consider Realme 11 Pro 5G.
Best Motorola Smartphones launched in 2023
1. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
Motorola aimed to give a tough fight to Samsung’s flip phones in 2023. The brand launched Razr 40 Series wherein Moto Razr 40 Ultra is a premium flip smartphone that has flagship-grade features at a competitive price. The Razr 40 Ultra is available for Rs. 89,999 in the country for an 8GB+256GB storage variant. It comes in stylish colors- Viva Magenta and Infinite Black.
Design & Specs- The Razr 40 Ultra has a slimmer appearance as compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 4. It has a rounded appearance and compact form factor that allows it to slide into your pocket easily. In terms of specs, razr 40 Ultra competes neck-to-neck with Galaxy Z Flip 4 as it is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and packs a 3800mAh battery under the hood with 30W adapter bundled in the box. It runs clean software and has 2 rear-facing cameras- 12MP+13MP. In terms of display, Razr 40 Ultra has a 6.9-inch main and a 3.60-inch secondary display.
If you want a flip phone for under 1 lakh, you might opt for Moto Razr 40 Ultra.
2. Motorola Razr 40
Motorola has introduced a foldable device for under 50,000 in 2023. Moto Razr 40 is a flip smartphone that can be owned by those who have a budget of 50k for a foldable. With this move, Motorola aims to take foldable to the masses. Razr 40 is priced at Rs. 59,990 and comes in Sage Green, Vanilla Cream, and Summer Lilac shades.
Design & Specs- The Razr 40 has a distinctive touch feel with the faux leather finish on the back panel. It has a robust aluminum frame that gives it durability and structural integrity. There is a new hinge that has a half folding mechanism and the build quality is strong as well. There is an IP52 certification which means the flip phone is resistant to dust and water. The Razr 40 Ultra comes with a 6.9-inch p-OLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 with 8GB RAM & 256GB storage. At the back is a 64MP+13MP camera setup while at the front is a 13MP selfie lens. Under the hood is a 4700mAh powerhouse with 30W wired fast charging and the foldable is 7.35mm thick.
If you want to become the owner of a flip phone for under 50,000, Moto Razr 40 is the perfect choice.
3. Motorola Edge 40 5G
Motorola has been on a roll in 2023. Not only has the brand come up with affordable flip phones, but also powerful mid-range devices that offer efficient performance. The successor to Edge 30, Motorola Edge 40 comes at Rs. 29,999 and comes in Eclipse Black, Nebula Green, and Lunar Blue shades.
Design & Specs- Moto Edge 40 has a vegan leather back design that feels premium to hold and never feels bulky as it weighs 171 grams. It is IP68 rated and runs a clean OS as is the case with all Motorola devices. The Edge 40 features a 6.55-inch p-OLED panel with a high 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by Dimensity 8020 SoC. In terms of rear camera setup, there are 2 lenses- 50MP+13MP. Even the selfie camera is bumped up from 16MP to 32MP. Under the hood, the device packs a 4600mAh battery with 68W wired fast charging and there is 15W wireless charging as well.
Best Oppo Smartphones launched in 2023
1. Oppo Find N3 Flip
Oppo has also stepped up its position in the foldable market. The brand has announced the Find N3 Flip which claims to be better than Find N2 Flip launched in 2022. Oppo Find N3 Flip costs Rs. 94,999 and comes in Cream Gold and Sleek Black colors.
Design & Specs- The Oppo Find N3 Flip has a curved edge design that is not just ergonomic but also suave and sophisticated. There is a matte finish on the hinge that makes it look even more premium. The Find N3 Flip runs Android 13 out of the box and comes with a 6.8-inch AMOLED panel. The back camera setup includes 50MP+48MP+32MP lenses with OIS and the front has a 32MP selfie lens at the top. The foldable is powered by Dimensity 9200 chipset and packs a 4300mAh power bank with 44W SuperVOOC flash charge capability. Reverse charging is also available.
2. Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus
Oppo Reno 10 Series was launched in May 2023. The topmost variant in the series is the Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus which has camera capabilities as one of its high points. Equipped with a super-fast processor, stunning design language, and impressive camera setup, this flagship aimed to leave its mark in the premium category of smartphones. Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus costs Rs. 54,999 and comes in Glossy Purple and Silvery Grey shades.
Design & Specs- Design has been one of the strong points of the Reno Series and Oppo hasn’t disappointed in either of the departments. It has a two-tone exquisite design for the glass back panel with a glossy finish and slippery feel in hand. Reno 10 Pro Plus is powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC with 12GB and 256GB storage. It features a 6.74-inch curved OLED display and runs Android 13 with Color OS 13.1 out of the box. At the back are 50MP+64MP+8MP cameras and at the front is a 32MP lens. Under the hood is a 4700mAh battery with 100W wired fast charging capability. It weighs under 200 grams and is equipped with 5G, 4G LTE, dual-band WiFi, and more.
3. Oppo Reno 10 Pro
For those who face a budget constraint, Oppo launched the Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G in the Rs. 40,000 segment. It shares some of its specs with the Reno 10 Pro Plus while some are different. Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G costs Rs. 39,999 for 12GB+256GB variant and is available in purple and grey variants.
Design & Specs– Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G sports a 6.74-inch curved AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Snapdragon 778G SoC and runs Android 13 OS. At the back is a 50MP+8MP+32MP lens while at the front is a 32MP lens. There is a 4600mAh battery with 80W charging capability and connectivity options include 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, and more. The rear panel has a glossy finish and reflects dual shades when light falls on it. The curved screen looks premium with a weight of 185 grams, the device is comfortable to hold in hand.
Best Vivo Smartphones launched in 2023
1. Vivo X90 Pro 5G
Vivo’s X Series has been redefining the camera technology with Gimbal Stabilization that improves the stability of the camera to give better running shots. In 2023, the legacy continued with the launch of the Vivo X90 Series which included 2 smartphones. Vivo X90 Pro 5G features a 1-inch camera sensor and glare-cutting lenses from Zeiss. It is priced at Rs. 84,999 for the lone 12GB+256GB storage model. The smartphone comes in Vegan Leather and Legendary black variants.
Design & Specs- The Vivo X90 Pro has a sleek and modern design that is made of plastic as well as glass. It has a vegan leather back that offers excellent grip and an IP68 rating for remaining safe against dust and water. The Pro variant is powered by Dimensity 9200 chipset and runs FunTouch OS 13 based on Android 13 out of the box. There is an OLED display panel measuring 6.78 inches with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The camera setup, which is the highlight includes a 50MP main, 50MP portrait, and 12MP wide-angle lens. Connectivity options include 5G, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, and more. The Vivo X90 Pro draws juice from a 4870mAh battery supported by 120W wired and 50W wireless charging speeds.
For those of you who need a spectacular photography experience, the Vivo X90 Pro is a decent choice.
2. Vivo X90
If you want the photography experience of Vivo’s X Series at a slightly lower price, the vanilla X90 smartphone can be apt. Launched alongside the Pro model, Vivo X90 5G is available for Rs. 59,999 for the lone 12GB+256GB model. That is almost 25k less than the Vivo X90 Pro.
Design & Specs- There is hardly any difference between the design of Vivo X90 and Vivo X90 Pro. The only main difference is that instead of a leatherback, there is a shiny back on the vanilla model. It is a few grams lighter than its Pro family member and sports a 6.78-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Vivo X90 5G runs Android 13 OS and is powered by a Dimensity 9200 processor with ARM Immortalis-G715 MC11 GPU. At the back is a 50MP+12MP+12MP camera setup and the front has a 32MP lens. The vanilla model has a slightly smaller battery at 4810mAh with 120W wired 50W wireless charging capability.
4. Vivo V29e
Vivo launched the new iteration of the V Series in the form of the Vivo V29e smartphone. Like all the other V-Series members, V29e also has an eye-catching design and starts at Rs. 26,999 in the country. Vivo V29e comes in Artistic Red and Artistic Blue shades.
Design & Specs- Just like all its smartphones, Vivo has designed the V29e to look gorgeous. The smartphone has a glossy smooth panel that looks beautiful under sunlight and doesn’t attract much smudges. The device is 7.6mm and weighs 181 grams still packing a 5000mAh battery under the hood. Vivo V29e features an AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution and is powered by Snapdragon 695 octa-core SoC. The device has up to 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. The battery comes with 44W charging capability and the back panel features a 64MP+8MP dual lens setup for photography.
If you need a budget phone with a stylish design and decent specs, the Vivo V29e fits the bill.
Best Apple Smartphones Launched in 2023
1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple’s iPhone 15 Series includes 4 devices. iPhone 15 Pro Max is the highest model that comes with various improvements like an Action Button, USB-C port, refreshed design, better telephoto camera, faster chipset, and more. The iPhone begins at Rs. 1,59,900 and the top model costs Rs. 1,99,900.
Design and specs- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a refreshed design. It is made of Titanium, with the frame being curved at the edges and a good hand feel that is a major turnaround from the sharp edges of the iPhone 14 Pro launched in 2022. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by A17 Pro chipset from Apple and it has 8GB RAM and 1TB storage. There is a 6.7-inch OLED Panel and a triple-lens setup at the back with a bigger 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto camera. It draws juice from a 4422mAh battery with 20W fast charging. The iPhone supports E-SIM and is dust and water-resistant.
2. Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Apple launched the next generation of iPhones in September 2023. The latest flagship from Apple comes with features like a 48MP camera, USB-C port, A17 chipset, and much more. The price starts for the iPhone 15 Pro at Rs. 1,44,900 and goes all the way up to Rs. 1,84,900. Apple has introduced metallic-inspired colors including Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. The different texture gives a unique look to the iPhones.
Design & Specs- Apple has changed the material with which the iPhone 15 series has been made. It now has a Titanium frame that has reduced the weight to 187 grams. The bezels are slimmer, the front glass edges are rounded and an Action Key has been introduced. iPhone 15 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Apple’s A17 Bionic chipset powers the device and at the back is a 48MP+12MP+12MP camera setup. There is a 3274mAh battery with fast charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging as well.
3. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
The best non-pro iPhone 15 series device is the iPhone 15 Plus. iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have received more upgrades than Pro Models and opting for these base models is a better choice as they keep selling throughout the year and are not discontinued. The price starts at Rs. 86,990 and goes all the way up to Rs. 1,16,990. The iPhone 15 Plus comes in black, blue, pink, green, and yellow shades.
Design & Specs- The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by an A16 Bionic chipset and features a 6.7-inch OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. There is a 48MP wide angle camera at the back along with a 12MP ultrawide angle lens. iPhone 15 Plus sports a 4383mAh battery under the hood with 20W fast charging. Being an Apple phone, it supports e-SIM as well.
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