Best upcoming mobile phones in India July 2024

• 1.

The iQOO Z9 Turbo has already made its way to the Chinese market, and reports suggest, the phone could arrive in India very soon. It is set to launch in the third quarter of 2024, promising advanced performance and quality-of-life features. Some speculated specifications include a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, an 80W fast-charging 6000 mAh battery, and a dual-camera system with a 50 MP primary sensor. The Z9 Turbo will run on Android 14 with Origin OS and support 5G connectivity. There was no iQOO Z8 Turbo, meaning this will be the launch of a new iQOO series in India.

Expected Release Date: July – September 2024
Expected Price: Rs 23,999

Key Features:

• Fast Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor
• High RAM and ROM
• Large 6,000 mAh battery

Why It’s Anticipated:

iQOO is renowned for its performance-focussed phones often bringing top-notch performance at a very affordable price. The iQOO Z9 Turbo, which is speculated to boast the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, will be one of the most powerful phones in its price segment, making it perfect for gamers and power users.

• 2.

The OPPO Reno12 Pro is a great mix of AI features and improved hardware. It will feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering users vibrant and smooth visuals. Under the hood, it will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy SoC, ensuring underpowered performance for the price. But photography enthusiasts will appreciate its 50 MP triple camera setup on the rear, complemented by a 32 MP front camera for high-quality selfies and video calls. The device is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, supporting 80W fast charging to keep users powered throughout the day.

OPPO Reno12 Pro vs OPPO Reno 11 Pro

The phone’s Dimensity 7300 Energy processor is less powerful than the one on its predecessor, the OPPO Reno11 Pro, which could be a cause for concern.

Expected Release Date: July 12, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 39,990

Key Features:

• AI features like Best Face and AI Eraser
• Well-equipped camera setup
• Premium AMOLED display with fast refresh rate

Why It’s Anticipated:

One of the standout features of the Reno12 Pro is its advanced AI capabilities, which include AI Best Face and AI Eraser 2.0, designed to enhance the overall user experience by improving photo quality and offering smart editing options.

• 3.

The OPPO Reno12 is set to launch in India very soon. The Reno12 Pro 5G will feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, this device will not be the fastest in the segment, but it should handle day-to-day tasks fine. Additionally, it boasts a 5,000 mAh battery, complemented by 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro shooter, designed to cater to photography enthusiasts.

OPPO Reno12 vs OPPO Reno11

The OPPO Reno12 has a brighter display and faster charging in comparison to its predecessor, however, the camera may see downgrades. There have been reports that the global version could feature an 8 MP ultrawide, which is disappointing since the OPPO Reno11 had a 32 MP telephoto instead.

Expected Release Date: July 12, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 31,990

Key Features:

• AI features such as Best Face and AI Eraser
• Same display as its more expensive sibling
• A capable camera setup

Why It’s Anticipated:

A notable highlight of the OPPO Reno12 is its AI features, including AI Best Face and AI Eraser 2.0. This will set it apart from some of its competitors in this price segment.

• 4.

The Vivo V40 was spotted on the BIS database recently with the model number V2348 indicating an India launch is imminent. The global variant has already launched, so we can safely guess the specifications of the Indian variant would be similar. The Vivo V40 is expected to feature a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 1.5 K resolution display. It is powered by the capable Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor with 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, which will be able to run most apps smoothly. The phone’s primary draw is its camera array which may feature a dual 50 MP primary + 50 MP ultrawide camera and of course, an excellent 50 MP selfie camera.

Vivo V40 vs Vivo V30

There are very few upgrades on the Vivo V40; mostly, the specifications remain the same as its predecessor. However, you should get a brighter display, an upgraded IP68 rating, and a larger 5,500 mAh battery.

Expected Release Date: July, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 28,999

Key Features:

• Upgraded IP68 rating for better durability
• Longer battery life
• A good camera array with 50 MP cameras across the board

Why It’s Anticipated:

The Vivo V series has been well-received in the past for its camera, and we expect the Vivo V40 to be no different. It should provide users with an excellent camera-centric option under Rs 30,000, which is a very popular smartphone price segment.

• 5.

The OnePlus Nord 4 will launch on July 16 globally and in India. The Nord 4 is the first 5G smartphone to feature an all-metal unibody, which is very reminiscent of the metal phones we had back in the day such as the HTC One M8 and the OnePlus 3T. The OnePlus Nord 4 will be powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, which is a very capable processor also powering phones such as the Realme GT 6T. The phone will also feature a host of AI features such as Magic Eraser, RAM-Vita powered by AI, AI Audio Summary, AI Note Summary, and AI Linkboost. Battery life is also expected to be class-leading with a 5,500 mAh battery with 100 W SUPERVOOC charging support.

OnePlus Nord 4 vs OnePlus Nord 3

The OnePlus Nord 4 features an upgraded 50 MP Sony LYT-600 primary camera and a larger 5,500 mAh battery with 100 W SUPERVOOC charging. However, its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor has a lower max clock speed of 2.8 GHz, down from 3.05 GHz on the Nord 3’s Dimensity 9000.

Expected Release Date: July 16, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 31,999

Key Features:

• AI features such as AI Audio Summary, AI Note Summary, AI Magic Eraser, and more
• Faster 100 W SUPERVOOC charging
• Full metal unibody design on a 5G phone

Why It’s Anticipated:

Since the OnePlus Nord 4 is the first metal unibody design phone in the 5G era, there is a lot of excitement and nostalgia surrounding it. It reminds people of fan favourite metal phones back in the day.

• 6.

The Realme 13 Pro series is expected to launch in India soon with the Realme 13 Pro+ leading the charge. According to leaks, the Realme 13 Pro+ is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, which is decent for performance but there are phones with faster chipsets at this price. It will likely have up to 12 GB RAM and up to 512 GB storage. The design will continue to be a highlight like its predecessors including the Realme 12 Pro+ and Realme 11 Pro. The Realme 13 Pro+ could feature a Sony 50 MP LYTIA primary camera and a 50 MP periscope telephoto camera. We will likely see a selfie camera in a punch hole cutout. It also headlines the use of AI for better image processing and quality in the teaser image shared by Realme.

Realme 13 Pro+ vs Realme 12 Pro+

The Realme 13 Pro+ is rumoured to feature a faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, which will improve daily usage experience. It may also house a large 5,050 mAh battery with faster 80 W wired charging, making it a decent upgrade over the Realme 12 Pro+.

Expected Release Date: July 18, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 34,990

Key Features:

• AI-powered camera for better photography
• A capable periscope camera at an affordable price
• A standout design

Why It’s Anticipated:

The Realme number series of phones have been fan favourites due to their unique, eye-catching design language and improved camera performance. The Realme 13 Pro+ is expected to take this further with an upgraded camera with AI capabilities.

• 7.

Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy M35 5G in India, potentially coinciding with the Amazon Prime Day Sale from July 20 to 21. This smartphone boasts a 6.6-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor, along with a 13MP front camera. It features a 6,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. This will potentially make it one of the best performing phones for battery endurance in its price segment.

Samsung Galaxy M35 vs Samsung Galaxy M34

The Samsung Galaxy M35 will sport the upgraded Exynos 1380 chipset which should provide enhanced performance capabilities compared to the Exynos 1280 on the M34. However, the M35 will likely be heavier and bulier than the M34, which could be a deal breaker for some.

Expected Release Date: July 20, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 18,990

Key Features:

• Large 6,000 mAh battery that outperforms competition
• Upgraded Exynos 1380 chipset
• A solid Super AMOLED display for content consumption

Why It’s Anticipated:

The Samsung Galaxy M34 was a reliable big battery phone for folks who wanted a good option under Rs 20,000. The Samsung Galaxy M35 is an upgraded version of the same big battery performance with better hardware for faster performance.

• 8.

The Xiaomi 15 series to expected to launch soon in China, so it may enter the Indian market a few months later too. The device is expected to sport a 6.73-inch 2K AMOLED display, offering vibrant visuals and a smooth user experience. Powering the phone is a 5,400mAh battery, complemented by 120W fast charging and 80 W wireless charging capabilities, ensuring quick recharges. The Xiaomi 15 Pro will likely run on the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, providing top-notch performance for multitasking and gaming. The smartphone will also feature a high-resolution camera setup, potentially including a 50 MP OV50N primary sensor and a 3x telephoto camera, enhancing its photography capabilities. Overall, the Xiaomi 15 Pro promises to be a powerhouse device with advanced specifications, aiming to cater to tech enthusiasts and power users alike​. It may also include some AI features, but that remains to be confirmed.

Xiaomi 15 Pro vs Xiaomi 14 Pro

The biggest upgrade of the Xiaomi 15 Pro is its next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset which will provide a boost to speed and computational photography. The cameras could also see an upgrade in terms of hardware, but it will likely still be a 50 MP lens.

Expected Release Date: July – October, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 68,990

Key Features:

• Excellent 50 MP Leica-powered camera array with advanced camera features
• Faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset
• Larger 5,400 mAh battery for longer runtime

Why It’s Anticipated:

The Xiaomi 15 Pro will provide users with a more cost-effective flagship experience while still boasting cutting edge specifications like the latest Snapdragon chipset, and an excellent array of cameras powered by Leica.

• 9.

The Infinix Hot 40 Pro is set to launch with a 6.78-inch FHD+ LCD display featuring 120Hz refresh rate. It will be powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, expandable via microSD. The device will run on Android 13 with XOS 13.5. It will sport a 108MP main camera, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 32MP front camera. Additionally, it features a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, and NFC support. The phone has already launched in Nigeria, but it is expected to launch globally soon. This is the first time Infinix has introduced a ‘Pro’ variant in its Hot series.

Expected Release Date: July – August, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 15,999

Key Features:

• 108 MP primary camera for good daylight photography
• NFC support in a budget phone
• Full HD+ display for crisp visuals

Why It’s Anticipated:

The Infinix Hot 40 Pro will provide an eye-catching design with competitive specifications that will further strengthen the budget smartphone market in India. However, we hope the phone launches with 5G connectivity in the Indian market.

• 10.

The device features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP portrait main camera with an H9000 sensor, a 50MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide/macro lens. It also sports a dual front camera setup with a 50MP portrait selfie camera. Co-engineered with Studio Harcourt, the Honor AI Portrait Engine promises studio-level portrait photography. Additional features include AI-enhanced image processing, 4K video recording, and various portrait modes for enhanced photography. For processing, it is expected to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, which should provide good AI performance for generative AI tasks.

Honor 200 Pro vs Honor 100 Pro

The Honor 200 Pro features a newer chipset with a larger 5,200 mAh battery. As for optics, the Honor 200 Pro features an upgraded 50 MP telephoto Sony IMX856 camera with OIS capabilities. All around, the HONOR 200 Pro is a good upgrade over its predecessor.

Expected Release Date: July 18, 2024
Expected Price: Rs 49,999

Key Features:

• AI portrait engine co-developed by Studio Harcourt
• A solid triple camera array with a 50 MP H9000 portrait primary shooter
• MagicOS 8.0 has lots of AI features

Why It’s Anticipated:

The Honor 200 Pro will be the first premium camera-centric smartphone launched by HTech in India. So far, the company has only launched mid-range to high-end devices that have fallen short of expectations, but the Honor 200 Pro’s camera and AI features could strengthen HONOR’s position in the Indian smartphone market.

How we choose the best upcoming phones

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year in the world of mobile phones, with a cornucopia of new devices launching in the market. Amidst this flurry of innovation, we have curated a list of the top ten smartphones that stand out not only for being highly anticipated but also for being packed with features that promise to set new benchmarks in the industry. Our selection is based on a thorough analysis of rumours, leaks, and tips from reliable sources, ensuring that we provide you with an accurate and insightful preview of what these upcoming devices have to offer.

What to expect from upcoming phones

In July 2024, upcoming smartphones are expected to cater to a wide range of budgets, from affordable entry-level devices to premium flagship models. Budget phones, typically priced under ₹20,000, will offer impressive specifications such as fast refresh rate displays, multi-camera setups, and reliable battery life. Mid-range phones, in the ₹20,000-₹40,000 bracket, will feature more powerful processors, larger storage capacities, and advanced camera features including optical image stabilisation and AI enhancements. Premium smartphones, starting at around ₹40,000 and going upwards of ₹1,00,000, will boast cutting-edge specifications like top-of-the-line processors, extensive RAM and storage options, eSIM support and nano SIM for their physical counterpart, professional-grade camera systems, and a host of AI features baked into the OS. Across all segments, common specifications now include 5G connectivity, faster charging, and enhanced software support with slightly more regular updates.

Current Smartphone Market Trends in 2024

One of the standout trends is the integration of AI-driven features, enhancing everything from camera performance to personalised user experiences. You can definitely expect AI to be an integral part of most launches this month. Foldables are set to gain mainstream popularity with new offerings from Samsung hitting the market this month. Battery technology is also making significant strides – we expect at least one phone to launch with new and improved battery technology that will alleviate some of the drawbacks of popular lithium-ion batteries. Of course, 5G will become more ubiquitous than ever with faster and more reliable internet access now achievable at any price segment. Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi 13 5G which is one of the few phones that brings 5G to the masses under ₹15,000.

Bonus Entries

Nothing Phone 2a Plus

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will launch in India very soon and will be the first smartphone in India to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro SoC. The chipset offers up to 3 GHz clock speed, meaning the phone will be speedy and should be able to handle most tasks with ease.

Realme 13 Pro 5G

The Realme 13 Pro is expected to also feature a 50 MP primary camera from Sony (possibly the Sony LYT-600 sensor) with a telephoto camera with 2.5x optical zoom. The phone is also expected to support AI features such as AI eraser, AI ultra clarity, and more.