Flagship smartphones are always among the most sought after devices, since they bring in the best of features that the rest of the smartphone industry follows for the next few years. In 2021, flagship smartphones have a number of choices to make from the industry of SoC, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 sitting at the very top of the table – at least for Android devices. On this note, we take a look at the best Snapdragon 888 phones that are available in India and across the world, and can be purchased right now.
Best Snapdragon 888 phones right now
- OnePlus 9 Series
- Asus ROG Phone 5 Series
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Series
- Vivo X60 Pro+
- Realme GT
- iQoo 7 Legend
- Oppo Find X3 Pro
- Lenovo Legion 2 Pro
- Black Shark 4 Pro
OnePlus 9 Series
The OnePlus 9 series made a big splash with its Hasselblad partnership, which though is a bit underwhelming for the time being. It will be among the best Snapdragon 888 phones through the year, with a feature set that includes 65W fast charging, 12GB RAM and 256GB storage combination, 4K video recording at 60fps and more.
Price in India
The OnePlus 9 costs Rs 49,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, and Rs 54,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The OnePlus 9 Pro, meanwhile, costs Rs 64,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, and Rs 69,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant.
Availability
The OnePlus 9 series can be purchased on the OnePlus India store and Amazon India.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent performance | Underwhelming camera |
| Great display | Glass back may attract smudges |
Asus ROG Phone 5 Series
The Asus ROG Phone 5 series is one of the most notable gaming smartphones around. Alongside being one of the best Snapdragon 888 phones in the market, the ROG Phone 5 also comes with a novel ecosystem of gamer accessories, and Pro and Ultimate variants that offer features such as a display at the rear, up to 18GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Price in India
The Asus ROG Phone 5 costs Rs 49,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, and Rs 57,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The ROG Phone 5 Pro has only one 16GB + 512GB variant that costs Rs 69,999, and the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate with 18GB RAM and 512GB storage costs Rs 79,999.
Availability
The Asus ROG Phone 5 series is presently available for preorders on Flipkart.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent performance | Design isn’t for all |
| Highly novel | Difficult ergonomics |
| Great battery stamina | Average cameras |
Xiaomi Mi 11 Series
The Xiaomi Mi 11 series is a pretty elaborate one, featuring devices in global markets such as the standard Mi 11, the Mi 11 Pro and now, the Mi 11 Ultra. In India, the series gets the Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11x and Mi 11x Pro. Key specs include the Snapdragon 888 in Mi 11 Ultra and 11x Pro, the Snapdragon 870 in the 11x, 6.81-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display on the Ultra, and a 50MP+48MP+48MP triple rear camera on the ultimate flagship Xiaomi phone.
Price in India
The Mi 11 Ultra costs Rs 69,990 for the sole 12GB + 256GB variant. The Mi 11x costs Rs 29,990 and Rs 31,990 for 6GB and 8GB variants, and Mi 11x Pro costs Rs 39,990 and Rs 41,990 for 128GB and 256GB variants.
Availability
The Mi 11 series in India can be bought on the Xiaomi India store, as well as Amazon India.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Flagship performance | Too large for many |
| Great camera configuration | MIUI has faced software issues before |
Vivo X60 Pro+
The Vivo X60 Pro+ is the only device in the series to use the Snapdragon 888 chipset. Other features include a 3D dual curved edge display, and the much vaunted gimbal stabilisation mode on its quad rear camera setup. The device therefore offers a fully flagship setup, marking the X60 Pro+ as one of the best Snapdragon 888 phones to buy right now.
Price in India
The Vivo X60 Pro+ is priced at Rs 69,990 for the 12GB + 256GB variant.
Availability
The Vivo X60 Pro+ can be purchased on Amazon India and the Vivo India online store.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent performance | Lack of brand presence in flagships |
| Great camera | Cheaper X60 is better value |
Realme GT
The Realme GT is a Snapdragon 888 SoC powered smartphone that aims to offer the flagship smartphone experience within a restricted value. Features such as a 64MP rear camera setup, a 120Hz AMOLED display and 65W fast charging have been teased about the flagship smartphone.
Price in India
The Realme GT is priced at CNY 2,799 (approx. Rs 32,000) in China, and may be priced in India accordingly.
Availability
The Realme GT is expected to launch in India some time in May 2021.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Flagship specs in a budget | Design too similar to budget devices |
| Industry standard display |
iQoo 7 Legend
The iQoo 7 Legend is a Snapdragon 888 phone that comes with features such as a 120Hz refresh rate display, 48MP triple rear camera and more. It features a 6.62-inch full HD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, and a 16MP front camera as well.
Price in India
The iQoo 7 Legend costs Rs 39,990 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, and Rs 43,990 for the 12GB + 256GB variant in India.
Availability
The iQoo 7 Legend can be purchased on iQoo India and Amazon India.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget flagship offering | Lacks camera oomph |
| Competitive specs | Lacks brand recognition |
Oppo Find X3 Pro
The Oppo Find X3 Pro has been awarded a Red Dot design award for its unique rear camera setup. It is one of the most powerful Snapdragon 888 phones, which also comes with 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, a 50MP triple rear camera and a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging.
Price in India
The Oppo Find X3 Pro India launch has not been confirmed yet, but European pricing pegs it at EUR 1,149 (approx. Rs 1.03 lakh).
Availability
There is no word right now regarding the availability of the Oppo Find X3 Pro in India.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great performance | Steep price point |
| Impressive camera setup |
Lenovo Legion 2 Pro
The Lenovo Legion 2 Pro features an incredibly unique design in terms of its rear camera, a pop-out front camera and a cooling mechanism. The smartphone features the Snapdragon 888 SoC, a 144Hz display with 6.92-inch screen size, 90W fast charging and a 44MP front camera that pops out from one side.
Price in India
The Lenovo Legion 2 Pro’s possible pricing in India has no indication as of now.
Availability
It is not clear as to when might the Legion 2 Pro be available in India.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extreme performance | Design not for all |
| Super fast charging | Too big to be ergonomic |
Black Shark 4 Pro
The Black Shark 4 Pro is Xiaomi’s gaming smartphone answer to the Lenovo Legion 2 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 5 series. It features the Snapdragon 888 SoC, along with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Other specs include a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate, and 120W fast charging to boot.
Price in India
There is no word regarding the price of the Black Shark 4 Pro in India. In China, the smartphone costs upward of CNY 3,999 (approx. Rs 45,000).
Availability
There is no clarity right now regarding its availability in India.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Specs rival other gaming phones | Base variant has only 8GB RAM |
| Super-fast fast charging | No in-display fingerprint sensor |
