Top Flagship Smartphones Over Rs 90,000 [June 2024]

	4.5 ★	4.6 ★	4.4 ★	4.7 ★
	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra	Apple iPhone 15 Pro	Xiaomi 14 Ultra	vivo X100 Pro 5G
	₹ 91,480	₹ 134,900	₹ 99,999	₹ 69,990
Expert Score	8.7/10 by Expert	8.6/10 by Expert	8.3/10 by Expert	8.8/10 by Expert
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	Apple A17 Pro	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	MediaTek Dimensity 9300
Display	6.8″ (17.27 cm) 120Hz Display	6.1″ (15.49 cm) 120Hz Display	6.73″ (17.09 cm) 120Hz Display	6.78″ (17.22 cm) 120Hz Display
Rear Camera	200+12+10+50 MP Rear	48+12+12 MP Rear	50+50+50+50 MP Rear	50+50+50 MP Rear
Front Camera	12 MP Front	12 MP Front	32 MP Front	32 MP Front
RAM & Storage	12 GB RAM 256 GB Storage	8 GB RAM 128 GB Storage	16 GB RAM 512 GB Storage	16 GB RAM 512 GB Storage
Battery	5000 mAh 45W Charging	3274 mAh 20W Charging	5000 mAh 90W Charging	5400 mAh 100W Charging
OS	Android v14	iOS v17	Android v14	Android v14

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Software + Hardware + AI

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 Ultra this year alongside its companions—the Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S24+. This year, Samsung has heavily emphasised “AI” in their flagship lineup. But what else does the Galaxy S24 Ultra bring to the table? Let’s find out.

Starting with its size, the Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a big display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a sharp, responsive, and fluid visual experience. The Corning Gorilla Armour Glass adds durability, keeping the screen free from scratches even after weeks of heavy use.

The screen also performs admirably under bright light, reducing reflections. For multimedia, the phone offers an awesome experience. The stereo speakers complement the display, offering clear and powerful audio.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, a powerhouse in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, OnePlus 12, and iQOO 12. In the Antutu v10 benchmark, the S24 Ultra scored 1,918,818 points, an impressive feat, though the iQOO 12, at Rs 52,999, broke the 2 million mark, setting a high-performance bar.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra easily handles all tasks, from everyday operations to graphics-intensive games like BGMI. It delivers consistent 60fps in HDR graphics and Extreme frame rates without significant heating, which is commendable.

The phone runs on One UI 6.1, Samsung’s latest iteration of its user interface, known for its refined and minimalistic design, enhancing the user experience. Plus, Samsung’s promise of a seven-year update cycle means the S24 Ultra is built for the long haul, lasting well into 2031.

Daylight photos from the S24 Ultra are stunningly detailed and have a wide dynamic range. However, the camera’s slow shutter speed can be a downside when capturing fast-moving subjects. Portraits have excellent edge detection, though they may sometimes add a reddish tint to skin tones. When clicking a portrait picture with a group, this phone also tends to blur the third person.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Samples

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The camera’s performance in low light is a bit hit-or-miss. While it captures decent photos, there is noticeable noise around the edges. Selfies remain detailed and free from the red hue, which is a plus.

The S24 Ultra supports 45W charging. Unfortunately, you’ll need to buy a charger separately, as one isn’t included in the box. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to two days with light to moderate use. However, the charging speed is somewhat disappointing. It takes over an hour to fully charge, which feels slow for a 2024 device.

What sets the S24 Ultra apart are its AI features:

• Note-taking and Summarisation: The Galaxy Note app can summarise your notes effectively.
• Live Call Translation: Provides real-time translation during calls and records the chat history.
• Circle to Search: Similar to a feature on Pixel phones, this allows you to circle an item or person on the screen to find more information about them.
• Writing Style and Chat Translation: Offers presets to adjust the tone of your messages, helping you craft the perfect text.
• Voice Recording: This method records audio and transcribes it using Galaxy AI, though it may miss some details, making it less ideal for detailed meeting notes.

The S24 Ultra also features the iconic S Pen, perfect for artists and those who enjoy precise control. It’s handy for controlling media and taking photos, and the S Pen’s clicky button is a fun addition for those who like to fidget.

Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a top-tier choice for anyone seeking a smartphone that excels in hardware and software. It has a suite of AI features designed to make life easier. If you’re in the market for a high-end phone with a bit of everything, the S24 Ultra is worth considering.

iPhone 15 Pro: Not a Regular iPhone

The iPhone 15 Pro features a classy titanium construction. It offers vibrant and punchy colours that enhance multimedia viewing. The ProMotion display is a game-changer, with a 120Hz refresh rate that provides a smooth and responsive experience.

One of the notable changes is the replacement of the traditional mute switch with the new Action Button. This button can be customised for various functions. However, it can only be set to perform one task at a time, which might be a limitation for some. For instance, if you assign it to turn on the flashlight, that will be its sole function.

Performance-wise, the iPhone 15 Pro is a powerhouse. Equipped with the A17 Pro Chip, it effortlessly handles the most demanding games, including those with console-quality graphics. This performance leap is truly impressive.

It excels in capturing stunning daylight photos with both primary and ultra-wide lenses. The 3x telephoto lens offers good flexibility when capturing zoomed-in shots. There has been no major change from last year, but the reliability factor remains.

iPhone 15 Pro Camera Samples

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The video features of the iPhone Pro models are predominantly designed for professionals rather than everyday consumers. Footage captured at any resolution boasts excellent colours and details. Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro is one of the top choices for both videographers and photographers.

One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro is the introduction of a USB-C port, aligning it with other devices and eliminating the need for separate charging cables. This makes it more convenient for users who carry both Android and iPhone devices. The battery life is still pretty average, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. However, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the charging adapter must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.

iOS 17 enhances the user experience with a range of new features. Lock screen customisation, the Dynamic Island interface, StandBy Mode, and the Always-On Display contribute to a faster, more versatile, and user-friendly operating system.

The iPhone 15 Pro is a versatile device that excels in every area, from daily tasks to high-end gaming. Its robust design, superior performance, and advanced features make it a top contender for anyone seeking a premium smartphone experience.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra: A Top-Notch Camera Phone

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features a synthetic leather-like back, giving it a premium feel and a secure grip. This feature particularly benefits those who prefer using their phone without a case. Compared to its predecessor, the camera module on the 14 Ultra is even more pronounced. Though it’s a hefty device, its durability is commendable. It can withstand multiple drops without much concern.

In a significant upgrade, Xiaomi has equipped the 14 Ultra with its shield glass instead of Corning Gorilla Glass. This new glass is touted to provide ten times better drop resistance. The in-display fingerprint sensor is well-placed, though it might be slightly high for users with shorter fingers.

A unique aspect of this phone is its resemblance to a professional camera when viewed horizontally. This often leads to curious questions like, “Is this really a smartphone?”

The impressive display boasts a peak brightness of 3000 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight. The audio quality from the speakers is good, delivering clear and moderately loud sound, though it doesn’t quite match the superior quality of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers decent battery performance but doesn’t outshine its competitors in this segment. The included 90W charger can fully charge the phone in about 1 hour and 15 minutes—not the fastest, but adequate for most users.

The 14 Ultra operates on HyperOS, a system similar to MIUI but with significant improvements, such as a refreshed interface and new features like multi-window support. However, despite the premium price of Rs 99,999, bloatware might disappoint users who expect a cleaner interface from such a high-end device.

Regarding performance, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, scoring 1,993,040 points on the Antutu v10 benchmark. This score slightly surpasses the Galaxy S24 Ultra and approaches the 2 million mark, indicating exceptional performance.

The 14 Ultra easily handles everyday tasks and demanding games like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile at their highest settings. However, despite its strong gaming performance, the 14 Ultra is primarily marketed as a camera-centric phone.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Samples

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The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera system has seen considerable improvements. It features two telephoto lenses capable of focusing on objects as close as 10cm. The camera delivers bright, sharp, and crisp images with minimal noise, providing rich details that satisfy photography enthusiasts.

When Xiaomi says the 14 Ultra is a camera phone, they mean it. The camera capabilities are exceptional, complemented by solid overall performance and an eye-catching design. However, the software could be a sticking point for some, as it still requires dealing with pre-installed apps that may not appeal to everyone.

Vivo X100 Pro: A PRO-tographer

The Vivo X100 Pro boasts a massive camera module that dominates its design, reminiscent of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This distinctive feature does stand out, although it may feel a bit cumbersome for users with smaller hands. However, the phone’s curved edges offer a more comfortable grip than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, adding to its premium look and feel.

With a hefty 5400mAh battery, the X100 Pro outshines the Xiaomi 14 Ultra by 400mAh. It delivers a respectable seven and a half to eight hours of screen-on time and impressive standby performance. The phone includes a 100W charging adapter in the box, which can fully charge the device in just 43 minutes, which is excellent.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, the X100 Pro deviates from the Qualcomm chipset trend in other devices on this list. While its performance may not match its counterparts, scoring 1,793,386 points on the Antutu v10 benchmark, it still holds its own in this competitive segment.

Multitasking is seamless on this phone, and the 120Hz refresh rate enhances the overall experience, making it feel exceptionally smooth. With sharp and detailed visuals, watching YouTube and Netflix shows is a pleasure. Moreover, gaming on the X100 Pro is enjoyable, even at the highest settings, although prolonged gaming sessions may lead to overheating issues.

The phone runs on FunTouch OS 14, which is average at best. The notification system, in particular, could use significant refinement. These minor issues can be frustrating, especially given the device’s premium price.

Now, let’s talk about the main highlight of this phone: the cameras. Daylight shots, whether taken with the main, ultrawide, or telephoto lenses, are superb. Portrait photos offer excellent edge detection and capture details that closely resemble reality, even in low-light conditions. Vivo has excelled in the camera department with the X100 Pro. Low-light photography produces minimal noise, but the phone struggles with bright lights in such conditions, resulting in visible light streaks that give an artificial look. Nevertheless, the images are impressive across various scenarios.

Vivo X100 Pro Camera Samples

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The Vivo X100 Pro offers professional-grade photography and solid performance, although its software experience leaves room for refinement.

Finally…

We hope this buying guide will aid you in discovering the ideal flagship to suit your requirements. As the landscape evolves, with new models entering the over Rs 90,000 price range, we’ll diligently update our recommendations. Happy shopping.