The Indian smartphone market has become increasingly competitive, giving buyers multiple strong options in the premium mid-range segment. While the OnePlus 15R delivers a balanced combination of performance, design, and software experience, consumers today are not restricted to a single brand. Several smartphones in the same price category offer comparable—or even superior—features in areas such as camera quality, display technology, software updates, and durability.
Priced at Rs 47,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant and Rs 52,999 for the 16GB + 512GB version, the OnePlus 15R will go on sale starting December 22. For buyers exploring alternatives before making a purchase decision, here are five excellent smartphones in India worth considering.
1. Nothing Phone 3
The Nothing Phone 3 continues the brand’s tradition of offering a distinctive design paired with clean software. Its minimalist aesthetic and refined Glyph lighting interface help it stand out from typical smartphone designs.
The device features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and immersive media viewing. Powered by a Snapdragon processor and paired with 12GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and gaming efficiently.
Photography is supported by a 50MP primary camera capable of capturing sharp and detailed images in varied lighting conditions. The battery life is dependable for all-day usage, and fast charging support reduces downtime. Nothing OS offers a near-stock Android experience, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a clutter-free interface.
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) is designed for users who prioritize brand reliability and long-term support. It comes equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid performance and vibrant visuals.
Under the hood, Samsung’s Exynos chipset powers the device, supported by 8GB RAM and storage options up to 256GB. While it may not focus solely on raw power, it offers a balanced performance suitable for everyday tasks, gaming, and streaming.
The triple-camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor, performs consistently across daylight and low-light conditions. With IP-rated water and dust resistance and a 4,500mAh battery, the Galaxy S25 FE is built to handle daily wear and tear while maintaining dependable battery life.
3. Google Pixel 9a
For users who value timely software updates and camera excellence, the Google Pixel 9a stands out as a compelling alternative. Running on Android 15, the device is promised seven years of OS and security updates—making it one of the most future-proof options in this segment.
The Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch pOLED display with adaptive refresh rate support and high peak brightness levels. Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset and paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, it ensures smooth day-to-day performance.
The highlight remains its camera system. The 48MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) delivers detailed images, accurate colors, and strong low-light performance. Google’s computational photography continues to be a major advantage, especially for portrait and night photography.
4. Realme GT 7
The Realme GT 7 is built for performance enthusiasts. Featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor, it caters to gamers and power users seeking top-tier performance in this price segment.
The smartphone comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing sharp visuals and smooth animations. Running Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15, the device also introduces multiple AI-powered enhancements for productivity and imaging.
Its triple rear camera setup includes dual 50MP sensors, making it a strong contender for photography lovers. Additionally, the IP69 rating ensures improved resistance against dust and water, adding to its durability credentials.
5. Vivo V60
The Vivo V60 focuses heavily on display quality and camera performance. It features a 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering an immersive viewing experience.
Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, the device supports up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, making it suitable for heavy multitasking. Running Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, Vivo promises improved software stability and extended support.
The Zeiss-tuned camera system, featuring dual 50MP sensors, enhances photo clarity and color accuracy. The high-resolution front camera supports 4K video recording, making it appealing for vloggers and content creators.
While the OnePlus 15R remains a strong contender in its price range, these alternatives prove that Indian consumers have multiple compelling options. Whether your priority is clean software (Pixel 9a), performance (Realme GT 7), durability (Galaxy S25 FE), unique design (Nothing Phone 3), or premium imaging (Vivo V60), there is a device tailored to different user preferences.
Carefully evaluating features such as display quality, processor performance, camera capabilities, software updates, and battery life can help buyers choose the smartphone that best fits their needs and budget.
