Every year, a mighty number of new smartphones are launched. And the ones making the headlines are either iPhones, Samsung S Series, or Pixels.
What about the rest of the bunch that provides great value but is less hyped? This is the exact problem that I will be addressing today.
There are incredible deals from brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, or Vivo that people fail to notice because of the hype created around the big bulls of the game. To give you an idea, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is a fantastic phone with flagship-level features for around 500 bucks. Xiaomi Note 14 Pro+ is another smartphone with arguably the best bang for your buck.
There are more underrated Androids that I will be covering today. Such devices are more affordable and offer all the necessary features you need in your phone like a long-lasting battery, great camera system, fine performance, and more. Simply put, you can have a good mobile phone without burning a hole in your pocket.
So, without further ado, let us dive right into them.
OnePlus 12R: Everything Big at Low Price Point
This one is my favorite of the bunch. The OnePlus 12R delivers (almost) everything ranging from power to battery without costing an arm and a leg.
It has a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display at 120Hz, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a battery that easily lasts a day and a half. OnePlus has also nailed the software experience this time around with OxygenOS 15 – clean, snappy, and perfect for everyday use.
If you’re someone who loves gaming or multitasking on their phone, I can safely say that the 12R won’t disappoint.
I thoroughly tested it by playing heavy games like COD Mobile. It was giving a bit of lag on mobile data, which I wasn’t expecting at all. I think it was just my mobile data causing the throttle in the frame rates. To give it a fair front, I switched to my high-speed Xfinity home WiFi, which offers up to 1 gig internet speeds, network stability, and reliable Xfinity customer service. On WiFi, there was no throttle on the 12R and the experience was smooth like butter.
The only hole would be the camera system. Even though the main shooter captures incredible photos and videos, the 8MP ultra-wide lens and the 2MP macro lens are meh. The camera is holding it back to be deemed as a perfect phone for the price.
Oppo Reno 12 Pro: A Wallet-Friendly Flagship
Oppo is a brand that often flies under the radar, and its Reno 12 Pro is no exception.
With a stunning design that can be easily compared with the most expensive flagships, this phone is more than just a pretty face. Its camera system is capable of capturing vibrant photos even in low light, and the 120Hz curved display feels smooth.
The feature that makes Reno 12 Pro stand out? SuperVOOC charging. It powers up the Reno 12 Pro to 100% in 46 minutes. If you want style and substance in your phone with great cameras, the Reno 12 Pro is a solid pick.
The only downside to Reno 12 Pro would be the power: it houses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy, which isn’t a bleeding-edge performer.
Xiaomi Note 14 Pro+: The Best Bang for Your Buck
Xiaomi has built a reputation for offering feature-packed phones at competitive prices and the Note 14 Pro+ is just that. This phone comes with a massive 200MP camera, letting you take photos with incredible detail. Now, pair that with a long-lasting battery, and what you have is a device ready to keep up with your busy day.
But what really seals the deal is its pricing. You’re getting premium features at a fraction of the cost of high-end flagships, making this one of the cheapest Android phones of 2024.
Vivo X200 Pro 5G: An Ultra Without the Ultra Money
Vivo’s X200 Pro 5G feels like a flagship in every sense – except for the price. An incredible display, a robust chipset, and a camera setup that delivers sharp, detailed shots even in tricky conditions are characteristics of the X200 Pro 5G. The phone’s design is sleek, giving off major premium vibes.
What makes it special is how well it balances performance and affordability. If you can get along with FunTouch OS, which isn’t one of the best Android skins, X200 Pro would be just fine.
The bottom line is that if you want a device that checks all the boxes without breaking the bank, the X200 Pro 5G should be on your radar.
Motorola Razr+ 2024: A Folding Phone that I Love
Folding phones often come with hefty price tags: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is 1000 bucks. But the Motorola Razr+ 2024 offers a relatively accessible entry into this futuristic category.
Its compact foldable design is both stylish and practical, making it a great choice for those who appreciate innovation.
The Razr+ isn’t just about its unique form factor – it also delivers solid performance through the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a very capable camera system, and a vibrant inner display. If you’re itching to try a foldable without going all-in on the expensive models, there is nothing I can majorly complain about Raz+.
Let us get to the bottom line now. If you’d ask me which one would I pick, I am going to go for the OnePlus 12R. Yeah, the ultra-wide and macro lens are not top-notch, but I won’t be using them anyway. So, I am fine with this camera while I have all the bells & whistles of power, battery, and an attractive display.
