When you hear “flagship killer,” you likely think of phones that offer top-tier specs and performance at a fraction of the cost of premium models like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra or Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. These phones challenge big-name flagships and make you wonder why you should pay more when you can get nearly everything for less.
In 2024, competition in this space is fierce. Phones are getting better, but so are the demands. People now want strong performance, stunning screens, premium designs, and reliable cameras—all without overspending. While compromises are inevitable, some brands have really figured out how to strike the right balance.
Here we will go through the list of best flagship killers you can buy in India.
1. Vivo V40 Pro
The Vivo V40 Pro makes a strong case as the more style-conscious sibling in the flagship-killer category. Its design feels premium, with a slim profile and a curved display that gives it a more expensive look and feel.
Under the hood, it packs the MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9200+ chipset that can handle everything you throw at it with ease. The display is another high point—a vibrant AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, though it doesn’t reach the QHD+ resolution we have in another option in this list.
The camera system is the major highlight of the V40 Pro. It has a trio of 50MP sensors for wide, telephoto, and ultrawide shots. All the sensors use Zeiss lenses and the camera app offers numerous Zeiss portrait presets, similar to what you get on Vivo’s X-series.
Despite, its slim 7.6mm body, Vivo has managed to fit in a big 5500mAh cell here. Charging comes at 80W, though it does not support wireless charging.
2. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
Motorola has been quietly crafting excellent phones, and the Edge 50 Ultra is a shining example of that effort. It’s a well-rounded flagship killer that doesn’t necessarily excel in one area but delivers solid performance across the board.
It’s powered by a near flagship Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and delivers a near-stock Android experience that feels light, fast, and refreshingly simple compared to the bloatware-laden alternatives.
The Edge 50 Ultra’s display is a 6.7-inch OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate—the fastest of the bunch. Gamers and anyone who loves ultra-smooth scrolling will appreciate this detail.
The phone has a comparatively smaller 4800mAh cell but makes up for its with 125W fast charging. There’s even support for 50W wireless charging. It won’t outlast the Vivo V40 Pro, but it won’t leave you scrambling for a charger midday either.
As for the cameras, you get a 50MP wide, 64MP periscope telephoto and a 50MP ultrawide camera on the back, and a 50MP selfie camera on the front.
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Motorola Edge 50 Ultra 5G (Nordic Wood) | Check Price on Amazon |
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3. Xiaomi 14 Civi
Xiaomi is no stranger to the flagship-killer category, and the 14 Civi is its latest contender. As always, Xiaomi’s strength lies in offering impressive hardware at competitive prices.
The 14 Civi boasts a gorgeous 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s sharp, colorful, and plenty bright for outdoor use. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor keeps everything running smoothly, whether you’re gaming or multitasking.
Where the 14 Civi stands out is its design and build quality. It’s slim, lightweight, and looks more premium than its price tag suggests. Xiaomi also focuses heavily on its selfie camera, with a 32MP front shooter that’s perfect for social media enthusiasts.
The rear cameras are solid too, though not as versatile as the iQOO or Vivo. Battery life is good, and 67W fast charging gets the job done quickly.
The Xiaomi 14 Civi is a great pick for anyone who wants a stylish, well-rounded phone without spending flagship money. It just lacks that final push to take the top spot.
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4. iQOO 12
The iQOO 12 is the most well-rounded flagship killer this year. It has the brains, the looks, and a surprisingly competent camera system—all for a price that significantly undercuts big-name flagships.
Let’s talk performance first. iQOO didn’t hold back here. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the same processor you’ll find in devices that cost almost twice as much. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or jumping between demanding apps, the iQOO 12 keeps up without breaking a sweat. It’s snappy, smooth, and offers the kind of performance that most people actually notice.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is another standout feature. It’s sharp, bright, and boasts a 144Hz refresh rate. You won’t see many mid-range phones with this level of smoothness, and it makes everything—scrolling, gaming, or just browsing Instagram—feel ultra-responsive.
On the design side, iQOO 12 feels premium without trying too hard. The build quality is excellent, with glass on both sides and an aluminum frame. It looks and feels like it belongs in the flagship league.
Its camera setup includes a 50MP main, 64MP periscope telephoto with 3x zoom, a 50MP ultrawide lens on the rear, and a 16MP sensor on the front.
Finally, it will offer a dependable battery life. Fueling the phone is a 5,000mAh cell that should last a full day, even with some heavy usage. And it has 120W fast charging support. You can go from zero to 100% in under 30 minutes.
At its price, the iQOO 12 doesn’t just look like a flagship—it performs like one too. And that’s why it’s our top pick.
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iQOO 12 5G (Legend, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage) | India’s 1st Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform |… | Check Price on Amazon |
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
5. The Verdict
If you’re looking for a flagship killer in 2024, the iQOO 12 is the phone to beat. It offers flagship-level performance, a stunning display, a versatile camera setup, and fast charging—all for a considerably lower asking price.
The Vivo V40 Pro, Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, and Xiaomi 14 Civi are excellent alternatives, each with its own strengths. Vivo wins on design and portraits, Motorola offers a clean and stylish experience, and Xiaomi packs value into a sleek form factor.
At the end of the day, it’s a great time to shop for a phone. The flagship killer segment is thriving, and you no longer have to settle for “good enough.” Phones like the iQOO 12 are proving that you can get top-tier performance and features without emptying your wallet.
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