The smartphone industry has reached a point where upgrades are iterative, which makes it less appealing to buy a new smartphone every year. However, with the new Silicon-Carbon battery technology and IP69 ratings, phones are not only becoming more practical but becoming more durable as well.
An IP69 rating not only makes the phone waterproof but also makes it resistant to high-pressure water jets. This means you can confidently use your phone in heavy rain, under a shower, take it for rafting trips, or even near a waterfall. While IP68 may be more than enough for most users if you’re living in a region with frequent rainfalls or often take your phone on outdoor adventures, here are some of the best IP69-rated smartphones available right now.
Poco X7 Pro has a dual-tone finish. (Express Photo)
Poco X7 Pro
Launched earlier this month, the Poco X7 Pro is a mid-range device that offers great bang for the buck. Featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, which performs similarly to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the Poco X7 Pro has a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen that is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i.
It also happens to be the first phone in India to come with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15 out of the box. While the phone easily outperforms most smartphones in its price bracket, the dual camera setup that consists of a 50MP primary shooter and an 8MP ultrawide lens may be a letdown for those who often take photos.
However, Poco has made up for the above-average camera by packing in an impressive 6,550mAh battery that charges at 90W. If you are looking for a durable phone that can easily last for years to come and don’t mind an average ultrawide shooter and lack of a telephoto lens, the Poco X7 Pro is an easy recommendation. It is priced at Rs 27,999.
Realme 14 Pro Plus is the first phone to have a temperature sensitive colour changing back panel. (Express Photo)
Realme 14 Pro Plus
The Realme 14 Pro Plus is neither the fastest phone in its price bracket nor the best, but it does stand out in a sea pool of similar-looking smartphones with its unique colour-changing back on the white variant.
Realme says the phone changes colour when exposed to liquid under 16 degrees Celsius, with the back panel turning blue. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, the Realme 14 Pro Plus has a huge quad-curved 6.83-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen that also happens to use Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i.
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The phone runs on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15 out of the box and comes with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The back of the phone has a huge circular island that houses a 50MP primary camera in addition to a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and an 8MP ultrawide shooter.
All of this is backed by a 6,000mAh battery that supports 80W wired charging. If you are looking to buy a phone with good cameras, don’t play games and want a phone that stands out, the Realme 14 Pro Plus is an easy choice. The 8GB RAM and 128GB variant of the phone is priced at Rs 29,999.
Oppo Reno 13 is powered by the Dimensity 8350 chipset. (Image Source: Oppo)
Oppo Reno 13
Want a premium-looking phone that has all the bells and whistles of a flagship without spending a ton of money? If your answer is yes, make sure to check out the Oppo Reno 13.
Featuring the Dimensity 8350 chipset, the Reno 13 has a.659-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen and runs on ColorOS 15 based on Android 15. It has a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. While it may not have the best camera in its price range, the Oppo Reno 13 does cater to selfie lovers with its 50MP front camera, which can record videos in 4K at 30 fps.
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Oppo has also packed the phone with several AI features, and the Reno 13 comes with a 5,600mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. If you take a lot of selfies and don’t use the ultrawide or telephoto shooter, the Oppo Reno 13 with its minimalistic design and aluminium frame might appeal to you. The Oppo Reno 13 starts from rs 37,999.
The OnePlus 13 has a premium vegan leather back. (Express Photo)
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 is undoubtedly one of the best flagships of 2025. Featuring Qualcomm’s fastest chipset – the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the OnePlus 13 performs on almost all fronts. It has a 6.82-inch LTPO 120Hz AMOLED screen protected by Ceramic Guard glass, which is used by Apple on the latest iPhones.
Running on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the phone will get 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches. The back of the phone has a circular island that houses a 50MP primary shooter, a 50MP periscope telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom and a 50MP ultrawide sensor.
It also happens to be one of the first flagship phones of the year to sport a 6,000mAh battery, which means it can easily last two days with low to moderate usage. If you are looking for a flagship phone that can do it, the OnePlus 13 (review) is definitely the way to go. It starts from Rs 69,998 on Amazon.
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The Oppo Find X8 is a compact flagship with great cameras. (Image Source: Oppo)
Oppo Find X8
Are you an outdoor enthusiast who wants a compact phone that can easily survive rough conditions? The Oppo Find X8 might just be the phone for you. This compact smartphone has a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen and is powered by the Dimensity 9400, MediaTek’s Snapdragon 8 Elite competitor and fastest chipset to date.
Oppo says the Find X8 runs on ColorOS 15 out of the box and will get 5 OS updates. Weighing just 193 grams, it has an aluminium frame and comes with a huge 5,630mAh battery that supports 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. The back of the phone once again has a circular island that houses a 50MP primary camera alongside a 50MP ultrawide shooter and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, all tuned by Hasselblad.
If you are someone who is always on the go, the Find X8 can be a great companion to all your outdoor adventures. The base variant of the Oppo Find X8 that comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at Rs 69,999.
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