The iPhone 16 remains a top choice for many premium smartphone buyers in India, largely due to its cutting-edge artificial intelligence, known as Apple Intelligence, a dual-camera setup, and seamless integration with iOS and the Apple ecosystem. However, it does have a few limitations—most notably, its 6.1-inch AMOLED display only offers a 60Hz refresh rate. Additionally, at Rs.Rs79,900, you might expect more than a relatively small 6.1-inch screen. Fortunately, there are several Android options that not only come with larger screens but also include higher refresh rates, all for either a similar price or less. Here are five top alternatives to consider:
1. iPhone 15 Plus
While still an Apple product, the iPhone 15 Plus is a strong contender on this list due to its larger 6.7-inch screen. Although it shares the same 60Hz refresh rate as the iPhone 16, the expanded display size might appeal to those who prioritize screen real estate. Priced around Rs65,000 on major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, the iPhone 15 Plus offers value with its dual-camera system—featuring a 48MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lens—similar to the iPhone 16.
2. Google Pixel 9
For those curious about switching from iOS to Android, the Google Pixel 9 offers a smooth transition experience. Its clean Android interface is closer to iOS than Samsung’s One UI, making the adjustment easier. The Pixel 9 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a smoother experience compared to the iPhone 16’s 60Hz. It also boasts high peak brightness and a choice of appealing colors such as Wintergreen, Peony, Porcelain, and Obsidian. At Rs79,900, the same price as the iPhone 16, the Pixel 9 comes with 256GB of base storage—providing better value for your money.
3. Oppo Find X8
The Oppo Find X8 is a compelling choice, especially for those who want standout camera features. It comes equipped with a triple-camera system, co-engineered with Hasselblad, and boasts a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen has a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, ideal for outdoor viewing. It also includes advanced AI functionalities like AI Clarity, AI Reflection Removal, AI Unblur, and AI Magic Editor. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400, the base model is priced at ₹69,999, featuring ample storage and RAM options, going up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
4. Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is an excellent all-around flagship choice in the Android segment. It sports a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. This model also has a versatile triple-camera setup and offers features like Google Circle, live translation, instant slow-motion transcription, and photo assistance tools. Priced at Rs79,999 on Samsung’s official website, the Galaxy S24 Plus provides 256GB of storage with 8GB of RAM, with a 128GB variant available at a lower price of ₹74,999.
5. Xiaomi 14
Although Xiaomi's latest 15 series has already launched in China and is heading to India, the Xiaomi 14 is currently available at a significantly discounted price on Amazon. You can find it for as low as Rs49,999, making it a budget-friendly alternative. This model features a 50MP triple-camera setup enhanced by Leica, and a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a size that’s neither too big nor too small. The Xiaomi 14 comes with 12GB of RAM as standard and 512GB of onboard storage, making it an attractive deal. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the same processor found in top-tier phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While the Xiaomi 14 offers great specs for the price, it's worth noting that Xiaomi’s Hyper OS might not appeal to everyone.