In a sea of uninspiring smartphone designs, a few devices manage to break the mould with their distinct look and feel. In some cases, this uniqueness isn’t just cosmetic—it also brings added functionality, improving the overall value of the device.
Here are five such smartphones from well-known brands, each with a character of its own:
Nothing CMF Phone 1
If you love dressing up your smartphone as much as yourself, this is the perfect device to consider. It features easily swappable colourful back panels—just as simple as changing a case. Plus, you can even 3D-print your own for a truly personalized touch. Beyond aesthetics, the CMF Phone 1 (review) supports a range of accessories, including an external wallet, kickstand, lanyard, and more.
The back panel of the Phone 1 can be removed and replaced using a regular screwdriver (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
You can grab the CMF Phone 1 for under Rs 13,000 on platforms like Zepto, making it not just a stylish choice but also one of the best budget 5G smartphones at this price.
Realme Narzo 70 Turbo
An eye-catching, gaming-centric phone with a sharp, distinctive design. The race car-inspired dual-tone back panel, especially in the Turbo Yellow variant, gives it a premium and sporty appeal. Its centrally placed, square-shaped camera island further enhances the clean and modern aesthetic.
realme Narzo 70 Turbo. (Express Photo)
Under the hood, the Realme 70 Turbo packs the Dimensity 7300 Energy chip, making it one of the most capable smartphones available for under Rs 17,000. It’s perfect for those who want a device that delivers both style and performance.
Tecno Pova 6 Pro
A smartphone that looks straight out of the future, featuring a cyber-mecha-inspired design with a mini-LED-powered dynamic lighting system on the back. Beyond its striking aesthetics, it packs impressive hardware, including a massive 6,000mAh battery and support for 70W fast wired charging for Rs 19,999.
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The device has a massive 6,000 mAh battery (Image credit: Tecno)
While it may not be the most powerful gaming phone, the Dimensity 6080 chipset ensures smooth performance for most games. Plus, the device boasts a 108MP main camera, adding to its overall appeal.
Lava Blaze Duo
This budget smartphone, priced at Rs 16,999, stands out with a secondary display—making it the most affordable phone to offer this feature. From the front, the Lava Blaze Duo looks as premium as any high-end device, boasting a 3D curved display with slim bezels. On the back, its rectangular secondary screen serves as a handy window for notifications and even doubles as a viewfinder.
Lava Blaze Duo. (Express Photo)
Beyond its cool aesthetics, the phone brings a touch of practicality, offering a clean stock Android experience with no bloatware.
Infinix GT 20 Pro
Priced slightly over Rs 20,000, the GT 20 Pro (review) is another gaming-centric smartphone with a fresh cyber-mecha design. Powered by the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chip, along with 8GB/12GB RAM and 256GB of storage, the phone blazes through almost any game with ease. Its flat display is particularly useful for gamers.
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The cooling fan magnetically attached to the phone (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The phone also supports various accessories, including an active cooling fan. Additionally, it features a 5,000mAh battery with bypass charging support and offers a bloatware-free user experience.
