Amit Bhawani, founder of PhoneRadar, one of India’s top tech review channels, opened up about YouTube earnings, paid reviews, and the changing creator landscape in a recent episode of the podcast, PowerUp with Pradeep.
He peeled back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes of tech YouTube channels, from how much creators actually earn to the delicate balance between honest reviews and brand sponsorships. Known for his straightforward opinions and deep industry experience, Amit shared candid insights that many aspiring YouTubers and long-time viewers have always wondered about.
Amit Bhawani isn’t just another face in India’s tech community. He first made his mark through his popular tech website PhoneRadar.com, which became a trusted space for unbiased gadget reviews and tech updates.
Later, he took the leap into YouTube, starting a channel under the same name before rebranding it to MasterGadgets. His videos, often filled with practical advice, real-world testing, and honest opinions, earned him a loyal audience of millions.
Even though he’s less active on YouTube these days, Amit’s influence continues to shape how creators and audiences understand the world of gadgets and tech journalism.
In the podcast, Amit talked openly about the financial realities of being a tech creator, and his honesty was both refreshing and revealing. Around 2018, when his channel had nearly 900,000 subscribers, he said that his ad revenue from YouTube alone averaged ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per video.
But the bigger paychecks came through sponsored collaborations, especially during major product launches from brands like Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, and other brands. He has even charged ₹11 Lakh for a sponsored video to some brands during his peak time on YouTube.
He pointed out that while many tech creators receive high-end products for free, those gadgets don’t count as real income. Behind each glossy unboxing lies significant production cost, from studio setup and lighting to the time invested by editors, writers, and on-screen hosts. The earnings that viewers see often get reinvested into keeping the channel running smoothly.
Amit also reflected on how the tech video scene has evolved, especially on YouTube. He believes the platform’s golden years of easy growth are now behind it. With content saturation and shorter attention spans, audiences are increasingly turning to Instagram Reels and TikTok for bite-sized updates. Even established creators now face slower growth and a need to adapt to algorithm shifts that reward consistency and variety over deep-dive content.
Still, Amit remains optimistic but realistic. He spoke about how sponsored vs. unsponsored content continues to define credibility in the tech world. Creators must constantly strike a balance between being transparent with their viewers and maintaining healthy relationships with brands. According to him, honesty may sometimes cost short-term deals, but it builds long-term trust, a creator’s most valuable currency.
The discussion also expanded beyond content creation, touching on India’s larger tech industry shifts. Amit spoke about the growing “China+1” strategy, a global movement encouraging countries to reduce dependency on Chinese manufacturing.
He believes this opens major opportunities for Indian brands and startups to innovate and grow. Creators, he said, play a crucial role in this shift by educating audiences and promoting awareness of new Indian tech initiatives.
Looking ahead, Amit highlighted AI and wearable technology as the next big frontiers for content creators. He sees generative AI tools changing how creators produce, edit, and personalize videos, while wearable tech, from smart rings to health trackers, will bring new excitement to the gadget space.
For YouTubers, this evolution isn’t just about reviewing products, it’s about rethinking how technology fits into everyday life and storytelling.
Even after years in the field, Amit Bhawani’s perspective remains grounded. He’s clear that success on YouTube isn’t just about views or sponsorships, it’s about consistency, credibility, and curiosity.
His story is a reminder that behind every flashy unboxing or trending review lies discipline, business sense, and the constant challenge of staying true to one’s voice in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Amit’s conversation with Pradeep Bharade stands out because it’s not just about numbers, it’s about the mindset required to survive and evolve as a creator. In an era where content is everywhere and authenticity is rare, his openness about income, struggles, and industry trends offers a real and relatable look into the Indian tech creator world.
