Author: Abhishek

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi 12 5G in August 2023 as an affordable route into 5G, starting at Rs 11,999 for 4 GB and 128 GB. It was one of the first phones globally to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, and its glass back gave it a more premium look than most phones under Rs 12,000.

    The 6.79-inch LCD runs at 90 Hz with full HD+ resolution, large and sharp enough for video, though it lacks the contrast of AMOLED. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 handles everyday apps smoothly and supports UFS 2.2 storage, but gaming is limited to lighter titles. The 50 MP main camera is serviceable in daylight; the 2 MP depth sensor adds little. A 5,000 mAh battery delivers long runtime, while 18 W charging is slow.

    It competed with the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, the Realme Narzo 60x and the Lava Blaze 5G. The Galaxy M14 offered a bigger 6,000 mAh battery, but the Redmi 12 5G felt nicer in hand and had a faster chip. The Poco M6 Pro 5G, launched alongside, offered essentially the same hardware at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 11,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight199 g
    ColoursJade Black, Moonstone Silver, Pastel Blue

    What we like

    • Affordable 5G with a modern Snapdragon chip
    • Large 90 Hz full HD+ display
    • Premium-looking glass back
    • Expandable storage and headphone jack

    What could be better

    • Slow 18 W charging
    • LCD lacks AMOLED contrast
    • Secondary camera is filler

    Who should buy it

    First-time 5G buyers on a tight budget who want a big screen and dependable battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G

    Launched in December 2024, the Note 14 Pro+ 5G finally gave the Redmi Note line a proper telephoto camera. Priced from Rs 29,999, it sits at the top of the range and carries Xiaomi's Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, an IP68 rating with additional IP66 and IP69 claims, and a large silicon-carbon battery.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a modest upgrade over the previous Dimensity 7200 Ultra, comfortable for everyday use and most games. The curved 1.5K AMOLED panel is bright and accurate. The camera set includes a 50 MP Light Fusion 800 main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2.5x telephoto that makes portraits and mid-range zoom far more useful than on earlier Notes. The 6,200 mAh battery is a standout, and 90 W charging keeps top-ups short.

    It went up against the Realme 14 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 4. The Nord 4 had a faster chip and metal body, while the Realme matched the zoom. The Note 14 Pro+ is the most balanced of the group, with battery life as its trump card.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2.5x telephoto
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6200 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitan Black, Spectre Blue, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Useful 2.5x telephoto camera
    • Large 6,200 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 plus IP69 claims
    • Bright curved 1.5K screen

    What could be better

    • Chip is only a small step up
    • Ultrawide remains basic
    • Pricier than earlier Pro+ models in higher variants

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a telephoto camera and multi-day battery life without paying flagship prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G

    The Note 14 Pro 5G launched in India in December 2024 at Rs 23,999. Xiaomi moved the curved display and IP68 protection, previously reserved for the Pro+, down into the Pro model, and gave it a squarer camera surround that makes it look distinct from the Note 13 Pro. It also ships with HyperOS rather than MIUI.

    Its Dimensity 7300 Ultra is efficient and fast enough for most users, handling multitasking and popular games at medium-to-high settings. The 6.67-inch curved 1.5K AMOLED screen is bright and smooth. Xiaomi dropped the 200 MP sensor in favour of a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, a trade that improves consistency more than outright detail. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well past a day on 45 W charging.

    In this segment it faced the Realme 14 Pro, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, the Poco X7 and the OnePlus Nord CE4. The Edge 50 Fusion offered a similarly premium curved design, and the Nord CE4 faster charging. The Note 14 Pro's advantage is the combination of a tough IP68 build and long battery life at a fair price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    ColoursTitan Black, Phantom Purple, Ivy Green

    What we like

    • IP68 durability at a mid-range price
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Long battery life
    • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Ultra

    What could be better

    • 45 W charging is slow for a 5,500 mAh battery
    • No telephoto lens
    • Less main-camera detail than the old 200 MP sensor

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a tough, premium-looking mid-ranger with excellent battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Note 14 5G in December 2024, earlier than the usual January slot, at Rs 17,999 for the 6 GB and 128 GB model. It follows the formula of its predecessor: a flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a slim body with a headphone jack, and HyperOS replacing MIUI out of the box. Dust and water protection improves to IP64.

    The Dimensity 7025 Ultra is a mild upgrade over the Note 13's Dimensity 6080 and copes with daily use and moderate gaming. Xiaomi swapped the 108 MP sensor for a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, which produces more natural colours and better low-light shots. The battery grows to 5,110 mAh and charging speed rises to 45 W, a meaningful improvement for heavy users.

    Rivals around its price included the Samsung Galaxy M35, the Realme 14x, the Poco X6 Neo and the Moto G85. The Moto G85 offered a curved pOLED and cleaner Android, while the Galaxy M35 had longer update support. The Note 14 5G wins with its stabilised main camera and good all-round balance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5110 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursTitan Black, Mystique White, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Stabilised 50 MP Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 45 W charging and larger battery
    • Headphone jack kept

    What could be better

    • Modest gaming performance
    • Ultrawide and macro add little
    • Preinstalled apps on HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a dependable everyday phone with a steadier camera than most rivals at the price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 13 Pro+ 5G arrived in January 2024 as the most premium Redmi Note yet. Xiaomi gave it a curved 1.5K AMOLED display, a vegan-leather option in its Fusion colourways, and an IP68 rating, a first for the Note line. At Rs 31,999 it competed directly with phones that had traditionally sat a class above Redmi.

    Performance comes from the Dimensity 7200 Ultra, a solid upper mid-range chip that runs games smoothly at moderate settings and stays efficient. The 200 MP main camera uses a larger sensor than the Note 13 Pro's and delivers good dynamic range, although the ultrawide and macro remain basic. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 120 W, reaching full in about 20 minutes, and the curved screen makes the phone feel slimmer in hand.

    Its main rivals were the Realme 12 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope zoom, the OnePlus Nord 3 with a stronger Dimensity 9000, and the Motorola Edge 40. The Note 13 Pro+ stands out on durability and charging speed, but lacks a telephoto camera and drops the headphone jack that the cheaper Note models keep.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFusion White, Fusion Purple, Fusion Black

    What we like

    • IP68 dust and water resistance
    • 120 W charging
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Premium design options

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera at this price
    • No headphone jack, unlike cheaper Notes
    • MIUI bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, premium-feeling Redmi with fast charging and a great screen.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

    Launched in January 2024, the Note 13 Pro 5G took the 200 MP camera that had been exclusive to the previous year's Pro+ and made it the centrepiece of a cheaper model. Its 6.67-inch flat AMOLED panel moved up to 1.5K resolution, and Xiaomi kept practical touches such as the headphone jack and IR blaster while adding IP54 protection.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is efficient rather than fast; it handles everyday tasks fluidly and runs popular games at medium settings, though it trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Pro+. The screen is excellent for the price, crisp and bright. The 200 MP main camera with OIS captures detailed daylight images and holds up reasonably well at night. A 5,100 mAh battery and 67 W charging mean a full charge in under an hour.

    Competition was fierce: the Poco X6 Pro offered a much faster Dimensity 8300 for less, the Realme 12 Pro added a telephoto lens, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 had cleaner software. The Note 13 Pro is the balanced choice for those who value screen and camera over benchmark scores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Coral Purple, Midnight Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 200 MP OIS main camera
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • 67 W charging with a 5,100 mAh cell

    What could be better

    • Chip is slower than rivals like the Poco X6 Pro
    • Ultrawide and macro cameras are basic
    • Ships with an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want a sharp screen and a strong main camera in a practical, well-rounded phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G

    Xiaomi positioned the Note 13 5G as the stylish entry model of its 2024 Note range, starting at Rs 16,999. The design is the main upgrade over the Note 12 5G: slimmer at under 8 mm, lighter at about 174 g, with thinner bezels around the 6.67-inch AMOLED panel. It keeps a headphone jack and IR blaster and adds IP54 dust and splash resistance.

    The Dimensity 6080 is a small step up from the outgoing Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, fine for social media, streaming and light games. The screen is the highlight, bright and smooth at 120 Hz. A 108 MP main camera takes sharp daylight photos, but low-light results are soft and the 8 MP ultrawide is average. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, recharged at 33 W.

    In early 2024 it competed with the Samsung Galaxy M34, Realme 12 5G, Lava's Agni 2 and Motorola's G54. The Moto G54 offered cleaner software and the Galaxy M34 a bigger battery, while the Note 13 5G wins on display quality and design. Gamers would be better served by the Poco X6 Neo or iQOO Z-series.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 16,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight174.5 g
    ColoursArctic White, Prism Gold, Stealth Black

    What we like

    • Slim, light design with thin bezels
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED display
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster retained
    • IP54 protection

    What could be better

    • Average chip for gaming
    • 33 W charging only
    • Low-light photos are soft

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a light, good-looking budget phone with a quality screen for streaming and everyday apps.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 12 Pro+ 5G sat at the top of Redmi's January 2023 line-up and leaned on two spec-sheet headlines: a 200 MP Samsung HPX main sensor with optical stabilisation and 120 W wired charging. At Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB it pushed the Note series closer to the upper mid-range than it had ever been, and brought a more premium glass-back design to match.

    The 6.67-inch OLED panel runs at 120 Hz and is sharp and vivid. Performance comes from the Dimensity 1080, a capable but not class-leading chip; it handles everyday use and casual gaming well but trails the Snapdragon 778G found in some rivals. The 200 MP sensor bins down to 12.5 MP by default and delivers detailed daylight shots, though the 8 MP ultrawide is a clear step down. The 4,980 mAh battery refills in roughly 20 minutes.

    Rivals included the Realme 10 Pro+, the iQOO Neo 7 and the Poco X5 Pro, with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 arriving later. The iQOO Neo 7 offered a much faster chip at a similar price, so the Note 12 Pro+ made more sense for camera and charging buyers than for gamers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4980 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black

    What we like

    • Detailed 200 MP main camera with OIS
    • Very fast 120 W charging
    • Sharp 120 Hz OLED display

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is slower than similarly priced rivals
    • Weak ultrawide and filler macro camera
    • Heavy MIUI with preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise main-camera detail and very fast charging over raw gaming performance.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G

    Launched in January 2023 as the entry point of the Note 12 family, the Redmi Note 12 5G took over from the very popular Note 11 series with one headline change: an AMOLED display at 120 Hz in a phone starting at Rs 17,999. It kept the familiar flat-sided Redmi look, a headphone jack, an IR blaster and a microSD slot, all of which still matter to many buyers in this price band.

    The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a modest chip. Daily apps, social media and video run smoothly, but heavier games need reduced settings. The 48 MP main camera produces decent daylight photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro add little. A 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half, though 33 W charging is slow next to rivals offering 67 W.

    Its competition at launch included the iQOO Z6 Lite, the Realme 10 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy M-series. The Realme 10 Pro had a faster chip on paper, and the Moto G-series offered cleaner software, but few rivals matched the Note 12's screen quality at the price. MIUI's preinstalled apps and ads remain the main irritation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight188 g
    ColoursMystique Blue, Frosted Green, Matte Black

    What we like

    • 120 Hz AMOLED screen at a budget price
    • Long battery life
    • Headphone jack, IR blaster and microSD slot
    • IP53 splash resistance

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 struggles with demanding games
    • 33 W charging is slow for the segment
    • Bloatware and ads in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a good AMOLED screen and dependable battery life for everyday use rather than gaming.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    Xiaomi brought the 15 Ultra to India in March 2025 in a single 16 GB and 512 GB configuration, priced above most Android rivals and pitched less as an all-rounder than as a camera you can make calls on. The Leica co-branding, the large circular camera island and the optional photography grip kit all push the same message: this phone is for people who shoot a lot and care about how the files look.

    Under the glass sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which handles games, 4K video and heavy multitasking with ease, and a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel at 1440p that is bright and accurate. The rear array is the real story: a 1-inch type main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP 3x telephoto and a 200 MP periscope at roughly 4.3x. The Indian unit uses a 5,410 mAh silicon-carbon cell with 90 W wired and 80 W wireless charging.

    Against the Galaxy S25 Ultra it gives up the S Pen and Samsung's seven-year update promise, but its main camera and long-zoom detail are generally stronger, especially in low light. The Vivo X200 Pro is its closest rival on imaging and costs less. Buyers who mostly want a fast phone with a good camera will find the OnePlus 13 far cheaper; the 15 Ultra makes sense only if photography is the priority.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x telephoto + 200 MP periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5410 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with excellent low-light detail
    • 200 MP periscope gives usable long-range zoom
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Very expensive, single configuration in India
    • Heavy and top-heavy because of the camera island
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Google

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want the most capable zoom and low-light camera on an Android phone and will pay for it.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.