Author: Abhishek

Xiaomi 15

Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 15 in India in March 2025 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, cheaper than its predecessor's launch price. It keeps the compact 6.36-inch format and introduces Snapdragon 8 Elite, putting it against the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 while offering more storage and faster charging.

The flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz with very slim bezels. The aluminium frame and glass back feel premium and the phone is easy to use one-handed. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top performance with better efficiency than the previous generation. It shipped with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, with features like AI writing tools and Google Gemini.

Cameras include a 50 MP Leica main with Light Fusion 900 sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 60 MP 2.6x telephoto with good close-focus ability. The Indian variant has a 5240 mAh battery, large for a compact phone, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its main competitor in size and price was the Galaxy S25, which offered longer software support.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 64,999 (base variant)
India launch	March 2025
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM	12 GB
Storage	512 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 60 MP 2.6x telephoto
Front camera	32 MP
Battery	5240 mAh
Charging	90W wired, wireless
Software at launch	Android 15, HyperOS 2
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Colours	Black, White, Green

What we like

Compact with a big battery
Snapdragon 8 Elite
Three capable Leica cameras
Fast wired and wireless charging

What could be better

Shorter update promise than Samsung
Only one storage variant
Preinstalled apps in HyperOS

Who should buy it

Buyers who want a small, fast Android flagship with excellent cameras and battery life.

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

October 4, 2026

Xiaomi 14 Civi

Xiaomi brought the Civi line to India in June 2024 with the Xiaomi 14 Civi, priced at Rs 42,999 for 8 GB/256 GB. It is a rebranded Civi 4 Pro from China, aimed at style-conscious buyers who want flagship-like cameras and design without paying flagship prices. It competed with the OnePlus 12R, Nothing Phone (2) and Galaxy S23 FE.

The 6.55-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with 1236 x 2750 resolution and high peak brightness. The slim body comes in finishes including vegan leather and a metallic texture, making it one of the slimmer phones of its class. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers near-flagship performance, comfortably handling games at high settings, with HyperOS running on Android 14.

The rear cameras are a 50 MP Leica main with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2x telephoto, producing pleasing portraits. Up front are dual 32 MP cameras, one wide and one standard, a rarity for group selfies. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 67W charging refills it quickly, though there is no wireless charging or high IP rating.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 42,999 (base variant)
India launch	June 2024
Segment	Upper mid-range
Display	6.55-inch, AMOLED, curved, 120Hz, 1236 x 2750
Processor	Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
RAM	8 GB / 12 GB
Storage	256 GB / 512 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
Front camera	32 MP + 32 MP ultrawide
Battery	4700 mAh
Charging	67W wired
Software at launch	Android 14, HyperOS
5G	Yes
Headphone jack	No
Colours	Matcha Green, Cruise Blue, Shadow Black

What we like

Slim, stylish design
Leica cameras with a 2x telephoto
Dual selfie cameras
Near-flagship performance

What could be better

No wireless charging
No strong water resistance rating
Curved screen not for everyone

Who should buy it

Selfie lovers and style-focused buyers who want Leica cameras and strong performance under Rs 45,000.

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

October 4, 2026

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Xiaomi launched the 14 Ultra in India in March 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB/512 GB, the first time an Ultra model was officially sold in the country. Its design looks like a compact camera, with a large circular module and vegan leather back, and an optional Photography Kit grip added a shutter button and extra battery.

The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1440 x 3200 is very bright and sharp, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers excellent performance and the cooling handles extended camera and gaming use. It shipped with HyperOS on Android 14. The phone is big and heavy, and the camera bump makes it rock on a table.

Four 50 MP cameras define it: a 1-inch-type LYT-900 main sensor with stepless variable aperture from f/1.63 to f/4.0, an ultrawide, a 3.2x floating telephoto and a 5x periscope. Results rival the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Vivo X100 Pro, especially in portraits and low light. The 5000 mAh battery supports 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, both well ahead of Samsung and Apple.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 99,999 (base variant)
India launch	March 2024
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM	16 GB
Storage	512 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto + 50 MP 5x periscope
Front camera	32 MP
Battery	5000 mAh
Charging	90W wired, wireless
Software at launch	Android 14, HyperOS
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No

What we like

Outstanding camera system with variable aperture
Two telephoto lenses
Fast wired and wireless charging
Bright QHD+ display

What could be better

Large, heavy and top-heavy camera bump
Expensive
Photography Kit sold separately

Who should buy it

Mobile photographers who want a camera-like phone with the most versatile lenses.

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

October 4, 2026

Xiaomi 14

Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 14 in India in March 2024 at Rs 69,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, with no lower storage option. It is one of the few compact Android flagships with three capable cameras, competing directly against the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 while offering more storage and faster charging for less money.

The 6.36-inch flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz, with slim, even bezels. The flat aluminium frame and glass back make it comfortable for one-handed use. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier performance, and it was among the first phones in India to run HyperOS, Xiaomi's successor to MIUI, on Android 14.

All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a Leica Summilux main with a Light Fusion 900 sensor, an ultrawide and a 3.2x telephoto. Photos are sharp with natural or vibrant Leica looks, and the telephoto handles portraits well. The 4610 mAh battery lasts a full day, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi promised four Android upgrades, fewer than Samsung's seven.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 69,999 (base variant)
India launch	March 2024
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM	12 GB
Storage	512 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
Front camera	32 MP
Battery	4610 mAh
Charging	90W wired, wireless
Software at launch	Android 14, HyperOS
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Colours	Matte Black, White, Jade Green

What we like

Compact size with a real telephoto
512 GB storage as standard
90W wired and 50W wireless charging
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

What could be better

Shorter update promise than Samsung
Some preinstalled apps
Battery only average for heavy users

Who should buy it

Buyers who want a compact Android flagship with strong Leica cameras and fast charging.

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

October 4, 2026

Xiaomi 13 Pro

Xiaomi launched the 13 Pro in India in February 2023 at Rs 79,999 for 12 GB/256 GB, its first Leica co-engineered phone in the country. It signalled Xiaomi's push back into the premium segment after years of focusing on Redmi, with a ceramic back, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a camera aimed squarely at the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro.

The 6.73-inch curved AMOLED with LTPO and 1440 x 3200 resolution is sharp, bright and smooth at up to 120Hz. The ceramic back feels premium but makes the phone heavy at 229 g and slippery. Performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is excellent, and MIUI 14 on Android 13 offered lots of customisation, though it came with some preinstalled apps.

The camera system centres on a 50 MP 1-inch-type IMX989 sensor, joined by a 50 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3.2x floating telephoto that doubles as a close-focus macro. Leica Authentic and Vibrant looks give images a distinctive character. The 4820 mAh battery charges at 120W wired and 50W wireless, both far faster than Samsung and Apple. Long-term software support was a weaker point.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 79,999 (base variant)
India launch	February 2023
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, curved, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	12 GB
Storage	256 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
Front camera	32 MP
Battery	4820 mAh
Charging	120W wired, wireless
Software at launch	Android 13, MIUI 14
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Weight	229 g
Colours	Ceramic White, Ceramic Black

What we like

1-inch main sensor with Leica tuning
Very fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
Sharp QHD+ LTPO display
Premium ceramic build

What could be better

Heavy and slippery
Bloatware in MIUI
Shorter software support than Samsung or Apple

Who should buy it

Photography enthusiasts who want a large-sensor Leica camera and very fast charging.

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

October 4, 2026

Apple iPhone 16e

Apple launched the iPhone 16e in India in February 2025 at Rs 59,900 for 128 GB, replacing the iPhone SE as the entry point to the lineup. It drops the Home button and Touch ID in favour of Face ID and a notch, and introduces Apple's first self-designed cellular modem, the C1, which proved notably power efficient.

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED runs at 60Hz and uses a notch rather than the Dynamic Island. The aluminium frame and glass back are modelled on the iPhone 14 design, and at 167 g it is light and comfortable. Inside is the A18 chip with a four-core GPU and 8 GB RAM, enough for Apple Intelligence features and long-term iOS support.

There is a single 48 MP Fusion camera with 2x crop zoom, but no ultrawide and no MagSafe, though Qi wireless charging works. Battery life is excellent for a 6.1-inch iPhone, outlasting the iPhone 16 in many tests. Critics pointed out that Android phones like the Pixel 8a and Galaxy S24 FE offered more hardware for less, while the 16e relied on Apple's ecosystem and longevity.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 59,900 (base variant)
India launch	February 2025
Segment	Upper mid-range
Display	6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
Processor	Apple A18 (4-core GPU)
RAM	8 GB
Storage	128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	48 MP main
Front camera	12 MP with autofocus
Battery	3961 mAh
Software at launch	iOS 18.3
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Weight	167 g
Colours	Black, White

What we like

A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support
Excellent battery life
OLED and Face ID replace the dated SE design
Light and compact

What could be better

Single rear camera
No MagSafe
Notch and 60Hz
Priced high for its hardware

Who should buy it

Buyers who want a new iPhone with long support and good battery at the lowest Apple price.

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

October 4, 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro Max in India in September 2024 at Rs 1,44,900 for 256 GB, a lower starting price than the 15 Pro Max. The display grew to 6.9 inches, the largest on an iPhone at the time, though thinner bezels keep the body only slightly bigger than its predecessor.

The 1320 x 2868 ProMotion OLED is bright, smooth and excellent for video and gaming. The titanium body weighs 227 g, which is heavy but well balanced. The A18 Pro chip with a redesigned thermal structure sustains performance better than the A17 Pro, making it a strong device for long gaming sessions and editing 4K video on the go.

It shares the 16 Pro's cameras: 48 MP Fusion main, 48 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x tetraprism telephoto, with 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording and Camera Control. Battery life is outstanding, with Apple quoting its longest-ever video playback figure for an iPhone. Rivals like the Galaxy S24 Ultra offered a stylus and longer zoom, but the Pro Max led on video and sustained performance.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 144,900 (base variant)
India launch	September 2024
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.9-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1320 x 2868
Processor	Apple A18 Pro
RAM	8 GB
Storage	256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	48 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
Front camera	12 MP with autofocus
Battery	4685 mAh
Software at launch	iOS 18
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Weight	227 g
Colours	Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium

What we like

Best battery life of any iPhone at launch
Huge 6.9-inch ProMotion display
Excellent pro video features
Strong sustained performance

What could be better

Heavy at 227 g
Very expensive
Charging slower than Android rivals

Who should buy it

Heavy users and creators who want the biggest screen, best battery and top video quality in an iPhone.

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

October 4, 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro in India in September 2024 at Rs 1,19,900 for 128 GB, notably lower than the 15 Pro's launch price after an import duty cut and local assembly. The screen grew to 6.3 inches with the thinnest bezels on any iPhone so far, and the smaller Pro finally got the same 5x tetraprism telephoto as the Pro Max.

The ProMotion OLED with always-on support now dims to 1 nit for night use. The titanium frame keeps weight at 199 g. The A18 Pro chip delivers stronger CPU and GPU performance with better thermals than the A17 Pro. Camera Control and the Action button both appear, and Apple Intelligence features rolled out through iOS 18 updates.

The camera system is a 48 MP Fusion main, 48 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x telephoto. Video can be recorded in 4K at 120fps with Dolby Vision, and the four studio-quality microphones support audio mix effects. Battery life improves over the 15 Pro. Against the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 Pro, it led on video while trailing on charging speed and customisation.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 119,900 (base variant)
India launch	September 2024
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.3-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1206 x 2622
Processor	Apple A18 Pro
RAM	8 GB
Storage	128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	48 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
Front camera	12 MP with autofocus
Battery	3582 mAh
Software at launch	iOS 18
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Weight	199 g
Colours	Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium

What we like

5x telephoto in a smaller Pro
4K 120fps Dolby Vision video
48 MP ultrawide
Lower launch price than the 15 Pro

What could be better

Slow wired charging
Camera Control has a learning curve
128 GB base storage for a Pro

Who should buy it

Videographers and photographers who want a full pro camera system in a manageable size.

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

October 4, 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus launched in India in September 2024 at Rs 89,900 for 128 GB. It offers the same features as the iPhone 16, including the A18 chip, 8 GB RAM, Camera Control and Action button, on a larger 6.7-inch display with a bigger battery, positioning it as the big-screen iPhone for people who do not need Pro cameras.

The Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and good for video, though the 60Hz refresh rate is more noticeable at this size, especially against 120Hz Android phones like the Galaxy S24+ and OnePlus 12. The aluminium frame and colour-infused glass keep it relatively light at 199 g. Performance is excellent and the A18 handles AAA mobile games with ease.

Battery life is the main reason to choose it, frequently lasting into the second day and outlasting the 16 Pro. Cameras are the 48 MP Fusion main and a 12 MP ultrawide with macro, and the vertical layout supports spatial video. Charging is slower than Android rivals, but MagSafe gained faster wireless charging with newer adapters. It suits buyers who value screen size and endurance.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 89,900 (base variant)
India launch	September 2024
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1290 x 2796
Processor	Apple A18
RAM	8 GB
Storage	128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
Front camera	12 MP with autofocus
Battery	4674 mAh
Software at launch	iOS 18
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Weight	199 g
Colours	Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

What we like

Excellent battery life
Large display
A18 with Apple Intelligence support
Comfortable weight for its size

What could be better

60Hz on a large screen
No telephoto
Slow wired charging

Who should buy it

People who want a big-screen iPhone with long battery life and modern features.

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

October 4, 2026

Apple iPhone 16

Apple launched the iPhone 16 in India in September 2024 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It was built around Apple Intelligence, with the new A18 chip and 8 GB of RAM, although the AI features arrived later through software updates. It also gained the Action button from the 15 Pro and a new Camera Control button on the right edge.

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and sharp but remains at 60Hz, still the biggest gap against Android rivals like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9. The vertically stacked camera layout enables spatial video recording for Apple Vision Pro. The A18 is fast and efficient, comfortably handling demanding games, and the phone weighs a manageable 170 g.

Cameras are a 48 MP Fusion main sensor with 2x crop and a 12 MP ultrawide that now supports macro photography. Camera Control lets you launch the camera and adjust exposure or zoom with a press and swipe, though many users took time to adapt to it. Battery life improves over the iPhone 15, and MagSafe charging gets faster with newer chargers. Local assembly helped availability in India.

Key specifications

Launch price (India)	Rs 79,900 (base variant)
India launch	September 2024
Segment	Flagship
Display	6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1179 x 2556
Processor	Apple A18
RAM	8 GB
Storage	128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
Expandable storage	No
Rear cameras	48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
Front camera	12 MP with autofocus
Battery	3561 mAh
Software at launch	iOS 18
5G	Yes
Water/dust rating	IP68
Headphone jack	No
Weight	170 g
Colours	Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

What we like

Fast A18 chip with 8 GB RAM
Action button and Camera Control
Macro mode on the ultrawide
Better battery life than the iPhone 15

What could be better

Still 60Hz
Apple Intelligence arrived late
No telephoto

Who should buy it

iPhone buyers who want the new Apple Intelligence-ready hardware at the standard price.

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

October 4, 2026