Tag: 5G

  • Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

    The iPhone 14 Pro Max launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 1,39,900 for 128 GB. It shares every feature of the 14 Pro, including the Dynamic Island, always-on display and A16 Bionic, but stretches the screen to 6.7 inches and adds a much larger battery. It became the most aspirational phone in Apple's 2022 lineup.

    The 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED at 1290 x 2796 is extremely bright outdoors and smooth at up to 120Hz. The stainless steel frame makes it heavy at 240 g, and long one-handed use is tiring. Performance from the A16 Bionic was top of the charts, and it handled demanding games and 4K ProRes video with ease.

    Cameras are identical to the 14 Pro: 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto, with excellent colour consistency and video stabilisation. The big battery delivers among the best endurance of any phone of its year, often lasting into a second day. Against the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it lacked a 10x lens and stylus but won on video and long-term software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 139,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4323 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight240 g
    ColoursSpace Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

    What we like

    • Outstanding battery life
    • Large, very bright ProMotion display
    • Excellent video recording
    • Dynamic Island

    What could be better

    • Very heavy at 240 g
    • Slow charging
    • Expensive

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want the biggest screen and longest battery life in a 2022 iPhone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 15

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 in India in September 2023 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, and for the first time some units sold on launch day were assembled in India. Its biggest changes came from the previous year's Pro models: the Dynamic Island replaced the notch and the A16 Bionic chip took over from the A15.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED gets much higher peak brightness but still runs at 60Hz. A colour-infused frosted glass back and contoured aluminium edges make it more comfortable than the iPhone 14. Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C, which pleased Indian buyers who already used USB-C for Android phones and laptops, though transfer speed stays at USB 2.

    The 48 MP main camera produces 24 MP photos by default and offers a 2x crop that works as a near-optical telephoto, along with a 12 MP ultrawide. Portraits can be captured automatically when a face is detected. Battery life is a full day, and charging remains slow. It competed with the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8, matching them on video quality but trailing on refresh rate.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3349 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight171 g
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

    What we like

    • Dynamic Island on a non-Pro iPhone
    • USB-C port
    • 48 MP main camera with 2x crop
    • Comfortable frosted design

    What could be better

    • Still 60Hz
    • USB-C limited to USB 2 speeds
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers upgrading from older iPhones who want the modern design and better camera at the standard price.

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

  • Apple iPhone 15 Plus

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Plus in India in September 2023 at Rs 89,900 for 128 GB. It gives buyers the large 6.7-inch screen of the Pro Max at a much lower price, now with the Dynamic Island, USB-C and the A16 Bionic chip inherited from the iPhone 14 Pro series.

    The Super Retina XDR OLED is very bright for outdoor use but remains at 60Hz, which is more noticeable on a large screen. The frosted glass back with colour-infused finish and contoured aluminium edges give it a premium feel, and at 201 g it is far lighter than the 15 Pro Max. Performance is smooth for social apps, streaming and games.

    The 48 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide match the iPhone 15, with sharp 24 MP default shots and a usable 2x mode. Battery life is excellent, often lasting a day and a half, and the USB-C port can even charge an Apple Watch or AirPods. It faced competition from the Galaxy S23+ era Androids that offered higher refresh rates and faster charging at similar prices.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4383 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201 g
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

    What we like

    • Excellent battery life
    • Large bright screen with Dynamic Island
    • USB-C port
    • Lighter than the Pro Max

    What could be better

    • 60Hz on a big screen
    • No telephoto
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    iPhone users who want a big screen and long battery life without Pro pricing.

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

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro in India in September 2023 at Rs 1,34,900 for 128 GB. It replaced stainless steel with a titanium frame, cutting weight to 187 g, and swapped the long-standing mute switch for a customisable Action button. It was also the first phone with a 3 nm chip, the A17 Pro.

    The 6.1-inch ProMotion OLED with always-on support and Dynamic Island is unchanged from the 14 Pro but bezels are slimmer. The A17 Pro brought hardware-accelerated ray tracing and ran console games such as Resident Evil Village, though early units ran warm until software fixes arrived. USB-C supports USB 3 speeds with the right cable, useful for ProRes video transfers.

    Cameras are a 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto, with new 24 mm, 28 mm and 35 mm focal length options and spatial video support added later. Battery life is a full day. The 15 Pro was also among the first iPhones to support Apple Intelligence once it rolled out, thanks to its 8 GB RAM. It competed with the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8 Pro in the compact flagship space.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 134,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A17 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3274 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

    What we like

    • Lighter titanium design
    • A17 Pro and 8 GB RAM
    • Customisable Action button
    • USB 3 speeds over USB-C

    What could be better

    • Early heating issues
    • Expensive in India
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact, powerful iPhone with pro cameras and Apple Intelligence support.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy F15 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy F15 5G in India in March 2024 at Rs 15,999 for 4 GB/128 GB, sold through Flipkart. It is essentially a Galaxy A15 5G with a bigger 6000 mAh battery, following the pattern of Samsung's online-only M and F series, and it carried over the A15's promise of four Android upgrades.

    Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel at 90Hz gives deep blacks and punchy colours, a clear advantage over LCD phones like the Poco M6 Pro in the same bracket. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip is efficient and handles social media, video streaming and casual games, but it is not built for heavy gaming sessions.

    The rear cameras are a 50 MP main, 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, with a 13 MP selfie camera in a waterdrop notch. Daylight photos are decent, low light is average. The 6000 mAh battery easily lasts two days for many users, and 25W charging support is included, although the charger is sold separately. It is a sensible choice for long-term budget use.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6100+
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes
    ColoursGroovy Violet, Jazzy Green, Ash Black

    What we like

    • Super AMOLED at a low price
    • Two-day battery life
    • Four OS upgrades
    • Includes ultrawide camera

    What could be better

    • Modest processor
    • Only 90Hz
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want an AMOLED screen and very long battery life with years of updates.

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

  • Apple iPhone 13

    Apple launched the iPhone 13 in India in September 2021 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, doubling the base storage of the iPhone 12. It kept the flat-edged aluminium design but trimmed the notch by about 20 percent and moved the cameras into a diagonal layout. Over the following years, price cuts and festive sales made it one of the best-selling iPhones in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and colour accurate, though it is limited to 60Hz while Android rivals at this price had 120Hz. The A15 Bionic chip was the fastest phone chip of its time and kept the phone feeling quick long after launch. At 173 g it is comfortable, and IP68 water resistance plus Ceramic Shield glass make it durable.

    Both 12 MP cameras improved, with the wide camera gaining sensor-shift stabilisation and Cinematic mode adding rack-focus video. Battery life was a big step over the iPhone 12, comfortably lasting a day. Charging is slow at around 20W with an adapter bought separately. Against the Galaxy S21 FE and OnePlus 9, it won on video, longevity and resale value.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2021
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3227 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight173 g
    ColoursPink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • A15 Bionic remains fast for years
    • Excellent video recording
    • Much improved battery life
    • Long iOS support and resale value

    What could be better

    • 60Hz display
    • Slow charging, no charger in box
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable, long-supported iPhone, especially at discounted prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2021). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

    Apple launched the third-generation iPhone SE in India in March 2022 at Rs 43,900 for 64 GB. It reused the iPhone 8 design, complete with thick bezels, a Home button with Touch ID and a 4.7-inch screen, but inside it carried the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13 and added 5G support for the first time on an SE.

    The 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD at 750 x 1334 looks dated next to OLED Android phones at this price, such as the OnePlus 10R or Galaxy A73. The upside is a tiny, 144 g phone that is easy to use with one hand. Performance is excellent, far beyond any Android phone in its price band, and iOS updates were expected to continue for many years.

    There is a single 12 MP rear camera, which benefits from the A15's image processing and handles daylight well, but it lacks Night mode and an ultrawide lens. The small battery is the major weakness and heavy users will struggle to reach the evening. It has IP67 water resistance and wireless charging, making it a practical choice for those who want Touch ID and a compact phone.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,900 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display4.7-inch, Retina HD LCD, 60Hz, 750 x 1334
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide
    Front camera7 MP
    Battery2018 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 15.4
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight144 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Flagship A15 performance
    • Very compact and light
    • Touch ID Home button
    • Long iOS support

    What could be better

    • Dated design with thick bezels
    • Weak battery life
    • No Night mode or ultrawide
    • 64 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    People who want the cheapest new iPhone with Touch ID in a small, familiar body.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14

    The iPhone 14 launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It looked almost identical to the iPhone 13 and kept the same A15 Bionic chip, albeit with a five-core GPU and 6 GB of RAM. Apple's new features were safety-focused: Crash Detection and, in some countries, Emergency SOS via satellite, which was not available in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is unchanged and still runs at 60Hz, which drew criticism when Android phones at half the price offered 120Hz. Internally Apple redesigned the chassis so the back glass is easier and cheaper to replace. Performance remains excellent for daily use and games, and battery life is slightly better than the iPhone 13.

    The 12 MP main camera got a larger sensor with faster aperture, improving low-light photos, and the front camera gained autofocus. Action mode made handheld video remarkably stable. Charging is around 20W with MagSafe up to 15W. With the iPhone 13 cheaper and nearly identical, most reviewers advised buyers to choose the older model or step up to the 14 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3279 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight172 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Improved low-light main camera
    • Action mode stabilisation
    • Crash Detection
    • Easier back-glass repair

    What could be better

    • Same chip as the iPhone 13
    • Still 60Hz
    • Little reason to upgrade from iPhone 13

    Who should buy it

    First-time iPhone buyers who want a new, long-supported model with safety features.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A36 5G in India in March 2025 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It moved from Exynos to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and brought Samsung's longer support policy of six OS upgrades and six years of security patches to the A3x series for the first time, along with some Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search.

    The design is slimmer and lighter at 195 g, with a 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED screen and a new pill-shaped camera island. Glass on both sides and IP67 protection give it a solid feel. Performance is a modest improvement over the A35, adequate for daily use but well behind gaming-focused rivals like the iQOO Z10 and Poco X7 Pro in the same bracket.

    Samsung finally raised charging to 45W, a welcome change that cuts refill times considerably. The 5000 mAh battery delivers dependable all-day use. Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, with a 12 MP selfie camera. The microSD slot was removed, so choosing the right storage at purchase matters more than before.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight195 g

    What we like

    • 45W charging finally arrives
    • Six years of updates
    • Lighter and slimmer than the A35
    • IP67 protection

    What could be better

    • Performance trails gaming-focused rivals
    • No microSD slot
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a long-supported, water-resistant Samsung mid-ranger with faster charging.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

    The Galaxy A54 5G launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 38,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It introduced the clean floating-camera design that later spread across Samsung's A series, and was the debut device for the 5 nm Exynos 1380. It targeted buyers who wanted the Galaxy S look without flagship pricing.

    The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED has a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole cutout, with Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides and an aluminium-look plastic frame. It weighs 202 g, which makes it feel dense for its size. The Exynos 1380 was efficient and fine for daily use, though gamers found the OnePlus 11R and Nothing Phone (2) much faster at similar prices.

    Its 50 MP main camera with OIS produced some of the best photos in its segment, especially in low light and for video, backed by a 12 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro. The 32 MP selfie camera is sharp. A 5000 mAh battery gives long life, but 25W charging is slow. IP67 and four OS upgrades made it an easy recommendation for durability and support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 38,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight202 g
    ColoursAwesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome White

    What we like

    • Very good main camera with OIS
    • Premium glass design
    • IP67 water and dust resistance
    • Four OS upgrades

    What could be better

    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging
    • Heavy for a 6.4-inch phone

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling Samsung with dependable cameras and water resistance.

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