Tag: 5G

  • Samsung Galaxy S25

    The Galaxy S25 launched in India in January 2025 at Rs 80,999 for 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The biggest change for Indian buyers was the chip: all S25 models used the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, ending the split with Exynos that had shadowed the S24. RAM also went up to 12 GB across the board to support on-device AI.

    Physically it is very close to the S24, with a 6.2-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and a slightly lighter 162 g body. The camera rings now have a bolder outline. The new chip delivers a large jump in CPU and graphics performance, runs cooler, and makes the small phone feel quicker than many larger flagships of its time.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto cameras are carried over, with improved processing. Battery capacity stays at 4000 mAh and charging at 25W, which remained the S25's weakest area against rivals like the OnePlus 13 and iQOO 13. One UI 7 on Android 15 brought new AI tools such as Now Brief and cross-app Gemini actions.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 80,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight162 g
    ColoursIcyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite in India
    • Very light and compact
    • 12 GB RAM standard
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • 25W charging
    • Base model drops to 128 GB
    • Little change in camera hardware

    Who should buy it

    People who want top-tier performance in a small, lightweight Android phone.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25+

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25+ in India in January 2025 at Rs 99,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. With Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy in every unit, it finally offered the same performance as the Ultra while staying lighter and cheaper. It continues the role of the large-screen Galaxy without stylus or periscope camera.

    The 6.7-inch QHD+ panel at 1440 x 3120 is sharp and bright with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung trimmed weight to 190 g, and the flat aluminium frame keeps it comfortable for long reading or video sessions. Performance is excellent for gaming, and the phone stays noticeably cooler than the Exynos-powered S24+ did.

    Its cameras are the same trio as the S25: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4900 mAh battery and 45W charging give dependable full-day endurance. Competition was intense, with the OnePlus 13 and Vivo X200 offering bigger batteries and stronger cameras for less, so the S25+ mainly appeals to people who value Samsung's software and update record.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4900 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g

    What we like

    • Flagship chip shared with the Ultra
    • Sharp QHD+ screen
    • Light for its size
    • 45W charging and solid battery

    What could be better

    • Cameras identical to the cheaper S25
    • Chinese rivals offer more for less
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Samsung loyalists who want a big, fast phone without the Ultra's weight and price.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23

    The Galaxy S23 arrived in India in February 2023 as the small-screen entry to Samsung's flagship line, priced at Rs 74,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB model. Its biggest change was under the hood: every S23 sold in India used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, ending years of Exynos versus Snapdragon complaints from Indian buyers who felt they got the weaker chip.

    Design is cleaner than the S22, with three separate camera rings on a flat glass back and an aluminium frame. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is bright and sharp at 1080 x 2340, and the phone weighs just 168 g, which makes it one of the few truly one-hand flagships of its year. Performance stays cool under gaming loads that made its predecessor throttle hard.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto setup is versatile and reliable, though not class-leading in low light. The 3900 mAh battery is the real compromise: it gets through a day of moderate use, but 25W charging feels slow next to the OnePlus 11 or iQOO 11 at a similar price. Against the iPhone 14, it offers zoom and a faster display for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 74,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3900 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight168 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • Genuinely compact and light for a flagship
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 runs cool and fast
    • Optical 3x telephoto at this size
    • Long software support commitment

    What could be better

    • 3900 mAh battery is only just enough
    • 25W charging is slow for the price
    • Base model has 128 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium Android phone that fits comfortably in one hand and a jeans pocket.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 Ultra in India in February 2023 at Rs 1,24,999 for the 12 GB/256 GB variant, with no 8 GB base model to undercut it. It carried forward the Note-style boxy body and integrated S Pen from the S22 Ultra, but the headline upgrades were a 200 MP primary sensor and the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip used worldwide.

    The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen has slightly less curvature than before, which makes S Pen writing near the edges easier. At 234 g it is heavy, but the Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 feel built to last. Efficiency gains from the new chip transformed battery life, and the 5000 mAh cell routinely stretches into a second morning for lighter users.

    Four rear cameras cover almost every focal length: 200 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP telephotos at 3x and 10x. The 10x lens remains the reason many people buy this phone, delivering usable shots at distances where the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pixel 7 Pro fall back on cropping. Charging is capped at 45W, and the price makes the OnePlus 11 look like a bargain if you do not need the pen.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 124,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1440 x 3088
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 10 MP 10x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight234 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • 10x optical zoom is unmatched among rivals of its year
    • Excellent battery life thanks to the efficient chip
    • Built-in S Pen for notes and markup
    • Bright, sharp QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Heavy and wide in the hand
    • Very expensive with no lower storage tier
    • 45W charging trails Chinese flagships

    Who should buy it

    Power users and professionals who want the best zoom camera and stylus input in one Android phone.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

    The Fan Edition returned in India in October 2023, with the Galaxy S23 FE starting at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Indian units used Samsung's own Exynos 2200, the chip from the international Galaxy S22, rather than a Snapdragon part. Samsung's pitch was simple: the look, water resistance and camera layout of the S23 for a noticeably lower price.

    It feels like a larger S23, with a 6.4-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, flat aluminium frame and separate camera rings. At 209 g it is denser than you expect. The Exynos 2200 is quick for daily use, but it gets warm during long gaming sessions and camera use, and battery life from the 4500 mAh cell is good rather than great.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 12 MP ultrawide and 8 MP 3x telephoto give it real zoom, something the Pixel 7a and OnePlus 11R lacked at the time. Charging is limited to 25W wired, with wireless and reverse wireless included. Discounts quickly pushed its street price far below launch, and at those prices it became a sensible route into Samsung's flagship ecosystem.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g

    What we like

    • 3x telephoto rare at this price
    • IP68 and wireless charging included
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED panel
    • Samsung's long update policy

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2200 runs warm under load
    • Heavy for its size
    • Slow 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Samsung fans who want flagship features like zoom, IP68 and wireless charging without paying S23 prices.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 in India in January 2024 at Rs 79,999 with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as the starting point, a welcome doubling of base storage over the S23. Indian units moved back to Exynos, using the 10-core Exynos 2400. The marketing focus was Galaxy AI: Live Translate on calls, Circle to Search, Note Assist and generative photo edits.

    The body grows slightly to fit a 6.2-inch panel, now with a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate and much higher peak brightness. Bezels are thinner and more uniform, and the phone still weighs only 167 g. The Exynos 2400 proved competitive in benchmarks, though it runs a little warmer and less efficiently than the Snapdragon version sold in the US.

    Cameras are essentially carried over: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4000 mAh battery is a modest bump, and charging stays at 25W. Samsung's promise of seven years of OS and security updates matched Google's Pixel 8, and against the iPhone 15 the S24 offered a 120Hz screen and optical zoom at the same starting price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2400
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight167 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow

    What we like

    • Seven years of OS and security updates
    • Compact and light
    • 256 GB base storage
    • Bright adaptive refresh display

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2400 less efficient than the Snapdragon version
    • 25W charging
    • Camera hardware unchanged from S23

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, long-supported Android flagship with Samsung's AI features.

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

  • Oppo A3 Pro

    The Oppo A3 Pro launched in India in June 2024 with durability as its main selling point. Oppo highlighted its drop resistance and military-grade testing, along with a splash-proof design. It targeted budget buyers who wanted a tough phone, competing with the Samsung Galaxy M15, Redmi 13 5G and Realme Narzo 70x.

    The 6.67-inch LCD display refreshes at 120Hz but has an HD+ resolution, so text and images are less sharp than full HD rivals. The Dimensity 6300 is an entry-level 5G chip suited to basic tasks and light gaming. The IP54 rating guards against splashes and dust. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 offered a polished interface with useful features.

    The 50 MP main camera takes acceptable daylight photos, supported by a 2 MP depth sensor. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,100 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day, and 45W charging is faster than many budget rivals. Against the Redmi 13 5G, it offered better durability and faster charging, while Redmi had a sharper display and better cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6300
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursMoonlight Purple, Starry Black

    What we like

    • Durable build with drop resistance
    • 5,100 mAh battery
    • 45W charging
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution display
    • Basic cameras
    • Expensive for the hardware

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a tough phone with long battery life.

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

  • Oppo K12x

    Oppo launched the K12x in India in July 2024 as an online-focused budget phone sold through Flipkart. It carried MIL-STD-810H certification and an IP54 rating, positioning itself as a tough phone at a low price. Competitors included the Redmi 13 5G, Samsung Galaxy M15 and Realme Narzo 70x. For buyers who mostly message, stream and browse, that trade-off is easy to live with.

    The 6.67-inch LCD display refreshes at 120Hz with an HD+ resolution, which makes scrolling smooth but text less crisp. The Dimensity 6300 handles daily tasks such as messaging, browsing and video well, but heavy games are a stretch. Oppo also highlighted Splash Touch, which lets the screen respond with wet fingers. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 feels polished.

    The 32 MP main camera takes acceptable daylight photos, with a 2 MP depth sensor alongside. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,100 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, and 45W charging is quick for this price. Against the Redmi 13 5G, it offered better durability and faster charging, while Redmi had a sharper display and a stronger camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 12,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6300
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras32 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursBreeze Blue, Midnight Violet

    What we like

    • MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Splash Touch works with wet hands
    • 5,100 mAh battery with 45W charging
    • Affordable 5G

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution display
    • 32 MP main camera is basic
    • Limited gaming performance

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a durable 5G phone with long battery life.

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

  • Motorola Edge 40

    Motorola launched the Edge 40 in India in May 2023 with a very slim design, a vegan leather back and an IP68 rating, a rare combination at its price. It also included wireless charging, which almost no other phone around 30,000 rupees offered. It competed with the OnePlus Nord 3, Samsung Galaxy A54 and Nothing Phone (1).

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display refreshes at up to 144Hz and looks vibrant and smooth. The Dimensity 8020 delivers solid performance for daily use and gaming. The phone is light and comfortable to hold. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 with a few useful gestures was praised for being clean, though the brand's update commitment was shorter than Samsung's.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide, which doubles as a macro, take good photos with natural colours. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 4,400 mAh battery is on the smaller side but lasts a day, with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging. Against the OnePlus Nord 3, it offered IP68 and wireless charging, while OnePlus was faster with a bigger battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4400 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Eclipse Black, Lunar Blue

    What we like

    • Slim, light design with vegan leather
    • IP68 rating
    • Wireless charging at a mid-range price
    • Clean near-stock Android

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,400 mAh battery
    • Shorter update commitment
    • Only one storage variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with wireless charging and clean software.

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

  • Motorola Edge 40 Neo

    The Motorola Edge 40 Neo launched in India in September 2023 as a more affordable version of the Edge 40. It kept the curved 144Hz display, IP68 rating and slim design, while using a less powerful chip and dropping wireless charging. It competed with the Realme 11 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M34.

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display is bright and smooth at up to 144Hz. The Dimensity 7030 provides dependable everyday performance and handles casual gaming, though it is not a powerhouse. Its vegan leather finish in Pantone-certified colours gives it a premium look and feel. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 is clean and easy to use, with minimal bloatware.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide take natural-looking photos in daylight, though low-light performance is average. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 5,000 mAh battery offers good endurance, with 68W charging. Against the Realme 11 Pro, it offered IP68 water resistance and cleaner software, while Realme had a sharper main camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7030
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Caneel Bay, Soothing Sea

    What we like

    • IP68 at a lower price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • Clean near-stock Android
    • Pantone vegan leather finishes

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7030 is modest
    • No wireless charging
    • Average low-light photos

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with clean software on a budget.

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