Tag: 5G

  • Realme 12 Pro

    Realme launched the 12 Pro in India in January 2024 at Rs 25,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its design took cues from luxury watches, with a vegan leather back and a large circular camera ring with a sunburst-style finish. The bigger story was the camera: a dedicated 2x telephoto lens, rare at this price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and smooth. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is the weakest part of the package, adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming but slower than many rivals. The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS performs well, and the 32 MP 2x telephoto produces good portraits; the 8 MP ultrawide is average. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Poco X6 Pro, the OnePlus Nord CE3 and the Samsung Galaxy A25. The Poco X6 Pro was significantly faster, and the Redmi had a sharper screen. The Realme 12 Pro stood out for portrait photography and design. Its weaker chip is the main compromise.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x telephoto camera
    • Premium watch-inspired design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • IP65 protection

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is slower than rivals
    • Average ultrawide
    • Preinstalled apps in Realme UI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want good portrait photography and a stylish design without paying for a flagship.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro+

    The Realme 12 Pro+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its main attraction was a 64 MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, a feature that had previously been limited to far more expensive phones. It shares the luxury watch-inspired design of the 12 Pro, with an extra red colour option.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz looks premium and is bright enough outdoors. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a step up from the 12 Pro's chip and handles everyday use and moderate gaming well. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is excellent, and the periscope delivers sharp zoom shots up to about 6x. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 3, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40. The Redmi offered IP68 and faster charging, and the Poco more speed, but the 12 Pro+ was the clear choice for zoom photography in its class. It is an easy recommendation for travel photographers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto at a mid-range price
    • Excellent Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Premium design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • 67 W charging trails some rivals
    • Performance is only moderate
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who want genuine optical zoom without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Realme 12+

    Realme launched the 12+ in India in March 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, bringing the design language of the 12 Pro series to a lower price. It uses a flat display rather than a curved one and keeps the vegan leather back and large circular camera module.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 7050 handles daily use and casual gaming without trouble. The 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS produces reliable photos, accompanied by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W, and IP54 protection guards against splashes. Realme also highlighted its rain-water smart touch, which keeps the screen usable with wet fingers.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Poco X6, the Samsung Galaxy M35 and the Motorola G84. The Poco X6 had a sharper screen and more storage, while the Moto G84 offered cleaner software. The Realme 12+ appealed with its OIS camera and premium styling. Its weak macro lens is easy to ignore.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursPioneer Green, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • OIS Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • Premium vegan leather design
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Average performance
    • Weak macro camera
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish, well-rounded phone with a stabilised camera for around Rs 20,000.

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

  • OnePlus Nord 3

    OnePlus launched the Nord 3 in India in July 2023 at Rs 33,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was a major step up from the Nord 2T, borrowing the previous year's flagship Dimensity 9000 chip and adding the alert slider, a feature usually reserved for the numbered series.

    Performance is excellent for the price, handling demanding games at high settings. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is sharp and bright. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, shared with the OnePlus 11, delivers reliable photos, though the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W, reaching full in about 30 minutes.

    Rivals included the Poco F5, the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Nothing Phone (2) and the iQOO Neo 7 Pro. The Poco F5 was cheaper with similar performance, while the Galaxy A54 offered IP67 and longer updates. The Nord 3 balanced speed, camera and charging well, with a cleaner software experience than most rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 33,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9000
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursMisty Green, Tempest Gray

    What we like

    • Flagship-class Dimensity 9000
    • Good 50 MP OIS main camera
    • Alert slider
    • 80 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Only IP54
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-level performance and clean software in a mid-range Nord.

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

  • OnePlus Nord 4

    OnePlus launched the Nord 4 in India in July 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its most distinctive feature is a metal unibody design, unusual for a modern 5G phone because of antenna challenges, which gives it a durable, premium feel. OnePlus also promised four years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 delivers near-flagship performance, handling demanding games smoothly. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, a simpler setup that drops the macro lens. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day and charges at 100 W.

    Rivals included the Poco F6, the Realme GT 6T, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The Poco F6 had a slightly faster chip and the Edge 50 Pro a telephoto lens, while the Nord 4 stood out for build quality and long software support. Its camera remains the weak spot.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199.5 g
    ColoursMercurial Silver, Oasis Green, Obsidian Midnight

    What we like

    • Premium metal unibody
    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    • Long software support promise
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Only two rear cameras
    • No telephoto
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who value build quality and long-term software support in a fast mid-range phone.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE 2 Lite in India in April 2022 at Rs 19,999, making it the most affordable OnePlus phone at the time. It targeted buyers who wanted the OnePlus software experience on a budget, and it kept practical features such as a headphone jack and microSD card slot.

    The 6.59-inch LCD runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution, smooth if lacking the contrast of AMOLED. The Snapdragon 695 is efficient and handles daily use well, with moderate gaming possible. The 64 MP main camera produces decent daylight photos, supported by 2 MP depth and macro sensors. A 5,000 mAh battery with 33 W charging gives solid endurance.

    Competitors included the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the Realme 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M33 and the iQOO Z6. The Realme 9 Pro had very similar hardware, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ offered an AMOLED screen and faster charging. The CE 2 Lite appealed mainly for its clean OxygenOS software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2022
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.59-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight195 g
    ColoursBlack Dusk, Blue Tide

    What we like

    • Clean OxygenOS software
    • Smooth 120 Hz display
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Filler depth and macro cameras
    • No IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want OnePlus software and dependable battery life on an affordable 5G phone.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE3

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE3 in India in August 2023 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It sat between the cheaper Nord CE3 Lite and the more powerful Nord 3, and its headline feature was the Sony IMX890 main sensor with OIS, the same one found in the OnePlus 11.

    The 6.7-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution and is vivid and bright. The Snapdragon 782G is a refined version of the 778G, smooth in daily use and capable in games at moderate settings. The IMX890 main camera is the highlight, producing sharp, well-exposed photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are basic. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the Realme 11 Pro+, the Samsung Galaxy M34 and the iQOO Z7 Pro. The iQOO Z7 Pro had a curved screen and faster chip, while the Realme 11 Pro+ offered a 200 MP sensor. The Nord CE3 appealed with clean software and a strong main camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 782G
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    ColoursAqua Surge, Grey Shimmer

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • Vivid 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 80 W charging
    • Clean OxygenOS

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 782G is not class-leading
    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Pricier than similar-spec rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a strong main camera and clean software in a mid-range phone.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE3 Lite in India in April 2023 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It stood out visually with its bright Pastel Lime colour and kept the budget-friendly recipe of the CE 2 Lite while upgrading the camera, display and charging speed. It was positioned for students and first-time OnePlus buyers.

    The 6.72-inch LCD runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. The Snapdragon 695 handles everyday tasks smoothly but is showing its age in demanding games. A 108 MP main camera captures good daylight detail, supported by 2 MP depth and macro sensors. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W, a big step up from the previous 33 W. OnePlus also marketed its loud stereo speakers and kept the headphone jack.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 5G, the Realme 10 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M34 and the iQOO Z7. The iQOO Z7 offered an AMOLED with OIS and a faster chip for similar money, while the CE3 Lite appealed mainly through its clean software and fast charging. Gamers will want something faster.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.72-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight195 g
    ColoursPastel Lime, Chromatic Gray

    What we like

    • 108 MP main camera
    • 67 W charging
    • Headphone jack and microSD
    • Clean OxygenOS

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Ageing Snapdragon 695
    • Filler secondary cameras

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want fast charging and a clean software experience at under Rs 20,000.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE4

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE4 in India in April 2024 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was the first phone in India with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, and its 100 W charging, previously seen only on pricier OnePlus phones, was one of its main selling points. The Celadon Marble finish gave it a distinctive look.

    The 6.7-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution and is bright and colourful. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 handles everyday use smoothly and runs popular games well. The camera system is simpler than before: a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well over a day and charges at 100 W. Unusually, it kept a hybrid microSD slot.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Realme 12+, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The Poco X6 Pro was faster, and the Redmi had a sharper screen, but the CE4 led on charging speed and battery life. Its hybrid microSD slot is also rare at this price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursDark Chrome, Celadon Marble

    What we like

    • 100 W charging
    • Large 5,500 mAh battery
    • OIS main camera
    • Hybrid microSD slot

    What could be better

    • Only 8 GB RAM
    • No headphone jack
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long battery life and very fast charging in an affordable OnePlus.

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

  • OnePlus 11R

    The OnePlus 11R launched in India in February 2023 at Rs 39,999 as a more affordable sibling to the OnePlus 11. It shared the flagship's circular camera styling and alert slider but used the previous-generation Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which was still one of the fastest chips available at the time.

    The 6.74-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with a 1240 x 2772 resolution, sharper than typical full HD panels. Performance is excellent for gaming and multitasking, and the 8+ Gen 1 runs cooler than the original 8 Gen 1. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS produces reliable photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are filler. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 100 W, reaching full in about 25 minutes.

    It competed with the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Xiaomi 12 Pro discounted and the Nothing Phone (2), which arrived later. The Galaxy A54 offered IP67 and longer updates, while the 11R was faster and charged much quicker. The lack of an IP rating was its main weakness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight204 g
    ColoursSonic Black, Galactic Silver

    What we like

    • Flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    • 100 W charging
    • Sharp curved display
    • Alert slider

    What could be better

    • No IP rating
    • Weak secondary cameras
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship performance and very fast charging for around Rs 40,000.

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