Tag: 5G

  • OnePlus 11

    OnePlus launched the 11 in February 2023, dropping the Pro label and repositioning its main flagship at a lower price of Rs 56,999. It brought back the alert slider, introduced a large circular camera island, and promised four years of Android upgrades, a notable improvement in OnePlus support policy at the time.

    Performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is excellent and much cooler than the previous year's 8 Gen 1. The 6.7-inch LTPO3 AMOLED at 1440p is bright and fluid. The camera system pairs a 50 MP Sony IMX890 main, a 48 MP ultrawide and a 32 MP 2x portrait telephoto, tuned with Hasselblad, and portraits are a highlight. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 100 W, although wireless charging was dropped.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S23, the iPhone 14, the iQOO 11 and the Vivo X90. The Galaxy S23 was smaller and offered wireless charging and an IP68 rating, while the OnePlus 11 had a bigger screen, faster wired charging and a lower price. Its IP64 rating and lack of wireless charging were the main compromises.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 56,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO3 Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3216
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight205 g
    ColoursTitan Black, Eternal Green

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is fast and efficient
    • Sharp LTPO3 1440p display
    • 100 W charging
    • Alert slider returns

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • IP64 rather than IP68
    • No true long-range zoom

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a fast, well-rounded flagship with excellent charging at a lower price than Samsung or Apple.

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

  • Poco X5 Pro

    Poco launched the X5 Pro in India in February 2023 as a performance-focused mid-ranger at Rs 22,999. It is closely related to the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed edition sold in China, and its biggest selling point was the Snapdragon 778G, a proven chip that was faster than the Dimensity 1080 in the pricier Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED display runs at 120 Hz, with good brightness and Dolby Vision support. At 181 g and under 8 mm thick, the phone is notably light. The 778G handles gaming well, sustaining stable frame rates in popular titles. The 108 MP main camera takes sharp daylight shots but lacks OIS, so low-light results suffer. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging delivers solid endurance and quick top-ups.

    Rivals included the iQOO Z7, the Realme 10 Pro+, the Samsung Galaxy M54 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro. The iQOO Z7 offered OIS for less, while the Poco X5 Pro won on performance and display. It remains a strong value pick for gamers on a budget. Buyers who care more about photos than games should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 14 for Poco
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight181 g
    ColoursAstral Black, Horizon Blue, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 778G is strong for gaming
    • Slim and light at 181 g
    • 120 Hz AMOLED with Dolby Vision
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No OIS on the main camera
    • Shipped with Android 12
    • Bloatware in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget-conscious gamers who want a light phone with a proven Snapdragon chip and a good screen.

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

  • Poco X6

    The Poco X6 launched in India in January 2024 alongside the X6 Pro, offering much of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's hardware for less money. Its base model started at Rs 19,999 with a generous 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which made it one of the best-specified phones under Rs 20,000 at the time.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel runs at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz, with Dolby Vision and high brightness. Inside, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 handles daily use smoothly and moderate gaming well, though it is not built for maximum settings. Instead of the Note 13 Pro's 200 MP sensor, the X6 uses a 64 MP main camera with OIS, delivering reliable photos. The 5,100 mAh battery supports 67 W charging.

    Its rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Realme 12 5G, the iQOO Z9 and the Samsung Galaxy M34. The iQOO Z9 offered a Sony sensor with OIS, while the Poco X6 won on screen sharpness and storage. For under Rs 20,000, it was a well-balanced package. Gamers, though, were better served by the X6 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 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
    ColoursMirror Black, Snowstorm White

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 256 GB storage as standard
    • OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Not ideal for heavy gaming
    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Shipped with Android 13 and MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 20,000 who want a premium-grade display and plenty of storage.

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

  • Poco X6 Pro

    Poco launched the X6 Pro in January 2024 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB, and it quickly became the performance benchmark for its price. It was the first phone in India with the Dimensity 8300 Ultra and among the first to ship with Xiaomi's HyperOS instead of MIUI. The design mixes a flat frame with a large camera bar and, on the yellow model, vegan leather.

    Performance is the main draw. The Dimensity 8300 Ultra comfortably outpaces the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Note 13 Pro and Poco X6, running demanding games at high settings with stable frame rates. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED is bright and smooth. Its 64 MP main camera with OIS is dependable, if not exciting. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging gives good endurance.

    Rivals included the Realme 12 Pro, the iQOO Neo 7, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and the Redmi Note 13 Pro. The Realme offered a telephoto lens and the Nord CE 3 cleaner software, but nothing near the price matched the X6 Pro's raw speed. Camera-focused buyers should weigh the Realme first.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursRacing Grey, Spectre Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Class-leading performance for the price
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Early HyperOS on Android 14
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Average camera beyond the main sensor
    • Runs warm under sustained load
    • Only IP54 protection

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want flagship-level speed at a mid-range price.

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

  • Poco X7 Pro

    The Poco X7 Pro arrived in January 2025 at Rs 27,999 as the first phone in India with MediaTek's Dimensity 8400 Ultra and the first to ship with Android 15-based HyperOS 2. Poco gave the Indian model a larger 6,550 mAh battery than the global version, reinforcing its pitch as a performance phone that also lasts.

    The Dimensity 8400 Ultra is a substantial upgrade, edging close to previous-generation flagship chips in sustained gaming. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Poco dropped the macro camera and kept a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS plus an 8 MP ultrawide. Battery life is outstanding, and 90 W charging fills the large cell in under an hour. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings add real durability.

    Its competitors included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme 14 Pro+, the iQOO Neo 10R and the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. The Nord 4 offered a metal body and longer update promises, while the Realme and Redmi had telephoto lenses. For raw speed and battery per rupee, the X7 Pro led its class at launch.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6550 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Obsidian Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    • Huge 6,550 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Android 15 out of the box

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Only two rear cameras
    • HyperOS includes promotional apps

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and heavy users who want top-tier mid-range speed with excellent battery life and durability.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). 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 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 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 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 13 5G

    Xiaomi's July 2024 follow-up to the Redmi 12 5G kept the same broad recipe, a large screen, glass back and affordable 5G, while upgrading the parts buyers notice most. Starting at Rs 13,999, it was positioned as a step above the cheapest 5G phones without reaching into Note-series pricing. Its glass back carries over from the Redmi 12 5G.

    The 6.79-inch LCD now refreshes at 120 Hz, making scrolling noticeably smoother. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE is a slightly tuned version of the previous chip, adequate for everyday use and light gaming. A 108 MP main camera replaces the 50 MP unit and captures more detail in good light. The 5,030 mAh battery charges at 33 W, a welcome jump from 18 W, and Gorilla Glass protects both sides.

    Its rivals included the Samsung Galaxy M15, the Realme Narzo 70x, the Moto G64 and the Lava Blaze X. The Moto G64 offered a larger battery and cleaner software, and the Galaxy M15 promised longer updates. The Redmi 13 5G stands out for its build quality, a design that looks more expensive than it is.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 13,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5030 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursHawaiian Blue, Black Diamond, Orchid Pink

    What we like

    • Premium glass build for the price
    • 120 Hz display
    • 33 W charging, faster than its predecessor
    • 108 MP main camera

    What could be better

    • LCD rather than AMOLED
    • Only light gaming is comfortable
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a 5G phone that looks and feels more premium than its price suggests.

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