Tag: Amoled

  • Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A25 5G in India in December 2023 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB/128 GB, alongside the A15 5G. It positions itself as a step up with a smoother 120Hz screen, optical image stabilisation and Samsung's older but proven Exynos 1280 chip, the same family that powered the Galaxy A53 and M34.

    The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD+ resolution, giving smooth scrolling and good contrast. The design matches the A15 with a Key Island on the frame and a plastic body. Exynos 1280 handles multitasking and casual gaming acceptably, but it was already aging next to the Snapdragon 7 series chips in rivals like the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Poco X6.

    The 50 MP main camera has OIS, which helps low-light photos and video stability, paired with 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro sensors. The 5000 mAh battery and 25W charging give long life with average refill times. Its price was its biggest problem at launch, as the Galaxy M34 and later Galaxy F-series offered similar hardware for less.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1280
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes

    What we like

    • 120Hz Super AMOLED
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Four OS upgrades promised
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • Aging Exynos 1280 chip
    • Overpriced against rivals at launch
    • No water resistance rating

    Who should buy it

    Samsung buyers who want a smooth AMOLED screen and stabilised camera on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A16 5G in India in October 2024 at Rs 18,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Its headline was software: six generations of Android upgrades and six years of security updates, a promise previously seen only on flagships. It is aimed at buyers who keep a phone for many years and value support over specifications.

    The screen grows to 6.7 inches with a 90Hz Super AMOLED panel at full HD+, good for video and reading. Samsung added IP54 splash resistance, uncommon at this price, but dropped the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Performance in India comes from the Exynos 1330, which is efficient for daily tasks but clearly slower than the Snapdragon and Dimensity chips in rivals like the Redmi Note 14 or Moto G85.

    The camera setup is a 50 MP main, 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, with a 13 MP selfie camera. Results are decent in daylight and average indoors. A 5000 mAh battery with 25W charging gives long endurance but slow refills. The phone is thin at about 7.9 mm and feels more premium than earlier entry-level Galaxies.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1330
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Six years of OS and security updates
    • Large Super AMOLED screen
    • IP54 splash resistance
    • Slim design

    What could be better

    • Exynos 1330 is slow for the price
    • No headphone jack
    • Only 90Hz

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a budget phone they can keep using and updating for many years.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

    The Galaxy A15 5G arrived in India in December 2023 at Rs 19,499 for 8 GB/128 GB. Its biggest step up over the A14 5G was the screen, moving to a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED at 90Hz, and Samsung also promised four generations of Android updates and five years of security patches, unusual at this price.

    Samsung's new design language with a flat frame and a raised Key Island on the side for the power and volume keys makes it look closer to the pricier A series. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip is efficient but modest, handling everyday use and light gaming without fuss. The AMOLED panel has deep blacks and good outdoor visibility compared with LCD rivals.

    Cameras include a 50 MP main with a 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, a useful upgrade from the A14's depth sensor. The 5000 mAh battery delivers long endurance, and 25W charging is faster though still not quick by Indian market standards, where the Redmi Note 13 5G and Realme 11x offered more speed. The update policy remains its strongest argument.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,499 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6100+
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes

    What we like

    • Super AMOLED display
    • Four OS upgrades promised
    • Long battery life
    • Includes an ultrawide camera

    What could be better

    • Modest processor for the price
    • 90Hz rather than 120Hz
    • Rivals charge faster

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who prioritise a good screen and long software support over raw speed.

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

  • Vivo Y200

    Vivo launched the Y200 in India in October 2023, borrowing design cues from the V-series, including a slim profile and the Aura light ring for portraits. It was largely sold through offline retail stores, where Vivo has a strong presence, and competed with the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Oppo A79 and Redmi Note 12 5G.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz looks vibrant and smooth, giving it an edge over many LCD rivals at retail. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is an entry-level 5G chip, suitable for calls, social media and streaming but limited for gaming. Critics noted that the price was high for this level of performance. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered the usual Vivo features.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes stable daytime photos, and the Aura light helps illuminate faces at night. The 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 16 MP selfie camera is decent for video calls. The 4,800 mAh battery with 44W charging lasts a day. Buyers focused on value could get faster chips online for less, but the Y200's looks and retail availability appealed to many.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4800 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursJungle Green, Desert Gold

    What we like

    • Slim and stylish design
    • 120Hz AMOLED display
    • OIS main camera with Aura light
    • Widely available in offline stores

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is underpowered for the price
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Online rivals offer better value

    Who should buy it

    Offline shoppers who want a stylish, slim phone with a good display.

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

  • Vivo T2 5G

    The Vivo T2 5G launched in India in April 2023 as a Flipkart-focused budget 5G phone. It stood out for its compact 6.38-inch AMOLED display at a time when most rivals had grown past 6.6 inches, and for including optical image stabilisation on its main camera. Competition came from the Redmi Note 12, Samsung Galaxy M34 and Realme 10 Pro.

    The AMOLED panel refreshes at 90Hz and offers good colours and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Snapdragon 695 was a widely used, efficient chip that handled social media and moderate gaming well, though it was showing its age. The phone is light and easy to use one-handed. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 brought familiar Vivo features and some preinstalled apps.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes steady, detailed photos, while the 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 16 MP selfie camera is decent. The 4,500 mAh battery is smaller than most rivals, but the efficient chip and compact display keep endurance reasonable, with 44W charging. The Redmi Note 12 offered a larger screen and battery, but the T2 suited people who wanted a smaller phone.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.38-inch, AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 695
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursVelocity Wave, Nitro Blaze

    What we like

    • Compact AMOLED display
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Light and easy to hold
    • Efficient Snapdragon 695

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Only 90Hz refresh rate
    • No ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact 5G phone with a good screen and stable photos.

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

  • Realme P1

    The Realme P1 opened a new Flipkart-focused P-series in April 2024, effectively positioning itself as a value alternative to the Narzo line sold on Amazon. It packed familiar Realme hardware into a fresh design with a large circular camera module, aiming squarely at the Redmi Note 13, Poco X6 Neo and iQOO Z9 in the sub-16,000 to 20,000 rupee range.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display refreshes at 120Hz and gets bright enough for outdoor use, which is a clear advantage over LCD rivals. The Dimensity 7050 provides consistent, if unspectacular, performance for gaming at medium settings and multitasking. IP54 dust and splash protection and a vapour chamber for cooling were highlighted at launch, reflecting the P-series focus on durability and sustained performance.

    Cameras include a 50 MP main sensor and a 2 MP depth unit, delivering good daylight results but nothing remarkable after dark. The 16 MP front camera is fine for video calls. A 5,000 mAh battery with 45W charging gives dependable endurance. The iQOO Z9 offered better low-light photos with OIS, but the P1 often undercut it on price during sales, which made it a popular value choice.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPeacock Green, Phoenix Red

    What we like

    • AMOLED 120Hz display
    • Reliable Dimensity 7050 performance
    • IP54 rating
    • Good value during sales

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Average low-light photos
    • Bloatware in Realme UI

    Who should buy it

    Flipkart shoppers who want an AMOLED 5G phone at a tight budget.

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

  • Realme Narzo 70

    The standard Narzo 70 launched alongside the cheaper Narzo 70x in 2024, slotting below the Narzo 70 Pro. Its purpose was simple: give budget buyers an AMOLED panel and a capable 5G chip at a price where most rivals still used LCD screens. It competed against the Redmi Note 13 5G, Poco M6 Plus and Lava's Blaze series in the online market.

    Using the same Dimensity 7050 as the more expensive Narzo models means everyday performance is better than most phones at this price, and casual gaming is comfortable. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz is the standout, giving richer colours than the LCDs common in this bracket. An IP54 rating covers rain and splashes, and the design reuses the Pro's general shape with a simpler finish.

    Cameras are basic: a 50 MP main sensor without OIS plus a 2 MP depth helper, fine for daylight social media but noisy indoors. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day and charges at 45W, slower than the Pro's 67W but quick enough. Compared with the Redmi Note 13 5G, it matched the display quality while undercutting on price, making it a sensible pick for students.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • AMOLED 120Hz display at a budget price
    • Dimensity 7050 performs above its class
    • IP54 splash resistance
    • Reliable battery life

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Main camera lacks OIS
    • Only 128 GB storage option

    Who should buy it

    Students and first-time 5G buyers who want an AMOLED screen without spending much.

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