Tag: Big screen

  • Samsung Galaxy A05s

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A05s in India in October 2023 at Rs 14,999 for 6 GB/128 GB. Unlike most phones in this list, it is a 4G-only device, built for buyers who want a large screen and Samsung's software without paying for 5G. It sits just below the Galaxy A14 5G and M14 5G in Samsung's range.

    The 6.7-inch PLS LCD runs at 90Hz with full HD+ resolution, good for videos and reading but without the contrast of AMOLED panels. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680 is a well-known efficient chip that handles messaging, social apps and video calls smoothly, though it struggles with demanding games. The plastic body is light enough and fits the price.

    On the back are a 50 MP main camera with 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro sensors, while the 13 MP front camera handles selfies and calls. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, and 25W charging is faster than many entry-level Samsung phones of earlier years. Rivals like the Redmi 12 5G offered 5G at a similar price, which limited its appeal.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 14,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.7-inch, PLS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 680
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes

    What we like

    • Large 90Hz screen
    • Efficient Snapdragon 680
    • 25W charging
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • No 5G support
    • LCD display
    • Rivals offer 5G at the same price

    Who should buy it

    Users on 4G networks who want a big-screen Samsung for calls, video and social media.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 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 S24+

    The Galaxy S24+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Like the base model, it used the Exynos 2400 in India. It is the phone for people who want a big screen and big battery but have no use for the Ultra's S Pen, 200 MP sensor or premium price.

    This year the Plus received a meaningful display upgrade to 1440 x 3120 resolution on a 6.7-inch LTPO panel, matching the Ultra's sharpness on a flat screen with rounded corners. The flat aluminium frame and 196 g weight make it far easier to hold than the Ultra. Performance is strong across apps and games, with more RAM than the base S24.

    Cameras mirror the S24, with a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4900 mAh battery and 45W charging give it better endurance and faster top-ups than its smaller sibling. Its awkward middle position was the main criticism: the OnePlus 12 cost far less, and the Ultra was only a step away for buyers already spending close to a lakh.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorExynos 2400
    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 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight196 g

    What we like

    • Sharp QHD+ flat display
    • Bigger battery and 45W charging
    • 12 GB RAM as standard
    • Comfortable flat design

    What could be better

    • Same cameras as the cheaper S24
    • Priced close to the Ultra
    • Exynos efficiency trails Snapdragon rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a large, sharp screen and longer battery life without the bulk and cost of the Ultra.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). 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.

  • Oppo A79 5G

    The Oppo A79 5G launched in India in October 2023 as an affordable 5G option sold widely through offline retailers. It offered a large display, a dependable battery and Oppo's polished ColorOS, competing with the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Vivo Y200 and Redmi 12 5G. Its real advantage was easy access to demos, EMI plans and after-sales service at Oppo retail partners.

    The 6.72-inch full HD LCD display refreshes at 90Hz, giving smooth scrolling though lacking the contrast of AMOLED. The Dimensity 6020 is an entry-level 5G chip that handles calls, social media and video comfortably but struggles with heavier games. The design has a glossy finish and flat edges. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 offered a clean, easy-to-use interface.

    The 50 MP main camera takes decent photos in good light, and a 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, with 33W charging. Online rivals such as the Redmi 12 5G offered similar specifications for less, so the A79 mainly appealed to buyers who preferred to shop in physical stores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.72-inch, LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    ColoursGlowing Green, Mystery Black

    What we like

    • Large 90Hz display
    • Long battery life
    • Clean ColorOS interface
    • Widely available offline

    What could be better

    • Expensive for the specifications
    • LCD lacks contrast
    • Basic cameras

    Who should buy it

    Offline shoppers who want a simple 5G phone with good battery life.

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