RAG Demo

Tag: Budget

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G

    Xiaomi positioned the Note 13 5G as the stylish entry model of its 2024 Note range, starting at Rs 16,999. The design is the main upgrade over the Note 12 5G: slimmer at under 8 mm, lighter at about 174 g, with thinner bezels around the 6.67-inch AMOLED panel. It keeps a headphone jack and IR blaster and adds IP54 dust and splash resistance.

    The Dimensity 6080 is a small step up from the outgoing Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, fine for social media, streaming and light games. The screen is the highlight, bright and smooth at 120 Hz. A 108 MP main camera takes sharp daylight photos, but low-light results are soft and the 8 MP ultrawide is average. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, recharged at 33 W.

    In early 2024 it competed with the Samsung Galaxy M34, Realme 12 5G, Lava's Agni 2 and Motorola's G54. The Moto G54 offered cleaner software and the Galaxy M34 a bigger battery, while the Note 13 5G wins on display quality and design. Gamers would be better served by the Poco X6 Neo or iQOO Z-series.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 16,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight174.5 g
    ColoursArctic White, Prism Gold, Stealth Black

    What we like

    • Slim, light design with thin bezels
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED display
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster retained
    • IP54 protection

    What could be better

    • Average chip for gaming
    • 33 W charging only
    • Low-light photos are soft

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a light, good-looking budget phone with a quality screen for streaming and everyday apps.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G

    Launched in January 2023 as the entry point of the Note 12 family, the Redmi Note 12 5G took over from the very popular Note 11 series with one headline change: an AMOLED display at 120 Hz in a phone starting at Rs 17,999. It kept the familiar flat-sided Redmi look, a headphone jack, an IR blaster and a microSD slot, all of which still matter to many buyers in this price band.

    The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a modest chip. Daily apps, social media and video run smoothly, but heavier games need reduced settings. The 48 MP main camera produces decent daylight photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro add little. A 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half, though 33 W charging is slow next to rivals offering 67 W.

    Its competition at launch included the iQOO Z6 Lite, the Realme 10 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy M-series. The Realme 10 Pro had a faster chip on paper, and the Moto G-series offered cleaner software, but few rivals matched the Note 12's screen quality at the price. MIUI's preinstalled apps and ads remain the main irritation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight188 g
    ColoursMystique Blue, Frosted Green, Matte Black

    What we like

    • 120 Hz AMOLED screen at a budget price
    • Long battery life
    • Headphone jack, IR blaster and microSD slot
    • IP53 splash resistance

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 struggles with demanding games
    • 33 W charging is slow for the segment
    • Bloatware and ads in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a good AMOLED screen and dependable battery life for everyday use rather than gaming.

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

  • 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 F15 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy F15 5G in India in March 2024 at Rs 15,999 for 4 GB/128 GB, sold through Flipkart. It is essentially a Galaxy A15 5G with a bigger 6000 mAh battery, following the pattern of Samsung's online-only M and F series, and it carried over the A15's promise of four Android upgrades.

    Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel at 90Hz gives deep blacks and punchy colours, a clear advantage over LCD phones like the Poco M6 Pro in the same bracket. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip is efficient and handles social media, video streaming and casual games, but it is not built for heavy gaming sessions.

    The rear cameras are a 50 MP main, 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, with a 13 MP selfie camera in a waterdrop notch. Daylight photos are decent, low light is average. The 6000 mAh battery easily lasts two days for many users, and 25W charging support is included, although the charger is sold separately. It is a sensible choice for long-term budget use.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6100+
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes
    ColoursGroovy Violet, Jazzy Green, Ash Black

    What we like

    • Super AMOLED at a low price
    • Two-day battery life
    • Four OS upgrades
    • Includes ultrawide camera

    What could be better

    • Modest processor
    • Only 90Hz
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want an AMOLED screen and very long battery life with years of updates.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M35 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy M35 5G in India in July 2024 at Rs 19,999 for 6 GB/128 GB, through Amazon and Samsung's store. It borrowed the Exynos 1380 from the Galaxy A35 and A54, which meant a clear performance step over the M34, along with a vapour chamber for better heat management during games.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel has a punch-hole cutout and a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. The plastic build is functional and the phone is on the heavier side, partly due to the large battery. Exynos 1380 runs daily tasks smoothly, but the Redmi Note 13 Pro and CMF Phone 1 offered strong alternatives for less money.

    Its camera system includes a 50 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, plus a 13 MP selfie camera; photos are dependable in daylight. The 6000 mAh battery lasts a very long time, and 25W charging remains slow for a cell this large. Samsung Wallet with tap-to-pay support and four years of OS upgrades added appeal for long-term users.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMoonlight Blue, Daybreak Blue, Thunder Grey

    What we like

    • Exynos 1380 with vapour chamber
    • Huge 6000 mAh battery
    • Punch-hole 120Hz AMOLED
    • Long update promise

    What could be better

    • Slow charging for the battery size
    • Heavy plastic build
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long battery life and a smooth AMOLED in a Samsung under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

    The Galaxy M34 5G launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 18,999 for 6 GB/128 GB, sold online. It offered features that the pricier Galaxy A series charged more for, including a 120Hz Super AMOLED display and optical image stabilisation, with Samsung's typical M-series 6000 mAh battery. It was briefly one of Samsung's best-selling online models.

    The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a waterdrop notch is bright and smooth, with Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The plastic body feels sturdy if plain. The Exynos 1280 chip handles everyday multitasking well and runs popular games at medium settings, though rivals like the iQOO Z7 and Redmi Note 12 Pro offered stronger chips at the same price.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS is the highlight, delivering steadier video and better night shots than most phones in its segment, backed by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. Samsung's Monster Shot feature captures multiple images and videos at once. Battery life is excellent, comfortably two days for moderate users, and 25W charging is supported with a charger sold separately.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1280
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Prism Silver, Waterfall Blue

    What we like

    • 120Hz Super AMOLED
    • OIS main camera
    • Excellent two-day battery
    • Samsung update support

    What could be better

    • Exynos 1280 trails rivals
    • No charger in the box
    • Waterdrop notch

    Who should buy it

    Online shoppers who want a Samsung with a great screen and battery under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M14 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy M14 5G in India in April 2023 at Rs 13,490 for 4 GB/128 GB, sold primarily through Amazon and Samsung's own store. It shared much of its hardware with the Galaxy A14 5G but swapped the battery for a larger 6000 mAh cell, a classic M-series move aimed at online buyers who prioritise endurance.

    The 6.6-inch PLS LCD has a 90Hz refresh rate and full HD+ resolution. It is fine indoors but less vibrant than the AMOLED screens found in the Redmi Note 12 at slightly higher prices. The Exynos 1330 chip, built on a 5 nm process, gives smooth basic performance and excellent efficiency, though it is not meant for demanding games.

    On the back is a 50 MP main camera with 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro sensors, and a 13 MP selfie camera on the front. Battery life routinely extends to two days of light use, and 25W charging support helps, though the charger was not included in the box. A headphone jack and microSD slot add practical value for the target audience.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 13,490 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.6-inch, PLS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2408
    ProcessorExynos 1330
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursBerry Blue, Icy Silver, Smoky Teal

    What we like

    • Massive 6000 mAh battery
    • Efficient 5 nm chip
    • 128 GB base storage
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • LCD screen
    • No charger in the box
    • Weak secondary cameras

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a 5G Samsung that comfortably lasts two days on a charge.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2023). 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.

  • Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A14 5G in India in January 2023 at Rs 16,499 for 4 GB/64 GB. It was one of the first phones to use Samsung's own 5 nm Exynos 1330, and its main promise was reliable 5G with long software support at a price where many rivals offered only two years of updates.

    The design is plain plastic with a flat back and separate camera lenses. The 6.6-inch PLS LCD runs at 90Hz with full HD+ resolution, a solid choice for budget buyers but dimmer than AMOLED screens on the Redmi Note 12 5G. Performance from the Exynos 1330 is fine for social apps and calls; heavy games run at modest settings. A side-mounted fingerprint reader handles unlock.

    The triple rear camera is a 50 MP main backed by 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro sensors, so in practice only the main camera is worth using. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, though charging at 15W is slow. A headphone jack and microSD slot keep it practical, and Samsung's service network was a major reason it sold well in smaller towns.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 16,499 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.6-inch, PLS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2408
    ProcessorExynos 1330
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging15W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursDark Red, Light Green, Black

    What we like

    • Long battery life
    • Efficient 5 nm Exynos chip
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Good software update promise for the price

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Slow 15W charging
    • Filler depth and macro cameras

    Who should buy it

    First-time smartphone or 5G buyers who want a dependable Samsung with a long-lasting battery.

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