Tag: Clean software

  • CMF Phone 1

    The CMF Phone 1 launched in India in July 2024 at Rs 15,999 for 6 GB plus 128 GB, as the first phone from Nothing's budget sub-brand. Its most unusual feature is a back panel held on by visible screws, which can be swapped for different colours and textures, and a corner dial that accepts accessories such as a lanyard, a stand and a card wallet.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz and is bright and vivid for the price. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is a strong budget chip, efficient and quick enough for most games at medium settings, and noticeably faster than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 13 5G. Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14 is clean, with no ads and few preinstalled apps, and storage is expandable by microSD.

    The 50 MP Sony main camera with a depth sensor produces good daylight photos, though there is no ultrawide. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts two days for light users, with 33W charging. Against the Moto G64 and Realme Narzo 70 Pro it offers a better display, more personality and cleaner software, at the cost of a less versatile camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + depth sensor
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Orange, Light Green

    What we like

    • Swappable back and accessory system
    • Efficient Dimensity 7300
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED
    • Clean, ad-free software

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Accessories cost extra
    • Charger sold separately

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a fun, customisable phone with a good display and clean software.

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

  • Nothing Phone (1)

    The Nothing Phone (1) launched in India in July 2022 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, and its arrival was one of the most hyped launches of the year. Carl Pei's new company built the phone around a transparent back with Glyph Interface LED strips that light up for calls, notifications and charging status, a design that genuinely looked unlike anything else on sale.

    Beneath the lights is a solid mid-range package. The 6.55-inch flexible OLED has uniform bezels and runs at 120Hz, and the Snapdragon 778G+ provides good everyday performance, though behind the Snapdragon 870 in rivals like the iQOO Neo 6. Nothing OS 1.0 is a clean, quick skin over Android 12 with custom widgets and a dot-matrix font.

    The dual 50 MP cameras, a Sony IMX766 main with OIS and a Samsung JN1 ultrawide, deliver pleasant results in daylight but are ordinary at night. The 4500 mAh battery gives a day of use, with 33W wired, 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging. Against the OnePlus Nord 2T it offered a far more distinctive design and wireless charging, though early software bugs hurt its reputation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2022
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Flexible OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging33W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 12, Nothing OS 1.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursWhite, Black

    What we like

    • Unique transparent design with Glyph lights
    • Uniform bezels on a 120Hz OLED
    • Wireless charging at this price
    • Clean Nothing OS

    What could be better

    • Average low-light camera
    • Early software bugs
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a mid-ranger that looks completely different from the crowd while still offering clean, fast software.

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

  • Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

    Nothing launched the Phone (2a) Plus in India in July 2024 at Rs 27,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, just four months after the Phone (2a). Rather than a new design, it was a mid-cycle upgrade with a metallic finish in Grey or Black, a faster chip, more storage and better selfie hardware, aimed at buyers who found the (2a) slightly short on performance.

    The Dimensity 7350 Pro is a modest step up from the 7200 Pro, about ten percent quicker in practice, with the same 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14 is unchanged in its clean, minimal approach. The Glyph lights now support more custom ringtones and notification patterns.

    The rear pairing of a 50 MP main and 50 MP ultrawide carries over, but the front camera moves from 32 MP to 50 MP and records 4K video. The 5000 mAh battery gains 50W charging, slightly faster than before. Against the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Realme 13 Pro, it is a sensible choice for buyers who want the (2a) experience with more headroom.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1084 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g
    ColoursBlack, Grey

    What we like

    • 256 GB base storage
    • 50 MP selfie camera with 4K video
    • Slightly faster chipset
    • Metallic finish looks premium

    What could be better

    • Small upgrade over the Phone (2a)
    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP54

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who like the Phone (2a) but want more storage, a better selfie camera and a little extra speed.

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

  • Motorola Moto G84 5G

    Motorola launched the Moto G84 5G in India in September 2023 in a single 12 GB plus 256 GB configuration for Rs 19,999, giving buyers far more memory than most rivals at the price. It also brought the Edge series' design language down to the G line, with Pantone-curated colours including a vegan leather Viva Magenta that made it stand out on store shelves.

    The 6.55-inch pOLED runs at 120Hz and is a clear upgrade over the LCD on the cheaper G54, with deep blacks and good brightness. The Snapdragon 695 was already a familiar chip by 2023, reliable but older than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro. Clean Android 13, IP54 splash resistance, a headphone jack and a microSD slot round out a practical package.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS handles daylight and indoor shots well, backed by an 8 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro lens. The 5000 mAh battery with 30W charging lasts a full day and more. Compared with the Galaxy M34 and Realme 11 Pro, the G84 wins on software cleanliness and memory, but lags slightly on raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, pOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Marshmallow Blue, Viva Magenta

    What we like

    • 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as standard
    • Bright 120Hz pOLED
    • Stylish vegan leather options
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 695 is an older chip
    • 30W charging is average
    • Limited OS upgrade promise

    Who should buy it

    Users who want a good-looking phone with an OLED screen and plenty of memory for under Rs 20,000.

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