Tag: Compact phone

  • iQOO Z7

    The iQOO Z7 launched in India in March 2023 through Amazon as a value-focused 5G phone. It shared its compact form factor and much of its design philosophy with the Vivo T2, but used MediaTek's Dimensity 920 chip. Its main rivals were the Redmi Note 12, Realme 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M34.

    The 6.38-inch AMOLED display refreshes at 90Hz and includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, a rare combination at this price. The Dimensity 920 performed better than the Snapdragon 695 found in many competitors, making the Z7 a solid choice for casual gaming. The compact, lightweight build was comfortable for one-handed use. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered useful features but preinstalled apps.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes stable photos in daylight and handles low light better than non-stabilised rivals, while the 2 MP depth sensor is largely decorative. The 16 MP selfie camera is acceptable. The 4,500 mAh battery is smaller than average, but efficient hardware keeps it going for a day, with 44W charging. Buyers wanting a compact, quick 5G phone found it a good fit.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.38-inch, AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 920
    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
    ColoursNorway Blue, Pacific Night

    What we like

    • Compact AMOLED display
    • Dimensity 920 outperforms many rivals
    • OIS main camera
    • Lightweight design

    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, fast 5G phone with a stabilised camera.

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