RAG Demo

Tag: Durable

  • Honor X9b

    Honor launched the X9b in India in February 2024 at Rs 25,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. Its marketing centred on durability: Honor called the curved screen an Ultra-Bounce display and staged demonstrations of the phone surviving drops onto hard surfaces, a striking claim for a curved AMOLED in this segment.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution and good peak brightness. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a middling chip, adequate for social media, streaming and casual games, but slower than the Dimensity 7200 in the Nothing Phone (2a) or the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro. MagicOS 7.2 runs on Android 13, already a version behind at launch.

    The 108 MP main camera produces good daylight images, backed by a 5 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro lens, with a 16 MP selfie camera. Battery life is a highlight thanks to the 5800 mAh silicon-carbon cell, which easily stretches past a day, though charging is a modest 35W. It suits buyers who are rough on their phones and want long battery life.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging35W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MagicOS 7.2
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight185 g
    ColoursMidnight Black, Sunrise Orange

    What we like

    • Drop-resistant curved display
    • Long-lasting 5800 mAh battery
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is slow for the price
    • Launched on an older Android version
    • Weak ultrawide and slow 35W charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who are hard on their phones and want a curved display with strong battery life.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Neo

    The Edge 50 Neo reached India in September 2024 at Rs 23,999 with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and its headline feature was size. At 6.4 inches it was one of the very few compact Android phones left in the segment, and Motorola did not strip it down to get there: it kept IP68 sealing, a MIL-STD-810H durability rating and Pantone-curated finishes.

    The flat LTPO pOLED adapts its refresh rate up to 120Hz and is bright enough outdoors. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is efficient rather than fast, comfortable for everyday tasks and light gaming. Motorola also promised five years of OS upgrades for this model, a notable commitment for a Motorola mid-ranger at the time.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS is joined by a 13 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP 3x telephoto, giving it optical zoom that rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) lacked. The trade-off for compactness is a 4310 mAh battery, which gets through a day but not much more; 68W wired and 15W wireless charging soften that. It suits anyone tired of oversized phones.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.4-inch, LTPO pOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4310 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursGrisaille, Nautical Blue, Poinciana, Latte

    What we like

    • Truly compact 6.4-inch size
    • 3x optical telephoto in a mid-ranger
    • IP68 plus MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Wireless charging at this price

    What could be better

    • 4310 mAh battery is modest
    • Dimensity 7300 is not built for heavy gaming
    • Single memory variant

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, tough phone with real zoom and wireless charging without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Realme 13+

    Realme launched the 13+ in India in August 2024 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was pitched more toward performance and gaming than the camera-led Pro models, with Realme highlighting its cooling system and support for high frame rates in popular games. Its design is flashier than the Pro models.

    The Dimensity 7300 Energy is an efficient chip that handles everyday use and gaming well at this price. The 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. A 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS takes dependable photos, supported only by a 2 MP monochrome sensor, so there is no ultrawide. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W, and IP65 protection adds durability.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Poco X6, the OnePlus Nord CE4 and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The Redmi offered a sharper screen and a better camera system, while the Nord CE4 charged faster. The Realme 13+ was a solid pick for gaming on a budget. Photographers should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP monochrome
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursVictory Gold, Speed Green, Dark Purple

    What we like

    • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Energy
    • 80 W charging
    • IP65 protection
    • OIS main camera

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Full HD+ only
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Budget gamers who want efficient performance and fast charging in a durable phone.

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