RAG Demo

Tag: Everyday phone

  • 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 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 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 A25 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A25 5G in India in December 2023 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB/128 GB, alongside the A15 5G. It positions itself as a step up with a smoother 120Hz screen, optical image stabilisation and Samsung's older but proven Exynos 1280 chip, the same family that powered the Galaxy A53 and M34.

    The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD+ resolution, giving smooth scrolling and good contrast. The design matches the A15 with a Key Island on the frame and a plastic body. Exynos 1280 handles multitasking and casual gaming acceptably, but it was already aging next to the Snapdragon 7 series chips in rivals like the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Poco X6.

    The 50 MP main camera has OIS, which helps low-light photos and video stability, paired with 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro sensors. The 5000 mAh battery and 25W charging give long life with average refill times. Its price was its biggest problem at launch, as the Galaxy M34 and later Galaxy F-series offered similar hardware for less.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1280
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes

    What we like

    • 120Hz Super AMOLED
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Four OS upgrades promised
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • Aging Exynos 1280 chip
    • Overpriced against rivals at launch
    • No water resistance rating

    Who should buy it

    Samsung buyers who want a smooth AMOLED screen and stabilised camera on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Realme Narzo 70

    The standard Narzo 70 launched alongside the cheaper Narzo 70x in 2024, slotting below the Narzo 70 Pro. Its purpose was simple: give budget buyers an AMOLED panel and a capable 5G chip at a price where most rivals still used LCD screens. It competed against the Redmi Note 13 5G, Poco M6 Plus and Lava's Blaze series in the online market.

    Using the same Dimensity 7050 as the more expensive Narzo models means everyday performance is better than most phones at this price, and casual gaming is comfortable. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz is the standout, giving richer colours than the LCDs common in this bracket. An IP54 rating covers rain and splashes, and the design reuses the Pro's general shape with a simpler finish.

    Cameras are basic: a 50 MP main sensor without OIS plus a 2 MP depth helper, fine for daylight social media but noisy indoors. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day and charges at 45W, slower than the Pro's 67W but quick enough. Compared with the Redmi Note 13 5G, it matched the display quality while undercutting on price, making it a sensible pick for students.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • AMOLED 120Hz display at a budget price
    • Dimensity 7050 performs above its class
    • IP54 splash resistance
    • Reliable battery life

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Main camera lacks OIS
    • Only 128 GB storage option

    Who should buy it

    Students and first-time 5G buyers who want an AMOLED screen without spending much.

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