Tag: Fast charging

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 13 Pro+ 5G arrived in January 2024 as the most premium Redmi Note yet. Xiaomi gave it a curved 1.5K AMOLED display, a vegan-leather option in its Fusion colourways, and an IP68 rating, a first for the Note line. At Rs 31,999 it competed directly with phones that had traditionally sat a class above Redmi.

    Performance comes from the Dimensity 7200 Ultra, a solid upper mid-range chip that runs games smoothly at moderate settings and stays efficient. The 200 MP main camera uses a larger sensor than the Note 13 Pro's and delivers good dynamic range, although the ultrawide and macro remain basic. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 120 W, reaching full in about 20 minutes, and the curved screen makes the phone feel slimmer in hand.

    Its main rivals were the Realme 12 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope zoom, the OnePlus Nord 3 with a stronger Dimensity 9000, and the Motorola Edge 40. The Note 13 Pro+ stands out on durability and charging speed, but lacks a telephoto camera and drops the headphone jack that the cheaper Note models keep.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFusion White, Fusion Purple, Fusion Black

    What we like

    • IP68 dust and water resistance
    • 120 W charging
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Premium design options

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera at this price
    • No headphone jack, unlike cheaper Notes
    • MIUI bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, premium-feeling Redmi with fast charging and a great screen.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

    Launched in January 2024, the Note 13 Pro 5G took the 200 MP camera that had been exclusive to the previous year's Pro+ and made it the centrepiece of a cheaper model. Its 6.67-inch flat AMOLED panel moved up to 1.5K resolution, and Xiaomi kept practical touches such as the headphone jack and IR blaster while adding IP54 protection.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is efficient rather than fast; it handles everyday tasks fluidly and runs popular games at medium settings, though it trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Pro+. The screen is excellent for the price, crisp and bright. The 200 MP main camera with OIS captures detailed daylight images and holds up reasonably well at night. A 5,100 mAh battery and 67 W charging mean a full charge in under an hour.

    Competition was fierce: the Poco X6 Pro offered a much faster Dimensity 8300 for less, the Realme 12 Pro added a telephoto lens, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 had cleaner software. The Note 13 Pro is the balanced choice for those who value screen and camera over benchmark scores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Coral Purple, Midnight Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 200 MP OIS main camera
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • 67 W charging with a 5,100 mAh cell

    What could be better

    • Chip is slower than rivals like the Poco X6 Pro
    • Ultrawide and macro cameras are basic
    • Ships with an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want a sharp screen and a strong main camera in a practical, well-rounded phone.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 12 Pro+ 5G sat at the top of Redmi's January 2023 line-up and leaned on two spec-sheet headlines: a 200 MP Samsung HPX main sensor with optical stabilisation and 120 W wired charging. At Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB it pushed the Note series closer to the upper mid-range than it had ever been, and brought a more premium glass-back design to match.

    The 6.67-inch OLED panel runs at 120 Hz and is sharp and vivid. Performance comes from the Dimensity 1080, a capable but not class-leading chip; it handles everyday use and casual gaming well but trails the Snapdragon 778G found in some rivals. The 200 MP sensor bins down to 12.5 MP by default and delivers detailed daylight shots, though the 8 MP ultrawide is a clear step down. The 4,980 mAh battery refills in roughly 20 minutes.

    Rivals included the Realme 10 Pro+, the iQOO Neo 7 and the Poco X5 Pro, with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 arriving later. The iQOO Neo 7 offered a much faster chip at a similar price, so the Note 12 Pro+ made more sense for camera and charging buyers than for gamers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4980 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black

    What we like

    • Detailed 200 MP main camera with OIS
    • Very fast 120 W charging
    • Sharp 120 Hz OLED display

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is slower than similarly priced rivals
    • Weak ultrawide and filler macro camera
    • Heavy MIUI with preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise main-camera detail and very fast charging over raw gaming performance.

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

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    Xiaomi brought the 15 Ultra to India in March 2025 in a single 16 GB and 512 GB configuration, priced above most Android rivals and pitched less as an all-rounder than as a camera you can make calls on. The Leica co-branding, the large circular camera island and the optional photography grip kit all push the same message: this phone is for people who shoot a lot and care about how the files look.

    Under the glass sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which handles games, 4K video and heavy multitasking with ease, and a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel at 1440p that is bright and accurate. The rear array is the real story: a 1-inch type main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP 3x telephoto and a 200 MP periscope at roughly 4.3x. The Indian unit uses a 5,410 mAh silicon-carbon cell with 90 W wired and 80 W wireless charging.

    Against the Galaxy S25 Ultra it gives up the S Pen and Samsung's seven-year update promise, but its main camera and long-zoom detail are generally stronger, especially in low light. The Vivo X200 Pro is its closest rival on imaging and costs less. Buyers who mostly want a fast phone with a good camera will find the OnePlus 13 far cheaper; the 15 Ultra makes sense only if photography is the priority.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x telephoto + 200 MP periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5410 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with excellent low-light detail
    • 200 MP periscope gives usable long-range zoom
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Very expensive, single configuration in India
    • Heavy and top-heavy because of the camera island
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Google

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want the most capable zoom and low-light camera on an Android phone and will pay for it.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi 15

    Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 15 in India in March 2025 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, cheaper than its predecessor's launch price. It keeps the compact 6.36-inch format and introduces Snapdragon 8 Elite, putting it against the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 while offering more storage and faster charging.

    The flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz with very slim bezels. The aluminium frame and glass back feel premium and the phone is easy to use one-handed. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top performance with better efficiency than the previous generation. It shipped with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, with features like AI writing tools and Google Gemini.

    Cameras include a 50 MP Leica main with Light Fusion 900 sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 60 MP 2.6x telephoto with good close-focus ability. The Indian variant has a 5240 mAh battery, large for a compact phone, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its main competitor in size and price was the Galaxy S25, which offered longer software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 64,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 60 MP 2.6x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5240 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, White, Green

    What we like

    • Compact with a big battery
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite
    • Three capable Leica cameras
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Only one storage variant
    • Preinstalled apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small, fast Android flagship with excellent cameras and battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi 14 Civi

    Xiaomi brought the Civi line to India in June 2024 with the Xiaomi 14 Civi, priced at Rs 42,999 for 8 GB/256 GB. It is a rebranded Civi 4 Pro from China, aimed at style-conscious buyers who want flagship-like cameras and design without paying flagship prices. It competed with the OnePlus 12R, Nothing Phone (2) and Galaxy S23 FE.

    The 6.55-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with 1236 x 2750 resolution and high peak brightness. The slim body comes in finishes including vegan leather and a metallic texture, making it one of the slimmer phones of its class. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers near-flagship performance, comfortably handling games at high settings, with HyperOS running on Android 14.

    The rear cameras are a 50 MP Leica main with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2x telephoto, producing pleasing portraits. Up front are dual 32 MP cameras, one wide and one standard, a rarity for group selfies. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 67W charging refills it quickly, though there is no wireless charging or high IP rating.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 42,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.55-inch, AMOLED, curved, 120Hz, 1236 x 2750
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP + 32 MP ultrawide
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatcha Green, Cruise Blue, Shadow Black

    What we like

    • Slim, stylish design
    • Leica cameras with a 2x telephoto
    • Dual selfie cameras
    • Near-flagship performance

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • No strong water resistance rating
    • Curved screen not for everyone

    Who should buy it

    Selfie lovers and style-focused buyers who want Leica cameras and strong performance under Rs 45,000.

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

  • Xiaomi 14 Ultra

    Xiaomi launched the 14 Ultra in India in March 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB/512 GB, the first time an Ultra model was officially sold in the country. Its design looks like a compact camera, with a large circular module and vegan leather back, and an optional Photography Kit grip added a shutter button and extra battery.

    The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1440 x 3200 is very bright and sharp, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers excellent performance and the cooling handles extended camera and gaming use. It shipped with HyperOS on Android 14. The phone is big and heavy, and the camera bump makes it rock on a table.

    Four 50 MP cameras define it: a 1-inch-type LYT-900 main sensor with stepless variable aperture from f/1.63 to f/4.0, an ultrawide, a 3.2x floating telephoto and a 5x periscope. Results rival the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Vivo X100 Pro, especially in portraits and low light. The 5000 mAh battery supports 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, both well ahead of Samsung and Apple.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto + 50 MP 5x periscope
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Outstanding camera system with variable aperture
    • Two telephoto lenses
    • Fast wired and wireless charging
    • Bright QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Large, heavy and top-heavy camera bump
    • Expensive
    • Photography Kit sold separately

    Who should buy it

    Mobile photographers who want a camera-like phone with the most versatile lenses.

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

  • Xiaomi 14

    Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 14 in India in March 2024 at Rs 69,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, with no lower storage option. It is one of the few compact Android flagships with three capable cameras, competing directly against the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 while offering more storage and faster charging for less money.

    The 6.36-inch flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz, with slim, even bezels. The flat aluminium frame and glass back make it comfortable for one-handed use. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier performance, and it was among the first phones in India to run HyperOS, Xiaomi's successor to MIUI, on Android 14.

    All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a Leica Summilux main with a Light Fusion 900 sensor, an ultrawide and a 3.2x telephoto. Photos are sharp with natural or vibrant Leica looks, and the telephoto handles portraits well. The 4610 mAh battery lasts a full day, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi promised four Android upgrades, fewer than Samsung's seven.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 69,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4610 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatte Black, White, Jade Green

    What we like

    • Compact size with a real telephoto
    • 512 GB storage as standard
    • 90W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

    What could be better

    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Some preinstalled apps
    • Battery only average for heavy users

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact Android flagship with strong Leica cameras and fast charging.

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

  • Xiaomi 13 Pro

    Xiaomi launched the 13 Pro in India in February 2023 at Rs 79,999 for 12 GB/256 GB, its first Leica co-engineered phone in the country. It signalled Xiaomi's push back into the premium segment after years of focusing on Redmi, with a ceramic back, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a camera aimed squarely at the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro.

    The 6.73-inch curved AMOLED with LTPO and 1440 x 3200 resolution is sharp, bright and smooth at up to 120Hz. The ceramic back feels premium but makes the phone heavy at 229 g and slippery. Performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is excellent, and MIUI 14 on Android 13 offered lots of customisation, though it came with some preinstalled apps.

    The camera system centres on a 50 MP 1-inch-type IMX989 sensor, joined by a 50 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3.2x floating telephoto that doubles as a close-focus macro. Leica Authentic and Vibrant looks give images a distinctive character. The 4820 mAh battery charges at 120W wired and 50W wireless, both far faster than Samsung and Apple. Long-term software support was a weaker point.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, curved, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4820 mAh
    Charging120W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight229 g
    ColoursCeramic White, Ceramic Black

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with Leica tuning
    • Very fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Sharp QHD+ LTPO display
    • Premium ceramic build

    What could be better

    • Heavy and slippery
    • Bloatware in MIUI
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Apple

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want a large-sensor Leica camera and very fast charging.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

    The Galaxy A56 5G launched in India in March 2025 at Rs 41,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It is the most premium A-series model of its year, with the new Exynos 1580, an aluminium frame and a much slimmer profile than the A55. Samsung also extended six years of OS and security updates and brought several Galaxy AI tools to it.

    The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED runs at 120Hz with strong brightness, and the phone is noticeably thinner and lighter at 198 g. A new pill-shaped camera island matches the A36. Exynos 1580 is a clear step up over the 1480 in CPU and graphics, comfortable for gaming at medium-high settings, though rivals like the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and OnePlus Nord 5 competed hard on price.

    Charging jumps to 45W, which is the most practical upgrade for daily use. Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, a new 12 MP ultrawide and a 5 MP macro, with a 12 MP selfie camera that supports 10-bit HDR video. Like the A36 it drops the microSD slot. IP67 and Samsung's after-sales network remain strong selling points.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 41,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1580
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight198 g

    What we like

    • 45W charging
    • Slimmer, lighter premium build
    • Six years of updates
    • Faster Exynos 1580

    What could be better

    • No microSD slot
    • Pricey against rivals
    • Macro camera is filler

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Samsung's best mid-range phone with long support and faster charging.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.