RAG Demo

Tag: First smartphone

  • Poco C65

    Poco launched the C65 in India in December 2023 as a rebadged sibling of the Redmi 13C, aimed at buyers who shop mainly online. The base model offered 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, which was generous for a phone at this price, and it came with a clean flat-edged design.

    Its 6.74-inch HD+ LCD runs at 90 Hz, helping basic navigation feel smooth. The MediaTek Helio G85 is an older 4G chip that handles messaging, calls, social media and streaming, but struggles with heavier multitasking and games. A 50 MP main camera handles daylight photos adequately. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day, recharged at 18 W.

    In this bracket it competed with the Redmi 13C, the Realme C53, the Samsung Galaxy A05 and the Itel P55. The Galaxy A05 offered more years of updates, while the Poco C65 matched the Redmi 13C on hardware at a slightly lower effective price. For a basic 4G phone with plenty of storage, it ticks the boxes.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,499 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.74-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro + auxiliary lens
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMatte Black, Pastel Blue

    What we like

    • 128 GB storage in the base model
    • Low price
    • Long battery life
    • 90 Hz display

    What could be better

    • 4G only
    • HD+ resolution
    • Older, slower chip

    Who should buy it

    Online shoppers who want a cheap 4G phone with plenty of storage for photos and apps.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi A3

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi A3 in India in February 2024 as an ultra-affordable phone for first-time smartphone users and secondary-device buyers. Starting at Rs 7,299, it looks surprisingly upmarket thanks to a glass-finish back and a large circular camera ring, and it runs the lighter Android 14 Go edition rather than full HyperOS.

    The 6.71-inch HD+ LCD refreshes at 90 Hz. MediaTek's Helio G36 is a basic chip, so expect it to manage calls, messaging, UPI payments and video, while heavier apps and games will feel slow. The 8 MP rear camera is suitable for documents and casual snaps rather than detailed photos. Battery life is a strength, with the 5,000 mAh cell lasting long, though 10 W charging is very slow.

    Its competition included the Samsung Galaxy A05, the Realme Narzo N53, the Itel A70 and the Poco C51. The Galaxy A05 had a better camera, and Itel undercut it on price. The Redmi A3 balances a clean Go experience with a decent screen and battery for the money. Those who need more speed should look at the Redmi 13C instead.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,299 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.71-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1650
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G36
    RAM3 GB / 4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras8 MP main + auxiliary lens
    Front camera5 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging10W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14 (Go edition)
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Black, Lake Blue, Olive Green

    What we like

    • Very low price
    • Premium-looking design
    • 90 Hz screen
    • Lightweight Android Go software

    What could be better

    • Weak Helio G36 performance
    • Basic 8 MP camera
    • Very slow 10 W charging
    • 4G only

    Who should buy it

    First-time smartphone users or anyone needing a cheap secondary phone for calls, messaging and payments.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 13C

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi 13C in India in December 2023 alongside a separate 5G model, and the 4G version is the one aimed at buyers for whom price matters more than network generation. Starting at Rs 7,999, it offers a large screen, ample storage and a design borrowed from pricier Redmis, with a flat frame and a vertical camera strip.

    The 6.74-inch HD+ LCD runs at 90 Hz, which keeps scrolling smooth even if text is not especially crisp. MediaTek's Helio G85 is an older chip that handles calls, WhatsApp, YouTube and basic games, but multitasking can stutter. The 50 MP main camera gives acceptable daylight photos. A 5,000 mAh battery lasts long, though charging at 18 W takes well over two hours.

    Competition included the Samsung Galaxy A05, the Realme C53, the Tecno Spark 20 and the Poco C65, which is essentially the same phone sold under Xiaomi's sub-brand. The Galaxy A05 promised longer software support, while the Redmi 13C offered more storage per rupee. For a basic 4G handset, it covers the essentials well.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.74-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro + auxiliary lens
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursStarshine Green, Stardust Black, Starfrost White

    What we like

    • Very affordable
    • Generous 128 GB base storage
    • Smooth 90 Hz screen
    • Long battery life

    What could be better

    • 4G only
    • HD+ resolution
    • Ageing Helio G85 chip
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who need a basic, reliable 4G smartphone for calls, messaging and video on the smallest budget.

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