Tag: Flagship

  • Apple iPhone 14

    The iPhone 14 launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It looked almost identical to the iPhone 13 and kept the same A15 Bionic chip, albeit with a five-core GPU and 6 GB of RAM. Apple's new features were safety-focused: Crash Detection and, in some countries, Emergency SOS via satellite, which was not available in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is unchanged and still runs at 60Hz, which drew criticism when Android phones at half the price offered 120Hz. Internally Apple redesigned the chassis so the back glass is easier and cheaper to replace. Performance remains excellent for daily use and games, and battery life is slightly better than the iPhone 13.

    The 12 MP main camera got a larger sensor with faster aperture, improving low-light photos, and the front camera gained autofocus. Action mode made handheld video remarkably stable. Charging is around 20W with MagSafe up to 15W. With the iPhone 13 cheaper and nearly identical, most reviewers advised buyers to choose the older model or step up to the 14 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3279 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight172 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Improved low-light main camera
    • Action mode stabilisation
    • Crash Detection
    • Easier back-glass repair

    What could be better

    • Same chip as the iPhone 13
    • Still 60Hz
    • Little reason to upgrade from iPhone 13

    Who should buy it

    First-time iPhone buyers who want a new, long-supported model with safety features.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 13

    Apple launched the iPhone 13 in India in September 2021 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, doubling the base storage of the iPhone 12. It kept the flat-edged aluminium design but trimmed the notch by about 20 percent and moved the cameras into a diagonal layout. Over the following years, price cuts and festive sales made it one of the best-selling iPhones in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and colour accurate, though it is limited to 60Hz while Android rivals at this price had 120Hz. The A15 Bionic chip was the fastest phone chip of its time and kept the phone feeling quick long after launch. At 173 g it is comfortable, and IP68 water resistance plus Ceramic Shield glass make it durable.

    Both 12 MP cameras improved, with the wide camera gaining sensor-shift stabilisation and Cinematic mode adding rack-focus video. Battery life was a big step over the iPhone 12, comfortably lasting a day. Charging is slow at around 20W with an adapter bought separately. Against the Galaxy S21 FE and OnePlus 9, it won on video, longevity and resale value.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2021
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3227 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight173 g
    ColoursPink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • A15 Bionic remains fast for years
    • Excellent video recording
    • Much improved battery life
    • Long iOS support and resale value

    What could be better

    • 60Hz display
    • Slow charging, no charger in box
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable, long-supported iPhone, especially at discounted prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2021). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Edge in India in May 2025 at Rs 1,09,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. It is a design-first phone: a titanium frame just 5.8 mm thick and a weight of 163 g, despite carrying a 6.7-inch QHD+ display. It sits between the S25+ and S25 Ultra in price, which made its value case harder than its looks.

    Picking it up is the selling point. It feels lighter than the smaller S25 in some hands and slips into pockets that the Ultra strains. The screen is a sharp 1440 x 3120 panel with a 120Hz adaptive rate, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers the same speed as the other S25 models, although sustained gaming makes the thin body warm.

    To get so slim Samsung cut the telephoto, leaving a 200 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide. The 200 MP sensor's crop handles 2x well, but it cannot match the zoom of the cheaper S25. The 3900 mAh battery and 25W charging are the clear compromises, and heavy users will need a top-up by evening. Its closest rival in concept was the later iPhone Air, not the regular flagships.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3900 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight163 g
    ColoursTitanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Icyblue

    What we like

    • Remarkably thin and light
    • Large sharp QHD+ display
    • Flagship performance
    • IP68 despite the slim build

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Small battery for a 6.7-inch phone
    • Priced above the S25+
    • Gets warm under sustained load

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious buyers who value a light, slim phone over battery life and zoom.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra went on sale in India in early 2025 after a January launch, priced at Rs 1,29,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. It kept the Ultra recipe of a built-in S Pen, titanium frame and four rear cameras, but softened the design with rounded corners and a slightly larger 6.9-inch display that is easier to hold than the boxy S24 Ultra.

    The QHD+ screen keeps Gorilla Armor 2 with anti-reflective coating, which remains one of the best outdoor displays on any phone. Weight drops to 218 g, a meaningful change for an Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is fast and efficient, and Samsung removed Bluetooth Air Actions from the S Pen, a small loss for people who used it as a remote.

    The ultrawide camera jumps to 50 MP, joining the 200 MP main, 10 MP 3x and 50 MP 5x telephotos. Battery stays at 5000 mAh with 45W charging, but endurance is excellent. Rivals such as the Vivo X200 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max matched or beat it in some camera tests, yet nothing else combines a stylus, this zoom range and seven years of updates.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.9-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 50 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight218 g
    ColoursTitanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Gray

    What we like

    • Excellent anti-reflective display
    • Lighter, more comfortable design
    • Upgraded 50 MP ultrawide
    • Integrated S Pen and long update support

    What could be better

    • S Pen lost Bluetooth gestures
    • 45W charging
    • Very high price

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want a stylus, outstanding zoom and the best Samsung display in one phone.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

    Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra landed in India in January 2024 at Rs 1,29,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. Unlike the S24 and S24+, every Ultra worldwide used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which was a relief for Indian enthusiasts. It also debuted Galaxy AI features such as Circle to Search, Live Translate and Generative Edit.

    The frame switched from aluminium to titanium, and the 6.8-inch QHD+ panel is finally flat, which helps S Pen use and reduces accidental touches. Corning's Gorilla Armor glass has an anti-reflective coating that makes the screen noticeably easier to read outdoors. At 232 g it remains a heavy phone, but the squared-off design is more balanced than before.

    Samsung replaced the 10x telephoto with a 50 MP 5x lens, betting that sensor cropping would hold up at 10x. Results at 5x are excellent, and 10x stays good in daylight, while the 200 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide carry over. Battery life from the 5000 mAh cell is superb. Against the iPhone 15 Pro Max it offers the pen and more zoom flexibility, but charging is still 45W.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 50 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight232 g
    ColoursTitanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow

    What we like

    • Anti-reflective flat display is superb outdoors
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in every market
    • Seven years of updates
    • Versatile four-camera system with built-in S Pen

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Heavy at 232 g
    • 10x zoom no longer optical
    • 45W charging

    Who should buy it

    Anyone who wants the most capable Samsung phone with a stylus, strong zoom and long-term support.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24+

    The Galaxy S24+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Like the base model, it used the Exynos 2400 in India. It is the phone for people who want a big screen and big battery but have no use for the Ultra's S Pen, 200 MP sensor or premium price.

    This year the Plus received a meaningful display upgrade to 1440 x 3120 resolution on a 6.7-inch LTPO panel, matching the Ultra's sharpness on a flat screen with rounded corners. The flat aluminium frame and 196 g weight make it far easier to hold than the Ultra. Performance is strong across apps and games, with more RAM than the base S24.

    Cameras mirror the S24, with a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4900 mAh battery and 45W charging give it better endurance and faster top-ups than its smaller sibling. Its awkward middle position was the main criticism: the OnePlus 12 cost far less, and the Ultra was only a step away for buyers already spending close to a lakh.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorExynos 2400
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4900 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight196 g

    What we like

    • Sharp QHD+ flat display
    • Bigger battery and 45W charging
    • 12 GB RAM as standard
    • Comfortable flat design

    What could be better

    • Same cameras as the cheaper S24
    • Priced close to the Ultra
    • Exynos efficiency trails Snapdragon rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a large, sharp screen and longer battery life without the bulk and cost of the Ultra.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25

    The Galaxy S25 launched in India in January 2025 at Rs 80,999 for 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The biggest change for Indian buyers was the chip: all S25 models used the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, ending the split with Exynos that had shadowed the S24. RAM also went up to 12 GB across the board to support on-device AI.

    Physically it is very close to the S24, with a 6.2-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and a slightly lighter 162 g body. The camera rings now have a bolder outline. The new chip delivers a large jump in CPU and graphics performance, runs cooler, and makes the small phone feel quicker than many larger flagships of its time.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto cameras are carried over, with improved processing. Battery capacity stays at 4000 mAh and charging at 25W, which remained the S25's weakest area against rivals like the OnePlus 13 and iQOO 13. One UI 7 on Android 15 brought new AI tools such as Now Brief and cross-app Gemini actions.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 80,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight162 g
    ColoursIcyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite in India
    • Very light and compact
    • 12 GB RAM standard
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • 25W charging
    • Base model drops to 128 GB
    • Little change in camera hardware

    Who should buy it

    People who want top-tier performance in a small, lightweight Android phone.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25+

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25+ in India in January 2025 at Rs 99,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. With Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy in every unit, it finally offered the same performance as the Ultra while staying lighter and cheaper. It continues the role of the large-screen Galaxy without stylus or periscope camera.

    The 6.7-inch QHD+ panel at 1440 x 3120 is sharp and bright with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung trimmed weight to 190 g, and the flat aluminium frame keeps it comfortable for long reading or video sessions. Performance is excellent for gaming, and the phone stays noticeably cooler than the Exynos-powered S24+ did.

    Its cameras are the same trio as the S25: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4900 mAh battery and 45W charging give dependable full-day endurance. Competition was intense, with the OnePlus 13 and Vivo X200 offering bigger batteries and stronger cameras for less, so the S25+ mainly appeals to people who value Samsung's software and update record.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4900 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g

    What we like

    • Flagship chip shared with the Ultra
    • Sharp QHD+ screen
    • Light for its size
    • 45W charging and solid battery

    What could be better

    • Cameras identical to the cheaper S25
    • Chinese rivals offer more for less
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Samsung loyalists who want a big, fast phone without the Ultra's weight and price.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 in India in January 2024 at Rs 79,999 with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as the starting point, a welcome doubling of base storage over the S23. Indian units moved back to Exynos, using the 10-core Exynos 2400. The marketing focus was Galaxy AI: Live Translate on calls, Circle to Search, Note Assist and generative photo edits.

    The body grows slightly to fit a 6.2-inch panel, now with a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate and much higher peak brightness. Bezels are thinner and more uniform, and the phone still weighs only 167 g. The Exynos 2400 proved competitive in benchmarks, though it runs a little warmer and less efficiently than the Snapdragon version sold in the US.

    Cameras are essentially carried over: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4000 mAh battery is a modest bump, and charging stays at 25W. Samsung's promise of seven years of OS and security updates matched Google's Pixel 8, and against the iPhone 15 the S24 offered a 120Hz screen and optical zoom at the same starting price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2400
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight167 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow

    What we like

    • Seven years of OS and security updates
    • Compact and light
    • 256 GB base storage
    • Bright adaptive refresh display

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2400 less efficient than the Snapdragon version
    • 25W charging
    • Camera hardware unchanged from S23

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, long-supported Android flagship with Samsung's AI features.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 Ultra in India in February 2023 at Rs 1,24,999 for the 12 GB/256 GB variant, with no 8 GB base model to undercut it. It carried forward the Note-style boxy body and integrated S Pen from the S22 Ultra, but the headline upgrades were a 200 MP primary sensor and the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip used worldwide.

    The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen has slightly less curvature than before, which makes S Pen writing near the edges easier. At 234 g it is heavy, but the Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 feel built to last. Efficiency gains from the new chip transformed battery life, and the 5000 mAh cell routinely stretches into a second morning for lighter users.

    Four rear cameras cover almost every focal length: 200 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP telephotos at 3x and 10x. The 10x lens remains the reason many people buy this phone, delivering usable shots at distances where the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pixel 7 Pro fall back on cropping. Charging is capped at 45W, and the price makes the OnePlus 11 look like a bargain if you do not need the pen.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 124,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1440 x 3088
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 10 MP 10x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight234 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • 10x optical zoom is unmatched among rivals of its year
    • Excellent battery life thanks to the efficient chip
    • Built-in S Pen for notes and markup
    • Bright, sharp QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Heavy and wide in the hand
    • Very expensive with no lower storage tier
    • 45W charging trails Chinese flagships

    Who should buy it

    Power users and professionals who want the best zoom camera and stylus input in one Android phone.

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