RAG Demo

Tag: Glass back

  • Poco M6 Pro 5G

    Poco launched the M6 Pro 5G in August 2023, shortly after the Redmi 12 5G, with which it shares most of its hardware. Its job was simple: undercut almost everyone on the price of a usable 5G phone. The base 4 GB and 64 GB model started at Rs 10,999, and the glass-backed design with a two-tone camera panel helped it stand out on store shelves.

    The 6.79-inch full HD+ LCD refreshes at 90 Hz, large enough for comfortable video watching. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is efficient and handles everyday tasks, with light gaming possible. A 50 MP main camera is supported by a 2 MP depth sensor, producing passable daylight shots. The 5,000 mAh battery lasts well, but charging at 18 W is slow.

    Competitors included the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, the Lava Blaze 5G, the Realme Narzo 60x and its own sibling, the Redmi 12 5G. The Galaxy M14 offered a larger battery, while the Poco M6 Pro 5G undercut the Redmi on price for nearly identical hardware. The Redmi does offer more colour choices.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 10,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursPower Black, Forest Green

    What we like

    • Very affordable 5G
    • Large full HD+ display
    • Glass back design
    • Expandable storage

    What could be better

    • Slow 18 W charging
    • LCD only
    • Base model has just 64 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Price-sensitive buyers who want 5G connectivity and a big screen without spending much.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi 12 5G in August 2023 as an affordable route into 5G, starting at Rs 11,999 for 4 GB and 128 GB. It was one of the first phones globally to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, and its glass back gave it a more premium look than most phones under Rs 12,000.

    The 6.79-inch LCD runs at 90 Hz with full HD+ resolution, large and sharp enough for video, though it lacks the contrast of AMOLED. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 handles everyday apps smoothly and supports UFS 2.2 storage, but gaming is limited to lighter titles. The 50 MP main camera is serviceable in daylight; the 2 MP depth sensor adds little. A 5,000 mAh battery delivers long runtime, while 18 W charging is slow.

    It competed with the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, the Realme Narzo 60x and the Lava Blaze 5G. The Galaxy M14 offered a bigger 6,000 mAh battery, but the Redmi 12 5G felt nicer in hand and had a faster chip. The Poco M6 Pro 5G, launched alongside, offered essentially the same hardware at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 11,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight199 g
    ColoursJade Black, Moonstone Silver, Pastel Blue

    What we like

    • Affordable 5G with a modern Snapdragon chip
    • Large 90 Hz full HD+ display
    • Premium-looking glass back
    • Expandable storage and headphone jack

    What could be better

    • Slow 18 W charging
    • LCD lacks AMOLED contrast
    • Secondary camera is filler

    Who should buy it

    First-time 5G buyers on a tight budget who want a big screen and dependable battery life.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 13 5G

    Xiaomi's July 2024 follow-up to the Redmi 12 5G kept the same broad recipe, a large screen, glass back and affordable 5G, while upgrading the parts buyers notice most. Starting at Rs 13,999, it was positioned as a step above the cheapest 5G phones without reaching into Note-series pricing. Its glass back carries over from the Redmi 12 5G.

    The 6.79-inch LCD now refreshes at 120 Hz, making scrolling noticeably smoother. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE is a slightly tuned version of the previous chip, adequate for everyday use and light gaming. A 108 MP main camera replaces the 50 MP unit and captures more detail in good light. The 5,030 mAh battery charges at 33 W, a welcome jump from 18 W, and Gorilla Glass protects both sides.

    Its rivals included the Samsung Galaxy M15, the Realme Narzo 70x, the Moto G64 and the Lava Blaze X. The Moto G64 offered a larger battery and cleaner software, and the Galaxy M15 promised longer updates. The Redmi 13 5G stands out for its build quality, a design that looks more expensive than it is.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 13,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5030 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursHawaiian Blue, Black Diamond, Orchid Pink

    What we like

    • Premium glass build for the price
    • 120 Hz display
    • 33 W charging, faster than its predecessor
    • 108 MP main camera

    What could be better

    • LCD rather than AMOLED
    • Only light gaming is comfortable
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a 5G phone that looks and feels more premium than its price suggests.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 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.

  • Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

    The Galaxy A54 5G launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 38,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It introduced the clean floating-camera design that later spread across Samsung's A series, and was the debut device for the 5 nm Exynos 1380. It targeted buyers who wanted the Galaxy S look without flagship pricing.

    The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED has a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole cutout, with Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides and an aluminium-look plastic frame. It weighs 202 g, which makes it feel dense for its size. The Exynos 1380 was efficient and fine for daily use, though gamers found the OnePlus 11R and Nothing Phone (2) much faster at similar prices.

    Its 50 MP main camera with OIS produced some of the best photos in its segment, especially in low light and for video, backed by a 12 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro. The 32 MP selfie camera is sharp. A 5000 mAh battery gives long life, but 25W charging is slow. IP67 and four OS upgrades made it an easy recommendation for durability and support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 38,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight202 g
    ColoursAwesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome White

    What we like

    • Very good main camera with OIS
    • Premium glass design
    • IP67 water and dust resistance
    • Four OS upgrades

    What could be better

    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging
    • Heavy for a 6.4-inch phone

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling Samsung with dependable cameras and water resistance.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

    The Galaxy A35 5G launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Samsung gave it the Exynos 1380 from the previous year's A54, along with a glass back and the Key Island frame design. It effectively offered last year's A54 internals in a fresher body at a lower price.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel now has a punch-hole cutout instead of a notch, with 120Hz refresh and good brightness. Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back give it a premium feel, though the frame is plastic and the phone is fairly heavy at 209 g. Exynos 1380 is smooth for daily tasks and moderate gaming, but rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) and Poco X6 Pro were faster.

    Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, producing reliable, slightly bright results. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well, while 25W charging remains sluggish. IP67, stereo speakers, Samsung Knox security and four years of OS upgrades round out a package aimed at buyers who value build and support over benchmarks.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g
    ColoursAwesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Navy

    What we like

    • Glass back and IP67 rating
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED
    • OIS main camera
    • Long update promise

    What could be better

    • Heavy for a mid-ranger
    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a well-built, water-resistant Samsung with a reliable camera at around Rs 30,000.

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