Tag: Hyperos

  • Poco F6

    Poco launched the F6 in India in May 2024 at Rs 29,999, and it carried Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a slightly trimmed version of the 8 Gen 3 flagship. That made it one of the cheapest ways to get genuinely flagship-tier performance in India at the time, and it shipped with HyperOS on Android 14.

    The 8s Gen 3 handles demanding games at high frame rates, and Poco's cooling keeps sustained performance stable. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. The camera set is simpler than earlier F phones, with a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, and results are good rather than great. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 90 W, and the phone is slim and light at about 179 g.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme GT 6T, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The GT 6T had a brighter screen, and the Nord 4 a metal unibody, but the Poco F6 had the strongest chip of the group at its price. Its weaker camera is the trade-off.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight179 g
    ColoursBlack, Titanium

    What we like

    • Flagship-tier Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 90 W charging
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Camera is only average
    • No headphone jack
    • Promotional apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want the fastest chip available around Rs 30,000.

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

  • Poco X6 Pro

    Poco launched the X6 Pro in January 2024 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB, and it quickly became the performance benchmark for its price. It was the first phone in India with the Dimensity 8300 Ultra and among the first to ship with Xiaomi's HyperOS instead of MIUI. The design mixes a flat frame with a large camera bar and, on the yellow model, vegan leather.

    Performance is the main draw. The Dimensity 8300 Ultra comfortably outpaces the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Note 13 Pro and Poco X6, running demanding games at high settings with stable frame rates. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED is bright and smooth. Its 64 MP main camera with OIS is dependable, if not exciting. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging gives good endurance.

    Rivals included the Realme 12 Pro, the iQOO Neo 7, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and the Redmi Note 13 Pro. The Realme offered a telephoto lens and the Nord CE 3 cleaner software, but nothing near the price matched the X6 Pro's raw speed. Camera-focused buyers should weigh the Realme first.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursRacing Grey, Spectre Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Class-leading performance for the price
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Early HyperOS on Android 14
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Average camera beyond the main sensor
    • Runs warm under sustained load
    • Only IP54 protection

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want flagship-level speed at a mid-range price.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Note 14 5G in December 2024, earlier than the usual January slot, at Rs 17,999 for the 6 GB and 128 GB model. It follows the formula of its predecessor: a flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a slim body with a headphone jack, and HyperOS replacing MIUI out of the box. Dust and water protection improves to IP64.

    The Dimensity 7025 Ultra is a mild upgrade over the Note 13's Dimensity 6080 and copes with daily use and moderate gaming. Xiaomi swapped the 108 MP sensor for a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, which produces more natural colours and better low-light shots. The battery grows to 5,110 mAh and charging speed rises to 45 W, a meaningful improvement for heavy users.

    Rivals around its price included the Samsung Galaxy M35, the Realme 14x, the Poco X6 Neo and the Moto G85. The Moto G85 offered a curved pOLED and cleaner Android, while the Galaxy M35 had longer update support. The Note 14 5G wins with its stabilised main camera and good all-round balance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5110 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursTitan Black, Mystique White, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Stabilised 50 MP Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 45 W charging and larger battery
    • Headphone jack kept

    What could be better

    • Modest gaming performance
    • Ultrawide and macro add little
    • Preinstalled apps on HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a dependable everyday phone with a steadier camera than most rivals at the price.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G

    The Note 14 Pro 5G launched in India in December 2024 at Rs 23,999. Xiaomi moved the curved display and IP68 protection, previously reserved for the Pro+, down into the Pro model, and gave it a squarer camera surround that makes it look distinct from the Note 13 Pro. It also ships with HyperOS rather than MIUI.

    Its Dimensity 7300 Ultra is efficient and fast enough for most users, handling multitasking and popular games at medium-to-high settings. The 6.67-inch curved 1.5K AMOLED screen is bright and smooth. Xiaomi dropped the 200 MP sensor in favour of a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, a trade that improves consistency more than outright detail. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well past a day on 45 W charging.

    In this segment it faced the Realme 14 Pro, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, the Poco X7 and the OnePlus Nord CE4. The Edge 50 Fusion offered a similarly premium curved design, and the Nord CE4 faster charging. The Note 14 Pro's advantage is the combination of a tough IP68 build and long battery life at a fair price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    ColoursTitan Black, Phantom Purple, Ivy Green

    What we like

    • IP68 durability at a mid-range price
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Long battery life
    • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Ultra

    What could be better

    • 45 W charging is slow for a 5,500 mAh battery
    • No telephoto lens
    • Less main-camera detail than the old 200 MP sensor

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a tough, premium-looking mid-ranger with excellent battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). 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 14C 5G

    Launched in January 2025, the Redmi 14C 5G brought Xiaomi's cheapest 5G phone under Rs 10,000. It replaces the 13C 5G with a bigger 6.88-inch screen, a circular camera module that echoes Xiaomi's pricier phones, and HyperOS out of the box. The pitch is simple: a big screen and 5G for the price of a basic 4G handset.

    The HD+ LCD runs at 120 Hz, an unusual feature at this price, so scrolling feels fluid even if sharpness is limited. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a capable entry chip with good 5G band support, handling daily apps and casual games. The 50 MP main camera produces decent daylight images. The 5,160 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day and more, recharged at 18 W.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy M06 and A06, the Poco M7, the Realme Narzo N65 and the Lava Blaze-series. Samsung offered longer update promises, and the Poco M7 shared much of the same hardware. The Redmi 14C 5G is a sensible pick for those who want 5G and a big screen for streaming without stretching their budget.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 9,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.88-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + secondary lens
    Battery5160 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursStarlight Blue, Stardust Purple, Stargaze Black

    What we like

    • 5G under Rs 10,000
    • Large 120 Hz screen
    • Good battery life
    • Expandable storage

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution only
    • 18 W charging
    • Base model has just 64 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want 5G and a large screen for streaming at the lowest possible price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). 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.