Tag: Ip68

  • 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 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.

  • Vivo T3 Ultra

    The T3 Ultra launched in India in September 2024 as the most powerful phone in Vivo's online-focused T-series. It borrowed the Dimensity 9200+ chip from the V40 Pro and wrapped it in a slim curved design, competing against the Poco F6, OnePlus Nord 4 and Motorola Edge 50 Pro for buyers seeking performance without a flagship price.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, giving excellent clarity and colour. Dimensity 9200+ handles demanding games and multitasking with ease, putting the T3 Ultra among the fastest phones in its segment. The IP68 rating adds durability, and the phone remains slim despite its large battery. Funtouch OS 14 offered plenty of features but came with preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX921 main camera with OIS performs well, joined by an 8 MP ultrawide that is noticeably weaker. The 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is a highlight. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts comfortably through a day. Against the Poco F6, it offered better water resistance and a curved display, though Poco had a slight performance advantage in some tests.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX921 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLunar Grey, Frost Green

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9200+ flagship-class performance
    • Sharp curved AMOLED display
    • IP68 rating
    • 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide
    • Curved screen can cause accidental touches
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Performance-focused buyers who also want water resistance and a slim curved design.

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

  • Vivo V29

    The Vivo V29 launched in India in October 2023 with a focus on design, portraits and durability. It brought an IP68 rating to the V-series for the first time in this price range, along with a curved 1.5K AMOLED display and a slim, colourful body. Competitors included the Samsung Galaxy A54, Oppo Reno 10 and Nothing Phone (2).

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED panel offers a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and looks excellent. The Snapdragon 778G was an older chip by then, but it remained efficient and handled most games well. The phone's thin profile and light weight made it comfortable to carry. Funtouch OS 13 offered good features but shipped with apps that many users would rather remove.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, paired with the Smart Aura light, produces flattering portraits in dim conditions, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro play supporting roles. A 50 MP autofocus front camera continues Vivo's selfie focus. The 4,600 mAh battery with 80W charging gives a day of use and refills quickly. The Galaxy A54 offered longer updates, but the V29 had a better display and faster charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 778G
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHimalayan Blue, Majestic Red, Space Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K curved AMOLED display
    • IP68 rating in a slim body
    • Aura light improves night portraits
    • 80W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 778G was ageing
    • Average secondary cameras
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Portrait lovers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with a great screen.

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