RAG Demo

Tag: Launched 2023

  • Motorola Moto G73 5G

    The Moto G73 5G launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 18,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was one of the first phones with MediaTek's Dimensity 930, and Motorola positioned it as a clean, no-nonsense 5G phone for buyers tired of ad-filled software from rivals like the Redmi Note 12 and Realme 10 Pro.

    Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution. It is sharp and responsive but lacks the contrast of the AMOLED panels common at this price. The Dimensity 930 offers decent everyday performance, while Motorola's near-stock Android 13 keeps the phone feeling quick. Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a headphone jack, microSD expansion and IP52 splash protection add practical value.

    The 50 MP main camera and 8 MP ultrawide produce acceptable daylight photos but struggle in low light, and the 16 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well over a day with 30W charging. Against the Redmi Note 12 and Galaxy M34, it wins on software cleanliness but loses on display quality and camera performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 930
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Lucent White

    What we like

    • Clean, near-stock Android
    • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Weak low-light camera
    • Single memory variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a clean, reliable 5G phone with good battery life and no software clutter.

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

  • Oppo Reno 10 Pro

    The Oppo Reno 10 Pro launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 39,999 for 12 GB plus 256 GB. Oppo's Reno series has long focused on portraits and design, and this model took that further with a dedicated 32 MP telephoto portrait camera and a slim, curved body that clearly targeted the Vivo V27 Pro and OnePlus Nord 3.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and has thin bezels. The Snapdragon 778G was an older chip by 2023, competent for daily use but slower than the Dimensity 9000 in the Nord 3, which sold for less. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 is smooth and polished, though it includes some preinstalled apps.

    The camera system is the highlight: a 50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 32 MP 2x telephoto for portraits, with a 32 MP autofocus selfie camera. Portraits look natural, with good edge detection. The 4600 mAh battery charges at 80W, filling in under an hour. It is a portrait specialist held back by its ageing chip and price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight185 g
    ColoursGlossy Purple, Silvery Grey

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x portrait telephoto
    • Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Fast 80W charging
    • Slim, premium design

    What could be better

    • Ageing Snapdragon 778G
    • Expensive for the performance
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who mainly shoot portraits and want a slim, stylish phone with fast charging.

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

  • Vivo V27

    The Vivo V27 launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, aimed at style- and selfie-focused buyers. Its Magic Blue variant has a colour-changing back that shifts shade under sunlight, and the phone is slim and light despite its large display, positioning it against the Oppo Reno 8T and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and looks premium. The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 was a new chip at the time, efficient and capable for everyday use and moderate gaming. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 is feature-rich and fluid, but it comes with a batch of preinstalled apps that need to be cleared out after setup.

    Photography is the focus. The 50 MP Sony IMX766V main camera with OIS is paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, and the ring-shaped Aura Light gives soft, adjustable lighting for night portraits. The 50 MP autofocus front camera is excellent. The 4600 mAh battery with 66W charging lasts a day. Rivals offered more performance for the money, but few matched its portrait results.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMagic Blue, Noble Black

    What we like

    • Colour-changing back design
    • Aura Light for night portraits
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Performance modest for the price
    • Preinstalled apps in Funtouch OS
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious buyers who take a lot of selfies and night portraits.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G

    The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G launched in India in January 2023 at Rs 24,999 for 6 GB plus 128 GB. It was the middle model in a three-phone Note 12 lineup, below the 200 MP Note 12 Pro+, and it marked a shift for the Note series toward higher prices as Xiaomi chased the more premium end of mid-range.

    The 6.67-inch OLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and slim bezels. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 provides steady everyday performance, though it was only a small step over the Dimensity 920 in the Note 11 Pro+. Xiaomi kept practical extras, including a headphone jack, an IR blaster and IP53 splash resistance.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera with OIS is the highlight, producing consistent results with good low-light performance, paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 67W and lasts a full day. Its main drawback was software, as MIUI carried ads and preinstalled apps that Nothing and Motorola rivals avoided.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight187 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Glacier Blue, Stardust Purple

    What we like

    • Sony IMX766 camera with OIS
    • Vibrant 120Hz OLED with Dolby Vision
    • Fast 67W charging
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is a small upgrade
    • MIUI ads and bloatware
    • Launched on an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable camera and fast charging in a mid-range phone with a headphone jack.

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

  • Lava Agni 2 5G

    The Lava Agni 2 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 21,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It was the most ambitious phone from the Indian brand at the time, and the first to use MediaTek's Dimensity 7050. Lava built its pitch around clean software, a premium curved design and home-grown credentials, alongside a free at-home service offer.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, and the matte glass back in Viridian green gives it a premium feel. The Dimensity 7050 delivers steady performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. The software is near-stock Android 13 with no bloatware or ads, a real differentiator against Realme and Xiaomi rivals at the time.

    The quad camera has a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide, a 2 MP depth and a 2 MP macro lens. Daylight results are respectable, low light less so. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 66W charging fills it quickly. Against the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 11 5G, it stands out for its clean software more than its cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursViridian

    What we like

    • Clean Android without ads or bloatware
    • Premium curved AMOLED
    • Fast 66W charging
    • Indian brand with home service

    What could be better

    • Average low-light camera
    • Filler 2 MP lenses
    • Single colour option

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a clean, ad-free Android experience from an Indian brand at a mid-range price.

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

  • Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G

    The Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. Tecno, better known for budget phones, used it to show it could compete on camera and performance in the mid-range, taking on the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 10 Pro+ with a combination of strong specifications and a lower price.

    Its 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 8050 is the real surprise, a near-flagship chip that is far quicker than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro and handles demanding games comfortably. HiOS 13 on Android 13 is busy and includes preinstalled apps, which detracts from an otherwise strong package.

    The 64 MP RGBW main camera with OIS captures more light than conventional sensors and produces good low-light shots, but there is no ultrawide, only a 2 MP depth sensor. The 32 MP selfie camera is solid. A 5000 mAh battery with 33W charging delivers dependable endurance. It offered unusual performance for the money, held back mainly by software polish.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP RGBW main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, HiOS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursSerenity Blue, Dark Welkin

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8050 for the price
    • 64 MP RGBW camera with OIS
    • Good low-light photos
    • Competitive pricing

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • HiOS is cluttered
    • 33W charging is average

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want near-flagship performance and decent low-light photos for under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Tecno Phantom V Flip

    The Tecno Phantom V Flip launched in India in September 2023 at Rs 49,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, making it one of the cheapest flip foldables in the country. It competed with the Motorola Razr 40 and gave buyers a way into the clamshell form factor without approaching the price of the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

    The 6.9-inch foldable AMOLED runs at 120Hz, while the outer display is a small 1.32-inch circular AMOLED inside the camera ring, useful for notifications, time and a selfie viewfinder but not for apps. The MediaTek Dimensity 8050 offers strong performance for the price, ahead of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the Razr 40. The hinge supports free-stop angles for hands-free use.

    A 64 MP main camera and 13 MP ultrawide sit on the back, with a 32 MP autofocus selfie camera inside. Results are decent in good light. The 4000 mAh battery lasts a day for moderate users, with 45W charging. Its cover screen is more limited than the Razr 40's, but it undercuts that phone on price while offering a faster chip.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.9-inch, Foldable AMOLED, 1.32-inch circular AMOLED cover display, 120Hz, 1080 x 2640
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, HiOS 13.5
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursIconic Black, Mystic Dawn

    What we like

    • One of the cheapest flip foldables
    • Fast Dimensity 8050
    • 45W charging
    • Free-stop hinge

    What could be better

    • Tiny circular cover screen
    • No official water resistance
    • Software support uncertain

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want to try a flip foldable for the lowest possible price and do not need a large cover screen.

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

  • Honor 90

    The Honor 90 marked the brand's return to India in September 2023, launched at Rs 37,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB through a new partnership with HTech. It arrived as a stylish, slim mid-ranger competing with the OnePlus Nord 3 and Samsung Galaxy A54, and its sales pitch focused on the display and a headline 200 MP camera.

    The 6.7-inch quad-curved AMOLED has a sharp 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and very high peak brightness, along with high-frequency PWM dimming that Honor promoted as easier on the eyes. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition is adequate for daily use but slower than the Dimensity 9000 in the Nord 3. MagicOS 7.1 on Android 13 is feature-rich but heavier than OxygenOS.

    The 200 MP main camera captures plenty of detail in good light, joined by a 12 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP depth sensor, while the 50 MP selfie camera is excellent. The 5000 mAh battery with 66W charging lasts comfortably through a day. Its display and selfie camera stand out, but the price felt high against the faster Nord 3.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2664
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MagicOS 7.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight183 g
    ColoursMidnight Black, Diamond Silver, Emerald Green

    What we like

    • Sharp, bright quad-curved display
    • Detailed 200 MP main camera
    • Excellent 50 MP selfie camera
    • Slim, light design

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is slow for the price
    • No official IP rating
    • MagicOS feels heavy

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise display quality, selfies and slim design over raw performance.

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

  • Infinix Zero 30 5G

    Infinix launched the Zero 30 5G in India in September 2023 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It positioned the phone as a creator device, with a front camera that records 4K video at 60 frames per second, a feature normally reserved for much pricier phones. The curved display and slim body gave it a premium look to match.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at up to 144Hz and is bright and vivid. The MediaTek Dimensity 8020 is a capable chip, comfortably ahead of the Snapdragon 695 in rivals like the Moto G84, and handles demanding games well. XOS 13 on Android 13 is feature-rich but includes preinstalled apps and promotional notifications that some users will want to disable.

    The 108 MP main camera has OIS, backed by a 13 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP depth sensor. The 50 MP selfie camera is the star, producing sharp video with good stabilisation. A 5000 mAh battery with 68W charging fills quickly. Against the Realme 11 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro, it offers the best selfie video of the group but less polished software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, XOS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursRome Green, Golden Hour

    What we like

    • 4K60 selfie video
    • Curved 144Hz AMOLED
    • Strong Dimensity 8020 performance
    • Fast 68W charging

    What could be better

    • XOS bloatware and ads
    • Average low-light rear photos
    • Short update promise

    Who should buy it

    Vloggers and selfie-video creators who want premium front-camera video on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Nothing Phone (2)

    Nothing launched the Phone (2) in India in July 2023 at Rs 44,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, pushing the brand into premium territory. It refined the Phone (1) design with a subtly curved glass back, more segmented Glyph lights and new functions such as a progress bar that can track an Uber or food delivery, and a Glyph timer.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED adapts from 1 to 120Hz and is noticeably bigger and brighter than its predecessor's screen. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 was a previous-generation flagship chip but still fast and efficient, comfortably ahead of the OnePlus Nord 3's Dimensity 9000. Nothing OS 2.0 introduced the monochrome icons and widgets that became a signature of the brand.

    The dual 50 MP cameras, with a Sony IMX890 main and a Samsung JN1 ultrawide, improved processing but remained a step behind the OnePlus 11R and Pixel 7a. The 4700 mAh battery lasts a full day, with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. It is a polished, distinctive alternative to Samsung and OnePlus at the upper end of mid-range.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 44,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Nothing OS 2.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201.2 g
    ColoursWhite, Dark Grey

    What we like

    • Fast Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    • Useful upgraded Glyph functions
    • Smooth LTPO display
    • Clean, stylish Nothing OS 2.0

    What could be better

    • Cameras trail similarly priced rivals
    • Only IP54
    • Expensive compared with the Phone (1)

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class performance with a distinctive design and clean software for under Rs 50,000.

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