RAG Demo

Tag: Launched 2023

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro

    Google launched the Pixel 8 Pro in India in October 2023 at Rs 1,06,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, putting it in the same bracket as the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra. It moved to a flat 6.7-inch display, a matte glass back, and introduced a temperature sensor, a curious extra that saw little real-world use.

    The Super Actua LTPO OLED is one of the brightest displays of its year, running between 1 and 120Hz. Tensor G3 brings on-device AI features including Video Boost, Magic Editor and Best Take, though it remains behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple A17 Pro in graphics performance and efficiency. Seven years of updates make it a long-term proposition.

    The camera system was upgraded to a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP 5x telephoto, with Pro controls for manual settings. Image quality is excellent across lenses, especially in low light. The 5050 mAh battery gives a full day, charging at 30W wired and supporting wireless. Its high Indian price was the biggest obstacle compared with the S23 Ultra.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 106,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1344 x 2992
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery5050 mAh
    Charging30W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay

    What we like

    • Outstanding triple camera with Pro controls
    • Very bright flat LTPO display
    • Seven years of updates
    • Useful on-device AI features

    What could be better

    • Very expensive in India
    • Tensor G3 gaming performance lags rivals
    • Temperature sensor adds little

    Who should buy it

    Photography-focused buyers who want Google's best camera and long software support and can absorb the premium price.

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

  • Google Pixel 8

    The Pixel 8 launched in India in October 2023 at Rs 75,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, a sizeable jump over the Pixel 7. Google justified it with a brighter 120Hz display, the new Tensor G3 and, most importantly, seven years of Android OS and security updates, a commitment no Android rival matched at the time.

    The 6.2-inch Actua OLED is smaller than the Pixel 7's screen and very bright, and the softer rounded corners make the phone comfortable to hold. Tensor G3 improved efficiency and enabled new AI tools such as Best Take, Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. It still trails the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy S23 on gaming performance.

    The 50 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide cameras, now with autofocus on the ultrawide for macro shots, remain dependable and natural. The 4575 mAh battery gives a solid day of use, charging at 27W wired and wirelessly. Against the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15, it competes on camera and software longevity, but its launch price made it hard to recommend over discounted rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 75,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery4575 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursObsidian, Hazel, Rose

    What we like

    • Seven years of OS and security updates
    • Bright, smooth 120Hz Actua display
    • Excellent AI photo tools
    • Compact and comfortable

    What could be better

    • High launch price in India
    • Tensor G3 still trails Snapdragon in gaming
    • Charging is slow by Indian standards

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who plan to keep a compact phone for many years and value camera and software over raw speed.

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

  • Google Pixel 7a

    Google launched the Pixel 7a in India in May 2023 at Rs 43,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most feature-rich A-series Pixel so far, adding a 90Hz screen and wireless charging, two things the Pixel 6a lacked, while sharing the Tensor G2 chip with the more expensive Pixel 7.

    The 6.1-inch OLED is compact and colour-accurate, though 90Hz felt behind the 120Hz panels on the OnePlus 11R and Galaxy A54 at similar prices. Tensor G2 offers flagship-grade software features, Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur among them, but warms up under sustained load. The plastic back and matte aluminium frame feel solid, and the phone is IP67 rated.

    The new 64 MP main camera with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide produce photos that rival far pricier phones, especially in low light. The 4385 mAh battery gets through a day, but 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are slow. The main argument against it in India was price: the Pixel 7 itself often sold for only a little more during sales.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4385 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursCharcoal, Snow, Sea

    What we like

    • Flagship-quality camera at a lower price
    • Compact size
    • Wireless charging added
    • Same Tensor G2 as the Pixel 7

    What could be better

    • Slow wired and wireless charging
    • 90Hz while rivals offer 120Hz
    • Priced close to the Pixel 7 during sales

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel camera quality in a smaller, cheaper phone and can live with slow charging.

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

  • Motorola Moto G84 5G

    Motorola launched the Moto G84 5G in India in September 2023 in a single 12 GB plus 256 GB configuration for Rs 19,999, giving buyers far more memory than most rivals at the price. It also brought the Edge series' design language down to the G line, with Pantone-curated colours including a vegan leather Viva Magenta that made it stand out on store shelves.

    The 6.55-inch pOLED runs at 120Hz and is a clear upgrade over the LCD on the cheaper G54, with deep blacks and good brightness. The Snapdragon 695 was already a familiar chip by 2023, reliable but older than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro. Clean Android 13, IP54 splash resistance, a headphone jack and a microSD slot round out a practical package.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS handles daylight and indoor shots well, backed by an 8 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro lens. The 5000 mAh battery with 30W charging lasts a full day and more. Compared with the Galaxy M34 and Realme 11 Pro, the G84 wins on software cleanliness and memory, but lags slightly on raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, pOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Marshmallow Blue, Viva Magenta

    What we like

    • 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as standard
    • Bright 120Hz pOLED
    • Stylish vegan leather options
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 695 is an older chip
    • 30W charging is average
    • Limited OS upgrade promise

    Who should buy it

    Users who want a good-looking phone with an OLED screen and plenty of memory for under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Motorola Moto G54 5G

    The Moto G54 5G landed in India in September 2023 at Rs 15,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, and it focused on stamina and clean software. A 6000 mAh battery, near-stock Android and a generous memory configuration made it a sensible pick against the Redmi Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy M34 in the crowded under-Rs 20,000 space.

    Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution; it lacks the contrast of the AMOLED panels on rivals but is sharp and smooth. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is a modest performer built for efficiency. Motorola kept practical extras such as a 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD expansion, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and IP52 splash protection.

    The 50 MP main camera has OIS, unusual at this price, which helps in low light and video, while the 8 MP ultrawide is basic. Charging is 30W, so refilling the large battery takes a while, but a full charge comfortably lasts two days. Its main weakness is the LCD, which looks dull next to the Galaxy M34's Super AMOLED.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Mint Green, Pearl Blue

    What we like

    • 6000 mAh battery lasts two days
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Clean, near-stock Android
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot

    What could be better

    • LCD lacks AMOLED contrast
    • 30W charging is slow for the battery size
    • Modest chipset

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who prioritise battery life and clean software over display quality.

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

  • Motorola Razr 40 Ultra

    When the Razr 40 Ultra launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 89,999, its 3.6-inch outer display was its biggest talking point. It ran full apps, not just widgets, which made the phone genuinely usable while closed and forced Samsung to respond with a larger cover screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 the same month.

    The main 6.9-inch foldable pOLED refreshes at up to 165Hz, the fastest of any foldable then, and the cover screen manages 144Hz. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 was a generation old but still fast and cooler-running than the 8 Gen 1. The hinge folds completely flat with no gap, and the phone feels compact and sturdy in the pocket.

    Compromises sit in the cameras and battery. A 12 MP main and 13 MP ultrawide produce good but not flagship-level photos, though the big cover screen makes rear-camera selfies easy. The 3800 mAh battery with 30W charging needs careful management on heavy days. It undercut the Z Flip 5 on price at launch while offering a more capable outer display.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.9-inch, Foldable pOLED, 3.6-inch pOLED cover display, 165Hz, 1080 x 2640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery3800 mAh
    Charging30W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight188.5 g
    ColoursInfinite Black, Glacier Blue, Viva Magenta

    What we like

    • Cover screen runs full apps
    • 165Hz inner display
    • Gapless, flat-folding hinge
    • Fast Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

    What could be better

    • Small 3800 mAh battery
    • Cameras trail similarly priced slab phones
    • Weak IP52 rating

    Who should buy it

    Flip-phone buyers who want to do real work on the cover screen without opening the phone.

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

  • Motorola Razr 40

    The Razr 40 launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 59,999, making it one of the cheapest mainstream clamshell foldables available at the time and a direct alternative to the far pricier Galaxy Z Flip 5. It folds flat without a visible gap and comes in soft vegan leather finishes that give it a grippy, distinctive feel.

    Inside, a 6.9-inch pOLED main display runs at up to 144Hz, while the cover screen is a small 1.5-inch panel that shows notifications, time and a camera viewfinder but little else. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is a mid-range chip, fine for daily use but not a gaming performer, and the hinge holds the phone at angles for hands-free video calls.

    Its 64 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide produce decent results, and the 4200 mAh battery is notably larger than in most flip phones of the period, comfortably lasting a day. Charging is 33W wired with 8W wireless. Against the Galaxy Z Flip 5 it gives up the big cover screen and flagship chip but costs tens of thousands less.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.9-inch, Foldable pOLED, 1.5-inch OLED cover display, 144Hz, 1080 x 2640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4200 mAh
    Charging33W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight188.6 g
    ColoursSage Green, Summer Lilac, Vanilla Cream

    What we like

    • Most affordable mainstream flip at launch
    • Large battery for a flip phone
    • Gapless fold and smooth 144Hz screen
    • Wireless charging included

    What could be better

    • Tiny cover display is limited
    • Mid-range chipset
    • Only IP52 splash resistance

    Who should buy it

    First-time foldable buyers who want the flip experience without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Realme 11 Pro+

    The Realme 11 Pro+ launched in India in June 2023 at Rs 27,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB, alongside the 11 Pro. It shares the same luxury-inspired vegan leather design and curved display, but upgrades the camera system and charging speed to compete with the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

    Its 200 MP Samsung HP3 main sensor with OIS is the headline feature and supports up to 4x in-sensor zoom with good results. An 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro complete the setup, and the front camera is a 32 MP sensor. The Dimensity 7050 is the same as in the 11 Pro, adequate for daily use but not for heavy gaming. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 100 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord CE3, the iQOO Neo 7 and the Nothing Phone (1). The iQOO Neo 7 offered much better performance, while the Redmi had a similar 200 MP pitch. The 11 Pro+ appealed most to camera and design-conscious buyers. Gamers are better served elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSunrise Beige, Oasis Green, Astral Black

    What we like

    • 200 MP OIS main camera with good in-sensor zoom
    • 100 W charging
    • Premium vegan leather design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • Average Dimensity 7050 performance
    • Weak macro camera
    • No IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Camera and design-focused buyers who want a premium-looking phone with fast charging.

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

  • Realme 11 Pro

    Realme launched the 11 Pro in India in June 2023 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Design was a major focus: the phone has a curved display and a vegan leather back with a large circular camera module, inspired by luxury travel luggage, giving it a premium feel at a mid-range price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. Performance comes from the Dimensity 7050, which is fine for everyday use and casual gaming but not a powerhouse. The 100 MP main camera with OIS produces detailed photos with good colour, but the only other rear camera is a 2 MP depth sensor, so there is no ultrawide. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M34, the iQOO Z7 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. The iQOO Z7 Pro offered similar specs with a faster chip, while the Motorola had IP68. The Realme 11 Pro's appeal was largely its design and curved display. Those who want an ultrawide should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras100 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSunrise Beige, Oasis Green, Astral Black

    What we like

    • Premium vegan leather design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 100 MP OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Dimensity 7050 is only average
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise design and a curved display in a mid-range phone.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE3 Lite in India in April 2023 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It stood out visually with its bright Pastel Lime colour and kept the budget-friendly recipe of the CE 2 Lite while upgrading the camera, display and charging speed. It was positioned for students and first-time OnePlus buyers.

    The 6.72-inch LCD runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. The Snapdragon 695 handles everyday tasks smoothly but is showing its age in demanding games. A 108 MP main camera captures good daylight detail, supported by 2 MP depth and macro sensors. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W, a big step up from the previous 33 W. OnePlus also marketed its loud stereo speakers and kept the headphone jack.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 5G, the Realme 10 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M34 and the iQOO Z7. The iQOO Z7 offered an AMOLED with OIS and a faster chip for similar money, while the CE3 Lite appealed mainly through its clean software and fast charging. Gamers will want something faster.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.72-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight195 g
    ColoursPastel Lime, Chromatic Gray

    What we like

    • 108 MP main camera
    • 67 W charging
    • Headphone jack and microSD
    • Clean OxygenOS

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Ageing Snapdragon 695
    • Filler secondary cameras

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want fast charging and a clean software experience at under Rs 20,000.

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