RAG Demo

Tag: Launched 2023

  • 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 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.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G

    Launched in January 2023 as the entry point of the Note 12 family, the Redmi Note 12 5G took over from the very popular Note 11 series with one headline change: an AMOLED display at 120 Hz in a phone starting at Rs 17,999. It kept the familiar flat-sided Redmi look, a headphone jack, an IR blaster and a microSD slot, all of which still matter to many buyers in this price band.

    The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a modest chip. Daily apps, social media and video run smoothly, but heavier games need reduced settings. The 48 MP main camera produces decent daylight photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro add little. A 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half, though 33 W charging is slow next to rivals offering 67 W.

    Its competition at launch included the iQOO Z6 Lite, the Realme 10 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy M-series. The Realme 10 Pro had a faster chip on paper, and the Moto G-series offered cleaner software, but few rivals matched the Note 12's screen quality at the price. MIUI's preinstalled apps and ads remain the main irritation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight188 g
    ColoursMystique Blue, Frosted Green, Matte Black

    What we like

    • 120 Hz AMOLED screen at a budget price
    • Long battery life
    • Headphone jack, IR blaster and microSD slot
    • IP53 splash resistance

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 struggles with demanding games
    • 33 W charging is slow for the segment
    • Bloatware and ads in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a good AMOLED screen and dependable battery life for everyday use rather than gaming.

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

  • Xiaomi 13 Pro

    Xiaomi launched the 13 Pro in India in February 2023 at Rs 79,999 for 12 GB/256 GB, its first Leica co-engineered phone in the country. It signalled Xiaomi's push back into the premium segment after years of focusing on Redmi, with a ceramic back, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a camera aimed squarely at the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro.

    The 6.73-inch curved AMOLED with LTPO and 1440 x 3200 resolution is sharp, bright and smooth at up to 120Hz. The ceramic back feels premium but makes the phone heavy at 229 g and slippery. Performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is excellent, and MIUI 14 on Android 13 offered lots of customisation, though it came with some preinstalled apps.

    The camera system centres on a 50 MP 1-inch-type IMX989 sensor, joined by a 50 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 3.2x floating telephoto that doubles as a close-focus macro. Leica Authentic and Vibrant looks give images a distinctive character. The 4820 mAh battery charges at 120W wired and 50W wireless, both far faster than Samsung and Apple. Long-term software support was a weaker point.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, curved, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4820 mAh
    Charging120W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight229 g
    ColoursCeramic White, Ceramic Black

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with Leica tuning
    • Very fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Sharp QHD+ LTPO display
    • Premium ceramic build

    What could be better

    • Heavy and slippery
    • Bloatware in MIUI
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Apple

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want a large-sensor Leica camera and very fast charging.

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

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro Max in India in September 2023 at Rs 1,59,900, with storage now starting at 256 GB. Beyond the titanium frame, A17 Pro and Action button it shares with the 15 Pro, it adds the first periscope-style tetraprism telephoto on an iPhone, offering 5x optical zoom.

    The 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED is bright and smooth, and slimmer bezels make it feel slightly smaller than the 14 Pro Max. Titanium cut weight to 221 g, a noticeable improvement in daily handling. The A17 Pro handled games and heavy video editing well, and USB 3 transfers through USB-C made it practical for creators recording ProRes Log video to external drives.

    The camera system combines a 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x telephoto. The 5x lens is excellent for portraits and distant subjects, though the Galaxy S23 Ultra still reached further. Battery life is among the best of any iPhone at the time, often well into a second day. Its high price made it a premium choice even in the flagship segment.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 159,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A17 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4422 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight221 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

    What we like

    • 5x tetraprism telephoto
    • Excellent battery life
    • Lighter titanium frame
    • Pro video features with USB 3

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Slow charging
    • Still large and heavy

    Who should buy it

    Creators and heavy users who want Apple's best camera, zoom and battery in 2023.

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

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro in India in September 2023 at Rs 1,34,900 for 128 GB. It replaced stainless steel with a titanium frame, cutting weight to 187 g, and swapped the long-standing mute switch for a customisable Action button. It was also the first phone with a 3 nm chip, the A17 Pro.

    The 6.1-inch ProMotion OLED with always-on support and Dynamic Island is unchanged from the 14 Pro but bezels are slimmer. The A17 Pro brought hardware-accelerated ray tracing and ran console games such as Resident Evil Village, though early units ran warm until software fixes arrived. USB-C supports USB 3 speeds with the right cable, useful for ProRes video transfers.

    Cameras are a 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto, with new 24 mm, 28 mm and 35 mm focal length options and spatial video support added later. Battery life is a full day. The 15 Pro was also among the first iPhones to support Apple Intelligence once it rolled out, thanks to its 8 GB RAM. It competed with the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8 Pro in the compact flagship space.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 134,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A17 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3274 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

    What we like

    • Lighter titanium design
    • A17 Pro and 8 GB RAM
    • Customisable Action button
    • USB 3 speeds over USB-C

    What could be better

    • Early heating issues
    • Expensive in India
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact, powerful iPhone with pro cameras and Apple Intelligence support.

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

  • Apple iPhone 15 Plus

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Plus in India in September 2023 at Rs 89,900 for 128 GB. It gives buyers the large 6.7-inch screen of the Pro Max at a much lower price, now with the Dynamic Island, USB-C and the A16 Bionic chip inherited from the iPhone 14 Pro series.

    The Super Retina XDR OLED is very bright for outdoor use but remains at 60Hz, which is more noticeable on a large screen. The frosted glass back with colour-infused finish and contoured aluminium edges give it a premium feel, and at 201 g it is far lighter than the 15 Pro Max. Performance is smooth for social apps, streaming and games.

    The 48 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide match the iPhone 15, with sharp 24 MP default shots and a usable 2x mode. Battery life is excellent, often lasting a day and a half, and the USB-C port can even charge an Apple Watch or AirPods. It faced competition from the Galaxy S23+ era Androids that offered higher refresh rates and faster charging at similar prices.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4383 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201 g
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

    What we like

    • Excellent battery life
    • Large bright screen with Dynamic Island
    • USB-C port
    • Lighter than the Pro Max

    What could be better

    • 60Hz on a big screen
    • No telephoto
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    iPhone users who want a big screen and long battery life without Pro pricing.

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

  • Apple iPhone 15

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 in India in September 2023 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, and for the first time some units sold on launch day were assembled in India. Its biggest changes came from the previous year's Pro models: the Dynamic Island replaced the notch and the A16 Bionic chip took over from the A15.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED gets much higher peak brightness but still runs at 60Hz. A colour-infused frosted glass back and contoured aluminium edges make it more comfortable than the iPhone 14. Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C, which pleased Indian buyers who already used USB-C for Android phones and laptops, though transfer speed stays at USB 2.

    The 48 MP main camera produces 24 MP photos by default and offers a 2x crop that works as a near-optical telephoto, along with a 12 MP ultrawide. Portraits can be captured automatically when a face is detected. Battery life is a full day, and charging remains slow. It competed with the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8, matching them on video quality but trailing on refresh rate.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3349 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight171 g
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

    What we like

    • Dynamic Island on a non-Pro iPhone
    • USB-C port
    • 48 MP main camera with 2x crop
    • Comfortable frosted design

    What could be better

    • Still 60Hz
    • USB-C limited to USB 2 speeds
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers upgrading from older iPhones who want the modern design and better camera at the standard price.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A05s

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A05s in India in October 2023 at Rs 14,999 for 6 GB/128 GB. Unlike most phones in this list, it is a 4G-only device, built for buyers who want a large screen and Samsung's software without paying for 5G. It sits just below the Galaxy A14 5G and M14 5G in Samsung's range.

    The 6.7-inch PLS LCD runs at 90Hz with full HD+ resolution, good for videos and reading but without the contrast of AMOLED panels. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680 is a well-known efficient chip that handles messaging, social apps and video calls smoothly, though it struggles with demanding games. The plastic body is light enough and fits the price.

    On the back are a 50 MP main camera with 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro sensors, while the 13 MP front camera handles selfies and calls. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, and 25W charging is faster than many entry-level Samsung phones of earlier years. Rivals like the Redmi 12 5G offered 5G at a similar price, which limited its appeal.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 14,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.7-inch, PLS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 680
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes

    What we like

    • Large 90Hz screen
    • Efficient Snapdragon 680
    • 25W charging
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • No 5G support
    • LCD display
    • Rivals offer 5G at the same price

    Who should buy it

    Users on 4G networks who want a big-screen Samsung for calls, video and social media.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

    The Galaxy M34 5G launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 18,999 for 6 GB/128 GB, sold online. It offered features that the pricier Galaxy A series charged more for, including a 120Hz Super AMOLED display and optical image stabilisation, with Samsung's typical M-series 6000 mAh battery. It was briefly one of Samsung's best-selling online models.

    The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a waterdrop notch is bright and smooth, with Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The plastic body feels sturdy if plain. The Exynos 1280 chip handles everyday multitasking well and runs popular games at medium settings, though rivals like the iQOO Z7 and Redmi Note 12 Pro offered stronger chips at the same price.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS is the highlight, delivering steadier video and better night shots than most phones in its segment, backed by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. Samsung's Monster Shot feature captures multiple images and videos at once. Battery life is excellent, comfortably two days for moderate users, and 25W charging is supported with a charger sold separately.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1280
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Prism Silver, Waterfall Blue

    What we like

    • 120Hz Super AMOLED
    • OIS main camera
    • Excellent two-day battery
    • Samsung update support

    What could be better

    • Exynos 1280 trails rivals
    • No charger in the box
    • Waterdrop notch

    Who should buy it

    Online shoppers who want a Samsung with a great screen and battery under Rs 20,000.

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