Tag: Launched 2023

  • Samsung Galaxy M14 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy M14 5G in India in April 2023 at Rs 13,490 for 4 GB/128 GB, sold primarily through Amazon and Samsung's own store. It shared much of its hardware with the Galaxy A14 5G but swapped the battery for a larger 6000 mAh cell, a classic M-series move aimed at online buyers who prioritise endurance.

    The 6.6-inch PLS LCD has a 90Hz refresh rate and full HD+ resolution. It is fine indoors but less vibrant than the AMOLED screens found in the Redmi Note 12 at slightly higher prices. The Exynos 1330 chip, built on a 5 nm process, gives smooth basic performance and excellent efficiency, though it is not meant for demanding games.

    On the back is a 50 MP main camera with 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro sensors, and a 13 MP selfie camera on the front. Battery life routinely extends to two days of light use, and 25W charging support helps, though the charger was not included in the box. A headphone jack and microSD slot add practical value for the target audience.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 13,490 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.6-inch, PLS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2408
    ProcessorExynos 1330
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursBerry Blue, Icy Silver, Smoky Teal

    What we like

    • Massive 6000 mAh battery
    • Efficient 5 nm chip
    • 128 GB base storage
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • LCD screen
    • No charger in the box
    • Weak secondary cameras

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a 5G Samsung that comfortably lasts two days on a charge.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

    The Galaxy A54 5G launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 38,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It introduced the clean floating-camera design that later spread across Samsung's A series, and was the debut device for the 5 nm Exynos 1380. It targeted buyers who wanted the Galaxy S look without flagship pricing.

    The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED has a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole cutout, with Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides and an aluminium-look plastic frame. It weighs 202 g, which makes it feel dense for its size. The Exynos 1380 was efficient and fine for daily use, though gamers found the OnePlus 11R and Nothing Phone (2) much faster at similar prices.

    Its 50 MP main camera with OIS produced some of the best photos in its segment, especially in low light and for video, backed by a 12 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro. The 32 MP selfie camera is sharp. A 5000 mAh battery gives long life, but 25W charging is slow. IP67 and four OS upgrades made it an easy recommendation for durability and support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 38,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight202 g
    ColoursAwesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome White

    What we like

    • Very good main camera with OIS
    • Premium glass design
    • IP67 water and dust resistance
    • Four OS upgrades

    What could be better

    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging
    • Heavy for a 6.4-inch phone

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling Samsung with dependable cameras and water resistance.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A25 5G in India in December 2023 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB/128 GB, alongside the A15 5G. It positions itself as a step up with a smoother 120Hz screen, optical image stabilisation and Samsung's older but proven Exynos 1280 chip, the same family that powered the Galaxy A53 and M34.

    The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD+ resolution, giving smooth scrolling and good contrast. The design matches the A15 with a Key Island on the frame and a plastic body. Exynos 1280 handles multitasking and casual gaming acceptably, but it was already aging next to the Snapdragon 7 series chips in rivals like the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Poco X6.

    The 50 MP main camera has OIS, which helps low-light photos and video stability, paired with 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro sensors. The 5000 mAh battery and 25W charging give long life with average refill times. Its price was its biggest problem at launch, as the Galaxy M34 and later Galaxy F-series offered similar hardware for less.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1280
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes

    What we like

    • 120Hz Super AMOLED
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Four OS upgrades promised
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • Aging Exynos 1280 chip
    • Overpriced against rivals at launch
    • No water resistance rating

    Who should buy it

    Samsung buyers who want a smooth AMOLED screen and stabilised camera on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A14 5G in India in January 2023 at Rs 16,499 for 4 GB/64 GB. It was one of the first phones to use Samsung's own 5 nm Exynos 1330, and its main promise was reliable 5G with long software support at a price where many rivals offered only two years of updates.

    The design is plain plastic with a flat back and separate camera lenses. The 6.6-inch PLS LCD runs at 90Hz with full HD+ resolution, a solid choice for budget buyers but dimmer than AMOLED screens on the Redmi Note 12 5G. Performance from the Exynos 1330 is fine for social apps and calls; heavy games run at modest settings. A side-mounted fingerprint reader handles unlock.

    The triple rear camera is a 50 MP main backed by 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro sensors, so in practice only the main camera is worth using. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, though charging at 15W is slow. A headphone jack and microSD slot keep it practical, and Samsung's service network was a major reason it sold well in smaller towns.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 16,499 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.6-inch, PLS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2408
    ProcessorExynos 1330
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging15W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursDark Red, Light Green, Black

    What we like

    • Long battery life
    • Efficient 5 nm Exynos chip
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Good software update promise for the price

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Slow 15W charging
    • Filler depth and macro cameras

    Who should buy it

    First-time smartphone or 5G buyers who want a dependable Samsung with a long-lasting battery.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

    The Galaxy A15 5G arrived in India in December 2023 at Rs 19,499 for 8 GB/128 GB. Its biggest step up over the A14 5G was the screen, moving to a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED at 90Hz, and Samsung also promised four generations of Android updates and five years of security patches, unusual at this price.

    Samsung's new design language with a flat frame and a raised Key Island on the side for the power and volume keys makes it look closer to the pricier A series. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip is efficient but modest, handling everyday use and light gaming without fuss. The AMOLED panel has deep blacks and good outdoor visibility compared with LCD rivals.

    Cameras include a 50 MP main with a 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, a useful upgrade from the A14's depth sensor. The 5000 mAh battery delivers long endurance, and 25W charging is faster though still not quick by Indian market standards, where the Redmi Note 13 5G and Realme 11x offered more speed. The update policy remains its strongest argument.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,499 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6100+
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes

    What we like

    • Super AMOLED display
    • Four OS upgrades promised
    • Long battery life
    • Includes an ultrawide camera

    What could be better

    • Modest processor for the price
    • 90Hz rather than 120Hz
    • Rivals charge faster

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who prioritise a good screen and long software support over raw speed.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A34 5G

    Samsung introduced the Galaxy A34 5G in India in March 2023 at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB/128 GB, launched alongside the A54. Interestingly, it used MediaTek's Dimensity 1080 instead of an Exynos chip, which turned out to be a strong match for everyday performance and gaming at this price. That combination made it a dependable everyday pick.

    Its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and waterdrop notch is bright and vivid, with stereo speakers adding to the media experience. The plastic back has a glossy prism-like finish, and IP67 water and dust resistance is a real advantage in Indian monsoons, something many competitors such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro did not offer at the same level.

    The 48 MP main camera has OIS and is joined by an 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro. Images are natural with Samsung's typical bright processing. A 5000 mAh battery gives very good endurance, though 25W charging is slow. With four OS upgrades promised, it became a sensible middle ground for buyers who did not want to pay for the A54.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursAwesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome Silver

    What we like

    • IP67 water and dust resistance
    • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED and stereo speakers
    • Capable Dimensity 1080
    • Strong battery life

    What could be better

    • Slow 25W charging
    • Plastic build
    • Waterdrop notch looks dated

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, water-resistant mid-range phone with a good screen and long updates.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

    Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip5 in India in July 2023 at Rs 99,999 for 8 GB/256 GB. After years of a tiny notification strip, the Flip5 brought a 3.4-inch Flex Window on the outside, large enough for widgets, quick replies, maps and even full apps through Samsung's Labs setting. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra had a bigger cover screen, setting up a direct contest.

    The new hinge closes flat with no gap, and the 187 g phone feels dense and well made. Inside is a 6.7-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a crease you notice mainly at angles. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy keeps everything fast, and Flex Mode lets the half-folded phone act as its own tripod for video calls and time-lapses.

    There is no telephoto: you get a 12 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide, with a 10 MP inner selfie camera, though the cover screen lets you use the main camera for selfies too. The 3700 mAh battery is the weak spot and heavy users will need to charge by evening, with only 25W wired support. For style and compactness, few phones of its time matched it.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable (3.4-inch cover screen), 120Hz, 1080 x 2640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery3700 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIPX8
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursMint, Graphite, Cream, Lavender

    What we like

    • Big, useful Flex Window cover screen
    • Gapless hinge closes flat
    • Flagship performance
    • Very pocketable when folded

    What could be better

    • Battery life is short for heavy users
    • No telephoto camera
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Fashion-minded buyers who want a compact flagship that folds into a small square.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

    Samsung's fifth-generation book-style foldable reached India in July 2023 at Rs 1,54,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. Its headline change was the new Flex hinge, which lets the phone close flat with no wedge-shaped gap, making it slimmer when folded and less prone to collecting grit. It launched against the first wave of serious foldable competition in India.

    Open, you get a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner screen with a less visible crease than before; closed, a narrow 6.2-inch cover display. The narrow outer screen remained the main complaint, especially next to wider rivals like the Pixel Fold and OnePlus Open. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides smooth multitasking, and Samsung's taskbar and three-app split view are the most mature foldable software of the time.

    Cameras are a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto, solid but behind the Galaxy S23 Ultra. A 4400 mAh battery and 25W charging feel conservative for the price. IPX8 water resistance, S Pen Fold Edition support and a polished app experience are its strengths, while the OnePlus Open, arriving months later, beat it on cameras and charging speed.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 154,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display7.6-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable (6.2-inch cover screen), 120Hz, 1812 x 2176
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP cover + 4 MP under-display
    Battery4400 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIPX8
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight253 g
    ColoursIcy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream

    What we like

    • Closes flat with the new hinge
    • Excellent multitasking software
    • IPX8 water resistance
    • S Pen support

    What could be better

    • Narrow cover screen
    • Cameras trail similarly priced flagships
    • Slow 25W charging
    • Very expensive

    Who should buy it

    Professionals who want a pocketable tablet for documents, email and split-screen work.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

    The Fan Edition returned in India in October 2023, with the Galaxy S23 FE starting at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Indian units used Samsung's own Exynos 2200, the chip from the international Galaxy S22, rather than a Snapdragon part. Samsung's pitch was simple: the look, water resistance and camera layout of the S23 for a noticeably lower price.

    It feels like a larger S23, with a 6.4-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, flat aluminium frame and separate camera rings. At 209 g it is denser than you expect. The Exynos 2200 is quick for daily use, but it gets warm during long gaming sessions and camera use, and battery life from the 4500 mAh cell is good rather than great.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 12 MP ultrawide and 8 MP 3x telephoto give it real zoom, something the Pixel 7a and OnePlus 11R lacked at the time. Charging is limited to 25W wired, with wireless and reverse wireless included. Discounts quickly pushed its street price far below launch, and at those prices it became a sensible route into Samsung's flagship ecosystem.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g

    What we like

    • 3x telephoto rare at this price
    • IP68 and wireless charging included
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED panel
    • Samsung's long update policy

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2200 runs warm under load
    • Heavy for its size
    • Slow 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Samsung fans who want flagship features like zoom, IP68 and wireless charging without paying S23 prices.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 Ultra in India in February 2023 at Rs 1,24,999 for the 12 GB/256 GB variant, with no 8 GB base model to undercut it. It carried forward the Note-style boxy body and integrated S Pen from the S22 Ultra, but the headline upgrades were a 200 MP primary sensor and the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip used worldwide.

    The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen has slightly less curvature than before, which makes S Pen writing near the edges easier. At 234 g it is heavy, but the Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 feel built to last. Efficiency gains from the new chip transformed battery life, and the 5000 mAh cell routinely stretches into a second morning for lighter users.

    Four rear cameras cover almost every focal length: 200 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP telephotos at 3x and 10x. The 10x lens remains the reason many people buy this phone, delivering usable shots at distances where the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pixel 7 Pro fall back on cropping. Charging is capped at 45W, and the price makes the OnePlus 11 look like a bargain if you do not need the pen.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 124,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1440 x 3088
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 10 MP 10x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight234 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • 10x optical zoom is unmatched among rivals of its year
    • Excellent battery life thanks to the efficient chip
    • Built-in S Pen for notes and markup
    • Bright, sharp QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Heavy and wide in the hand
    • Very expensive with no lower storage tier
    • 45W charging trails Chinese flagships

    Who should buy it

    Power users and professionals who want the best zoom camera and stylus input in one Android phone.

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