RAG Demo

Tag: Launched 2023

  • Samsung Galaxy S23

    The Galaxy S23 arrived in India in February 2023 as the small-screen entry to Samsung's flagship line, priced at Rs 74,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB model. Its biggest change was under the hood: every S23 sold in India used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, ending years of Exynos versus Snapdragon complaints from Indian buyers who felt they got the weaker chip.

    Design is cleaner than the S22, with three separate camera rings on a flat glass back and an aluminium frame. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is bright and sharp at 1080 x 2340, and the phone weighs just 168 g, which makes it one of the few truly one-hand flagships of its year. Performance stays cool under gaming loads that made its predecessor throttle hard.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto setup is versatile and reliable, though not class-leading in low light. The 3900 mAh battery is the real compromise: it gets through a day of moderate use, but 25W charging feels slow next to the OnePlus 11 or iQOO 11 at a similar price. Against the iPhone 14, it offers zoom and a faster display for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 74,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3900 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight168 g
    ColoursPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

    What we like

    • Genuinely compact and light for a flagship
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 runs cool and fast
    • Optical 3x telephoto at this size
    • Long software support commitment

    What could be better

    • 3900 mAh battery is only just enough
    • 25W charging is slow for the price
    • Base model has 128 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium Android phone that fits comfortably in one hand and a jeans pocket.

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

  • Motorola Edge 40 Neo

    The Motorola Edge 40 Neo launched in India in September 2023 as a more affordable version of the Edge 40. It kept the curved 144Hz display, IP68 rating and slim design, while using a less powerful chip and dropping wireless charging. It competed with the Realme 11 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M34.

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display is bright and smooth at up to 144Hz. The Dimensity 7030 provides dependable everyday performance and handles casual gaming, though it is not a powerhouse. Its vegan leather finish in Pantone-certified colours gives it a premium look and feel. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 is clean and easy to use, with minimal bloatware.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide take natural-looking photos in daylight, though low-light performance is average. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 5,000 mAh battery offers good endurance, with 68W charging. Against the Realme 11 Pro, it offered IP68 water resistance and cleaner software, while Realme had a sharper main camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7030
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Caneel Bay, Soothing Sea

    What we like

    • IP68 at a lower price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • Clean near-stock Android
    • Pantone vegan leather finishes

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7030 is modest
    • No wireless charging
    • Average low-light photos

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with clean software on a budget.

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

  • Motorola Edge 40

    Motorola launched the Edge 40 in India in May 2023 with a very slim design, a vegan leather back and an IP68 rating, a rare combination at its price. It also included wireless charging, which almost no other phone around 30,000 rupees offered. It competed with the OnePlus Nord 3, Samsung Galaxy A54 and Nothing Phone (1).

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display refreshes at up to 144Hz and looks vibrant and smooth. The Dimensity 8020 delivers solid performance for daily use and gaming. The phone is light and comfortable to hold. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 with a few useful gestures was praised for being clean, though the brand's update commitment was shorter than Samsung's.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide, which doubles as a macro, take good photos with natural colours. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 4,400 mAh battery is on the smaller side but lasts a day, with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging. Against the OnePlus Nord 3, it offered IP68 and wireless charging, while OnePlus was faster with a bigger battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4400 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Eclipse Black, Lunar Blue

    What we like

    • Slim, light design with vegan leather
    • IP68 rating
    • Wireless charging at a mid-range price
    • Clean near-stock Android

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,400 mAh battery
    • Shorter update commitment
    • Only one storage variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with wireless charging and clean software.

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

  • Oppo A79 5G

    The Oppo A79 5G launched in India in October 2023 as an affordable 5G option sold widely through offline retailers. It offered a large display, a dependable battery and Oppo's polished ColorOS, competing with the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Vivo Y200 and Redmi 12 5G. Its real advantage was easy access to demos, EMI plans and after-sales service at Oppo retail partners.

    The 6.72-inch full HD LCD display refreshes at 90Hz, giving smooth scrolling though lacking the contrast of AMOLED. The Dimensity 6020 is an entry-level 5G chip that handles calls, social media and video comfortably but struggles with heavier games. The design has a glossy finish and flat edges. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 offered a clean, easy-to-use interface.

    The 50 MP main camera takes decent photos in good light, and a 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, with 33W charging. Online rivals such as the Redmi 12 5G offered similar specifications for less, so the A79 mainly appealed to buyers who preferred to shop in physical stores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.72-inch, LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    ColoursGlowing Green, Mystery Black

    What we like

    • Large 90Hz display
    • Long battery life
    • Clean ColorOS interface
    • Widely available offline

    What could be better

    • Expensive for the specifications
    • LCD lacks contrast
    • Basic cameras

    Who should buy it

    Offline shoppers who want a simple 5G phone with good battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 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 as the top model in the Reno 10 series, bringing a periscope telephoto camera to the mid-premium segment. Its slim curved design and portrait-focused camera system made it a style and photography pick, competing with the OnePlus 11R, Vivo V27 Pro and Google Pixel 7a.

    The 6.74-inch curved AMOLED display runs at 120Hz with 1240 x 2772 resolution, giving it a premium look. Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the previous year's flagship chip, delivers strong performance for gaming and multitasking. The thin body and glossy back make it feel elegant. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 offered a polished experience with some preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make it one of the few phones under 60,000 rupees with true periscope zoom. Portraits were particularly impressive. The 4,700 mAh battery with 100W charging lasts a full day. Against the OnePlus 11R, it offered a far better zoom camera, while the OnePlus had a larger battery and similar performance for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 54,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSilvery Grey, Glossy Purple

    What we like

    • 64 MP periscope telephoto
    • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
    • 100W fast charging
    • Slim, elegant design

    What could be better

    • Expensive compared with the OnePlus 11R
    • No wireless charging
    • Weak ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Portrait and zoom photography fans who want a slim, premium-looking phone.

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

  • Oppo Find N3 Flip

    The Oppo Find N3 Flip launched in India in October 2023 as Oppo's second clamshell foldable. It stood out by offering a triple-camera system with a telephoto lens, something rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra lacked. Its vertical cover screen and Hasselblad branding aimed at buyers who wanted style and photography in a compact foldable.

    The main 6.8-inch AMOLED display folds in half, with a barely visible crease, and runs at 120Hz. The 3.26-inch vertical cover screen supports widgets and some full apps, though it is smaller than the Galaxy Z Flip 5's display. MediaTek's Dimensity 9200 offers flagship-level performance. An Alert Slider, borrowed from OnePlus, adds quick sound control. ColorOS 13.2 brought useful cover-screen features.

    The 50 MP main camera, 48 MP ultrawide and 32 MP 2x telephoto, all tuned by Hasselblad, give the Find N3 Flip the most versatile camera system among clamshells of its time. The 4,300 mAh battery is decent for a foldable, with 44W charging, though wireless charging is missing. Against the Galaxy Z Flip 5, it offered better cameras, while Samsung had a larger cover screen and water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 94,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.8-inch, Foldable AMOLED, with 3.26-inch cover display, 120Hz, 1080 x 2520
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4300 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.2
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCream Gold, Sleek Black

    What we like

    • Triple camera with telephoto, rare in clamshells
    • Hasselblad colour tuning
    • Flagship Dimensity 9200 performance
    • Alert Slider

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • No official water resistance
    • Cover screen smaller than the Galaxy Z Flip 5's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish flip foldable without compromising on camera versatility.

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

  • iQOO Z7

    The iQOO Z7 launched in India in March 2023 through Amazon as a value-focused 5G phone. It shared its compact form factor and much of its design philosophy with the Vivo T2, but used MediaTek's Dimensity 920 chip. Its main rivals were the Redmi Note 12, Realme 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M34.

    The 6.38-inch AMOLED display refreshes at 90Hz and includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, a rare combination at this price. The Dimensity 920 performed better than the Snapdragon 695 found in many competitors, making the Z7 a solid choice for casual gaming. The compact, lightweight build was comfortable for one-handed use. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered useful features but preinstalled apps.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes stable photos in daylight and handles low light better than non-stabilised rivals, while the 2 MP depth sensor is largely decorative. The 16 MP selfie camera is acceptable. The 4,500 mAh battery is smaller than average, but efficient hardware keeps it going for a day, with 44W charging. Buyers wanting a compact, quick 5G phone found it a good fit.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.38-inch, AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 920
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursNorway Blue, Pacific Night

    What we like

    • Compact AMOLED display
    • Dimensity 920 outperforms many rivals
    • OIS main camera
    • Lightweight design

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Only 90Hz refresh rate
    • No ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact, fast 5G phone with a stabilised camera.

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

  • iQOO Neo 7

    The iQOO Neo 7 launched in India in February 2023 as a performance-first mid-ranger. It used MediaTek's then-new Dimensity 8200 and 120W charging, two features rarely seen below 30,000 rupees at the time. It competed with the Poco X5 Pro, OnePlus Nord 2T and Redmi Note 12 Pro+, appealing mainly to gamers and speed-focused users.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz offers good colours and smooth gaming. Dimensity 8200 delivered excellent performance, comfortably outpacing the Snapdragon 778G in the Poco X5 Pro in sustained tests. The phone is heavier and thicker than some rivals, reflecting its large battery and cooling system. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 included gaming modes but also preinstalled apps.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS produces decent daytime photos, while the two 2 MP helpers add little. There is no ultrawide, a notable gap. The 16 MP front camera is average. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging is a highlight, refilling in about 25 minutes. Against the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, it was faster and charged more quickly, though Redmi had a 200 MP camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursInterstellar Black, Frost Blue

    What we like

    • Dimensity 8200 gaming performance
    • 120W fast charging
    • 120Hz AMOLED display
    • OIS main camera

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Heavy and thick
    • Average selfie camera

    Who should buy it

    Gamers on a mid-range budget who want fast performance and very fast charging.

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

  • iQOO 12

    iQOO launched the iQOO 12 in India in December 2023, again beating rivals to the newest Qualcomm flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It continued the brand's formula of high performance at a lower price, competing directly with the OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14 and Samsung Galaxy S24. The Legend edition's BMW M Motorsport stripes returned.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED display runs at up to 144Hz with a 1260 x 2800 resolution, slightly lower than the iQOO 11's 2K panel but brighter. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance was excellent, and iQOO's Q1 supercomputing chip helped with gaming frame rates and resolution upscaling. Thermals held up well in long gaming sessions. Funtouch OS 14 included a dedicated game mode and performance controls.

    The camera setup was a big upgrade: a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto. Zoom photos were impressive for the price. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging refills very quickly, though wireless charging is absent. Against the OnePlus 12, it was cheaper and faster to charge, while OnePlus offered wireless charging and a sharper display.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 52,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Alpha

    What we like

    • First Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phone in India
    • 64 MP periscope telephoto
    • 144Hz bright AMOLED display
    • 120W fast charging

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Lower resolution than the iQOO 11
    • Funtouch OS bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and enthusiasts who want the latest flagship chip and a zoom camera without overspending.

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

  • iQOO 11

    The iQOO 11 launched in India in January 2023 and was the first phone in the country to ship with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. iQOO positioned it as a performance flagship at a lower price than Samsung or Apple, taking on the OnePlus 11 and Xiaomi 12 Pro. The BMW M Motorsport-inspired Legend edition with its striped design was especially popular.

    The 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED display has a 1440 x 3200 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, making it one of the sharpest and smoothest screens of its time. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance was excellent, with strong efficiency and sustained gaming. iQOO also included its own V2 chip for frame interpolation in games. Funtouch OS 13 offered gaming-focused features but included some preinstalled apps.

    The camera setup includes a 50 MP Samsung GN5 main sensor with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 13 MP 2x portrait telephoto. Photos were solid, though not class-leading compared with the Pixel 7 Pro. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging can refill in under half an hour. Against the OnePlus 11, it offered a sharper, faster display and quicker charging at a similar price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, E6 AMOLED, 144Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Samsung GN5 main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 13 MP 2x portrait telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Alpha

    What we like

    • First Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone in India
    • Sharp 2K 144Hz display
    • 120W fast charging
    • BMW M Motorsport Legend design

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Camera is good but not class-leading
    • Lacks an official high IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want flagship performance and a top display at a lower price.

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