Tag: Launched 2024

  • Samsung Galaxy M55 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy M55 5G in India in April 2024 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most powerful M-series phone to date and sold mainly online, a platform where Samsung needed to compete with the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Realme 12 Pro and Nothing Phone (2a). It is also slimmer than earlier M phones, which were known for their bulk.

    The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus panel runs at 120Hz and is bright and punchy. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is a capable chip, faster than the Exynos parts in the Galaxy A35, and handles everyday tasks well. One UI 6.1 on Android 14 brings Samsung's familiar polish, along with a multi-year OS and security update commitment that rivals struggled to match.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS is supported by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro, while the 50 MP front camera records 4K video. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well into a second day, and 45W charging was a welcome upgrade for the series. Rivals offer faster charging, but the M55 wins on software support and display quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight180 g
    ColoursDenim Black, Light Green

    What we like

    • Vivid Super AMOLED Plus display
    • Long software update support
    • 50 MP 4K selfie camera
    • Slim for an M-series phone

    What could be better

    • Charging slower than Chinese rivals
    • Filler macro camera
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Samsung's software support and a great display in a slim mid-range phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

    The ROG Phone 8 Pro launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB plus 512 GB. Asus redesigned the series to look and feel more like a normal flagship, slimming the body, adding IP68 water resistance for the first time on a ROG phone and introducing a camera gimbal, while keeping the gamer-focused AniMe Vision mini-LED panel on the back.

    The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED runs at up to 165Hz in games and drops to 1Hz when idle. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the fastest Android chip of its generation, supported by effective cooling, AirTrigger ultrasonic shoulder buttons and an optional AeroActive Cooler accessory. Asus kept a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a rarity among 2024 flagships.

    The camera system improved substantially, with a 50 MP gimbal-stabilised main sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide and a 32 MP 3x telephoto. The 5500 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. Against the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iQOO 12, it is the clear choice for serious mobile gamers, though its cameras are not quite class-leading.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 165Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM16 GB / 24 GB
    Storage512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (gimbal) + 13 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging65W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ROG UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight225 g
    ColoursPhantom Black

    What we like

    • Top-tier gaming performance and cooling
    • 165Hz LTPO display
    • IP68 and headphone jack together
    • Excellent battery life

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Cameras good but not class-leading
    • Heavy at around 225 g

    Who should buy it

    Serious mobile gamers who want the fastest, best-cooled Android phone with a headphone jack.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Lava Agni 3 5G

    The Lava Agni 3 5G launched in India in October 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, in a version sold without a charger; a bundle with the 66W charger cost more. Lava gave it a feature no rival offered at the price: a 1.74-inch secondary AMOLED on the back, next to the cameras, for notifications, music controls and rear-camera selfies.

    The main 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300X provides efficient, consistent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Lava also added a customisable Action Key, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro's, and kept the software clean on Android 14 with a promise of OS updates and no bloatware.

    The triple camera includes a 50 MP main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and an 8 MP 3x telephoto, giving it real zoom capability at this price. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day, with 66W wired charging. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) and CMF Phone 1, it offers more hardware novelty, while Nothing counters with a more polished overall software experience.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 1.74-inch rear AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300X
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHeather Glass, Pristine Glass

    What we like

    • Useful rear secondary display
    • 3x telephoto at this price
    • Customisable Action Key
    • Clean, ad-free software

    What could be better

    • Base model ships without a charger
    • 8 MP telephoto is soft in low light
    • Brand's service network smaller than rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want something genuinely different, with a rear screen and telephoto, from an Indian brand.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Honor 200

    Honor launched the Honor 200 in India in July 2024 at Rs 34,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, alongside the pricier Honor 200 Pro. Its pitch was portrait photography, with camera modes developed together with the Parisian photo studio Studio Harcourt, wrapped in a slim, curved design that clearly targeted the OnePlus Nord 4 and Galaxy A35.

    The 6.7-inch curved OLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K-class resolution and high-frequency PWM dimming. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers solid mid-range performance, comfortable with everyday multitasking and moderate gaming, but behind the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the Nord 4. MagicOS 8.0 on Android 14 includes Honor's AI features, though it carries some preinstalled apps.

    The triple camera, with a 50 MP main, a 50 MP 2.5x telephoto and a 12 MP ultrawide, delivers excellent portraits with a distinctive studio look, and the 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 5200 mAh silicon-carbon battery charges at 100W wired. It is a portrait specialist; buyers prioritising raw performance would pick the Nord 4, while photographers may prefer the Honor.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 34,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved OLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2664
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP 2.5x telephoto + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5200 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, MagicOS 8.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, Moonlight White

    What we like

    • Excellent portrait photography
    • 50 MP telephoto at this price
    • Fast 100W charging
    • Slim, comfortable design

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 trails the Nord 4's chip
    • No official IP rating
    • Preinstalled apps in MagicOS

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who shoot lots of portraits and want a stylish, fast-charging mid-ranger.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Honor X9b

    Honor launched the X9b in India in February 2024 at Rs 25,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. Its marketing centred on durability: Honor called the curved screen an Ultra-Bounce display and staged demonstrations of the phone surviving drops onto hard surfaces, a striking claim for a curved AMOLED in this segment.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution and good peak brightness. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a middling chip, adequate for social media, streaming and casual games, but slower than the Dimensity 7200 in the Nothing Phone (2a) or the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro. MagicOS 7.2 runs on Android 13, already a version behind at launch.

    The 108 MP main camera produces good daylight images, backed by a 5 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro lens, with a 16 MP selfie camera. Battery life is a highlight thanks to the 5800 mAh silicon-carbon cell, which easily stretches past a day, though charging is a modest 35W. It suits buyers who are rough on their phones and want long battery life.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging35W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MagicOS 7.2
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight185 g
    ColoursMidnight Black, Sunrise Orange

    What we like

    • Drop-resistant curved display
    • Long-lasting 5800 mAh battery
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is slow for the price
    • Launched on an older Android version
    • Weak ultrawide and slow 35W charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who are hard on their phones and want a curved display with strong battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G

    The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. The Pova series targets young, gaming-inclined buyers, and this model continued that theme with an angular design and Arc Interface LED strips on the back that light up for notifications, calls and charging, Tecno's take on Nothing's Glyph lights.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz and has thin bezels. Performance comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 6080, a modest chip that handles daily tasks and lighter games but trails the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro. HiOS 14 on Android 14 offers plenty of features, including a gaming mode, but comes with preinstalled apps.

    The headline is endurance: a 6000 mAh battery with 70W charging, a combination that was rare under Rs 20,000. The 108 MP main camera is detailed in daylight, while the 32 MP selfie camera is decent. Dolby Atmos stereo speakers add to the media experience. It suits heavy users who prize battery life and charging speed over raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6080
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging70W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HiOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMeteorite Grey, Comet Green

    What we like

    • Large 6000 mAh battery
    • Fast 70W charging
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED
    • Fun Arc Interface LED lights

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 6080 is underpowered
    • Basic secondary camera
    • Bloatware in HiOS

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want long battery life and fast charging under Rs 20,000, with a flashy design.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Tecno Camon 30 5G

    Tecno launched the Camon 30 5G in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It continued the Camon series' focus on cameras and design, with a textured back in white or dark finishes and a large camera island, aimed at buyers comparing it with the Nothing Phone (2a) and Realme 12 Pro.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED refreshes at 120Hz and is sharp and bright. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is efficient but modest, enough for social apps and casual games, though slower than the Dimensity 8050 that powered the cheaper Camon 20 Pro. HiOS 14 on Android 14 is feature-packed but still carries a fair amount of preinstalled software.

    A 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS produces natural, detailed daylight photos and capable night shots, while the 50 MP front camera with autofocus is well suited to selfies and video calls. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 70W, among the fastest in its segment. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) it offers faster charging and more storage but less polished software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging70W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HiOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursUyuni Salt White, Basaltic Dark

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Fast 70W charging
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7020 is slower than its predecessor's chip
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Busy HiOS software

    Who should buy it

    Selfie lovers and casual users who want strong cameras and fast charging in the low Rs 20,000s.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G

    The Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G launched in India in April 2024 at Rs 21,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. Its standout feature was MagCharge, 20W magnetic wireless charging with a range of snap-on accessories, something almost unheard of at this price. Infinix also bundled the magnetic charging pad in some launch offers.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and looks premium. Performance comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 7020, an efficient but modest chip that is fine for daily use but not for heavy gaming; the Poco X6 and Redmi Note 13 Pro are faster. Infinix added its Cheetah X1 power management chip and JBL-tuned stereo speakers.

    The 108 MP main camera has OIS, paired with two 2 MP sensors that contribute little, and a 32 MP front camera. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a day comfortably, with 45W wired charging alongside the wireless option. It is a feature-led phone: buyers who value wireless charging and a curved screen will like it, while performance seekers should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, XOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitan Gold, Vintage Green

    What we like

    • Magnetic wireless charging
    • Curved 120Hz AMOLED
    • 108 MP camera with OIS
    • JBL-tuned stereo speakers

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7020 is modest
    • Filler 2 MP cameras
    • Bloatware in XOS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want wireless charging and a premium-looking curved display without spending more than Rs 25,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Infinix GT 20 Pro

    The Infinix GT 20 Pro launched in India in May 2024 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It was built as a budget gaming phone, with a cyber-mecha design that includes customisable Mecha Loop LED lights around the camera module, and it targeted young buyers who might otherwise consider the Poco X6 Pro or iQOO Z9.

    Its 6.78-inch AMOLED runs at up to 144Hz, and a dedicated Pixelworks display chip handles frame interpolation in supported games. The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate is a genuinely fast chip for the money, sustained by a vapour chamber cooling system. XOS 14 on Android 14 includes a game mode with performance tuning, though it carries more preinstalled apps than cleaner rivals.

    The 108 MP main camera produces detailed daylight shots, but the two 2 MP auxiliary lenses add little. The 5000 mAh battery offers solid gaming endurance, charging at 45W, with a bypass charging mode that powers the phone directly during play. Against the Poco X6 Pro it offers a more playful design and display chip, while Poco counters with slightly stronger raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, XOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMecha Orange, Mecha Blue, Mecha Silver

    What we like

    • Fast Dimensity 8200 Ultimate
    • 144Hz AMOLED with display chip
    • Bypass charging for gaming
    • Distinctive LED design

    What could be better

    • Filler 2 MP cameras
    • XOS has bloatware
    • Limited update promise

    Who should buy it

    Gamers on a budget who want strong performance and a flashy design for under Rs 25,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • CMF Phone 1

    The CMF Phone 1 launched in India in July 2024 at Rs 15,999 for 6 GB plus 128 GB, as the first phone from Nothing's budget sub-brand. Its most unusual feature is a back panel held on by visible screws, which can be swapped for different colours and textures, and a corner dial that accepts accessories such as a lanyard, a stand and a card wallet.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz and is bright and vivid for the price. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is a strong budget chip, efficient and quick enough for most games at medium settings, and noticeably faster than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 13 5G. Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14 is clean, with no ads and few preinstalled apps, and storage is expandable by microSD.

    The 50 MP Sony main camera with a depth sensor produces good daylight photos, though there is no ultrawide. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts two days for light users, with 33W charging. Against the Moto G64 and Realme Narzo 70 Pro it offers a better display, more personality and cleaner software, at the cost of a less versatile camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + depth sensor
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Orange, Light Green

    What we like

    • Swappable back and accessory system
    • Efficient Dimensity 7300
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED
    • Clean, ad-free software

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Accessories cost extra
    • Charger sold separately

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a fun, customisable phone with a good display and clean software.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.