RAG Demo

Tag: Launched 2024

  • Realme 12+

    Realme launched the 12+ in India in March 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, bringing the design language of the 12 Pro series to a lower price. It uses a flat display rather than a curved one and keeps the vegan leather back and large circular camera module.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 7050 handles daily use and casual gaming without trouble. The 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS produces reliable photos, accompanied by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W, and IP54 protection guards against splashes. Realme also highlighted its rain-water smart touch, which keeps the screen usable with wet fingers.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Poco X6, the Samsung Galaxy M35 and the Motorola G84. The Poco X6 had a sharper screen and more storage, while the Moto G84 offered cleaner software. The Realme 12+ appealed with its OIS camera and premium styling. Its weak macro lens is easy to ignore.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursPioneer Green, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • OIS Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • Premium vegan leather design
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Average performance
    • Weak macro camera
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish, well-rounded phone with a stabilised camera for around Rs 20,000.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro+

    The Realme 12 Pro+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its main attraction was a 64 MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, a feature that had previously been limited to far more expensive phones. It shares the luxury watch-inspired design of the 12 Pro, with an extra red colour option.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz looks premium and is bright enough outdoors. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a step up from the 12 Pro's chip and handles everyday use and moderate gaming well. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is excellent, and the periscope delivers sharp zoom shots up to about 6x. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 3, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40. The Redmi offered IP68 and faster charging, and the Poco more speed, but the 12 Pro+ was the clear choice for zoom photography in its class. It is an easy recommendation for travel photographers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto at a mid-range price
    • Excellent Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Premium design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • 67 W charging trails some rivals
    • Performance is only moderate
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who want genuine optical zoom without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro

    Realme launched the 12 Pro in India in January 2024 at Rs 25,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its design took cues from luxury watches, with a vegan leather back and a large circular camera ring with a sunburst-style finish. The bigger story was the camera: a dedicated 2x telephoto lens, rare at this price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and smooth. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is the weakest part of the package, adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming but slower than many rivals. The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS performs well, and the 32 MP 2x telephoto produces good portraits; the 8 MP ultrawide is average. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Poco X6 Pro, the OnePlus Nord CE3 and the Samsung Galaxy A25. The Poco X6 Pro was significantly faster, and the Redmi had a sharper screen. The Realme 12 Pro stood out for portrait photography and design. Its weaker chip is the main compromise.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x telephoto camera
    • Premium watch-inspired design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • IP65 protection

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is slower than rivals
    • Average ultrawide
    • Preinstalled apps in Realme UI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want good portrait photography and a stylish design without paying for a flagship.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite

    The Nord CE4 Lite arrived in India in June 2024 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It moved the entry-level Nord from an LCD to an AMOLED display for the first time, and OnePlus highlighted its very high peak brightness and the ability to charge other devices through its USB-C port.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright, rated for up to 2,100 nits, and comfortable to use outdoors. The Snapdragon 695 is an older chip; it handles daily use but is modest for gaming. A 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS takes reliable photos, supported by a 2 MP depth sensor. The 5,500 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance and charges at 80 W. The headphone jack and IP54 rating are welcome.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M35 and the iQOO Z9. The iQOO Z9 had a faster chip, while the Galaxy M35 offered longer updates. The CE4 Lite stood out with its battery, charging and bright display. Its chip, however, is clearly ageing.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMega Blue, Super Silver, Ultra Orange

    What we like

    • Very bright AMOLED display
    • 5,500 mAh battery with 80 W charging
    • Reverse wired charging
    • Headphone jack

    What could be better

    • Older Snapdragon 695 chip
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Modest gaming performance

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want excellent battery life and a bright screen with clean software.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE4

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE4 in India in April 2024 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was the first phone in India with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, and its 100 W charging, previously seen only on pricier OnePlus phones, was one of its main selling points. The Celadon Marble finish gave it a distinctive look.

    The 6.7-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution and is bright and colourful. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 handles everyday use smoothly and runs popular games well. The camera system is simpler than before: a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well over a day and charges at 100 W. Unusually, it kept a hybrid microSD slot.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Realme 12+, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The Poco X6 Pro was faster, and the Redmi had a sharper screen, but the CE4 led on charging speed and battery life. Its hybrid microSD slot is also rare at this price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursDark Chrome, Celadon Marble

    What we like

    • 100 W charging
    • Large 5,500 mAh battery
    • OIS main camera
    • Hybrid microSD slot

    What could be better

    • Only 8 GB RAM
    • No headphone jack
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long battery life and very fast charging in an affordable OnePlus.

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

  • OnePlus Nord 4

    OnePlus launched the Nord 4 in India in July 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its most distinctive feature is a metal unibody design, unusual for a modern 5G phone because of antenna challenges, which gives it a durable, premium feel. OnePlus also promised four years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 delivers near-flagship performance, handling demanding games smoothly. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, a simpler setup that drops the macro lens. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day and charges at 100 W.

    Rivals included the Poco F6, the Realme GT 6T, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The Poco F6 had a slightly faster chip and the Edge 50 Pro a telephoto lens, while the Nord 4 stood out for build quality and long software support. Its camera remains the weak spot.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199.5 g
    ColoursMercurial Silver, Oasis Green, Obsidian Midnight

    What we like

    • Premium metal unibody
    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    • Long software support promise
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Only two rear cameras
    • No telephoto
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who value build quality and long-term software support in a fast mid-range phone.

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

  • OnePlus 12R

    OnePlus launched the 12R in India in January 2024 at Rs 39,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, alongside the OnePlus 12. It used the previous year's flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and brought LTPO display technology to the R-series for the first time, a feature rarely seen at this price.

    Performance is excellent for gaming and multitasking, comfortably ahead of most mid-range rivals. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1264 x 2780 resolution reaches very high peak brightness and adapts its refresh rate to save power. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is reliable, but the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. Battery life is a standout, with the 5,500 mAh cell lasting well over a day and recharging at 100 W.

    Rivals included the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the Xiaomi 14 Civi and the Poco F6. The S23 FE offered wireless charging and longer support, while the iQOO Neo 9 Pro had a similar chip for less. The 12R was a strong all-rounder for performance and battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1264 x 2780
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight207 g
    ColoursIron Gray, Cool Blue

    What we like

    • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    • Bright LTPO display
    • Excellent battery life
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • No wireless charging
    • Base storage only 128 GB

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-class performance and long battery life for around Rs 40,000.

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

  • OnePlus 12

    OnePlus launched the 12 in India in January 2024 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB and 256 GB. It addressed several complaints about the OnePlus 11 by restoring wireless charging, adding a periscope telephoto, and improving water resistance to IP65, while keeping the alert slider and the large circular camera module.

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier performance with good thermal management. The 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED is exceptionally bright, rated for up to 4,500 nits peak. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 main, a 48 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x periscope, all Hasselblad-tuned, producing natural colours and good zoom. The 5,400 mAh battery charges at 80 W wired in India and 50 W wireless.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+, the iPhone 15, the Xiaomi 14 and the iQOO 12. The Galaxy S24 offered seven years of updates and a compact size, while the iQOO 12 was cheaper with a similar chip. The OnePlus 12 stood out for its display, charging and battery life.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 64,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5400 mAh
    Charging80W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight220 g
    ColoursFlowy Emerald, Silky Black

    What we like

    • Very bright 2K LTPO display
    • Wireless charging returns
    • Useful 3x periscope
    • Strong battery life

    What could be better

    • Only IP65
    • Heavy at 220 g
    • Shorter update promise than Samsung

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a fast, long-lasting flagship with a superb screen and versatile cameras.

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

  • Poco F6

    Poco launched the F6 in India in May 2024 at Rs 29,999, and it carried Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a slightly trimmed version of the 8 Gen 3 flagship. That made it one of the cheapest ways to get genuinely flagship-tier performance in India at the time, and it shipped with HyperOS on Android 14.

    The 8s Gen 3 handles demanding games at high frame rates, and Poco's cooling keeps sustained performance stable. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. The camera set is simpler than earlier F phones, with a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, and results are good rather than great. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 90 W, and the phone is slim and light at about 179 g.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme GT 6T, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The GT 6T had a brighter screen, and the Nord 4 a metal unibody, but the Poco F6 had the strongest chip of the group at its price. Its weaker camera is the trade-off.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight179 g
    ColoursBlack, Titanium

    What we like

    • Flagship-tier Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 90 W charging
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Camera is only average
    • No headphone jack
    • Promotional apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want the fastest chip available around Rs 30,000.

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

  • Poco X6 Pro

    Poco launched the X6 Pro in January 2024 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB, and it quickly became the performance benchmark for its price. It was the first phone in India with the Dimensity 8300 Ultra and among the first to ship with Xiaomi's HyperOS instead of MIUI. The design mixes a flat frame with a large camera bar and, on the yellow model, vegan leather.

    Performance is the main draw. The Dimensity 8300 Ultra comfortably outpaces the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Note 13 Pro and Poco X6, running demanding games at high settings with stable frame rates. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED is bright and smooth. Its 64 MP main camera with OIS is dependable, if not exciting. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging gives good endurance.

    Rivals included the Realme 12 Pro, the iQOO Neo 7, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and the Redmi Note 13 Pro. The Realme offered a telephoto lens and the Nord CE 3 cleaner software, but nothing near the price matched the X6 Pro's raw speed. Camera-focused buyers should weigh the Realme first.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursRacing Grey, Spectre Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Class-leading performance for the price
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Early HyperOS on Android 14
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Average camera beyond the main sensor
    • Runs warm under sustained load
    • Only IP54 protection

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want flagship-level speed at a mid-range price.

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