Tag: Launched 2024

  • Poco X6

    The Poco X6 launched in India in January 2024 alongside the X6 Pro, offering much of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's hardware for less money. Its base model started at Rs 19,999 with a generous 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which made it one of the best-specified phones under Rs 20,000 at the time.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel runs at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz, with Dolby Vision and high brightness. Inside, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 handles daily use smoothly and moderate gaming well, though it is not built for maximum settings. Instead of the Note 13 Pro's 200 MP sensor, the X6 uses a 64 MP main camera with OIS, delivering reliable photos. The 5,100 mAh battery supports 67 W charging.

    Its rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Realme 12 5G, the iQOO Z9 and the Samsung Galaxy M34. The iQOO Z9 offered a Sony sensor with OIS, while the Poco X6 won on screen sharpness and storage. For under Rs 20,000, it was a well-balanced package. Gamers, though, were better served by the X6 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMirror Black, Snowstorm White

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 256 GB storage as standard
    • OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Not ideal for heavy gaming
    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Shipped with Android 13 and MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 20,000 who want a premium-grade display and plenty of storage.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi A3

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi A3 in India in February 2024 as an ultra-affordable phone for first-time smartphone users and secondary-device buyers. Starting at Rs 7,299, it looks surprisingly upmarket thanks to a glass-finish back and a large circular camera ring, and it runs the lighter Android 14 Go edition rather than full HyperOS.

    The 6.71-inch HD+ LCD refreshes at 90 Hz. MediaTek's Helio G36 is a basic chip, so expect it to manage calls, messaging, UPI payments and video, while heavier apps and games will feel slow. The 8 MP rear camera is suitable for documents and casual snaps rather than detailed photos. Battery life is a strength, with the 5,000 mAh cell lasting long, though 10 W charging is very slow.

    Its competition included the Samsung Galaxy A05, the Realme Narzo N53, the Itel A70 and the Poco C51. The Galaxy A05 had a better camera, and Itel undercut it on price. The Redmi A3 balances a clean Go experience with a decent screen and battery for the money. Those who need more speed should look at the Redmi 13C instead.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,299 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.71-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1650
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G36
    RAM3 GB / 4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras8 MP main + auxiliary lens
    Front camera5 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging10W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14 (Go edition)
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Black, Lake Blue, Olive Green

    What we like

    • Very low price
    • Premium-looking design
    • 90 Hz screen
    • Lightweight Android Go software

    What could be better

    • Weak Helio G36 performance
    • Basic 8 MP camera
    • Very slow 10 W charging
    • 4G only

    Who should buy it

    First-time smartphone users or anyone needing a cheap secondary phone for calls, messaging and payments.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 13 5G

    Xiaomi's July 2024 follow-up to the Redmi 12 5G kept the same broad recipe, a large screen, glass back and affordable 5G, while upgrading the parts buyers notice most. Starting at Rs 13,999, it was positioned as a step above the cheapest 5G phones without reaching into Note-series pricing. Its glass back carries over from the Redmi 12 5G.

    The 6.79-inch LCD now refreshes at 120 Hz, making scrolling noticeably smoother. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE is a slightly tuned version of the previous chip, adequate for everyday use and light gaming. A 108 MP main camera replaces the 50 MP unit and captures more detail in good light. The 5,030 mAh battery charges at 33 W, a welcome jump from 18 W, and Gorilla Glass protects both sides.

    Its rivals included the Samsung Galaxy M15, the Realme Narzo 70x, the Moto G64 and the Lava Blaze X. The Moto G64 offered a larger battery and cleaner software, and the Galaxy M15 promised longer updates. The Redmi 13 5G stands out for its build quality, a design that looks more expensive than it is.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 13,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5030 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursHawaiian Blue, Black Diamond, Orchid Pink

    What we like

    • Premium glass build for the price
    • 120 Hz display
    • 33 W charging, faster than its predecessor
    • 108 MP main camera

    What could be better

    • LCD rather than AMOLED
    • Only light gaming is comfortable
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a 5G phone that looks and feels more premium than its price suggests.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G

    Launched in December 2024, the Note 14 Pro+ 5G finally gave the Redmi Note line a proper telephoto camera. Priced from Rs 29,999, it sits at the top of the range and carries Xiaomi's Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, an IP68 rating with additional IP66 and IP69 claims, and a large silicon-carbon battery.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a modest upgrade over the previous Dimensity 7200 Ultra, comfortable for everyday use and most games. The curved 1.5K AMOLED panel is bright and accurate. The camera set includes a 50 MP Light Fusion 800 main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2.5x telephoto that makes portraits and mid-range zoom far more useful than on earlier Notes. The 6,200 mAh battery is a standout, and 90 W charging keeps top-ups short.

    It went up against the Realme 14 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 4. The Nord 4 had a faster chip and metal body, while the Realme matched the zoom. The Note 14 Pro+ is the most balanced of the group, with battery life as its trump card.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2.5x telephoto
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6200 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitan Black, Spectre Blue, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Useful 2.5x telephoto camera
    • Large 6,200 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 plus IP69 claims
    • Bright curved 1.5K screen

    What could be better

    • Chip is only a small step up
    • Ultrawide remains basic
    • Pricier than earlier Pro+ models in higher variants

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a telephoto camera and multi-day battery life without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G

    The Note 14 Pro 5G launched in India in December 2024 at Rs 23,999. Xiaomi moved the curved display and IP68 protection, previously reserved for the Pro+, down into the Pro model, and gave it a squarer camera surround that makes it look distinct from the Note 13 Pro. It also ships with HyperOS rather than MIUI.

    Its Dimensity 7300 Ultra is efficient and fast enough for most users, handling multitasking and popular games at medium-to-high settings. The 6.67-inch curved 1.5K AMOLED screen is bright and smooth. Xiaomi dropped the 200 MP sensor in favour of a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, a trade that improves consistency more than outright detail. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well past a day on 45 W charging.

    In this segment it faced the Realme 14 Pro, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, the Poco X7 and the OnePlus Nord CE4. The Edge 50 Fusion offered a similarly premium curved design, and the Nord CE4 faster charging. The Note 14 Pro's advantage is the combination of a tough IP68 build and long battery life at a fair price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    ColoursTitan Black, Phantom Purple, Ivy Green

    What we like

    • IP68 durability at a mid-range price
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Long battery life
    • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Ultra

    What could be better

    • 45 W charging is slow for a 5,500 mAh battery
    • No telephoto lens
    • Less main-camera detail than the old 200 MP sensor

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a tough, premium-looking mid-ranger with excellent battery life.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Note 14 5G in December 2024, earlier than the usual January slot, at Rs 17,999 for the 6 GB and 128 GB model. It follows the formula of its predecessor: a flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a slim body with a headphone jack, and HyperOS replacing MIUI out of the box. Dust and water protection improves to IP64.

    The Dimensity 7025 Ultra is a mild upgrade over the Note 13's Dimensity 6080 and copes with daily use and moderate gaming. Xiaomi swapped the 108 MP sensor for a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, which produces more natural colours and better low-light shots. The battery grows to 5,110 mAh and charging speed rises to 45 W, a meaningful improvement for heavy users.

    Rivals around its price included the Samsung Galaxy M35, the Realme 14x, the Poco X6 Neo and the Moto G85. The Moto G85 offered a curved pOLED and cleaner Android, while the Galaxy M35 had longer update support. The Note 14 5G wins with its stabilised main camera and good all-round balance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5110 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursTitan Black, Mystique White, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Stabilised 50 MP Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 45 W charging and larger battery
    • Headphone jack kept

    What could be better

    • Modest gaming performance
    • Ultrawide and macro add little
    • Preinstalled apps on HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a dependable everyday phone with a steadier camera than most rivals at the price.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 13 Pro+ 5G arrived in January 2024 as the most premium Redmi Note yet. Xiaomi gave it a curved 1.5K AMOLED display, a vegan-leather option in its Fusion colourways, and an IP68 rating, a first for the Note line. At Rs 31,999 it competed directly with phones that had traditionally sat a class above Redmi.

    Performance comes from the Dimensity 7200 Ultra, a solid upper mid-range chip that runs games smoothly at moderate settings and stays efficient. The 200 MP main camera uses a larger sensor than the Note 13 Pro's and delivers good dynamic range, although the ultrawide and macro remain basic. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 120 W, reaching full in about 20 minutes, and the curved screen makes the phone feel slimmer in hand.

    Its main rivals were the Realme 12 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope zoom, the OnePlus Nord 3 with a stronger Dimensity 9000, and the Motorola Edge 40. The Note 13 Pro+ stands out on durability and charging speed, but lacks a telephoto camera and drops the headphone jack that the cheaper Note models keep.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFusion White, Fusion Purple, Fusion Black

    What we like

    • IP68 dust and water resistance
    • 120 W charging
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Premium design options

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera at this price
    • No headphone jack, unlike cheaper Notes
    • MIUI bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, premium-feeling Redmi with fast charging and a great screen.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

    Launched in January 2024, the Note 13 Pro 5G took the 200 MP camera that had been exclusive to the previous year's Pro+ and made it the centrepiece of a cheaper model. Its 6.67-inch flat AMOLED panel moved up to 1.5K resolution, and Xiaomi kept practical touches such as the headphone jack and IR blaster while adding IP54 protection.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is efficient rather than fast; it handles everyday tasks fluidly and runs popular games at medium settings, though it trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Pro+. The screen is excellent for the price, crisp and bright. The 200 MP main camera with OIS captures detailed daylight images and holds up reasonably well at night. A 5,100 mAh battery and 67 W charging mean a full charge in under an hour.

    Competition was fierce: the Poco X6 Pro offered a much faster Dimensity 8300 for less, the Realme 12 Pro added a telephoto lens, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 had cleaner software. The Note 13 Pro is the balanced choice for those who value screen and camera over benchmark scores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Coral Purple, Midnight Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 200 MP OIS main camera
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • 67 W charging with a 5,100 mAh cell

    What could be better

    • Chip is slower than rivals like the Poco X6 Pro
    • Ultrawide and macro cameras are basic
    • Ships with an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want a sharp screen and a strong main camera in a practical, well-rounded phone.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G

    Xiaomi positioned the Note 13 5G as the stylish entry model of its 2024 Note range, starting at Rs 16,999. The design is the main upgrade over the Note 12 5G: slimmer at under 8 mm, lighter at about 174 g, with thinner bezels around the 6.67-inch AMOLED panel. It keeps a headphone jack and IR blaster and adds IP54 dust and splash resistance.

    The Dimensity 6080 is a small step up from the outgoing Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, fine for social media, streaming and light games. The screen is the highlight, bright and smooth at 120 Hz. A 108 MP main camera takes sharp daylight photos, but low-light results are soft and the 8 MP ultrawide is average. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, recharged at 33 W.

    In early 2024 it competed with the Samsung Galaxy M34, Realme 12 5G, Lava's Agni 2 and Motorola's G54. The Moto G54 offered cleaner software and the Galaxy M34 a bigger battery, while the Note 13 5G wins on display quality and design. Gamers would be better served by the Poco X6 Neo or iQOO Z-series.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 16,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight174.5 g
    ColoursArctic White, Prism Gold, Stealth Black

    What we like

    • Slim, light design with thin bezels
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED display
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster retained
    • IP54 protection

    What could be better

    • Average chip for gaming
    • 33 W charging only
    • Low-light photos are soft

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a light, good-looking budget phone with a quality screen for streaming and everyday apps.

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

  • Xiaomi 14 Civi

    Xiaomi brought the Civi line to India in June 2024 with the Xiaomi 14 Civi, priced at Rs 42,999 for 8 GB/256 GB. It is a rebranded Civi 4 Pro from China, aimed at style-conscious buyers who want flagship-like cameras and design without paying flagship prices. It competed with the OnePlus 12R, Nothing Phone (2) and Galaxy S23 FE.

    The 6.55-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with 1236 x 2750 resolution and high peak brightness. The slim body comes in finishes including vegan leather and a metallic texture, making it one of the slimmer phones of its class. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers near-flagship performance, comfortably handling games at high settings, with HyperOS running on Android 14.

    The rear cameras are a 50 MP Leica main with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2x telephoto, producing pleasing portraits. Up front are dual 32 MP cameras, one wide and one standard, a rarity for group selfies. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 67W charging refills it quickly, though there is no wireless charging or high IP rating.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 42,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.55-inch, AMOLED, curved, 120Hz, 1236 x 2750
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP + 32 MP ultrawide
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatcha Green, Cruise Blue, Shadow Black

    What we like

    • Slim, stylish design
    • Leica cameras with a 2x telephoto
    • Dual selfie cameras
    • Near-flagship performance

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • No strong water resistance rating
    • Curved screen not for everyone

    Who should buy it

    Selfie lovers and style-focused buyers who want Leica cameras and strong performance under Rs 45,000.

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