RAG Demo

Tag: Launched 2024

  • Xiaomi 14 Ultra

    Xiaomi launched the 14 Ultra in India in March 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB/512 GB, the first time an Ultra model was officially sold in the country. Its design looks like a compact camera, with a large circular module and vegan leather back, and an optional Photography Kit grip added a shutter button and extra battery.

    The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED at 1440 x 3200 is very bright and sharp, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers excellent performance and the cooling handles extended camera and gaming use. It shipped with HyperOS on Android 14. The phone is big and heavy, and the camera bump makes it rock on a table.

    Four 50 MP cameras define it: a 1-inch-type LYT-900 main sensor with stepless variable aperture from f/1.63 to f/4.0, an ultrawide, a 3.2x floating telephoto and a 5x periscope. Results rival the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Vivo X100 Pro, especially in portraits and low light. The 5000 mAh battery supports 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, both well ahead of Samsung and Apple.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto + 50 MP 5x periscope
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Outstanding camera system with variable aperture
    • Two telephoto lenses
    • Fast wired and wireless charging
    • Bright QHD+ display

    What could be better

    • Large, heavy and top-heavy camera bump
    • Expensive
    • Photography Kit sold separately

    Who should buy it

    Mobile photographers who want a camera-like phone with the most versatile lenses.

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

  • Xiaomi 14

    Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 14 in India in March 2024 at Rs 69,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, with no lower storage option. It is one of the few compact Android flagships with three capable cameras, competing directly against the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 while offering more storage and faster charging for less money.

    The 6.36-inch flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz, with slim, even bezels. The flat aluminium frame and glass back make it comfortable for one-handed use. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier performance, and it was among the first phones in India to run HyperOS, Xiaomi's successor to MIUI, on Android 14.

    All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a Leica Summilux main with a Light Fusion 900 sensor, an ultrawide and a 3.2x telephoto. Photos are sharp with natural or vibrant Leica looks, and the telephoto handles portraits well. The 4610 mAh battery lasts a full day, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi promised four Android upgrades, fewer than Samsung's seven.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 69,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3.2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4610 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatte Black, White, Jade Green

    What we like

    • Compact size with a real telephoto
    • 512 GB storage as standard
    • 90W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

    What could be better

    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Some preinstalled apps
    • Battery only average for heavy users

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact Android flagship with strong Leica cameras and fast charging.

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

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

    Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro Max in India in September 2024 at Rs 1,44,900 for 256 GB, a lower starting price than the 15 Pro Max. The display grew to 6.9 inches, the largest on an iPhone at the time, though thinner bezels keep the body only slightly bigger than its predecessor.

    The 1320 x 2868 ProMotion OLED is bright, smooth and excellent for video and gaming. The titanium body weighs 227 g, which is heavy but well balanced. The A18 Pro chip with a redesigned thermal structure sustains performance better than the A17 Pro, making it a strong device for long gaming sessions and editing 4K video on the go.

    It shares the 16 Pro's cameras: 48 MP Fusion main, 48 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x tetraprism telephoto, with 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording and Camera Control. Battery life is outstanding, with Apple quoting its longest-ever video playback figure for an iPhone. Rivals like the Galaxy S24 Ultra offered a stylus and longer zoom, but the Pro Max led on video and sustained performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 144,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.9-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1320 x 2868
    ProcessorApple A18 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4685 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight227 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium

    What we like

    • Best battery life of any iPhone at launch
    • Huge 6.9-inch ProMotion display
    • Excellent pro video features
    • Strong sustained performance

    What could be better

    • Heavy at 227 g
    • Very expensive
    • Charging slower than Android rivals

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users and creators who want the biggest screen, best battery and top video quality in an iPhone.

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

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro

    Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro in India in September 2024 at Rs 1,19,900 for 128 GB, notably lower than the 15 Pro's launch price after an import duty cut and local assembly. The screen grew to 6.3 inches with the thinnest bezels on any iPhone so far, and the smaller Pro finally got the same 5x tetraprism telephoto as the Pro Max.

    The ProMotion OLED with always-on support now dims to 1 nit for night use. The titanium frame keeps weight at 199 g. The A18 Pro chip delivers stronger CPU and GPU performance with better thermals than the A17 Pro. Camera Control and the Action button both appear, and Apple Intelligence features rolled out through iOS 18 updates.

    The camera system is a 48 MP Fusion main, 48 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x telephoto. Video can be recorded in 4K at 120fps with Dolby Vision, and the four studio-quality microphones support audio mix effects. Battery life improves over the 15 Pro. Against the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 Pro, it led on video while trailing on charging speed and customisation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 119,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1206 x 2622
    ProcessorApple A18 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3582 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium

    What we like

    • 5x telephoto in a smaller Pro
    • 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video
    • 48 MP ultrawide
    • Lower launch price than the 15 Pro

    What could be better

    • Slow wired charging
    • Camera Control has a learning curve
    • 128 GB base storage for a Pro

    Who should buy it

    Videographers and photographers who want a full pro camera system in a manageable size.

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

  • Apple iPhone 16 Plus

    The iPhone 16 Plus launched in India in September 2024 at Rs 89,900 for 128 GB. It offers the same features as the iPhone 16, including the A18 chip, 8 GB RAM, Camera Control and Action button, on a larger 6.7-inch display with a bigger battery, positioning it as the big-screen iPhone for people who do not need Pro cameras.

    The Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and good for video, though the 60Hz refresh rate is more noticeable at this size, especially against 120Hz Android phones like the Galaxy S24+ and OnePlus 12. The aluminium frame and colour-infused glass keep it relatively light at 199 g. Performance is excellent and the A18 handles AAA mobile games with ease.

    Battery life is the main reason to choose it, frequently lasting into the second day and outlasting the 16 Pro. Cameras are the 48 MP Fusion main and a 12 MP ultrawide with macro, and the vertical layout supports spatial video. Charging is slower than Android rivals, but MagSafe gained faster wireless charging with newer adapters. It suits buyers who value screen size and endurance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A18
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4674 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursBlack, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

    What we like

    • Excellent battery life
    • Large display
    • A18 with Apple Intelligence support
    • Comfortable weight for its size

    What could be better

    • 60Hz on a large screen
    • No telephoto
    • Slow wired charging

    Who should buy it

    People who want a big-screen iPhone with long battery life and modern features.

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

  • Apple iPhone 16

    Apple launched the iPhone 16 in India in September 2024 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It was built around Apple Intelligence, with the new A18 chip and 8 GB of RAM, although the AI features arrived later through software updates. It also gained the Action button from the 15 Pro and a new Camera Control button on the right edge.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and sharp but remains at 60Hz, still the biggest gap against Android rivals like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9. The vertically stacked camera layout enables spatial video recording for Apple Vision Pro. The A18 is fast and efficient, comfortably handling demanding games, and the phone weighs a manageable 170 g.

    Cameras are a 48 MP Fusion main sensor with 2x crop and a 12 MP ultrawide that now supports macro photography. Camera Control lets you launch the camera and adjust exposure or zoom with a press and swipe, though many users took time to adapt to it. Battery life improves over the iPhone 15, and MagSafe charging gets faster with newer chargers. Local assembly helped availability in India.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A18
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3561 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight170 g
    ColoursBlack, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

    What we like

    • Fast A18 chip with 8 GB RAM
    • Action button and Camera Control
    • Macro mode on the ultrawide
    • Better battery life than the iPhone 15

    What could be better

    • Still 60Hz
    • Apple Intelligence arrived late
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    iPhone buyers who want the new Apple Intelligence-ready hardware at the standard price.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy F15 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy F15 5G in India in March 2024 at Rs 15,999 for 4 GB/128 GB, sold through Flipkart. It is essentially a Galaxy A15 5G with a bigger 6000 mAh battery, following the pattern of Samsung's online-only M and F series, and it carried over the A15's promise of four Android upgrades.

    Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel at 90Hz gives deep blacks and punchy colours, a clear advantage over LCD phones like the Poco M6 Pro in the same bracket. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip is efficient and handles social media, video streaming and casual games, but it is not built for heavy gaming sessions.

    The rear cameras are a 50 MP main, 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, with a 13 MP selfie camera in a waterdrop notch. Daylight photos are decent, low light is average. The 6000 mAh battery easily lasts two days for many users, and 25W charging support is included, although the charger is sold separately. It is a sensible choice for long-term budget use.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6100+
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes
    ColoursGroovy Violet, Jazzy Green, Ash Black

    What we like

    • Super AMOLED at a low price
    • Two-day battery life
    • Four OS upgrades
    • Includes ultrawide camera

    What could be better

    • Modest processor
    • Only 90Hz
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want an AMOLED screen and very long battery life with years of updates.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M35 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy M35 5G in India in July 2024 at Rs 19,999 for 6 GB/128 GB, through Amazon and Samsung's store. It borrowed the Exynos 1380 from the Galaxy A35 and A54, which meant a clear performance step over the M34, along with a vapour chamber for better heat management during games.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel has a punch-hole cutout and a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. The plastic build is functional and the phone is on the heavier side, partly due to the large battery. Exynos 1380 runs daily tasks smoothly, but the Redmi Note 13 Pro and CMF Phone 1 offered strong alternatives for less money.

    Its camera system includes a 50 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, plus a 13 MP selfie camera; photos are dependable in daylight. The 6000 mAh battery lasts a very long time, and 25W charging remains slow for a cell this large. Samsung Wallet with tap-to-pay support and four years of OS upgrades added appeal for long-term users.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMoonlight Blue, Daybreak Blue, Thunder Grey

    What we like

    • Exynos 1380 with vapour chamber
    • Huge 6000 mAh battery
    • Punch-hole 120Hz AMOLED
    • Long update promise

    What could be better

    • Slow charging for the battery size
    • Heavy plastic build
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long battery life and a smooth AMOLED in a Samsung under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A55 5G in India in March 2024 at Rs 39,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. For the first time an A5x phone got an aluminium frame, and it introduced the Exynos 1480 with AMD-based Xclipse 530 graphics. Samsung also added its Knox Vault security hardware, previously limited to flagships.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED is larger than the A54's, with 120Hz refresh and high brightness for outdoor use. The metal frame and glass back make it feel genuinely premium, though at 213 g it is heavy. The Key Island design raises the power and volume keys. Performance improves noticeably over the A54, yet the OnePlus 12R and Nothing Phone (2) still outperformed it for gaming.

    Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 12 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, plus a 32 MP selfie camera. Night shots and video are reliable rather than exciting. Battery life from the 5000 mAh cell is strong, but 25W charging continues to lag. IP67 protection and four years of OS upgrades keep it competitive for buyers who prefer Samsung software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1480
    RAM8 GB / 12 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 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g
    ColoursAwesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Navy

    What we like

    • Aluminium frame and premium build
    • Knox Vault security
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED
    • IP67 and long updates

    What could be better

    • Heavy
    • 25W charging
    • Faster rivals at the same price

    Who should buy it

    Samsung fans who want a premium-built mid-ranger with strong security and long support.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

    The Galaxy A35 5G launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Samsung gave it the Exynos 1380 from the previous year's A54, along with a glass back and the Key Island frame design. It effectively offered last year's A54 internals in a fresher body at a lower price.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel now has a punch-hole cutout instead of a notch, with 120Hz refresh and good brightness. Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back give it a premium feel, though the frame is plastic and the phone is fairly heavy at 209 g. Exynos 1380 is smooth for daily tasks and moderate gaming, but rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) and Poco X6 Pro were faster.

    Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, producing reliable, slightly bright results. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well, while 25W charging remains sluggish. IP67, stereo speakers, Samsung Knox security and four years of OS upgrades round out a package aimed at buyers who value build and support over benchmarks.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g
    ColoursAwesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Navy

    What we like

    • Glass back and IP67 rating
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED
    • OIS main camera
    • Long update promise

    What could be better

    • Heavy for a mid-ranger
    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a well-built, water-resistant Samsung with a reliable camera at around Rs 30,000.

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