Tag: Launched 2024

  • Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A16 5G in India in October 2024 at Rs 18,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Its headline was software: six generations of Android upgrades and six years of security updates, a promise previously seen only on flagships. It is aimed at buyers who keep a phone for many years and value support over specifications.

    The screen grows to 6.7 inches with a 90Hz Super AMOLED panel at full HD+, good for video and reading. Samsung added IP54 splash resistance, uncommon at this price, but dropped the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Performance in India comes from the Exynos 1330, which is efficient for daily tasks but clearly slower than the Snapdragon and Dimensity chips in rivals like the Redmi Note 14 or Moto G85.

    The camera setup is a 50 MP main, 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, with a 13 MP selfie camera. Results are decent in daylight and average indoors. A 5000 mAh battery with 25W charging gives long endurance but slow refills. The phone is thin at about 7.9 mm and feels more premium than earlier entry-level Galaxies.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1330
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Six years of OS and security updates
    • Large Super AMOLED screen
    • IP54 splash resistance
    • Slim design

    What could be better

    • Exynos 1330 is slow for the price
    • No headphone jack
    • Only 90Hz

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a budget phone they can keep using and updating for many years.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

    Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip6 in India in July 2024 at Rs 1,09,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. The design looks nearly identical to the Flip5 from a distance, with the same 3.4-inch Flex Window, but the meaningful changes are inside: a bigger battery, more RAM, a vapour chamber and a much better main camera.

    The 6.7-inch inner screen is brighter and the crease a little shallower, while the flatter frame gives it a more modern look. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy with the new cooling solution means less throttling than the Flip5. The cover screen now gets AI-suggested replies and more widgets, and IP48 adds basic dust resistance on top of water protection.

    A 50 MP main sensor replaces the old 12 MP unit, producing sharper photos and better 2x crops, with a 12 MP ultrawide alongside. The 4000 mAh battery finally gives most users a full day, although 25W charging is still slow. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra offered a larger outer screen and faster charging, so the choice came down to software support versus hardware value.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable (3.4-inch cover screen), 120Hz, 1080 x 2640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP48
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursSilver Shadow, Yellow, Blue, Mint

    What we like

    • Much improved 50 MP main camera
    • Better battery life than the Flip5
    • 12 GB RAM and vapour chamber
    • Long software support

    What could be better

    • Price went up
    • Still 25W charging
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish flip phone that finally lasts a full day and takes strong photos.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

    The Galaxy Z Fold6 launched in India in July 2024 at Rs 1,64,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. Samsung refined rather than reinvented, making it lighter at 239 g, slightly squarer with sharper corners, and a little wider on the outside with a 6.3-inch cover display. Galaxy AI features like Note Assist, interpreter mode and Sketch to Image were heavily promoted.

    The 7.6-inch inner panel is brighter and its crease is a bit less pronounced than on the Fold5. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy with a larger vapour chamber improves sustained performance for gaming and multitasking. Samsung also raised protection to IP48, which adds some resistance against larger dust particles, though fine sand remains a concern.

    Cameras are unchanged from the Fold5: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4400 mAh battery and 25W charging also carry over, an area where the OnePlus Open and Vivo X Fold3 Pro were clearly ahead with bigger cells and faster charging. Where the Fold6 wins is software polish, accessory support and the update promise of seven years.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 164,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentFoldable
    Display7.6-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable (6.3-inch cover screen), 120Hz, 1856 x 2160
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP cover + 4 MP under-display
    Battery4400 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP48
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight239 g
    ColoursSilver Shadow, Pink, Navy

    What we like

    • Lighter and more refined than the Fold5
    • Mature multitasking software
    • Seven years of updates
    • Better sustained performance

    What could be better

    • Same cameras and battery as before
    • Slow 25W charging
    • Cover screen still narrower than rivals

    Who should buy it

    Existing Samsung users who want the most polished foldable software and accessory ecosystem.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

    Samsung brought the Galaxy S24 FE to India in October 2024 at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It runs the Exynos 2400e, a slightly lower-clocked version of the chip in the Indian S24, which is a big step up from the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE. Samsung also extended its seven-year update promise to this model, along with most Galaxy AI features.

    The display grew to 6.7 inches, making it larger than the regular S24, with a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at 1080 x 2340. Bezels are thicker than on the main S series, and the 213 g weight is noticeable. Day-to-day performance is smooth and thermals are better controlled than on its predecessor, though it still warms up in long gaming sessions.

    The camera trio is familiar: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 8 MP 3x telephoto, with a 10 MP selfie camera. Battery rises to 4700 mAh and lasts a full day comfortably, but 25W charging feels dated next to the OnePlus 12R and Pixel 8a era competition. IP68 and wireless charging remain its strongest arguments in this price band.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2400e
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g

    What we like

    • Seven years of updates at a lower price
    • Optical 3x telephoto
    • Big 120Hz AMOLED
    • IP68 and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Heavy and has thick bezels
    • 25W charging
    • 128 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long-term Samsung support, zoom and water resistance at a mid-premium price.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

    Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra landed in India in January 2024 at Rs 1,29,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. Unlike the S24 and S24+, every Ultra worldwide used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which was a relief for Indian enthusiasts. It also debuted Galaxy AI features such as Circle to Search, Live Translate and Generative Edit.

    The frame switched from aluminium to titanium, and the 6.8-inch QHD+ panel is finally flat, which helps S Pen use and reduces accidental touches. Corning's Gorilla Armor glass has an anti-reflective coating that makes the screen noticeably easier to read outdoors. At 232 g it remains a heavy phone, but the squared-off design is more balanced than before.

    Samsung replaced the 10x telephoto with a 50 MP 5x lens, betting that sensor cropping would hold up at 10x. Results at 5x are excellent, and 10x stays good in daylight, while the 200 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide carry over. Battery life from the 5000 mAh cell is superb. Against the iPhone 15 Pro Max it offers the pen and more zoom flexibility, but charging is still 45W.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 50 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight232 g
    ColoursTitanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow

    What we like

    • Anti-reflective flat display is superb outdoors
    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in every market
    • Seven years of updates
    • Versatile four-camera system with built-in S Pen

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Heavy at 232 g
    • 10x zoom no longer optical
    • 45W charging

    Who should buy it

    Anyone who wants the most capable Samsung phone with a stylus, strong zoom and long-term support.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24+

    The Galaxy S24+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Like the base model, it used the Exynos 2400 in India. It is the phone for people who want a big screen and big battery but have no use for the Ultra's S Pen, 200 MP sensor or premium price.

    This year the Plus received a meaningful display upgrade to 1440 x 3120 resolution on a 6.7-inch LTPO panel, matching the Ultra's sharpness on a flat screen with rounded corners. The flat aluminium frame and 196 g weight make it far easier to hold than the Ultra. Performance is strong across apps and games, with more RAM than the base S24.

    Cameras mirror the S24, with a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4900 mAh battery and 45W charging give it better endurance and faster top-ups than its smaller sibling. Its awkward middle position was the main criticism: the OnePlus 12 cost far less, and the Ultra was only a step away for buyers already spending close to a lakh.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorExynos 2400
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4900 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight196 g

    What we like

    • Sharp QHD+ flat display
    • Bigger battery and 45W charging
    • 12 GB RAM as standard
    • Comfortable flat design

    What could be better

    • Same cameras as the cheaper S24
    • Priced close to the Ultra
    • Exynos efficiency trails Snapdragon rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a large, sharp screen and longer battery life without the bulk and cost of the Ultra.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S24

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 in India in January 2024 at Rs 79,999 with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as the starting point, a welcome doubling of base storage over the S23. Indian units moved back to Exynos, using the 10-core Exynos 2400. The marketing focus was Galaxy AI: Live Translate on calls, Circle to Search, Note Assist and generative photo edits.

    The body grows slightly to fit a 6.2-inch panel, now with a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate and much higher peak brightness. Bezels are thinner and more uniform, and the phone still weighs only 167 g. The Exynos 2400 proved competitive in benchmarks, though it runs a little warmer and less efficiently than the Snapdragon version sold in the US.

    Cameras are essentially carried over: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4000 mAh battery is a modest bump, and charging stays at 25W. Samsung's promise of seven years of OS and security updates matched Google's Pixel 8, and against the iPhone 15 the S24 offered a 120Hz screen and optical zoom at the same starting price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2400
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight167 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow

    What we like

    • Seven years of OS and security updates
    • Compact and light
    • 256 GB base storage
    • Bright adaptive refresh display

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2400 less efficient than the Snapdragon version
    • 25W charging
    • Camera hardware unchanged from S23

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, long-supported Android flagship with Samsung's AI features.

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

  • Oppo A3 Pro

    The Oppo A3 Pro launched in India in June 2024 with durability as its main selling point. Oppo highlighted its drop resistance and military-grade testing, along with a splash-proof design. It targeted budget buyers who wanted a tough phone, competing with the Samsung Galaxy M15, Redmi 13 5G and Realme Narzo 70x.

    The 6.67-inch LCD display refreshes at 120Hz but has an HD+ resolution, so text and images are less sharp than full HD rivals. The Dimensity 6300 is an entry-level 5G chip suited to basic tasks and light gaming. The IP54 rating guards against splashes and dust. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 offered a polished interface with useful features.

    The 50 MP main camera takes acceptable daylight photos, supported by a 2 MP depth sensor. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,100 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day, and 45W charging is faster than many budget rivals. Against the Redmi 13 5G, it offered better durability and faster charging, while Redmi had a sharper display and better cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6300
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursMoonlight Purple, Starry Black

    What we like

    • Durable build with drop resistance
    • 5,100 mAh battery
    • 45W charging
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution display
    • Basic cameras
    • Expensive for the hardware

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a tough phone with long battery life.

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

  • Oppo K12x

    Oppo launched the K12x in India in July 2024 as an online-focused budget phone sold through Flipkart. It carried MIL-STD-810H certification and an IP54 rating, positioning itself as a tough phone at a low price. Competitors included the Redmi 13 5G, Samsung Galaxy M15 and Realme Narzo 70x. For buyers who mostly message, stream and browse, that trade-off is easy to live with.

    The 6.67-inch LCD display refreshes at 120Hz with an HD+ resolution, which makes scrolling smooth but text less crisp. The Dimensity 6300 handles daily tasks such as messaging, browsing and video well, but heavy games are a stretch. Oppo also highlighted Splash Touch, which lets the screen respond with wet fingers. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 feels polished.

    The 32 MP main camera takes acceptable daylight photos, with a 2 MP depth sensor alongside. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5,100 mAh battery comfortably lasts more than a day, and 45W charging is quick for this price. Against the Redmi 13 5G, it offered better durability and faster charging, while Redmi had a sharper display and a stronger camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 12,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6300
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras32 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursBreeze Blue, Midnight Violet

    What we like

    • MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Splash Touch works with wet hands
    • 5,100 mAh battery with 45W charging
    • Affordable 5G

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution display
    • 32 MP main camera is basic
    • Limited gaming performance

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a durable 5G phone with long battery life.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Pro

    Motorola launched the Edge 50 Pro in India in April 2024 with an impressive spec sheet for its price, including a telephoto camera, very fast wired and wireless charging, and a Pantone-validated display and camera. It competed with the Nothing Phone (2a), Vivo V30 and Oppo Reno 11 for buyers wanting a premium feel without a flagship price.

    The 6.7-inch curved pOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and refreshes at up to 144Hz, giving sharp, colour-accurate visuals. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 delivers smooth everyday performance and handles moderate gaming well. Its vegan leather back and slim build feel premium, and IP68 adds water protection. Motorola's near-stock Android 14 is clean, though update support was shorter than rivals.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 13 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto give it a flexible setup, and the 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 4,500 mAh battery is modest, but 125W wired and 50W wireless charging support make top-ups fast, though the base variant shipped with a slower charger in the box. Against the Nothing Phone (2a), it offered a telephoto lens and wireless charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging125W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Luxe Lavender, Moonlight Pearl

    What we like

    • 1.5K curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • 3x telephoto camera
    • 125W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Base variant ships with a slower charger
    • Shorter software support

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling phone with a telephoto lens and fast charging at a mid-range price.

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