Tag: Launched 2025

  • Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G

    Launched in January 2025, the Redmi 14C 5G brought Xiaomi's cheapest 5G phone under Rs 10,000. It replaces the 13C 5G with a bigger 6.88-inch screen, a circular camera module that echoes Xiaomi's pricier phones, and HyperOS out of the box. The pitch is simple: a big screen and 5G for the price of a basic 4G handset.

    The HD+ LCD runs at 120 Hz, an unusual feature at this price, so scrolling feels fluid even if sharpness is limited. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a capable entry chip with good 5G band support, handling daily apps and casual games. The 50 MP main camera produces decent daylight images. The 5,160 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day and more, recharged at 18 W.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy M06 and A06, the Poco M7, the Realme Narzo N65 and the Lava Blaze-series. Samsung offered longer update promises, and the Poco M7 shared much of the same hardware. The Redmi 14C 5G is a sensible pick for those who want 5G and a big screen for streaming without stretching their budget.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 9,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.88-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + secondary lens
    Battery5160 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursStarlight Blue, Stardust Purple, Stargaze Black

    What we like

    • 5G under Rs 10,000
    • Large 120 Hz screen
    • Good battery life
    • Expandable storage

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution only
    • 18 W charging
    • Base model has just 64 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want 5G and a large screen for streaming at the lowest possible price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    Xiaomi brought the 15 Ultra to India in March 2025 in a single 16 GB and 512 GB configuration, priced above most Android rivals and pitched less as an all-rounder than as a camera you can make calls on. The Leica co-branding, the large circular camera island and the optional photography grip kit all push the same message: this phone is for people who shoot a lot and care about how the files look.

    Under the glass sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which handles games, 4K video and heavy multitasking with ease, and a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel at 1440p that is bright and accurate. The rear array is the real story: a 1-inch type main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP 3x telephoto and a 200 MP periscope at roughly 4.3x. The Indian unit uses a 5,410 mAh silicon-carbon cell with 90 W wired and 80 W wireless charging.

    Against the Galaxy S25 Ultra it gives up the S Pen and Samsung's seven-year update promise, but its main camera and long-zoom detail are generally stronger, especially in low light. The Vivo X200 Pro is its closest rival on imaging and costs less. Buyers who mostly want a fast phone with a good camera will find the OnePlus 13 far cheaper; the 15 Ultra makes sense only if photography is the priority.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.73-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3200
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x telephoto + 200 MP periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5410 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • 1-inch main sensor with excellent low-light detail
    • 200 MP periscope gives usable long-range zoom
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Very expensive, single configuration in India
    • Heavy and top-heavy because of the camera island
    • Shorter software support than Samsung or Google

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want the most capable zoom and low-light camera on an Android phone and will pay for it.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi 15

    Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 15 in India in March 2025 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, cheaper than its predecessor's launch price. It keeps the compact 6.36-inch format and introduces Snapdragon 8 Elite, putting it against the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 while offering more storage and faster charging.

    The flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz with very slim bezels. The aluminium frame and glass back feel premium and the phone is easy to use one-handed. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top performance with better efficiency than the previous generation. It shipped with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, with features like AI writing tools and Google Gemini.

    Cameras include a 50 MP Leica main with Light Fusion 900 sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 60 MP 2.6x telephoto with good close-focus ability. The Indian variant has a 5240 mAh battery, large for a compact phone, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its main competitor in size and price was the Galaxy S25, which offered longer software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 64,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 60 MP 2.6x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5240 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, White, Green

    What we like

    • Compact with a big battery
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite
    • Three capable Leica cameras
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Only one storage variant
    • Preinstalled apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small, fast Android flagship with excellent cameras and battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 16e

    Apple launched the iPhone 16e in India in February 2025 at Rs 59,900 for 128 GB, replacing the iPhone SE as the entry point to the lineup. It drops the Home button and Touch ID in favour of Face ID and a notch, and introduces Apple's first self-designed cellular modem, the C1, which proved notably power efficient.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED runs at 60Hz and uses a notch rather than the Dynamic Island. The aluminium frame and glass back are modelled on the iPhone 14 design, and at 167 g it is light and comfortable. Inside is the A18 chip with a four-core GPU and 8 GB RAM, enough for Apple Intelligence features and long-term iOS support.

    There is a single 48 MP Fusion camera with 2x crop zoom, but no ultrawide and no MagSafe, though Qi wireless charging works. Battery life is excellent for a 6.1-inch iPhone, outlasting the iPhone 16 in many tests. Critics pointed out that Android phones like the Pixel 8a and Galaxy S24 FE offered more hardware for less, while the 16e relied on Apple's ecosystem and longevity.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,900 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A18 (4-core GPU)
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3961 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 18.3
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight167 g
    ColoursBlack, White

    What we like

    • A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support
    • Excellent battery life
    • OLED and Face ID replace the dated SE design
    • Light and compact

    What could be better

    • Single rear camera
    • No MagSafe
    • Notch and 60Hz
    • Priced high for its hardware

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a new iPhone with long support and good battery at the lowest Apple price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

    The Galaxy A56 5G launched in India in March 2025 at Rs 41,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It is the most premium A-series model of its year, with the new Exynos 1580, an aluminium frame and a much slimmer profile than the A55. Samsung also extended six years of OS and security updates and brought several Galaxy AI tools to it.

    The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED runs at 120Hz with strong brightness, and the phone is noticeably thinner and lighter at 198 g. A new pill-shaped camera island matches the A36. Exynos 1580 is a clear step up over the 1480 in CPU and graphics, comfortable for gaming at medium-high settings, though rivals like the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and OnePlus Nord 5 competed hard on price.

    Charging jumps to 45W, which is the most practical upgrade for daily use. Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, a new 12 MP ultrawide and a 5 MP macro, with a 12 MP selfie camera that supports 10-bit HDR video. Like the A36 it drops the microSD slot. IP67 and Samsung's after-sales network remain strong selling points.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 41,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1580
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight198 g

    What we like

    • 45W charging
    • Slimmer, lighter premium build
    • Six years of updates
    • Faster Exynos 1580

    What could be better

    • No microSD slot
    • Pricey against rivals
    • Macro camera is filler

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Samsung's best mid-range phone with long support and faster charging.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A36 5G in India in March 2025 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It moved from Exynos to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and brought Samsung's longer support policy of six OS upgrades and six years of security patches to the A3x series for the first time, along with some Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search.

    The design is slimmer and lighter at 195 g, with a 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED screen and a new pill-shaped camera island. Glass on both sides and IP67 protection give it a solid feel. Performance is a modest improvement over the A35, adequate for daily use but well behind gaming-focused rivals like the iQOO Z10 and Poco X7 Pro in the same bracket.

    Samsung finally raised charging to 45W, a welcome change that cuts refill times considerably. The 5000 mAh battery delivers dependable all-day use. Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, with a 12 MP selfie camera. The microSD slot was removed, so choosing the right storage at purchase matters more than before.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight195 g

    What we like

    • 45W charging finally arrives
    • Six years of updates
    • Lighter and slimmer than the A35
    • IP67 protection

    What could be better

    • Performance trails gaming-focused rivals
    • No microSD slot
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a long-supported, water-resistant Samsung mid-ranger with faster charging.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Edge in India in May 2025 at Rs 1,09,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. It is a design-first phone: a titanium frame just 5.8 mm thick and a weight of 163 g, despite carrying a 6.7-inch QHD+ display. It sits between the S25+ and S25 Ultra in price, which made its value case harder than its looks.

    Picking it up is the selling point. It feels lighter than the smaller S25 in some hands and slips into pockets that the Ultra strains. The screen is a sharp 1440 x 3120 panel with a 120Hz adaptive rate, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers the same speed as the other S25 models, although sustained gaming makes the thin body warm.

    To get so slim Samsung cut the telephoto, leaving a 200 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide. The 200 MP sensor's crop handles 2x well, but it cannot match the zoom of the cheaper S25. The 3900 mAh battery and 25W charging are the clear compromises, and heavy users will need a top-up by evening. Its closest rival in concept was the later iPhone Air, not the regular flagships.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3900 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight163 g
    ColoursTitanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Icyblue

    What we like

    • Remarkably thin and light
    • Large sharp QHD+ display
    • Flagship performance
    • IP68 despite the slim build

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Small battery for a 6.7-inch phone
    • Priced above the S25+
    • Gets warm under sustained load

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious buyers who value a light, slim phone over battery life and zoom.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra went on sale in India in early 2025 after a January launch, priced at Rs 1,29,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. It kept the Ultra recipe of a built-in S Pen, titanium frame and four rear cameras, but softened the design with rounded corners and a slightly larger 6.9-inch display that is easier to hold than the boxy S24 Ultra.

    The QHD+ screen keeps Gorilla Armor 2 with anti-reflective coating, which remains one of the best outdoor displays on any phone. Weight drops to 218 g, a meaningful change for an Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is fast and efficient, and Samsung removed Bluetooth Air Actions from the S Pen, a small loss for people who used it as a remote.

    The ultrawide camera jumps to 50 MP, joining the 200 MP main, 10 MP 3x and 50 MP 5x telephotos. Battery stays at 5000 mAh with 45W charging, but endurance is excellent. Rivals such as the Vivo X200 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max matched or beat it in some camera tests, yet nothing else combines a stylus, this zoom range and seven years of updates.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.9-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 50 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight218 g
    ColoursTitanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Gray

    What we like

    • Excellent anti-reflective display
    • Lighter, more comfortable design
    • Upgraded 50 MP ultrawide
    • Integrated S Pen and long update support

    What could be better

    • S Pen lost Bluetooth gestures
    • 45W charging
    • Very high price

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want a stylus, outstanding zoom and the best Samsung display in one phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy S25+

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25+ in India in January 2025 at Rs 99,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. With Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy in every unit, it finally offered the same performance as the Ultra while staying lighter and cheaper. It continues the role of the large-screen Galaxy without stylus or periscope camera.

    The 6.7-inch QHD+ panel at 1440 x 3120 is sharp and bright with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung trimmed weight to 190 g, and the flat aluminium frame keeps it comfortable for long reading or video sessions. Performance is excellent for gaming, and the phone stays noticeably cooler than the Exynos-powered S24+ did.

    Its cameras are the same trio as the S25: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4900 mAh battery and 45W charging give dependable full-day endurance. Competition was intense, with the OnePlus 13 and Vivo X200 offering bigger batteries and stronger cameras for less, so the S25+ mainly appeals to people who value Samsung's software and update record.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    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 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g

    What we like

    • Flagship chip shared with the Ultra
    • Sharp QHD+ screen
    • Light for its size
    • 45W charging and solid battery

    What could be better

    • Cameras identical to the cheaper S25
    • Chinese rivals offer more for less
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Samsung loyalists who want a big, fast phone without the Ultra's weight and price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy S25

    The Galaxy S25 launched in India in January 2025 at Rs 80,999 for 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The biggest change for Indian buyers was the chip: all S25 models used the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, ending the split with Exynos that had shadowed the S24. RAM also went up to 12 GB across the board to support on-device AI.

    Physically it is very close to the S24, with a 6.2-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and a slightly lighter 162 g body. The camera rings now have a bolder outline. The new chip delivers a large jump in CPU and graphics performance, runs cooler, and makes the small phone feel quicker than many larger flagships of its time.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto cameras are carried over, with improved processing. Battery capacity stays at 4000 mAh and charging at 25W, which remained the S25's weakest area against rivals like the OnePlus 13 and iQOO 13. One UI 7 on Android 15 brought new AI tools such as Now Brief and cross-app Gemini actions.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 80,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 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 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight162 g
    ColoursIcyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite in India
    • Very light and compact
    • 12 GB RAM standard
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • 25W charging
    • Base model drops to 128 GB
    • Little change in camera hardware

    Who should buy it

    People who want top-tier performance in a small, lightweight Android phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.