Tag: Long battery life

  • 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 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.

  • 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.