Tag: Long software support

  • OnePlus Nord 4

    OnePlus launched the Nord 4 in India in July 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its most distinctive feature is a metal unibody design, unusual for a modern 5G phone because of antenna challenges, which gives it a durable, premium feel. OnePlus also promised four years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 delivers near-flagship performance, handling demanding games smoothly. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Cameras include a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, a simpler setup that drops the macro lens. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well beyond a day and charges at 100 W.

    Rivals included the Poco F6, the Realme GT 6T, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The Poco F6 had a slightly faster chip and the Edge 50 Pro a telephoto lens, while the Nord 4 stood out for build quality and long software support. Its camera remains the weak spot.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199.5 g
    ColoursMercurial Silver, Oasis Green, Obsidian Midnight

    What we like

    • Premium metal unibody
    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
    • Long software support promise
    • 100 W charging

    What could be better

    • Only two rear cameras
    • No telephoto
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who value build quality and long-term software support in a fast mid-range phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2024). 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 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 A15 5G

    The Galaxy A15 5G arrived in India in December 2023 at Rs 19,499 for 8 GB/128 GB. Its biggest step up over the A14 5G was the screen, moving to a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED at 90Hz, and Samsung also promised four generations of Android updates and five years of security patches, unusual at this price.

    Samsung's new design language with a flat frame and a raised Key Island on the side for the power and volume keys makes it look closer to the pricier A series. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip is efficient but modest, handling everyday use and light gaming without fuss. The AMOLED panel has deep blacks and good outdoor visibility compared with LCD rivals.

    Cameras include a 50 MP main with a 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, a useful upgrade from the A14's depth sensor. The 5000 mAh battery delivers long endurance, and 25W charging is faster though still not quick by Indian market standards, where the Redmi Note 13 5G and Realme 11x offered more speed. The update policy remains its strongest argument.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,499 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 6100+
    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

    What we like

    • Super AMOLED display
    • Four OS upgrades promised
    • Long battery life
    • Includes an ultrawide camera

    What could be better

    • Modest processor for the price
    • 90Hz rather than 120Hz
    • Rivals charge faster

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who prioritise a good screen and long software support over raw speed.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • 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 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

    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.