RAG Demo

Tag: Mid-range

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G

    The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G launched in India in January 2023 at Rs 24,999 for 6 GB plus 128 GB. It was the middle model in a three-phone Note 12 lineup, below the 200 MP Note 12 Pro+, and it marked a shift for the Note series toward higher prices as Xiaomi chased the more premium end of mid-range.

    The 6.67-inch OLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and slim bezels. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 provides steady everyday performance, though it was only a small step over the Dimensity 920 in the Note 11 Pro+. Xiaomi kept practical extras, including a headphone jack, an IR blaster and IP53 splash resistance.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera with OIS is the highlight, producing consistent results with good low-light performance, paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 67W and lasts a full day. Its main drawback was software, as MIUI carried ads and preinstalled apps that Nothing and Motorola rivals avoided.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight187 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Glacier Blue, Stardust Purple

    What we like

    • Sony IMX766 camera with OIS
    • Vibrant 120Hz OLED with Dolby Vision
    • Fast 67W charging
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is a small upgrade
    • MIUI ads and bloatware
    • Launched on an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable camera and fast charging in a mid-range phone with a headphone jack.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M55 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy M55 5G in India in April 2024 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most powerful M-series phone to date and sold mainly online, a platform where Samsung needed to compete with the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Realme 12 Pro and Nothing Phone (2a). It is also slimmer than earlier M phones, which were known for their bulk.

    The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus panel runs at 120Hz and is bright and punchy. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is a capable chip, faster than the Exynos parts in the Galaxy A35, and handles everyday tasks well. One UI 6.1 on Android 14 brings Samsung's familiar polish, along with a multi-year OS and security update commitment that rivals struggled to match.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS is supported by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro, while the 50 MP front camera records 4K video. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well into a second day, and 45W charging was a welcome upgrade for the series. Rivals offer faster charging, but the M55 wins on software support and display quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight180 g
    ColoursDenim Black, Light Green

    What we like

    • Vivid Super AMOLED Plus display
    • Long software update support
    • 50 MP 4K selfie camera
    • Slim for an M-series phone

    What could be better

    • Charging slower than Chinese rivals
    • Filler macro camera
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Samsung's software support and a great display in a slim mid-range phone.

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

  • Lava Agni 3 5G

    The Lava Agni 3 5G launched in India in October 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, in a version sold without a charger; a bundle with the 66W charger cost more. Lava gave it a feature no rival offered at the price: a 1.74-inch secondary AMOLED on the back, next to the cameras, for notifications, music controls and rear-camera selfies.

    The main 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300X provides efficient, consistent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Lava also added a customisable Action Key, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro's, and kept the software clean on Android 14 with a promise of OS updates and no bloatware.

    The triple camera includes a 50 MP main with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide and an 8 MP 3x telephoto, giving it real zoom capability at this price. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day, with 66W wired charging. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) and CMF Phone 1, it offers more hardware novelty, while Nothing counters with a more polished overall software experience.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 1.74-inch rear AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300X
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHeather Glass, Pristine Glass

    What we like

    • Useful rear secondary display
    • 3x telephoto at this price
    • Customisable Action Key
    • Clean, ad-free software

    What could be better

    • Base model ships without a charger
    • 8 MP telephoto is soft in low light
    • Brand's service network smaller than rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want something genuinely different, with a rear screen and telephoto, from an Indian brand.

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

  • Lava Agni 2 5G

    The Lava Agni 2 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 21,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It was the most ambitious phone from the Indian brand at the time, and the first to use MediaTek's Dimensity 7050. Lava built its pitch around clean software, a premium curved design and home-grown credentials, alongside a free at-home service offer.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, and the matte glass back in Viridian green gives it a premium feel. The Dimensity 7050 delivers steady performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. The software is near-stock Android 13 with no bloatware or ads, a real differentiator against Realme and Xiaomi rivals at the time.

    The quad camera has a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide, a 2 MP depth and a 2 MP macro lens. Daylight results are respectable, low light less so. The 4700 mAh battery gets through a day, and 66W charging fills it quickly. Against the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 11 5G, it stands out for its clean software more than its cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursViridian

    What we like

    • Clean Android without ads or bloatware
    • Premium curved AMOLED
    • Fast 66W charging
    • Indian brand with home service

    What could be better

    • Average low-light camera
    • Filler 2 MP lenses
    • Single colour option

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a clean, ad-free Android experience from an Indian brand at a mid-range price.

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

  • Honor X9b

    Honor launched the X9b in India in February 2024 at Rs 25,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. Its marketing centred on durability: Honor called the curved screen an Ultra-Bounce display and staged demonstrations of the phone surviving drops onto hard surfaces, a striking claim for a curved AMOLED in this segment.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz with a 1.5K resolution and good peak brightness. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a middling chip, adequate for social media, streaming and casual games, but slower than the Dimensity 7200 in the Nothing Phone (2a) or the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro. MagicOS 7.2 runs on Android 13, already a version behind at launch.

    The 108 MP main camera produces good daylight images, backed by a 5 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro lens, with a 16 MP selfie camera. Battery life is a highlight thanks to the 5800 mAh silicon-carbon cell, which easily stretches past a day, though charging is a modest 35W. It suits buyers who are rough on their phones and want long battery life.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging35W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MagicOS 7.2
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight185 g
    ColoursMidnight Black, Sunrise Orange

    What we like

    • Drop-resistant curved display
    • Long-lasting 5800 mAh battery
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is slow for the price
    • Launched on an older Android version
    • Weak ultrawide and slow 35W charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who are hard on their phones and want a curved display with strong battery life.

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

  • Tecno Camon 30 5G

    Tecno launched the Camon 30 5G in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It continued the Camon series' focus on cameras and design, with a textured back in white or dark finishes and a large camera island, aimed at buyers comparing it with the Nothing Phone (2a) and Realme 12 Pro.

    The 6.78-inch AMOLED refreshes at 120Hz and is sharp and bright. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is efficient but modest, enough for social apps and casual games, though slower than the Dimensity 8050 that powered the cheaper Camon 20 Pro. HiOS 14 on Android 14 is feature-packed but still carries a fair amount of preinstalled software.

    A 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS produces natural, detailed daylight photos and capable night shots, while the 50 MP front camera with autofocus is well suited to selfies and video calls. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 70W, among the fastest in its segment. Against the Nothing Phone (2a) it offers faster charging and more storage but less polished software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging70W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HiOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursUyuni Salt White, Basaltic Dark

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Fast 70W charging
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7020 is slower than its predecessor's chip
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Busy HiOS software

    Who should buy it

    Selfie lovers and casual users who want strong cameras and fast charging in the low Rs 20,000s.

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

  • Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G

    The Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. Tecno, better known for budget phones, used it to show it could compete on camera and performance in the mid-range, taking on the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 10 Pro+ with a combination of strong specifications and a lower price.

    Its 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 8050 is the real surprise, a near-flagship chip that is far quicker than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro and handles demanding games comfortably. HiOS 13 on Android 13 is busy and includes preinstalled apps, which detracts from an otherwise strong package.

    The 64 MP RGBW main camera with OIS captures more light than conventional sensors and produces good low-light shots, but there is no ultrawide, only a 2 MP depth sensor. The 32 MP selfie camera is solid. A 5000 mAh battery with 33W charging delivers dependable endurance. It offered unusual performance for the money, held back mainly by software polish.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP RGBW main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, HiOS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursSerenity Blue, Dark Welkin

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8050 for the price
    • 64 MP RGBW camera with OIS
    • Good low-light photos
    • Competitive pricing

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • HiOS is cluttered
    • 33W charging is average

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want near-flagship performance and decent low-light photos for under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G

    The Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G launched in India in April 2024 at Rs 21,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. Its standout feature was MagCharge, 20W magnetic wireless charging with a range of snap-on accessories, something almost unheard of at this price. Infinix also bundled the magnetic charging pad in some launch offers.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and looks premium. Performance comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 7020, an efficient but modest chip that is fine for daily use but not for heavy gaming; the Poco X6 and Redmi Note 13 Pro are faster. Infinix added its Cheetah X1 power management chip and JBL-tuned stereo speakers.

    The 108 MP main camera has OIS, paired with two 2 MP sensors that contribute little, and a 32 MP front camera. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a day comfortably, with 45W wired charging alongside the wireless option. It is a feature-led phone: buyers who value wireless charging and a curved screen will like it, while performance seekers should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, XOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitan Gold, Vintage Green

    What we like

    • Magnetic wireless charging
    • Curved 120Hz AMOLED
    • 108 MP camera with OIS
    • JBL-tuned stereo speakers

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7020 is modest
    • Filler 2 MP cameras
    • Bloatware in XOS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want wireless charging and a premium-looking curved display without spending more than Rs 25,000.

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

  • Infinix Zero 30 5G

    Infinix launched the Zero 30 5G in India in September 2023 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It positioned the phone as a creator device, with a front camera that records 4K video at 60 frames per second, a feature normally reserved for much pricier phones. The curved display and slim body gave it a premium look to match.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at up to 144Hz and is bright and vivid. The MediaTek Dimensity 8020 is a capable chip, comfortably ahead of the Snapdragon 695 in rivals like the Moto G84, and handles demanding games well. XOS 13 on Android 13 is feature-rich but includes preinstalled apps and promotional notifications that some users will want to disable.

    The 108 MP main camera has OIS, backed by a 13 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP depth sensor. The 50 MP selfie camera is the star, producing sharp video with good stabilisation. A 5000 mAh battery with 68W charging fills quickly. Against the Realme 11 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro, it offers the best selfie video of the group but less polished software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide + 2 MP depth
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, XOS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursRome Green, Golden Hour

    What we like

    • 4K60 selfie video
    • Curved 144Hz AMOLED
    • Strong Dimensity 8020 performance
    • Fast 68W charging

    What could be better

    • XOS bloatware and ads
    • Average low-light rear photos
    • Short update promise

    Who should buy it

    Vloggers and selfie-video creators who want premium front-camera video on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Infinix GT 20 Pro

    The Infinix GT 20 Pro launched in India in May 2024 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It was built as a budget gaming phone, with a cyber-mecha design that includes customisable Mecha Loop LED lights around the camera module, and it targeted young buyers who might otherwise consider the Poco X6 Pro or iQOO Z9.

    Its 6.78-inch AMOLED runs at up to 144Hz, and a dedicated Pixelworks display chip handles frame interpolation in supported games. The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate is a genuinely fast chip for the money, sustained by a vapour chamber cooling system. XOS 14 on Android 14 includes a game mode with performance tuning, though it carries more preinstalled apps than cleaner rivals.

    The 108 MP main camera produces detailed daylight shots, but the two 2 MP auxiliary lenses add little. The 5000 mAh battery offers solid gaming endurance, charging at 45W, with a bypass charging mode that powers the phone directly during play. Against the Poco X6 Pro it offers a more playful design and display chip, while Poco counters with slightly stronger raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, AMOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, XOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMecha Orange, Mecha Blue, Mecha Silver

    What we like

    • Fast Dimensity 8200 Ultimate
    • 144Hz AMOLED with display chip
    • Bypass charging for gaming
    • Distinctive LED design

    What could be better

    • Filler 2 MP cameras
    • XOS has bloatware
    • Limited update promise

    Who should buy it

    Gamers on a budget who want strong performance and a flashy design for under Rs 25,000.

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