Tag: Mid-range

  • Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

    Nothing launched the Phone (2a) Plus in India in July 2024 at Rs 27,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB, just four months after the Phone (2a). Rather than a new design, it was a mid-cycle upgrade with a metallic finish in Grey or Black, a faster chip, more storage and better selfie hardware, aimed at buyers who found the (2a) slightly short on performance.

    The Dimensity 7350 Pro is a modest step up from the 7200 Pro, about ten percent quicker in practice, with the same 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14 is unchanged in its clean, minimal approach. The Glyph lights now support more custom ringtones and notification patterns.

    The rear pairing of a 50 MP main and 50 MP ultrawide carries over, but the front camera moves from 32 MP to 50 MP and records 4K video. The 5000 mAh battery gains 50W charging, slightly faster than before. Against the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Realme 13 Pro, it is a sensible choice for buyers who want the (2a) experience with more headroom.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1084 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.6
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g
    ColoursBlack, Grey

    What we like

    • 256 GB base storage
    • 50 MP selfie camera with 4K video
    • Slightly faster chipset
    • Metallic finish looks premium

    What could be better

    • Small upgrade over the Phone (2a)
    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP54

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who like the Phone (2a) but want more storage, a better selfie camera and a little extra speed.

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

  • Nothing Phone (1)

    The Nothing Phone (1) launched in India in July 2022 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, and its arrival was one of the most hyped launches of the year. Carl Pei's new company built the phone around a transparent back with Glyph Interface LED strips that light up for calls, notifications and charging status, a design that genuinely looked unlike anything else on sale.

    Beneath the lights is a solid mid-range package. The 6.55-inch flexible OLED has uniform bezels and runs at 120Hz, and the Snapdragon 778G+ provides good everyday performance, though behind the Snapdragon 870 in rivals like the iQOO Neo 6. Nothing OS 1.0 is a clean, quick skin over Android 12 with custom widgets and a dot-matrix font.

    The dual 50 MP cameras, a Sony IMX766 main with OIS and a Samsung JN1 ultrawide, deliver pleasant results in daylight but are ordinary at night. The 4500 mAh battery gives a day of use, with 33W wired, 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging. Against the OnePlus Nord 2T it offered a far more distinctive design and wireless charging, though early software bugs hurt its reputation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2022
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Flexible OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging33W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 12, Nothing OS 1.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursWhite, Black

    What we like

    • Unique transparent design with Glyph lights
    • Uniform bezels on a 120Hz OLED
    • Wireless charging at this price
    • Clean Nothing OS

    What could be better

    • Average low-light camera
    • Early software bugs
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a mid-ranger that looks completely different from the crowd while still offering clean, fast software.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Nothing Phone (2a)

    The Phone (2a) launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, making Nothing's design accessible to a much larger audience. It was also partly designed with Indian buyers in mind, and its horizontal camera layout, framed by three Glyph light strips, gave it a friendly, slightly retro look distinct from its pricier siblings.

    The 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED runs at 120Hz with thin, even bezels. The custom MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro is efficient and fast enough for everyday use and moderate gaming, broadly matching the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro. Nothing OS 2.5 over Android 14 stays clean, with no bloatware and three years of OS updates promised.

    The two 50 MP cameras, a main with OIS and an ultrawide, produce good daylight photos with natural tones. Battery life is a strength, with the 5000 mAh cell easily reaching a day and a half, and 45W charging. It lacks wireless charging and has only IP54, but against the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Realme 12 Pro it offers cleaner software and a more memorable design.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1084 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Nothing OS 2.5
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g
    ColoursBlack, White

    What we like

    • Distinctive design at a mid-range price
    • Excellent battery life
    • Clean software with no bloat
    • Uniform-bezel AMOLED

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Only IP54
    • Fewer Glyph features than the Phone (2)

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want clean software, strong battery life and a phone that looks different from everything else.

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

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Phone (3a) launched in India in March 2025 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought telephoto zoom to Nothing's affordable line for the first time and introduced the Essential Key, a dedicated side button that captures screenshots, voice notes and ideas into Essential Space, Nothing's AI-powered organiser.

    Its 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED runs at 120Hz with high brightness, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers a meaningful step up over the Phone (2a) in both performance and efficiency. The Glyph lights return, arranged around a horizontal camera island, and the phone gains IP64 protection. Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 promises three years of OS updates.

    The triple camera, a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP 2x telephoto and an 8 MP ultrawide, is versatile for the price, with portraits a highlight. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well over a day, with 50W charging. Against the Realme 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro, the (3a) wins on telephoto flexibility and clean software, though the ultrawide is weak.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.77-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2392
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging50W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Nothing OS 3.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201 g
    ColoursBlack, White, Blue

    What we like

    • 2x telephoto camera at a mid-range price
    • Faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
    • Essential Key and AI organiser
    • Clean software

    What could be better

    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide
    • No wireless charging
    • Essential Key cannot be fully remapped at launch

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want portrait-friendly zoom, clean software and good battery life.

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

  • Motorola Moto G84 5G

    Motorola launched the Moto G84 5G in India in September 2023 in a single 12 GB plus 256 GB configuration for Rs 19,999, giving buyers far more memory than most rivals at the price. It also brought the Edge series' design language down to the G line, with Pantone-curated colours including a vegan leather Viva Magenta that made it stand out on store shelves.

    The 6.55-inch pOLED runs at 120Hz and is a clear upgrade over the LCD on the cheaper G54, with deep blacks and good brightness. The Snapdragon 695 was already a familiar chip by 2023, reliable but older than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro. Clean Android 13, IP54 splash resistance, a headphone jack and a microSD slot round out a practical package.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS handles daylight and indoor shots well, backed by an 8 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro lens. The 5000 mAh battery with 30W charging lasts a full day and more. Compared with the Galaxy M34 and Realme 11 Pro, the G84 wins on software cleanliness and memory, but lags slightly on raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, pOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Marshmallow Blue, Viva Magenta

    What we like

    • 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as standard
    • Bright 120Hz pOLED
    • Stylish vegan leather options
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 695 is an older chip
    • 30W charging is average
    • Limited OS upgrade promise

    Who should buy it

    Users who want a good-looking phone with an OLED screen and plenty of memory for under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Motorola Edge 60 Fusion

    Motorola launched the Edge 60 Fusion in India in April 2025 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, doubling the base storage of its predecessor at the same price. It keeps the brand's design-first approach with Pantone colours and textured finishes, and adds IP69 resistance to high-pressure water jets on top of IP68 submersion protection.

    The 6.67-inch quad-curved pOLED has a sharper 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a small step down from the Edge 50 Fusion's 144Hz that few users will notice. The Dimensity 7400 is a mild upgrade over the outgoing Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, handling daily tasks smoothly while keeping heat in check, and the phone shipped with Android 15.

    Cameras carry over the 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C main sensor with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro camera. Battery capacity rises to 5500 mAh with 68W charging, giving reliable two-day endurance. Against the Nothing Phone (3a) and Realme 14 Pro it is weaker on zoom but stronger on durability, storage and display sharpness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Quad-curved pOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7400
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPantone Amazonite, Pantone Slipstream, Pantone Zephyr

    What we like

    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Sharp 1.5K curved display
    • 256 GB base storage
    • Larger 5500 mAh battery

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Refresh rate drops from 144Hz to 120Hz
    • Performance only slightly ahead of the previous model

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, good-looking mid-ranger with long battery life and plenty of storage.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Neo

    The Edge 50 Neo reached India in September 2024 at Rs 23,999 with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and its headline feature was size. At 6.4 inches it was one of the very few compact Android phones left in the segment, and Motorola did not strip it down to get there: it kept IP68 sealing, a MIL-STD-810H durability rating and Pantone-curated finishes.

    The flat LTPO pOLED adapts its refresh rate up to 120Hz and is bright enough outdoors. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is efficient rather than fast, comfortable for everyday tasks and light gaming. Motorola also promised five years of OS upgrades for this model, a notable commitment for a Motorola mid-ranger at the time.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS is joined by a 13 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP 3x telephoto, giving it optical zoom that rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) lacked. The trade-off for compactness is a 4310 mAh battery, which gets through a day but not much more; 68W wired and 15W wireless charging soften that. It suits anyone tired of oversized phones.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.4-inch, LTPO pOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4310 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursGrisaille, Nautical Blue, Poinciana, Latte

    What we like

    • Truly compact 6.4-inch size
    • 3x optical telephoto in a mid-ranger
    • IP68 plus MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Wireless charging at this price

    What could be better

    • 4310 mAh battery is modest
    • Dimensity 7300 is not built for heavy gaming
    • Single memory variant

    Who should buy it

    People who want a small, tough phone with real zoom and wireless charging without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

    The Edge 50 Fusion arrived in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999, aimed squarely at buyers who care more about how a phone looks and feels than about benchmark scores. Motorola gave it a curved 6.7-inch pOLED panel, a slim vegan leather or PMMA back depending on colour, and an IP68 rating that was still rare in this price band.

    Performance comes from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a chip that handles social apps, streaming and casual gaming comfortably but trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Nothing Phone (2a) and well behind anything Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Hello UI stays close to stock Android, with few preloaded apps, which keeps the phone feeling lighter than its specifications suggest.

    The 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C main camera produces pleasant daylight shots with natural colour, while the 13 MP ultrawide is merely adequate. A 5000 mAh battery and 68W charging make it an easy two-day phone for light users. Against the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Realme 12 Pro it offers cleaner software and better water resistance, though rivals push harder on camera hardware.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHot Pink, Marshmallow Blue, Forest Blue

    What we like

    • IP68 rating at a mid-range price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED looks premium
    • Near-stock software with little bloat
    • 68W charger in the box

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is only modestly fast
    • Ultrawide camera is weak in low light
    • Software update commitment shorter than Samsung's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 25,000 who want a stylish, water-resistant phone with clean software rather than the fastest chip.

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

  • Realme 13+

    Realme launched the 13+ in India in August 2024 at Rs 22,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was pitched more toward performance and gaming than the camera-led Pro models, with Realme highlighting its cooling system and support for high frame rates in popular games. Its design is flashier than the Pro models.

    The Dimensity 7300 Energy is an efficient chip that handles everyday use and gaming well at this price. The 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. A 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS takes dependable photos, supported only by a 2 MP monochrome sensor, so there is no ultrawide. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W, and IP65 protection adds durability.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Poco X6, the OnePlus Nord CE4 and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The Redmi offered a sharper screen and a better camera system, while the Nord CE4 charged faster. The Realme 13+ was a solid pick for gaming on a budget. Photographers should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP monochrome
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursVictory Gold, Speed Green, Dark Purple

    What we like

    • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Energy
    • 80 W charging
    • IP65 protection
    • OIS main camera

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Full HD+ only
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Budget gamers who want efficient performance and fast charging in a durable phone.

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

  • Realme 12+

    Realme launched the 12+ in India in March 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, bringing the design language of the 12 Pro series to a lower price. It uses a flat display rather than a curved one and keeps the vegan leather back and large circular camera module.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 7050 handles daily use and casual gaming without trouble. The 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS produces reliable photos, accompanied by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W, and IP54 protection guards against splashes. Realme also highlighted its rain-water smart touch, which keeps the screen usable with wet fingers.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Poco X6, the Samsung Galaxy M35 and the Motorola G84. The Poco X6 had a sharper screen and more storage, while the Moto G84 offered cleaner software. The Realme 12+ appealed with its OIS camera and premium styling. Its weak macro lens is easy to ignore.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursPioneer Green, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • OIS Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • Premium vegan leather design
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Average performance
    • Weak macro camera
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish, well-rounded phone with a stabilised camera for around Rs 20,000.

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