Tag: Mid-range

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 12 Pro+ 5G sat at the top of Redmi's January 2023 line-up and leaned on two spec-sheet headlines: a 200 MP Samsung HPX main sensor with optical stabilisation and 120 W wired charging. At Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB it pushed the Note series closer to the upper mid-range than it had ever been, and brought a more premium glass-back design to match.

    The 6.67-inch OLED panel runs at 120 Hz and is sharp and vivid. Performance comes from the Dimensity 1080, a capable but not class-leading chip; it handles everyday use and casual gaming well but trails the Snapdragon 778G found in some rivals. The 200 MP sensor bins down to 12.5 MP by default and delivers detailed daylight shots, though the 8 MP ultrawide is a clear step down. The 4,980 mAh battery refills in roughly 20 minutes.

    Rivals included the Realme 10 Pro+, the iQOO Neo 7 and the Poco X5 Pro, with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 arriving later. The iQOO Neo 7 offered a much faster chip at a similar price, so the Note 12 Pro+ made more sense for camera and charging buyers than for gamers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4980 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black

    What we like

    • Detailed 200 MP main camera with OIS
    • Very fast 120 W charging
    • Sharp 120 Hz OLED display

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is slower than similarly priced rivals
    • Weak ultrawide and filler macro camera
    • Heavy MIUI with preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise main-camera detail and very fast charging over raw gaming performance.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2023). 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 A35 5G

    The Galaxy A35 5G launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Samsung gave it the Exynos 1380 from the previous year's A54, along with a glass back and the Key Island frame design. It effectively offered last year's A54 internals in a fresher body at a lower price.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel now has a punch-hole cutout instead of a notch, with 120Hz refresh and good brightness. Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back give it a premium feel, though the frame is plastic and the phone is fairly heavy at 209 g. Exynos 1380 is smooth for daily tasks and moderate gaming, but rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) and Poco X6 Pro were faster.

    Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, producing reliable, slightly bright results. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well, while 25W charging remains sluggish. IP67, stereo speakers, Samsung Knox security and four years of OS upgrades round out a package aimed at buyers who value build and support over benchmarks.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g
    ColoursAwesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Navy

    What we like

    • Glass back and IP67 rating
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED
    • OIS main camera
    • Long update promise

    What could be better

    • Heavy for a mid-ranger
    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a well-built, water-resistant Samsung with a reliable camera at around Rs 30,000.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A34 5G

    Samsung introduced the Galaxy A34 5G in India in March 2023 at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB/128 GB, launched alongside the A54. Interestingly, it used MediaTek's Dimensity 1080 instead of an Exynos chip, which turned out to be a strong match for everyday performance and gaming at this price. That combination made it a dependable everyday pick.

    Its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and waterdrop notch is bright and vivid, with stereo speakers adding to the media experience. The plastic back has a glossy prism-like finish, and IP67 water and dust resistance is a real advantage in Indian monsoons, something many competitors such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro did not offer at the same level.

    The 48 MP main camera has OIS and is joined by an 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro. Images are natural with Samsung's typical bright processing. A 5000 mAh battery gives very good endurance, though 25W charging is slow. With four OS upgrades promised, it became a sensible middle ground for buyers who did not want to pay for the A54.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursAwesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome Silver

    What we like

    • IP67 water and dust resistance
    • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED and stereo speakers
    • Capable Dimensity 1080
    • Strong battery life

    What could be better

    • Slow 25W charging
    • Plastic build
    • Waterdrop notch looks dated

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, water-resistant mid-range phone with a good screen and long updates.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A25 5G in India in December 2023 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB/128 GB, alongside the A15 5G. It positions itself as a step up with a smoother 120Hz screen, optical image stabilisation and Samsung's older but proven Exynos 1280 chip, the same family that powered the Galaxy A53 and M34.

    The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD+ resolution, giving smooth scrolling and good contrast. The design matches the A15 with a Key Island on the frame and a plastic body. Exynos 1280 handles multitasking and casual gaming acceptably, but it was already aging next to the Snapdragon 7 series chips in rivals like the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Poco X6.

    The 50 MP main camera has OIS, which helps low-light photos and video stability, paired with 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro sensors. The 5000 mAh battery and 25W charging give long life with average refill times. Its price was its biggest problem at launch, as the Galaxy M34 and later Galaxy F-series offered similar hardware for less.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1280
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6
    5GYes

    What we like

    • 120Hz Super AMOLED
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Four OS upgrades promised
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • Aging Exynos 1280 chip
    • Overpriced against rivals at launch
    • No water resistance rating

    Who should buy it

    Samsung buyers who want a smooth AMOLED screen and stabilised camera on a mid-range budget.

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

  • Motorola Edge 40

    Motorola launched the Edge 40 in India in May 2023 with a very slim design, a vegan leather back and an IP68 rating, a rare combination at its price. It also included wireless charging, which almost no other phone around 30,000 rupees offered. It competed with the OnePlus Nord 3, Samsung Galaxy A54 and Nothing Phone (1).

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display refreshes at up to 144Hz and looks vibrant and smooth. The Dimensity 8020 delivers solid performance for daily use and gaming. The phone is light and comfortable to hold. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 with a few useful gestures was praised for being clean, though the brand's update commitment was shorter than Samsung's.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide, which doubles as a macro, take good photos with natural colours. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 4,400 mAh battery is on the smaller side but lasts a day, with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging. Against the OnePlus Nord 3, it offered IP68 and wireless charging, while OnePlus was faster with a bigger battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4400 mAh
    Charging68W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Eclipse Black, Lunar Blue

    What we like

    • Slim, light design with vegan leather
    • IP68 rating
    • Wireless charging at a mid-range price
    • Clean near-stock Android

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,400 mAh battery
    • Shorter update commitment
    • Only one storage variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with wireless charging and clean software.

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

  • Motorola Edge 40 Neo

    The Motorola Edge 40 Neo launched in India in September 2023 as a more affordable version of the Edge 40. It kept the curved 144Hz display, IP68 rating and slim design, while using a less powerful chip and dropping wireless charging. It competed with the Realme 11 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M34.

    The 6.55-inch curved pOLED display is bright and smooth at up to 144Hz. The Dimensity 7030 provides dependable everyday performance and handles casual gaming, though it is not a powerhouse. Its vegan leather finish in Pantone-certified colours gives it a premium look and feel. Motorola's near-stock Android 13 is clean and easy to use, with minimal bloatware.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide take natural-looking photos in daylight, though low-light performance is average. The 32 MP selfie camera is decent. The 5,000 mAh battery offers good endurance, with 68W charging. Against the Realme 11 Pro, it offered IP68 water resistance and cleaner software, while Realme had a sharper main camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7030
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Caneel Bay, Soothing Sea

    What we like

    • IP68 at a lower price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • Clean near-stock Android
    • Pantone vegan leather finishes

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7030 is modest
    • No wireless charging
    • Average low-light photos

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with clean software on a budget.

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

  • Oppo F27 Pro+

    Oppo launched the F27 Pro+ in India in June 2024, highlighting durability above all. It was marketed as the first phone in India with IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings and also carried an MIL-STD-810H certification and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It targeted buyers who wanted a tough yet stylish phone, competing with the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, Realme 12 Pro and Vivo T3.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and vivid, and the phone looks slimmer than many rugged rivals. The Dimensity 7050 handles daily tasks and light gaming comfortably but is not a gaming chip. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 is smooth and offers useful features, though some reviewers felt the price was high for the performance on offer.

    The 64 MP main camera captures decent daylight photos, but the 2 MP depth sensor adds little and there is no ultrawide. The 8 MP selfie camera is basic for the price. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging lasts a full day. Against the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, it offered stronger water resistance, while Motorola had a better camera system and cleaner software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMidnight Navy, Dusk Pink

    What we like

    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • MIL-STD-810H durability
    • Curved AMOLED display
    • Slim for a rugged phone

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Basic 8 MP selfie camera
    • Modest performance for the price

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who need a durable, water-resistant phone that still looks stylish.

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

  • Oppo F25 Pro

    Oppo launched the F25 Pro in India in February 2024 as an offline-friendly mid-range phone that brought Reno-style design to a lower price. Its slim profile, curved display and bold Lava Red finish were its main appeal. It competed with the Vivo V29e, Realme 12 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and smooth, giving the phone a premium look. The Dimensity 7050 handles everyday tasks, streaming and casual games well, though it is not built for heavy gaming. IP65 dust and water protection was rare at this price. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 offered a polished interface with useful features and limited bloatware compared with some rivals.

    The 64 MP main camera captures good daylight photos, with an 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro alongside. The 32 MP selfie camera is a strong point. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging lasts a full day. Against the Realme 12 Pro, it offered better water resistance, while Realme had a periscope telephoto camera at a similar price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLava Red, Ocean Blue

    What we like

    • Slim design with curved AMOLED display
    • IP65 rating
    • 32 MP selfie camera
    • 67W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Main camera lacks OIS
    • Dimensity 7050 is modest
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish, water-resistant phone with good selfies at a mid-range price.

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

  • Oppo Reno 12

    Oppo launched the Reno 12 in India in July 2024 with a strong emphasis on AI features, including AI Eraser, AI Best Face and AI Clear Face for photo editing. It used MediaTek's Dimensity 7300 Energy chip and a slim curved design. Rivals included the Vivo V40, Samsung Galaxy A35 and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 7300 Energy offers efficient everyday performance, though it is not built for heavy gaming. IP65 protection against water jets is a useful addition. ColorOS 14.1 on Android 14 brings Oppo's AI tools, which work well for removing unwanted objects and fixing blinks in group shots.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro take reliable photos, though the telephoto lens from the Reno 11 was dropped. The 32 MP selfie camera is good. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a full day. Against the Vivo V40, it offered more AI editing tools, while Vivo had better cameras and higher water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMatte Brown, Sunset Peach, Astro Silver

    What we like

    • Useful AI photo editing tools
    • Curved AMOLED display
    • IP65 rating
    • 80W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Dropped the telephoto lens
    • Dimensity 7300 is modest for the price
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish phone with practical AI editing features.

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