Tag: No bloatware

  • 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.

  • 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.