Tag: Ois camera

  • 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 A54 5G

    The Galaxy A54 5G launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 38,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It introduced the clean floating-camera design that later spread across Samsung's A series, and was the debut device for the 5 nm Exynos 1380. It targeted buyers who wanted the Galaxy S look without flagship pricing.

    The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED has a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole cutout, with Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides and an aluminium-look plastic frame. It weighs 202 g, which makes it feel dense for its size. The Exynos 1380 was efficient and fine for daily use, though gamers found the OnePlus 11R and Nothing Phone (2) much faster at similar prices.

    Its 50 MP main camera with OIS produced some of the best photos in its segment, especially in low light and for video, backed by a 12 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro. The 32 MP selfie camera is sharp. A 5000 mAh battery gives long life, but 25W charging is slow. IP67 and four OS upgrades made it an easy recommendation for durability and support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 38,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight202 g
    ColoursAwesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome White

    What we like

    • Very good main camera with OIS
    • Premium glass design
    • IP67 water and dust resistance
    • Four OS upgrades

    What could be better

    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging
    • Heavy for a 6.4-inch phone

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling Samsung with dependable cameras and water resistance.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

    The Galaxy M34 5G launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 18,999 for 6 GB/128 GB, sold online. It offered features that the pricier Galaxy A series charged more for, including a 120Hz Super AMOLED display and optical image stabilisation, with Samsung's typical M-series 6000 mAh battery. It was briefly one of Samsung's best-selling online models.

    The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a waterdrop notch is bright and smooth, with Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The plastic body feels sturdy if plain. The Exynos 1280 chip handles everyday multitasking well and runs popular games at medium settings, though rivals like the iQOO Z7 and Redmi Note 12 Pro offered stronger chips at the same price.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS is the highlight, delivering steadier video and better night shots than most phones in its segment, backed by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. Samsung's Monster Shot feature captures multiple images and videos at once. Battery life is excellent, comfortably two days for moderate users, and 25W charging is supported with a charger sold separately.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1280
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Prism Silver, Waterfall Blue

    What we like

    • 120Hz Super AMOLED
    • OIS main camera
    • Excellent two-day battery
    • Samsung update support

    What could be better

    • Exynos 1280 trails rivals
    • No charger in the box
    • Waterdrop notch

    Who should buy it

    Online shoppers who want a Samsung with a great screen and battery under Rs 20,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 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.

  • 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.

  • iQOO Z9

    iQOO launched the Z9 in India in March 2024 through Amazon, sharing most of its hardware with the Vivo T3 sold on Flipkart. It focused on balanced specs for the price: a capable chip, a stabilised main camera and a bright display. Competitors included the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Redmi Note 13 and Poco X6 Neo.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz gets very bright outdoors, which reviewers praised. The Dimensity 7200 provided strong performance for the segment, handling popular games at decent settings. IP54 protection against dust and splashes was included. The phone feels light and well built, with a flat frame. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 offered gaming features alongside some preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS takes sharp, natural photos and handles low light better than most rivals at the price, while a 2 MP depth sensor rounds out the rear. The 16 MP front camera is adequate. The 5,000 mAh battery with 44W charging easily lasts a day. Compared with the Narzo 70 Pro, it was faster but missed an ultrawide camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX882 main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBrushed Green, Graphene Blue

    What we like

    • Very bright AMOLED display
    • Dimensity 7200 performance
    • OIS main camera
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • 44W charging trails rivals
    • Some bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Amazon shoppers who want balanced performance and a reliable camera under 20,000 rupees.

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

  • iQOO Z7

    The iQOO Z7 launched in India in March 2023 through Amazon as a value-focused 5G phone. It shared its compact form factor and much of its design philosophy with the Vivo T2, but used MediaTek's Dimensity 920 chip. Its main rivals were the Redmi Note 12, Realme 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M34.

    The 6.38-inch AMOLED display refreshes at 90Hz and includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, a rare combination at this price. The Dimensity 920 performed better than the Snapdragon 695 found in many competitors, making the Z7 a solid choice for casual gaming. The compact, lightweight build was comfortable for one-handed use. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered useful features but preinstalled apps.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes stable photos in daylight and handles low light better than non-stabilised rivals, while the 2 MP depth sensor is largely decorative. The 16 MP selfie camera is acceptable. The 4,500 mAh battery is smaller than average, but efficient hardware keeps it going for a day, with 44W charging. Buyers wanting a compact, quick 5G phone found it a good fit.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.38-inch, AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 920
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursNorway Blue, Pacific Night

    What we like

    • Compact AMOLED display
    • Dimensity 920 outperforms many rivals
    • OIS main camera
    • Lightweight design

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Only 90Hz refresh rate
    • No ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact, fast 5G phone with a stabilised camera.

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

  • Vivo T2 5G

    The Vivo T2 5G launched in India in April 2023 as a Flipkart-focused budget 5G phone. It stood out for its compact 6.38-inch AMOLED display at a time when most rivals had grown past 6.6 inches, and for including optical image stabilisation on its main camera. Competition came from the Redmi Note 12, Samsung Galaxy M34 and Realme 10 Pro.

    The AMOLED panel refreshes at 90Hz and offers good colours and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Snapdragon 695 was a widely used, efficient chip that handled social media and moderate gaming well, though it was showing its age. The phone is light and easy to use one-handed. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 brought familiar Vivo features and some preinstalled apps.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes steady, detailed photos, while the 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 16 MP selfie camera is decent. The 4,500 mAh battery is smaller than most rivals, but the efficient chip and compact display keep endurance reasonable, with 44W charging. The Redmi Note 12 offered a larger screen and battery, but the T2 suited people who wanted a smaller phone.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.38-inch, AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 695
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursVelocity Wave, Nitro Blaze

    What we like

    • Compact AMOLED display
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Light and easy to hold
    • Efficient Snapdragon 695

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Only 90Hz refresh rate
    • No ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact 5G phone with a good screen and stable photos.

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

  • Vivo T3 5G

    Vivo launched the T3 5G in India in March 2024, sharing much of its hardware with the iQOO Z9 that arrived around the same time. It focused on balanced performance, a capable camera and a bright AMOLED screen, competing against the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Redmi Note 13 and Poco X6 Neo.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz is bright and colourful, making it great for video and gaming. MediaTek's Dimensity 7200 is a strong performer in this segment, offering better gaming frame rates than the Dimensity 7050 in Realme rivals. IP54 dust and splash resistance adds peace of mind. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 was functional, with the usual Vivo customisation options.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS produces detailed, well-balanced photos in daylight and decent results at night, while a 2 MP depth sensor rounds out the rear. The 16 MP front camera is fine for selfies. The 5,000 mAh battery with 44W charging lasts a full day. Compared with the Narzo 70 Pro, it was faster but lacked an ultrawide camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX882 main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCosmic Blue, Crystal Flake

    What we like

    • Dimensity 7200 performance
    • OIS main camera
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED display
    • IP54 rating

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • 44W charging is slower than rivals
    • Some preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want strong performance and a stable main camera.

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

  • Realme Narzo 70 Pro

    The Narzo 70 Pro arrived in March 2024 with one clear selling point for its price: the Sony IMX890 sensor with optical stabilisation, the same main camera found in far more expensive phones of the previous year. Realme also marketed air gestures, letting users scroll or answer calls with a hand wave, and a glass back with a textured finish. Its main competition came from the Redmi Note 13, iQOO Z9 and Poco X6.

    The flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display runs at 120Hz and has thin enough bezels to feel current. Performance comes from the Dimensity 7050 again, which is dependable for daily tasks and moderate gaming but not a step up from the previous Narzo. An IP54 rating offers splash protection. Realme UI 5.0 on Android 14 brought a tidier interface, although bloatware remained a common complaint among reviewers.

    Photos from the main camera are the real reason to pick this phone: natural colours, good dynamic range and steadier low-light shots thanks to OIS. The 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are average. The 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging is a reliable pairing. Against the iQOO Z9, which had a stronger Dimensity 7200, the Narzo traded some performance for a better primary sensor.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (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 Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 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
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursGlass Gold, Glass Green

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED screen
    • 67W fast charging
    • Air gestures are a neat extra

    What could be better

    • Same chipset as the older Narzo 60 Pro
    • Weak secondary cameras
    • Bloatware on the software

    Who should buy it

    Camera-focused buyers who want stabilised photos for under 20,000 rupees.

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