Tag: Ois

  • 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 11 Pro

    Realme launched the 11 Pro in India in June 2023 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Design was a major focus: the phone has a curved display and a vegan leather back with a large circular camera module, inspired by luxury travel luggage, giving it a premium feel at a mid-range price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. Performance comes from the Dimensity 7050, which is fine for everyday use and casual gaming but not a powerhouse. The 100 MP main camera with OIS produces detailed photos with good colour, but the only other rear camera is a 2 MP depth sensor, so there is no ultrawide. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M34, the iQOO Z7 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. The iQOO Z7 Pro offered similar specs with a faster chip, while the Motorola had IP68. The Realme 11 Pro's appeal was largely its design and curved display. Those who want an ultrawide should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras100 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSunrise Beige, Oasis Green, Astral Black

    What we like

    • Premium vegan leather design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 100 MP OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Dimensity 7050 is only average
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise design and a curved display in a mid-range phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (June 2023). 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.

  • OnePlus Nord 3

    OnePlus launched the Nord 3 in India in July 2023 at Rs 33,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was a major step up from the Nord 2T, borrowing the previous year's flagship Dimensity 9000 chip and adding the alert slider, a feature usually reserved for the numbered series.

    Performance is excellent for the price, handling demanding games at high settings. The 6.74-inch AMOLED at 1240 x 2772 resolution and 120 Hz is sharp and bright. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, shared with the OnePlus 11, delivers reliable photos, though the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are weak. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W, reaching full in about 30 minutes.

    Rivals included the Poco F5, the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Nothing Phone (2) and the iQOO Neo 7 Pro. The Poco F5 was cheaper with similar performance, while the Galaxy A54 offered IP67 and longer updates. The Nord 3 balanced speed, camera and charging well, with a cleaner software experience than most rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 33,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9000
    RAM8 GB / 16 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursMisty Green, Tempest Gray

    What we like

    • Flagship-class Dimensity 9000
    • Good 50 MP OIS main camera
    • Alert slider
    • 80 W charging

    What could be better

    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Only IP54
    • No wireless charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-level performance and clean software in a mid-range Nord.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE3

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE3 in India in August 2023 at Rs 26,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It sat between the cheaper Nord CE3 Lite and the more powerful Nord 3, and its headline feature was the Sony IMX890 main sensor with OIS, the same one found in the OnePlus 11.

    The 6.7-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution and is vivid and bright. The Snapdragon 782G is a refined version of the 778G, smooth in daily use and capable in games at moderate settings. The IMX890 main camera is the highlight, producing sharp, well-exposed photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are basic. A 5,000 mAh battery charges at 80 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the Realme 11 Pro+, the Samsung Galaxy M34 and the iQOO Z7 Pro. The iQOO Z7 Pro had a curved screen and faster chip, while the Realme 11 Pro+ offered a 200 MP sensor. The Nord CE3 appealed with clean software and a strong main camera.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 26,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 782G
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, OxygenOS 13.1
    5GYes
    ColoursAqua Surge, Grey Shimmer

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • Vivid 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 80 W charging
    • Clean OxygenOS

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 782G is not class-leading
    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Pricier than similar-spec rivals

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a strong main camera and clean software in a mid-range phone.

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

  • OnePlus Nord CE4

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE4 in India in April 2024 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. It was the first phone in India with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, and its 100 W charging, previously seen only on pricier OnePlus phones, was one of its main selling points. The Celadon Marble finish gave it a distinctive look.

    The 6.7-inch AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution and is bright and colourful. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 handles everyday use smoothly and runs popular games well. The camera system is simpler than before: a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well over a day and charges at 100 W. Unusually, it kept a hybrid microSD slot.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Realme 12+, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The Poco X6 Pro was faster, and the Redmi had a sharper screen, but the CE4 led on charging speed and battery life. Its hybrid microSD slot is also rare at this price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, OxygenOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursDark Chrome, Celadon Marble

    What we like

    • 100 W charging
    • Large 5,500 mAh battery
    • OIS main camera
    • Hybrid microSD slot

    What could be better

    • Only 8 GB RAM
    • No headphone jack
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long battery life and very fast charging in an affordable OnePlus.

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

  • Poco X6

    The Poco X6 launched in India in January 2024 alongside the X6 Pro, offering much of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's hardware for less money. Its base model started at Rs 19,999 with a generous 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which made it one of the best-specified phones under Rs 20,000 at the time.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel runs at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz, with Dolby Vision and high brightness. Inside, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 handles daily use smoothly and moderate gaming well, though it is not built for maximum settings. Instead of the Note 13 Pro's 200 MP sensor, the X6 uses a 64 MP main camera with OIS, delivering reliable photos. The 5,100 mAh battery supports 67 W charging.

    Its rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Realme 12 5G, the iQOO Z9 and the Samsung Galaxy M34. The iQOO Z9 offered a Sony sensor with OIS, while the Poco X6 won on screen sharpness and storage. For under Rs 20,000, it was a well-balanced package. Gamers, though, were better served by the X6 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMirror Black, Snowstorm White

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 256 GB storage as standard
    • OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Not ideal for heavy gaming
    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Shipped with Android 13 and MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 20,000 who want a premium-grade display and plenty of storage.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Note 14 5G in December 2024, earlier than the usual January slot, at Rs 17,999 for the 6 GB and 128 GB model. It follows the formula of its predecessor: a flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a slim body with a headphone jack, and HyperOS replacing MIUI out of the box. Dust and water protection improves to IP64.

    The Dimensity 7025 Ultra is a mild upgrade over the Note 13's Dimensity 6080 and copes with daily use and moderate gaming. Xiaomi swapped the 108 MP sensor for a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, which produces more natural colours and better low-light shots. The battery grows to 5,110 mAh and charging speed rises to 45 W, a meaningful improvement for heavy users.

    Rivals around its price included the Samsung Galaxy M35, the Realme 14x, the Poco X6 Neo and the Moto G85. The Moto G85 offered a curved pOLED and cleaner Android, while the Galaxy M35 had longer update support. The Note 14 5G wins with its stabilised main camera and good all-round balance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5110 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursTitan Black, Mystique White, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Stabilised 50 MP Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 45 W charging and larger battery
    • Headphone jack kept

    What could be better

    • Modest gaming performance
    • Ultrawide and macro add little
    • Preinstalled apps on HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a dependable everyday phone with a steadier camera than most rivals at the price.

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

  • 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.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

    Launched in January 2024, the Note 13 Pro 5G took the 200 MP camera that had been exclusive to the previous year's Pro+ and made it the centrepiece of a cheaper model. Its 6.67-inch flat AMOLED panel moved up to 1.5K resolution, and Xiaomi kept practical touches such as the headphone jack and IR blaster while adding IP54 protection.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is efficient rather than fast; it handles everyday tasks fluidly and runs popular games at medium settings, though it trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Pro+. The screen is excellent for the price, crisp and bright. The 200 MP main camera with OIS captures detailed daylight images and holds up reasonably well at night. A 5,100 mAh battery and 67 W charging mean a full charge in under an hour.

    Competition was fierce: the Poco X6 Pro offered a much faster Dimensity 8300 for less, the Realme 12 Pro added a telephoto lens, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 had cleaner software. The Note 13 Pro is the balanced choice for those who value screen and camera over benchmark scores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Coral Purple, Midnight Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 200 MP OIS main camera
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • 67 W charging with a 5,100 mAh cell

    What could be better

    • Chip is slower than rivals like the Poco X6 Pro
    • Ultrawide and macro cameras are basic
    • Ships with an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want a sharp screen and a strong main camera in a practical, well-rounded phone.

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