Tag: Snapdragon 8 elite

  • Xiaomi 15

    Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 15 in India in March 2025 at Rs 64,999 for 12 GB/512 GB, cheaper than its predecessor's launch price. It keeps the compact 6.36-inch format and introduces Snapdragon 8 Elite, putting it against the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 while offering more storage and faster charging.

    The flat LTPO OLED at 1200 x 2670 is bright and smooth at 120Hz with very slim bezels. The aluminium frame and glass back feel premium and the phone is easy to use one-handed. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top performance with better efficiency than the previous generation. It shipped with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, with features like AI writing tools and Google Gemini.

    Cameras include a 50 MP Leica main with Light Fusion 900 sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 60 MP 2.6x telephoto with good close-focus ability. The Indian variant has a 5240 mAh battery, large for a compact phone, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its main competitor in size and price was the Galaxy S25, which offered longer software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 64,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.36-inch, OLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1200 x 2670
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 60 MP 2.6x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5240 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack, White, Green

    What we like

    • Compact with a big battery
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite
    • Three capable Leica cameras
    • Fast wired and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Only one storage variant
    • Preinstalled apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small, fast Android flagship with excellent cameras and battery life.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25

    The Galaxy S25 launched in India in January 2025 at Rs 80,999 for 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The biggest change for Indian buyers was the chip: all S25 models used the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, ending the split with Exynos that had shadowed the S24. RAM also went up to 12 GB across the board to support on-device AI.

    Physically it is very close to the S24, with a 6.2-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and a slightly lighter 162 g body. The camera rings now have a bolder outline. The new chip delivers a large jump in CPU and graphics performance, runs cooler, and makes the small phone feel quicker than many larger flagships of its time.

    The 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto cameras are carried over, with improved processing. Battery capacity stays at 4000 mAh and charging at 25W, which remained the S25's weakest area against rivals like the OnePlus 13 and iQOO 13. One UI 7 on Android 15 brought new AI tools such as Now Brief and cross-app Gemini actions.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 80,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4000 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight162 g
    ColoursIcyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite in India
    • Very light and compact
    • 12 GB RAM standard
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • 25W charging
    • Base model drops to 128 GB
    • Little change in camera hardware

    Who should buy it

    People who want top-tier performance in a small, lightweight Android phone.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25+

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25+ in India in January 2025 at Rs 99,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. With Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy in every unit, it finally offered the same performance as the Ultra while staying lighter and cheaper. It continues the role of the large-screen Galaxy without stylus or periscope camera.

    The 6.7-inch QHD+ panel at 1440 x 3120 is sharp and bright with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung trimmed weight to 190 g, and the flat aluminium frame keeps it comfortable for long reading or video sessions. Performance is excellent for gaming, and the phone stays noticeably cooler than the Exynos-powered S24+ did.

    Its cameras are the same trio as the S25: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto. The 4900 mAh battery and 45W charging give dependable full-day endurance. Competition was intense, with the OnePlus 13 and Vivo X200 offering bigger batteries and stronger cameras for less, so the S25+ mainly appeals to people who value Samsung's software and update record.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery4900 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight190 g

    What we like

    • Flagship chip shared with the Ultra
    • Sharp QHD+ screen
    • Light for its size
    • 45W charging and solid battery

    What could be better

    • Cameras identical to the cheaper S25
    • Chinese rivals offer more for less
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Samsung loyalists who want a big, fast phone without the Ultra's weight and price.

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