Tag: Sony sensor

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Oppo Reno 11 Pro

    The Reno 11 Pro launched in India in January 2024 alongside the Reno 11, stepping up to a faster Dimensity 8200 chip and a better main camera sensor. It targeted buyers in the 40,000 rupee range who prioritised portrait photography and design, competing with the OnePlus 12R, Vivo V29 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A55.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is sharp and vibrant, though the OnePlus 12R offered a brighter, sharper LTPO panel. Dimensity 8200 provides strong performance for gaming and multitasking. The slim body and pearl-like finish on the white variant were highlights. ColorOS 14 on Android 14 felt smooth and offered useful customisation options.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, 32 MP 2x telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide deliver excellent portraits, and the 32 MP selfie camera is strong. The 4,600 mAh battery with 80W charging gets through a day but is smaller than rivals. Against the OnePlus 12R, it offered better portraits with a dedicated telephoto, but OnePlus was faster and had a bigger battery at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 32 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursPearl White, Rock Grey

    What we like

    • Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS
    • Excellent portraits with 2x telephoto
    • Dimensity 8200 performance
    • Elegant pearl finish

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,600 mAh battery
    • OnePlus 12R is faster for less
    • No meaningful IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise portrait photography and elegant design over raw speed.

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