Tag: Stereo speakers

  • Motorola Moto G73 5G

    The Moto G73 5G launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 18,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was one of the first phones with MediaTek's Dimensity 930, and Motorola positioned it as a clean, no-nonsense 5G phone for buyers tired of ad-filled software from rivals like the Redmi Note 12 and Realme 10 Pro.

    Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution. It is sharp and responsive but lacks the contrast of the AMOLED panels common at this price. The Dimensity 930 offers decent everyday performance, while Motorola's near-stock Android 13 keeps the phone feeling quick. Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a headphone jack, microSD expansion and IP52 splash protection add practical value.

    The 50 MP main camera and 8 MP ultrawide produce acceptable daylight photos but struggle in low light, and the 16 MP selfie camera is basic. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well over a day with 30W charging. Against the Redmi Note 12 and Galaxy M34, it wins on software cleanliness but loses on display quality and camera performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 18,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 930
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Lucent White

    What we like

    • Clean, near-stock Android
    • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Weak low-light camera
    • Single memory variant

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a clean, reliable 5G phone with good battery life and no software clutter.

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

  • Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G

    The Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G launched in India in April 2024 at Rs 21,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. Its standout feature was MagCharge, 20W magnetic wireless charging with a range of snap-on accessories, something almost unheard of at this price. Infinix also bundled the magnetic charging pad in some launch offers.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and looks premium. Performance comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 7020, an efficient but modest chip that is fine for daily use but not for heavy gaming; the Poco X6 and Redmi Note 13 Pro are faster. Infinix added its Cheetah X1 power management chip and JBL-tuned stereo speakers.

    The 108 MP main camera has OIS, paired with two 2 MP sensors that contribute little, and a 32 MP front camera. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a day comfortably, with 45W wired charging alongside the wireless option. It is a feature-led phone: buyers who value wireless charging and a curved screen will like it, while performance seekers should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Rear cameras108 MP main (OIS) + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, XOS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitan Gold, Vintage Green

    What we like

    • Magnetic wireless charging
    • Curved 120Hz AMOLED
    • 108 MP camera with OIS
    • JBL-tuned stereo speakers

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 7020 is modest
    • Filler 2 MP cameras
    • Bloatware in XOS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want wireless charging and a premium-looking curved display without spending more than Rs 25,000.

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

  • Motorola Moto G54 5G

    The Moto G54 5G landed in India in September 2023 at Rs 15,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, and it focused on stamina and clean software. A 6000 mAh battery, near-stock Android and a generous memory configuration made it a sensible pick against the Redmi Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy M34 in the crowded under-Rs 20,000 space.

    Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution; it lacks the contrast of the AMOLED panels on rivals but is sharp and smooth. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is a modest performer built for efficiency. Motorola kept practical extras such as a 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD expansion, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and IP52 splash protection.

    The 50 MP main camera has OIS, unusual at this price, which helps in low light and video, while the 8 MP ultrawide is basic. Charging is 30W, so refilling the large battery takes a while, but a full charge comfortably lasts two days. Its main weakness is the LCD, which looks dull next to the Galaxy M34's Super AMOLED.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 15,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7020
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Mint Green, Pearl Blue

    What we like

    • 6000 mAh battery lasts two days
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Clean, near-stock Android
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot

    What could be better

    • LCD lacks AMOLED contrast
    • 30W charging is slow for the battery size
    • Modest chipset

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who prioritise battery life and clean software over display quality.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A34 5G

    Samsung introduced the Galaxy A34 5G in India in March 2023 at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB/128 GB, launched alongside the A54. Interestingly, it used MediaTek's Dimensity 1080 instead of an Exynos chip, which turned out to be a strong match for everyday performance and gaming at this price. That combination made it a dependable everyday pick.

    Its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and waterdrop notch is bright and vivid, with stereo speakers adding to the media experience. The plastic back has a glossy prism-like finish, and IP67 water and dust resistance is a real advantage in Indian monsoons, something many competitors such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro did not offer at the same level.

    The 48 MP main camera has OIS and is joined by an 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro. Images are natural with Samsung's typical bright processing. A 5000 mAh battery gives very good endurance, though 25W charging is slow. With four OS upgrades promised, it became a sensible middle ground for buyers who did not want to pay for the A54.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursAwesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome Silver

    What we like

    • IP67 water and dust resistance
    • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED and stereo speakers
    • Capable Dimensity 1080
    • Strong battery life

    What could be better

    • Slow 25W charging
    • Plastic build
    • Waterdrop notch looks dated

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, water-resistant mid-range phone with a good screen and long updates.

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