RAG Demo

Tag: Upper Mid-range

  • Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A55 5G in India in March 2024 at Rs 39,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. For the first time an A5x phone got an aluminium frame, and it introduced the Exynos 1480 with AMD-based Xclipse 530 graphics. Samsung also added its Knox Vault security hardware, previously limited to flagships.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED is larger than the A54's, with 120Hz refresh and high brightness for outdoor use. The metal frame and glass back make it feel genuinely premium, though at 213 g it is heavy. The Key Island design raises the power and volume keys. Performance improves noticeably over the A54, yet the OnePlus 12R and Nothing Phone (2) still outperformed it for gaming.

    Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 12 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, plus a 32 MP selfie camera. Night shots and video are reliable rather than exciting. Battery life from the 5000 mAh cell is strong, but 25W charging continues to lag. IP67 protection and four years of OS upgrades keep it competitive for buyers who prefer Samsung software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1480
    RAM8 GB / 12 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 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g
    ColoursAwesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Navy

    What we like

    • Aluminium frame and premium build
    • Knox Vault security
    • Bright 120Hz AMOLED
    • IP67 and long updates

    What could be better

    • Heavy
    • 25W charging
    • Faster rivals at the same price

    Who should buy it

    Samsung fans who want a premium-built mid-ranger with strong security and long support.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2024). 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 S24 FE

    Samsung brought the Galaxy S24 FE to India in October 2024 at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It runs the Exynos 2400e, a slightly lower-clocked version of the chip in the Indian S24, which is a big step up from the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE. Samsung also extended its seven-year update promise to this model, along with most Galaxy AI features.

    The display grew to 6.7 inches, making it larger than the regular S24, with a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at 1080 x 2340. Bezels are thicker than on the main S series, and the 213 g weight is noticeable. Day-to-day performance is smooth and thermals are better controlled than on its predecessor, though it still warms up in long gaming sessions.

    The camera trio is familiar: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 8 MP 3x telephoto, with a 10 MP selfie camera. Battery rises to 4700 mAh and lasts a full day comfortably, but 25W charging feels dated next to the OnePlus 12R and Pixel 8a era competition. IP68 and wireless charging remain its strongest arguments in this price band.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2400e
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g

    What we like

    • Seven years of updates at a lower price
    • Optical 3x telephoto
    • Big 120Hz AMOLED
    • IP68 and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Heavy and has thick bezels
    • 25W charging
    • 128 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want long-term Samsung support, zoom and water resistance at a mid-premium price.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

    The Fan Edition returned in India in October 2023, with the Galaxy S23 FE starting at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Indian units used Samsung's own Exynos 2200, the chip from the international Galaxy S22, rather than a Snapdragon part. Samsung's pitch was simple: the look, water resistance and camera layout of the S23 for a noticeably lower price.

    It feels like a larger S23, with a 6.4-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, flat aluminium frame and separate camera rings. At 209 g it is denser than you expect. The Exynos 2200 is quick for daily use, but it gets warm during long gaming sessions and camera use, and battery life from the 4500 mAh cell is good rather than great.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 12 MP ultrawide and 8 MP 3x telephoto give it real zoom, something the Pixel 7a and OnePlus 11R lacked at the time. Charging is limited to 25W wired, with wireless and reverse wireless included. Discounts quickly pushed its street price far below launch, and at those prices it became a sensible route into Samsung's flagship ecosystem.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.4-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 2200
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g

    What we like

    • 3x telephoto rare at this price
    • IP68 and wireless charging included
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED panel
    • Samsung's long update policy

    What could be better

    • Exynos 2200 runs warm under load
    • Heavy for its size
    • Slow 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Samsung fans who want flagship features like zoom, IP68 and wireless charging without paying S23 prices.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Pro

    Motorola launched the Edge 50 Pro in India in April 2024 with an impressive spec sheet for its price, including a telephoto camera, very fast wired and wireless charging, and a Pantone-validated display and camera. It competed with the Nothing Phone (2a), Vivo V30 and Oppo Reno 11 for buyers wanting a premium feel without a flagship price.

    The 6.7-inch curved pOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and refreshes at up to 144Hz, giving sharp, colour-accurate visuals. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 delivers smooth everyday performance and handles moderate gaming well. Its vegan leather back and slim build feel premium, and IP68 adds water protection. Motorola's near-stock Android 14 is clean, though update support was shorter than rivals.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 13 MP ultrawide and 10 MP 3x telephoto give it a flexible setup, and the 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 4,500 mAh battery is modest, but 125W wired and 50W wireless charging support make top-ups fast, though the base variant shipped with a slower charger in the box. Against the Nothing Phone (2a), it offered a telephoto lens and wireless charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 13 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging125W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursBlack Beauty, Luxe Lavender, Moonlight Pearl

    What we like

    • 1.5K curved 144Hz pOLED display
    • 3x telephoto camera
    • 125W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,500 mAh battery
    • Base variant ships with a slower charger
    • Shorter software support

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium-feeling phone with a telephoto lens and fast charging at a mid-range price.

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

  • Oppo Reno 13

    The Oppo Reno 13 launched in India in January 2025 with a noticeably more compact design than previous Reno phones, along with a flat aluminium frame and a much faster chip. It aimed at buyers who wanted a smaller, premium-feeling phone, competing with the Vivo V50, Samsung Galaxy A56 and Nothing Phone (3a).

    The 6.59-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz is sharp and easy to use with one hand. The Dimensity 8350 marks a big performance jump over the Reno 12's Dimensity 7300, handling games and multitasking with ease. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings give it strong protection against dust and water. ColorOS 15 on Android 15 brings smooth animations and a set of AI editing and writing features.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide handle most situations well, though there is no telephoto lens on the standard model. The 50 MP selfie camera is excellent. The 5,600 mAh battery offers strong endurance for a compact phone, with 80W wired charging. Against the Vivo V50, it was smaller and faster, while Vivo had a better ultrawide and a bigger battery.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.59-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1256 x 2760
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8350
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, ColorOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursIvory White, Luminous Blue

    What we like

    • Compact, premium design
    • Dimensity 8350 performance
    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • 5,600 mAh battery for its size

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Basic 8 MP ultrawide
    • Priced higher than previous Reno base models

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact, durable phone with strong performance and selfies.

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

  • Oppo Reno 12 Pro

    The Reno 12 Pro launched in India in July 2024 alongside the Reno 12, adding a 50 MP telephoto camera and a 50 MP selfie camera while keeping the same AI features. It targeted buyers who wanted portraits and AI tools in a slim design, competing with the Vivo V40, Samsung Galaxy A55 and OnePlus Nord 4.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is sharp and bright. Oddly, the Reno 12 Pro uses the same Dimensity 7300 Energy chip as the cheaper Reno 12, so performance is adequate for daily use but not for heavy gaming. IP65 protection is included. ColorOS 14.1 on Android 14 brings AI Eraser, AI Best Face and other editing tools that work well in practice.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 50 MP 2x telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide deliver strong portraits, and the 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is a highlight. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a day. Against the OnePlus Nord 4, it offered better portraits and a telephoto lens, while OnePlus had much stronger performance and a metal unibody at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 36,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ColorOS 14.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSpace Brown, Sunset Gold

    What we like

    • 50 MP 2x telephoto camera
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • AI editing tools
    • IP65 rating

    What could be better

    • Same chip as the cheaper Reno 12
    • Weak for heavy gaming
    • Priced above faster rivals

    Who should buy it

    Selfie and portrait enthusiasts who want AI editing tools in a slim phone.

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

  • Oppo Reno 13 Pro

    The Reno 13 Pro launched in India in January 2025 as the top model of the series, bringing a periscope telephoto camera back to the Reno line. It targeted buyers in the 50,000 rupee range who wanted strong zoom and portrait photography, competing with the Vivo V40 Pro, OnePlus 13R and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

    The 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is large and immersive. The Dimensity 8350 provides fast, efficient performance, though the OnePlus 13R's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is quicker in games. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings mean the phone can handle submersion and high-pressure water jets. ColorOS 15 on Android 15 includes AI editing tools and smooth animations.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, 50 MP 3.5x periscope telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make a versatile camera system, and portraits are the standout. The 50 MP selfie camera is strong. The 5,800 mAh battery with 80W charging provides excellent endurance. Against the OnePlus 13R, it offered a better telephoto and stronger water resistance, while OnePlus was faster and cheaper.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.83-inch, Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8350
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP 3.5x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, ColorOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP66, IP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMist Lavender, Graphite Grey

    What we like

    • 50 MP periscope telephoto
    • Large quad-curved display
    • 5,800 mAh battery
    • IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • Slower than the OnePlus 13R
    • Large and heavy
    • Weak 8 MP ultrawide

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want periscope zoom and great portraits below flagship prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). 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.

  • Oppo Reno 10 Pro+

    The Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ launched in India in July 2023 as the top model in the Reno 10 series, bringing a periscope telephoto camera to the mid-premium segment. Its slim curved design and portrait-focused camera system made it a style and photography pick, competing with the OnePlus 11R, Vivo V27 Pro and Google Pixel 7a.

    The 6.74-inch curved AMOLED display runs at 120Hz with 1240 x 2772 resolution, giving it a premium look. Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the previous year's flagship chip, delivers strong performance for gaming and multitasking. The thin body and glossy back make it feel elegant. ColorOS 13.1 on Android 13 offered a polished experience with some preinstalled apps.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto and 8 MP ultrawide make it one of the few phones under 60,000 rupees with true periscope zoom. Portraits were particularly impressive. The 4,700 mAh battery with 100W charging lasts a full day. Against the OnePlus 11R, it offered a far better zoom camera, while the OnePlus had a larger battery and similar performance for less money.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 54,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.74-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1240 x 2772
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX890 main with OIS + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, ColorOS 13.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSilvery Grey, Glossy Purple

    What we like

    • 64 MP periscope telephoto
    • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
    • 100W fast charging
    • Slim, elegant design

    What could be better

    • Expensive compared with the OnePlus 11R
    • No wireless charging
    • Weak ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Portrait and zoom photography fans who want a slim, premium-looking phone.

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