RAG Demo

Tag: Value for money

  • Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G

    The Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G launched in India in May 2023 at Rs 19,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. Tecno, better known for budget phones, used it to show it could compete on camera and performance in the mid-range, taking on the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 10 Pro+ with a combination of strong specifications and a lower price.

    Its 6.67-inch AMOLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution. The MediaTek Dimensity 8050 is the real surprise, a near-flagship chip that is far quicker than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro and handles demanding games comfortably. HiOS 13 on Android 13 is busy and includes preinstalled apps, which detracts from an otherwise strong package.

    The 64 MP RGBW main camera with OIS captures more light than conventional sensors and produces good low-light shots, but there is no ultrawide, only a 2 MP depth sensor. The 32 MP selfie camera is solid. A 5000 mAh battery with 33W charging delivers dependable endurance. It offered unusual performance for the money, held back mainly by software polish.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8050
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP RGBW main (OIS) + 2 MP depth
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, HiOS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursSerenity Blue, Dark Welkin

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8050 for the price
    • 64 MP RGBW camera with OIS
    • Good low-light photos
    • Competitive pricing

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • HiOS is cluttered
    • 33W charging is average

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want near-flagship performance and decent low-light photos for under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Poco X5 Pro

    Poco launched the X5 Pro in India in February 2023 as a performance-focused mid-ranger at Rs 22,999. It is closely related to the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed edition sold in China, and its biggest selling point was the Snapdragon 778G, a proven chip that was faster than the Dimensity 1080 in the pricier Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED display runs at 120 Hz, with good brightness and Dolby Vision support. At 181 g and under 8 mm thick, the phone is notably light. The 778G handles gaming well, sustaining stable frame rates in popular titles. The 108 MP main camera takes sharp daylight shots but lacks OIS, so low-light results suffer. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging delivers solid endurance and quick top-ups.

    Rivals included the iQOO Z7, the Realme 10 Pro+, the Samsung Galaxy M54 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro. The iQOO Z7 offered OIS for less, while the Poco X5 Pro won on performance and display. It remains a strong value pick for gamers on a budget. Buyers who care more about photos than games should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 14 for Poco
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight181 g
    ColoursAstral Black, Horizon Blue, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 778G is strong for gaming
    • Slim and light at 181 g
    • 120 Hz AMOLED with Dolby Vision
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No OIS on the main camera
    • Shipped with Android 12
    • Bloatware in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget-conscious gamers who want a light phone with a proven Snapdragon chip and a good screen.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2023). 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 12 5G

    Launched in January 2023 as the entry point of the Note 12 family, the Redmi Note 12 5G took over from the very popular Note 11 series with one headline change: an AMOLED display at 120 Hz in a phone starting at Rs 17,999. It kept the familiar flat-sided Redmi look, a headphone jack, an IR blaster and a microSD slot, all of which still matter to many buyers in this price band.

    The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a modest chip. Daily apps, social media and video run smoothly, but heavier games need reduced settings. The 48 MP main camera produces decent daylight photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro add little. A 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half, though 33 W charging is slow next to rivals offering 67 W.

    Its competition at launch included the iQOO Z6 Lite, the Realme 10 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy M-series. The Realme 10 Pro had a faster chip on paper, and the Moto G-series offered cleaner software, but few rivals matched the Note 12's screen quality at the price. MIUI's preinstalled apps and ads remain the main irritation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight188 g
    ColoursMystique Blue, Frosted Green, Matte Black

    What we like

    • 120 Hz AMOLED screen at a budget price
    • Long battery life
    • Headphone jack, IR blaster and microSD slot
    • IP53 splash resistance

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 struggles with demanding games
    • 33 W charging is slow for the segment
    • Bloatware and ads in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a good AMOLED screen and dependable battery life for everyday use rather than gaming.

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