Tag: Vegan leather

  • Motorola Moto G84 5G

    Motorola launched the Moto G84 5G in India in September 2023 in a single 12 GB plus 256 GB configuration for Rs 19,999, giving buyers far more memory than most rivals at the price. It also brought the Edge series' design language down to the G line, with Pantone-curated colours including a vegan leather Viva Magenta that made it stand out on store shelves.

    The 6.55-inch pOLED runs at 120Hz and is a clear upgrade over the LCD on the cheaper G54, with deep blacks and good brightness. The Snapdragon 695 was already a familiar chip by 2023, reliable but older than the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro. Clean Android 13, IP54 splash resistance, a headphone jack and a microSD slot round out a practical package.

    A 50 MP main camera with OIS handles daylight and indoor shots well, backed by an 8 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro lens. The 5000 mAh battery with 30W charging lasts a full day and more. Compared with the Galaxy M34 and Realme 11 Pro, the G84 wins on software cleanliness and memory, but lags slightly on raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, pOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging30W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Blue, Marshmallow Blue, Viva Magenta

    What we like

    • 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage as standard
    • Bright 120Hz pOLED
    • Stylish vegan leather options
    • Headphone jack and microSD

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 695 is an older chip
    • 30W charging is average
    • Limited OS upgrade promise

    Who should buy it

    Users who want a good-looking phone with an OLED screen and plenty of memory for under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Motorola Moto G85 5G

    Launched in India in July 2024 at Rs 17,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, the Moto G85 5G borrowed the curved-screen styling of Motorola's Edge phones and placed it in a budget-friendly price band. Vegan leather finishes and a slim profile make it look more expensive than it is, which is clearly the point.

    The 6.67-inch curved pOLED refreshes at 120Hz and is a highlight, with rich colour and good outdoor visibility. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is a modest chip, closer to the older Snapdragon 695 than to a true performance part, so heavy gamers should look at the Poco X6 or Realme Narzo 70 Pro instead. Everyday apps run smoothly on the clean Hello UI build of Android 14.

    Photography is handled by a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, a dependable combination in daylight. The 32 MP front camera is better than most rivals at this price. A 5000 mAh battery and 33W charging give all-day endurance. Overall it is a design-led phone that does the basics well rather than chasing specifications.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, Curved pOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    ColoursOlive Green, Cobalt Blue, Urban Grey

    What we like

    • Curved pOLED rare at this price
    • OIS on the Sony main camera
    • Slim, premium-looking design
    • Clean software

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is underpowered for gaming
    • Only IP52 splash resistance
    • 33W charging is average

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious budget buyers who want a curved OLED and dependable cameras under Rs 20,000.

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

  • Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

    The Edge 50 Fusion arrived in India in May 2024 at Rs 22,999, aimed squarely at buyers who care more about how a phone looks and feels than about benchmark scores. Motorola gave it a curved 6.7-inch pOLED panel, a slim vegan leather or PMMA back depending on colour, and an IP68 rating that was still rare in this price band.

    Performance comes from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a chip that handles social apps, streaming and casual gaming comfortably but trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Nothing Phone (2a) and well behind anything Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Hello UI stays close to stock Android, with few preloaded apps, which keeps the phone feeling lighter than its specifications suggest.

    The 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700C main camera produces pleasant daylight shots with natural colour, while the 13 MP ultrawide is merely adequate. A 5000 mAh battery and 68W charging make it an easy two-day phone for light users. Against the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Realme 12 Pro it offers cleaner software and better water resistance, though rivals push harder on camera hardware.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved pOLED, 144Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging68W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHot Pink, Marshmallow Blue, Forest Blue

    What we like

    • IP68 rating at a mid-range price
    • Curved 144Hz pOLED looks premium
    • Near-stock software with little bloat
    • 68W charger in the box

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is only modestly fast
    • Ultrawide camera is weak in low light
    • Software update commitment shorter than Samsung's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 25,000 who want a stylish, water-resistant phone with clean software rather than the fastest chip.

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

  • Motorola Razr 40

    The Razr 40 launched in India in July 2023 at Rs 59,999, making it one of the cheapest mainstream clamshell foldables available at the time and a direct alternative to the far pricier Galaxy Z Flip 5. It folds flat without a visible gap and comes in soft vegan leather finishes that give it a grippy, distinctive feel.

    Inside, a 6.9-inch pOLED main display runs at up to 144Hz, while the cover screen is a small 1.5-inch panel that shows notifications, time and a camera viewfinder but little else. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is a mid-range chip, fine for daily use but not a gaming performer, and the hinge holds the phone at angles for hands-free video calls.

    Its 64 MP main camera with OIS and 13 MP ultrawide produce decent results, and the 4200 mAh battery is notably larger than in most flip phones of the period, comfortably lasting a day. Charging is 33W wired with 8W wireless. Against the Galaxy Z Flip 5 it gives up the big cover screen and flagship chip but costs tens of thousands less.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2023
    SegmentFoldable
    Display6.9-inch, Foldable pOLED, 1.5-inch OLED cover display, 144Hz, 1080 x 2640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery4200 mAh
    Charging33W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight188.6 g
    ColoursSage Green, Summer Lilac, Vanilla Cream

    What we like

    • Most affordable mainstream flip at launch
    • Large battery for a flip phone
    • Gapless fold and smooth 144Hz screen
    • Wireless charging included

    What could be better

    • Tiny cover display is limited
    • Mid-range chipset
    • Only IP52 splash resistance

    Who should buy it

    First-time foldable buyers who want the flip experience without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Realme 11 Pro

    Realme launched the 11 Pro in India in June 2023 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Design was a major focus: the phone has a curved display and a vegan leather back with a large circular camera module, inspired by luxury travel luggage, giving it a premium feel at a mid-range price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution. Performance comes from the Dimensity 7050, which is fine for everyday use and casual gaming but not a powerhouse. The 100 MP main camera with OIS produces detailed photos with good colour, but the only other rear camera is a 2 MP depth sensor, so there is no ultrawide. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M34, the iQOO Z7 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. The iQOO Z7 Pro offered similar specs with a faster chip, while the Motorola had IP68. The Realme 11 Pro's appeal was largely its design and curved display. Those who want an ultrawide should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras100 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSunrise Beige, Oasis Green, Astral Black

    What we like

    • Premium vegan leather design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 100 MP OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No ultrawide camera
    • Dimensity 7050 is only average
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who prioritise design and a curved display in a mid-range phone.

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

  • Realme 11 Pro+

    The Realme 11 Pro+ launched in India in June 2023 at Rs 27,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB, alongside the 11 Pro. It shares the same luxury-inspired vegan leather design and curved display, but upgrades the camera system and charging speed to compete with the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

    Its 200 MP Samsung HP3 main sensor with OIS is the headline feature and supports up to 4x in-sensor zoom with good results. An 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro complete the setup, and the front camera is a 32 MP sensor. The Dimensity 7050 is the same as in the 11 Pro, adequate for daily use but not for heavy gaming. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 100 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord CE3, the iQOO Neo 7 and the Nothing Phone (1). The iQOO Neo 7 offered much better performance, while the Redmi had a similar 200 MP pitch. The 11 Pro+ appealed most to camera and design-conscious buyers. Gamers are better served elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJune 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7050
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging100W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSunrise Beige, Oasis Green, Astral Black

    What we like

    • 200 MP OIS main camera with good in-sensor zoom
    • 100 W charging
    • Premium vegan leather design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • Average Dimensity 7050 performance
    • Weak macro camera
    • No IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Camera and design-focused buyers who want a premium-looking phone with fast charging.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro

    Realme launched the 12 Pro in India in January 2024 at Rs 25,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its design took cues from luxury watches, with a vegan leather back and a large circular camera ring with a sunburst-style finish. The bigger story was the camera: a dedicated 2x telephoto lens, rare at this price.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and smooth. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is the weakest part of the package, adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming but slower than many rivals. The 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS performs well, and the 32 MP 2x telephoto produces good portraits; the 8 MP ultrawide is average. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro, the Poco X6 Pro, the OnePlus Nord CE3 and the Samsung Galaxy A25. The Poco X6 Pro was significantly faster, and the Redmi had a sharper screen. The Realme 12 Pro stood out for portrait photography and design. Its weaker chip is the main compromise.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x telephoto camera
    • Premium watch-inspired design
    • Curved 120 Hz AMOLED
    • IP65 protection

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is slower than rivals
    • Average ultrawide
    • Preinstalled apps in Realme UI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want good portrait photography and a stylish design without paying for a flagship.

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

  • Realme 12 Pro+

    The Realme 12 Pro+ launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB. Its main attraction was a 64 MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, a feature that had previously been limited to far more expensive phones. It shares the luxury watch-inspired design of the 12 Pro, with an extra red colour option.

    The 6.7-inch curved AMOLED at 120 Hz looks premium and is bright enough outdoors. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a step up from the 12 Pro's chip and handles everyday use and moderate gaming well. The 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS is excellent, and the periscope delivers sharp zoom shots up to about 6x. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the OnePlus Nord 3, the Poco X6 Pro and the Motorola Edge 40. The Redmi offered IP68 and faster charging, and the Poco more speed, but the 12 Pro+ was the clear choice for zoom photography in its class. It is an easy recommendation for travel photographers.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP65
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red

    What we like

    • 3x periscope telephoto at a mid-range price
    • Excellent Sony IMX890 main camera
    • Premium design
    • 32 MP selfie camera

    What could be better

    • 67 W charging trails some rivals
    • Performance is only moderate
    • Ultrawide is basic

    Who should buy it

    Photography fans who want genuine optical zoom without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Realme 12+

    Realme launched the 12+ in India in March 2024 at Rs 20,999 for 8 GB and 128 GB, bringing the design language of the 12 Pro series to a lower price. It uses a flat display rather than a curved one and keeps the vegan leather back and large circular camera module.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 7050 handles daily use and casual gaming without trouble. The 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS produces reliable photos, accompanied by an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 67 W, and IP54 protection guards against splashes. Realme also highlighted its rain-water smart touch, which keeps the screen usable with wet fingers.

    Rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Poco X6, the Samsung Galaxy M35 and the Motorola G84. The Poco X6 had a sharper screen and more storage, while the Moto G84 offered cleaner software. The Realme 12+ appealed with its OIS camera and premium styling. Its weak macro lens is easy to ignore.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 20,999 (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 main + 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
    ColoursPioneer Green, Navigator Beige

    What we like

    • OIS Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • Premium vegan leather design
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Average performance
    • Weak macro camera
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a stylish, well-rounded phone with a stabilised camera for around Rs 20,000.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

    The Note 13 Pro+ 5G arrived in January 2024 as the most premium Redmi Note yet. Xiaomi gave it a curved 1.5K AMOLED display, a vegan-leather option in its Fusion colourways, and an IP68 rating, a first for the Note line. At Rs 31,999 it competed directly with phones that had traditionally sat a class above Redmi.

    Performance comes from the Dimensity 7200 Ultra, a solid upper mid-range chip that runs games smoothly at moderate settings and stays efficient. The 200 MP main camera uses a larger sensor than the Note 13 Pro's and delivers good dynamic range, although the ultrawide and macro remain basic. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 120 W, reaching full in about 20 minutes, and the curved screen makes the phone feel slimmer in hand.

    Its main rivals were the Realme 12 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope zoom, the OnePlus Nord 3 with a stronger Dimensity 9000, and the Motorola Edge 40. The Note 13 Pro+ stands out on durability and charging speed, but lacks a telephoto camera and drops the headphone jack that the cheaper Note models keep.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 31,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursFusion White, Fusion Purple, Fusion Black

    What we like

    • IP68 dust and water resistance
    • 120 W charging
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Premium design options

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera at this price
    • No headphone jack, unlike cheaper Notes
    • MIUI bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a durable, premium-feeling Redmi with fast charging and a great screen.

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