Tag: Water resistant

  • Apple iPhone 14

    The iPhone 14 launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It looked almost identical to the iPhone 13 and kept the same A15 Bionic chip, albeit with a five-core GPU and 6 GB of RAM. Apple's new features were safety-focused: Crash Detection and, in some countries, Emergency SOS via satellite, which was not available in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is unchanged and still runs at 60Hz, which drew criticism when Android phones at half the price offered 120Hz. Internally Apple redesigned the chassis so the back glass is easier and cheaper to replace. Performance remains excellent for daily use and games, and battery life is slightly better than the iPhone 13.

    The 12 MP main camera got a larger sensor with faster aperture, improving low-light photos, and the front camera gained autofocus. Action mode made handheld video remarkably stable. Charging is around 20W with MagSafe up to 15W. With the iPhone 13 cheaper and nearly identical, most reviewers advised buyers to choose the older model or step up to the 14 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3279 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight172 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Improved low-light main camera
    • Action mode stabilisation
    • Crash Detection
    • Easier back-glass repair

    What could be better

    • Same chip as the iPhone 13
    • Still 60Hz
    • Little reason to upgrade from iPhone 13

    Who should buy it

    First-time iPhone buyers who want a new, long-supported model with safety features.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

    Apple launched the third-generation iPhone SE in India in March 2022 at Rs 43,900 for 64 GB. It reused the iPhone 8 design, complete with thick bezels, a Home button with Touch ID and a 4.7-inch screen, but inside it carried the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13 and added 5G support for the first time on an SE.

    The 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD at 750 x 1334 looks dated next to OLED Android phones at this price, such as the OnePlus 10R or Galaxy A73. The upside is a tiny, 144 g phone that is easy to use with one hand. Performance is excellent, far beyond any Android phone in its price band, and iOS updates were expected to continue for many years.

    There is a single 12 MP rear camera, which benefits from the A15's image processing and handles daylight well, but it lacks Night mode and an ultrawide lens. The small battery is the major weakness and heavy users will struggle to reach the evening. It has IP67 water resistance and wireless charging, making it a practical choice for those who want Touch ID and a compact phone.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,900 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display4.7-inch, Retina HD LCD, 60Hz, 750 x 1334
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide
    Front camera7 MP
    Battery2018 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 15.4
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight144 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Flagship A15 performance
    • Very compact and light
    • Touch ID Home button
    • Long iOS support

    What could be better

    • Dated design with thick bezels
    • Weak battery life
    • No Night mode or ultrawide
    • 64 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    People who want the cheapest new iPhone with Touch ID in a small, familiar body.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 13

    Apple launched the iPhone 13 in India in September 2021 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, doubling the base storage of the iPhone 12. It kept the flat-edged aluminium design but trimmed the notch by about 20 percent and moved the cameras into a diagonal layout. Over the following years, price cuts and festive sales made it one of the best-selling iPhones in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and colour accurate, though it is limited to 60Hz while Android rivals at this price had 120Hz. The A15 Bionic chip was the fastest phone chip of its time and kept the phone feeling quick long after launch. At 173 g it is comfortable, and IP68 water resistance plus Ceramic Shield glass make it durable.

    Both 12 MP cameras improved, with the wide camera gaining sensor-shift stabilisation and Cinematic mode adding rack-focus video. Battery life was a big step over the iPhone 12, comfortably lasting a day. Charging is slow at around 20W with an adapter bought separately. Against the Galaxy S21 FE and OnePlus 9, it won on video, longevity and resale value.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2021
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3227 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight173 g
    ColoursPink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • A15 Bionic remains fast for years
    • Excellent video recording
    • Much improved battery life
    • Long iOS support and resale value

    What could be better

    • 60Hz display
    • Slow charging, no charger in box
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable, long-supported iPhone, especially at discounted prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2021). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

    The Galaxy A56 5G launched in India in March 2025 at Rs 41,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It is the most premium A-series model of its year, with the new Exynos 1580, an aluminium frame and a much slimmer profile than the A55. Samsung also extended six years of OS and security updates and brought several Galaxy AI tools to it.

    The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED runs at 120Hz with strong brightness, and the phone is noticeably thinner and lighter at 198 g. A new pill-shaped camera island matches the A36. Exynos 1580 is a clear step up over the 1480 in CPU and graphics, comfortable for gaming at medium-high settings, though rivals like the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and OnePlus Nord 5 competed hard on price.

    Charging jumps to 45W, which is the most practical upgrade for daily use. Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, a new 12 MP ultrawide and a 5 MP macro, with a 12 MP selfie camera that supports 10-bit HDR video. Like the A36 it drops the microSD slot. IP67 and Samsung's after-sales network remain strong selling points.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 41,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1580
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight198 g

    What we like

    • 45W charging
    • Slimmer, lighter premium build
    • Six years of updates
    • Faster Exynos 1580

    What could be better

    • No microSD slot
    • Pricey against rivals
    • Macro camera is filler

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Samsung's best mid-range phone with long support and faster charging.

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

  • 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 A36 5G

    Samsung launched the Galaxy A36 5G in India in March 2025 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. It moved from Exynos to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and brought Samsung's longer support policy of six OS upgrades and six years of security patches to the A3x series for the first time, along with some Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search.

    The design is slimmer and lighter at 195 g, with a 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED screen and a new pill-shaped camera island. Glass on both sides and IP67 protection give it a solid feel. Performance is a modest improvement over the A35, adequate for daily use but well behind gaming-focused rivals like the iQOO Z10 and Poco X7 Pro in the same bracket.

    Samsung finally raised charging to 45W, a welcome change that cuts refill times considerably. The 5000 mAh battery delivers dependable all-day use. Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, with a 12 MP selfie camera. The microSD slot was removed, so choosing the right storage at purchase matters more than before.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2025
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight195 g

    What we like

    • 45W charging finally arrives
    • Six years of updates
    • Lighter and slimmer than the A35
    • IP67 protection

    What could be better

    • Performance trails gaming-focused rivals
    • No microSD slot
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a long-supported, water-resistant Samsung mid-ranger with faster charging.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

    The Galaxy A35 5G launched in India in March 2024 at Rs 30,999 for 8 GB/128 GB. Samsung gave it the Exynos 1380 from the previous year's A54, along with a glass back and the Key Island frame design. It effectively offered last year's A54 internals in a fresher body at a lower price.

    The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel now has a punch-hole cutout instead of a notch, with 120Hz refresh and good brightness. Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back give it a premium feel, though the frame is plastic and the phone is fairly heavy at 209 g. Exynos 1380 is smooth for daily tasks and moderate gaming, but rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a) and Poco X6 Pro were faster.

    Cameras are a 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro, producing reliable, slightly bright results. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well, while 25W charging remains sluggish. IP67, stereo speakers, Samsung Knox security and four years of OS upgrades round out a package aimed at buyers who value build and support over benchmarks.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 30,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340
    ProcessorExynos 1380
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging25W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight209 g
    ColoursAwesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Navy

    What we like

    • Glass back and IP67 rating
    • Good 120Hz AMOLED
    • OIS main camera
    • Long update promise

    What could be better

    • Heavy for a mid-ranger
    • Slower than similarly priced rivals
    • 25W charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a well-built, water-resistant Samsung with a reliable camera at around Rs 30,000.

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Edge in India in May 2025 at Rs 1,09,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. It is a design-first phone: a titanium frame just 5.8 mm thick and a weight of 163 g, despite carrying a 6.7-inch QHD+ display. It sits between the S25+ and S25 Ultra in price, which made its value case harder than its looks.

    Picking it up is the selling point. It feels lighter than the smaller S25 in some hands and slips into pockets that the Ultra strains. The screen is a sharp 1440 x 3120 panel with a 120Hz adaptive rate, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers the same speed as the other S25 models, although sustained gaming makes the thin body warm.

    To get so slim Samsung cut the telephoto, leaving a 200 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide. The 200 MP sensor's crop handles 2x well, but it cannot match the zoom of the cheaper S25. The 3900 mAh battery and 25W charging are the clear compromises, and heavy users will need a top-up by evening. Its closest rival in concept was the later iPhone Air, not the regular flagships.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2025
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3900 mAh
    Charging25W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, One UI 7
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight163 g
    ColoursTitanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Icyblue

    What we like

    • Remarkably thin and light
    • Large sharp QHD+ display
    • Flagship performance
    • IP68 despite the slim build

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Small battery for a 6.7-inch phone
    • Priced above the S25+
    • Gets warm under sustained load

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious buyers who value a light, slim phone over battery life and zoom.

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