Tag: Xiaomi

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G

    The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G launched in India in January 2023 at Rs 24,999 for 6 GB plus 128 GB. It was the middle model in a three-phone Note 12 lineup, below the 200 MP Note 12 Pro+, and it marked a shift for the Note series toward higher prices as Xiaomi chased the more premium end of mid-range.

    The 6.67-inch OLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and slim bezels. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 provides steady everyday performance, though it was only a small step over the Dimensity 920 in the Note 11 Pro+. Xiaomi kept practical extras, including a headphone jack, an IR blaster and IP53 splash resistance.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera with OIS is the highlight, producing consistent results with good low-light performance, paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 67W and lasts a full day. Its main drawback was software, as MIUI carried ads and preinstalled apps that Nothing and Motorola rivals avoided.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight187 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Glacier Blue, Stardust Purple

    What we like

    • Sony IMX766 camera with OIS
    • Vibrant 120Hz OLED with Dolby Vision
    • Fast 67W charging
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is a small upgrade
    • MIUI ads and bloatware
    • Launched on an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable camera and fast charging in a mid-range phone with a headphone jack.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi A3

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi A3 in India in February 2024 as an ultra-affordable phone for first-time smartphone users and secondary-device buyers. Starting at Rs 7,299, it looks surprisingly upmarket thanks to a glass-finish back and a large circular camera ring, and it runs the lighter Android 14 Go edition rather than full HyperOS.

    The 6.71-inch HD+ LCD refreshes at 90 Hz. MediaTek's Helio G36 is a basic chip, so expect it to manage calls, messaging, UPI payments and video, while heavier apps and games will feel slow. The 8 MP rear camera is suitable for documents and casual snaps rather than detailed photos. Battery life is a strength, with the 5,000 mAh cell lasting long, though 10 W charging is very slow.

    Its competition included the Samsung Galaxy A05, the Realme Narzo N53, the Itel A70 and the Poco C51. The Galaxy A05 had a better camera, and Itel undercut it on price. The Redmi A3 balances a clean Go experience with a decent screen and battery for the money. Those who need more speed should look at the Redmi 13C instead.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,299 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.71-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1650
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G36
    RAM3 GB / 4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras8 MP main + auxiliary lens
    Front camera5 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging10W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14 (Go edition)
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMidnight Black, Lake Blue, Olive Green

    What we like

    • Very low price
    • Premium-looking design
    • 90 Hz screen
    • Lightweight Android Go software

    What could be better

    • Weak Helio G36 performance
    • Basic 8 MP camera
    • Very slow 10 W charging
    • 4G only

    Who should buy it

    First-time smartphone users or anyone needing a cheap secondary phone for calls, messaging and payments.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G

    Launched in January 2025, the Redmi 14C 5G brought Xiaomi's cheapest 5G phone under Rs 10,000. It replaces the 13C 5G with a bigger 6.88-inch screen, a circular camera module that echoes Xiaomi's pricier phones, and HyperOS out of the box. The pitch is simple: a big screen and 5G for the price of a basic 4G handset.

    The HD+ LCD runs at 120 Hz, an unusual feature at this price, so scrolling feels fluid even if sharpness is limited. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a capable entry chip with good 5G band support, handling daily apps and casual games. The 50 MP main camera produces decent daylight images. The 5,160 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day and more, recharged at 18 W.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy M06 and A06, the Poco M7, the Realme Narzo N65 and the Lava Blaze-series. Samsung offered longer update promises, and the Poco M7 shared much of the same hardware. The Redmi 14C 5G is a sensible pick for those who want 5G and a big screen for streaming without stretching their budget.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 9,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.88-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1640
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + secondary lens
    Battery5160 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursStarlight Blue, Stardust Purple, Stargaze Black

    What we like

    • 5G under Rs 10,000
    • Large 120 Hz screen
    • Good battery life
    • Expandable storage

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution only
    • 18 W charging
    • Base model has just 64 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want 5G and a large screen for streaming at the lowest possible price.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 13C

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi 13C in India in December 2023 alongside a separate 5G model, and the 4G version is the one aimed at buyers for whom price matters more than network generation. Starting at Rs 7,999, it offers a large screen, ample storage and a design borrowed from pricier Redmis, with a flat frame and a vertical camera strip.

    The 6.74-inch HD+ LCD runs at 90 Hz, which keeps scrolling smooth even if text is not especially crisp. MediaTek's Helio G85 is an older chip that handles calls, WhatsApp, YouTube and basic games, but multitasking can stutter. The 50 MP main camera gives acceptable daylight photos. A 5,000 mAh battery lasts long, though charging at 18 W takes well over two hours.

    Competition included the Samsung Galaxy A05, the Realme C53, the Tecno Spark 20 and the Poco C65, which is essentially the same phone sold under Xiaomi's sub-brand. The Galaxy A05 promised longer software support, while the Redmi 13C offered more storage per rupee. For a basic 4G handset, it covers the essentials well.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.74-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro + auxiliary lens
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursStarshine Green, Stardust Black, Starfrost White

    What we like

    • Very affordable
    • Generous 128 GB base storage
    • Smooth 90 Hz screen
    • Long battery life

    What could be better

    • 4G only
    • HD+ resolution
    • Ageing Helio G85 chip
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who need a basic, reliable 4G smartphone for calls, messaging and video on the smallest budget.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 13 5G

    Xiaomi's July 2024 follow-up to the Redmi 12 5G kept the same broad recipe, a large screen, glass back and affordable 5G, while upgrading the parts buyers notice most. Starting at Rs 13,999, it was positioned as a step above the cheapest 5G phones without reaching into Note-series pricing. Its glass back carries over from the Redmi 12 5G.

    The 6.79-inch LCD now refreshes at 120 Hz, making scrolling noticeably smoother. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE is a slightly tuned version of the previous chip, adequate for everyday use and light gaming. A 108 MP main camera replaces the 50 MP unit and captures more detail in good light. The 5,030 mAh battery charges at 33 W, a welcome jump from 18 W, and Gorilla Glass protects both sides.

    Its rivals included the Samsung Galaxy M15, the Realme Narzo 70x, the Moto G64 and the Lava Blaze X. The Moto G64 offered a larger battery and cleaner software, and the Galaxy M15 promised longer updates. The Redmi 13 5G stands out for its build quality, a design that looks more expensive than it is.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 13,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5030 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursHawaiian Blue, Black Diamond, Orchid Pink

    What we like

    • Premium glass build for the price
    • 120 Hz display
    • 33 W charging, faster than its predecessor
    • 108 MP main camera

    What could be better

    • LCD rather than AMOLED
    • Only light gaming is comfortable
    • Macro camera adds little

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a 5G phone that looks and feels more premium than its price suggests.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi 12 5G in August 2023 as an affordable route into 5G, starting at Rs 11,999 for 4 GB and 128 GB. It was one of the first phones globally to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, and its glass back gave it a more premium look than most phones under Rs 12,000.

    The 6.79-inch LCD runs at 90 Hz with full HD+ resolution, large and sharp enough for video, though it lacks the contrast of AMOLED. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 handles everyday apps smoothly and supports UFS 2.2 storage, but gaming is limited to lighter titles. The 50 MP main camera is serviceable in daylight; the 2 MP depth sensor adds little. A 5,000 mAh battery delivers long runtime, while 18 W charging is slow.

    It competed with the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, the Realme Narzo 60x and the Lava Blaze 5G. The Galaxy M14 offered a bigger 6,000 mAh battery, but the Redmi 12 5G felt nicer in hand and had a faster chip. The Poco M6 Pro 5G, launched alongside, offered essentially the same hardware at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 11,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight199 g
    ColoursJade Black, Moonstone Silver, Pastel Blue

    What we like

    • Affordable 5G with a modern Snapdragon chip
    • Large 90 Hz full HD+ display
    • Premium-looking glass back
    • Expandable storage and headphone jack

    What could be better

    • Slow 18 W charging
    • LCD lacks AMOLED contrast
    • Secondary camera is filler

    Who should buy it

    First-time 5G buyers on a tight budget who want a big screen and dependable battery life.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G

    Launched in December 2024, the Note 14 Pro+ 5G finally gave the Redmi Note line a proper telephoto camera. Priced from Rs 29,999, it sits at the top of the range and carries Xiaomi's Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, an IP68 rating with additional IP66 and IP69 claims, and a large silicon-carbon battery.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a modest upgrade over the previous Dimensity 7200 Ultra, comfortable for everyday use and most games. The curved 1.5K AMOLED panel is bright and accurate. The camera set includes a 50 MP Light Fusion 800 main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP 2.5x telephoto that makes portraits and mid-range zoom far more useful than on earlier Notes. The 6,200 mAh battery is a standout, and 90 W charging keeps top-ups short.

    It went up against the Realme 14 Pro+, which offered a 3x periscope, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 4. The Nord 4 had a faster chip and metal body, while the Realme matched the zoom. The Note 14 Pro+ is the most balanced of the group, with battery life as its trump card.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2.5x telephoto
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6200 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitan Black, Spectre Blue, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Useful 2.5x telephoto camera
    • Large 6,200 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 plus IP69 claims
    • Bright curved 1.5K screen

    What could be better

    • Chip is only a small step up
    • Ultrawide remains basic
    • Pricier than earlier Pro+ models in higher variants

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a telephoto camera and multi-day battery life without paying flagship prices.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G

    The Note 14 Pro 5G launched in India in December 2024 at Rs 23,999. Xiaomi moved the curved display and IP68 protection, previously reserved for the Pro+, down into the Pro model, and gave it a squarer camera surround that makes it look distinct from the Note 13 Pro. It also ships with HyperOS rather than MIUI.

    Its Dimensity 7300 Ultra is efficient and fast enough for most users, handling multitasking and popular games at medium-to-high settings. The 6.67-inch curved 1.5K AMOLED screen is bright and smooth. Xiaomi dropped the 200 MP sensor in favour of a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, a trade that improves consistency more than outright detail. The 5,500 mAh battery lasts well past a day on 45 W charging.

    In this segment it faced the Realme 14 Pro, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, the Poco X7 and the OnePlus Nord CE4. The Edge 50 Fusion offered a similarly premium curved design, and the Nord CE4 faster charging. The Note 14 Pro's advantage is the combination of a tough IP68 build and long battery life at a fair price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    ColoursTitan Black, Phantom Purple, Ivy Green

    What we like

    • IP68 durability at a mid-range price
    • Curved 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Long battery life
    • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Ultra

    What could be better

    • 45 W charging is slow for a 5,500 mAh battery
    • No telephoto lens
    • Less main-camera detail than the old 200 MP sensor

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a tough, premium-looking mid-ranger with excellent battery life.

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

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G

    Xiaomi launched the Note 14 5G in December 2024, earlier than the usual January slot, at Rs 17,999 for the 6 GB and 128 GB model. It follows the formula of its predecessor: a flat 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a slim body with a headphone jack, and HyperOS replacing MIUI out of the box. Dust and water protection improves to IP64.

    The Dimensity 7025 Ultra is a mild upgrade over the Note 13's Dimensity 6080 and copes with daily use and moderate gaming. Xiaomi swapped the 108 MP sensor for a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 with OIS, which produces more natural colours and better low-light shots. The battery grows to 5,110 mAh and charging speed rises to 45 W, a meaningful improvement for heavy users.

    Rivals around its price included the Samsung Galaxy M35, the Realme 14x, the Poco X6 Neo and the Moto G85. The Moto G85 offered a curved pOLED and cleaner Android, while the Galaxy M35 had longer update support. The Note 14 5G wins with its stabilised main camera and good all-round balance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5110 mAh
    Charging45W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursTitan Black, Mystique White, Phantom Purple

    What we like

    • Stabilised 50 MP Sony main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED
    • 45 W charging and larger battery
    • Headphone jack kept

    What could be better

    • Modest gaming performance
    • Ultrawide and macro add little
    • Preinstalled apps on HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a dependable everyday phone with a steadier camera than most rivals at the price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 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.