Best Phones Under ₹15,000 [DECEMBER 2023]

1) Motorola G54 5G

On September 6, 2023, Motorola introduced the G54 5G mobile phone. Equipped with a 6.50-inch touchscreen display boasting a 120 Hz refresh rate, the phone offers a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels (FHD+) and an aspect ratio of 20:9. Running on the Android 13 operating system, the Motorola G54 5G is fueled by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor. It comes with two RAM options: 8GB or 12GB. The device features a non-removable 6000mAh battery for sustained usage. In terms of imaging capabilities, the rear of the Motorola G54 5G hosts a dual camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel camera. For selfies, it incorporates a single front camera with a 16-megapixel sensor. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB of inbuilt storage. The phone supports dual SIM cards and is available in Midnight Blue, Mint Green, and Pear Blue colors. Notably, it possesses an IP52 rating for dust and water protection. Connectivity options encompass Wi-Fi, GPS, and USB Type-C, with active 4G support on both SIM cards. The starting price for the Motorola G54 5G in India is Rs. 14,999.

2) Realme Narzo 60 5G

The Realme Narzo 60 5G smartphone made its debut on July 6, 2023. Boasting a 6.43-inch touchscreen display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, the phone delivers a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels (FHD+). Powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor, it is equipped with 8GB of RAM. Operating on Android 13 and fueled by a 5000mAh non-removable battery, the Realme Narzo 60 5G supports 33W Fast Charging. In the camera department, the rear of the Realme Narzo 60 5G features a dual-camera setup comprising a 64-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel camera. For selfies, it houses a single front camera with a 16-megapixel sensor. Running on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13, the phone offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Measuring 160 x 73 x 8mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 182.00 grams, the Realme Narzo 60 5G is available in Cosmic Black and Mars Orange colors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, and USB Type-C. The phone incorporates various sensors such as an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The starting price for the Realme Narzo 60 5G in India is Rs. 15,999.

3) Redmi 12 5G

The Redmi 12 5G mobile phone was unveiled on August 1, 2023. Featuring a 6.79-inch touchscreen display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2460x1080 pixels (FHD+), the display incorporates Gorilla Glass for added protection. Powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, the device is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM. Running on Android 13 and equipped with a 5000mAh non-removable battery, the Redmi 12 5G supports proprietary fast charging. In the camera department, the rear of the Redmi 12 5G boasts a dual-camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel camera. For selfies, there is a single front camera featuring an 8-megapixel sensor. Operating on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, the phone offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB, expandable up to 1000GB via a dedicated microSD card slot. It is a dual-SIM mobile device. Measuring 168.60 x 76.28 x 8.17mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 199.00 grams, the Redmi 12 5G is available in Jade Black, Moonstone Silver, and Pastel Blue colors. It boasts an IP53 rating for dust and water protection. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS, Bluetooth v5.00, NFC, and USB Type-C, with active 4G support on both SIM cards. The phone incorporates various sensors, including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, proximity sensor, and fingerprint sensor. The starting price for the Redmi 12 5G in India is Rs. 11,999.

4) Samsung Galaxy M14 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G smartphone made its debut on March 8, 2023. Featuring a 6.60-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2408x1080 pixels (FHD+), the phone is equipped with an octa-core processor. It offers two RAM options: 4GB or 6GB. Running on Android 13 and powered by a 6000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G ensures lasting performance. In the camera department, the rear of the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G boasts a triple camera setup, including a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel camera, and another 2-megapixel camera. For selfies, it features a single front camera with a 13-megapixel sensor. Operating on OneUI based on Android 13, the phone provides 128GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded via a microSD card with a dedicated slot. It is a dual-SIM mobile device. Measuring 166.80 x 77.20 x 9.40mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 206.00 grams, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is available in Dark Blue, Blue, and Silver colors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v5.20, and USB Type-C. The starting price for the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G in India is Rs. 11,990.

5) Vivo T2x 5G

The Vivo T2x 5G mobile phone was unveiled on April 11, 2023. Sporting a 6.58-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1080x2408 pixels (FHD+), the device is powered by an octa-core processor and is available in configurations of 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM. Operating on Android 13 and featuring a robust 5000mAh battery, the Vivo T2x 5G supports proprietary fast charging for efficient power replenishment. In terms of imaging capabilities, the rear of the Vivo T2x 5G hosts a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel (f/1.8) primary camera and a 2-megapixel camera with autofocus. For selfies, it incorporates a single front camera with an 8-megapixel sensor. Running on OriginOS 13 based on Android 13, the phone provides 128GB of inbuilt storage, expandable up to 1000GB via a dedicated microSD card slot. It is a dual-SIM (GSM and GSM) mobile that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM cards. Measuring 164.05 x 75.60 x 8.15mm (height x width x thickness) and weighing 184.00 grams, the Vivo T2x 5G is available in Aurora Gold, Glimmer Black, and Marine Blue colors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C, 3G, 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India), and 5G. The phone is equipped with various sensors, including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and fingerprint sensor. The starting price for the Vivo T2x 5G in India is Rs. 11,999.

WhatsApp to soon let you search users by their username

As depicted in the screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, the upcoming update will introduce a search bar, enabling users to search for others by their username. This enhancement aims to streamline the connection process and enhance privacy by eliminating the necessity to share personal phone numbers. According to the report, configuring a username is entirely optional, and users will retain control over this feature, with the ability to remove their current username at any time. This update provides users with the opportunity to connect without revealing their phone numbers, offering particular benefits for those seeking a level of anonymity or control over their personal information. The feature is currently in development and is expected to be included in a forthcoming app update.

WhatsApp to allow sharing status updates on Instagram

Meta is reportedly working on supporting the sharing of WhatsApp stories to Instagram, as discovered by WABetaInfo. Testers using the latest beta version of the Android app found an option to link their Instagram account with WhatsApp under Settings → Privacy → Status → Share my status updates. This link enables mirroring WhatsApp status updates directly to Instagram as ephemeral Stories. While still in development, this feature could set WhatsApp apart from its messaging app competitors and streamline the process of reposting updates across platforms. However, if you maintain clear distinctions between content shared on WhatsApp and Instagram, this integration may be less useful. Although specific details are not yet available, it seems that WhatsApp and Instagram will maintain independent controls to limit audiences for status updates and stories. Another consideration is that Instagram's story creation tools are more advanced, featuring dynamic stickers for weather, time, and location, not yet available on WhatsApp. The hope is that future WhatsApp updates will bridge this gap. The development progress of this feature will be closely monitored.

BGMI 2.9 Update adds Ranveer Singh as a playable character

The latest update for Battlegrounds Mobile India, version 2.9, has just been released, bringing with it some exciting additions, especially for Bollywood enthusiasts. Notably, the renowned actor Ranveer Singh is making an appearance in the game as part of this update. Players can anticipate fresh voice lines, dance moves, and enticing rewards associated with the actor's persona. Additionally, the game is revamping its map, introducing the 'Royale Pass Ace,' and has established a partnership with the automaker Pagani. Following the installation of the BGMI 2.9 update, players can enjoy having Ranveer Singh as a playable character. Two new player model skins, namely 'RS Dark Stealth' and 'RS Swaggy Baba,' will be available, offering players an experience reminiscent of the Bollywood superstar. The voice lines in the game will be inspired by Ranveer Singh himself, complemented by new emotes reflecting the actor's famous dance moves. It promises to be an entertaining experience, allowing players to embody the charismatic actor within the Battlegrounds Mobile India environment, complete with his distinctive fashion sense showcased in the player skins. Additionally, a special Ranveer Singh crate will be introduced, providing the chance to obtain the RS Swaggy Buggy (in-game vehicle), RS Fury M249 (in-game gun skin), RS Pan-cho (in-game melee skin), and other rewards, including emotes and a unique voice pack. Players can open this crate by spending 60 UC (in-game currency), and as a promotional offer, the first crate of the day can be opened for just 30 UC. Lastly, the update brings Ranveer Singh Discovery & Play and Win Events, allowing players to progress through these events and earn exciting in-game items by playing the BGMI 2.9 update. RS tokens collected in the game can also be exchanged for various items. The RS event is scheduled to run from December 1 to January 25, providing players with ample time to participate.

Google Gemini launch date rumour

During the Google I/O 2023 event, Google unveiled its upcoming AI model named 'Gemini'. Originally slated for launch next week, recent reports suggest that Google may postpone the release to January 2024. Sources cited by The Information indicate that Gemini encountered challenges in handling non-English queries, prompting Google CEO Sundar Pichai to delay the launch. The report emphasizes the importance of language support for Gemini to compete with or surpass OpenAI’s GPT-4, noting that Google has made strides in meeting this standard in certain aspects. Pichai had previously mentioned the company's focus on delivering Gemini 1.0 promptly while finalizing the comprehensive version of the next-generation AI model. When introduced at Google I/O in May, Google positioned Gemini as its most potent model, building upon PaLM 2 and developed by the Brain Team and DeepMind. Described as 'multimodal,' Gemini is expected to handle diverse content types, including images and text, while incorporating memory and planning capabilities. The AI model may integrate various AI models, with Google planning to utilize it internally across its products and make it available to developers and cloud customers in various sizes and capabilities. Pichai emphasized that Gemini would be 'highly efficient with tools and API integrations.' The forthcoming AI model is anticipated to power Google’s existing AI-driven products such as Search, Google Assistant, and the popular chatbot Bard.

Windows 12 launch date leak

Laptop manufacturers may be in for an early Christmas present, as a recent leak suggests that Windows 12 could make its debut as early as June 2024. This news bodes well for the PC and laptop market, which experienced a slump post the Covid-19 pandemic. The surge in PC and laptop purchases during the work-from-home transition gradually waned, resulting in decreased sales. However, the introduction of a new operating system could potentially revive these sales. According to the report, the June 2024 launch date for Windows 12 was discussed at the Taiwan Medical Technology Exhibition in Taipei. Quanta Computer Chairman Barry Lam reportedly mentioned, 'next summer, when Microsoft launches a new generation of Windows operating systems, AI PCs will also be launched one after another.' While the origin of the June 2024 date is not entirely clear in the report, and Microsoft has not officially disclosed its Windows 12 plans, there is optimism within the PC industry that this aligns with Microsoft's strategy. Past rumors have also hinted at a 2024 launch date. A robust operating system with innovative features, if executed effectively, has the potential to encourage users to upgrade their hardware. The success of Microsoft in achieving this goal remains uncertain.

Best Phones Under ₹20,000 [DECEMBER 2023]

1) Moto G84 5G

The Motorola Moto G84 5G was introduced on September 1, 2023, featuring a 6.55-inch touchscreen display with a high 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels (FHD+). Powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, the phone is equipped with 12GB of RAM. Running on Android 13 and fueled by a non-removable 5000mAh battery, the Motorola Moto G84 5G supports proprietary fast charging. In the camera department, it boasts a dual setup on the rear, comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. For selfies, there's a single front camera with a 16-megapixel sensor. The device operates on Android 13 and offers 256GB of inbuilt storage. With dimensions of 160.00 x 74.40 x 7.60mm (height x width x thickness) and a weight of 168.30 grams, it is available in Marshmellow Blue, Midnight Blue, and Viva Magenta colors. The Motorola Moto G84 5G comes with an IP54 rating for dust and water protection. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v5.10, and USB Type-C. The phone incorporates various sensors such as an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. In India, the starting price for the Motorola Moto G84 5G is Rs. 18,999.

2) OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has been officially introduced in India, starting at a base price of Rs. 19,999. Positioned as the most economical phone in the Nord series available in India, it boasts a larger 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is flat and incorporates a 16-megapixel front camera housed within the hole-punch cutout at the top. On the rear, the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G features a noteworthy 108-megapixel main camera. Its triple rear camera arrangement also includes two 2-megapixel sensors specifically designed for macro photography and depth mapping. Powering the device is a substantial 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging right out of the box. Internally, the phone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC. It comes with 8GB of RAM as the standard configuration and offers storage options of either 128GB or 256GB. The Nord CE 3 Lite 5G includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, complemented by AI face recognition for enhanced security. Running on OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13, the phone comes with the assurance of receiving two major Android updates and three years of security support.

3) Realme 11 5G

The Realme 11 5G was officially launched on July 31, 2023. Featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate, the phone boasts a 6.72-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels (FHD+). Powering the Realme 11 5G is an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. Running on Android 13, the device is fueled by a 5000mAh non-removable battery. In terms of photography, the Realme 11 5G sports a dual camera setup on the rear, including a 108-megapixel (f/1.75) primary camera and a 2-megapixel (f/2.4) camera. For selfies, there is a single front camera with a 16-megapixel sensor and an f/2.45 aperture. The phone runs on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13 and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB, expandable via a microSD card with a dedicated slot. The Realme 11 5G supports dual Nano-SIM cards and has dimensions of 165.70 x 76.00 x 8.05mm, weighing 190.00 grams. It is available in Dawn Gold and Moon Night Dark colors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v5.20, NFC, USB Type-C, 3G, 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India), and 5G. The phone is equipped with various sensors, including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass/magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The starting price of the Realme 11 5G in India is Rs. 16,999.

4) Vivo T2 5G

The Vivo T2 5G was unveiled on April 11, 2023, presenting a feature-rich mobile experience. The device boasts a 90Hz refresh rate on its 6.38-inch touchscreen display, delivering a crisp resolution of 1080x2400 pixels. Powering the phone is an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, coupled with options of 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Running on Android 13, the Vivo T2 5G is equipped with a robust 4500mAh battery, supporting proprietary fast charging for quick and convenient power replenishment. The camera setup includes a dual configuration on the rear, featuring a 64-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel camera with autofocus. For selfies, the front camera boasts a 16-megapixel sensor. The device operates on Funtouch OS 13, based on Android 13, and offers ample storage with 128GB of inbuilt storage, expandable up to 1000GB via a microSD card. The Vivo T2 5G is a dual-SIM (Nano-SIM) mobile, with a sleek design measuring 158.91 x 73.53 x 7.80mm and weighing 172.00 grams. It comes in attractive Nitro Blaze and Velocity Wave colors. Connectivity options on the Vivo T2 5G encompass Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C, 3G, 4G (with Band 40 support for some LTE networks in India), and 5G. The phone is equipped with sensors like an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, and a fingerprint sensor for added security. The Vivo T2 5G is competitively priced, starting at Rs. 16,999 in India.

5) Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

Launched on July 7, 2023, the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G is a versatile mobile device offering an enhanced user experience. The phone features a 120Hz refresh rate on its 6.50-inch touchscreen display, providing a vibrant resolution of 1080x2340 pixels (FHD+). Equipped with an octa-core processor, the Galaxy M34 5G is available with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Running on Android 13, the device is powered by a robust 6000mAh non-removable battery, supporting proprietary fast charging for efficient power replenishment. The camera setup on the rear comprises a triple configuration, highlighted by a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel camera. For selfies, the front camera features a 13-megapixel sensor. Operating on OneUI 5, based on Android 13, the Galaxy M34 5G provides ample storage with its 128GB of inbuilt storage. The phone is offered in striking Midnight Blue, Prism Silver, and Waterfall Blue colors. Connectivity options include GPS with active 4G support on both SIM cards. The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G is competitively priced, starting at Rs. 19,999 in India.

Nothing Phone 2a leaks

The recent appearance of the Nothing Phone 2a on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification website has sparked anticipation for an upcoming budget-friendly addition to the Phone (2) series. Identified with the model number A142, this sighting underscores Nothing's commitment to providing a diverse range of options within its smartphone lineup, catering to various consumer preferences and budgets.

Expected Specifications and Features:

Initial reports suggest that despite its affordable positioning in the market, the Nothing Phone 2a is poised to deliver impressive features. The phone is expected to feature a sizable 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and responsive display performance. Photography enthusiasts can anticipate a 50MP dual camera setup, accompanied by a high-resolution 16MP selfie camera, promising captivating photography experiences. Additionally, a robust 4920mAh battery is projected to power the device, offering prolonged usage without frequent recharging. On the software front, the Nothing Phone 2a is anticipated to run on Nothing OS 2.5, providing users with a seamless and tailored interface, coupled with the flexibility of Android 14 straight out of the box. While details about the internal hardware are still pending, there is speculation that the Phone 2a may incorporate a different chipset compared to its predecessor, the Phone (2). This potential upgrade adds an intriguing element for tech-savvy consumers seeking enhanced performance and efficiency in a budget-friendly smartphone. While further details are awaited, the projected specifications suggest a promising addition to the thriving smartphone market.