With countless smartphones available today, choosing the right one can be challenging, particularly if you favor Android over iOS. But don’t worry – Malworm has done the research for you, so get ready for the Showdown.
1. Nothing Phone 2A
Pros:
- Unique, transparent design with Glyph interface
- Bright 6.7″ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Capable cameras that perform well across lighting conditions
- Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset
- Clean, bloatware-free Nothing OS 2.0 software
- Impressive battery life
- Priced competitively under Rs 25,000
Cons:
- Transparent back attracts smudges and scratches easily
- No wireless charging support
- 45W charger requires separate purchase
- Cameras not as versatile as some competitors
- Call audio quality issues reported by some users
- Limited to 3 years of OS upgrades and security updates
The Nothing Phone (2a) is a budget smartphone that offers impressive features and performance for its 25,000 price point. Here are the key highlights:
The Phone (2a) has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,300 nits, providing a vibrant and responsive viewing experience. Its 5,000mAh battery consistently lasts a full day, even during heavy usage.
Performance is a strong suit, with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset delivering smooth multitasking and gaming experiences, on par with last year’s flagship Samsung Galaxy A54 5G. The software is also well-optimized, with Nothing’s unique Android 14 interface offering a clean and visually appealing user experience.
One of the Phone (2a)’s distinctive features is the Glyph interface – a set of LED lights on the back that can be used for notifications, timers, and other visual effects. While a “gimmick” for some, it adds a fun and distinctive touch to the device.
The cameras, while not the best in class, are capable of capturing good-quality photos with vibrant colors in various lighting conditions. Battery life is also excellent, with the 5,000mAh cell providing enough power for a significant portion of a second day’s use.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers an impressive blend of design, performance, and features for its 25000 price, making it a compelling option in the budget smartphone market.
2. Samsung S21 FE 5G
Pros:
- Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Stylish and comfortable design with IP68 water/dust resistance
- Capable main and selfie cameras that perform well in daylight
- Clean and feature-rich OneUI 4 software
- Flagship-grade Snapdragon 888 5G performance
Cons:
- Not the fastest phone on the market, slightly behind the standard S21
- Slow wired and wireless charging speeds
- No headphone jack
- Battery life can be mediocre with 120Hz mode enabled
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a fantastic value flagship that delivers a premium experience at a more affordable price point. While it may not have the absolute latest and greatest features, it checks all the key boxes that most consumers are looking for.
The display is a real highlight, with a vibrant 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel running at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.The visuals are crisp and colors are accurate, making it great for media consumption and gaming. The in-display fingerprint sensor is also fast and reliable.
Performance is top-notch, thanks to the flagship-level Snapdragon 888 chipset.The phone feels snappy and fluid in daily use, easily handling demanding tasks and the latest games. Battery life is solid as well, with the 4,500mAh cell lasting a full day and a half for most users.
The camera system is another strong suit. The main 12MP shooter takes excellent photos in both daytime and low-light conditions.The ultrawide and 3x telephoto lenses also perform admirably. Video recording capabilities are impressive, with smooth stabilization up to 4K 60fps.
While the design is a bit plain compared to Samsung’s latest flagships, the S21 FE still feels well-built and premium in the hand.It also retains useful features like IP68 water resistance and wireless charging.
At around $700, the Galaxy S21 FE represents great value for money. It may not have the absolute latest bells and whistles, but it delivers a flagship-caliber experience that will satisfy most users.The only real downside is the potential for it to feel a bit dated once the Galaxy S22 series launches in the near future.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful, well-rounded Android smartphone without breaking the bank. Its combination of performance, camera quality, and battery life make it a top contender in the mid-to-high-end segment.
3. Redmi Note 13 Pro
Pros
- Attractive and modern design with curved glass back and metal frame
- Excellent 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision/HDR10+ support
- Smooth performance from MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra processor, 12GB RAM, and 512GB storage
- Impressive battery life with 5,100mAh capacity and 120W fast charging
- Useful features like IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass Victus, and NFC
- 200MP main camera with decent daylight photography
Cons
- Inconsistent camera performance, especially in low light
- MIUI software has excessive bloatware and needs improvement
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Relatively high price compared to competitors
The Redmi Note 13 Pro is a solid midrange smartphone that offers a compelling package of features and performance. Here’s a concise review:
The Redmi Note 13 Pro boasts a sleek and durable design with a glass-like finish and IP54 water/dust resistance. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED display is a standout, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth 120Hz refresh rates. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ further enhance the viewing experience.
Under the hood, the phone packs a capable MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra chipset, ample 12GB of RAM, and generous storage options up to 512GB. Performance is smooth and responsive for daily tasks and light gaming.[3][
The camera system is a mixed bag – the 200MP main camera captures detailed daylight shots, but struggles with exposure and color accuracy at times. The ultrawide and macro lenses are underwhelming. However, the 16MP selfie camera is decent.
Battery life is impressive, with the 5,100mAh cell easily lasting a full day of use. The included 67W fast charger provides a quick top-up.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro runs Android 13 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 skin, which some may find bloated and cluttered. However, it offers a good set of features and is promised to receive the Android 14 update.
Overall, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is a well-rounded midrange option that delivers on design, display, performance, and battery life. While the camera could be better, it remains a compelling choice in the competitive sub-Rs 30,000 segment.
4. Moto Edge 50 Fusion
Pros
- Stylish vegan leather back with integrated camera module for a premium look and feel
- 6.67-inch 144Hz P-OLED display with 10-bit color depth and up to 1600 nits brightness for vibrant visuals
- Android 14 with Hello UI, promising up to 3 years of major updates and 4 years of security updates
- Gorilla Glass 5 protection and IP68 rating
- Dolby Atmos tuned audio and stereo speakers
- Lightweight design at just 177.8g
Cons
- No wireless charging support
- No microSD card slot for storage expansion
- Ultra-wide camera lacks consistency and low-light performance could be better
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a compelling package for its price.
The phone’s standout feature is its premium design, with a sleek and lightweight body featuring a vegan leather back that gives it a premium look and feel. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance, which is uncommon in this price range.The 6.7-inch 144Hz pOLED display is vibrant and smooth, providing an excellent viewing experience.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset delivers decent everyday performance, though it may struggle a bit with intensive tasks compared to more powerful processors. The 5,000mAh battery provides good battery life, and the 68W fast charging is a welcome addition.
The camera setup is respectable, with a 50MP main camera that takes good photos in well-lit conditions, though low-light performance is average.The 13MP ultrawide and 32MP selfie cameras also perform adequately.
On the software front, the phone runs a clean, bloat-free version of Android 14 with Motorola’s “Hello UI”, and the company promises 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security updates, which is commendable.[4]
Overall, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a well-rounded mid-range device that offers a premium design, good display, decent performance, and capable cameras, making it a solid choice in the sub-Rs 25,000 segment. While it may not excel in any one area, it delivers a balanced experience that should satisfy most users.
5. Nothing Phone 1
Pros
- Stylish, unique design with transparent back and Glyph interface
- Clean, bloat-free software with 3 years of OS upgrades
- Capable primary camera
- Decent performance for the price
- Supports wireless charging
Cons
- Display brightness can be low, especially outdoors
- Doesn’t ship with a charger
- Slow 33W wired charging
- Facial recognition could use some improvements
- Audio quality is not the best
- No official water/dust resistance rating
The Nothing Phone (1) remains a solid midrange option even three years after its initial release. While it may not have the latest flagship-level specs, it delivers a well-rounded experience that still holds up today.
The phone’s standout feature is its unique, eye-catching design with the transparent back panel and LED “Glyph” interface. This gives the Nothing Phone (1) a distinctive look that helps it stand out in a sea of generic smartphone designs.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 778G+ chipset provides good everyday performance for most tasks and light gaming. While not the fastest processor, it keeps the phone running smoothly in normal use.
The 6.55-inch OLED display offers a sharp 1080p resolution and smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing an enjoyable viewing experience.
Camera performance, which was initially a weakness, has improved over time with software updates. The dual 50MP rear cameras now capture decent photos in good lighting, though they still struggle somewhat in low light conditions.
Battery life is respectable, with the 4,500mAh cell typically lasting a full day of moderate use. The 33W fast charging is also convenient, even if it’s not the fastest on the market.
At the current price of 27,000 INR, the Nothing Phone (1) represents excellent value. It undercuts many newer midrange competitors while offering a unique design, solid performance, and a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with timely software updates.
For those looking for an affordable, distinctive Android phone that covers the basics well, the Nothing Phone (1) is still a great choice in 2024, even as a three-year-old model. Its combination of style, features, and value make it a phone worth considering.
The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences, but these phones offer an excellent balance of performance, features, and value in the sub-30k price range in India.
