OnePlus has announced an update for its foldable strategy for 2025 where the company has cancelled the OnePlus Open 2 for this year. OnePlus says it has “carefully considered the timing” and has “made the decision not to release a foldable this year.” Here are all the details on the development.
Posted by Vale G., product manager of OnePlus Open, on OnePlus Community, the post reads, “At OnePlus, our core strength and passion lie in setting new benchmarks and challenging the status quo across all product categories. With that in mind, we’ve carefully considered the timing and our next steps in foldable devices, and we have made the decision not to release a foldable this year.”
The company acknowledges that it’s an unconventional move considering foldables are a growing category in general and the original OnePlue Open was a successful product for the brand which came back in 2023. “While this may come as a surprise, we believe this is the right approach for us at this time. As OPPO takes the lead in the foldable segment with the Find N5, we’re committed to developing products that will redefine multiple categories and bring you experiences that are as innovative and exciting as ever, all while aligning closely with our Never Settle mantra.”
OnePlus is letting Oppo take the lead this year with the Find N5 which is launching globally on February 20. The Find N3 and the OnePlus Open were essentially the same product and consumers were expecting a similar launch strategy this year from the sister brands.
Some might say that this is a missed opportunity on OnePlus’ part but according to OnePlus, “this is not a step back, it’s a recalibration.” Furthermore, it is unclear whether the Find N5 would remain limited to the global and Chinese markets or whether it will arrive in India as well. One could consider Oppo will launch the device here in country as it also brought back its Find X series to the market but nothing has been officially confirmed as of now.
Finally, OnePlus assured existing OnePlus Open users that they’ll “continue to receive regular software updates, security patches, and the exceptional after-sales service you’ve come to expect from us.”
An Apple event on February 19 has been announced and CEO Tim Cook has teased the device coming on that date to be the “newest member of the family.” All the rumours so far point towards a new iPhone launch, and it could be none other than the latest iPhone SE. Here is what you can expect from the event.
The new Apple event on February 19 was announced by Cook through an X post which read, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch.” The newest member of the family is likely hinting towards the new iPhone that will be the latest addition to the iPhone family of products. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 has been leaked multiple times in the past and here’s what to expect from it.
Apple iPhone SE 4: What to Expect?
The iPhone SE 4 is finally expected to boast of a new hardware including an iPhone 14-like design where it won’t have a dynamic island but a notch on the front which will house the Face ID tech. With this addition, Apple will have finally phased out Touch ID and the home button from its iPhone lineup. The device may be powered by the latest A18 chip along with support for Apple Intelligence. There could also be an action button on the left spine of the device.
Furthermore, it will be Apple’s first device with an in-house cellular modem, replacing a component from Qualcomm. It is possible that Apple will integrate the same in its iPhone 17 series as well. Finally, for optics, the new affordable iPhone is said to get a single 48MP rear camera and a 12MP front camera from the iPhone 15. However, there won’t be any ultra-wide angle camera on the back.
Back in July, it was leaked that the iPhone SE 4 could use OLED displays manufactured by LG Display. The new report mentions that China’s BOE is will still be the primary display supplier for the next iPhone SE while LG Display will be the secondary supplier.
Further, all these upgrades will come at a cost as per leaks. Media reports suggest that the iPhone SE 4 might be priced around $500 (approx Rs 43,400) in the US, a noticeable increase from the $429 starting price of the iPhone SE 3.
JioStar, the recently formed JV with the merger of Viacom18 and Star India, announced the launch of JioHotstar, bringing together JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar – two of India’s leading platforms for premium sports, entertainment and lots more. “This coming together of brands, expansive content, high-quality features, and a large audience and subscriber base marks a globally unprecedented milestone in the streaming industry,” said the company.
JioHotstar provides compelling subscription plans tailored to diverse audience needs, starting at Rs. 149/quarter. Existing JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers will be able to seamlessly transition and set up their JioHotstar subscriptions. The platform offers extensive and diverse content slate curated for 1.4 billion Indians across 10 languages.
JioHotstar is the home of premier tournaments like ICC events, IPL, and WPL, while also spotlighting grassroots cricket with the Indian Street Premier League and pathway events from BCCI, ICC, and state associations. Beyond cricket, it brings global sporting events to the platform with the Premier League and Wimbledon while powering domestic leagues like Pro Kabaddi and ISL. It also brings access to Jio’s own shows like Laughter Chefs, Bigg Boss, and more.
As for features, you get access to ultra-HD 4K streaming, AI-powered insights, real-time stats overlays, multi-angle viewing and range of ‘culture’ and ‘special interest’ feeds.
Explaining the new brand identity, the company said, “the ‘Big Bang’ symbolizes the dawn of a new era, while the ‘Ripples’ radiate outward, representing energy, transformation, and innovation.”
The new JioHotstar plans remain similar to Hotstar’s previous plans. JioCinema’s own subscription plans have now been scrapped along with the JioCinema App itself which now redirects the user to the new service. JioHotstar is offering three tiers including Mobile, Super, and Premium. They cost as follows:
JioHotstarMobile Plan
The Mobile plan costs Rs 149 for 3 months or Rs 499 for a year. With this plan, you can access the platform only on one mobile device, at 720p quality, stereo audio, along with ads as well.
JioHotstarSuper Plan
The Super plan costs Rs 299 for 3 months or Rs 899 for a year. With the Super plan, you can access the platform on two devices including TV, laptop, and mobile, at 1080p quality, and Dolby Atmos audio. However, this is an ad-supported plan.
JioHotstarPremium Plan
The premium plan costs Rs 499 for 3 months or Rs 1,499 for a year. It allows you to access the platform only any four devices with 4K streaming quality, no ads (except in live content), and Dolby Atmos audio quality.
Tata Motors has announced plans to expand the number of available charging points in India to 400,000 by 2027. This initiative is part of their flagship program, Open Collaboration 2.0. To achieve this ambitious goal, Tata Motors will launch the TATA.ev Mega Charger network, which is a co-branded network of charging points developed in collaboration with reputable Charging Point Operators (CPOs).
What is Tata Motors’ Open Collaboration initiative?
Building on its success of exceeding 200,000 electric vehicle (EV) sales, TATA.ev has strengthened its commitment to making EVs more accessible and convenient. The company plans to more than double the number of available charging points to 400,000 by 2027. In 2023, TATA.ev launched its ‘Open Collaboration’ framework, forming strategic partnerships with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
This collaboration aimed to expand the charging infrastructure in key locations, especially along highways, to facilitate seamless long-distance travel. Consequently, the number of public charging points in India has more than doubled in just 15 months, exceeding 18,000 chargers. TATA.ev’s cumulative impact includes the installation of over 150,000 private/home chargers, 2,500 community chargers, and 750 chargers at TATA dealerships across more than 200 cities.
Through its initiative ‘Open Collaboration 2.0’, Tata Motors plans to increase the number of charging points in India to 400,000 by 2027. To achieve this goal, TATA.ev is enhancing its partnerships with key Charging Point Operators (CPOs) to install 30,000 new public charging stations. These charging stations will be compatible with all electric vehicle (EV) makes and brands, ensuring widespread accessibility and convenience. This initiative aims to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem for all EV users, charge point operators, and infrastructure planners.
As a flagship initiative of Open Collaboration 2.0, TATA.ev will partner with leading Charging Point Operators (CPOs) to establish a TATA.ev Mega Charger network that will provide superfast charging and reliability. TATA.ev has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Tata Power, ChargeZone, Statiq, and Zeon to operationalize 500 TATA.ev Mega Chargers within the next two years, as part of the first phase. These chargers will be installed in key cities and along major highways.
“This expansive, seamless network of public, community, and private/home chargers will meet the rising demand for emission-free mobility, accelerate EV adoption and fast-track India’s shift towards a green, sustainable future,” said the company.
Telegram, the instant Messaging platform with close to one billion monthly active users, has launched a major update introducing AI-powered sticker search in Telegram App alongside other enhanced video features, new customization options, and improved engagement tools for content creators.
AI-Powered Search for Millions of Stickers
Telegram now enables users to search from millions of custom stickers and emojis uploaded by the community. This advanced search capability supports 29 languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic and Hindi. Users can simply enter descriptive keywords such as “thinking monkey” or “space dog,” and the AI will instantly display relevant sticker suggestions.
Copy Video Link at Current Time
Telegram has enahnced its video-sharing functionality by allowing users to copy and share video links with timestamps. Users can now direct viewers to specific moments in a video by selecting the ‘share’ option within the video player, which will automatically provide an option to include the current time in the link. This feature enhances the sharing of key highlights, funny moments and important segments within Telegram and across other platforms.
Video Covers in Channels
Channel owners can now select a cover photo for videos they post, similar to Telegram Stories. Users can choose a specific frame as the video cover and further customize it with text, stickers and emojis using Telegram’s built-in video editor. This feature enhances video presentation, making content more engaging and visually appealing.
Telegram now saves users’ progress while watching videos, allowing them to resume exactly where they left off. This feature is particularly beneficial for long-form content, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. Additionally, all videos on Telegram support picture-in-picture playback, enabling users to continue watching while navigating through chats.
React with Stars as a Channel
Telegram expands its Star reaction functionality, allowing users to react to posts in channels using their channel’s identity. This update enhances privacy and offers content creators greater visibility on the leaderboard. The Star reaction continues to support anonymous mode, giving users the flexibility to engage with content discreetly.
Similar Bots
Users can now explore similar bots directly from bot profiles, making it easier to discover useful services, utilities and games. This feature is designed to enhance user engagement and provide more options for interacting with the Telegram ecosystem.
Asus has announced its latest lineup of AI-powered laptops in India. The lineup features the Vivobook 14 Flip with a 360-degree hinge, the ASUS Gaming V16 for gaming, the Vivobook S14, Vivobook 16, Vivobook 14, and Zenbook 14 with onboard AI-enhanced performance, and the refreshed Zenbook DUO which boasts AI-infused performance on its dual OLED touchscreens. The new ASUS laptops integrate advanced cooling solutions, up to Wi-Fi 7, and versatile I/O ports.
Brand Store: ASUS Exclusive Stores, Multi brand retail outlets
Gaming V16 (V3607)
Online: ASUS Exclusive stores, e-shop, Flipkart and Amazon
₹ 84,990
Vivobook 16 (X1607CA)
Online: ASUS e-shop, Amazon
₹ 75,990
Brand Store: Croma, Vijay Sales and Reliance,
Zenbook 14 (UX3405CA)
Online: ASUS e-shop, Flipkart and Amazon
₹ 1,12,990
Brand Store: ASUS Exclusive Stores, Croma and Vijay Sales , Multi brand retail outlets
Vivobook 14 (X1407CA)
Online: ASUS e-shop, Flipkart
₹ 75,990
Vivobook S14 (S5406SA)
Online: ASUS e-shop, Flipkart, Amazon
₹ 99,990
Brand Store: Reliance
Zenbook Duo (UX8406CA)
Online: ASUS e-shop, Flipkart and Amazon
₹ 2,39,990
Asus 2025 AI Laptops: Features, Specifications
Vivobook 14 Flip
The ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip features a sturdy aluminium body in Matte Gray. Its 360° hinge allows versatility between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes. The 14-inch Lumina OLED touchscreen aims to deliver bright colours, deep blacks, and sharp details for a better viewing experience. It is 16:10 FHD+ (1920x 1200) OLED touchscreen with up to 500-nit brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, certified DisplayHDR 500 True Black, and TÜV Rheinland.
The laptop is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM (8533 MHz) and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (expandable up to 1 TB). There’s support for Wi-Fi 7 also.
This laptop includes Windows Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that helps with tasks like file searching and system control. Windows Studio Effects v2 improves video calls with features like Eye Contact Enhanced and Portrait Light. The ASUS StoryCube app organizes photos and videos using AI, while the ASUS Pen 2.0 supports precise writing and drawing with different tip options. The Dolby Atmos 360° adaptive audio system enhances sound quality for movies, music, and calls. The ErgoSense keyboard and touchpad provide a smooth typing and navigation experience.
With a 70Wh battery, the Vivobook 14 Flip offers up to 28 hours of usage. It also supports USB-C Easy Charge, allowing charging with standard USB-C chargers, power banks, and airline adapters. It comes with multiple ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and a microSD reader. The laptop is military-grade durable and features ASUS OLED Care, which helps prevent screen burn-in.
ASUS Gaming V16
The Asus Gaming V16 is a 16-inch portable rig built for light gaming and creative domination. Cloaked in a Matte Black finish with a Turbo Blue keyboard backlight, transparent WASD and arrow keys, and a razor-sharp design, this machine weighs just 1.95 kg and has a US MIL-STD 810H certification.
Powered by up to an Intel Core 7-240H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, the ASUS Gaming V16 further supports up to 32GB DDR5 RAM (5600MHz) and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage for seamless multitasking. ASUS IceCool thermal technology ensures optimal cooling with dual heat pipes and a 79-blade fan, maintaining 70W total wattage in Performance Mode.
Other highlights include a 1080p FHD camera with a privacy shutter, Dirac-tuned speakers with AI noise cancellation, and ASUS Smart Gestures on a large 150x99mm touchpad. It comes with USB-C Power Delivery, HDMI 2.1, and ASUS-exclusive Wi-Fi Master technology. For wireless connectivity, it gets Bluetooth v5.3 and Wi-Fi 6.
The Asus Vivobook 16 (2025) laptop features a 16-inch WUXGA display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and ultra-slim bezels. The TÜV Rheinland certification ensures reduced blue light emissions while the 180-degree hinge adds flexibility, allowing users to adjust the screen for different viewing angles. Despite its large screen, the laptop remains thin at 1.79 cm and durable with US MIL-STD 810H military certification.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 – 225H Processor (Series 2) with 14 cores, 16 threads, and up to 4.9 GHz, the Vivobook 16 delivers smooth and efficient performance. The 16GB DDR5 RAM ensures seamless multitasking with an expandable SO-DIMM memory slot. It gets a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, while Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.2 ensures strong wireless connectivity. The FHD IR camera with Windows Hello support and magnetic privacy shutter enhance security.
The backlit ErgoSense keyboard and a large Smart Gesture touchpad improve typing comfort and navigation. There are also stereo speakers featuring ASUS Audio Booster and Dirac Sound technology.
Zenbook 14
The ASUS Zenbook 14 (UX3405C) weighs in at 1.28 kg and 14.9 mm thin. It features an aluminium alloy chassis with a 180° ErgoLift hinge for better typing comfort and airflow. The 14-inch 3K OLED NanoEdge display comes with 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. With Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 ports, connectivity is seamless, allowing users to transfer data at high speeds and connect to external displays.
It is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9-285H processor with Intel Arc Graphics and AI Boost NPU, coupled with up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM (7467 MHz) and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The 75Wh battery provides over 18 hours of usage, with USB-C fast charging for convenience. Additional features include an FHD IR AI Camera with Windows Hello, AI noise cancellation for calls, and a backlit ErgoSense keyboard with NumberPad 2.0. With Dolby Atmos speakers, ASUS OLED Care for screen longevity, and military-grade durability, the Zenbook 14 is built to handle demanding workloads.
Vivobook 14
The ASUS Vivobook 14 (X1407CA) weighs 1.46 kg with a 1.79 cm slim profile. It also has US MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability to withstand accidental drops and extreme conditions. The 14-inch WUXGA display offers a 16:10 aspect ratio and ultra-slim bezels offers an immersive viewing experience, while TÜV Rheinland certification ensures reduced blue light emissions for comfortable long-hour usage. The 180-degree hinge adds flexibility for work.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 – 225H processor (Series 2) with 14 cores, 16 threads, and up to 4.9 GHz boost clock, the Vivobook 14 further packs 16GB DDR5 RAM and an expandable SO-DIMM memory slot which offers future upgrade options. The 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD provides fast storage, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 enable seamless connectivity.
The laptop also includes an FHD IR camera with Windows Hello support and a privacy shutter for security. Other highlights include a backlit ErgoSense keyboard, a massive touchpad with Smart Gesture support, and stereo speakers with Dirac Sound technology and a dedicated Copilot key for AI assistance.
Vivobook S14
The ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED (S5406S) gets an aluminium alloy chassis that gives it a sleek, modern look, while the 180° hinge provides flexibility for different work setups. The 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display delivers 600 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, and VESA DisplayHDR 600 True Black certification.
It is backed by the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor with Intel Arc Graphics, AI Boost NPU (47 TOPS), and 16GB LPDDR5X RAM (8533 MHz) for seamless multitasking and AI-powered efficiency. Storage is handled by a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, while Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 provide wireless connectivity. Security is enhanced with an FHD IR camera with Windows Hello, a privacy shutter, and the Microsoft Pluton chip for data protection.
Then there’s a customizable RGB backlit ErgoSense keyboard and large Smart Gesture touchpad. Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos speakers deliver enhanced audio, while AI-powered noise cancellation improves call clarity. It packs a 75Wh battery supporting USB-C Easy Charge.
Zenbook DUO
The ASUS Zenbook Duo (UX8406C) is the world’s first 14-inch dual-screen AI-powered dual-screen laptop. It features two 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreens with a 120Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, and 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy. The detachable full-size ErgoSense keyboard comes with a Copilot key, and also allows users to switch between Laptop, Dual-Screen, and Desktop modes for different tasks. ASUS Pen 2.0 support further enhances creativity and note-taking.
It is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9-285H processor with Intel AI Boost NPU, coupled with up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM (7467 MHz) and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Then, it gets a 75Wh battery provides for long hours of usage, while the Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 ensures fast connectivity. The FHD IR ASUS AI Camera ensures AI-enhanced video effects, while Dolby Atmos stereo speakers offer immersive audio.
Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, and USB 3.2 provide extensive connectivity options. With its military-grade durability and innovative dual-screen experience, the Zenbook Duo is perfect for professionals, creators, and multitaskers.
Choosing a business structure for a business you are considering starting is one of the most important initial steps. The chosen business structure becomes the base for all the future activities of the company. However, once you have chosen a specific business structure, you need to register your company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Since every business is required to register to create a legal identity, it is important to know the registration process. However, the company registration process differs based on the type of business and share capital. This article will help you navigate the legalities of company registration in India.
What is the process of registering a company in India
Registering a company is mandatory and provides numerous benefits, such as the right to take a loan from a bank or NBFC using their online marketplace or platforms. Here are the steps you should follow to register a company in India:
Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate
The company registration process in India has become online and requires a digital signature. To obtain a DSC, you must obtain one from recognised issuing authorities. DSC is compulsory for all the subscribers and shareholders in the Articles of Association (AOA) and Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Apply for Director Identification Number
The next step is to apply for the Director Identification Number (DIN). DIN is the identification number for a director and is needed to identify a director of the company legally. One DIN is sufficient to be a director in any number of companies in India. You have two options for obtaining a DIN: file DIR-3 or fill out the SPICe+ form.
Name approval
A company’s registration process is done by filling out the SPICe+ form. You need to visit the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) web portal and fill out the SPICe+ Part A. In the form, you need to apply to reserve the company name by proposing two names. Afterwards, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) will analyse the application and will reserve the company name.
Filling SPICe+ form
Effective 23 February 2020, all companies must register using the online SPICe+ form. The form must be filled out to register the company, issue DIN, TAN, and PAN applications, and register ESIC and EPFO. You must enter details such as the registered office address, director names, share capital, business activities, etc. You will need to pay the fee shown to register a company.
Certificate of Incorporation
Once you have submitted the SPICe+ form with all the personal and company-related information, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation (ROC). The ROC will issue the certificate if the form is complete and the information you entered is accurate. You will also receive the Corporate Identity Number (CIN) along with the certificate.
PAN and TAN
The SPICe+ form also includes the company’s applications for PAN and TAN. While filling out the SPICe+ form, these two applications are automatically submitted. Once completed, you will receive an email from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs containing the company’s Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and TAN.
Some factors to remember while registering your company
Here are more factors to consider while registering a company in India:
Once the company is registered, you must open a bank account in its name.
You must issue share certificates to all the company’s directors and shareholders within two months of incorporation.
Within 30 days of incorporation, you need to appoint an auditor for the company.
You must register for GST if the company turnover exceeds the specified limit.
Conclusion
The process of registering a company in India involves numerous factors and legalities. However, introducing the SPICe+ system has streamlined the process, making it relatively easy. All you need to do is fill out the SPICe+ form and submit the relevant documents. Within 7-10 days, your company will be registered, and you can start carrying out business activities.
Noise has announced the launch of Noise Master Buds TWS earbuds in India which come with support for LHDC audio codec, Spatial Audio, titanium drivers, and much more. They also feature support for Active Noise Cancellation and come with three sizes of soft silicone ear tips included in the box.
Noise Master Buds: Price, Availability
The Noise Master Buds will be available in three colors – Onyx, Titanium, and Silver with sales starting February 26, 2025 across gonoise.com, Amazon, Reliance Digital, Croma and Vijay Sales at a launch price of Rs 7,999. The pre-order for the buds is now live Noise’s website.
Noise Master Buds: Features
With Sound by Bose technology, the Master Buds have been expertly tuned to provide rich, powerful audio across all frequencies, ensuring crystal-clear sound, says Noise. They are claimed to deliver the “perfect balance of bass, mid-range, and treble, providing a high-quality audio experience where vocals and instruments are delivered with remarkable precision.”
The Master Buds provide noise cancellation that offers adaptive sound isolation up to 49dB. Advanced engineering ensures consistent noise cancellation across a range of frequencies. Crafted with soft-touch materials, the earbuds offer a snug, gentle fit that minimizes pressure on the ears, ensuring no discomfort even during extended use.
With three sizes of soft silicone ear tips – Small, Medium, and Large – they adapt to all ear shapes, delivering a customized experience. The earbuds are ideal for all-day wear whether one is at the gym, in the office, or relaxing at home. The compact charging case easily slips into pockets or bags, ensuring convenience for users on the go.
They further pack 12.4mm drivers made from materials like PEEK and Titanium, and further have support for LHDC audio codec. Smart functionalities like seamless Dual-Device connectivity and Google Fast Pairing ensures quick and hassle-free pairing with Android devices. The Spatial Audio Support enhances the listening experience with a more lifelike and dynamic soundstage, ideal for music, movies, or gaming.
The Master Buds feature InstaCharge technology, offering up to 6 hours of playtime on a single 10-minute charge. Moreover, the earbuds extend a total of 44 hours playtime with the charging case.
Equipped with the Bluetooth v5.3, the buds ensure superior connectivity, faster transmission, and improved range. The IPX5-rating sweat and water resistance make them ideal for workouts and outdoor adventures, while the Low Latency Mode enhances gaming with precise audio. Additional features include Type-C charging and firmware updates managed through the Noise app.
HMD Aura 2 has been announced by the smartphone maker in select international markets such as Australia. The device succeeds the HMD Aura that was launched in May of last year. While the Aura 2 may not be the biggest upgrade in terms of specifications over its predecessor, it does get a refreshed design.
HMD Aura 2: Price, Availability
The HMD Aura 2 comes in three colour options including Midnight Black, Icy Blue, and Electric Purple. It is priced at AUD 169 (approx Rs 9,225) and will go on sale from March 13.
HMD Aura 2: Specifications
The Aura 2 sports a 6.52-inch display with an HD+ resolution of 1280 x 576 pixels. There’s a V-notch housing the front-facing 5MP selfie camera. This, in fact, is a downgraded display over the original HMD Aura which had a bigger panel and a higher resolution. The handset is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, paired with 4GB RAM and 256GB storage that’s expandable via a microSD card of up to 128GB.
At the rear, the handset has a 13MP main sensor on the back. Connectivity options on the handset include 4G, Hybrid Dual SIM (nano-SIM + nano-SIM/micro-SD), GPS, USB-C, 3.5 mm audio, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n), and Bluetooth v5.2. In addition, it gets a 5000mAh battery with standard 10W charging. It runs on Android 14 (Go Edition) out of the box and will receive two years of security patches. The device is also IP54 rated and features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
HMD also launched the HMD Key earlier in January which also runs on the same software as HMD Aura 2 but sports a smaller 4000mAh battery. Furthermore, the device lacks a fingerprint scanner but supports Face Unlock.
The race to create India’s cheapest 5G smartphone is in full swing, aiming to make the latest cellular technology accessible to the masses. But is simply offering the cheapest 5G phone enough to attract consumers, even if it means cutting corners on other key aspects? The short answer is no. Brands like Redmi and Samsung understand this, focusing instead on delivering value-for-money 5G devices that not only keep costs low but also excel in overall performance, ensuring users get the best bang for their buck.
Redmi has two devices one can opt for if one is looking for a budget 5G device, and those are the Redmi A4 5G and the Redmi 14C 5G. On the other hand, the Galaxy F06 5G is Samsung’s contender for 5G phones in the sub-Rs 10,000 price range. Here’s a comparison between the three devices to help you pick one.
Pricing Details: Doesn’t show the bigger picture
The Redmi A4 5G smartphone is priced at Rs 8,499 for the 4GB + 64GB variant and Rs 9,499 for 4GB + 128GB.
The Redmi 14C 5G is priced at Rs 9,999 for the 4GB + 64GB version, while the 6GB + 64GB version costs Rs 10,999 and the 6GB + 128GB model costs Rs 11,999.
The Galaxy F06 5G is priced at Rs 9,999 for the variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage and Rs 11,499 for the 6GB + 128GB model.
While the Redmi A4 5G might appeal to you the most due to its cheaper price tag, it doesn’t show the full picture as price is not the only factor to consider here. Read further to know more.
5G Support: It isn’t as Simple as You Think
All three devices support 5G, but it’s not a black-and-white picture as expected. That’s because the Redmi A4 5G doesn’t support Airtel’s 5G services. That is because the phone only supports standalone (SA) 5G, while Airtel’s network in India uses non-standalone (NSA) 5G. Airtel has announced in the past that it will launch its SA services at some point in future, but the exact timeline remains unconfirmed.
On the other hand, both the Redmi 14C 5G and the Galaxy F06 5G have support for 12 5G bands, not only making them future-proof but also making them compatible with both NSA and SA 5G services.
One should know that the Redmi A4 5G may be the cheapest out of the trio, but it comes with its own limitations that could hamper your experience.
Display: Pick your preference
Both the Redmi devices get a 6.88-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ resolution of 1640 x 720 pixels, 260 ppi, up to 120Hz refresh rate, up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, 600 nits peak brightness, and DC dimming support.
As for Samsung’s Galaxy F06 5G, it has a 6.7-inch LCD panel with an Infinity-U notch, 800 nits brightness, 90Hz refresh rate, and an HD+ resolution.
While Redmi’s panels are smoother at 120Hz, Samsung’s panel is brighter which means it will provide you with better outdoor readability. Now, it depends on the consumer whether they want to opt for a brighter or smoother panel. The differences between both aspects would be quite visible in real-world use, so choose wisely. If we talk of our experience, we prefer Samsung’s panel based on our usage as they have better viewing angles and colour reproduction.
Software & Performance: Power Vs Longevity
The Redmi A4 5G uses the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, which is the slowest out of the trio, while the Redmi 14C 5G is equipped with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. The Galaxy F06 5G has the Dimensity 6300 chipset, which is better than the 4s Gen 2 but is slightly below the 4 Gen 2 in terms of benchmarks.
While the Redmi 14C 5G is slightly more powerful than the Galaxy F06 5G, the performance gap between the devices is minimal, making software optimization a more crucial factor than raw specifications in determining the user experience. Furthermore, Samsung’s device offers double the storage as Redmi 14C 5G at the same starting price point, which is something one might prefer.
Samsung’s device also runs on One UI 7.0 based on Android 15 out of the box and is all set to get 4 years of OS updates and security patches. The 14C 5G will get two major updates till Android 16 and 3 years of security patches. The Redmi A4 5G will also get two major OS updates and 4 years of patches.
While software is a subjective choice, Samsung’s phone gets you the latest Android version and offers more OS updates, taking home the clear win in this department. This also shows that making the cheapest 5G smartphone doesn’t mean you have to compromise in software, as Samsung’s Galaxy F06 5G comes with the same software as its flagship S25 series out of the box, with obvious differences in terms of features between the two.
Cameras and Battery: Minimal Differences
There is a 5160mAh battery with 18W Fast charging support on the Redmi 14C 5G and the A4 5G. On the rear, the phones sport a dual camera setup, comprising a 50MP primary lens with an f/1.8 Aperture and an AI secondary lens. For selfies, a 5MP f/2.2 front-facing camera is included on the A4 5G while the 14C 5G has an 8MP sensor.
The Galaxy F06 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging. For optics, it has a 50-megapixel main camera with an f/1.8 Aperture and a 2-megapixel f/2.4 depth sensor. There’s an 8-megapixel f/2.0 front-facing shooter.
The differences in terms of optics are minimal, and so are in the battery department. While the Redmi devices have a slightly bigger battery, the Galaxy F06 5G charges at faster speeds. We’ll give this a tie as we feel the real-world tests would speak better as to which device is the better one. A concern for Samsung buyers would be the lack of a charger within the box, while Redmi’s handsets come with it.
Some additional differences would include an IP54 rating for the Redmi 14C 5G while Samsung’s Galaxy F06 5G has none. Fortunately, all of them come with a 3.5mm Audio Jack and support microSD card storage expansion.
Verdict
If you want to buy the cheapest 5G smartphone from one of these brands, you’ll have to consider some key factors that could make or break your experience. The Redmi A4 5G shouldn’t even be on your list, considering paying only a thousand bucks more would get you a better handset.
As for the comparison between Redmi 14C 5G and the Galaxy F06 5G, the former does provide you with good value, but in our opinion, Samsung’s 5G device is far more reliable in most areas, especially in the software department. It also offers more value in some cases compared to both of Redmi’s devices, hence why we think it’s the device to go for in the sub-Rs 10,000 price segment.
