Tag: entry-level smartphone

March 28, 2025
Vivo Y39 5G: Affordable Smartphone with Snapdragon 4 & 6500mAh Battery
Key Takeaways
1. The Vivo Y39 5G features a larger 6,500 mAh battery with 44 W wired charging, upgraded from the Y38 5G’s 6,000 mAh battery.
2. It has a 6.68-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1608 x 720 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate, maintaining the same specs as its predecessor.
3. The smartphone includes a dual rear camera setup with a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP front camera for selfies.
4. It runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, with 8 GB of RAM and options for 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, but no expandable storage.
5. Priced at INR 16,999 ($200) for the base model and INR 18,999 ($220) for the higher storage variant, the Y39 5G is available in lotus purple and ocean blue colors.
Vivo has launched its new budget smartphone, the Y39 5G, in India. This device is a direct upgrade from the Y38 5G, keeping most of its features, with some minor updates. Notably, it now includes a bigger 6,500 mAh battery, an increase from the 6,000 mAh found in the Y38 5G, while it still supports 44 W wired charging.
Display and Camera Features
The display specifications remain the same as the previous version. The Y39 5G has a 6.68-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1608 x 720 pixels. It also offers a 120 Hz refresh rate and covers 83% of the NTSC color gamut. For photography, the smartphone features a dual rear camera setup, which includes a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP secondary camera, just to take up space. On the front, there’s an 8 MP camera for selfies.
Performance and Software
There’s no change in the processor either. It still uses the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, along with 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of internal storage, but sadly, there’s no option for storage expansion. Regarding software, it operates on Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15 pre-installed. Like usual, there’s no information about the duration of software support for this smartphone.
Design and Pricing
In terms of size, the 5G smartphone measures 165.7 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3 x 0.32 inches) and weighs about 207 grams (0.45 lbs). Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, dual stereo speakers, IP64 rated protection against water and dust, and the option for up to 8 GB RAM expansion.
The Vivo Y39 5G is offered in lotus purple and ocean blue colors. It has a starting price of INR 16,999 ($200) for the base model with 8 GB + 128 GB, while the 8 GB + 256 GB variant is priced at INR 18,999 ($220). The smartphone is currently available for buying through Amazon and Vivo’s official site.
Source:
Link

Tags: 500 mAh battery, entry-level smartphone, MIUI, Vivo Y39 5G
March 25, 2025
Lava Shark: Rs 6,999 120Hz Display, 50MP Camera, 5,000mAh Battery
Key Takeaways
1. Target Market: Lava India has launched the Shark smartphone series aimed at first-time smartphone users in the under-Rs 9,000 segment.
2. Display and Design: The Lava Shark features a 6.67-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
3. Performance Specs: It is powered by the Unisoc T606 processor, includes 4 GB of RAM (plus 4 GB virtual RAM), and offers 64GB of expandable storage.
4. Camera Features: The smartphone has a 50-megapixel AI rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera, designed for photography enthusiasts.
5. Pricing and Availability: Priced at Rs 6,999, the Lava Shark will be available in Titanium Gold and Stealth Black through offline retail stores in India.
Lava India has launched a new entry-level smartphone series called Shark, aiming to grow its lineup in the under-Rs 9,000 market. The Lava Shark is made for first-time smartphone users, focusing on a good mix of design, performance, and resilience.
Lava Shark Specifications and Features
The Lava Shark features a 6.67-inch HD+ punch-hole display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and a pleasant viewing experience. For security purposes, it has a side-facing fingerprint sensor that responds in just 0.28 seconds. This smartphone is designed to endure everyday use, boasting an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Lava Shark is powered by the Unisoc T606 octa-core processor, paired with 4 GB of RAM and an extra 4GB of virtual RAM to improve multitasking. It offers 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card. The device runs on Android 14, providing a smooth and efficient software experience. The battery capacity is 5,000mAh, with support for 18W fast charging, giving users up to 45 hours of talk time, 376 hours of standby, and 550 minutes of YouTube playback.
Camera and Connectivity
For those into photography, the Lava Shark comes with a 50-megapixel AI rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera, complete with screen flash. In terms of connectivity, it supports Dual 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac.
Pricing and Availability
The Lava Shark is priced at Rs 6,999 and is available in two colors: Titanium Gold and Stealth Black. It will be sold through offline retail stores across India starting this month. Additionally, the company provides a 1-year warranty and offers a free ‘Service at Home’ option for customer convenience.
Tags: Budget smartphone, entry-level smartphone, Lava Shark
January 22, 2025
Infinix Smart 9 HD Live Shot Leaks Before India Launch
Infinix has introduced the Smart 9 HD, a budget-friendly 4G smartphone, in Africa back in December 2024. Now, it seems like the brand is preparing to release the device in India later this month. Before the launch, 91mobiles collaborated with tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore to leak a photo of the Smart 9 HD.
Color Variants and Design
The leaked image shows the Smart 9 HD in Coral Gold and Mint Green colors. Additionally, it is anticipated to come in Neo Titanium and Metallic Black hues. The phone is rumored to feature a multi-layer glass back and a frame that matches its color. It is believed to be one of the most robust phones in its price range.
Pricing and Specifications
The specs of the Infinix Smart 9 HD are already public knowledge since it was launched in Africa with a cost of approximately $90. Although the price for the Indian market hasn’t been disclosed yet, the smartphone is expected to make its debut on January 28.
Key Features
Equipped with a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display, the Infinix Smart 9 HD supports a peak brightness of 500 nits and offers a refresh rate of 60/90Hz, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. It runs on an unconfirmed MediaTek Helio octa-core processor. The device offers 3GB/4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which can be expanded to 6GB/8GB using virtual memory, and carries 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card. The smartphone includes a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support, operating on Android 14 (Go edition).
On the camera side, the Infinix Smart 9 HD has a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.85 aperture and autofocus, featuring dual flash and a 5M LED flash for better lighting. The front camera is an 8-megapixel shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and front flash for selfies. Other notable features include DTS dual speakers, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP54 splash resistance, dual SIM capability, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Tags: Android 14, entry-level smartphone, Infinix Smart 9 HD
January 3, 2025
HMD Key Launches Affordable Smartphone with Unisoc Chipset
HMD (Human Mobile Devices) has introduced its latest budget-friendly smartphone, the HMD Key. While it may not be as remarkable as the recently launched HMD Crest, Crest Max, and HMD Skyline (which is currently priced at $403 on Amazon), the Key aims to cater to those looking for an affordable option. Even though it’s an entry-level device, HMD has packed a decent range of features into the Key.
Performance and Specifications
The HMD Key runs on a Unisoc 9832E processor, coupled with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded to 128 GB using a microSD card. Additionally, it features RAM expansion that provides an extra 2 GB of virtual memory. Out of the box, it operates on Android 14 GO, and HMD assures users that they will receive two years of quarterly security updates. Unfortunately, users should note that it won’t get any significant Android upgrades.
Camera and Battery
In terms of camera capabilities, the device is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera for selfies. The HMD Key is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery that supports 10 W wired charging. It features a 6.52-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 576, a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and a maximum brightness of 460 nits. Other notable features include a single speaker, Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Design and Availability
The smartphone is rated IP52 for splash and dust resistance and is available in two color options: Midnight Black and Icy Blue. Regarding its dimensions, the HMD Key measures 166.4 x 76.9 x 8.95 mm (HWD) or 6.55 x 3.02 x 0.35 inches and has a weight of 185.4 grams (0.40 lbs).
The HMD Key can now be purchased in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand through HMD’s official website, with a price of £59 (~$73/$71) for the 2GB + 32GB variant. Check the official product page for more details.
Source: Link
Tags: Android 14 GO, entry-level smartphone, HMD Key
December 15, 2024
Nokia HMD Arc: Two Years of Security Updates with Android 14
The Nokia HMD Arc is a recent budget smartphone aimed at users who don’t need high-end features. So far, there’s no information on when it will be released or how much it will cost. It is still uncertain if the Arc will be available in Europe, but that is a possibility. Looking at its specifications, the Nokia HMD Arc ranks among the more basic smartphones launched in 2024. The device features a 6.52-inch screen with a resolution of 1,280 x 576 and a typical refresh rate of 60Hz (which means it doesn’t support higher refresh rates). According to the manufacturer, the display can reach a peak brightness of 460 cd/m².
Performance and Specs
Under the hood, the phone runs on an eight-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset. However, the cores utilized are simply Cortex-A55s, organized into two groups with maximum clock speeds of 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz, respectively. This particular SoC has appeared before in the Blackview A52 we reviewed. The device provides a modest amount of RAM and storage, with 4 GB and 64 GB, respectively. Fortunately, users can increase the storage via a microSD card. The camera setup includes a 13MP primary lens and a 5MP secondary camera.
Features and Software
The device includes a built-in fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking. Given its basic specifications, it makes sense that HMD chose to run the Go edition of Android 14 on this device. The company has also committed to offering two years of security updates to keep the device more secure.
Source: Link
Tags: Android 14 Go Edition, entry-level smartphone, Nokia HMD Arc
December 11, 2024
Realme Note 60x Launches: Affordable Smartphone with Unisoc T612
Realme has introduced a new smartphone, the Note 60x, in the Philippines. This latest model is aimed at entry-level users and keeps the same design as the earlier Realme Note 60, which was released about three months ago. It stands out as the most affordable option in the Realme Note 60 lineup.
Specs and Performance
This 4G smartphone comes equipped with a Unisoc T612 processor along with an Arm Mali-G57 GPU. It includes 4 GB of RAM and has 64 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2 TB using a microSD card. The device operates on Android 14 with Realme UI pre-installed. However, the company hasn’t confirmed any software support, leaving users uncertain about future updates.
Display and Design
The Realme Note 60x boasts a 6.74-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. Unfortunately, there are no details available regarding the brightness levels. It does offer an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance and is available in two color options: Wilderness Green and Marble Black. For photography, it features an 8 MP primary camera on the back and a 5 MP camera on the front for selfies and video calls.
Battery Life and Additional Features
With a 5,000 mAh battery, the smartphone supports 10 W wired charging. In terms of size, it measures 167.2 x 76.6 x 7.84 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.30 inches) and weighs 187 grams (0.41 lbs). Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and support for up to 8 GB of RAM expansion.
The Realme Note 60x is available for PHP 4,799, which is approximately $83. You can now buy this smartphone through Realme Philippines’ official website and their TikTok shop profiles.
Source: Link
Tags: Android 14, entry-level smartphone, Realme Note 60x
October 23, 2024
Poco C75 Price at $109, Launch Date and Design Confirmed
Several sources have suggested that Poco is developing a new budget-friendly smartphone known as the Poco C75. The company has now officially acknowledged its upcoming release, which is set for October 25. Furthermore, Poco has shared the introductory pricing for the new device.
Key Specs for Poco C75
The promotional materials reveal that the Poco C75 features a large 6.88-inch display along with a substantial 5,160mAh battery. On the rear, the phone showcases a circular camera module that includes a dual-camera system driven by AI, boasting a 50-megapixel main sensor.
Pricing Details for Poco C75
The Poco C75 will come in two configurations: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. It appears to be equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint reader for security. Additionally, the top edge of the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, as shown in the promotional image. The early bird prices have been set at $109 for the 6GB+128GB model and $129 for the 8GB+256GB model. Consumers can choose from colors like black, silver, and green, all featuring a stylish dual-tone finish.
Additional Features and Specifications
Reports indicate that the Poco C75’s 6.88-inch LCD display will support HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The phone is also said to have a 13-megapixel front-facing camera along with a back camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 0.08MP secondary camera. Powering the device will be the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and it is expected to support 18W charging through a USB-C port. Additionally, it may come with NFC connectivity capabilities.
Tags: 6.88-inch display, entry-level smartphone, POCO C75
September 12, 2024
High-Quality Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Leak Revealed
Samsung is currently developing a range of new entry-level and mid-range devices. Recently, we got our first glimpse of the Galaxy M55s, and shortly after, another Samsung phone appeared in high-quality renderings.
First Look at the Galaxy A16 5G
This time, it’s the budget-friendly Galaxy A16 5G, with renderings brought to us by Android Headlines. In line with Samsung’s recent design trends, the phone showcases vertically aligned triple camera rings on its glossy back.
The device features a flat frame, and the right side includes a raised bar for volume controls and the power/fingerprint sensor, which Samsung refers to as the “Key Island” design. The front display has a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera, and the bezels are quite prominent, especially the bottom chin.
Expected Features and Specs
While the leak doesn’t provide specific details about the phone’s features, it is anticipated to be equipped with a 5000mAh battery. The device has also been spotted on Geekbench with two separate chipsets: the Dimensity 6300 (SM-A166P) and the Exynos 1330 (SM-A166E).
It remains unclear whether Samsung plans to release the phone with different chipsets in various markets, but the benchmarks suggest this possibility.
The Galaxy A16 5G is speculated to come with a 50 MP main camera, a 5 MP secondary camera, and a 2 MP macro camera. For selfies, it will likely have a 13 MP front-facing sensor.
Rumored Variants and Launch
Additionally, a 4G version of the Galaxy A16 has emerged in the UK carrier database, although further details are limited. Nonetheless, it is expected to share design similarities with its 5G counterpart.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is rumored to debut in December, approximately three months from now. By then, more information about its specifications is likely to surface.
Tags: entry-level smartphone, Galaxy A16 5G Launch, Samsung
August 30, 2024
Vivo Y36c with Dimensity 6300 Chip Launches in China
Vivo has introduced the Y36c smartphone in China with a starting price of 899 yuan (approximately $126). The phone is offered in three distinct colors: Moon Shadow Black, Distant Mountain Green, and Diamond Purple.
Design and Build
This entry-level smartphone features a water drop notch at the front for the selfie camera, combined with a noticeably thicker chin compared to the side bezels. Despite its budget positioning, the device sports a contemporary design with a flat middle frame. On the rear, there is a sizable rectangular camera module. The phone measures 8.53mm in thickness and weighs just 185g.
Camera and Display
In terms of photography, the Vivo Y36c is equipped with a 50 MP primary sensor (0.64μm pixel size, f/1.8) on the back, complemented by a 5 MP sensor on the front. The device boasts a 6.56-inch 90Hz LCD screen on the front, achieving a peak brightness of 840 nits under bright lighting conditions. Additionally, it has low blue light eye protection certification.
Performance and Battery
The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, constructed using TSMC’s 6nm process. It features a "2+6" core architecture: 2×2.4GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6×2.0GHz Cortex-A55 cores, paired with an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. In Geekbench tests, this chip scores around 800 in single-core and 2000 in multi-core assessments. The device is fueled by a 5000 mAh battery and has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand light splashes and rain.
Pricing and Availability
The Vivo Y36c is available in four storage and memory configurations: 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB. These variants can be purchased from the company’s website at the following prices:
- 6GB+128GB: 899 yuan (~$126)
- 8GB+128GB: 999 yuan (~$140)
- 8GB+256GB: 1,099 yuan (~$154)
- 12GB+256GB: 1,299 yuan (~$182)
Tags: entry-level smartphone, MediaTek Dimensity 6300, Vivo Y36c
July 29, 2024
Vivo Y18i Launches: Unisoc T612, 5000mAh Battery at Rs 7,999
Vivo has recently introduced the vivo Y18 and Y18e models in India. Now, the company has quietly expanded its lineup with the addition of the vivo Y18i. This entry-level smartphone features an HD+ LCD display and is powered by a Unisoc T612 chipset. It comes with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a substantial 5000mAh battery.
Enhanced RAM and Display Brightness
The device also includes extended RAM, utilizing 4GB of unused ROM space as additional system memory. The display achieves a peak brightness of 528 units.
The vivo Y18i is available in two colors: Gem Green and Space Black. The design features flat sides and rounded corners. On the back, the phone has a dual-camera system (13 MP + 0.08 MP) housed within two circular modules, with the flash positioned outside. The camera system incorporates Vivo’s “Suter Night Algorithms” to enhance photo brightness and vibrancy in low-light conditions. For selfies, there is a 5MP front camera situated in a water drop notch. According to Vivo, the back panel has a nanometer-scale coating that provides a unique texture and a “glass-like transparency.”
Design and Durability
The phone supports dual nano SIMs or one microSD / single SIM (Mexico). It weighs 185g and has a thickness of 8.39mm. In addition to its large battery, the phone is equipped with Vivo’s smart charging engine 2.0, which learns charging habits and optimizes the charging process to reduce battery aging.
The vivo Y18i is also IP54 dust and water-resistant, meaning it can handle splashes and rain, though exposure to water should still be avoided.
Pricing and Availability
The vivo Y18i is priced at Rs 7999 and can be purchased on the company’s website and various e-commerce platforms.
Tags: entry-level smartphone, Unisoc T612, Vivo Y18i