This Google Pixel 10 upgrade has apparently shocked Samsung, report says it is analysing

The upcoming Google Pixel 10 is expected to bring many upgrades. Some will be run-of-the-mill, while others could come as a surprise or even leave some people shocked. That is how tech works. But usually, you go through these emotions after the launch. But it turns out some decisions could trigger a response even before the launch. While not explicitly confirmed in so many words, Google was widely reported to be switching its manufacturing partner from Samsung Foundry to TSMC for the Tensor G5 chip, which is set to power the Pixel 10 phones. Samsung has apparently not taken this decision well.advertisementNow, to be clear, Google has still not confirmed that it is switching partners, but according to a new report coming from Korea, Samsung is shocked about it and has initiated an investigation – intense analysis - into why this might have happened. So, in a way, the report all but confirms what we all knew for a while, but you get the impression that Samsung didn't know of this change for a long time, which seems a bit odd given that it doesn't seem like a last-minute type of decision. Some reports suggest Google has struck a deal with TSMC and all Pixel phones, Pixel 10 onwards to the Pixel 14, will be made by the Taiwanese company, not Samsung Foundry. Maybe Samsung is more interested in this long-term deal rather than specifically what's happening with the Pixel 10. Either way, it's all speculation and open to different interpretations.advertisement'Losing Google is a case that shows the complex problems of Samsung Foundry at once,' an industry source was quoted as saying by The Bell. 'I understand that there are many discussions and concerns going on internally as well.' The outlet goes on to list several reasons why Google chose TSMC over Samsung. Mostly they've got to do with Samsung's alleged inefficiency in cooking up better, faster chips with more advanced processes, something that has been reflected in recent Google Pixels with widely reported issues with heating and less-than-stellar battery life. TSMC chips are generally considered superior. Apple uses them for making its own silicon, so it isn't surprising that Google, too, wants to test these waters and see if it brings any real-world advantages.
The Pixel 10 series will reportedly launch in August with a total of three models in tow: Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. There could be a fourth, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but we'll have to wait and watch out for that. All the models are expected to pack the Tensor G5 chip.

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Mint

an hour ago

• Mint

10 best 240Hz high refresh rate monitors from Lenovo, Acer and more

Any gamer would know the significance of a high refresh rate in games. Those buttery smooth visuals not only please the eyes but are also important to get an edge during online multiplayer FPS games. If you are planning to build a gaming rig for yourself, then today we are listing the best monitors with a 240Hz refresh rate. Product Rating Price Best overall Lenovo Legion-R25f-30 | 25 Inch (63.50cm) | FHD 240Hz Gaming Monitor | 0.5ms, AMD FreeSync, 99% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3, 3Wx2 Speaker, 2xHDMI, 1xDP| Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, Height Adjust Stand | Black View Details Curved monitor Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 | 27 Inch (68.58cm) FHD 240Hz Gaming Monitor | 0.5ms, AMD FreeSync & NVDIA G-Sync , 99%sRGB, Speaker, 2xHDMI, 1xDP| Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, Height Adjust Stand | Black | 67B6GAC1IN View Details BenQ MOBIUZ EX270M 27" 240Hz 1ms MPRT IPS Full HD HDR Gaming Monitor | FreeSync Premium| Height Adjustment| 99% sRGB| 400nits| Black Equalizer| treVolo Speakers| HDMI| DP| USB 3.0 Hub (Metallic Grey) View Details Samsung 25"(62.2cm) Odyssey G4 IPS Gaming Monitor|FHD 1920 x 1080|240Hz|1ms|400nits|SRGB 99%|Ports-HDMIx2,DP,Headphone|DP Cable|Height-Tilt-Pivot Adjustable Stand|Nvidia G-Sync|LS25BG400EWXXL|Black View Details Large display Viewsonic (USA Brand)-VX3219-PC-MHD 81.28 Cm (32'') Full HD 240Hz, 1ms, 1500R Curved Gaming Monitor with AMD FreeSync Premium, 2W Dual Speakers, HDR10, Eye Care, Flicker Free, 103% sRGB, HDMI & 1x DP View Details View More We listed monitors from different brands, including BenQ, ViewSonic, Lenovo and more, so you can pick one according to your preferences. The Lenovo Legion R25f-30 is a 25-inch FHD gaming monitor with a VA panel, offering a 240Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 280Hz) and 0.5ms response time. It boasts excellent contrast, good out-of-box colour accuracy, and a wide colour gamut covering 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3. Adaptive-Sync ensures smooth gameplay, while the 3W speakers and ergonomic stand add convenience. Despite its budget price, the R25f-30 delivers a surprisingly smooth and responsive gaming experience. It lacks USB ports and advanced features but compensates with reliable performance and strong value for competitive gamers. Panel 25" VA, FHD (1920x1080) Refresh Rate 240Hz (OC 280Hz) Response Time 0.5ms (MPRT) Color Gamut 99% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3 Connectivity 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DP 1.4 Excellent value for high refresh gaming Wide color gamut and strong contrast No USB ports Basic speaker quality What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the picture quality, colour accuracy, and sturdy stand. The 165Hz refresh rate is appreciated, though some note it's capped at 144Hz. HDMI cable not included. Offers excellent visuals, accurate colours, and solid performance, making it a great pick for gaming or design—just be aware an HDMI cable isn't provided. The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 is a 27-inch curved FHD VA panel monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 280Hz) and 0.5ms response time. It supports AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync, and VESA Adaptive Sync, ensuring smooth gaming. The monitor covers 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3, with a brightness of 350 nits. It offers solid build quality, a versatile ergonomic stand, and decent speakers. The main drawback is the overclocked refresh rate reverting to 240Hz every 30 minutes, which can disrupt gaming sessions. Panel 27" Curved VA, FHD (1920x1080) Refresh Rate 240Hz (OC 280Hz) Response Time 0.5ms (MPRT) Color Gamut 99% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3 Connectivity 2x HDMI, 1x DP Superb price/performance ratio Wide color gamut and strong contrast Overclock resets every 30 minutes No USB ports What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers find the monitor delivers great picture quality, accurate colours, and a sturdy stand. The 165Hz refresh rate is appreciated, though some note it's limited to 144Hz. No HDMI cable included. A solid option for gamers and creatives, with excellent visuals and colour precision. Just remember to buy an HDMI cable separately. The BenQ MOBIUZ EX270M is a 27-inch FHD IPS gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It features 99% sRGB coverage, HDRi technology, and FreeSync Premium for smooth, vibrant visuals. The monitor includes premium treVolo speakers and a versatile stand for ergonomic adjustments. It stands out with customizable audio modes, console compatibility, and a suite of image optimization features. However, the HDR is emulated, and the 1ms response time is typical for IPS panels. Panel 27" IPS, FHD (1920x1080) Connectivity 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DP 1.4, USB hub Excellent audio and visual customization Wide connectivity and ergonomic stand Emulated HDR, not true HDR Standard IPS response time What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers consider it the best Full HD IPS monitor with excellent HDR picture quality, smooth 165Hz refresh rate, and strong build. Speaker volume divides opinion. Ideal for 1080p gaming with superb visuals, HDR support, and reliable performance. Great value, though external speakers may be needed for better sound. The Samsung Odyssey G4 is a 25-inch FHD IPS gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It offers vibrant colors, a 400-nit brightness, and 99% sRGB coverage. The monitor supports G-Sync and FreeSync for tear-free gaming and features an adjustable stand. The G4 excels in viewing angles and visual clarity but has average black uniformity and contrast. It's ideal for fast-paced gaming but less suited for those needing deep blacks or pro-level color accuracy. Panel 25" IPS, FHD (1920x1080) Connectivity 2x HDMI, 1x DP Wide viewing angles and vibrant colors G-Sync and FreeSync support Mediocre black uniformity Average contrast ratio What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the 240Hz refresh rate, strong build, and excellent picture quality. It's bright and colour-accurate, though the lack of built-in speakers is a drawback. Ideal for competitive gaming with smooth 240Hz visuals and great clarity. A top pick under ₹ 20,000, but external speakers will be needed. The ViewSonic VX3219-PC-MHD is a 32-inch curved FHD VA gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT. It features a 1500R curvature, adaptive sync, and dual 2W speakers. The monitor delivers solid color accuracy for sRGB and is well-suited for immersive gaming. While it performs well for its price, the built-in speakers are basic, and the 1ms mode is less effective. The VX3219 is a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking a large, fast display. Panel 32" Curved VA, FHD (1920x1080) Large, immersive curved display Good value and color accuracy Weak built-in speakers 1ms mode less useful What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers find the monitor great for its price and gaming use, praising the screen quality and design. However, some report poor speaker output, dead pixels, and pixelation issues. A budget-friendly option with solid display quality and a curved design for immersive gaming. Sound quality and occasional screen defects may disappoint some users. The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and ultra-fast 0.03ms response time. It boasts outstanding picture quality, deep blacks, and vivid colours, with 99% DCI-P3 coverage and true 10-bit colour. Features include HDMI 2.1, USB-C with 90W PD, and advanced OLED care. It's ideal for both PC and console gaming, offering low input lag and a robust feature set. However, VRR flicker can occur, and OLED burn-in remains a long-term concern. Panel 32" QD-OLED, 4K (3840x2160) Response Time 0.03ms (GTG) Color Gamut 99% DCI-P3, 10-bit Connectivity HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C (90W PD) Incredible color and black levels Extensive connectivity and features Potential VRR flicker OLED burn-in risk What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers rave about the monitor's 4K OLED display, vibrant colours, and high refresh rate. It's praised for gaming, though a few mention the high price and bulky stand. Perfect for serious gamers and professionals seeking top-tier visuals and smooth performance. Premium price, but unmatched clarity, colour depth, and advanced features make it worth it. The MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 is a 26.5-inch WQHD gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and a rapid 0.03ms response time. Its QD-OLED panel covers 99% DCI-P3 and achieves up to 1000 nits peak brightness, ensuring vibrant visuals and deep blacks. Features include a fanless graphene heatsink, OLED Care 2.0, and versatile connectivity. It excels in colour accuracy and gaming performance, though OLED burn-in and premium pricing may concern some users. Panel 26.5" QD-OLED, WQHD (2560x1440) Response Time 0.03ms (GTG) Color Gamut 99% DCI-P3, 10-bit Connectivity HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4a, USB-C (15W PD) Superb color accuracy and speed Fanless cooling and OLED care features OLED burn-in risk High price What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the monitor's vibrant QD-OLED colours, smooth 240Hz performance, and gaming features. Some report concerns over burn-in and warranty service experiences. Perfect for gamers and content creators with stunning visuals, low response time, and premium build. OLED care features help manage burn-in risk effectively. The ViewSonic VX2758A-2K-PRO-3 is a 27-inch QHD IPS gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It features 137% sRGB coverage, HDR10 support, and FreeSync for smooth visuals. The monitor offers tilt adjustment, eye care features, and multiple connectivity options. It stands out for vibrant colors and fast performance, making it suitable for immersive gaming. However, HDR is basic, and the stand lacks full ergonomic adjustments. Panel 27" IPS, QHD (2560x1440) Wide color gamut and fast refresh Good value for QHD gaming Basic HDR implementation Limited stand adjustability What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the vivid colours, sharp 2K resolution, and smooth 240Hz refresh rate, calling it excellent for gaming, work, and overall value. Ideal for gamers and professionals, offering vibrant visuals, sturdy build, and high refresh rate—all at a price that delivers great value. The Acer ED320Q X2 is a 31.5-inch curved FHD VA gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms VRB. It offers a 1500R curvature, AMD FreeSync Premium, and dual 2W speakers. The monitor features eye care technologies and multiple connectivity options. It's a budget-friendly choice for gamers seeking a large, immersive screen. However, the speakers are basic and the color accuracy is standard for the price. Panel 31.5" Curved VA, FHD (1920x1080) Connectivity 2x HDMI, 1x DP Large curved screen and high refresh rate Affordable price point Basic speaker quality Standard color accuracy What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers love the sharp visuals, fast 165Hz refresh rate, and build quality, though some report inaccurate colours and inconsistent audio output. Great for gaming with smooth performance and strong build, but colour accuracy and speaker quality may not meet everyone's expectations. The Acer Predator XB253Q GX is a 24.5-inch FHD IPS gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. It features NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, DisplayHDR 400, and 99% sRGB coverage. The monitor includes stereo speakers, a versatile stand, and multiple connectivity options. It delivers fast, smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals, ideal for competitive gamers. However, the speakers are average, and the HDR performance is limited by the panel type. Panel 24.5" IPS, FHD (1920x1080) Connectivity 2x HDMI, 1x DP, USB hub Fast response and G-Sync support Versatile stand and connectivity Average speakers Limited HDR performance What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers see it as a good-value gaming monitor with vivid colours, though some report poor HDR, uneven brightness, and noticeable IPS glow. Ideal for budget-conscious gamers seeking decent visuals and performance, but may disappoint in HDR quality and brightness consistency. Panel Type: IPS offers better colours and viewing angles, while TN panels are faster but with weaker visuals. Resolution: Higher resolution means sharper images – go for 1080p or 1440p depending on your GPU. Response Time: Look for 1ms response time to reduce motion blur and ghosting. Connectivity: Ensure it has the right ports – DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+ for full 240Hz support. Adaptive Sync: G-SYNC or FreeSync helps eliminate screen tearing and keeps things smooth during gameplay. If you're playing slower-paced or story-driven games, 240Hz might feel like overkill. But for anyone who enjoys competitive titles or wants ultra-smooth visuals, the upgrade can be surprisingly noticeable, even outside of esports. Yes – hitting 240 frames per second consistently requires a strong GPU and CPU, especially in modern titles. Without capable hardware, the monitor won't reach its full potential, so it's important to balance both for the best experience. Absolutely. A 240Hz monitor reduces input lag and makes your reactions feel more immediate. This is especially beneficial in competitive games where every millisecond counts, helping you stay ahead in fast-twitch situations. 240Hz refresh rate monitor Panel Type & Size Refresh Rate Response Time Lenovo Legion R25f-30 25" VA, FHD 240Hz (280Hz OC) 0.5ms Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 27" Curved VA, FHD 240Hz (280Hz OC) 0.5ms BenQ MOBIUZ EX270M 27" IPS, FHD 240Hz 1ms Samsung Odyssey G4 25" IPS, FHD 240Hz 1ms ViewSonic VX3219-PC-MHD 32" Curved VA, FHD 240Hz 1ms ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM 32" QD-OLED, 4K 240Hz 0.03ms MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 26.5" QD-OLED, WQHD 240Hz 0.03ms ViewSonic VX2758A-2K-PRO-3 27" IPS, QHD 240Hz 1ms Acer ED320Q X2 31.5" Curved VA, FHD 240Hz 1ms (VRB) Acer Predator XB253Q GX 24.5" IPS, FHD 240Hz 0.5ms Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.

NDTV

an hour ago

• NDTV

Google's AI Chatbot Panics When Playing Video Game Meant For Children

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots might be smart, but they still sweat bullets while playing video games that seemingly young kids are able to ace. A new Google DeepMind report has found that its Gemini 2.5 Pro resorts to panic when playing Pokemon, especially when one of the fictional characters is close to death, causing the AI's performance to experience qualitative degradation in the model's reasoning capability. Google highlighted a case study from a Twitch channel named Gemini_Plays_Pokemon, where Joel Zhang, an engineer unaffiliated with the tech company, plays Pokemon Blue using Gemini. During the two playthroughs, the Gemini team at DeepMind observed an interesting phenomenon they describe as 'Agent Panic'. "Over the course of the playthrough, Gemini 2.5 Pro gets into various situations which cause the model to simulate "panic". For example, when the Pokemon in the party's health or power points are low, the model's thoughts repeatedly reiterate the need to heal the party immediately or escape the current dungeon," the report highlighted. "This behavior has occurred in enough separate instances that the members of the Twitch chat have actively noticed when it is occurring," the report says. While AI models are trained on copious amounts of data and do not think or experience emotions like humans, their actions mimic the way in which a person might make poor, hasty decisions when under stress. In the first playthrough, the AI agent took 813 hours to finish the game. After some tweaking by Mr Zhang, the AG agent shaved some hundreds of hours and finished the game in 406.5 hours. While the progress was impressive, the AI agent was still not good at playing Pokémon. It took Gemini hundreds of hours to reason through a game that a child could complete in significantly less time. The chatbot displayed erratic behaviour despite Gemini 2.5 Pro being Google's most intelligent thinking model that exhibits strong reasoning and codebase-level understanding, whilst producing interactive web applications. Social media reacts Reacting to Gemini's panicky nature, social media users said such games could be the benchmark for the real thinking skills of the AI tools. "If you read its thoughts when reasoning it seems to panic just about any time you word something slightly off," said one user, while another added: "LLANXIETY." A third commented: "I'm starting to think the 'Pokemon index' might be one of our best indicators of AGI. Our best AIs still struggling with a child's game is one of the best indicators we have of how far we still have yet to go. And how far we've come." Earlier this month, Apple released a new study, claiming that most reasoning models do not reason at all, albeit they simply memorise patterns really well. However, when questions are altered or the complexity is increased, they collapse altogether.

First Post

2 hours ago

• First Post

Best phones under Rs 50,000 (June 2025): Samsung Galaxy S24 5G, Realme GT 7 Pro to Google Pixel 9a

Here are the absolute best smartphones under Rs 50,000 in India at the moment read more Our list of phones under Rs 50,000 this month has two huge surprises. No surprise that the phones we have chosen are packed with proper high-end features like top of the line processing hardware with ample RAM and storage, great cameras and more. Enough small talk; time to meet the absolute best smartphones under Rs 50,000 in India at the moment. Best phones to buy under Rs 50,000 in India Samsung Galaxy S24 5G If you like compact phones, there's a pleasant surprise for you. Samsung's previous flagship, Galaxy S24 can now be scored under 50K. It has a 6.2-inch Full HD+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, HDR10+ compliance and 120 Hz refresh rate. Despite being compact, it is quite sturdy with an IP68 rated dust and water resistance, Armor Aluminium 2 frame and a glass back with a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which also protects the screen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The S24 is powered by Samsung's Exynos 2400 chip, which is almost as powerful as Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. You get 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage to go with it. A 4000 mAh battery keeps it powered for a little over a day of moderate use. It supports wireless charging too. The phone launched with Android 14 and Samsung's One UI 6.1. The company has promised a whopping 7 years of software updates for this device. Samsung Galaxy S24 5G Photography department on the Samsung Galaxy S24 consists of three cameras at the back comprising a 50MP primary camera with dual pixel PDAF and OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide camera with Super Steady video support and a 10MP telephoto camera with OIS for 3X optical zoom. You also get a 12MP front camera with PDAF for selfies and video calls. The camera performance is best in class, and can also record videos in up to 8K resolution. Samsung Galaxy S24 5G price in India: Rs 49,990 for 8 GB RAM/ 256 GB storage Realme GT 7 Pro From last-gen flagship to current flagship, here's an ever bigger surprise. One of the most powerful phones around, the Realme GT 7 Pro is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, and you can get its 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variant in this budget currently on Amazon India. It has a 6.78-inch QHD+ 10-bit LTPO AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 6500 nits of peak brightness. The HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compliant screen is protected against scratches by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. Realme GT 7 Pro This rugged phone flaunts an IP69 rated ingress protection that allows you to do underwater photography as well. On the topic of photography, the camera department here consists of two 50MP cameras at the back (primary and telephoto with 3X optical zoom), both with OIS, and an 8MP ultra-wide shooter. The phone lets you record videos at up to 8K resolution. The 16MP front camera does a decent job with selfies and video calls. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A large 5800 mAh battery keeps the phone running for close to two days of moderate use, and the bundled 120W fast charger juices it up fully in under 40 minutes. The Realme GT 7 Pro runs the latest Android 15 out of the box with Realme UI 6.0, and the company has promised at least three major OS and four years of security updates going ahead. Realme GT 7 Pro price in India: Rs 46,998 for 12 GB RAM/ 256 GB storage OnePlus 13R The OnePlus 13R remains a great option in this budget. It is powered by Qualcomm's previous flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and you can choose between its 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage or 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage variants in this budget. The storage has been upgraded to UFS 4.0 as opposed to UFS 3.1 on its predecessor. The phone runs the latest OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, and OnePlus has promised four major OS updates for this phone over time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD OnePlus 13R The 13R has an impressive 6.78-inch LTPO4 AMOLED display with a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. The HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compliant screen supports 10-bit colour depth, 120 Hz refresh rate and 4500 nits peak brightness. Battery capacity sees a jump to 6000 mAh while making the phone slimmer than the 12R; an impressive feat. It keeps the phone running for almost two day of moderate use. The bundled 100W charger juices it up fully in under an hour. Camera department on the OnePlus 13R also sees a noticeable upgrade in the form of a 50MP telephoto camera in place of the long redundant 2MP macro shooter. Though modest, the 2X optical zoom is more than handy and helps in portrait photography too. Other than that, you get a quality 50MP primary camera with OIS that does a very good job in varied lighting. The 8MP ultrawide camera and the 16MP selfie camera have been retained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD OnePlus 13R price in India: Rs 42,998 for 12 GB RAM/ 256 GB storage; Rs 47,997 for 16 GB RAM/ 512 GB storage iQOO 12 5G The iQOO 12 5G is another loaded smartphone in this budget. This too is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and you can now get its top variant with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB UFS 4.0 storage comfortably in this budget. This phone has a 10-bit 6.78-inch HDR10+ compliant LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels and 144 Hz refresh rate. It can get up to 3000 nits bright. iQOO 12 5G Rear camera department on the iQOO 12 flaunts an impressive trio. You get a 50MP primary camera with OIS, accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide camera with auto-focus that provides macro photography capabilities too. And last but not the least, you also have a 64MP periscope telephoto camera with OIS that gives you 3X optical zoom and doubles up as a quality portrait camera too. The 16MP front camera handles selfies and video calls well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The iQOO 12 5G is fitted with a 5000 mAh battery that lasts for a day and a half of moderate use, and the bundled 120W fast charger can charge it fully in less than 30 minutes. The phone launched with Android 14 with FunTouch OS 14 and is upgradeable to Android 15, with the company promising a few more OS updates over the next three years at least. iQOO 12 5G price in India: Rs 44,999 for 16 GB RAM/ 512 GB storage >Google Pixel 9a If you are looking for the cleanest Android experience in this budget, look no further than the Google Pixel 9a. The phone is powered by Google's current flagship Tensor G4 chip that also powers the entire Pixel 9 series, including the top of the line Pixel 9 Pro XL. You get 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage to go with it. It sports a compact and sharp 6.3-inch Full HD+ P-OLED HDR display with 120 Hz refresh rate and 2700 nits peak brightness. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and the phone has IP68 rated ingress protection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As I mentioned at the start, you get the purest version of Android 15 with the Material You design language, and Google has promised 7 major OS updates for this device, which is great. Pixel phones are also known for their quality cameras, and the Pixel 9a is no slouch. It captures some high quality shots courtesy of a 48MP primary camera with OIS and a 13MP ultra-wide camera with 120-degrees FOV. They do a great job in different lighting and modes. The 13MP front camera clicks some neat selfies too. Google Pixel 9a price in India: Rs 49,999 for 8 GB RAM/ 256 GB storage