Overview: A busy week of launches across smartphones and handheld gaming
India’s gadget scene is buzzing with a wave of new launches this week. From budget powerhouses to premium limited editions, major brands such as Samsung, Realme, Vivo, Motorola, HMD Global, and Asus are rolling out devices that cater to everyday users and gaming enthusiasts alike. Here’s a closer look at the week’s notable introductions and what they mean for shoppers and tech fans.
Samsung Galaxy M17 5G: A budget-friendly 5G option with practical features
The Galaxy M17 5G is positioned as an approachable 5G device with a generous 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and a vertical pill-shaped rear camera module that’s become a hallmark of the M-series design language. Expected to offer up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the phone also carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. Running One UI 7 on Android 15, it aims to deliver a smooth, feature-rich experience at a price point anticipated to be under ₹15,000. This positioning makes it a compelling option for first-time 5G buyers and those who want a more affordable device without sacrificing core features.
Key takeaways for shoppers:
- Large display and reliable everyday performance for budget-conscious users.
- 5G capability paired with modern software features.
- Competitive pricing aimed at expanding 5G adoption in India.
ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X: The two-handed gaming PCs land in India
ASUS expands its gaming portfolio with two handheld devices—the ROG Ally and the higher-spec ROG Ally X. Both run Windows 11 Home on powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 series processors, offering a 7-inch full HD IPS display, 120 Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits brightness for comfortable outdoor play. They also support AMD FreeSync and include protective Gorilla Glass Victus and anti-reflection coating for better on-the-go usability. Prices start at ₹69,990 for the standard model and go up to ₹1,14,990 for the higher-end variant, signaling a strong push into handheld PC gaming where enthusiasts demand performance and portability.
What this means for gamers: portable power with a Windows environment, enabling access to traditional PC titles and cloud gaming alike, all in a pocket-friendly form factor.
Other notable launches this week
Realme introduced a Game of Thrones limited edition variant of its Realme 15 Pro 5G. This model features a distinctive black-and-gold design, dragon claw imagery on the camera island, and a leather back that reportedly changes color with warm water exposure. While primarily a cosmetic celebration for fans, the limited edition underscores how brands blend pop culture themes with hardware design to attract collectors and fans alike, with pricing starting around ₹44,999 in India.
In the feature-phone space, HMD Global rolled out the Nokia-branded Touch 4G, billed as India’s first hybrid feature phone. It combines a 3.2-inch touchscreen with a basic camera setup and a unique Express chat app that facilitates messaging, groups, and video calls. At ₹3,999, it targets buyers seeking simple communication tools with modern connectivity options.
Vivo and Motorola also added to the week’s lineup. Vivo’s V60e packs a 6.77-inch Quad Curved AMOLED display, a 6,500 mAh battery, and a 200MP main camera sensor, aiming for mid-range buyers who want solid photography chops. Motorola debuted the Moto G06 Power, emphasizing a large battery (7,000 mAh), a 6.88-inch display with 120 Hz refresh rate, Dolby Atmos speakers, and a capable mid-range camera setup, all at an approachable price.
What this week’s launches say about the market
Across devices, the trend is clear: brands are balancing value with feature-rich experiences to win share in a competitive market. Budget phones with dependable performance and 5G connectivity sit alongside high-end handheld gaming devices that push the limits of portability and Windows-based gaming. Consumers now have more choices than ever—from practical daily drivers to dedicated gaming machines that travel with you, not stay home. Industry watchers will be watching how these launches influence pricing, availability, and software updates in the coming weeks.
Bottom line
Whether you’re upgrading to 5G on a tight budget with the Samsung Galaxy M17 5G, diving into handheld Windows gaming with the ASUS ROG Ally lineup, or chasing limited-edition flair with Realme’s Game of Thrones collaboration, this week’s slate shows how manufacturers are driving broad appeal across price bands. It’s a busy period for gadget lovers in India and beyond.
