Looking for the perfect mid-range smartphone in 2025? Our comprehensive review covers the latest releases that are making waves in India’s competitive phone market.
The smartphone landscape in India continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers pushing boundaries to deliver premium features at affordable prices. Today, we’re diving deep into three standout devices that represent the best value propositions in their respective segments: the Samsung Galaxy F56 5G, Infinix Note 50s 5G+, and CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy F56 5G: Premium Design Meets Mid-Range Reality
Design and Build Quality
Samsung has always been synonymous with premium design, and the Galaxy F56 5G continues this tradition. The device sports a sleek, slim profile that feels comfortable in hand while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic Samsung users expect. However, this premium look comes with some trade-offs that budget-conscious buyers should consider.
Performance: Exynos 1480 Under the Hood
The Galaxy F56 5G is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1480 octa-core processor, clocked at 2.7GHz. While this chipset handles everyday tasks smoothly, it’s not the most powerful option in its price range. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the device manages multitasking adequately and can handle light gaming sessions without significant hiccups.
Storage Limitation Alert: The phone comes with 128GB of internal storage, but lacks a microSD card slot – a significant drawback for users who need expandable storage.
Display Excellence
Where the Galaxy F56 5G truly shines is its 6.74-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. The screen delivers:
- Deep blacks and vibrant colors characteristic of AMOLED technology
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming
- 1080×2340 pixel resolution with 382 ppi pixel density
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection for enhanced durability
Camera Capabilities
The triple rear camera setup features:
- 50MP primary sensor with OIS for stable shots
- 8MP and 2MP secondary cameras for versatility
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- 12MP front camera for quality selfies
The camera performance is decent for casual photography but may not satisfy photography enthusiasts looking for exceptional image quality.
Battery and Charging
The 5000mAh battery supports 45W fast charging and reverse charging capabilities. While the capacity is standard for this segment, heavy users might find the battery draining faster when using the high refresh rate display extensively.
Price Point: ₹27,999
Budget Champions: Infinix Note 50s 5G+ vs CMF Phone 2 Pro
Performance Comparison
Both budget contenders pack impressive specifications that challenge more expensive alternatives:
Infinix Note 50s 5G+:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate (2.5GHz octa-core)
- 8GB RAM + 8GB virtual RAM
- 128GB storage (non-expandable)
CMF Phone 2 Pro:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro (2.5GHz octa-core)
- 8GB RAM + 8GB virtual RAM
- 128GB storage + expandable up to 2TB
The CMF Phone 2 Pro edges ahead with its expandable storage option and slightly better thermal efficiency.
Display Battle
Infinix Note 50s 5G+ takes the lead with:
- 6.78-inch AMOLED display
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 240Hz touch sampling rate
- Gorilla Glass 5 protection
- TUV certification for eye protection
CMF Phone 2 Pro counters with:
- 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED screen
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 1000Hz instant touch sampling
- HDR10+ support
Camera Showdown
The CMF Phone 2 Pro dominates the camera department:
- Triple rear setup: Two 50MP sensors + 8MP camera
- 4K video recording capability
- 16MP front camera
Meanwhile, the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ offers:
- Dual rear setup: 64MP + 2MP cameras
- 2K video recording
- 13MP front camera
Battery Life and Charging
Infinix Note 50s 5G+ wins with:
- 5500mAh battery capacity
- 45W fast charging support
CMF Phone 2 Pro offers:
- 5000mAh battery
- 33W charging speed
Pricing Strategy
- Infinix Note 50s 5G+: ₹15,999 (exceptional value)
- CMF Phone 2 Pro: ₹18,433 (premium budget option)
Making the Right Choice: Which Phone Should You Buy?
Choose Samsung Galaxy F56 5G if:
- Brand reputation matters to you
- You prioritize premium design and build quality
- AMOLED display quality is crucial
- You’re comfortable with the higher price point
Choose Infinix Note 50s 5G+ if:
- You want maximum value for money
- Display quality and battery life are priorities
- Gaming performance matters
- Budget is a primary concern
Choose CMF Phone 2 Pro if:
- Camera quality is your top priority
- You need expandable storage
- You want balanced performance across all areas
- You can stretch your budget slightly
Final Verdict: Value Meets Performance
The smartphone market in 2025 offers incredible value across all price segments. The Samsung Galaxy F56 5G delivers premium aesthetics and reliable performance but comes with compromises like limited storage expansion and a higher price tag.
For budget-conscious buyers, both the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ and CMF Phone 2 Pro offer compelling alternatives with flagship-level features. The Infinix excels in display technology and battery life, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro leads in camera capabilities and storage flexibility.
Our Recommendation: If budget is your primary concern, the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ offers unbeatable value. For photography enthusiasts on a budget, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the clear winner. Samsung Galaxy F56 5G remains the choice for brand loyalists who value premium design and reliable performance.
Which phone matches your needs best? Consider your usage patterns, budget constraints, and feature priorities before making your final decision.