The OnePlus R-series has always been about offering a flagship-like experience at an affordable price, keeping the brand’s “flagship-killer” legacy alive. Over the years, we have seen OnePlus shift its strategy, and we are currently at yet another pivoting point.

This time, OnePlus is going all-in on gaming. The OnePlus 15 laid the foundation for this transition, and the OnePlus 15R is carrying it forward. While the latest R-series device remains the affordable sibling to the mainline flagship, its USP has evolved compared to previous generations.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at what the OnePlus 15R has to offer.

Note: This review was made possible via a review unit loaned by OnePlus India. As always, the brand had no editorial input or early access to this content.

The One for Gaming

The OnePlus 15R is built from the ground up for gaming. While I’m not a heavy gamer myself, my brother is. Since I first handed him the phone to try it out, he hasn’t stopped asking for it whenever he wants to play BGMI.

He enjoys playing on the 15R primarily because of the consistent 120 fps it delivers. While the device does get slightly warm during prolonged sessions, it manages to cool down remarkably fast.

This performance is backed by powerhouse hardware: the all-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, LPDDR5x Ultra RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage. It even features a self-developed touch-response chip and a G2 WiFi chip for low-latency connectivity.9

To keep thermals in check, OnePlus has implemented a 5,704mm² Cryo Velocity Cooling System comprising aerogel, a large vapor chamber, and a graphite layer.

As of now, the gaming optimization is spot on. I hope this level of performance holds steady or even improves with future software updates.

On the software front, the handset runs OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16. I consider it one of the best Android skins available, second only to Samsung’s One UI 8. 

The interface is snappy and comes loaded with AI features for those who want to use them. Additionally, the device is guaranteed to receive four major Android upgrades and six years of security updates.

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Durable and Mainstream Design

I personally am a fan of the new design language OnePlus introduced with the 13s. By moving toward a more subtle aesthetic, the brand’s devices now appeal to a much wider audience. 

While the older circular camera layout served as the brand’s identity for the past few years, it felt a bit “over the top” and flashy, lacking a premium, mainstream vibe.

The OnePlus 15R, by contrast, is simple and elegant with its small, rounded rectangular camera island. The flat frame and rounded corners make it comfortable to hold.

And despite its ~220g weight, the balance is well-distributed. It is also remarkably slim at 8.3mm, especially for a handset packing a massive 7,400mAh battery.

My review unit came in Charcoal Black, which is a stealthy and classy choice. However, I personally prefer the Mint Breeze variant. Both of these colorways feature a matte glass finish, while the third option, Electric Violet, features a fiberglass rear with “ACE” engraved on it.

I do miss the traditional alert slider, but thankfully, the new ‘Plus’ key isn’t prone to accidental presses like it was on the OnePlus Nord 5. On the audio front, the stereo speakers are loud and clear, though they do lack bass. Also, I found the haptics could have been a bit tighter. 

Lastly, the durability is unmatched; the handset carries four IP ratings (IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K), meaning it can survive almost any extreme environment you might encounter.

Cameras Take a Backseat

The OnePlus 15R features a downgraded rear camera setup compared to its predecessor, the 13R. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, and the primary sensor has been swapped for an older Sony IMX906 unit. Meanwhile, the 8MP ultrawide sensor remains unchanged.

Conversely, the selfie camera receives a notable upgrade: a new 32MP snapper with autofocus. All sensors are powered by the self-developed DetailMax Engine, which replaced Hasselblad tuning starting with the OnePlus 15.

In ample lighting, the primary camera produces solid results with good detail and wide dynamic range, though images tend to lean toward warmer tones. Since there is no telephoto lens, the phone relies on digital cropping from the main sensor. Results are passable up to 3x, but quality deteriorates significantly beyond that. 

Video recording is average overall, though the inclusion of a 4K 120fps mode for slow-motion is a welcome addition.

However, performance takes a hit in low light. The device triggers auto night mode even for indoor shots, and low-light images often come out blurry with blown-out highlights. 

As for the ultrawide camera, it feels like an afterthought; it lacks autofocus and fails to impress in any lighting condition. On a brighter note, the selfie camera is the best we’ve seen on an R-series device, delivering crisp images thanks to the inclusion of autofocus. Curiously, video recording is capped at 30fps across all resolutions (up to 4K).

Endurance Champ

The OnePlus 15R is built around a 6.83-inch centered punch-hole OLED display. The panel offers a resolution of 2800 x 1272 pixels, 450 PPI, and 10-bit color depth. 

While it supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate, it’s worth noting that the 144Hz and 165Hz modes are only activated within specific supported games. Also, it cannot refresh below 60Hz for energy consumption due to LTPS limitations.

Visibility is excellent even outdoors, as the panel reaches 1,800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM). It also covers all the HDR bases, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. Tucked under Corning Gorilla Glass 7i is an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which I found to be both quick and reliable.

Powering the device is a massive 7,400mAh silicon-carbide battery. In my testing, the phone easily lasted two days with normal usage. 

Even with heavy gaming and camera use, it comfortably cleared a full day and then some. This is, without a doubt, the best battery life I have ever seen on a OnePlus device. 

Charging remains a strong suit with 80W SuperVOOC support, which fills the massive cell in about an hour. You can even use the device to reverse-charge a friend’s phone in a pinch, though I do wish OnePlus had included wireless charging support.

Verdict: Is It the Right One for You?

The OnePlus 15R is not an all-rounder. Instead, it excels in two specific areas: gaming and battery life. If those are your priorities, you won’t be disappointed.

Despite its gamer-centric performance, the 15R avoids the typical “gamer” aesthetic in favor of a clean, mainstream design. While this gives it broad appeal, potential buyers should be prepared for a mediocre camera experience, particularly in low light.

On the plus side, the phone is exceptionally well-built and durable, thanks to its multiple IP ratings. And the extended software support ensures it will age gracefully.

It handles the basics well, from the vibrant display and loud speakers to reliable cellular reception and fast charging. But is it worth the ₹47,999 / $699 / €699 asking price? 

In my opinion, the OnePlus 15R is a solid product, but it isn’t the one for me. At this premium price point, I expect a more versatile camera system and convenience features like wireless charging.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 15R is positioned for a younger audience that prioritizes gaming and media consumption above all else. And that’s exactly what the brand’s marketing suggests. If you fall into that camp, this phone was made for you.

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OnePlus is known for its premium tablets, in addition to its smartphones. Recently, the brand made its entry into the affordable tablet segment with the launch of the OnePlus Pad Lite.

The device is available in several markets around the world, making it a viable option for someone wanting a tablet without breaking the bank. It primarily competes with similar affordable options from fellow Chinese brands.

Upon its release, OnePlus India sent me a unit to try out. Having used the device for the last couple of months, I have shared my thoughts on it in this article.

As always, the brand had no editorial input or early look at this piece.

Who is it for?

The OnePlus Pad Lite is a sub-₹20,000 tablet in India. While in Europe, it retails at around €200. With the ongoing festive deals, which are expected to continue till the end of the year, the product is now even more affordable worldwide (wherever it is sold).

At this price, the tablet is targeted at budget-conscious buyers. More specifically, the OnePlus Pad Lite is catered toward students.

Not only the price, but the features it offers and the way it looks all suggest the tablet is intended for students and the youth. Let’s find out how.

How does it feel?

The OnePlus Pad Lite is well-built and ergonomically designed. It is comfortable to hold for a long duration as its 530g weight is evenly distributed within a 7.4mm thin form factor.

The tablet arrives in a single Aero Blue color option, which offers a dual-tone finish. Both the rear and front cameras are placed on the longer edge, and therefore, your hands don’t get in the way when holding it.

The device is big enough with its 11-inch display and compact enough (254.9 x 166.5 mm) to carry around anywhere. It can be fitted in backpacks of all sizes with ease.

The tablet’s striking blue color and subtle 1+ logo make it an aspirational, fashionable tech product for budget-conscious buyers, such as students and young adults.

What does it offer?

The OnePlus Pad Lite is built around an 11-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Hence, the tablet is rectangular in shape.

It is perfect for watching movies and reading books without much scrolling. If you are into vertical short-form content (Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts), it is well-suited for that too.

The display is complemented by a good set of quad speakers. These not only get loud but also deliver a commendable surround sound experience for the price.

The device boots OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15 with multi-tasking and ecosystem features baked in. Your OnePlus smartphone seamlessly connects with the tablet to offer convenient features, such as screen mirroring, clipboard sharing, media sync, and file management. OnePlus also promises three OS upgrades and six years of security updates, unlike competitors.

The 9,340mAh cell inside the tablet offers solid battery life even with a 4G cellular connection. The device can easily last a day, and some more, with mixed usage. Thanks to 33W charging support, the battery refuels within an hour and a half.

What does it miss?

The display on the OnePlus Pad Lite is adequate. It is neither the brightest nor the sharpest in its segment, as its 1920 x 1200 resolution only delivers 207 PPI.

Coming from a smartphone or a more expensive tablet, you will require some time to get used to the screen. Once your eyes get familiar with the display, there won’t be an issue until you start comparing it with others.

Further, the screen does not offer support for stylus input like its competitors. This could be a dealbreaker for students who prefer digital note-taking over physical notes.

Finally, the MediaTek Helio G100 chipset is not a fast chip. So you may experience stutters here and there. There’s no easy solution to this problem, as even competitors feature the same or even less powerful chips.

Should you buy?

The OnePlus Pad Lite faces strong competition from two products, namely Redmi Pad 2 and Lenovo Idea Tab (which also goes by Moto Pad 60 Neo).

Both these aforementioned tablets cost about the same, and yet offer a sharper display and support for stylus input. Lenovo even bundles the stylus in the box, while Xiaomi charges extra.

But none of them have the software chops of the OnePlus Pad Lite. They don’t offer stellar battery performance or fast charging either.

Looks can be subjective, but in my opinion, the OnePlus Pad Lite has a better design, especially due to its rear camera placement.

The display is OnePlus Pad Lite’s Achilles’ heel. If you can forego that (difficult for some), it is a better product than the other two.

So do we recommend the OnePlus Pad Lite? Yes, we do, especially for students who are on a tight budget, both school-goers and college-goers alike.

Unlike the competitors, the OnePlus Pad Lite will remain fresh for years to come with three promised OS upgrades. And if you happen to own a OnePlus smartphone, it comes out as a default option with added ecosystem benefits.

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The OnePlus Nord CE is one of my favorite smartphone lineups. Having reviewed the last two generations, I was excited to experience the 2025 iteration, the OnePlus Nord CE 5.

After using the phone for an extensive period, I’m ready to share my thoughts. It’s clear that the latest model in the series retains its core principles but also differs from its predecessors in some key aspects.

For those who may not know, the “CE” in the name stands for “Core Edition.” This product line is marketed as a more affordable version of the mainline Nord phone, aiming to deliver the core experience in spirit.

The Nord CE 5 costs around ₹25,000, which is one of the hottest price segments in India. So, how is it overall? Let’s find out.

Disclosure: This review was made possible by a OnePlus Nord CE 5 unit provided by OnePlus India. However, the brand had no editorial input or early access to this article, and the opinions expressed here are solely my own.

Design: A Return to Simplicity

The OnePlus Nord CE 5 has a minimalistic design like its more expensive sibling OnePlus Nord 5. Both phones are nearly identical, with only major differences being the camera island and the absence of the ‘Plus’ key on the CE.

In fact, the Nord CE 5 is the simplest-looking smartphone in the lineup since the original model, which was released back in 2021. This plain yet practical design caters to a wider audience.

I have the handset in the Nexus Blue color variant. This hue is stunning and I would recommend it over Black Infinity and Marble Mist if you like to stand out.

Despite the change in design compared to previous generations, the CE 5’s body is still plastic. But the material used is as strong as usual and feels comfortable to hold.

Performance: A Huge Leap Forward

The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is the most powerful device in the series to date. It is even faster than many other handsets in its price segment.

The smartphone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chip, paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. This chipset is as powerful as flagship silicon from a few generations ago.

These powerful internals make the phone more future-proof than its predecessors. There are none of the occasional stuttery animations seen on previous models. The gaming experience is also significantly improved, with performance approaching that of last year’s mainline OnePlus Nord 4.

Furthermore, the product should age well, as it is eligible for four generations of Android updates and six years of security patches. At launch, it ships with OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15.

Display, Cameras, and a Marathon Battery

The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is built around a 6.77-inch centered punch-hole OLED display. This panel is different from previous generations, despite having a similar size, resolution (FHD+: 2392 x 1080 pixels), and refresh rate (120Hz).

The newer screen is rated to reach 1300 nits of peak brightness in auto-brightness mode. Under direct sunlight, it is noticeably brighter than the displays on earlier models.

Furthermore, the CE 5 is equipped with the same 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary camera as the CE 4. The ultrawide unit remains 8MP; however, the sensor is now an OmniVision OV08D10 instead of the Sony IMX355. The selfie camera remains a 16MP unit.

The output from these cameras is slightly better than that of the earlier models, despite the hardware being largely the same. This improvement is attributed to the better ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the newer chip and improved software optimization.

The CE 5 also supports video recording up to 4K 60fps from the main camera and 1080p 60fps from the selfie camera. For comparison, its predecessor was limited to 30fps for both.

The optical in-display fingerprint sensor is as snappy as ever. There’s also a useful IR blaster placed between the rear camera modules to control various devices.

Lastly, there’s a massive 7,100mAh battery inside. Despite this battery not being the latest silicon-carbide variety, the product still weighs only around 199g and measures about 8.2mm in thickness. The large battery delivers up to two days of endurance with light usage and can easily last more than a day even with moderate to heavy use.

The Compromises: What’s Missing?

The previous Nord CE phones I reviewed were not perfect, but they excelled at the basics. They were neither bad nor exceptional in any single area; rather, they were well-balanced in all aspects.

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the OnePlus Nord CE 5. It has significant shortcomings in key areas where its predecessors did not. To accommodate the large battery, OnePlus has sacrificed the dual stereo speaker system and the premium x-axis linear vibration motor. These two omissions significantly hamper the overall user experience.

The bottom-firing mono speaker gets loud, but its audio quality is average at best. The media experience feels incomplete due to the lack of stereo separation, effectively forcing users to rely on earphones.

Similarly, the haptics on earlier Nord CE models were among the best in the segment. The experience on the CE 5 is the complete opposite, much like on the more expensive Nord 5. It’s easy to miss calls when the phone is in vibrate mode, and UI interactions feel lifeless due to the bland haptic feedback.

The 80W charging speed sounds fast on paper, but it isn’t in practice. Since the handset features a single-cell lithium-ion battery, it still takes over an hour to charge fully.

Finally, the India variant of the device continues to lack NFC, just like the CE 4. For context, the first three models in the series included NFC in all regions.

Verdict: Who Is This Phone For?

In my review of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, I called it the “mid-ranger for the masses,” and its successor, the Nord CE 4, followed closely in those footsteps. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the OnePlus Nord CE 5.

In its pursuit of a larger battery, the brand has sacrificed crucial aspects that define the daily user experience, such as stereo speakers and quality haptics. While the phone is still a great value for its price, these new shortcomings, ones not present in previous models, negatively impact the overall package.

This decision to prioritize battery life at the expense of core features was likely a calculated one, possibly driven by market research. However, for a lineup once praised for its balance, these compromises feel like a step in the wrong direction.

Ultimately, if you can overlook these specific drawbacks and value battery longevity above all else, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 could still be the right choice for you.

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The OnePlus Nord is one of the most popular mid-range smartphone lineups. Recently, the brand debuted the fifth-generation model, aptly named the OnePlus Nord 5.

The latest phone in the series gets a complete overhaul. It looks entirely different from the OnePlus Nord 4 and features updated specs for about the same price.

So if you are in the market for a smartphone under ₹35,000 or €500, should you buy the OnePlus Nord 5? Who is this product targeted at? Let’s find out in our review.

Disclosure: OnePlus India sent us a unit of the Nord 5 for review. As usual, the opinions stated here are the author’s alone. The brand had no editorial input or early access to this article.

Back to a conventional design

The OnePlus Nord 4 was one of the more unique-looking smartphones ever released. To date, it is the only 5G phone with a metal unibody construction. It also featured a distinctive glass window, reminiscent of early-generation Google Pixel devices.

The latest Nord 5, on the other hand, is the polar opposite. It adopts a more conventional design, with the cameras now aligned vertically, similar to older Nord models.

The frame is now plastic; however, the front and back are protected by glass. The rear panel of the “Marble Sands” variant looks stunning and adds significant character. In comparison, while the “Dry Ice” and “Phantom Grey” colors are good, they feel more ordinary.

This design change is a clear indication that OnePlus is targeting a wider, more mainstream audience with the Nord 5.

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A bit faster, but is it better?

The OnePlus Nord 4 was already a fast device, so it appears the brand decided not to upgrade much in this regard. The Nord 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, which is essentially an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 found in the Nord 4.

The display, however, is now larger, brighter, and faster. The Nord 5 flaunts a 6.83-inch 1.5K (2800 x 1272 pixels) OLED screen with a peak brightness of 1400 nits (in auto-brightness mode) and a 144Hz refresh rate. The increased brightness under direct sunlight is a visible differentiator between the two phones.

There’s a catch, though. The handset’s panel operates at 120Hz for the most part. It can achieve 144Hz in only three games (BGMI, CoD: Mobile, and Free Fire Max) at the time of this review.

OnePlus advertises the device for gaming, highlighting its 7300mm² cooling system. While it performs well in games, there are better options in this price range, such as the Poco F7 and iQOO Neo 10. Both of these smartphones are significantly more powerful, equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip and UFS 4.1 storage.

So, if your priority is purely gaming, the other two phones may offer a better experience. That said, this doesn’t make the Nord 5 a bad choice, as it is still a very capable device.

Upgraded cameras deliver

The OnePlus Nord 5 comes with upgraded primary and selfie cameras. The main sensor is a 50MP Sony Lytia LYT-700, while the front-facing unit is a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 with autofocus. Both of these cameras produce noticeably better pictures and videos than those on the Nord 4.

Photos from the main camera are detailed and offer good dynamic range. It performs well even in low light, considering the phone’s price. Similarly, the autofocus-enabled selfie camera delivers pleasing results. Both of these cameras are also capable of recording video in 4K at 60fps.

Unfortunately, the 8MP ultrawide unit is less impressive. It is merely average in daylight and struggles in low-light conditions. Video recording on this sensor is also limited to 1080p at 30fps. On a positive note, its autofocus does allow it to capture macro shots.

A notable omission, however, is a dedicated telephoto camera, a feature found on competitors like the Motorola Edge 60 Pro.

The daily experience

The OnePlus Nord 5 is equipped with a 6,800mAh battery. However, its endurance is only marginally better than that of the Nord 4, which has a smaller 5,500mAh battery.

Surprisingly, OnePlus has reduced the charging speed from 100W to 80W on the latest model. This change, combined with the larger single-cell battery, means the Nord 5 takes about an hour to achieve a full charge. In contrast, the Nord 4 accomplishes this in under 30 minutes.

On a more positive note, the dual stereo speakers now distort less at higher volumes. The phone also retains the snappy under-display fingerprint sensor and the handy IR blaster. However, the vibration motor is a noticeable downgrade.

The software experience is excellent. OxygenOS 15 remains one of the best Android skins, which I would personally rank second only to Samsung’s One UI 7. The new AI features, however, deliver mixed results.

Finally, the newly introduced “Plus Key” is a constant annoyance as it is highly prone to accidental clicks. The brand should have retained the classic alert slider.

Verdict: Who should buy it?

In my OnePlus Nord 4 review, I mentioned that the device made sense for most people in India. I cannot say the same with as much confidence for the OnePlus Nord 5, as the competition has caught up.

The switch to a mainstream design indicates that the brand is targeting a wider, more general audience. Furthermore, in press briefings, OnePlus clearly positioned the Nord 5 as an answer to Samsung’s Galaxy A56 rather than to devices from fellow Chinese brands.

In that context, the Nord 5 offers more value than the Galaxy A56, which is not only costlier but also falls behind in many aspects. Therefore, the handset remains a strong recommendation for consumers in Europe.

In India, however, the market is flooded with numerous compelling options, as we’ve discussed. The decision, therefore, boils down to personal preference.

The OnePlus Nord 5 is a good phone with noticeable upgrades over its predecessor. It is a well-rounded product catering to consumers who simply want a reliable, no-fuss smartphone in the sub-₹35,000 price range.

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Back in March, I reviewed the OnePlus 13 after using it for over a month. Now, five months later, having used the phone every single day, I can say my thoughts haven’t changed. In fact, I’ve grown to appreciate it even more.

And with the Amazon Prime Day sale bringing a ₹10,000 discount, this feels like the perfect time to talk about why I still recommend the OnePlus 13.

Reliable Performance That Hasn’t Slowed Down

The OnePlus 13 still feels fast and fluid, just like it did on day one. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and even after months of updates, daily multitasking, gaming, and media usage, I haven’t seen any signs of slowdown or stuttering.

Battery life has also been great. I easily get a day with moderate to heavy use. And when it’s low, the 100W SuperVOOC charger gets it back to full in around 40 minutes. Wireless charging is available too, which adds a nice layer of convenience.

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A Design That Grows on You

When I first unboxed the OnePlus 13, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the flat frame. I was used to the curved sides of the OnePlus 12, and I assumed the flat edges would be uncomfortable. But after a few days, I stopped noticing. In fact, the flat design actually makes it easier to hold and I rarely have accidental touches now.

The display is big, sharp, and smooth. The 6.82-inch QHD+ 120Hz panel makes everything look great. It’s not the absolute brightest screen out there, but it performs very well, both indoors and outside.

I’ve been using the Arctic Dawn variant, which looks clean and minimal. But I’d recommend the Midnight Ocean version. That one comes with a vegan leather back, which offers better grip than the frosted glass.

Cameras Are Solid, With Some Small Quirks

The OnePlus 13 doesn’t make huge jumps over the 12 in the camera department, but the changes are noticeable once you get used to them.

In daylight, all three rear cameras take crisp and colorful photos. The color consistency across the main, telephoto, and ultrawide sensors is really well done. Low-light shots are also decent, though not class-leading.

I do have mixed feelings about the new periscope telephoto lens. While it’s technically better than the previous one, it has a high minimum focus distance. This means you can’t get too close to your subject for zoomed-in macro shots. Also, extreme zoom photos sometimes look a bit processed or artificial. Still, for casual photography, the phone does more than enough.

Video recording is smooth and stable. The only part that feels a little outdated is the selfie camera, which still lacks autofocus. It’s fine for video calls and basic selfies, but I hope OnePlus improves this in the next version.

Simple, Smooth Software That Gets Updates

OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, has been a joy to use. It’s smooth, minimal, and doesn’t come with any annoying bloatware. The animations feel fluid, and the system is stable.

OnePlus has also committed to four major Android updates and six years of security updates. That kind of long-term support gives consumers peace of mind that this phone won’t feel outdated anytime soon.

Extras That Actually Matter

A few little things have really made the OnePlus 13 experience better over time. The new alert slider feels more premium. The dual stereo speakers are loud and clear, which is great for video and music. The phone also has IP68 and IP69 ratings, so I’ve used it in the rain, showers, and pools without worry.

Also worth noting is the ecosystem. OnePlus now has smartwatches, tablets, and earbuds that work well together. If you’re into a connected experience, this adds value that some other Chinese brands still don’t offer globally.

And finally, there’s something OnePlus does that no other brand does. They offer a lifetime warranty against green-line display issues. With OLED panels becoming more prone to screen defects lately, this is a huge plus.

Final Thoughts: An Easy Recommendation, Now More Than Ever

The OnePlus 13 might not be perfect, but it nails the fundamentals. It’s fast, reliable, well-built, and gets better with time. If you’re someone who wants a phone that just works and keeps working, this is a fantastic choice.

At its launch price, it was already competitive. With the ₹10,000 Amazon Prime Day discount, it’s one of the best flagship deals available in India right now.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a high-end smartphone that gives you premium features without the premium pricing headache, the OnePlus 13 is still an easy “yes” for me — even half a year later.

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OnePlus recently unveiled its latest-generation neckband-style earphones, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3. They succeed the Bullets Wireless Z2 from 2022.

Arriving after a three-year gap, the new model brings some upgrades, though nothing extraordinary. However, it costs less at launch than its predecessor—a rarity in the consumer electronics market.

OnePlus sent me a unit for review, and after using the earphones for the past few days, I am ready to share my thoughts on them.

Before I begin, I want to let readers know that OnePlus had no editorial input or early access to this article. The opinions expressed here are mine alone.

A Design That Works and Plays

The best thing about the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 is its design. Weighing just 26g, the earphones are so lightweight you barely feel them around your neck. This makes them ideal not only as a fashion accessory but also for professionals like delivery workers who need to make frequent calls throughout the day.

The earphones come in two colors: Mambo Midnight and Samba Sunset. I have the former, which is perfect for those who prefer subtlety. I would personally go with the latter and recommend it if you like your gadgets to be a headturner.

The left side of the neckband houses three buttons, an LED indicator, the microphone, and the USB Type-C charging port. The right side features only the ‘ONEPLUS’ branding and logo.

The product’s body is made entirely of lightweight yet sturdy plastic. The rubberized part that goes around the neck feels comfortable, causing no skin irritation. It also has an IP55 rating for water and sweat resistance.

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New Features, Familiar Omissions

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 features Bluetooth 5.4, a significant leap from the Bluetooth 5.0 found on the previous model. This upgrade enables better power efficiency. As a result, despite having the same 220mAh battery, the brand claims 36 hours of music playback at 50% volume, compared to 30 hours on the predecessor.

The earphones now support Google Fast Pair for seamless pairing with Android devices. They also come with a 3D Spatial Audio feature; however, support for this is not yet widespread across most content.

As for the buttons, they can be used for controlling volume, managing music playback, accepting or declining calls, initiating pairing, and activating AI assistants. Just like previous models, the buds offer the convenient magnetic power on/off feature.

Unfortunately, the earphones still lack multipoint connectivity (dual-device connection). This means you have to disconnect from one device before connecting to another.

Also, the magnetic power-off feature is slow, taking more than two seconds to activate. In contrast, the buds turn on instantly when the magnets are separated.

There’s no ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) either. However, they do include ENC (Electronic Noise Cancellation) for calls, which performs decently.

A Sound Profile for the Masses

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 features the same 12.4mm drivers as its predecessor. It comes with four EQ settings: Balanced (the default), Serenade, Bass, and Bold. There is also an option called BassWave to dynamically boost or lower bass.

Contrary to its name, the default “Balanced” EQ setting is not balanced at all. It provides a bass-heavy output that overpowers the mids, although this is a sound signature most mainstream consumers might prefer.

Thankfully, you can achieve slightly better audio quality by switching to the “Serenade” preset. To do this on smartphones not made by OnePlus or its sister companies, you will need to install the HeyMelody app. For custom EQ settings, you will have to rely on third-party apps.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that while the sound output can be very loud. At the same time, it can be too low for comfortable late-night music sessions. Overall, the audio quality is decent, as it is clearly targeted at the mass market.

The Bottom Line

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 is a product of clear compromises. It absolutely excels in design, comfort, and battery life, making it one of the most comfortable neckbands available for all-day use. The lower launch price is a significant and welcome bonus.

However, these strengths are balanced by notable omissions like multipoint connectivity and ANC, and an audio quality that is decidedly average and tuned for the mass market.

So, should you buy it? If your top priorities are a lightweight, “wear-and-forget” design and a battery that lasts for days, the Z3 is an excellent choice for its price. But if you’re an audiophile or a power user who needs to switch between multiple devices seamlessly, you should look elsewhere. Ultimately, OnePlus has delivered on a specific goal: a comfortable, long-lasting neckband that nails the basics for its target audience.

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	OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 in-Ear Neckband with 12.4mm Drivers, 3D Spatial Audio,10 mins Charge for…	Check Price on Amazon

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Compact smartphones have made a comeback in recent months. For a long time, this segment was primarily dominated by offerings from Samsung, Apple, and Google.

In recent years, Xiaomi entered this category with its base flagship model. A few months ago, Vivo also joined the list with a “mini” version of its flagship phone. More recently, OnePlus made its entry into this segment with much fanfare.

As we are only halfway through the year, several more compact smartphones are expected to launch. Let’s take a look at the anticipated models.

Upcoming Compact Smartphones

Vivo X200 FE

The Vivo X200 FE is expected to be released in global markets in July. According to the information available, the device will be a rebranded version of the Vivo S30 Pro Mini, which was recently launched in China.

For context, the design of the S30 Pro Mini is reminiscent of the iPhone 16. However, the IP69-rated handset is built around a slightly larger 6.31-inch display compared to the iPhone’s 6.1-inch screen. The 1.5K (2640 x 1216 pixels) OLED display on the Vivo supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate.

Internally, the phone features a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus chip and a 6,500mAh silicon-carbide battery with support for 90W wired charging. It also comes with a versatile camera system, which includes: a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor, a 50MP Sony IMX882 3x telephoto shooter, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 50MP front-facing camera with autofocus.

Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro

The Pixel 10 series is expected to be unveiled in August. The base model and the Pro version will continue to feature a compact form factor.

The duo is anticipated to sport a 6.3-inch OLED display. Much like their predecessors, the standard Pixel 10 will likely offer an FHD+ resolution, while the Pixel 10 Pro is expected to have a higher 1.5K resolution.

Both models will be powered by the new Tensor G5 chip; however, they are said to feature different camera systems. For the first time, the standard variant will reportedly include a third telephoto sensor, though its other sensors will be a downgrade from the previous generation. The Pixel 10 Pro, on the other hand, is expected to retain the same camera hardware as its forerunner.

Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be unveiled in September and will reportedly feature a new design. As usual, the standard and Pro models are said to retain their compact form factor.

Their display sizes are anticipated to increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. In a significant upgrade, the base iPhone 17 will also support a 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion) for the first time.

The smartphones are expected to be powered by the A19 series of chips and are also rumored to include an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera.

The duo will be accompanied by two larger models: the iPhone 17 Pro Max and a new, thinner iPhone 17 Air.

Xiaomi 16

The Xiaomi 16 series is expected to launch in September, a month earlier than its predecessors. The standard model will continue the tradition of being a compact smartphone, marking the fifth consecutive generation to do so.

According to leaks, the handset will be built around a 6.39-inch display and will be powered by the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset.

Notably, the device is rumored to include a large 7,000mAh silicon-carbide battery. For comparison, the current-generation Xiaomi 15 has a 5,400mAh cell.

The rear camera system will reportedly consist of three 50MP sensors, offering wide, ultrawide, and telephoto perspectives. Finally, the phone is expected to ship with HyperOS 3, based on Android 16.

Vivo X300 Pro Mini

The Vivo X300 Pro Mini is anticipated to be released in October. It will be the company’s third compact smartphone, following the X200 Pro Mini and S30 Pro Mini.

The device is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. A large 7,000mAh silicon-carbide battery will power the handset.

The phone is also tipped to retain a periscope telephoto camera alongside an ultrawide unit. Unlike its predecessor, it will also offer support for wireless charging.

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Motorola has recently unveiled its Edge 60 lineup of smartphones, continuing its annual tradition of delivering a diverse portfolio of devices. Like the previous generations, the new gen is also strategically designed to cater to a wide audience, with multiple models spread across various price segments to ensure there’s a compelling option for every type of user.

Choosing between these new phones can be confusing, even for tech enthusiasts. To make it easier, this guide will explain what makes each Edge 60 model different to help you understand your options.

Meet the Lineup

For starters, the series consists of the following 5 handsets.

• Motorola Edge 60
• Motorola Edge 60 Pro
• Motorola Edge 60 Fusion
• Motorola Edge 60 Stylus
• Motorola Edge 60s

Let’s check out how these products are similar and different from one another.

Design & Durability: A Shared Look with Key Differences

All the phones in the series feature an identical design. They come with an elevated, square camera island on the top-left of the rear panel, where the camera sensors and LED flash are arranged in a matrix.

Except for the Edge 60 Stylus, the rest of the lineup has a quad-curved display and is IP68 rated. In contrast, the model with the stylus has a flat screen and is limited to an IP52 rating. The entire series arrives with Dolby Atmos-supported stereo speakers, but only the Edge 60 Stylus sports a 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, unlike the other models, the Edge 60 Pro does not have a microSD card slot.

Finally, the Edge 60s is GJB 150A-2009 certified for durability, while the others are MIL-STD-810H compliant.

Display & Visuals: Pixels, Protection, and P-OLED

All handsets in the series offer a 1.5K screen resolution (2712 x 1220 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate. With the exception of the Edge 60 Stylus, all models support a peak brightness of up to 4500 nits, and their displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.

The Stylus variant, on the other hand, uses the older Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and is limited to a peak brightness of 3000 nits. However, as its name suggests, it is the only model in the lineup that supports stylus input.

Regarding the panel type, all phones in the series sport P-OLED screens. In terms of size, the display on the Pro and Stylus versions measures 6.7 inches diagonally, while the other models feature a 6.67-inch screen.

Performance: Processing Power, Memory & Software

The Edge 60 Pro is the most powerful model in the lineup, equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme chipset. In contrast, the Edge 60 Stylus is the least powerful, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC.

The Edge 60 and Edge 60 Fusion are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip in most markets. However, in India, these models, along with the China-only Edge 60s, use a Dimensity 7400 SoC instead.

Furthermore, the Pro variant is the only model to feature faster LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, while the other models come with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. All phones in the series ship with Android 15. However, their software support differs: the Edge 60 Stylus is promised only 2 major Android updates and 3 years of security updates, whereas all other models are guaranteed 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates.

Cameras: A Detailed Look at the Optics

All handsets in the series feature a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C primary camera with OIS. While the ultrawide camera on every model supports autofocus for macro photography, the sensor itself differs across the lineup. The Edge 60 and Edge 60 Pro are equipped with a 50MP ultrawide unit, whereas the other models use a 13MP sensor.

Additionally, the Edge 60 and Edge 60 Pro come with a 10MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS, a feature that is absent on the other models. Similarly, these two phones sport a 50MP selfie camera, in contrast to the 32MP front-facing camera found on the rest of the series.

Battery Life & Charging Speeds

The Edge 60 Pro is equipped with the largest battery in the lineup, a 6,000mAh cell. It is also the only model to support 90W wired charging and is one of two phones, along with the Edge 60 Stylus, to offer 15W wireless charging.

The Edge 60 Stylus is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. For charging, it supports the aforementioned 15W wireless charging and 68W wired charging.

Meanwhile, the Edge 60 and Edge 60 Fusion come with a 5,200mAh battery in most markets. However, in India, they feature a slightly larger 5,500mAh battery, the same capacity found in the China-exclusive Edge 60s. All of these models support 68W wired charging but lack wireless charging capabilities.

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	Motorola Edge 60 Fusion (Pantone Amazonite, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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Availability: Where to Find Each Model

The Motorola Edge 60 family of smartphones is available worldwide, although some models are exclusive to certain markets.

For instance, the Edge 60s is sold only in China and is essentially a rebadged version of the Edge 60 Fusion. Similarly, the Edge 60 Stylus is limited to the Indian market. In other regions, this device is marketed as the Moto G Stylus (2025) and uses a different chipset (a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 instead of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2).

Therefore, the Edge 60 and Edge 60 Pro are the only phones in the lineup sold with the same name and specifications across all regions.

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	Motorola Edge 60 Stylus 5G (Pantone Surf The Web, 256 GB, 8 GB RAM) | 6.67″ 1.5K pOLED | 50MP + 13MP…	Check Price on Amazon

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Which Edge 60 Should You Buy?

• For the Power User: Choose the Edge 60 Pro. It has the fastest chip, the most capable camera system with a telephoto lens, the largest battery, and the fastest charging.
• For the Creative Note-Taker: The Edge 60 Stylus is your go-to. It’s the only model with built-in stylus support and also keeps the convenient 3.5mm headphone jack.
• For the Balanced User: The Edge 60 and Edge 60 Fusion/Edge 60s offer a great middle ground. They share powerful cameras with the Pro model but have slightly different performance and battery specs, providing excellent all-around value.

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Huawei is preparing to unveil its highly anticipated Pura 80 series smartphones on June 11th. Building upon the foundation of the Pura 70 series, which launched in April 2024, the new lineup promises to bring significant advancements and upgrades.

Recent leaks have fueled anticipation among tech enthusiasts, painting a picture of what’s to come. The Pura 80 series is said to feature a more powerful chip and will debut with the new HarmonyOS 5. Enhancements are also expected in the camera system, alongside a tweaked design, signaling Huawei’s continued focus on mobile imaging and user experience.

Without further ado, let’s dive into a roundup of what we know so far about the upcoming Huawei Pura 80 series.

Familiar Form, Enhanced Prominence

As per recent leaks and official teasers, the Huawei Pura 80 series will arrive with a slightly tweaked design, evolving the aesthetic seen in its predecessor. 

The phones are expected to retain the distinctive rounded triangular (or shield-like) camera module from the Pura 70 series. However, this signature element will likely be even more of a focal point, as indications suggest the module will be bigger and therefore more prominent on the new devices.

Leaked images, particularly those purported to be of the Pura 80 Ultra, appear to confirm these design adjustments. This enlarged camera housing isn’t just for visual emphasis; the module is expected to include an advanced camera array, with some reports suggesting it could house two periscope telephoto shooters.

Powered by Kirin 9020 and HarmonyOS 5

The HiSilicon Kirin 9020 chip will power the Huawei Pura 80 series. Although it shares the 7nm SMIC manufacturing process with the Kirin 9010, the 9020 delivers key upgrades. Its CPU offers a faster main TaiShan V121 core at 2.5 GHz, incorporates different Taishan-Little efficiency cores, and the newer Maleoon 920 GPU is clocked higher at 840 MHz.

The Kirin 9020 also brings faster LPDDR5X memory, UFS 4.0 storage, and a significant leap in connectivity with the newer Balong 6000 modem, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. AI tasks continue to be handled by Huawei’s Da Vinci NPU architecture.

On the software front, the Pura 80 series will run the HarmonyOS 5. This latest version of Huawei’s operating system brings substantial advancements, with a core focus on deep AI integration throughout the user experience, leveraging technologies like Huawei’s Pangu large language model. 

HarmonyOS 5 delivers improved system fluency, refined UI aesthetics, more seamless cross-device collaboration, and a mature, independent app ecosystem, built upon the “HarmonyOS NEXT” architecture.

Self-developed Camera Sensor

Recent leaks, largely from tipster Digital Chat Station, point to significant camera advancements in the Huawei Pura 80 series. The Pura 80 Pro is now tipped to feature a brand new 1-inch, 50MP main sensor, potentially a Huawei-developed “SmartSens” (possibly SC5A0CS). 

The Pura 80 Ultra is also expected to boast a 1-inch, 50MP main sensor, with reports suggesting Huawei is experimenting with an RYYB color filter array for it, as well as for its 1/1.31″ periscope telephoto lens. RYYB technology is known for boosting low-light performance by capturing more light. While this can present color accuracy challenges, Huawei has experience mitigating these, as seen in previous models like the Pura 70 Ultra.

Furthermore, the entire Pura 80 series is said to come equipped with variable aperture on the main sensors, offering greater control over light and depth of field.

Models Anticipated

The upcoming Huawei Pura 80 lineup will include the following devices.

• Huawei Pura 80
• Huawei Pura 80 Pro
• Huawei Pura 80 Pro Plus
• Huawei Pura 80 Ultra

The official launch is set for June 11 at 2:30 PM GMT+8. The event will be live-streamed on Huawei’s social channels.

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Finding a high-quality smartphone that doesn’t break the bank can be challenging. In today’s market, numerous options promise top-tier performance and features, but many come with a hefty price tag.

This guide focuses on identifying the best smartphones available in the US for under $500, ensuring you get the most value for your money. We’ve curated a list of devices that balance essential features, performance, and affordability.

The selection comprises models from brands that are officially present in the US, so you need not worry about after-sales support. Each of these smartphones has been chosen for its unique strengths, ensuring there’s an option for every user’s needs and preferences within the $500 budget.

Without further ado, let’s go through these phones.

Pixel 9a: Clean Android Experience

The Pixel 9a is Google’s latest budget offering. It costs the same $499 as its predecessor, the Pixel 8a.

For the same price, the newer model comes with a faster Tensor G4 chip and a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, which also happens to be brighter at 2700 nits (peak).

The device also gets a new 48MP primary camera paired with a wider f/1.7 lens. More importantly, the battery capacity gets a boost to 5,100mAh, and it also charges a bit faster at 23W.

Along with the upgraded hardware and a revamped design, the Pixel 9a also offers a clean Android experience, like any other Pixel. It supports almost all the AI features Google has to offer, along with 7 years of guaranteed major Android updates.

OnePlus 13R: Smooth Performance and Fast Charging

The OnePlus 13R is probably the smoothest $500 smartphone that’s officially available in the US. That’s because it is powered by a high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, paired with OxygenOS 15 and a 120Hz display.

The phone also features a triple camera system comprising a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto shooter, and an 8MP ultrawide unit. It is backed by a large 6,000mAh battery, which supports 80W wired charging.

The OnePlus 13R is compatible with all three major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) in the US. The official price tag is $599; however, the product is regularly sold at a $100 discount.

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	OnePlus 13R | Smarter with OnePlus AI (12GB RAM, 256GB Storage Nebula Noir)	Check Price on Amazon

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Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: Unique Design and Features

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is one of the most unique-looking smartphones on the market. The handset’s design is a head-turner, thanks to its transparent rear panel and Glyph LED lights.

At $459, it also delivers a capable camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto unit, and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. Further, the software resembles stock Android with Nothing’s dot matrix elements and some unique first-party apps.

It is not as powerful as the previous two devices. However, it is fast enough for day-to-day activities. A 5,000mAh battery powers the device, with support for 50W wired charging.

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	Nothing Phone (3a) Pro 5G (Black, 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Samsung Ecosystem Experience on a Budget

The Galaxy S24 FE is the costliest product on the list. Though it carries an official price tag of $649, it can often be found for less than $500.

The handset delivers almost everything you can expect from the expensive mainline Galaxy S series phones from Samsung, but at a lower price. You get to experience the whole suite of Samsung ecosystem features.

The device comes with all the essential features, such as a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, a 4,700mAh battery, a 50MP (wide) + 8MP (3x telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide) triple camera setup, IP68 dust and water resistance, and an Exynos 2400e chip. Samsung even promises 7 years of major Android updates.

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	Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G AI Smartphone (Blue, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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The Indian smartphone market is currently undergoing premiumization. According to Counterpoint Research, the market’s value is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2025.

As a result, we are witnessing more premium offerings from brands than ever before. Almost all phone companies with a presence in India now sell expensive handsets. 

OnePlus is no exception. The brand has been a key player in this category for quite some time. With increasing competition, OnePlus has been improving its flagship smartphones methodically.

Having used the OnePlus 12 for over a year and the latest OnePlus 13 for more than a month, here are my thoughts on the brand’s latest flagship smartphone.

Where OnePlus Stands in the Flagship Landscape

OnePlus transitioned to offering a single flagship model a few generations ago. The brand dropped the ‘Pro’ variant, effectively replacing it with the standard model in all but name.

Although the price has gradually increased with newer generations, it remains lower than what Apple and Samsung charge for their baseline flagship models, let alone their Pro and Ultra versions. For a lower price, the OnePlus 13 offers a superior feature set compared to the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25.

However, the OnePlus 13’s notable competitors come from fellow Chinese brands, namely the Vivo X200, Xiaomi 15, and Oppo Find X8. While these three smartphones excel in their ways, I believe the OnePlus 13 is a compelling option for most consumers (more on this later).

Design that’s Functional and Durable

When I first picked up the OnePlus 13, I was skeptical about its in-hand feel due to the flat frame. But, to my surprise, I got used to it after a few days of use. 

Though it isn’t as cozy as the OnePlus 12 (thanks to its curved display), the flat frame makes the phone feel more grippy. The best part of this change is the reduction in accidental touches—hallelujah!

Additionally, the 6.82-inch QHD+ 120Hz screen is a visual treat. Although it’s not the brightest display in this price range, it performs well in both HDR and non-HDR scenarios and is complemented by loud dual stereo speakers.

I received the Arctic Dawn version of the handset. While I like this hue, I prefer the Midnight Ocean variant, as it features a vegan leather back, which is less slippery than the frosted glass found on Arctic Dawn and Black Eclipse.

Interestingly, the OnePlus 13 comes with an improved alert slider compared to the OnePlus 12. It feels sturdier and more tactile. The phone also boasts better ingress protection ratings (IP68 and IP69), making me feel more at ease using it during rain or even shower sessions.

Power that Goes the Distance

The unique selling proposition (USP) of OnePlus flagships has always been smoothness. The OnePlus 13 takes this even further. I was amazed to find that the phone feels snappier than the already fast OnePlus 12, even though they run the same software (OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15).

The Snapdragon 8 Elite powering the OnePlus 13 is a significant upgrade compared to previous Snapdragon 8 series chips. It not only delivers better raw performance than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the OnePlus 12, but it does so with improved power efficiency.

During my weeks of usage, I consistently experienced better battery life, thanks to the new chipset and a larger 6,000mAh battery (compared to 5,400mAh on the OnePlus 12). The 100W SuperVOOC charger fully recharges the phone in around 40 minutes, and a quick refill suffices in case of low battery. 

Wireless charging support (up to 50W) adds convenience, although you’ll need to invest in the proprietary magnetic charger to achieve maximum speed.

Subtle Camera Upgrades with Some Trade-offs

The cameras on the OnePlus 13 are not significantly improved compared to the OnePlus 12. While image processing differs slightly, the difference is not substantial.

The camera hardware has been upgraded, featuring a new 50MP Sony LYT-600 3x periscope telephoto lens and a 50MP Samsung JN5 ultrawide unit with autofocus. The main sensor, however, remains the 50MP Sony LYT-808.

All three rear cameras deliver detailed images with excellent dynamic range in good lighting conditions. Color reproduction is consistent across all cameras. Even under low-light scenarios, performance is relatively stable.

Video recording sees minor improvements over the OnePlus 12. However, the selfie camera remains virtually unchanged and could benefit from autofocus.

Although the new zoom camera hardware is technically better, I personally prefer the older one. The newer module struggles with a high minimum focus distance, making macro photography difficult. It also faces challenges focusing on very distant objects, and extreme zoom shots are overly processed, resulting in artificial-looking images.

Why the OnePlus 13 is an Easy Recommendation

The OnePlus 13 is a smartphone that can be recommended to a vast majority of people, especially in India. It positions itself as a worthy alternative to the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25.

Unlike Apple and Samsung’s handsets, the OnePlus 13 isn’t compact. It’s a large phone that competes with the Pro and Ultra models of the aforementioned brands at a more affordable price.

Spec and price-wise, the Vivo X200, Xiaomi 15, and Oppo Find X8 are more direct competitors to the OnePlus 13. These three smartphones excel in camera performance, an area where OnePlus has improved but still doesn’t lead.

If camera performance is your sole focus, you may want to explore these alternatives. However, a good flagship should be an all-rounder—and the OnePlus 13 fits that definition perfectly. 

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	OnePlus 13| Smarter with OnePlus AI (12GB RAM, 256GB Storage Midnight Ocean)	Check Price on Amazon

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The OnePlus 13 offers top-notch performance, a smooth UI, long battery life, fast charging, excellent build quality, and good cameras. Its software caters to a global audience better than other Chinese brands. OnePlus also promises 4 Android updates and 6 years of security updates.

Moreover, consumers can opt for OnePlus ecosystem products like smartwatches, tablets, and earbuds to enhance their overall experience—a feature that other Chinese brands often lack in global markets.

Finally, OnePlus is the only smartphone brand that provides a lifetime warranty for green-line display issues, a problem currently affecting the industry at large.

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Several smartphones are expected to launch in February. However, we are only excited about some of them.

One of these devices is the most anticipated foldable of 2025. Another one is an annual Ultra phone from a popular Chinese brand.

The remaining models are mid-rangers. One of them is performance-focused, while the other is camera and design-oriented.

Let’s take a look at these products.

Upcoming Smartphones February 2025

Oppo Find N5

Oppo is gearing up to debut its 4th book-style foldable smartphone. The device is officially called Oppo Find N5 and it will succeed the Oppo Find N3 from late 2023.

As the new model is arriving more than a year after its predecessor, it will pack some serious upgrades. Thanks to official teasers and unofficial leaks, we know a lot about this product.

For starters, it will launch as the world’s thinnest foldable. It will be about as thin as the USB Type-C port when unfolded.

Despite its thinness, the phone is expected to house a large 5,700mAh battery. On top of that, it will support 80W wired and 50W wireless charging standards.

The Find N5 will come with not one but three IP ratings, namely IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9. Lastly, it is rumored to feature a 7-core variant of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be the company’s 6th Ultra smartphone. It will be more of a yearly upgrade model.

The device will retain the giant circular module from its forerunners, however, the sensors will be arranged differently. The quad-camera setup will include a 50MP Sony LYT-900 primary sensor, a 50MP Samsung JN5 ultrawide unit, a 50MP Sony IMX858 3x telephoto snapper, and a 200 Samsung HP9 4.3x periscope telephoto shooter.

It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. Under the hood, it is expected to pack a 6,000mAh battery and support 90W wired as well as 50W wireless charging standards.

iQOO Neo 10R

The iQOO Neo 10R will be the latest mid-range powerhouse from the brand for India. It will house a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and is expected to start at around ₹30,000 in the country.

The handset is tipped to draw energy from a 6,400mAh battery. It is said to come with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide unit.

Other anticipated features include a 1.5K 144Hz OLED display, up to 12GB + 256GB memory configuration, and Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15.

Vivo V50

The Vivo V50 is set to arrive alone this time around. The ‘Pro’ model is expected to be released sometime later.

The device is said to be a modified version of the Vivo S20. However, unlike the S20, the V50 will have Zeiss cameras.

The handset is anticipated to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip and a 6,000mAh battery. Despite a large-sized battery, the product may have a thickness of just 7.2mm.

The phone will sport three 50MP cameras: two on the rear (wide + ultrawide) and one on the front (with autofocus). Lasty, it will flaunt a 6.67-inch 1.5K 120Hz micro-curved OLED display.

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Asus recently took wraps off the Zenfone 12 Ultra. The device succeeds the Zenfone 11 Ultra.

Though the product is called ‘Ultra,’ it is not accompanied by ‘standard’ and ‘pro’ models. It is a loner handset like its predecessor.

Again, like its forerunner, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a non-gaming version of the current-gen ROG Phone. This means it is more or less the same as the ROG Phone 9 Pro.

The core specs are identical on the two. The two only differ in terms of look and feel.

Either way, let’s take a look at the key features of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra in this article.

Resembles Candies

The Zenfone 12 Ultra has almost the same dimensions as the ROG Phone 9 Pro. The overall design is also nearly identical. But certain things set them apart.

The camera islands on the two devices are slightly different from one another. The LED flash module sits to the right of the secondary sensors on Zenfone 12 Ultra. While on the ROG Phone 9 Pro, it is located below the primary sensor.

Most importantly, the Zenfone 12 Ultra lacks the mini LED display on the back and comes in eye-catching colors. These hues, namely Sage Green, Sakura White, and Ebony Black, make the device look like candies. It matches the aesthetics of the Nubia Candy Charger from 2020.

Powerful Hardware

Asus has equipped the Zenfone 12 Ultra with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. It is currently the most powerful chip on Android phones. This silicon even goes head-to-head with the Apple A18 Pro chip inside the iPhone 16 Pro.

The latest Snapdragon chipset is further paired with fast LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The handset offers up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

Lastly, the device draws energy from a 5,500mAh battery. It supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging standards.

Versatile Cameras

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra has a versatile triple camera system on the rear. All three modules offer different focal lengths (wide, ultrawide, and telephoto).

The primary camera is a 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor. It is paired with a 13MP 120° FOV ultrawide unit and a 3x 32MP telephoto shooter.

On the front, the handset sports a 32MP RGBW sensor for selfies and video calls.

Poor Software Support

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra ships with Android 15. It also comes with several AI features for productivity, communication, and camera.

However, unlike the competition, Asus guarantees only 2 major Android updates. This is unacceptable for a smartphone that starts at €1,100.

For comparison, similarly priced Samsung Galaxy S series phones offer 7 years of Android updates.

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Now that Poco is done with the launch of the X7 series, it is expected to unveil the F7 series in the coming weeks. For the uninitiated, the F series is Poco’s flagship product lineup and they sit above the X series.

A lot about these upcoming devices has been appearing on the web lately. For the first time, the lineup will include an ‘Ultra’ model. This top variant will be accompanied by vanilla and ‘Pro’ versions.

Thanks to multiple sources, a lot about the forthcoming Poco F7 Ultra is out in the open. Here in this post let’s go through all the known details.

A rebranded product as usual

Poco is part of the Xiaomi group. Except for its first product, the Poco F1 (aka Pocophone F1), the rest of its lineup so far has been either tweaked or rebranded variants of devices from sister brand Redmi.

So it’s not surprising to learn that the upcoming Poco F7 Ultra is a rebranded Redmi K80 Pro. The Redmi device bears the codename miro, while its Poco version is called miro_global.

The F7 Ultra is expected to retain the specs of the K80 Pro. However, it could arrive in different finishes in terms of colors.

Most premium Poco phone to date

The Poco F7 Ultra will offer the best set of specs on a Poco smartphone to date. It will not only house the latest flagship chipset from Qualcomm but also arrive with other matching features.

The device will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. It will sport a 6.67-inch flat OLED display with a QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1800 nits global peak brightness level in HBM (High Brightness Mode). The panel will support DC dimming, Dolby Vision, 2560Hz PWM dimming, 12-bit color depth, and 3200 nits local peak brightness level.

The touchscreen can be operated even while the surface is wet. Under the screen, the phone will use an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Further, the handset will arrive with a triple camera system on the back and a 20MP front-facing shooter. The rear setup will consist of a 50MP Light Fusion 800 primary sensor, a 50MP 2.5x floating telephoto unit, and a 32MP ultrawide snapper.

On the software front, the device will boot HyperOS 2 based on Android 15. It will be IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.

Finally, it is expected to draw power from a 6,000mAh Silicon Carbon battery and carry support for 120W wired and 50W wireless charging standards.

Limited availability

The Poco F7 Ultra will not be available in all the regions where Poco has its presence. There’s just a single regional variant of the handset.

The phone is only expected to hit the shelves in select countries in Europe and Southeast Asia. This means it will not be sold in India.

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Mobile gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry. Most of the revenue comes from the freemium model (in-game purchases).

Therefore, almost all mobile titles have lower hardware requirements for better accessibility. However, the price of dedicated gaming smartphones has soared high in recent years.

These devices offer top-of-the-line performance and the latest tech. But are they worth spending $1000 or more?

Today, one can play almost all titles properly on any mid-range or above phone. So should you splurge on mobile gaming hardware? Let’s find out together.

The Gaming Phone Dilemma

Asus’ ROG (Republic of Gamers) is one of the most popular consumer-facing gaming hardware brands. It is the only widely available brand that has a presence in the smartphone market.

In fact, it is the company that popularized the gaming smartphone category. As a leader in the niche segment, the firm steadily increased the price of its handsets over the years.

At present, the latest ROG Phone 9 series starts at $1,000 and goes all the way up to $1,500. That’s a lot of money for a dedicated gaming smartphone.

Lately, Asus has toned down the screaming gaming aesthetics to make the product look and feel more like a regular phone. But it still can’t match the overall experience offered by regular flagships.

ROG Phones are primarily only good at gaming. When you look at them as an everyday premium phone (due to their high asking price), they fall short.

The Case Against Expensive Gaming Phones

Even if you have purchased the latest ROG Phone 9 Pro, there aren’t many resource-hungry titles to play in the first place. 

As we mentioned earlier, most games are now designed to run even on the lowest of hardware as much as possible. There are only a handful of titles that may play marginally better on expensive gaming phones. 

It has been nearly 3 years since the introduction of ray tracing on phones, however, there are very few games that use this tech. Also, ray tracing on smartphones is comparatively less pronounced than on PCs and consoles.

Though the hardware is capable enough, there aren’t software to make use of it. Developers are flocking toward the freemium model with more accessible games for revenue generation.

Finding the Right Balance

If you are in the market for a smartphone for gaming, you don’t need to spend $1,000 or more. A capable enough chipset, size, and battery are more than enough.

So any phone with a year or more old flagship chip from Qualcomm and MediaTek will just do fine. Devices touting these chipsets are mostly previous-gen premium phones. So you can get them at a much lower price than what they used to cost at launch.

Sometimes, these chips are all found in so-called flagship-killer phones. They tend to cost half of the regular flagship but still provide almost the same level of performance.

If not for flagship chips, any latest mid-range is also capable enough. Handsets featuring these chipsets are even more affordable.

The next thing to look for is the size. Generally, larger smartphones offer sustained performance. That’s because they tend to dissipate heat better. You also get bigger displays and louder speakers on such phones.

Lastly, handsets with huge batteries will last longer. Also, make sure they have fast charging support so that you can recharge them in no time.

Prior-gen Flagships and Mid-rangers

If you are low on budget, you can still buy a good smartphone for gaming without spending a lot. Instead of opting for the latest gaming smartphone or a flagship, you can go with a generation or two older models.

For instance, you can go with the last-gen Galaxy S24 Ultra or even the older Galaxy S23 Ultra. These phones will cost you hundreds of dollars less than the new Galaxy S25 Ultra. 

Similarly, if you are not into Samsung, perhaps try older OnePlus 12 or 11 rather than OnePlus 13. We could say the same for Motorola Edge phones, Xiaomi number series, Honor Magic series, and more.

Alternately, if you live in a region where you get access to powerful mid-rangers, you can opt for those handsets. Phones like Poco F series, Realme GT series, and Xiaomi T series will get you serious performance for way less price.

Lastly, if case you are in the Apple ecosystem, you can go with older Plus and Pro Max iPhones instead of newer models.

The Appeal of Chinese Smartphones

China gets a wide variety of smartphones. Almost all of them are way more affordable and yet pack a lot of things.

Some of these handsets make their way to nearby Asian countries. A select few also land in Europe. But none of them get released in the far west.

So these phones are not designed for international audience in mind. So they may have some compatibility issues. If you are fine with the drawbacks, you can import these products.

For instance, the best alternative to the ROG Phone 9 series is the Red Magic 10 lineup. It costs about half and even excels in some scenarios.

Further, iQOO smartphones are known for well-tuned performance across all price range. Lastly, flagships from Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo are generally more affordable when imported when compared to their official prices outside mainland China.

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Last month, Motorola unveiled the Moto G05. The device made its way to India a couple of weeks back.

It is currently the most affordable Moto G series smartphone. Priced at ₹6,999 (~$80), it offers an interesting set of features though it is limited to 4G.

The device stands out among the limited options in the entry-level range. Let’s go through why that is so in this article.

Look and Feel

The Moto G05 looks like any other Motorola smartphone as the brand follows a common design language across its products. This makes it feel premium as it resembles more expensive handsets from the company.

The vegan leather finish on the back further enhances the in-hand feel. In India, the device is offered in two Pantone-validated colors, namely Forest Green and Plum Red.

Despite being an entry-level smartphone, it flaunts a centered punch-hole display. All these factors together make it look and feel more premium than it actually is.

Nails the Basics

The Moto G05 sports a 6.67-inch LCD screen with a centered punch-hole and HD+ resolution (1604 x 720 pixels). The best part about this panel is its 1000 nits peak brightness level.

There’s probably no other phone in this segment with such a bright screen. The display also refreshes at a 90Hz rate.

Further, the handset comes with dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Lastly, it is backed by a 5,200mAh battery with support for 18W charging.

Useful Add-ons

The Moto G05 arrives with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometrics. It also comes with a dedicated MicroSD card slot.

On the rear, the handset features a 50MP quad-pixel main camera. Apart from portrait mode, the camera app also offers night mode.

As for software, the Moto G05 is the only device in its segment to boot Android 15. It offers a near-to-stock Android experience along with 2 years of security updates.

Finally, the product is IP52-rated for splash resistance and its touchscreen can be operated even while being wet.

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Xiaomi Pad 7 continues the legacy of its predecessors in India. The latest tablet retains the price of its forerunners and yet delivers upgrades.

Apart from updated specs, the newer model also comes with optional revamped accessories. All of these make it the most value-for-money Android tablet in the country, just like the previous two Xiaomi Pads (Pad 6 and Pad 5).

Almost 3 years later, there’s still no direct competition for Xiaomi Pads in India. The closest competitors (such as the OnePlus Pads) are more expensive. At the same time, the similarly priced or cheaper options lack the features.

Let’s find out why the Xiaomi Pad 7 stands out.

Excellent Performance

The Xiaomi Pad 7 houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset. Though the silicon sounds like a downgrade, it offers almost double the performance of the Snapdragon 870 chip inside the Xiaomi Pad 6.

For the unaware, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 sits between Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in terms of performance. The chip is further paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

The Xiaomi Pad 7 is the only tablet on the market to use this chip. In fact, there are only two smartphones (Realme GT 6T and OnePlus Nord 4) with this silicon in India. All three products cost about the same.

The tablet should remain smooth for years to come with the amount of performance it offers.

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Bright and Crisp Display

The Xiaomi Pad 7 flaunts an 11.2-inch LCD screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio. More importantly, the display is crispier and brighter than the 11-inch panel on the Xiaomi Pad 6.

The screen offers a resolution of 3200 x 2136 pixels and 345 PPI. It supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate and a 360Hz touch sampling rate.

The display has a rated peak brightness level of 800 nits and offers 4096 levels of brightness adjustments along with DC dimming. It also supports Dolby Vision as well as DCI-P3 color gamut.

 Lastly, the touchscreen can be operated even while wet.

Ecosystem Features

The Xiaomi Pad 7 boots HyperOS 2 based on Android 15. The UI mimics the look and feel of a desktop. Multiple apps can be opened in window forms and can be switched seamlessly.

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, the overall experience gets even better with interconnectivity. Users can pick up calls, share clipboard, stream phone’s screen,  and more. With the inclusion of NFC on Pad 7, users can simply tap their phones to share files.

Then, there’s a host of AI features. The tablet ships with useful tools, such as AI Writing, Live Subtitles, Xiaomi Creation, and Google Gemini.

Practical Accessories

The Xiaomi Pad 7 arrives with two optional accessories. The brand calls them Focus Keyboard and Focus Pen.

The keyboard is similar to what Apple sells for its iPads. In other words, it comes with a floating design that allows for 0° to 124° step-less adjustment.

It consists of backlit keys, which offer 1.3mm key travel. The trackpad also supports quick gestures for multiple functions.

Whereas the stylus has two buttons. They can be used for multiple tasks, such as pointing, highlighting, writing, screenshots, and camera shutter.

The pen supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Thus, it feels closer to a real thing.

Competitive Pricing

The Xiaomi Pad 7 is offered in two trims in India. The base 8GB + 128GB variant costs ₹27,999, while the higher 12GB + 256GB model retails at ₹30,999.

There’s no other Android tablet in this price segment in India offering an identical or better feature set. Even the accessories are not that expensive for the value they add.

The stylus and keyboard cost ₹5,999 and ₹8,999, respectively.

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Hisense is not a popular name in the smartphone category. However, the brand does sell some phones.

It is known for its e-ink display-equipped handsets in China. The Hisense A9 is one such product.

This device was launched in May 2022. More than two and a half years later, the A9 has now been re-released.

As per the official information, the re-released Hisense A9 is almost the same as the original. It only differs in terms of RAM and storage. Instead of 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, the new variant comes with 8GB RAM and double the storage at 256GB.

The product is priced at ¥3,199 (~$435) and will be sold via Hisense’s official website. It will be available after January 22.

The main highlight of Hisense A9 is its display. The smartphone uses a 6.1-inch customized e-ink panel. The screen offers 300 PPI and 36 levels of color temperature adjustments. It has 27 built-in LED lights for brightness.

The 4G-only phone is run by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset. It boots Android 11 and draws power from a 4,000mAh battery.

It also comes with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing snapper. For biometrics, it features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

The handset measures 7.8mm in thickness and weighs 183g. Its body is made of microfiber material.

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An unknown Oppo phone has been listed on TENAA. Bearing the model number PKQ110, this device is expected to be the vanilla Oppo A5.

For the unaware, the Oppo A5 Pro made its debut in China on Christmas Eve. It is a budget 5G smartphone with some unique features, such as an IP69 rating, a silicon-carbon battery, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.

The TENAA listing for the alleged Oppo A5 not only discloses its design but also some of its specs.

The handset will arrive with flat sides and a squircle camera module. The volume and power keys will sit on the right side.

The listing images show the product in violet. However, it should be available in other colors.

On the front, the device will sport a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED screen and an 8MP selfie camera. While its back will include a 50MP main camera camera assisted by a 2MP secondary sensor.

The phone will be powered by an unnamed chipset featuring a 2.2GHz CPU. It will be available in 8GB/12GB RAM and 256GB/512GB storage variants.

The smartphone will measure only 7.65mm in thickness and weigh 185g. Yet, it will pack a huge 6,330mAh battery (rated capacity). The phone could come with a silicon-carbon battery like its bigger sibling.

Unfortunately, this is all the TENAA listing has to say about the forthcoming Oppo PKQ110. The listing does not confirm it to be Oppo A5. But there’s a high chance of it being one, given its similarities to the A5 Pro in terms of looks as well as specs.

We look forward to learning more about this product in the coming days as we near its launch. If it’s indeed the Oppo A5, it should cost around ¥1500 (~$200) or more.

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The OnePlus R series of smartphones was first introduced in 2021 as an affordable entry to the flagship experience. Since then, the brand has been releasing new models annually.

Each new model arrived with minute upgrades over its predecessor. The series has now matured over 4 years.

The latest OnePlus 13R is the most refined device in the lineup so far. It is close to a proper flagship now.

Let’s go through what makes it better than its forerunners.

Almost Flagship-level Performance

The OnePlus 13R houses a year-old flagship chipset like its predecessors. It comes powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.

This silicon only comes second to the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite found inside the phone’s bigger sibling, OnePlus 13. It is fast enough to handle all the demanding games (including ray tracing) and AI tasks.

The chip is paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. Most importantly, the handset starts with double the storage (256GB) and more RAM (12GB) compared to previous models. It is also offered in a 16GB + 512GB version.

Further, it boots OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. OnePlus promises 4 Android updates and 6 years of security updates.

OxygenOS 15 is probably the smoothest software on smartphones at the moment with its fluid animations across the UI. It also offers several useful AI features.

Proper Three Lens Camera Setup

One of the drawbacks of the OnePlus R series has been its cameras. The OnePlus 13R finally fixes it with a useful three-lens camera system.

The phone no longer has the pointless 2MP macro snapper found on its predecessors. It is replaced with a functional 50MP Samsung JN5 2x telephoto shooter for portraits.

The 8MP ultrawide unit remains the same and so is the 16MP selfie camera. However, the primary camera is now an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony LYT-700 sensor instead of the older IMX890.

Humongous Battery and Flat Display

The OnePlus 13R is backed by a huge 6,000mAh battery like the OnePlus 13. It supports 80W wired charging to fill the cell in under an hour.

Also, the device sports a flat display like most flagships now. The 6.78-inch OLED panel offers a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels (1.5K) and 450 PPI. 

The Corning Gorilla Glass 7i-protected screen refreshes at 120Hz (LTPO) and can hit a peak brightness level of 4500 nits. Under High Brightness Mode (HBM), it is rated to reach 1600 nits.

The phone is also IP65-rated for dust and water resistance. 

Ecosystem Features

Thanks to a refined OxygenOS 15, the user experience is now better if you happen to own other OnePlus devices. The brand’s tablets, earbuds, and watches play nicely with the phone.

Every other product offers some type of interoperability. OnePlus is the only Chinese OEM to achieve this in global markets in a proper way.

With improvements in the future, it could give competition to Samsung and Apple.

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Amazfit, a brand owned by Zepp Health, is known for its smartwatches. The company used to offer exciting products at affordable prices.

However, the brand’s product lineup got complicated in recent years with many more models and price hikes. This along with increased competition resulted in the company losing its market share.

The brand started correcting itself a year ago by minimizing its product portfolio. The Amazfit Active was the first watch beginning this new chapter for the brand.

Now, at CES 2025, this wearable gets a successor. The newer model improves upon its predecessor by keeping the price even lower.

The Amazfit Active 2 costs only $100 and brings many meaningful changes. It comes with a circular dial, unlike the Apple Watch-lookalike original which was priced at $150 at launch. It essentially replaces the older GTR series.

Let’s go through what makes this smartwatch a compelling option in the budget category.

Premium-esque Design

The Amazfit Active 2 sports a circular dial mimicking classic watches. It has a stainless steel bezel with hour and minute markings.

The wearable comes in two flavors: Standard ($100) and Premium ($130). The former is paired with a leather strap and a sapphire glass. Whereas the latter arrives with a silicone strap and a tempered glass.

The watch flaunts a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness level of 2000 nits. The screen offers a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and 353 PPI.

It has two buttons, a microphone, and a speaker. It is water resistant up to 5 ATM.

Packed with Sensors

The Amazfit Active 2 is equipped with the company’s BioTracker 6.0 PPG biometric sensor. This sensor is found inside the more expensive T-Rex 3 rugged smartwatch.

The sensor stack of the wearable includes accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, altimeter, ambient light, and temperature. It also supports  5 satellite positioning systems (GNSS).

Plethora of Sports and Health Features

The Amazfit Active 2 supports 164 sports modes. Users can create training templates and customize interval training. It also offers turn-by-turn navigation for outdoor activities.

The wearable can be paired with other peripheral workout devices, like heart rate belt, running power meter, cycling power meter, cycling speedometer, and cycling cadence meter.

Further, the data can be synchronized with third-party fitness apps, such as Strava, Adidas Running, TrainingPeaks, Komoot, Relive, Google Fit, and Apple Health.

Common health features offered by the watch include monitoring of heart-rate, blood oxygen level, temperature, stress, and sleep.

Convenient Lifestyle Features

The Amazfit Active 2 is compatible with both Android and iOS. It pairs via the Zepp App over Bluetooth 5.2.

It has all the essential features, such as app notifications, call alerts, camera control, weather, music playback control, voice memos, and more. There’s also support for Zepp Flow AI-powered voice control in select regions.

In some regions, the wearable also offers support for contactless payments via Zepp Pay.

Exceptional Battery Life

Despite packing a ton of features, the Amazfit Actice 2 is rated to last for up to 10 days under typical usage scenario. Even under heavy usage, it is touted to last for up to 5 days.

The watch houses a 270mAh battery and charges via a magnetic charger.

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The Redmi 14C 5G recently went official in India as the brand’s second most affordable 5G smartphone in the country after Redmi A4 5G. The device succeeds the Redmi 13C 5G from last year.

The handset arrives with minute changes in terms of specs. However, its design gets an overhaul. It looks more like a premium smartphone though isn’t one.

The Redmi 14C 5G starts at ₹10,999 (~$130) just like its predecessor. So how is it different from the earlier model with the same price tag? Let’s find out in this article.

Premium-looking Design

The Redmi 14C 5G resembles flagship smartphones from Chinese brands. It has a large centrally aligned circular camera module.

The design is complemented by eye-catching colors. Apart from the standard black hue (Stargaze Black), the phone also comes in a blue paint job with white accents (Starlight Blue) and purple with starry patterns (Stardust Purple).

Overall the product is slightly larger than Redmi 13C 5G, owing to a bigger display. At the same time, it is heavier and weighs up to 212g depending on color.

Bigger Screen

The Redmi 14C 5G flaunts a 6.88-inch display with a dewdrop notch. This LCD panel offers an HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display can reach a peak brightness level of 600 nits.

Whereas the Redmi 13C 5G has a bit smaller 6.74-inch screen. However, the specs are the same for both panels.

Different Chip

Under the hood, the Redmi 14C 5G houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. While the Redmi 13C 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus chip.

Both chipsets are more or less identical in terms of performance. They are also paired with the same LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage.

But the newer model ships with HyperOS based on Android 14. Thus, it gets an additional year of support.

Larger Battery

The Redmi 14C 5G is backed by a larger battery than the Redmi 13C 5G. It is equipped with a 5,160mAh unit compared to a 5,000mAh cell inside the older model.

However, both of them support the same 18W charging standard. So the charging speed should be slower on the newer phone but it should last longer.

Interestingly, the Redmi 14C 5G ships with a 33W charger, while the Redmi 13C 5G comes with a slower 10W power adapter.

Different Selfie Camera

The Redmi 14C 5G is equipped with an 8MP front-facing camera. Whereas, a 5MP shooter sits on the front of Redmi 13C 5G.

Nevertheless, both come with the same 50MP main camera. This primary sensor is paired with an unnamed secondary sensor.

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Though we are approaching the end of the year, new smartphones continue to launch. Four brands have scheduled events for the next few days

Two of these conferences headed by Vivo and Honor will take place in China. On the other hand, the remaining two by Poco and Realme will be held in India.

Honor will take the wraps off a performance-oriented phone. Meanwhile, other companies will unveil budget models.

Let’s go through these products one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

Vivo Y300 5G

The Vivo Y300 5G is set to launch in China on December 16 (Monday). The device will be positioned below the recently released Vivo Y300 Pro 5G.

The phone is tipped to house a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. It is said to sport a 6.77-inch 1.5K 120Hz flat OLED display, a 50MP primary camera, and an 8MP selfie camera.

The handset will boot Android 15 and will be backed by a 6,500mAh battery with support for 44W charging.

Honor GT

The Honor GT is scheduled to launch in China on December 16 (Monday). It will be the first model in the new series.

The performance-focused smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It will be equipped with a 1.5K flat OLED display.

The device will carry support for 100W wired charging. It is expected to take on Redmi K80, iQOO Neo 10, and the upcoming OnePlus Ace 5.

Poco M7 Pro 5G and Poco C75 5G

The Poco M7 Pro 5G and the Poco C75 5G will make their official debut in India on December 17 (Tuesday). The former is a newer phone, while the latter is a 5G variant of an existing model.

The Poco C75 5G will be a rebranded Redmi A4 5G. It will arrive with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chip, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 2 years of OS updates, and a MicroSD card slot. It will be priced below ₹8,000.

Whereas the Poco M7 Pro 5G will be a tweaked version of Redmi Note 14 5G. It is teased to come with an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera and several AI features. The device is expected to offer an FHD+ 120Hz OLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset.

Realme 14x 5G

Realme 14x will be announced in India on December 18 (Wednesday). It will be the first smartphone under ₹15,000 to have an IP69 rating for dust and water resistance.

The product is expected to sport a 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz display (LCD) and a 50MP primary camera. It will draw energy from a 6,000mAh battery and support 45W wired charging.

The handset will be available in Jewel Red, Golden Glow, and Crystal Black color options.

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Four brands have scheduled smartphone launches for the next week. Three of these releases will happen in India, while the last one will be in China.

In India, Xiaomi will debut the latest Redmi Note lineup. At the same time, Motorola will bring a new Moto G budget model to the country. Lastly, Vivo will take wraps off its latest flagship phones.

On the other hand, Realme will announce a new mid-ranger in its home country China.

Let’s check out these products one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

Redmi Note 14 Series

The Redmi Note 14 series is scheduled to launch in India on December 9 (Monday). The lineup includes three models, namely Redmi Note 14, Redmi Note 14 Pro, and Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus.

The three phones are the same as the ones released in China. However, it is worth noting that the base version has an extra rear camera (ultrawide unit).

Unsurprisingly, the Pro Plus offers the best features of all. It comes with a 1.5K 120Hz curved OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, and a 50MP 2.5x telephoto camera. Whereas the Pro features a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra SoC and misses out on the telephoto camera.

Finally, the vanilla variant arrives with an FHD+ 120Hz OLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chip.

Motorola Moto G35

Motorola will announce the price and availability of the Moto G35 in India on December 10 (Tuesday). The phone was unveiled in some markets a few months back.

It is built around a 6.72-inch 120Hz display (LCD). Under the hood, it houses a Unisoc T760 chip and a 5,000mAh battery which supports 18W charging.

Further, the handset comes with a 50MP main camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a dedicated MicroSD card slot.

Realme Neo 7

The Realme Neo 7 will be made official in China on December 11 (Wednesday). It will be the first non-GT Neo phone from the brand.

The handset will be run by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus SoC. It will draw power from a huge 7,000mAh battery and support 80W wired charging.

The device will sport a 6.78-inch 1.5K 120Hz LTPO and a 50MP + 8MP dual camera system. It will be available in three colors, such as black, white, and blue.

Vivo X200 Series

The Vivo X200 series is set to debut in India on December 12 (Thursday). There will be two phones: Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro.

Both handsets are powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip. However, the pro variant has a slightly larger display and a better camera system.

Only the 50MP ultrawide unit and the 32MP selfie camera are the same on the two. Otherwise, the Pro variant has a larger 50MP main sensor and the periscope telephoto shooter is a 3.7x 200MP unit instead of a 50MP 3x sensor.

Both support 90W wired charging but only the pro can charge wireless at 30W.

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After a weeklong of new smartphone launches, there won’t be many in the next few days. Only two brands have scheduled events.

One of these launches will take place in China headed by Honor. The second one will be held in India by iQOO.

The former will take wraps off its latest upper mid-range handsets. Whereas the latter will debut its recently unveiled flagship phone.

Let’s go through these products.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

Honor 300 Series

The Honor 300 series is scheduled to launch in China on December 2 (Monday). The lineup will consist of three devices, namely Honor 300, Honor 300 Pro, and Honor 300 Ultra.

The vanilla model will have a flat display and house a Snapdragon 7 series chip. On the other hand, pro and ultra will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip while flaunting curved displays.

The latter two will arrive with premium features, such as wireless charging and telephoto camera. However, all three of them are expected to support 100W wired charging.

iQOO 13

The iQOO 13 is set to launch in India on December 3 (Tuesday). The device was first unveiled in China at the end of October. The global variant also went official recently.

The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. It flaunts a 6.82-inch QHD+ 144Hz LTPO flat OLED display with an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

The device comes with a 50MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 50MP (2x telephoto) triple camera system, a 32MP selfie camera, an IP69 rating, a 6,000mAh battery, and 120W wired charging support.

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Huawei recently took wraps off the Mate X6 alongside the Mate 70 series in China. It is the company’s second foldable smartphone in 2024 after Mate XT Ultimate Design.

As the name suggests, the Mate X6 succeeds the Mate X5 from 2023. It is a book-type foldable phone whose display folds horizontally.

Whereas the previously released Mate XT Ultimate is a first-of-its-kind trifold smartphone.

The Mate X6 brings a few upgrades over the Mate X5. These changes not only make it better than its predecessor but also a strong competitor to foldables from other brands.

Let’s go through the key highlights of the Huawei Mate X6 in this post.

Thinner, lighter, and yet durable

The Huawei Mate X6 measures only 4.6mm when unfolded. This makes it one of the thinnest book-style foldable smartphones on the market.

Even when folded, the device’s thickness is just 9.9mm. Also, it weighs about 239, which is light for a foldable.

The back panel of the phone comes in two finishes: leather and nylon fiber. These materials make it less prone to break when dropped.

Furthermore, the device is IPX8-rated (water resistant) and uses self-developed second-generation Kunlun Glass protection for the external display.

Revamped camera system

Huawei has included an upgraded camera setup with the Mate X6. All three rear sensors use RYYB pixel arrangement.

The primary camera continues to be a 50MP sensor with OIS. But this sensor now supports 10-point variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0).

While the ultrawide unit is upgraded to 40MP from 13MP. Similarly, the zoom camera is now a 48MP 4x telephoto macro shooter instead of a 13MP 5x periscope telephoto snapper.

Anyways, the front cameras for both external and internal screens use the same 8MP sensor.

New chip

The Huawei Mate X6 allegedly houses a new chip from HiSilicon. This SoC is called Kirin 9020.

Most chipsets on the market use an octa-core CPU. However, this new chip from Huawei utilizes a dodeca-core CPU (12 cores).

The said CPU reportedly consists of 2 x 2.5GHz cores, 6 x 2.15GHz cores, and 4 x 1.6GHz cores. It is accompanied by a 4CU GPU clocked at 850MHz.

The performance of HiSilicon Kirin 9020 is close to that of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Other improvements

The Huawei Mate X6 has a slightly higher resolution internal display than its predecessor. Its panel offers a resolution of 2440 x 2440 pixels as opposed to the 2496 x 2224 pixels screen on the older model.

Further, the device houses a tad bit larger 5,110mAh battery compared to a 5,060mAh battery inside the previous model. However, both of them support the same 66W wired and 50W wireless charging standards.

Additionally, the Collector’s Edition of Mate X6 offers support for not only Beidou satellite communications but also Tiantong as well.

The post Huawei Mate X6: All the Upgrades Explained appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Oppo Pad 3 is the brand’s latest tablet. It is a toned-down version of the Oppo Pad 3 Pro.

Though it sounds like a successor to Oppo Pad 2, it isn’t. The product is actually the first of its kind.

The first two generations of Oppo’s premium tablet lineup did not have a ‘pro’ variant. The non-pro models themselves offered the best set of features.

This changes with the third generation. The Oppo Pad 3 Pro is the successor to the Oppo Pad 2, while the Oppo Pad 3 is a newer more affordable product.z

Here in this post, let’s find out how the new gen Oppo tablets are different from one another.

Oppo Pad 3 vs Oppo Pad 3 Pro: Differences Explained

A huge difference in performance

The Oppo Pad 3 houses a new mid-range SoC called MediaTek Dimensity 8350. This very same chip also powers the Oppo Reno 13 series. 

As per official details, Dimensity 8350 is the same as the Dimensity 8300 with a different gaming engine. It comes with StarSpeed Engine instead of HyperEngine. Otherwise, there’s no change in hardware configuration.

This means Dimensity 8350 is inferior to the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 present inside the Oppo Pad 3 Pro. It is only comparable to the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3.

Additionally, the Oppo Pad 3 comes with slower UFS 3.1 storage than UFS 4.0 in the pro model. However, both tablets feature LPDDR5x RAM.

Slightly different displays

The Oppo Pad 3 is built around an 11.61-inch LCD screen with a 7:5 aspect ratio. This panel offers a resolution of 2800 x 2000 pixels, 296 PPI, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 700 nits peak brightness level.

On the other hand, the display on the Oppo Pad 3 Pro is not only a tad bit larger but also brighter and offers better resolution as well as pixel density.

To be precise, the pro version’s display is brighter at 900 nits and has a resolution of 3000 x 2120 pixels with 303 PPI.

Common features

Both tablets are backed by an identical 9,520mAh battery. They also max out at the same 67W charging support.

The duo sports a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. This Type-C interface supports video out and can transfer data at a maximum rate of 5Gbps.

The devices don’t have a fingerprint sensor and rely on the front 8MP camera for face authentication. They can be also paired with official keyboard and stylus accessories.

None of them support cellular connectivity and depend on WiFi or mobile hotspots for internet. Lastly, they use the same metal body design.

The price gap

The Oppo Pad 3 is priced at ¥2,399 (~$330) for the 8GB + 256GB variant. The same configuration of the Oppo Pad 3 Pro costs ¥3,299 (~$455).

That’s a price difference of ¥900. 

For $125 more, the pro variant offers a superior chipset and a slightly better display. Otherwise, the two products are more or less the same.

However, if you are tight on budget, you can opt for the base 8GB + 128GB variant of Oppo Pad 3 at just ¥2,099 (~$290). Similarly, if you want more RAM (16GB) and storage (1TB), you can get this combo only with the Oppo Pad 3 Pro for ¥4,499 (~$620).

The post How is Oppo Pad 3 different from Oppo Pad 3 Pro? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Oppo group is rumored to launch compact flagship smartphones. These devices are expected to be released in 2025.

Xiaomi is the only Chinese brand selling compact premium smartphones for a while. Recently, Vivo entered this segment with the launch of X200 Pro Mini.

If rumors are true, we will see similar devices from Oppo and OnePlus in the coming months. Let’s go through everything that we know about these products so far.

Two devices under different brands

According to leaks, there will be two small-screen premium phones from the Oppo group. One of these handsets will be released under the Oppo brand and the other one will bear the OnePlus branding.

Rumors indicate that the Oppo device will be part of the Find X8 lineup. It is sad to go official alongside the Find X8 Ultra in the spring of 2025. The product could be called Find X8 Mini.

On the other hand, the OnePlus handset is tipped to be launched under the Ace series. It is expected to break cover in Q2 2025. We don’t know its final name for now.

Will not cannibalize one another

Despite coming from the same company, the two handsets will have some differentiating factors. The most notable one will be their chipsets.

As per leaks, the OnePlus mini smartphone will house a Qualcomm SnCapdragon 8 Elite SoC. Whereas the Oppo model is anticipated to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 silicon.

They are expected to have different designs. Also, they will likely be available in different finishes and colors.

Expected Specs

The OnePlus small-screen flagship smartphone is tipped to sport a 6.31-inch OLED display. This screen is said to offer a 1.5K resolution. We can expect the panel to support 120Hz refresh rate.

There’s a high chance for the Oppo handset to use the same display. However, we cannot deny the possibility of a different screen either.

As for other features, both devices will most likely arrive with downgraded specs compared to their regular-sized counterparts. So they may have different cameras, smaller batteries, and inferior cooling systems to name a few.

The downgrades in features will be due to space constraints and not cost-cutting.

Availability and Competition

So far, it is said that both these smartphones will be released in China. There’s no rumor on their global availability yet.

In their home market, they will compete with four products from different brands. The competitors in question are Vivo X200 Pro Mini, Xiaomi 15, Apple iPhone 16, and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25.

If any or both of these Oppo group mini smartphones make it to the global market, they will face the same competition as in China, except for the Vivo X200 Pro Mini which is exclusive to China.

As of now, the only Chinese compact flagship smartphone that is confirmed to be available globally is the Xiaomi 15, just like its predecessors.

The post Oppo/OnePlus Mini Smartphones: Everything We Know So Far appeared first on Gizmochina.

Smartphone launches do not seem to be stopping. Four brands have announced the arrival of their new-generation mid-rangers after debuting their latest flagships a few weeks back.

These forthcoming product lineups will be unveiled in China in the next few days. They will be from Oppo, Vivo, Redmi, and iQOO.

Additionally, Realme will be bringing its latest flagship model to India. This handset was made official in the brand’s home country earlier this month.

Let’s go through these soon-to-be-released phones one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

Oppo Reno 13 Series

The Oppo Reno 13 series is scheduled to launch in China on November 25 (Monday). The lineup will include two devices, namely Oppo Reno 13 and Oppo Reno 13 Pro.

The handsets will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset and boot ColorOS 15. They will sport 1.5K flat OLED display.

The vanilla model will be backed by a 5,600mAh battery as opposed to a slightly larger 5,900mAh battery inside the pro variant. Both of them will come with a new design and a 50MP triple camera system.

The pro version is also rumored to offer water resistance and wireless charging support.

Realme GT 7 Pro

The Realme GT 7 Pro is set to launch in India on November 26 (Tuesday)). It will be the country’s first Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphone.

The handset is built around a 6.78-inch 1.5K 120Hz LTPO OLED display. It is IP69-rated and comes with a 50MP (wide) + 50MP (3x telephoto) + 8MP (ultrawide) triple camera system accompanied by a 16MP selfie camera.

The phone uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and draws energy from a 5,800mAh battery. It supports 120W wired charging.

Redmi K80 Series

The Redmi K80 series will be made official in China on November 27 (Wednesday). The lineup will consist of two handsets: Redmi K80 and Redmi K80 Pro.

Both phones will be powered by Qualcomm processors. The vanilla variant will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, while the pro model will house the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.

The duo is tipped to feature a QHD+ display and a 50MP primary camera. The pro variant is said to sport a 2.6x telephoto camera as opposed to a macro snapper on the standard model.

Both of them will be IP68 rated and support 120W wired charging. But the pro version will also come with 50W wireless charging support.

Vivo S20 Series

The Vivo S20 series will be officially unveiled on November 28 (Thursday). There will be two devices, such as Vivo S20 and Vivo S20 Pro.

The products will arrive with a slightly tweaked design and flat displays. The pro variant is expected to house a Dimensity 9300 Plus chip, while the standard version is rumored to feature a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC.

The pro version is said to flaunt a 50MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 50MP (3x periscope telephoto) triple camera system and a short-focus optical fingerprint sensor.

Both phones are tipped to support 90W wired charging, however, the vanilla model will have a larger 6,500mAh battery as compared to a smaller 5,500mAh battery inside the pro version.

iQOO Neo 10 Series

The iQOO Neo 10 series will be announced in China on November 29 (Friday). The lineup will comprise two products, namely iQOO Neo 10 and iQOO Neo 10 Pro.

The two handsets will share most of their features. They will come with an LTPO flat OLED display, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and 120W wired charging support.

The major difference between the two will be their chipsets. The vanilla variant will house a last-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, however, the pro model will be powered by the latest gen Dimensity 9400 chip.

The post Upcoming Smartphones: Redmi K80, Oppo Reno 13, Vivo S20, and more appeared first on Gizmochina.

With the announcement of the latest flagship chips, phones utilizing them started debuting a few weeks back. More such devices are expected to launch in the coming weeks.

Three brands have confirmed the announcement of new smartphones next week. There will be four launches and two of them will be from the same brand for different markets.

Firstly, Asus will take wraps off its next-gen gaming smartphone. Whereas Xiaomi will unveil its most affordable 5G smartphone to date in India.

Finally, Vivo will bring its recently released X200 series to Malaysia and a budget model to India.

Let’s take a look at these products one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

ROG Phone 9

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 is scheduled to launch on November 19 (Tuesday). Like the previous generation, two devices are expected, namely ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro.

Both handsets will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. Similar to their predecessors, they will have a minimal design for gaming smartphones.

The vanilla model is tipped to arrive with a 6.78-inch FHD+ 165Hz OLED display, a 50MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) triple camera setup, a 32MP selfie camera, a 5,800mAh battery, and 65W charging support.

Vivo X200 Series

The Vivo X200 series is going global starting November 19 (Tuesday). Malaysia will be the first market to receive it.

The lineup will include two devices, such as Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro. The smaller Vivo X200 Pro Mini will not be making its way outside mainland China.

The phones come with a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip, Zeiss optics, a 120Hz LTPO OLED display, an IP69 rating (dust and water resistance), and 90W charging support. Both feature a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide unit with autofocus, and a 32MP selfie camera. 

However, the pro has a 200MP 3.7x periscope camera as opposed to a 50MP 3x unit on the standard model. Additionally, the pro arrives with 30W wireless charging support, a USB 3.2 port, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Redmi A4 5G

The Redmi A4 5G is set to go official in India on November 20 (Wednesday). It is anticipated to change the landscape of affordable 5G smartphones in the country.

The handset will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chip. It will feature a circular camera module, a glass back, and a flat frame.

The device will come with a 6.88-inch 120Hz display, a 50MP main camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 5,160mAh battery. The base 4GB + 128GB variant of the product is tipped to cost ₹8,499 (including offers).

Vivo Y300

The Vivo Y300 will be officially unveiled in India on November 21 (Thursday). The handset will succeed the Y200 from earlier this year.

Talking about specs, the device will house a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip and a 5,000mAh battery. It will sport a 50MP primary camera, a 32MP selfie camera, and a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display,

Lastly, the product will be available in Titanium Silver, Dynamic Black, and Emerald Green color options.

The post Upcoming Smartphones: ROG Phone 9, Redmi A4 5G, and More appeared first on Gizmochina.

It has been 2 years since the rollout of 5G in India. But there are still no entry-level smartphones supporting the tech.

Thankfully, that’s about to change in the coming quarters. The first step is to bring down the price below ₹10,000, which has already happened about two months back.

For the uninitiated, we are talking about Tecno Pop 9 5G. This ₹9,499 smartphone has laid the foundation for affordable 5G handsets in India.

However, it will soon be overshadowed by the upcoming Redmi A4 5G, which might even cost less. Because Xiaomi is a larger company with more reach than Tecno.

But we cannot deny several unique factors of Tecno Pop 9 5G as an affordable 5G smartphone. Let’s discuss them in this article.

One of the best chips in its segment

The Tecno Pop 9 5G comes powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC. This chipset is usually found inside sub ₹15,000 smartphones.

The Pop 9 is currently the only handset to house this silicon in its segment. The chips found in other similarly priced phones are mostly limited to 4G and less powerful.

Dimensity 6300 is good enough for years to come for a budget 5G smartphone. It has an octa-core CPU comprising 2 x ARM Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and 4 x ARM Cortex-A55 cores at 2GHz. While the graphics are handled by ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.

The storage is ample at 128GB on the higher variant of the phone, which costs just ₹500 more than the base 64GB variant.

The only phone in its segment to feature NFC

The Tecno Pop 9 5G has one feature that no other smartphone in its price segment offers. The feature in question is NFC.

Thanks to this wireless tech, users can make contactless payments through apps like GPay. It can be also used for transit cards in supported cities.

NFC is mostly limited to flagships and select mid-rangers in India. So this is a welcome change, and hopefully, more OEMs include it in their newer models with rising credit card adoption in the country.

Unique-looking phone in its segment

Most smartphones on the market now look the same. They have a circular camera module and a flat frame.

The Tecno Pop 9 5G is different in this regard, and therefore, it stands out. It has a squircle camera island and the sensors are aligned vertically with an LED flashlight to their right.

This camera deco is nearly identical to the one found on the Xiaomi Mi 11 series. Hence, the design is not new but it is smart of Tecno to use an older one to differentiate from others.

Additionally, the product ships with two skins to customize if needed. This is something you don’t get with any phone in any price category, at least from known brands.

A good package

Even without including the previously discussed factors, the Tecno Pop 9 5G is a good deal for under ₹10,000. But those features make it more appealing.

Talking about other stuff, it sports a 6.6-inch centered puch-hole HD+ 120Hz display (LCD). The screen is complemented by Dolby Atmos-supported dual stereo speakers.

There’s a 48MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing shooter. The handset comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security and it is IP54-rated for splash resistance.

Finally, it houses a 5,000mAh battery and supports 18W charging.

The post Here’s why Tecno Pop 9 5G is a unique budget smartphone appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch an important handset in India. The device is expected to be the most affordable 5G smartphone from the company retailing under ₹10,000.

The product in question is Redmi A4 5G. It is scheduled to go official in the country on November 20.

Here in this article let’s explore why this particular phone is crucial.

What makes Redmi A4 5G affordable?

The Redmi A4 5G houses a new entry-level 5G chip from Qualcomm. This system-on-chip (SoC) officially goes by Snapdragon 4s Gen 2.

Though it sounds like an upgraded version of Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, the chip is a watered-down variant. This is not bad since it is the primary reason the phone is affordable.

Despite being a downgraded chip, the SoC is better than offerings from MediaTek and Unisoc in the segment. 

For the unaware, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is a 4nm chip comprising an octa-core CPU and an unnamed Adreno GPU. The CPU consists of 2 x Corex-A78 cores clocked at 2GHz and 6 x Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz.

The chip is primarily targeted at $100 5G smartphones. Thus, the Redmi A4 5G is the first device to use it as the lineup has been one of the top sellers since its introduction. The phone is expected to help popularise the chip.

The Competiton

Currently, there’s only one sub-₹10,000 5G smartphone in India called Tecno Pop 9 5G. Unfortunately, not many know about this phone which retails at ₹9,499. It is also the only handset to support contactless payments in its segment.

Soon, it will have a competitor in the form of Redmi A4 5G. The upcoming Xiaomi phone is tipped to cost just ₹8,499 (including offers). The selling price could be more or less the same as Pop 9 or a bit cheaper.

We expect more competitors to follow in the coming months.

The Future of Affordable 5G Smartphones in India

Following the launch of Redmi A4 5G, we expect more sub-₹10,000 5G smartphones in India.

These products will be either driven by the same Qualcomm chip or chips from other players. 

MediaTek and Unisoc could be already working on a competitor to Snapdragon 4s Gen 2. In the meantime, they might lower the price of their existing entry-level 5G chips to help OEMs with the competition.

If you have been following the Indian smartphone market for a long time, you may have already got an idea of how history is repeating itself. 

Exactly a decade ago, a similar important product debuted in India. This one too was from Xiaomi. For those wondering, we are talking about Redmi Note 4G, which laid the foundation for sub-₹10,000 4G smartphones in the country.

But will Xiaomi manage to recreate the success in the 5G era? Only time will tell.

The post Here’s why Redmi A4 5G is an important phone for India appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Xiaomi 15 recently went official in China. The company’s latest base flagship improves upon its predecessor with spec upgrades and design changes while retaining the compact form factor.

The base Xiaomi flagship is positioned as an alternative to base iPhone and Galaxy S since the 13th gen model. This time around, it has a Chinese competitor in the form of Vivo X200 Pro Mini.

However, unlike any of the aforementioned products, the Xiaomi 15 is offered in a whopping 28 color options. There’s no other phone on the market with these many options.

So what are these colors and how can you buy one of your choice? Let’s find out in this article.

Standard Colors

The Xiaomi 15 comes in 4 standard colors. These are White, Black, Green, and Purple.

These are lighter shades and do not stand out compared to other colors. However, these are the original colors of the phone and will be available in higher quantities.

Additionally, there’s also a 5th standard color called Liquid Silver. This color is inspired by the Mi 6 Mercury Silver Edition.

Though it sounds like a limited color, Xiaomi has listed it in the standard section. Thus, we believe there could be more units of it.

Diamond Limited Edition Colors

This version of Xiaomi 15 will more likely be in limited supply. As the name suggests, it actually has an eco-cultivated 57-facet diamond embedded on its side.

Whereas the back panel is made of nano-tech vegan leather with a crocodile scale-like texture. The product comes in 3 colors, namely White, Gray, and Orange. The camera island is also complemented with a silver sparkling texture.

The handset ships with a matching cardholder and passport holder made of the same material as its rear.

Custom Edition Colors

This variant of Xiaomi 15 is akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip Bespoke Edition. Customers can choose from 20 different colors.

The primary colors include Pink, Green, Red, Blue, Orange, and Purple. The other hues are variations of these.

The chosen color can be further paired with either a silver or black frame. So theoretically, there are 40 combinations to choose from.

This version of the smartphone is exclusive to Xiaomi’s official online store. Unsurprisingly, the shipping time should be longer for it.

Global Availability

Xiaomi is not known to release all colors outside mainland China. We expect the same for Xiaomi 15 whenever it hits overseas markets.

In fact, not all standard colors may reach every market, let alone the limited edition. Even if the company decides to launch other colors, they should be available in a limited fashion in select regions.

So the only way to get the desired variant outside China is by importing via a known person or reseller.

The post Explained: Xiaomi 15 and its 28 Colors appeared first on Gizmochina.

The new flagship smartphone season is upon us. With the introduction of the iPhone 16 lineup, Android brands are now gearing up to debut their premium phones.

The first of which will be unveiled as early as next week from Vivo. These won’t be the only handsets arriving in the next few days.

Honor will take wraps off its latest mid-rangers. Whereas, Realme will announce yet another budget model. Finally, Infinix will bring its first-ever foldable to India.

Let’s check out all these devices one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

Vivo X200 Series

The Vivo X200 series will be made official in China on October 14 (Monday). The lineup will include three devices, namely Vivo X200, Vivo X200 Pro, and Vivo X200 Pro Mini.

These phones will be the first to feature MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset. They will be also the first to ship with Android 15 out of the box. Unsurprisingly, they will sport Zeiss optics like their predecessors.

The three of them will come with a flat frame and a circular camera module. The Pro models will sport a new Sony LYT-818 50MP main camera. The mini will be thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro and will yet pack a larger 5,700mAh battery.

As for pricing, the X200 series is tipped to start at ¥3,999 and go all the way up to ¥6,199.

Realme P1 Speed

The Realme P1 Speed is set to launch in India on October 15 (Tuesday). It will be the third model in the P1 series after P1 and P1 Pro.

The handset will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC. The chipset will be paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

Further, the device will come with a 120Hz OLED display, a 50MP main camera, and an IP65 rating. It will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W charging.

Honor X60 Series

The Honor X60 series will be announced in China on October 16 (Wednesday). There will be two devices, namely Honor X60 and Honor X60 Pro.

Both phones will feature an identical design. However, there will be a difference in their specs. Also, only the top-end variant of X60 Pro will support satellite-based messaging service.

The vanilla X60 will house a 5,800mAh battery with support for 35W charging. While the X60 Pro will be equipped with a much larger 6,600mAh battery and will support 66W charging.

Unfortunately, both of them will come with less powerful chips. They are said to arrive with MediaTek Dimensity 7025 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mobile platforms.

Infinix Zero Flip

The Infinix Zero Flip will debut in India on October 17 (Thursday). For the unaware, it is the brand’s first-ever foldable phone that was unveiled globally last month.

The clamshell handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC. It sports a 6.9-inch LTPO FHD+ 120Hz main display and a 3.64-inch cover screen.

The smartphone has a 50MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) dual camera system. It draws energy from a 4,720mAh battery and supports 70W wired charging.

The product boots Android 14 and is guaranteed to receive only 2 Android updates and 3 years of security patches.

The post Upcoming Smartphones: Vivo X200, Honor X60, and More appeared first on Gizmochina.

Smartphones across almost all price segments are now capable of running high-end games. However, not all of them offer the best experience.

Games generally run better on phones with top-of-the-line chipsets. But that’s not enough for superior mobile gaming sessions.

A number of other factors matter, such as cooling system, display, battery, and more. Smartphones designed specifically for gaming address all of these important factors.

Unfortunately, ‘gaming smartphones’ failed to lure in customers over the years. Thus, the number of options is now limited.

Phones are now an extension of our hands. So people use them for many tasks. Earlier, handsets designed for gaming unsurprisingly solely focused on the gaming aspect. So they were bulky, flashy, and were known for terrible cameras.

They had many shortcomings despite costing as much as regular premium smartphones. Brands have now fixed most of these issues but unfortunately, only a few players remain.

To be precise, there are only two gaming smartphone brands in 2024. These are Asus and Red Magic. Of course, they offer some of the best phones for gaming.

Apart from these two, there are two more brands that deliver on this front. Let’s check out all of these devices.

Best Smartphones for Gaming in 2024

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

Asus is the oldest surviving gaming smartphone brand. The PC maker continues to release its annual gaming phones powered by Qualcomm’s flagship chips.

The top-end 2024 model, dubbed as ROG Phone 8 Pro featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, was unveiled in January. Despite being nearly a year old, it continues to be the best gaming smartphone in the world.

There are two primary reasons for this. First of all, it is the only widely available gaming smartphone. Secondly, the hardware and software look and feel like a regular smartphone.

As it is a niche product, Asus charges a premium of $1199.99 but still only guarantees 2 Android updates. The device costs about the same across all markets. But now that it is older by months, you may find it at cheaper prices.

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the only gaming smartphone with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Though it looks like a standard phone, it retains quirks like pressure-sensitive zones, 341 mini LED  programmable matrix, and two USB Type-C ports.

Other notable features include a proper three-lens camera system (wide, ultrawide, and zoom), a 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and wireless charging support

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Red Magic 9S Pro

The Red Magic 9S Pro costs almost half the price of the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro despite housing an overclocked Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It starts at $649 but can be availed at lower prices.

However, its availability is limited. Additionally, as a China-focused product, the software can be a hit or miss for the Western audience.

Nevertheless, it is the only gaming smartphone in 2024 that retains some of the yesteryear features. It not only comes with an RGB light strip but also a built-in cooling fan. There are also pressure-sensitive zones and a whopping 6,500mAh battery.

Despite packing some extra goodies, the Red Magic 9S Pro has almost the same thickness and weight as the ROG Phone 8 Pro. The flushed cameras and optional transparent back make it stand out as well.

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iQOO 12

The iQOO 12 is not a gaming smartphone but a flagship phone from Vivo’s sub-brand. However, it has gaming chops.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside the handset is well-optimized for gaming, unlike any other in its segment. It is also less expensive (~$600) than the previously mentioned ‘gaming smartphones’. Also, its availability is better than that of the Red Magic 9S Pro.

The device comes with a capable three-lens camera system, which could come in handy. Though the battery is only 5,000mAh, there’s support for 120W wired charging.

The iQOO 12 houses a dedicated chip for its 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display to handle refresh rates efficiently while gaming. It also offers customizable vibrations and sound effects for an immersive gaming experience.

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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

The Apple A18 Pro inside the iPhone 16 Pro Max is currently the most powerful mobile chip on the market. Also, it is a known fact that iOS apps and games are better optimized compared to their Android counterparts.

Thus, gaming on the iPhone 16 Pro Max is better than on any smartphone despite it being a regular premium phone. It can also run limited AAA titles from consoles, which is not possible on any Android handset.

In fact, you can get a somewhat similar experience even from the vanilla iPhone 16 featuring an A18 chip. But it cannot offer the best experience with its slower 60Hz display and smaller battery.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max does not have the characteristics of a gaming smartphone. Additionally, you cannot sideload games that are not available on first-party app store like on Android. These can be a letdown for pure gamers. 

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Anyways, propper gaming smartphones are now more expensive and still come with shortcomings. This makes the iPhone 16 Pro Max at $1199 a better deal. In addition to a solid gaming experience, you get one of the best cameras, a battery, long software support, and much more.

The post The 4 Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2024 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung is the only Android brand that operates at all price segments worldwide. Though the company is known for its premium S and Z series of devices, most of its sales come from inexpensive models.

This puts the firm in a unique position. It not only competes in the premium range with Apple but also with all Chinese brands across mid-range and budget categories.

In the premium range, the devices from Samsung can take on Apple in terms of both raw specs and features. However, this cannot be said for the company’s products in other price segments.

Samsung smartphones neither have the best specs nor offer the latest technologies in the budget range. On the other hand, Chinese OEMs cater to wider audiences with different types of devices.

Thus, Samsung phones pale in comparison, especially in Asia and Africa where Chinese brands have an enormous presence.

So the question arises whether you should consider buying Samsung budget smartphone. Let’s find out in this article.

Specs Aren’t Everything

Superior hardware is better, however, it is not meant for everyone. Because not everyone wants a powerful chip or bigger cameras.

Every person is different and so are their preferences. So you need to first ask yourself what you need in a smartphone.

For some people, especially the middle-aged and old, user experience matters the most. Samsung excels in this department.

One UI software from Samsung is more user-friendly. The software design transcends cultures and is easily adaptable across countries. The minimal hardware design further enhances the likeability among the masses.

On top of these, Samsung is a well-known brand among the masses due to its appliances background. Its presence can be found in the nooks and corners of most countries.

Thus, the availability and after-sales service are easily accessible compared to other Android brands.

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Durability and Longer Support

Samsung now offers dust and water resistance ratings for most of its phones. Only the entry-level and some budget handsets lack them.

Whereas long software support is common for its entire product portfolio. Samsung guarantees 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates even for its entry-level phones.

In fact, the company just extended its support duration for budget smartphones to 6 years of OS updates with the announcement of Galaxy A16. For premium models, this number stands at 7. So that’s just one less year of updates for less expensive products.

With consumers now sticking to their handsets for a longer period of time, extended software support makes a difference. 

Availability of Accessories

As Samsung is a leading smartphone brand, you can easily find the accessories for its handsets across all stores. Cases and screen protectors of newly released Samsung phones arrive at stores just in time.

Even accessories for older devices are readily available compared to other brands. The same can be said for spare parts. Thus, Samsung handsets can be cared for hassle-free for years.

It’s not just availability, you also get access to a wide variety of accessories for phones spread across all price segments.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Samsung Budget Smartphones?

Samsung handsets are as boring as Apple iPhones, especially in the budget range. They are not known for providing the latest technologies and beefier hardware.

Instead, they work as household appliances, which everyone is used to. They are not the best but do the job.

On the other hand, Chinese brands offer a lot for the same price. You also get a ton of options, like phones excelling in one particular category, like performance and camera to name a couple. There’s a phone for every type of consumer.

So if you want more from your phone, Samsung is not an option. You may look elsewhere.

As mentioned earlier, Samsung budget smartphones are well-suited for elders.

The post Should you buy Samsung budget smartphone? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Recently, the Redmi Note 14 series was made official in China. The lineup consists of three devices — a standard and two pro models.

Like previous generations, the pro variants have received several upgrades over their predecessors. On the other hand, the vanilla model is more or less the same as its forerunners with minor differences.

This has been the case for quite a while now. The standard Redmi Note has become the most boring device in the lineup with nothing interesting to offer.

However, there’s always a new vanilla Redmi Note every year. So what does the new Redmi Note 14 have to offer? Let’s find out.

How is Redmi Note 14 better than Redmi Note 13?

Brighter Display & Speakers

The Redmi Note 14 has almost the same display as the Redmi Note 13 with one major difference. The screen on the newer model is brighter at 2,000 nits compared to 1,000 nits on the older phone.

With a boost in brightness, the display on Redmi Note 14 also supports HDR10 and HDR10+ content. The panel is further complemented by dual stereo speakers, which are absent in last two regular Redmi Notes.

Anyways, the size and display remain the same at 6.67-inch and FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) as the Redmi Note 13. Other retained specs are 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz (up to 2160Hz) touch sampling rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Interestingly, the new model lacks support for 1920Hz PWM dimming. But it comes with a slightly better IP64 rating for splash resistance as compared to IP54 on the older device.

Better Primary Camera

The Redmi Note 14 has a new primary camera. It comes with a 50MP sensor with f/1.5 aperture and OIS. For comparison, the Redmi Note 13 has a 108MP main camera without OIS and a slower f/1.7 aperture.

The new camera is still limited to 1080p 30fps video recording. However, it supports 720p 120fps slow-motion video recording.

The secondary 2MP is still a depth sensor and the front 16MP selfie camera remains the same.

Slightly More Powerful

The Redmi Note 14 houses a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset. The only other phones with this chip are Motorola Moto G64 and Moto G55.

This mobile platform has a better GPU than the one included with the Dimensity 6080 SoC inside the Redmi Note 13. Thus, the newer handset should fare better in gaming. 

Otherwise, the day-to-day performance should be more or less the same. Both also come with the same LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage.

Same Price

Redmi Note 14 is priced similarly to the Redmi Note 13 in China, except for one variant.

The device starts at ¥1199 (~$170) for 6GB + 128GB and goes all the way up to ¥1699 (~$240) for 12GB + 256GB. While the mid 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB variants are priced at ¥1399 (~$200) and ¥1499 (~$215), respectively.

The 8GB + 128GB version is ¥100 (~$15) costlier than that of Redmi Note 13 at launch.

The post Does Redmi Note 14 Offer Any Upgrades? appeared first on Gizmochina.

A new month is upon us and so are new smartphones. A number of high-profile smartphone launches are expected in October of 2024.

Almost all leading Chinese OEMs are anticipated to debut their next-gen flagship phones in the next few days. Some of them have already started teasing the arrival of these devices.

These upcoming handsets will debut new-gen premium chipsets from MediaTek and Qualcomm. They will compete not only among themselves but also with the iPhone 16 lineup.

These products will be targeted at different audiences with varying features. Let’s have a look at them one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones in October 2024

Vivo X200 Series

The Vivo X200 series is scheduled to launch in China on October 14. The lineup is expected to include three devices, namely Vivo X200, Vivo X200 Pro, and Vivo X200 Pro Mini.

These three handsets will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset. Unsurprisingly, they will arrive with a Zeiss camera system laid out in a circular fashion like the previous-gen phones.

The new flagships from Vivo will drop traditional curved displays in favor of micro curved flat panels. Additionally, they will come with bigger batteries and better camera sensors.

Oppo Find X8 Series

Oppo has not revealed the launch date for the Find X8 series, however, the phones are expected to be released in October. There will be two models called Oppo Find X8 and Oppo Find X8 Pro.

The duo will house a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC. It will feature a Hasselblad-tuned camera system and a ‘Quick Button’ similar to the ‘Camera Control’ key on the iPhone 16 series.

The phone will also support 50W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Oppo will announce several first-party accessories to make use of this feature.

Xiaomi 15 Series

According to an alleged poster, the Xiaomi 15 series will go official in China on October 23. The two devices, namely Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro, will debut the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip (previously known as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4).

The handsets are tipped to feature an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. They are also said to come with Qi2 magnetic wireless charging support, bigger batteries, and an IP69 rating.

Just like the last few generations, the Xiaoomi 15 series is also expected to sport Leica-tuned cameras. The Pro model, in particular, is rumored to offer a telephoto camera from Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Honor Magic 7 Series

The Honor Magic 7 series is rumored to launch in China in October. The lineup is anticipated to include four main handsets, such as Magic 7, Magic 7 Pro, Magic 7 Ultimate, and Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design.

All these devices are expected to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (formerly Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) mobile platform. The top models are said to retain the pill-shaped display cutout for the facial recognition system.

Officially, Honor has confirmed AI Agent for these phones. We look forward to learning more about these products in the coming days.

OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 is anticipated to go official sometime later in October. As per leaks, the device will arrive with a new design and upgraded specs.

Just like its predecessors, the handset will be powered by the latest Qualcomm chip, which happens to be Snapdragon 8 Elite (formerly Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) in its case. It has been officially confirmed to sport a second-gen BOE Oriental display.

Further, expect the return of the Hasselblad-tuned camera system. Rumors suggest that the phone will come with a larger 6,000mAh battery and an IP69 rating.

iQOO 13

The iQOO 13 could also get announced before October ends. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC (formerly Snapdragon 8 Gen 4).

The handset will flaunt a new BOE flat OLED display with lower power consumption and better brightness levels. There will be an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor underneath this screen.

As for other specs, the device is said to arrive with 50MP triple rear cameras (wide, ultrawide, and 2x telephoto), an IP68 rating, and a 6,150mAh battery.

The post Upcoming Smartphones in October 2024: Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and More appeared first on Gizmochina.

Infinix just unveiled its first-ever foldable smartphone called Infinix Zero Flip. The company’s first product in the category is a clamshell, which is commonly known as a flip phone.

These vertically folding handsets are less complex than their bigger horizontally folding phones called Fold. Thus, they are priced lower and are bestsellers across the globe.

In 2024, many smaller brands (mostly Chinese) entered the foldable segment by releasing affordable flip phones. Infinix is the latest to join the bandwagon.

For the uninitiated, Infinix is part of Transsion, a holding company that owns Tecno and Itel.

Thus, it is not surprising to learn that the Infinix Zero Flip is eerily similar to the recently released Tecno Phantom V Flip 2. Despite being almost identical, there’s a $100 price between them.

So which one should you get? 

Availability in Your Region

Infinix and Tecno are predominantly present in African and Asian nations. So it will be easy for anyone residing in these countries to get their hands on Zero Flip and Phantom V Flip 2.

However, these premium devices will likely be available in a limited fashion, like the first-gen foldables from Tecno. Hence, they may not be sold in some countries though the brands have a presence in the region.

For now, we know that the Infinix Zero Flip costs NGN 1,065,000 (~$640) for 8GB + 512GB in Nigeria. The brand announced that the device is priced at $599 globally. The international price is usually an average cost of the product across all the countries.

On the other hand, despite boasting a lesser 256GB storage, the Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 is costlier at $699. As of writing this story, we don’t have access to any local pricing. Given the $100 surge in global pricing, it will be likely costlier in most regions.

It is worth noting that Tecno is the most premium brand of Transsion. It is followed by Infinix and Itel in terms of hierarchy. So it makes sense why Tecno is charging more.

At present, we do not know if both phones will be available in the same countries. If Transsion goes the Oppo way, it will be easy for consumers to choose. For the unaware, Oppo is selling its current-gen flagship foldable as Find N3 in some markets and OnePlus Open in others.

Your Choice of Color and Software

Though the core product is about the same, there are some differences between the Infinix Zero Flip and Tecno Phantom V Flip 2.

These devices sport different colors. The Tecno version of the phone comes in Moondust Grey and Travertine Green. While the Infinix variant arrives in Rock Black and Blossom Glow.

Further, both ship with different software as well. The base OS is Android 14 but the skin is XOS14.5 on Infinix and HiOS 14 on Tecno.

Additionally, the after-sales experience may vary depending on your country.

Therefore, even if both handsets become available in your region officially, you can choose based on your color, software, and after-sales preferences.

These factors are also applicable to someone looking to import either of these smartphones to a country where neither of these brands has an official presence.

The post Infinix Zero Flip or Tecno Phantom V Flip 2: Which One to Buy? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Recently, the Vivo T3 Ultra made its debut in India. It is a performance-oriented mid-range device, which is unlike any other previous Vivo smartphone.

The company has a sister brand iQOO, which deals with such products. Therefore, the T3 Ultra comes as a surprise. 

Moreover, the handset is priced closer to the Vivo V40. This creates confusion for someone looking to buy a Vivo phone at this price range.

Therefore, we have compiled this article to help prospective buyers decide the suitable device for them.

Vivo T3 Ultra Compared With Vivo V40

Target Audience

The Vivo T3 Utlra is targeted at someone looking for a powerful smartphone with a sleek design. It houses a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

On the other hand, the Vivo V40 is a camera-centric smartphone with less powerful hardware. It comes powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC coupled with slower LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage.

Talking about cameras, both of them have a 50MP primary sensor assisted by OIS, however, the sensors are different on the two. The V40 features a Samsung ISOCELL GNJ unit as opposed to a Sony IMX921 sensor.

Additionally, the V40 has a better 50MP ultrawide camera with autofocus as opposed to an 8MP fixed focus ultrawide module on the T3 Ultra. Anyways, both have an identical autofocus-supported 50MP selfie camera and ring LED flashlight (Smart Aura Light) on the rear.

More importantly, the Vivo V40 offers Zeiss optics and image processing. Thus, it comes with several camera features from the flagship Vivo X lineup.

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	Vivo V40 5G Smartphone (Ganges Blue, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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Common Aspects

Despite being built differently, both Vivo T3 Ultra and Vivo V40 share a common design and build. They are IP68-rated (dust and water resistance) and only differ in terms of colors.

They also flaunt an identical 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display offering a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels (1.5K) and 452 PPI. The panel supports up to 120Hz refresh rate and 4500 nits peak brightness level.

Unsurprisingly, the handsets boot the same Funtouch OS 14 software based on Android 14. They are also backed by the same 5,500mAh battery with support for 80W wired charging.

Pricing

The Vivo VT3 Ultra is cheaper than the Vivo V40 in India. The former starts at ₹31,999, while the latter has a ₹34,999 price tag.

Both of them arrive in 8GB and 12GB RAM variants. However, only the V40 is offered in a 512GB option, whereas the T3 Ultra is limited to 256GB.

Thus, if you want better cameras and more storage, you will have to shell out more.

The post Vivo T3 Ultra or Vivo V40: Which One Should You Buy? appeared first on Gizmochina.