2024 is concluding with a series of significant flagship launches, paving the way for additional releases in early January. Among the highly anticipated devices are the OnePlus 13, Realme GT 7 Pro, iQOO 13, and Vivo X200. The iQOO 13 and OnePlus 13 have already made their debut in India, while the GT 7 Pro and iQOO 13 are expected to be released next month. These forthcoming smartphones are set to deliver premium features and performance, generating excitement for technology enthusiasts as the new year approaches. Let us examine the offerings of each of these devices in greater detail.
OnePlus 13
OnePlus has introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13, in China. Equipped with the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the device boasts a substantial 6,000mAh battery, representing a significant enhancement over its predecessor. Although it is currently available solely in China, a global launch is anticipated, with a release in India expected in January 2025.
The OnePlus 13 is available in four configurations: the 12GB + 256GB variant starts at CNY 4,499 (approximately Rs 53,100), while the premium 24GB + 1TB model is priced at CNY 5,999 (around Rs 70,900). It features a quad-curved design that lends it a sleek and polished appearance, complemented by a 6.82-inch BOE X2 OLED display that supports a 1440p resolution and adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1 to 120 Hz. The display achieves a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it exceptionally luminous.
A distinctive feature is the large vibration motor, which provides feedback akin to that of gaming controllers. Additionally, the OnePlus 13 introduces an IP69 rating, offering enhanced protection against high-pressure water and steam.
Photography is a significant aspect of this device, featuring a sophisticated rear camera configuration that includes three 50-megapixel sensors, developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. This setup comprises a primary Sony LYT-808 sensor, a 3x periscope lens, and an ultrawide sensor that also functions as a macro camera. For self-portraits, the device is equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. Operating on ColorOS 15 based on Android 15 in China, the global variants are anticipated to utilize OxygenOS 15, with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities.
iQOO 13
The iQOO 13 has been officially introduced in China, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and is available with configurations of up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. It incorporates iQOO's proprietary Q2 gaming chip and operates on OriginOS 5, which is based on Android 15. A launch in India is expected in the near future.
In the Chinese market, the pricing for the iQOO 13 starts at CNY 3,999 (approximately Rs. 47,200) for the 12GB + 256GB variant, reaching up to CNY 5,199 (around Rs. 61,400) for the 16GB + 1TB version. It is available for purchase on the Vivo China e-store in four distinct colors: Isle of Man, Legendary Edition, Nardo Grey, and Track Edition.
The device features a 6.82-inch 2K BOE Q10 OLED display with LTPO 2.0 technology, offering a refresh rate of 144Hz and HDR support. Its camera system includes a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. A 32-megapixel front camera rounds out the photographic capabilities, while the rear camera module is enhanced with an "Energy Halo" LED that provides customizable lighting effects.
This smartphone features a robust 6,150mAh battery that is compatible with 120W wired charging. It is also equipped with an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and boasts IP68/IP69 ratings for both dust and water resistance. Connectivity options encompass 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a USB Type-C port. The dimensions of the device vary slightly across different editions, with weights ranging from 207g to 213g.
Realme GT 7 Pro
The anticipated flagship from Realme, the GT 7 Pro, has generated considerable interest following recent price leaks suggesting a launch price of CNY 3,999 (approximately Rs 47,100) for its base model in China. If these figures are accurate, this represents an increase from the GT 5 Pro's initial price of CNY 3,399 (around Rs 40,000). The GT 7 Pro is expected to debut in November in both India and China, potentially offering significant enhancements aimed at premium users.
Rumors indicate that the GT 7 Pro will feature a 6.78-inch OLED Plus display with a resolution of 2780x1264 pixels. It is anticipated to support a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and achieve peak brightness levels of up to 6000 nits, making it suitable for outdoor use. With Dolby Vision and complete DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, the display is set to deliver vivid visuals, safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm processor and Adreno 830 GPU, the device may offer configurations of up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and storage options reaching 1TB with UFS 4.0 technology. It is likely to operate on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0.
The camera configuration is expected to include a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom, complemented by a 16MP front-facing camera. A substantial 6500mAh battery with 120W fast charging is anticipated, along with dual stereo speakers, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, and additional features, positioning the GT 7 Pro as a formidable flagship option.