Mobiles
Realme 13 Series Launched in India: High-End Features at a Budget Price
Realme has officially introduced its latest mid-range smartphones Realme 13 Series in India, the Realme 13 5G and Realme 13 Plus 5G. These devices aim to offer premium features at competitive prices, with a design that blends style and functionality. Here’s a closer look at what these new smartphones bring to the table.
Realme 13 Series Design and Display
The Realme 13 Series features a modern design with a large circular camera module on the back and a distinctive two-tone finish. Both the Realme 13 5G and the Realme 13 Plus 5G are designed to catch the eye while providing an ergonomic grip, thanks to the micro 2.8D curve on the back panel.
The Realme 13 5G comes with a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display, while the Realme 13 Plus 5G boasts a slightly smaller 6.67-inch OLED display. Both screens offer Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making them ideal for gaming and media consumption. The Realme 13 Plus stands out with its Pro-XDR display and an impressive peak brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring vibrant visuals even in bright outdoor conditions.
Realme 13 Series Performance and Internals
Under the hood, the Realme 13 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, while the Realme 13 Plus 5G steps up with the more powerful Dimensity 7300 Energy processor. Both models offer up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a MicroSD card.
Realme has also equipped these devices with a stainless steel vapor cooling system, which helps to keep the phones cool during intense gaming sessions by reducing the temperature by up to 3°C. This ensures that users can enjoy smooth performance without worrying about overheating.
Realme 13 Series Camera Capabilities
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera setups on both devices. The Realme 13 5G and 13 Plus 5G are equipped with a 50MP main camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The Plus model further enhances its photography prowess with a Sony LYT-600 sensor, known for capturing sharp and natural-looking images across various lighting conditions. Both devices also sport a 2MP depth or portrait lens and a 16MP front camera for selfies.
The Realme 13 Series supports advanced AI features in its camera software, including the new Light Fusion Engine, which is designed to improve photo quality in all lighting conditions. Additionally, the smartphones can record videos in up to 4K resolution, offering a robust set of tools for content creators.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is another strong point for the Realme 13 Series. Both devices are powered by a 5000mAh battery, with the Realme 13 5G supporting 45W fast charging and the Realme 13 Plus 5G offering even faster 80W charging. This means that users can quickly top up their phones and get back to using them without long interruptions.
Software and Additional Features
Both smartphones run on Android 14, with Realme’s custom UI 5.0 layered on top. This new interface brings several AI-driven features, enhancing the overall user experience. Other notable features include IP64 and IP65 ratings for water and dust resistance, Bluetooth 5.3 and 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, and fingerprint scanners—side-mounted for the Realme 13 5G and in-display for the Realme 13 Plus 5G.
Pricing and Availability
The Realme 13 Series is set to hit the Indian market on September 6, with pre-booking available until September 5. Pricing starts at ₹17,999 for the Realme 13 5G with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, and goes up to ₹26,999 for the Realme 13 Plus 5G with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Early buyers can also benefit from bank discounts of up to ₹1,500 and other offers such as free screen damage protection for six months.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of the Realme 13 5G and Realme 13 Plus 5G, Realme continues to solidify its position in the mid-range smartphone market by offering high-end features at a budget-friendly price. These devices are likely to appeal to a broad audience, from tech enthusiasts to casual users, making them a strong contender in their segment.
Also Read: Realme Buds T01 Launched Earphones in India: Affordable and Feature-Packed
VIA: Mysmartprice
Apple has confirmed that assembly of its newly launched entry-level iPhone, the iPhone 16e, has begun in India. This move signifies Apple’s continued expansion of its manufacturing footprint in India, with the iPhone 16e units being produced both for sale within the Indian market and for export to select countries globally. The iPhone 16e, positioned as the successor to the iPhone SE (2022) and a more affordable option within the iPhone 16 lineup, was unveiled just last week and is already seeing local assembly ramp up.
Assembled in India iPhone 16e for Local and Global Markets
Responding to inquiries, Apple officially stated, “The entire iPhone 16 lineup, including iPhone 16e, is being assembled in India for Indian consumers and for export to select countries.” This confirmation underscores India’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub for Apple, with the iPhone 16e joining a growing list of iPhone models being assembled in the country.
India Becomes Manufacturing Hub for Entire iPhone 16 Lineup
The iPhone 16e assembly further solidifies India’s role in Apple’s global production strategy. Notably, Apple has also begun assembling its top-tier iPhone 16 Pro models in India for the first time, marking a significant milestone. Previously, “Pro” iPhones were primarily assembled in China by Taiwanese partners. While initial iPhone 16 Pro units from India still carried an “Assembled in China” label, Apple later introduced “Assembled in India” models for the Pro series as well. With the addition of the iPhone16e, the entire iPhone 16 lineup is now being manufactured in India, alongside other models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.
Diversifying Production Away from China: Mitigating Supply Chain Risks
Apple’s increasing focus on India-based manufacturing is part of a broader strategy to diversify its iPhone production beyond China. Over-reliance on Chinese manufacturing had previously caused supply chain disruptions, most notably during the iPhone 14 Pro launch when COVID-19 restrictions at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility led to significant shortages. Expanding manufacturing to India and other regions is a proactive step by Apple to mitigate such risks and ensure a more stable supply chain for its new and flagship iPhone models, reducing dependence on any single geographical area. Reports indicate that Apple aims to increase the share of iPhones made in India from approximately 15% currently to 25% by 2027.
iPhone 16e: Specifications and Features of the “Assembled in India” Model
The “Assembled in India” iPhone 16e offers a compelling set of features for its entry-level positioning in the iPhone 16 series:
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate, 1,200 nits peak brightness, and Ceramic Shield protection.
- Camera: Single 48MP “Fusion Camera” on the rear, 12MP front-facing selfie camera.
- Processor: A18 chip (binned variant with slightly fewer GPU cores compared to iPhone 16’s A18).
- Operating System: iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence features.
- Other Features: IP68 dust and water resistance, Face ID, iPhone 15-like Action Button, USB Type-C port.
Pricing and Availability: Pre-orders Open, Sales Start February 28
The iPhone 16e price in India starts at Rs 59,900 for the 128GB variant, going up to Rs 89,900 for the 512GB model. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e are currently open in India, with official sales commencing on February 28th. The “Assembled in India” iPhone 16e will be available through Apple’s official channels and authorized retailers across the country, as well as being exported to other markets.
Oppo, known for incorporating the convenient Alert Slider on its flagship phones – a feature shared with sister brand OnePlus – is rumored to be considering a significant design shift for its upcoming Find X8 Ultra. Instead of the familiar three-stage Alert Slider, leaks suggest the Oppo Find X8 Ultra might adopt a customizable Action Button, drawing inspiration from Apple’s approach on recent iPhones.
Oppo Find X8 Ultra Action Button to Offer Similar Functionality, Potentially More Customization
According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra is expected to arrive without the Alert Slider. In its place, Oppo is reportedly planning to implement an Action Button, a physical button that users can press to trigger various actions. While the primary function of this Action Button is expected to mirror the Alert Slider – toggling between ringer, vibrate, and silent modes, and potentially Oppo’s VIP mode – the rumor suggests Oppo may go a step further than Apple. Unlike Apple’s Action Button, which some reports indicate has limited customization, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra’s Action Button could be remappable, allowing users to assign a wider range of functions and shortcuts based on their preferences. This could include launching the camera app, turning on the flashlight, accessing Do Not Disturb modes, or triggering other custom actions.
Why Ditch the Alert Slider? Differentiation, Not Technical Limitations
The potential removal of the Alert Slider, a long-standing feature favored by OnePlus and Oppo fans, might seem surprising. However, reports suggest this decision is likely strategic rather than due to technical constraints. While OnePlus previously cited engineering reasons for removing the slider on the OnePlus 10T (to accommodate faster charging and a larger battery), the OnePlus 13 and other devices have demonstrated that IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance is achievable even with a physical Alert Slider. Instead, the rumored switch to an Action Button for the Oppo Find X8 Ultra could be driven by Oppo seeking to further differentiate itself from its sister brands within the BBK Electronics group, such as OnePlus and Vivo, especially in the premium flagship segment. By offering a unique, customizable button, Oppo may aim to create a distinct brand identity for its high-end devices.
Flat Display and a Nod to Past Button Experiments
Beyond the Action Button, leaks also indicate that the Oppo Find X8 Ultra will feature a flat display, a departure from the curved screens seen on previous Oppo flagships. This design choice, combined with the Action Button rumor, suggests a potential shift in Oppo’s design philosophy. It’s worth noting that Oppo has experimented with additional buttons before, such as the “Quick Button” on the Oppo Find X8Pro for camera control. However, that implementation was met with mixed reception, described in reviews as “fidgety and distracting.”
Alert Slider to Live On in Other Oppo/OnePlus Devices
While the Oppo Find X8 Ultra might be poised to lose the Alert Slider, fans of the physical switch shouldn’t despair entirely. Reports suggest that the Alert Slider is still expected to be included in upcoming devices like the OnePlus Open 2 and its Chinese counterpart, the Oppo Find N5 foldable. This indicates that the Alert Slider might remain a feature on select OnePlus and Oppo phones, even if it’s potentially being phased out on the highest-end Oppo Ultra flagship.
Oppo Find X8 Ultra Launch Timeline and Market Availability Uncertain
The market availability and exact launch timeframe for the Oppo Find X8 Ultra remain unclear. It is expected to be the successor to the Find X7 Ultra, a device that, despite its innovative features, did not launch in India. Both the Oppo Find X8 Ultra and the Oppo Find N5 foldable are expected to be powered by the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. As the expected launch window approaches, more concrete details about the Oppo Find X8Ultra’s design, features, and market release are anticipated.
Samsung is reportedly pushing the boundaries of smartphone design with its upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge, prioritizing an ultra-slim profile even if it means making compromises in other areas. Leaks suggest the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will boast a remarkably thin 5.84mm chassis, making it one of the slimmest flagship smartphones ever, but this pursuit of sleekness comes at the cost of a triple-camera system, opting instead for a dual-camera setup.
Ultra-Slim Design: A Tradeoff Between Form and Function
The defining feature of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is undoubtedly its ultra-thin design, measuring just 5.84mm thick. While this makes it incredibly pocketable and visually striking, achieving this slimness has required significant trade-offs. To accommodate the internal components within this slender frame, Samsung has reportedly reduced the number of rear cameras and may have had to compromise on battery size and cooling solutions. The phone will also feature a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits peak brightness, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 within an Armor Aluminum frame. The phone’s full dimensions are reported to be 158.2 x 75.5 x 5.84 mm.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Camera System: 200MP Main Sensor and Ultrawide Lens, No Telephoto
To achieve the 5.84mm thickness, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is said to feature a dual-camera system on the rear, a departure from the triple-camera arrays found on many other flagship phones. The primary camera is expected to be a 200-megapixel sensor, likely the HP2 sensor, which is said to be the same 200MP sensor Present in Samsung’s high-end Galaxy S25 Ultra. This will be paired with a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. According to tipster Ice Universe, Samsung is forgoing a dedicated telephoto lens and instead relying on the 200MP sensor’s high resolution to handle zoom functionality through cropping. The elongated camera module creates a visual illusion, making the bump appear less pronounced and blending it seamlessly with the frame, despite the camera protrusion bringing the total thickness to 10mm.
Performance and Internals: Snapdragon 8 Elite and Other Expected Features
Despite the design compromises, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is still expected to pack a punch in terms of performance. It is widely anticipated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, like the rest of the S25 lineup. Other rumored specifications include 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and One UI 7 based on Android 15.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Battery and Charging: Smaller Capacity and Slower Charging Speeds
One of the potential downsides of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge’s slim design is its smaller battery. A 3C certification reportedly revealed that the phone will ship with a 3,900mAh battery and support 25W wired charging. These specifications are relatively modest compared to other flagship devices, potentially limiting battery life and requiring longer charging times. The device should offer wireless charging support as well.
The Road Not Taken: A Thicker Prototype with More Cameras
Interestingly, reports indicate that Samsung initially tested two prototypes of the Galaxy S25 Edge. One prototype measured 6.4mm thick and featured a more versatile triple-camera system. However, Samsung ultimately opted for the slimmer 5.84mm design, seemingly prioritizing aesthetics and a sleek profile over camera capabilities. This decision highlights the trade-offs inherent in smartphone design, where manufacturers must balance competing priorities to create a compelling product.
Launch Timeline and Market Positioning
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is currently expected to be unveiled in April or May 2025. With its ultra-slim design and focus on aesthetics, the phone is rumored to be positioned as a competitor to the iPhone 17 Air, targeting users who prioritize style and portability. As the launch date approaches, more details about the final specifications and pricing are expected to emerge.
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