The Smartphone Launches You Should Watch for in December 2024

December usually signals a quiet period in the smartphone world, but not this year. Expect the unexpected, as 2024 ends with a bang. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone looking for a new phone, this month promises several exciting launches that could reshape the smartphone market. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

The OnePlus 13 Series: Is It a Comeback for the Brand?

OnePlus has had its ups and downs in recent years, losing market share due to quality issues like the green line display and motherboard failures. However, they’re aiming to regain their spot with the launch of the OnePlus 13 series.

Set to be released around January 2025, the OnePlus 13 is rumored to sport a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 50MP triple camera setup. The 13R variant is expected to be a more affordable option, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, making it a solid mid-range choice for users who want flagship performance at a lower price.

Price Prediction: Expect the OnePlus 13 to start around ₹70,000, with the OnePlus 13R priced under ₹50,000. This launch is particularly exciting for those hoping OnePlus will reclaim its position as a top-tier brand.

iQOO: A Strong Contender with the Neo 10 Pro and iQOO 3

While OnePlus may be struggling, iQOO is making waves. The brand recently saw a massive 100% growth in market share, driven largely by the value-for-money Z Series. Now, iQOO is taking things up a notch with the iQOO Neo 10 Pro, launching in China on November 29, with a possible Indian release in February 2025.

What makes the Neo 10 Pro standout? It features the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and UFS 4.1 storage. The leaked price suggests that it could start at ₹40,000 in India, making it an enticing option in the mid-range segment.

Additionally, iQOO’s flagship model, the iQOO 3, launches on December 3, featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 120W fast charger, and a 6,000mAh battery. Rumored to be priced at around ₹65,000 in India, the iQOO 3 will definitely compete with the top dogs in the flagship category.

Vivo: Pushing Boundaries with the X200 Series

Vivo continues to dominate the Indian smartphone scene. With a commanding lead in the offline market, they’re not slowing down anytime soon. The Vivo X200 Series is set to launch in India in the second week of December and could become a game-changer for the brand.

What’s the hype about? This series will feature the Dimensity 9400 chipset and is expected to boast a 200MP periscope camera. This means you’ll be able to take telephoto shots that look anything but blurry. Starting at around ₹64,000 in India, the Vivo X200 series could be one of the most innovative releases of the month.

Realme GT7 Pro: The Brand’s First Flagship

After a somewhat quiet year, Realme is looking to make a statement with the Realme GT7 Pro. The phone will be officially launched on November 26 and is packed with flagship specs like the Snapdragon 8L chipset and a 50MP main camera.

However, the phone’s battery is stirring up controversy. The Chinese variant features a 6,500mAh battery, while the Indian version will come with a 5,800mAh battery, which is smaller but still substantial. Expect the price to hover around ₹55,000-₹60,000. It’s a solid choice for those who want a high-performing device without breaking the bank.

Xiaomi: The Redmi Note 14 Series

Xiaomi has seen its market share decline in India, but it’s not out of the race. The brand is all set to launch its Redmi Note 14 series on December 9. This series will include multiple models: the Redmi Note 14, Pro, and Pro Plus.

The Redmi Note 14 will feature the Dimensity 7020 processor, while the Pro models will boast the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipsets. Pricing for the series is expected to range from ₹18,000 to ₹22,000, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for users who still want solid performance.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: The Flagship You’ve Been Waiting For

Samsung is hoping to turn things around with its Galaxy S25 series after losing market share in 2024. The leaks suggest that the S25 Slim will be launching before the much-anticipated iPhone 15—an exciting development in itself.

The S25 series will feature the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor across all variants, and you can expect high-end specs like AI features, IP68 certification, and 6000mAh battery. The S25 Slim is rumored to be priced around ₹90,000, with the S25 Ultra going up to ₹1.5 lakh. It’s an ambitious move from Samsung, and many will be watching closely.

The iPhone SE 4: A Budget iPhone With Surprising Features

Finally, the iPhone SE 4 is set to launch in March or April 2025, but leaks about the phone are already making waves. This budget-friendly iPhone will come with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Apple A17 chip, 48MP main camera, and USB-C charging, a first for an iPhone.

The best part? It’s expected to be priced at around ₹50,000, making it the cheapest iPhone available at launch. While it won’t have the dynamic island or dual cameras, the iPhone SE 4 offers excellent value for those looking for a more affordable Apple device.

2025 Smartphone Trends: What to Expect

Looking ahead to 2025, the biggest trends in smartphones will center around performance and battery life. Expect to see Snapdragon 8 Elite or Dimensity 9400 chipsets in almost all flagship devices, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Batteries will also see improvements, with most flagship models sporting 6,000mAh or larger batteries.

However, with all these premium features, expect prices to rise by 10-20%. For example, a phone priced at ₹50,000 last year may now cost around ₹60,000 in 2025.

Final Thoughts

So, which smartphone launch are you most excited about? The iQOO Neo 10 Pro and OnePlus 13 seem to be the most exciting options, especially for their pricing and performance. Meanwhile, Samsung’s S25 series and iPhone SE 4 offer flagship-level features at competitive prices, catering to a wide range of users.

Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned for more updates as these phones officially launch in the coming weeks!