This, right here, is a recap of what happened in the consumer tech world over the last week. While we did a couple of exclusive stories (putting our resources to the best use), the rumor mill and release pipeline were functioning well, too. Check out the major highlights of the last week of 2024.
SmartPrix Exclusives
At the beginning of the week, we did an exclusive story about the upgrades to the OnePlus Watch 3, including a rotating crown. We also shared a detailed render of the smartwatch. Under the hood, the watch will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor.
We also did an exclusive story on how the Chinese smartphone giant Oppo can bring the Find X8 Ultra to the global markets by the first quarter of 2025. Although the company didn’t plan to do so, it changed its plan after the success of the Find X8 and the Find X8 Pro.
Most recently, we also did a story on the design refresh of the OnePlus Open 2. Moreover, the foldable will become larger yet thinner than the original model.
Also Read: Best Smartphone Processors In 2025
Launches
Earlier this week, the Taiwanese chip manufacturer MediaTek released the Dimensity 8400 SoC, which features an all-big-core design. Basically, the chipset features eight cores, all of which can go up to 3.25GHz. The higher clock speed improves the multi-core performance of the processor by 41% while reducing the total power consumption by 44%.
On the same day, LG launched the world’s first fully wireless and transparent OLED TV. To no one’s surprise, the TV costs $60,000, about Rs. 51,00,000. For those wondering, the TV comes with a 77-inch 4K OLED screen and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The TV also has a downward-firing 4.2-channel speaker system (Dolby Atmos).
The OnePlus Pad, with Dimensity 8350 SoC and a massive 9,520 mAh battery, debuted in China on December 27, 2024. With a starting price of around Rs. 23,000, the tablet offers features like a 144Hz refresh rate screen, Wi-Fi 6, runs on ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, and weighs 533 grams.
The Indian smartphone manufacturer Lava launched the Yuva 2 5G smartphone in India for Rs. 9,499. It comes with a 6.67-inch HD+ screen, runs on the Unisoc T760 SoC, and features 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Also Read: Top 14 Smartphones Launches of 2025: From Galaxy S25 Series to iPhone 17 Series, & More
Leaks & Rumors
One of the most popular news stories from the beginning of the week was Apple’s smart home doorbell camera development. Interestingly, the device can debut in 2025. Another rumor about the same company claimed that it could equip AirPods Pro 3 with a heart rate sensor and other health-related features.
Carl Pei’s smartphone brand Nothing plans to switch from Dimensity chipsets to Snapdragon SoCs for their upcoming smartphones. We’re talking about the Nothing Phone 3a, Phone 3a Plus, and the CMF Phone 2.
On December 25, 2024, we reported about how the Korean giant Samsung plans to reduce the total production of the purported Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 by a significant margin. However, the company has a positive outlook toward the Galaxy S25 series, which could debut in January 2025.
Samsung is rumored to release the Galaxy Ring 2 during the Galaxy Unpacked event in January 2025.
Most recently, the Indian tipster Yogesh Brar shared some information about the upcoming OnePlus 13. The tipster states the handset will come in two memory/storage variants. With the flagship, the company could also launch a variant of the OnePlus 13R in India.
Renowned Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station claims that Oppo could use the proposed Dimensity 9400+ processor on three of its flagships in the year 2025.
Also Read: 10 Fastest Charging Smartphones Under ₹20,000 (2025)
Updates
OpenAI’s 12 days of announcements began earlier this week, wherein the company introduced the OpenAI o1 model, ChatGPT Search, and the availability of Sora for ChatGPT Plus and Pro members.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recently asked Jio, Airtel, VI, and BSNL to launch SMS and voice-only plans for users who don’t require internet data. The firm has proposed that companies introduce Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs), which include exclusive SMS and voice services benefits.
Reliance Jio has launched a new Rs. 601 Unlimited 5G Gift Voucher for buyers who are using a recharge plan with lesser data or 4G data. The voucher contains 12 redeemable coupons, each offering unlimited 5G data for a month.
Xiaomi confirmed that it would release its latest tablet, the Pad 7, in India on January 10, 2024. Although the microsite of the tablet doesn’t reveal much, it could come with an 11-inch 3.2K LCD screen that supports a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the tablet could run on the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC.
We spoke about Nothing in the leaks and rumors section, but there’s a definite update from the brand as well. The Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus users can now access Circle to Search, a visual lookup feature that helps users gather more information about the object on the screen.
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Auto
Earlier this week, Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan announced that they’re officially exploring the terms of a merger and might announce it by the first half of June 2025. The merger could change the automobile industry as it will make the joint venture the third-largest automaker in the world.
Toward the middle of the week, Kawasaki launched its dual sport motorcycle in the country: KLX 230. With an ex-showroom price of Rs. 3.30 lakh (ex-showroom), the bike is equipped with an air-cooled single-cylinder engine, delivering 18.1 hp of power and 18.3 Nm of torque. Riders also get a monotone LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity.
After revealing Syros, the Korean automaker, Kia is now working on the Syros EV. Since the ICE version of the vehicle borrows a lot of design elements from the company’s electric vehicle, the Syros EV will look a lot like the current petrol/diesel version.
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