Realme 13 Pro First Look in India: A Personal Journey, Local Voices, and Market Shifts I still remember the afternoon in April when I walked into a dusty mobile shop in Karol Bagh with a Realme 3 Pro in my hand - its battery barely lasting, its overheating quirks all too familiar. I’d been covering Realme since its entry into India, and that afternoon, a shopkeeper’s offhand remark - “Next year, maybe we’ll see something better” - stuck with me. Now, with Realme 15T leaking on Geekbench and the Realme 14T barely five months off launch, I’ve come full circle. This piece isn’t just about numbers on a benchmark. It’s about what those numbers - Geekbench’s 806 single-core and 1,989 multi-core using Dimensity 6400 Max - mean for everyday Indian users. It’s about whether this upgrade is real and relevant, or just noise in a flooded mid-range segment. Here’s what I set out to do: blend my on-the-ground reporting - chatting with shopowners, college students, rickshaw drivers, even an iPhone-to...
iPhone 17 Leak Reveals A18 Chip Return, Shrinking Dynamic Island
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup may not bring a full performance overhaul—at least, not for every model.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, the standard iPhone 17 could ship with the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, even as the more premium Air and Pro models upgrade to a newer A19 processor.
This marks a potential shift in how Apple segments its devices.
This marks a potential shift in how Apple segments its devices.
Instead of unifying performance across the board, Apple seems to be introducing a clearer performance ladder - one that starts with the familiar and scales up to flagship-grade.
Standard iPhone 17 may retain A18 chip, while Air and Pro could feature A19 N3P chip
Dynamic Island may shrink, thanks to possible “metalens” technology
New Air model tipped to offer 12GB RAM, aiming to balance power and affordability
For users hoping for a next-gen chip in every new iPhone, this may come as a surprise.
Key Takeaways
Standard iPhone 17 may retain A18 chip, while Air and Pro could feature A19 N3P chip
Dynamic Island may shrink, thanks to possible “metalens” technology
New Air model tipped to offer 12GB RAM, aiming to balance power and affordability
iPhone 17 Chipset: Familiar Power in the Base Model
For users hoping for a next-gen chip in every new iPhone, this may come as a surprise.
Jeff Pu’s latest research note suggests that Apple will continue with the A18 chip in the base iPhone 17 - making it the second year in a row the same silicon is used in a non-Pro model.
In contrast, the newly introduced iPhone 17 Air and the Pro variants are expected to receive the upgraded A19 chip built on TSMC’s N3P process, which could offer improvements in both performance and efficiency.
This subtle segmentation may help Apple cater to both performance-minded users and those prioritizing affordability - without compromising margins.
The “Air” model is shaping up to be the most intriguing addition.
In contrast, the newly introduced iPhone 17 Air and the Pro variants are expected to receive the upgraded A19 chip built on TSMC’s N3P process, which could offer improvements in both performance and efficiency.
This subtle segmentation may help Apple cater to both performance-minded users and those prioritizing affordability - without compromising margins.
Air Model: A New Middle Ground
The “Air” model is shaping up to be the most intriguing addition.
Positioned between the base and Pro lines, it’s rumoured to offer 12GB of RAM, matching the Pro and Pro Max models.
This could be a big deal for users who want smoother multitasking and gaming without paying flagship prices.
In comparison, the standard iPhone 17 may upgrade to 8GB RAM, up from 6GB on the iPhone 16, according to India Today’s report via Apple Hub.
In comparison, the standard iPhone 17 may upgrade to 8GB RAM, up from 6GB on the iPhone 16, according to India Today’s report via Apple Hub.
While not a game-changer, it may help the base model feel less outdated.
Interestingly, Apple seems to be using the “Air” naming strategy, previously reserved for iPads and MacBooks, to communicate a balance between style, portability, and power.
One of the more surprising rumours is about Apple’s infamous Dynamic Island. While analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested no changes, newer leaks propose the use of “metalens” tech for Face ID components.
Interestingly, Apple seems to be using the “Air” naming strategy, previously reserved for iPads and MacBooks, to communicate a balance between style, portability, and power.
Dynamic Island Might Shrink - Finally
One of the more surprising rumours is about Apple’s infamous Dynamic Island. While analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested no changes, newer leaks propose the use of “metalens” tech for Face ID components.
This could allow Apple to shrink the front-facing sensor system, making the Dynamic Island smaller on all iPhone 17 models.
It’s a small change on paper—but visually, it could make a big difference.
It’s a small change on paper—but visually, it could make a big difference.
A cleaner, less intrusive notch could modernize the front look without requiring a radical redesign.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be thinner and lighter, borrowing design cues from the iPad Air, potentially giving users a sleeker alternative without compromising display size or battery.
Meanwhile, the base iPhone 17 is expected to stay visually consistent with the iPhone 16, including a dual-lens vertical camera layout.
Design Tweaks and Display Upgrades
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be thinner and lighter, borrowing design cues from the iPad Air, potentially giving users a sleeker alternative without compromising display size or battery.
Meanwhile, the base iPhone 17 is expected to stay visually consistent with the iPhone 16, including a dual-lens vertical camera layout.
However, the Air and Pro models may shake things up with a horizontal camera bar, a change that could visually separate the lineup at a glance.
Another major shift: 120Hz ProMotion displays may now be standard across all models.
Another major shift: 120Hz ProMotion displays may now be standard across all models.
Previously a Pro-exclusive feature, its expansion hints at Apple responding to user expectations in a competitive mid-range segment.
Selfie lovers, take note. Apple may upgrade the front-facing camera to 24MP, promising better video call clarity and sharper self-portraits.
Front Camera and Other Features
Selfie lovers, take note. Apple may upgrade the front-facing camera to 24MP, promising better video call clarity and sharper self-portraits.
It’s a quiet but meaningful change that could impact day-to-day usage more than raw chip speed.
Also rumoured - but not confirmed - is the omission of any battery degradation improvements in the spec leaks.
Also rumoured - but not confirmed - is the omission of any battery degradation improvements in the spec leaks.
That’s a noticeable silence, especially as users hold onto phones longer than ever before.
Apple typically unveils new iPhones each September, with India included in the first wave of global rollouts.
Pricing and Indian Availability
Apple typically unveils new iPhones each September, with India included in the first wave of global rollouts.
While pricing remains under wraps, early signals suggest the iPhone 17 Air will aim for a mid-premium price point, offering near-Pro performance for less.
This mirrors Apple’s broader strategy of diversifying its product range—without cannibalizing top-tier models.
If these rumours hold true, the iPhone 17 lineup might reflect Apple’s most balanced release in years.
This mirrors Apple’s broader strategy of diversifying its product range—without cannibalizing top-tier models.
What This Means for Users
If these rumours hold true, the iPhone 17 lineup might reflect Apple’s most balanced release in years.
The base model keeps things familiar, the Air model offers choice without compromise, and the Pro models push performance boundaries.
In other words: more options, clearer segmentation, and meaningful (if subtle) upgrades.
Jeff Pu’s investor note via 9to5Mac
India Today’s report quoting Apple Hub: Apple Hub – iPhone 17 RAM & Chip Rumour
Ming-Chi Kuo’s statement via MacRumors: Kuo: No Major Changes to iPhone 17 Dynamic Island
In other words: more options, clearer segmentation, and meaningful (if subtle) upgrades.
References
Jeff Pu’s investor note via 9to5Mac
India Today’s report quoting Apple Hub: Apple Hub – iPhone 17 RAM & Chip Rumour
Ming-Chi Kuo’s statement via MacRumors: Kuo: No Major Changes to iPhone 17 Dynamic Island
About the Author
Michael B. Norris is a veteran tech journalist covering mobile innovation, semiconductors, and consumer electronics.At TrendingAlone, he focuses on unpacking complex technology trends in simple, people-first language.
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