2024 marked a "banner year" for the smartphone industry, with major brands seemingly engaging in a "revenge update," infusing unprecedented vitality into the mobile phone market. Beyond the flagship, popular, and "utility-focused" phones we've discussed, the market also welcomed a myriad of highly personalized choices: specialized phones.

From a hardware perspective, these phones may not be overly impressive, and their performance or gaming capabilities might pale in comparison to flagship devices. However, they offer distinctly unique designs that set them apart.

iQOO 13: The Gaming King That Sets a New Benchmark

Image source: iQOO

iQOO 13 retains the well-received flat-screen design of its predecessor, with the resolution upgraded from 1.5K to 2K. The newly integrated LTPO 2.0+Q10 solution boosts the peak screen brightness to 1800 nits. The combination of 510PPI pixel density and a deltaE≈0.27 ultra-high color accuracy offers an exceptional viewing experience.

In terms of peripherals, iQOO 13 sports a 6150mAh battery complemented by 120W fast charging. Catering to its gaming phone niche, iQOO 13 also integrates AAC's ESA1016 vibration motor.

As a gaming-focused device, the hardware configuration of iQOO 13 is top-notch. The combination of Blue Crystal and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Ultimate Edition, alongside iQOO's proprietary gaming chip Q2, ensures robust performance: The Snapdragon 8 Ultimate Edition showcases significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and NPU, while Q2's self-developed AI hybrid super-resolution algorithm brings desktop-level image detail to the device. Coupled with Q2's 144fps super frame technology and the redesigned Ice Dome dual-drive cooling system, the gaming performance is unparalleled.

iQOO 13, equipped with OriginOS 5, incorporates numerous AI-driven features. For instance, the newly added XiaoV Circle Search allows quick text selection and universal search capabilities; the upgrade from Atomic Notification Capsule to Atomic Island also enables active schedule and copied content recognition, offering one-click quick jumps and other suggestions.

AGM X6: The Versatile Rugged Phone

Image source: AGM

The traditional rugged phone market caters to niche users working in extreme environments. The ultra-high protective standards often compromise daily usability, leading traditional rugged phone users to carry multiple devices.

However, AGM X6 disrupts this norm. Its innovative design language, enhanced frame structure, and material craftsmanship provide professional-grade protection within the form factor of a "daily driver" phone. This protection extends beyond mainstream "water resistance" claims, offering genuine waterproof capabilities. Additionally, the infrared night vision camera and temperature sensor render AGM X6 indispensable in professional scenarios.

AGM X6's launch not only disrupts the rugged phone market but also inspires the entire mobile industry: functionality and design can coexist harmoniously.

Huawei Mate X6 Tri-Network Collector's Edition: A Truly "Fully Networked" Phone

Image source: Huawei

Signal quality has always been a Huawei hallmark. After the Huawei Mate 60 Pro introduced satellite calls, "breaking through the sky" became a flagship phone benchmark. Although satellite communication was no longer novel in 2024 smartphones, Huawei continued to innovate in this space.

At the 2024 Mate brand ceremony, Huawei unveiled the Mate X6 Tri-Network Collector's Edition—the world's first satellite "fully networked" phone. Beyond standard Beidou messaging, it supports Tiantong satellite communication and low-orbit satellite internet, achieving "dual full-network" connectivity between cellular and satellite networks, ensuring near-constant connectivity.

Xiaomi MIX Flip: Beyond "Beautiful But Useless Gadgets"

Image source: Xiaomi

Small foldable phones lag behind traditional straight and large foldable phones in popularity. The market's response is attributed to their impractical external screens and limited battery life due to smaller batteries. However, Xiaomi MIX Flip transformed the small foldable phone landscape.

MIX Flip seamlessly integrates with various applications, enabling map navigation, food delivery, ride-hailing, and messaging directly on the external screen. The upgraded Peng Pai OS offers a unique interactive experience, providing real-time flight information, gate numbers, and estimated food delivery times.

Equipped with a massive 4780mAh battery, combined with Xiaomi's proprietary Jinshajiang battery technology and Peng Pai G1 chip, MIX Flip boasts the best battery life among small foldable phones.

vivo Y300 Pro: Is a Large Battery the Ultimate Battery Life Solution?

Image source: vivo

Design has always been a selling point for the vivo Y series, and this year's Y300 Pro adopts its flagship counterpart's design language. However, what truly stands out is its massive battery.

Within a 7.69mm body, vivo managed to fit a colossal 6500mAh battery, larger than the power bank I use for my heating pad. In terms of charging, Y300 Pro features 80W wired flash charging technology. While this may not seem impressive, it's the only phone in its price range to combine a 6500mAh battery with 80W charging.

Y300 Pro also introduces an intriguing new feature—Professional Mode. When enabled, it boosts screen brightness, speaker volume for hands-free calls, and signal performance, making it ideal for delivery industry workers.

Huawei Mate XT: Impressive No Matter How You Fold It

Image source: Huawei

Huawei envisioned Mate XT as a cross-border triple-fold product spanning smartphones, small tablets, and large tablets, enhancing phone practicality through innovative form factors. However, user feedback suggests that no one cares about its practicality—as an "electronic Moutai," the triple-fold design is captivating and "crazy." Unfolding Mate XT anywhere turns heads.

While Mate XT still has a prototype feel, it offers an ultimate experience, providing a complete flagship experience despite its slight heft. In the folded state, its core hardware rivals most flagship straight-screen phones, and the robust triple-fold screen experience keeps users engaged long after the novelty wears off.

Conclusion: Mobile Phones Finally Break Away from Homogeneity

Image source: vivo

"Diversification" was the keyword for the 2024 smartphone market. From gaming to rugged, foldable, and ultra-long battery life, mobile brands filled every niche with personalized products to meet the most specific consumer needs.

This niche market focus was unthinkable in 2023, when brands were "tightening their belts." Phones then aimed to satisfy the broadest audience with minimal products, leading to homogeneity.

This year's intriguing phones signify a shift from homogeneous "parameter-driven" competition to diversification and scenario-based development. In 2025, we might see more "scenario-based customization" products excelling in specific areas rather than pursuing extreme performance. After all, flagship phones are annual releases, but interesting phones are rare gems.