For 2023, here are the five of the best flagship killers in the PH market, now available in-store and via official online selling platforms.
Among smartphones, the term “flagship” means the top-of-the-line model of the brand for the season or year. A flagship smartphone is often powered by the highest processor model of the year, and features numerous cutting-edge technologies.
However, flagships no longer get total exclusivity as many mid-range smartphones, particularly upper mid-rangers, now include some top-tier specs, such as incredible cameras, extremely fast charging, and amazing wireless functions.
Disclaimer: The devices listed here have powerful processors capable of challenging the current alphas on Android – Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek Dimensity 9300. Alternatively, some devices have been given top-notch features that are more common on flagship models.
The models below got what it takes to challenge current flagships in various scenarios, including nonstop camera action and hardcore gaming. Let’s begin.
POCO F5
The POCO F5 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 CPU, Adreno 725 GPU, and 5000mAh battery, which supports up to 67w fast-charging.
POCO F5 comes in two configurations of 8/256GB and 12/256GB. Its display is 6.67 inches with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The device features a triple-rear camera setup with dual stabilization.
What makes this a flagship killer?
- AnTuTu score of over 1.1 million.
- Peak brightness of 1000 nits.
- 1920Hz PWM dimming rate.
- Dual stabilization of OIS + EIS.
POCO F5 won’t easily heat up because of the vapor cooling chamber, which works during nonstop photography and gaming.
Check out the full specs and price of POCO F5 below.
POCO F5 Pro
Want to take it to the next level? You can with POCO F5 Pro! It’s even more powerful than POCO F5, thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU and Adreno 730 GPU. Plus, this smartphone comes with a 5160mAh battery, which supports up to 30w wireless fast charging.
There are three configurations for POCO F5 Pro. You can either get 8/256GB, 12/256GB, or 12/512GB for more storage capacity.
So, what makes it a flagship killer and more worthy than the other POCO phone?
- 2K display resolution (1440 x 3200).
- AnTuTu score of over 1.2 million.
- Peak brightness of 1400 nits.
- Touch sampling rate of 480Hz (55 ms response rate).
- Dual light sensors (front and back).
- 1920Hz PWM dimming rate.
The main camera of POCO F3 Pro also features anti-shake mechanisms via OIS and EIS. Heating shouldn’t be a problem as well, thanks to the installed vapor cooling chamber.
Check out the full specs and price of POCO F5 Pro below.
OnePlus Nord 3
The OnePlus Nord 3 has a different approach on beating flagship smartphones. It’s powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9000 CPU and Mali-G710 GPU, alongside a 5000mAh battery unit.
It comes in the 16/256GB configuration for storing and running almost all apps on the Play Store.
Why is it a flagship killer?
- 1.5K display resolution (1240 x 2772)
- AnTuTu score of over 1 million.
- Peak brightness of 1450 nits.
- Touch response rate of up to 1000Hz.
- 80w fast-charging.
OnePlus Nord 3 isn’t to be underestimated in photography. This device boasts a triple-rear camera setup spearheaded by the 50 MP Sony IMX890 sensor, backed by the 8 MP ultra-wide lens and 2 MP macro lens.
The OnePlus Nord 3 can reduce shakes with OIS and lower the blur via TurboRAW algorithm, so images are accurate and beautiful. You can play games and take photos without worrying about heat as it’s dispensed by the vapor cooling chamber.
Check out the full specs and price of OnePlus Nord 3 below.
Xiaomi 13T
If you’re a Xiaomi user for years, the brand has a flagship killer model as well. It’s the Xiaomi 13T, powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultra CPU and Mali-G610 GPU.
This smartphone comes in the 12/256GB configuration. Like the other devices mentioned, Xiaomi 13T features a triple-rear camera setup led by the 50 MP main sensor.
However, the camera setup is powered by Leica for professional-looking captures. Leica improvements allow the device to fix ghosting and glare and produce quality images even in extreme conditions.
The reasons why this is a flagship killer?
- 1.5K display resolution (1220 x 2712).
- AnTuTu score of more than 960,000.
- Peak brightness of 2600 nits.
- 144Hz dynamic refresh rate.
- 2880Hz PWM dimming rate.
Since all the rear cameras of Xiaomi 13T are Leica, you can expect exclusive Leica features. The device also includes a vapor cooling chamber to avoid heating issues.
Check out the full specs and price of Xiaomi 13T below.
vivo v29 5G
Surprisingly, a vivo smartphone has landed on this list with v29 5G. This very slim and aesthetically blessed handset is hiding a lot of power under its hood.
Despite only having the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G and AnTuTu score of below 600K, vivo v29 5G has surprises about its camera, display, and more.
vivo v29 5G comes in two configurations of 12/256GB and 12/512GB, with the latter being the better choice since the phone is camera-centric. It has three rear cameras of 50 MP + 8 MP and 2 MP with OIS. But the distinct camera feature is the Aura Light to boost lighting and Smart Color Temperature to set the tone to warm or cool.
Why is this smartphone a flagship killer?
- 1.5K display resolution (1260 x 2800).
- Peak brightness of 1300 nits.
- Touch sampling rate of up to 1000Hz.
- 2160Hz PWM dimming rate.
- 360-degree even lighting for Portrait mode.
Check out the full specs and price of vivo V29 5G below.
Considerations
A flagship killer can come in many forms – camera-centric, gaming-focused, or balanced. Each specialization it covers affects the overall price tag. So, you as a user must figure out what’s the main purpose of your device. This is because only a true flagship can offer everything you’ll need in a smartphone.
Once you’ve figured out the real purpose of your next phone, you can now determine how much it’ll cost you. Just remember that flagship killers can be expensive as well, but they remain more affordable than flagships.
