Last year was fantastic for Smartphones. There were skinny screen bezels, cameras that took better pictures than before, and a more reliable battery life.
But there’s a longing for more, and that’s what we’re getting in 2018. It’s only a few months into the year, but we’ve already seen some amazing Smartphones, with the Huawei P20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S9 leading the race.
There’s only more to come because Apple, Google, OnePlus and others are ready for their next respective big things. Here’s a choice list of upcoming phones that I’ve heard from rumors will shape the Smartphone industry when released.
Apple: iPhone XI and SE 2?
Clearly, the iPhone X is Apple’s most beautiful Smartphone to date, but it’s also very very expensive, putting it out of the reach of a lot of prospective iPhone buyers.
Analysts believe that Apple may extend their full-face screen approach. There is a belief that Apple will launch an updated 5.8-inch OLED model, an “iPhone XI” alongside two other models.
The first one would be a larger model with an amazing 6.5-inch OLED display. While the other would fall right in the middle of the two, supposedly carrying a 6.1-inch display.
The difference is that it would be a lower-resolution LCD screen, with that version acting as a slightly cheaper model under the iPhone XI. Which might be the new iPhone 9, hopefully.
Face ID unlocking tech is the way of the future for Apple. And it’ll only take a matter of time before all Apple phones scrap the old 16:9/Touch ID unlocking approach.
If that will all happen this year remains unknown, but I certainly expect some big developments from Apple soon.
Furthermore, rumors are starting to spring-up about an iPhone SE 2. This is an updated version of Apple’s super-small, entry-level Smartphone.
OnePlus: OnePlus 6
Finally, The OnePlus 6 will be released pretty soon. Also official is an iPhone X-like stuff at the top of the display. As seen above.
From what we hear, they’ll remain with the 1080p panel to keep the phone more affordable than most other Smartphones. In addition, there’ll be a Snapdragon 845 chip inside with configurations of up to 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. Isn’t that mouth watering?
Rumors have it that there’ll be a special Avengers: Infinity War edition.
OnePlus will announce the phone on 16 May, and I believe a release will follow very soon.
LG: G7 ThinQ
LG revealed in early May that the G7 ThinQ uses the same kind of screen notch seen on a lot of other big Smartphones these days.
With a 6.1-inch LCD offering a Super Bright mode for higher visibility. It has a Snapdragon 845 chip with 4GB or 6GB RAM, based on model variant. Also, it sports a dual rear camera, both at 16 megapixels.
In addition, the LG G7 ThinQ has a very loud “Boombox” speaker and a dedicated button for the Google Assistant. Alongside a far-field mic that can pick up your voice commands from far off.
This amazing Smartphone has been scheduled to be released later this May.
Samsung: Galaxy Note 9
Rumors reveal that the Galaxy Note 9 will have an in-screen fingerprint sensor instead of a back-mounted one.
Which could free up a bit more space inside for a larger battery. The battery is rumored to be as large as 4,000mAh, which has the same size as the Huawei P20 Pro.
Also, another recent rumor suggests a slightly larger 6.4-inch display is to be expected on this device.
Although, the rumors are still early, so many Smartphone fans can’t just wait to see what Samsung has in stock.
BlackBerry: The Key2
Read my earlier post on this Smartphone HERE.
Google: Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL?
Last Year, Google took an interesting approach to Smartphones, with the Pixel 2 using a tried-and-tested 16:9 screen. Also, the larger Pixel 2 XL making use of an amazing 18:9 aspect ratio.
Google Smartphones still had the best cameras you’d find in a phone until the Huawei P20 Pro came out. As well as a pure Android Oreo operating system.
Fans expect the camera quality to take another leap forward, and Google’s new Smartphones should arrive with the first taste of Android P.
Meanwhile, the Google “Pixel 3” has been mentioned and an old rumor suggests that there will be three editions. We just have to wait and find out.
HTC: The U12+
Honestly, the HTC U11+ was a great Smartphone, but by the time it launched, it felt like too little too late with other big new phones starting to sell. Luckily, HTC plans to try again with the HTC U12+.
Scheduled to debut on 23 May, the HTC U12+ is rumored to sport an extra-tall 6-inch 18:9 display (probably QHD+), a Snapdragon 845 chipset with 6GB RAM, and an upgraded version of the Edge Sense sides seen on both the U11 and U11+.
HTC’s teaser and leaked photos show four cameras in total, with a dual rear and dual front camera’s. Rumors suggest a larger U12+ which is set to compete with Smartphones like the Galaxy S9+ and Huawei P20 Pro.
These Smartphones are supposed to change the handset world with their new features. Let’s just wait and see what is to come.
