Exciting Smartphones to Expect in 2018

2017 was an exciting and explosive year for the smartphone market. We saw an emergence of AI, the birth of the 18:9 aspect ratio display, and the wide spread adoption of dual cameras (both for the front and rear). Now, we’re slowly approaching the biggest smartphone event of the year that might show as a glimpse of what 2018 might offer — the MWC (Mobile World Congress). The event is still about a month away though, but some announcements and leaks are already pouring out. Join us as we take a look at the most exciting smartphones to expect in 2018.

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Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

Perhaps one of the most anticipated announcements for the early half of 2018 is Samsung’s latest Galaxy Flagship duo, the S9 and S9+. Before 2017 ended there were rumors and expectations that the S9/S9+ would be revealed during CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2018. That wasn’t the case, instead Samsung confirmed that the new devices would be unveiled during MWC.

Then just a few days ago, they revealed the official launch date and a bit more detail about the device got leaked thanks to Evan Blass. Hype and anticipation for the duo is certainly building up, especially when it was reported that the phone’s cameras would have mechanical aperture adjustments.

Samsung Galaxy Note9

Samsung has since recovered and redeemed themselves from the catastrophe that was the Galaxy Note7. They’ve even regained their momentum with the release of a stellar device in the form of the Galaxy Note8, our Readers’ and Editors’ Smartphone of the Year. It’s safe to assume that the company would once again step it up and keep their momentum.

Although, It might be too early to even guess what Samsung has up their sleeve for the next Note. Either way, this would most certainly be one of the smartphones to look forward to this year.

iPhone 9 and iPhone XL or updated iPhone X

Apple definitely stepped it up last year when they released the successors of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. These devices come equipped with the company’s latest A11 bionic chip, which blasted through our AnTuTu benchmark charts and claimed the number one spot. The company would, of course, try to step it up even further when they release the next standard bearers of the iPhone line.

While the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were expected to arrive last year, Apple surprised the masses when they announced a third device in the lineup — The iPhone X. Dubbed as their anniversary phone, the iPhone X is also the company’s first contender in the All Screen display market. Even going as far as removing the bottom bezel and the home button entirely to make way for more screen real estate. While there’s yet to be any announcement or indication that Apple will follow through with this line, it would be interesting to see what they’ll come up with if ever they do.

Sony Xperia XZ Pro

Sony’s Xperia line could already be considered as part of the old guard, blocky devices with 16:9 aspect ratio displays, and thick bezels. Even so, no one can argue that their flagships can still go toe-to-toe with competitors and that they are elegantly crafted. Not to mention, they were the ones that heralded the arrival of water and dust resistance into the smartphone market.

The star of any flagship Xperia though is their camera and their latest flagship, the XZ1, certainly did not disappoint. Now, looks like Sony once more wants to shake the competition as they are reportedly announcing the successor of the XZ1, the XZ Pro, at MWC 2018. The new forerunner will reportedly be equipped with a 4K OLED display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845, and of course IP68 water and dust resistance. Other than than, it looks like this time around, if the renders are true, Sony will finally transition to thinner bezel designs and dual cameras.

LG G7

Early 2017 marked the arrival of LG’s flagship, the G6, a well-rounded gorgeous device with excellent performance, cameras, and display. Although, it was often overlooked and was overshadowed when its competitors arrived. Which is why, this year, consumers have been eagerly awaiting hints of its successor and the company’s possible push back.

Sadly, LG has been tight lip about any information on their new device, apart from the promise that its release date is on track. What we can expect though, is that LG would definitely be looking to make a bigger splash than last year.

Nokia 10

Nokia was the king of an era before they fell into decline when they failed to keep up with the changing tides. 2017 signaled the re-emergence of Nokia in the smartphone market and its entry into the Android scene. They made quite the strong push to regain their crown as they released a string of different devices aimed at different price points, the Nokia 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Now, it seems that the former ruler will use every means necessary to be recognized again. Their next device, dubbed Nokia 10, will reportedly skip proper counting as instead of moving up to three cameras, it’ll be using five rear camera modules. If the rumors are true then this device would be quite the shocker and is definitely something to look forward to. HMD Global is set to reveal more information during IFA 2018 in September.

OnePlus 6

OnePlus very much earned the title of “Flagship killer” when they unleashed upon the world their first smartphone, the OnePlus One. It was a device that combined power and design in a much lower asking price than most competitors. Fast forward a few years later, the brand is now well-known, well respected, and their devices are still recognized as “Flagship Killers.

They aren’t pulling any stops though as just a little over a month from the release of their latest flagship, the OnePlus 5T, confirmation for the OnePlus 6 arrived. No other details were revealed except for the fact that the new device will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845.

Huawei P11

There have been rumors floating around the web on what Huawei’s next flagship would pack, the most ambitious of them all is the triple camera setup. There could be some truth to that since they were the brand that introduced dual cameras into the smartphone market. The timing for the announcement of the P11, or whatever it’ll be called, is about right as last year the company released the P10 during the first half of 2017. Huawei is now slowly being recognized as a true threat to market leaders Apple and Samsung, so it’ll be exciting to see what they’ll bring to the table this year.

Razer Phone 2

Razer is really looking to grab market share from every part of the tech world as now they’ve ventured into the smartphone market. The brand’s first entry into the mobile world is the gaming oriented Razer Phone, a true beast of a device sporting top of the line specs and a 120hz  IGZO panel. With just months after its release, rumors are now spreading about the impending arrival of the Razer Phone’s successor, the Razer Phone 2. The new device is slated to be unveiled during IFA 2018, although Razer has yet to offer any official word.

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3

A true friend of the masses, Xiaomi devices have been branded “God Phones” by the community as they offer strong internals for half the price. Although more focused on the mid-range market, Xiaomi is no stranger when it comes to high-end devices. Its Mix line of premium phones are flagships to behold and are reasonably priced too. Just before 2017 ended, the company released its latest Mix device, the Mi Mix 2, packing powerful internals in an almost bezel-less frame. While there’s no hint yet on a possible successor, we are certain that at some point in the latter half of the year the Mi Mix 3 will make an appearance.

And that’s a wrap! These are the phones to look out for this 2018. Then again, brands still might shock us with surprise announcements. If we missed any device, be sure to hit us up in the comments section below.