2017 saw the release of some fantastic smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, LG V30, and the Google Pixel 2. Yet 2018 is already promising even better new contenders. Here are the most anticipated phones this year:
iPhone 9
Apple is best known for producing well-designed premium products. This has allowed them to build a loyal customer base that enter each year highly motivated to get the next iPhone. Apple has a consistent record for meeting the expectations of customers, leading to a fervor for the iPhone 9.
The iPhone X introduce a new design for Apple’s phones and this is something that will more than likely continue with the iPhone 9. This likely means that you can expect an OLED display with minimal bezels. 2017 also saw Apple include larger screen sizes in smaller form factors. This breakthrough will continue with the 2018 edition of the iPhone.
Other advancements that you can expect the iPhone 9 to have are the latest A12 chip and possibly a return to Touch ID, distance charging, and ProMotion technology in its display.
As in previous years, you can expect the 2018 edition of the iPhone to have a September release. Prices should range between $700 and $1000 depending on screen size and storage.
Samsung Galaxy S9/9+
Like Apple, Samsung is a major player in the smartphone market and without a doubt the biggest competition to the folks over at Cupertino. The competition with Apple has led to Samsung producing some remarkable smartphones, such as 2017’s Galaxy S8 and 8+.
From leaked concept images, fans hope the Galaxy S9 and 9+ are similar to the S8, and they’re probably on the right path. The infinity display on the 2017 model was lauded by critics and fans alike; Many expect it to return – slightly improved, of course – for the 2018 models. One difference that is rumored is the inclusion of an iris scanner.
Fans speculate the S9 will feature the camera and fingerprint sensor arranged vertically on the rear of the phone, with a heartrate sensor positioned beside the camera. This would address the issue of poor fingerprint sensor accessibility that many users took issue with.
Inside the Galaxy S9/S9+ you will likely find a Snapdragon 845, 4 GB of RAM, and Google’s latest operating system, Android 8.0 Oreo, right out of the box. Screen sizes for the S9/S9+ are expected to be 5.8 inches and 6.2 inches respectively.
The S9/S9+ is expected to make its debut in March 2018 at price points similar to those of S8/S8+.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The Note line of smartphones has been the best performing Samsung’s smartphone in recent years. As great as the S8/S8+ were, most would agree that 2017’s Galaxy Note 8 was simply a better phone. Keeping in line with this, Samsung looks to bring you an even greater device in 2018.
With the Note 8, Samsung had to be conservative after the backlash they received with the release of the Note 7. Now that its reputation is once again back among the top of the market, they can take more chances with the Note line. First among these is a potential offering of 512 GB of internal storage. This feature would eliminate the need for SD card expansion and has long been requested by loyal customers.
Other features that have been rumored are a 6.4-inch 4K display, iris scanner, and fingerprint scanner that is embedded within the screen. All this will be accompanied by a Snapdragon 845, 6 GB of RAM, and the latest android OS. Consumers estimate the Galaxy Note 9 will release in the 4th quarter of 2018 at roughly $1000.
Nokia 9
Nokia is a brand that has had a long run in the smartphone game. It has gone through many changes and obstacles over the years finding itself releasing many low and mid-range devices. That all changed with the Nokia 8 and is continuing with the 2019 release of the Nokia 9. The company is back producing flagship devices and is taking aim at both Samsung and Apple.
The Nokia 9 is expected to have a 5.5-inch QHD OLED display. It will likely launch with a curved metal body and with greater water resistance than past models. The phone is expected to have dual 22 MP cameras, one regular and the other being setup for wide angle photography. The front-facing camera is said to be 12 MP.
Inside, the Nokia 9 will likely be powered with a Snapdragon 835 and will have 8GB of RAM. We guess the device have a 3800 mAh battery which should provide more than 24 hours of battery life. The phone is scheduled for a January 2018 release date at a starting price of $560.
HTC U12
HTC has built a reputation for producing high-quality smartphones over the years. When stacked up against the competition, they’re comparable in design, specs, and functionality. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to make as big of an impact with consumers in this ever-growing market. The HTC U11 was a great device released in 2017. With the HTC U12, the company hopes to capture your attention and make an impact with what it has to offer.
With the HTC U12, you will likely find a smartphone that has a metal chassis and tempered glass screen concealing a 4k display. The phone will probably also be making the move to dual cameras and losing the headphone jack. The phone is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 845 and come with 6GB of RAM. It is also rumored that it will come with 128 GB of internal storage.
HTC’s has done a great job providing a UI that works well with Google’s operating system, so you can expect a very snappy version of Android 8.0 Oreo. The device should arrive around May of 2018 with an expected price in the $700 range.
LG G7
LG has been making quality smartphones for years and are often considered direct competition with industry leaders Apple and Samsung. In terms of quality and function, their offerings improve each year, giving you a competitive choice in phones. 2017 saw the company produce two amazing phones in the G6 and the V30, which came with many new innovations. You can expect these improvements to continue with the LG G7.
The G7 is slated to launch with a OLED FullVision display like the one in the V30. If it does, it will be 5.7 inches and have an 18:9 aspect ratio. You can expect the G7 to be powered by the Snapdragon 845, 4GB of RAM, and it should have 32GB of internal storage. The phone will be made of thin metal and tempered glass. You can likely expect dual rear cameras – one wide angle – and 5MP front facing camera. The phone should be available in February 2018 in the $700 dollar range.