Smartphones are inherently a personal choice, and the choice to buy phones is not easy. Apple, Samsung and OnePlus are the biggest names in premium smartphones, while those wanting a budget phone can choose between Xiaomi and Realme. If the second half of 2022 is anything to go by, the mobile phone market looks set to be a scorcher. All the big names in the smartphone market are coming up with new models to entice consumers despite rising inflation and economic uncertainty. Apple is expected to launch the next instalment of the iPhone in September, while Samsung and OnePlus are also preparing to launch new flagship smartphones in August. If you are in the market for a new phone, keep your eye on these upcoming smartphones.
iPhone 14 Pro
At the top of our “most anticipated” smartphone, the list is the iPhone 14 Pro. The hype for the iPhone 14 Pro/Max is real, making them a perennial favourite among Apple fans. The idea behind the iPhone 14 Pro would remain the same as last year’s model: a phone with little extra power, better cameras and more oomph. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a beefed-up camera system on Apple’s top-end smartphone, with rumours suggesting it could have a 48-megapixel main camera. Apple has improved the camera on the Pro lineup over the last few years but the resolution has remained at 12 megapixels.
And if you are bored of seeing the annoying notch on top of the iPhone screen, the good news is waiting for you. For the first time since the debut of the iPhone X in 2017, Apple will remove the current notch and replace it with a pill-shaped hole and a small circular hole to accommodate the selfie camera and FaceID. Other updates, most likely include a powerful A16 processor, pro-grade front-facing camera with autofocus, always-on display and maybe some design tweaks. But all these improvements could come at an added cost, with reports suggesting iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max prices are expected to increase by $100 to $1099 and $1199 respectively.
With limited availability, pre-order Phone (1) before it goes on sale. And get an exclusive reward. Invite only. Sign up now on: https://t.co/AKTOkTLzq4 pic.twitter.com/hLMeUgIeVX
— Nothing (@nothing) June 24, 2022
Nothing Phone (1)
Ever since former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei announced its London-based Nothing brand, there has been a sense that Pei is on a mission to make everyday tech more fun. Nothing is hoping a few design quirks can help its products differentiate from rivals. Its Ear (1) did help Nothing to market itself as a cool and hippie tech brand, but Pie now wants to take on established brands like Apple and Samsung by making a smartphone.
The Phone 1 smartphone is pitched as a design marvel with a back that appears to be made from a transparent material. The device also has illuminating light strips on the rear of the phone, something you won’t find on any modern-day smartphone. But the real risk is Nothing’s decision to stick to a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and dual-cameras on the rear. The on-board specs don’t scream premium, especially when compared to smartphones from Realme that offer better specs in the mid-range segment.
Our understanding is that Pei’s Nothing is not going after consumers who want a phone with the best and greatest specs. The intention clearly is to establish an upmarket brand that focuses on tech products with …….