The global smartphone audience surpassed the 1 billion mark in 2012 and will total 1.75 billion in 2014. Keeping this in mind, there are surely hundreds of millions of users that are looking to upgrade to a better model in the coming year. Business Review presents some of the models that will launch in the next months and what we can expect from them.
iPhone 6
Probable launch: September 2014
What to expect: A larger screen is almost guaranteed, with most analysts suggesting something between 4.7in and 5.5in (also, rumors the iPhone 6 will be released in two sizes do not seem to want to go away). It is also likely to get a major design overhaul to accommodate the bigger screen and it will launch alongside the updated iOS 8 operating system. Faster processor, the possibility of a 128GB version and a Lytro-style refocusing camera could all be included, but we’ll have to wait a couple of more months until we begin to see some prototypes leaking from the Chinese supply chains to get a better idea.
Estimated price: 32GB model – cost GBP529, the 64GB – GBP 599 and the 128GB model – GBP 699 (according to expertreviews.co.uk).
Samsung Galaxy 5
Probable launch: March
What to expect: The Galaxy S5 is reported to be coming in two versions- one with a plastic body and one with a premium metal body. It could feature a curved screen like the LG G Flex, a powerful 64-bit processor and a 16 megapixel camera capable of capturing 4K video. The phone’s screen is also set to be the first 2K (2560 x 1440 pixels) smartphone to launch.
Estimated price: GBP 540 to GBP 660 for the two different versions, according to theinquirer.net.
Google Nexus 6
Probable Launch: October
What to expect: Not a lot is known at the moment, but it will launch alongside a brand new version of Android.
Sony xPeria Z2 (codename Sirius)
Probably Launch: February
What to expect: The design will resemble Z1 only thinner. The phone will feature a large 5.2in screen and a 20.7 megapixel camera.
Estimated price: USD 870 according to xperiazii.com.
HTC One 2
Probable Launch: March (Mobile World Congress)
What to expect: The HTC One 2 (not a very good name) or the HTC TWO (not a lot better) will increase the screen size to 5in which will have a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The phone will also come with Android 4.4 (KitKat) but this will be mostly hidden behind HTC’s own Sense 6.0 UI. A recent leak also showed two rear cameras.
Estimated price: HTC One sim free costs GBP 450, so analysts are expecting a price below GBP 500 to keep in line with the “value for money” model.