The most exciting smartphones coming in 2018

The most exciting smartphones coming in 2018

Last year was a fantastic one for phones. We got skinnier screen bezels than ever, cameras that took better pictures than dedicated compacts, and better-than-all-day battery life. But we want more, and that’s exactly what we’re getting in 2018. We’re only a couple months into the year, but we’ve already seen a heap of new handsets – and there’s only more to come. Here’s what we know about 2018’s hugest phones, from what’s already been announced to what’s pouring out the rumour mill.

SAMSUNG: GALAXY S9, NOTE 9

The Galaxy S9 is here, and keeps everything that worked well with last year’s phone, and makes a smattering of enhancements and improvements. The dazzling screen is a little brighter, the processor is even faster than the last one, and the fingerprint sensor has moved to a much more comfortable location. What about the Galaxy Note 9? We haven’t heard any big rumours about what to expect quite yet, but we imagine it’ll bring in the enhancements from the Galaxy S9, maybe add some more S Pen abilities, and arrive in early autumn.

APPLE: IPHONE 9, IPHONE X 2?

If one analyst is to be believed, Apple might extend the full screen approach of the iPhone X – notch and all – to the entire line-up. Many believe Apple will launch an updated 5.8in OLED model, an “iPhone X 2” or whatever you want to call it, along with two other models. One would be a larger model with a towering 6.5in OLED display, and the other would fall right in the middle of the two, purportedly carrying a 6.1in display. The difference is that it would be a lower-resolution LCD screen, with that version acting as the entry-level, slightly cheaper model under the iPhone X 2. That might be the new iPhone 9, essentially.

SONY: XPERIA XZ2 + XZ2 COMPACT

The rumoured Xperia XZ Pro didn’t surface, but Sony did bring the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact to MWC – and they both shift away from the familiar, boxy Sony design we’ve seen on so many phones over the years. The Xperia XZ2 is Sony’s new core flagship, using a taller 18:9 1080p display that can upconvert standard video to HDR. Yet we’re actually more intrigued by the smaller XZ2 Compact. The smaller build (with a 5in screen) keeps the perks of the larger model, with the same chip, same HDR ability, and same 19MP back camera. This could be the small phone to buy in 2018.

LG: V30 THINGQ, G7?

Where is the LG G7? Well, LG didn’t show it off officially at MWC – but it was reportedly there. So what’s the deal? Well, it has an iPhone X-like notch, with a full-frame 6in screen aside from the cutout for the camera/sensors, as well as a Snapdragon 845 chip and dual f/1.6 16MP back cameras. We’ll see if this really ends up being the proper G7, but noted leaker Evan Blass certainly thinks it’s legit. And there’s a properly-announced new phone too – well, kind of new. The LG V30S ThinQ adds more memory and storage than the original V30, as well as an A.I.-assisted camera app, but otherwise it’s much the same phone as last year’s.

GOOGLE: PIXEL 3, HTC COLLABORATION?

Any Pixel sequel will need to address the screen issues found in last year’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL by the time Google reveals it, most likely in early October. We’d like to see skinny bezels on both phones, but with OLED screens made by Samsung rather than LG. With Google’s clever algorithms constantly improving, you can expect the camera image quality to take another leap forward, and both phones should arrive with the first taste of Android P. Google also bought out long-time collaborator HTC in 2017, so it’ll be interesting to see if it will be allowed to continue launching its own phones.

HUAWEI: THE P20 NEARS

What’s the deal with the P20? Well, leaks suggest that it has a front-screen notch – but this one also has a lip on the bottom. The P20 and P20 Pro keep a fingerprint sensor down there, while the smaller P20 Lite sticks it on the back. And the leaks show the P20 Pro packing three back camera sensors, believe it or not, while the other P20 models have “only” two on the rear. We expect that they’ll use the same Kirin 970 chip as the Mate 10 Pro, and have varying levels of perks and tech based on level and price point. We’ll find out much more on 27 March when Huawei makes everything official.

NOKIA: LOADS OF PHONES

Nokia promised a big show at MWC, and they sure didn’t disappoint – there was something for everyone in their packed lineup, from a top-end flagship to a banana phone. Our favourite of the bunch was the Nokia 7 Plus, an “affordable flagship” says the company. It’s super sleek, with an aluminium frame, dual anodised edges with contrasting colours, and a ceramic paint finish. The 6in 18:9 OLED panel should more than satisfy, and the Snapdragon 660 ought to have enough power to perform admirably. At €399, it could be a worthy rival to the OnePlus 5T.

ONEPLUS: ONEPLUS 6

We’re just a few months out from the OnePlus 5T (shown), but it won’t be long before the OnePlus 6 inevitably launches – and the rumours are already starting to pour out. The latest? Well, like so many other flagships we’ve heard about, the OnePlus 6 will reportedly have an iPhone X-esque notch at the top, allowing for a full-frame screen aside from the cutout. Expect a 19:9 aspect ratio, and we’re guessing OnePlus won’t budge from its usual 1080p display selection to keep the prices slightly lower than full-bodied flagships.