Each year, numerous smartphone brands release flagship models but most consumers only pay attention to Apple and Samsung’s offerings. This year, we may see new smartphone flagships from Nokia, Sony, Xiaomi, and Huawei that are expected to go up against Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 and Apple’s iPhone 8. Here are some smartphones that consumers should watch out for.
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
The privately-owned Chinese smartphone manufacturer is expected to release its Mi Mix 2 - which was initially codenamed as Chiron - in September. According to Android Headlines, Mi Mix 2 will have two RAM variants – one 6 GB of RAM variant backed by 128 GB built-in storage and one 8 GB of RAM backed by 256 GB internal storage.
The mid-range variant will reportedly have a debut price of CNY 3,999 (approximately $599 based on current exchange rate), while the high-end variant may be priced at around CNY 4,999 (approximately $750 based on the current exchange rate).
With the looming release of Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, rumor has it that the device will sport Snapdragon 835, a 12MP Sony IMX386 rear camera, MIUI 9 and 3D Face recognition.
As there are more than three weeks to go before its rumored Sept. 12 release, Xiaomi fanatics should expect more leaks to be released in the coming days.
Sony XZ1 and Sony XZ1 Compact
In May, Pocket-lint reported that the Japanese multinational tech company would be announcing two new flagships, ditching their old ‘Premium Standard’ devices such as the Xperia X Compact and Xperia X.
Although some Xperia X series will be scrapped, its flagships Xperia XZs and XZ Premium will remain. They were both released during the MWC 2017 (Mobile World Congress).
The highly-anticipated devices are expected to appear at Sony’s IFA 2017 conference on Aug. 31, which will be held in Berlin, Germany. According to Pocket-Lint, the XZ1 will be equipped with a 5.2” screen with Triluminous, X-reality, High Dynamic Range display, while the compact version will sport 4.6” Full HD display.
Not much is known about these smartphones, but rumor has it that XZ1 and XZ compact will feature Snapdragon 835 SoC backed by 4 GB of RAM and powered by a 2,600 mAh battery.
Nokia 8 and Nokia 9
Nokia 8 was officially announced on Aug. 16. The recently announced device under Hmd Global’s belt will feature a 5.3-inch IPS QHD display protected by 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
The device, which will have an IP54 rating, sports dual 13MP rear cameras and a 13MP selfie snapper with f/2.0 aperture. According to HMD, Nokia 8 will be equipped with a special feature called Dual-Sight, where the smartphone can be used to create split-screen livestream videos for Facebook and YouTube using its front and rear cameras.
Just a day after announcing the Nokia 8, HMD Global hinted that a new smartphone with a bigger screen is currently in development stage. The device, which will probably be called the Nokia 9, will reportedly sport Snapdragon 835 SoC, 13Mp dual rear cameras, an iris scanner, two RAM potential RAM variants, IP68 certification and 128 GB of internal storage.
While Nokia 8 will be priced at €599 (approximately $705), Nokia 9 may reportedly have a debut price of €749 (approximately $880).
