Flagships, foldables, midrangers and affordable models – there’s an upcoming phone for all budgets
There’s always something fresh and exciting about phones to look forward to – the tech industry never sleeps, after all. Whatever your budget, there will inevitably be a phone that comes up for renewal around the time your mobile contract is about to expire, from foldable flagships and hero handsets to reasonably priced mid-rangers.
The following phones appear to be on track to release in the next 12 months or so. We’ve covered expected releases, rumored revelations, and verified releases in addition to what to anticipate in terms of hardware, software, and camera capabilities. For further background, view our overview of the top smartphone announcements over the past few months, which includes links to our assessment of each one.
Only care about phones you can buy right now? Read our guide to the best smartphones on sale today.
All the best upcoming phones we’re expecting soon
Google Pixel 9 series
On August 13, the upcoming Pixel phone lineup will be made public. It is quite likely that we will see a Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but the latter is anticipated to have a smaller screen in order to make room for a larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. Although Google hasn’t used this naming approach in a while, it makes sense if two Pro options are forthcoming.
Official teaser images from Google themselves confirm a new design for the iconic camera bar. It’s likely that the upcoming Tensor G4 chipset will have even more AI acceleration than the Pixel 8 series.Given that Google typically waits two years before switching to a new set of sensors, camera hardware could not see a significant update. However, more editing tools and algorithm changes are almost an inevitability.
The Pixel 8 Pro continues to be one of our favorite smartphones till the release of the Pixel 9 series. It boasts the sleekest design of any Pixel to date, an abundance of intelligent AI improvements, and beautiful photo capabilities.
Related: Google Pixel 9 preview – specs, release date and all we know
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Determining the release date of the Pixel Fold sequel was a wild guess after Google’s May I/O event. The company officially declared that it will be unveiled alongside the Pixel 9 on August 13 and that its name will also change. As the name implies, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be a folding variant of the Pixel 9 Pro, including the same internal components and a complementary design.
The back camera module will change from being a bar that spans the device to a pill-shaped protrusion that is limited to one corner. It’s unclear whether the cameras themselves will undergo significant improvements. Along with a bigger capacity battery and a Tensor G4 CPU, other anticipated features include a pair of panels that are thinner and taller, more in line with folding competitors.
Should you be unable to wait that long, the original Pixel Fold is still available for less than what it would cost at retail.
Related: Google Pixel Fold 2 preview – everything we know so far
Apple iPhone 16 series
Worldwide Apple enthusiasts have long since learnt to set aside early September for the release of the next generation of iPhones. Larger Pro versions are expected in 2024; 6.3- and 6.9-inch screens are rumored. Along with the Action button that returns, they might also add a special “capture” button for content creators. This button will eventually make its way into the regular iPhone models.
It appears that new Apple silicon is a given, and iOS 18—which is presently in preview for enthusiastic testers—will most likely be officially released on the same day. Apple has already demonstrated its AI goals for the upcoming software generation, as seen by the significant integration of chatGPT brought about by Apple Intelligence. It remains to be seen if the 5x telephoto lens from the iPhone 15 Pro Max will find its way into the more portable iPhone 16 Pro.
But September seems so far away at this point. The iPhone 15 lineup is the best available in Apple world right now:
Read more: Apple iPhone 16: what upgraded features will appear in 2024?
Apple iPhone SE 4
The 6.1-inch OLED screen and flat sides of Apple’s most cheap iPhone model, the SE, appear to be design cues from the iPhone 14. This is a significant departure from the previous model, which had a silly 4.7-inch screen and outdated TouchID.
It is unlikely that Dynamic Island will be included, and it is also likely that the Action button will not show up; instead, a notch and a conventional alert slider will be included. inevitability that European regulations will eventually forbid Apple from selling smartphones with Lightning connectors, USB-C connection is an inevitability. The likely reason for all that new stuff is a price increase.
Given that Apple often releases new iPhone SE models around March of 2025, the next SE will most likely be released around that time. There’s still a chance that it will be unveiled in September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16. As you wait, the current SE is still the most affordable way to get iOS without having to buy used:
Related: Apple iPhone SE (4th gen) specs and rumors latest – will it appear in 2024?
OnePlus 13
It appears that OnePlus will release its second “flagship killer” phone in December, but exclusively in China. In 2025, there should be a worldwide debut. Rumors from the beginning point to an enormous 6000mAh battery, the largest available for a popular mobile device at the moment. There should also be a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, although it won’t be confirmed until Qualcomm makes the announcement.
Expectations include an AMOLED screen that is reasonably priced and has delicate curves on all four sides, comparable to those of Apple or Samsung. Hasselblad ought to continue to support the camera division, but as of right now, there has been no word on sensors.
Would you rather not wait until December for the anticipated unveiling, or even longer for an international release? The OnePlus 12 remains a great buy at this price:
Honor Magic V3
Honor is determined to surpass herself once more in the Magic V2, having already raised the bar for slimness with the original. We know exactly what to expect from the Magic V3, which has previously been unveiled in China: a book-style foldable that weighs just 226g and is an amazing 4.35mm thick when unfolded. Comparing it to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, it is far lighter. With LTPO 1-120Hz adaptable OLED panels powering both the 6.43-inch cover screen and the 7.92-inch inner display, performance is enhanced by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Additionally, a 5150mAh battery with 50W wireless and 66W wired charging is included.Leading the photography charge are a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization, a 50MP periscope zoom with 3.5x magnification, and a 40MP ultrawide camera. Each display also has a 20MP punch-hole camera for selfies and video chats. It appears that the company’s recently released Studio Harcourt portrait mode will also be available.
The Honor Magic V2 is still a really sleek gadget if you can’t wait for September, when a global launch is definitely not happening.