Most awaited phones of 2016

Here are a few of the most expected phones of the year.

A smartphone is something that never truly satisfies buyers. You buy the most advanced model and within months or even weeks, that gets outmoded with the arrival of a newer model. The technique is to entice consumers with additional technologies and comforts.
Making calls is the last thing to do now on a phone. A phone has become all-in-one device: palmtop, status symbol, health checker and more. Multipurpose is too small a word for a smartphone. For sure, companies will come up with faster and sleeker models in 2016. Here are a few of the most expected phones of the year.
iPhone 7
As per the UAE's trends, iPhone7 and 7Plus should be the most sought-after phones in 2016. They are expected to be out by September or October, though Apple hasn't revealed anything as yet. There are rumours about one more 4-inch model, but whether it will be named iPhone 6c or iPhone 7c is yet to be known.
All technology websites are unanimous on one fact: the iPhone 7 will be thinner than its previous models. Apple is expected to get rid of its 3.5mm headphone jack for wireless technology. However, in Europe and the US, iPhone fans are already up in arms against the move, signing mass petitions. Wireless charging, longer battery life and an OLED screen are other features to be expected.
TSMC's more powerful A10 chip will be another attraction for the iPhone7 and 7Plus, which could help make the phone thinner. A larger 5.7-inch screen is another possibility, that too without increasing the size of the phone. End-to-end glass screen and full metal design are among other rumours.
Gadget gurus suggest that the same 3D touch technology in iPhone 6s will be there in the new model with a water- and dust-resistant body.
Whatever changes the new phone introduces, Apple fans will still want more.
Samsung Galaxy S7
It should be the first major announcement this year. The Galaxy S7 is expected to be announced by February end and in the market by March, along with its larger model S7 Edge.
The screen size of S7 will be 5.1-inch while S7 Edge will be 5.5-inch. The major change will be on the chip, with powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 in some regions and Exynos 8 Octa8890 in others.
Rumours claimed that Samsung will come up with HD4K resolution in its new models, but experts suggest it could be AMOLED display with 2560x1440 resolution. Always on display technology will be an addition this year.
To address the main complaint against S6 models, battery life will be increased in the new phones, with S7 carrying a 3,000mAh battery and the Edge model will have a 3,600mAh battery. Both the batteries are likely to be not removable, similar to its previous model.
HTC M10
HTC hasn't been doing well with its previous models, especially M9. Now, M10 will be the premium smartphone company's last attempt to get back to glory.
The new model is likely to be out in the market by March 2016. HTC will try the Snapdragon 820 processor to improve its performance. Rumours claim the company is trying to solve the battery problem with a 3,500mAh battery. The display will be 2,560x1,440 LCD and the camera is likely to be more powerful.
HTC Perfume is another name doing the rounds for a launch this year, but details are not available.
One Plus 3
The company had been doing wonders with its previous models and unique marketing techniques. Purchase by invitation only attracted many to the gadget and its higher performance and cheaper price made a revolution. With One Plus Two still performing well, One Plus fans are waiting for the launch of its new model, likely to be out by summer this year.
A Snapdragon 820 processor will overcome the overheating trouble experienced by OnePlus Two and the battery life is expected to be 3,500mAh. It's likely to have a 5GB RAM. The most expected feature of the phone will be the mini projector which will let you view a presentation on any plain surface. Leaked designs of the model showed a brushed metal back cover instead of its usual sandstone finish.
LG G5
One among the most talked about phones in 2015, LG G5 will come out along with the Galaxy S7 in the first quarter of 2016. The model will have a Snapdragon 820 processor and a 3GB RAM. The rear camera will be 16MP while the front one will be 8MP. If rumours are anything to go by, the battery will be a dampener as the phone is likely to have a capacity of 2,800mAh instead of its predecessor's 3,000mAh capacity.
- anuwarrier@khaleejtimes.com