Smartphone development is so rapid that there is always something new. You’ll soon be able to spot the latest smartphone, and there is always the anticipation for the next big thing.
We’ll be looking at the phones that haven’t been launched yet, and the upcoming phones in 2021. This list will be updated regularly with the device rumours that we believe to be credible and exciting.
We’ve collected the top smartphones launched in 2021 – the ones we believe to be the best on all platforms – and rounded them up elsewhere. You can also find our budget smartphones below £200 if you have a smaller budget. There’s also a mid-range roundup above £400.
The next generation of smartphones
Here are some handsets that will be available in 2021, before we get into the details.
- Vivo X70 Pro
- Apple iPhone 13
- Nokia X50
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 PRO
- Google Pixel Fold
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro
- Xiaomi 12
- Samsung Galaxy S22 family
- Apple iPhone SE 2 Plus
- Oppo folding phone
- Samsung Galaxy Fold E
Vivo X70 Pro
On September 9, the Vivo X70 Pro will be available in both regular and Pro versions. It will be equipped with the Vivo X70 Pro’s latest Snapdragon 888+ chip, Zeiss lenses, and gimbal stability.
Apple iPhone 13
Some rumours suggest that Apple might reduce the notch on its display. Others claim that Apple will use an under-display fingerprint reader. The mini model could also be dropped. A 48-megapixel camera could be upgraded to capture 8K video.
Nokia X50
Rumours of a Nokia 9 PureView replacement have been circulating, but the trail has gone cold. Instead, it seems that Nokia may launch a Nokia 8.3 replacement with five camera – possibly the Nokia X50. It could be a 6.5 inch display with a Snapdragon 700 series of hardware. The main camera will be 108 megapixels. Rumours suggest that the launch event will be held in September or October.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung held a launch event on August 11, but the S21 FE wasn’t there. A launch is expected later in 2012. It will be a popular model with a 6.4 inch display and the same camera system as the Galaxy S21+.
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 PRO
The mass of leaks have shown the design of the future Pixel 6/6 Pro. It suggests a radical design, a change in direction for the cameras, and a Google-designed Tensor chip that will power it all. We expect a launch in October 2021.
Google Pixel Fold
The first leaks of a folding Pixel were made in 2019. A second leak was made in 2020, suggesting that Passport was the codename and that the device would launch in Q4 2021. A folding Pixel could be in the future, given Android 12’s increasing support for larger and folding phones and recent news from Korea that Samsung Display is being tapped up to supply a 7.6 inch folding display for Google.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is huge with a 7000mAh battery, and a 6.8 inch display. Although it is said that the Kirin 9000 will power it, we are skeptical about Huawei’s chips stock. It is not expected to launch before October 2021.
Xiaomi 12
Xiaomi has removed the Mi from its phone name, and the Xiaomi 12 will be its next flagship device. Some camera rumors have circulated. However, we believe this phone will be launched alongside the Snapdragon 855 launch in December 2021.
Samsung Galaxy S22 family
The Samsung Galaxy S22 series of devices, the S22 Plus, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra, will launch in January 2022. They range from 6-inch to 6.81-inch sizes. An LTPO display is possible, according to some reports.
Ultra will feature a 108MP main cam and 12x optical zoom. The smaller phones will only have a 50MP main cam. These devices may also have the Exynos or AMD platform.
Apple iPhone SE Plus
Rumours began to circulate about a larger model as soon as the 2020 iPhone SE was revealed. The iPhone SE basically takes the iPhone 8 body. Many are wondering if there will be a Plus model to fit into the iPhone 8 Plus space. Will Apple fill this small but significant gap, with the iPhone 12 mini being much more expensive than the SE?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold E
There are rumors that Samsung may be looking into cheaper folding phones. A Fold model with a smaller display than the Z Flip is being discussed. This would make it much more affordable, with £1100 suggested. This could be the cheaper 2021 Fold model.
Oppo folding phone
Oppo has previously shown prototypes of folding phones, including one that can be folded outwardly. The latest leak indicates that Samsung Display will offer a 7.7 inch display for a clamshell-style phone.
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