The smartphone market had a strong first half this year, with big launches from Samsung (Galaxy S24), OnePlus (OnePlus 12), Oppo (Find X7 Ultra), and Xiaomi (14 Ultra). The second half will be just as important because some major releases are expected from the biggest players in the industry.
The later part of the year is when Apple and Google unveil their flagship iPhone and Pixel series of smartphones. 2024 is gearing up to be one of the most significant years for the tech industry with foldables and AI-powered devices taking center stage, raising the bar for all manufacturers.
For those who are looking to upgrade their phones or want to stay informed about the latest releases, here are some of the highly anticipated smartphones launching in the next six months.
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6
Samsung has scheduled a Galaxy Unpacked event in July, where the electronics giant plans to announce its latest foldable smartphones: the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.
The new devices are anticipated to be thinner, lighter, and more durable than their predecessors and will have enhanced computing power, courtesy of the Galaxy AI and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor driving it.
With the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, Samsung aims to maintain its dominance in the foldable smartphone market amid tight competition from OnePlus, Oppo, Google, and Motorola.
2. iPhone 16
Apple is poised to launch the iPhone 16 series in early September. Similar to 2023, this year’s lineup is expected to feature four models: a 6.1-inch iPhone 16, a 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus, a 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro, and a 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max.
While the standard iPhone 16s will remain somewhat the same performance and look-wise as last year’s iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are likely to get some big changes.
The devices will be powered by Apple Intelligence, the company’s all-new AI model that was unveiled during the WWDC 2024. The Pro variants will combine on-device and cloud-based AI to give users a whole new smartphone experience.
3. Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro
Google schedules its launch event for the Pixel series smartphones right after Apple’s iPhone event. This year, the Silicon Valley giant will announce the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, which are expected to be powered by Google’s own Tensor G4 AI processor.
Although the phones weren’t teased during the Google I/O last month, leaks suggest they will get performance enhancements, better cameras, and a more rounded design. Google will level up from last year’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro by improving the AI capabilities of the 2024 variants.
4. Nothing Phone (3)
British startup Nothing revamped the smartphone market by releasing a fresh-looking smartphone with high-end specs and placed at a competitive price point. The company founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei already announced a mid-range smartphone this year, called the Nothing Phone 2a, which has become an Android fanboy favorite.
The company could pull another rabbit out of the hat by launching a flagship smartphone. Rumors speculate that the Nothing Phone 3 could make an appearance in the second half of 2024. The successor to last year’s impressive Nothing Phone 2 could feature AI capabilities and is expected to have a superior triple-camera setup, with ultra-wide angle and telephoto lens.
5. Motorola Razr and Razr Plus
Legendary phone maker Motorola is set to introduce the third generation of its flip-style foldable. This year, there will be a larger model alongside the Moto Razr 3, called the Razr Plus.
Motorola places its foldable at a more affordable price range than Samsung’s Flip and Fold models. The new Razr is likely to have a larger cover display and a more premium-looking design. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 7 series chip, making it more accessible to customers of mid-range smartphones.
With the Razr 3 and Razr Plus, the company is aiming to make foldable smartphones more accessible and mainstream.
Conclusion:
Listed above are some of the most highly-anticipated smartphones for the second half of the year. Other brands are sure to pull out surprises with cutting-edge silicon and imaging technologies. With AI added to the mix, the smartphone market is more competitive than ever before as manufacturers are in the race to become the next light bearer.
Latest news: Samsung Is Bringing Foldable-Specific AI Features To The Galaxy Z Fold 6 And Z Flip 6.
