It’s fair to say that a phone nowadays is a multi-purpose device. From capturing quality holiday snaps and browsing our favourite shops online to playing casino games on your Lucky Nugget app and messaging friends, we are spending more time than ever before looking at our phones.
With that in mind, they’ve inevitably got better and better. And, that’s why we await with excitement and anticipation for the latest releases. Luckily, there are some fantastic new phones that are to be released in the coming months, here we rundown on what cool designs and features that may be accessible.
iPhone 8
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the original iPhone, so people are expecting big things for the iPhone 8. However, reports believe that the original planned release date of September may be too ambitious, with a October or November release now considered more realistic.
Yet, it could be worth the wait. Several rumours suggest the new design will incorporate a glass back and a next-generation OLED screen. Some may have concerns that this could cause the phone to smash easier, a problem that came about with the iPhone 4, but a new engineering method should ensure that this doesn’t happen.
As well as that, it could be the first iPhone that won’t include a home button. Instead, the screen will go from edge-to-edge and all of the functions will be via touchscreen, whilst it may also involve a fingerprint sensor. Another exciting new feature is wireless charging, similar to what is available with the Apple Watch, although it would be a first for their phones.
A key factor of the iPhone 7 plus was the camera, enabling you to take some excellent pictures and videos, and it could be about to get even better. Apple are believed to be testing overhauled camera’s on both the front and back of the phone. The dual cameras will be stacked on top of each other, with the front lenses boasting augmented reality features and portrait mode. That means you should be able to capture the best selfie ever! If the camera rumour does come to fruition, the iPhone 8 could be all the photography equipment you’ll ever need.
There’s a lot to get excited about when it comes to the iPhone 8, and with it being the 10th anniversary, we are justified to expect big things.
Essential Phone
Due for release in the coming month, the Essential Phone is a new introduction to the smartphone world, designed by Andy Rubin who was the Android creator. Yet, despite the hefty competition in the industry, you can expect this phone to make a serious impact and attract a lot of buyers thanks to the cool features that are included.
Once again, the camera is at the forefront when it comes to the quality on offer. That’s because Essential Phone includes the worlds smallest 360 degree camera. The camera will come with the phone and magnetically attaches to ports on the back of the device, and can easily rotate to enable you to get the perfect shot. It’s unique and allows you to get every angle from any possible shot. Of course, you don’t always have to use the additional 360 camera, if you want to capture images from the phone, you can. Boasting colour and monochrome sensors you can capture every little detail from any shot, including 4K video from the front lens.
As for the phone itself, titanium is used, which the designers believe will make this phone stronger and more resilient than others out there; so much so, you can’t buy a case for it! We’re all prone to dropping our phone, but this shouldn’t cause you any concerns when you look for damage. The screen is a 5.7 inch QHD display that goes from edge-to-edge, even further than the Galaxy S8! This is a common trend with quality phones and something that the Essential Phone is smart to incorporate.
As you would expect given the creator, the phone has Android software and buyers should expect high performance. Although, as they are new onto the market, teething problems could arise initially, but that shouldn’t detract from a great phone that could standout in this high quality, competitive industry.
Samsung Galaxy S9
It may not seem that long since Samsung had fantastic success with their Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, but that hasn’t stopped people wanting more, and who can blame them? And, even though a release date for the S9 isn’t expected to be until early 2018 it hasn’t stopped rumours surfacing of what we could have in store.
As you would expect, given the success of the previous models, an almost full screen front will be in the design. As we’ve covered with the previous two phones, it’s something that is popular with all current mobile trends. Whilst the S8 and S8 Plus were met with praise, the biggest criticism came through the placement of the fingerprint sensor. Naturally, you would expect that to be moved on the next design.
In terms of camera performance, Samsung have raised their game year on year with each new device, so it should excite buyers of the S9. The dual-rear camera, adopted by Apple could be a feature that comes into play, enhancing the quality of images. That would represent a significant improvement by Samsung and rumours suggest it’s a realistic idea. Other improvements could be reducing the size of the device, or at least an option for a smaller alternative. Whilst the primary concern will inevitably be about the features of the phone, making it smaller and slicker could make the phone more appealing.
Ultimately, there is a longer time to wait for the Samsung Galaxy S9, so there’s less out there to go on. However, with the work that Samsung have done on their previous phones, we can expect another high quality offering, which should meet all buyers demands.
Overall, the technology we have available today has seen the standards of smartphones improve. As mentioned, your phone can now be your primary photography equipment, place to shop and of course interact with friends. Yet, as the three phones we’ve looked at have shown, they look set to still find ways to improve!
