iPhone X Plus, Google Pixel 3, Galaxy Note 9: Rumor Roundup

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With Samsung’s Galaxy S9 now released, smartphone fans will be looking forward to three further major phablets in 2018 – namely, the iPhone X Plus, Google Pixel 3 and Galaxy Note 9. These three major handsets will vie for supremacy during the calendar year, and already potential consumers of the three devices will have their own ideas regarding desired functionality. So let’s look at possible wish list features for these three major handsets.

iPhone X Plus

There are many different things that Apple could do with the iPhone X Plus, and it is encouraging to note that early rumors indicate that it will be more than a mere incremental upgrade. With Apple committed to pushing the revolutionary iPhone X forward further still, we could see some exciting features included in the iPhone X Plus.

While Apple has committed itself to augmented reality, it would be intriguing if the Californian corporation also chose to embrace virtual reality. With this technology becoming increasingly prominent in the technology space, it is certainly possible that Apple could embrace this innovation.

While many would like to see the headphone jack restored, this is highly unlikely considering Apple’s commitment to wireless music playback. However, a faster Face ID system could be implemented, ensuring that the iPhone X Plus is a slick operator than its predecessor.

The display of the iPhone X Plus is also set to be a major focus, with a huge screen expected that will dwarf any previous Apple release. It would be particularly pleasing if Apple opted for 4K resolution for this display, particularly considering the rumored 6.5-inch size.

Other major innovations would also be strongly welcomed, particularly the inclusion of an improved USB-C connection and an embedded Touch ID system. The latter seems to be proving logistical problematical for Apple, though, with reports suggesting that Samsung has also abandoned plans to integrate functionality within the display of the Galaxy Note 9.

A wide range of spec bumps can also be anticipated, and hopefully these will include an improved battery life. This continues to be a problem for Apple’s mobile products, and it would be overdue if the iPhone X Plus was to deliver significantly improve battery lifecycle.

Another prized feature that Apple is unlikely to commit is expandable micro SD memory, but we can certainly expect the iPhone X Plus to be a step forward in the iconic Apple series.

Google Pixel 3: What To Expect?
Image source: YouTube Video Screenshot

Pixel 3

When the Google Pixel 3 arrives, the inclusion of a dual-camera would seem to be absolutely essential. Although the photographic capabilities of the original Google Pixel were praised, it was a disappointment that Google chose against delivering a dual-camera in last year’s Pixel 2.

Aside from this essential addition to any Google Pixel 3 wish list, there are other areas in which the mega-corporation could improve its smartphone product. While the return of the headphone jack is again unlikely, the appearance of the Google Pixel 3 could be improved in other areas. Top of the list would be ridding the device of the somewhat ugly bezels that are becoming passé in the industry.

It would also be pleasing if it was possible for users of the Google Pixel 3 to customize its unique Active Edge technology. If it was possible to launch favourite favored applications, rather than simply the default apps that Google chooses for you, this would undoubtedly become a much more useful piece of functionality.

Elsewhere, it is somewhat disappointing that the Pixel 2 does not include wireless charging, and this should certainly be rectified for the Google Pixel 3. it would also be nice if the next generation release from Google was more of a durable device, with improved water resistance particularly desirable.

With three Google Pixel 3 devices to be anticipated this year, at least according to rumors from close to the company’s supply chain, there will be pressure on the manufacturer to deliver something outstanding, particularly after the acquisition of a large portion of the HTC mobile division for over $1 billion.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Concept Bixby 2.0
Image Source: Concept Creator / YouTube video (screenshot)

Galaxy Note 9

The Galaxy Note 9 will undoubtedly be one of the standout smartphone releases of 2018, with Samsung now reserving many of its new innovations and standout features for the phablet. Many fans of the phablet range will immediately be hoping that Samsung relocates its awkward fingerprint reader, but there could be several new features included in the device as well.

Top of the list would undoubtedly be a larger battery cell, with several of the major mobile products on the market now struggling with battery life. Samsung’s last Galaxy Note release was no exception to this rule, and the Galaxy Note 9 could certainly improve on its performance.

The design of the Galaxy Note 9 could also be improved over previous generations, with Samsung opting for a more compact unit. This would enable the screen size of the handset to be maintained from the Galaxy Note 8 series, while ensuring that the Galaxy Note 9 was also more convenient to handle. Samsung could also opt for 4K resolution for the Galaxy Note 9 display.

One area where the Galaxy Note series can be considered a little disappointing is the audio playback capabilities of the smartphone. Perhaps the Galaxy Note 9 could be armed with improved speakers in order to address this unenviable situation.

Similarly, we can reasonably expect Samsung to deliver improved photographic functionality in the Galaxy Note 9 as well. Outstanding specs have been linked with this snapper months ahead of its release, and it will be interesting to see whether or not these come to fruition.

And the S Pen stylus that helps to characterize the Galaxy Note series could also be set for major improvements in the Galaxy Note 9. Several innovative ideas have already been linked with the S Pen previously, and the Korean developer could choose to finally implement some of these in 2018.

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