Several Android manufacturers are readying their flagships for release, so here is a rundown of the most exciting upcoming Android phones for 2018.
Samsung Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 will undoubtedly be one of the most important mobile devices released in 2018. Samsung is absolutely a major player in the smartphone niche, and is expected to deliver something outstanding with what remains its flagship range.
Of all upcoming Android phones due for release, the S9 will make a splash pretty early, with the Galaxy S9 expected to arrive at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. When it is released, the Galaxy S9 will feature its usual array of world-class specs and functionality.
In particular, it is suggested that the Galaxy S9 will benefit from a dual-camera for the first time this year, which would certainly be a welcome inclusion. The Galaxy S8 was massively successful for Samsung in 2017, and the corporation will hope to build on this momentum with the S9.
Google Pixel 3
Although the Google Pixel 2 performed pretty decently for the mega-corporation, the Google Pixel 3 is undoubtedly a critical device release. The general consensus of opinion on the Google Pixel 2 is that it was a little conservative, meaning that the manufacturer must deliver more with its next device.
Again, this is another device that could benefit from a dual-lens camera in 2018, after the Google Pixel 2 was somewhat criticized for its utilization of a single-lens unit.
Pricing should also be frozen after the recommended retail price of the Pixel 2 phablet-sized release was increased significantly from past handsets.
HTC U12
Of all upcoming Android phones, the HTC U12 can perhaps be considered the most interesting. Produced by a company that has received critical acclaim, but not the market penetration it perhaps deserves, this is HTC’s latest attempt to break into the mainstream.
Considering that HTC has just signed a mega-deal with Google, there has been suggestions in some quarters that this could be the last ever smartphone released by the company. This would be very surprising and disappointing, as HTC is responsible for some of the most innovative technology to appear on the market. Edge Sense is particularly well regarded, and it would be a shame if such innovations are limited to Google products in the future.
Aside from these innovations, the HTC U12 should also deliver a better screen than previous releases.
Sony Xperia XZ2
The Sony Xperia XZ2 will attempt to reverse the fortunes of a smartphone division that has been explicitly blamed for financial difficulties at the Japanese mega-corporation. While the PlayStation 4 continues to win plaudits and customers in the video games market, the Xperia smartphone has struggled to win over hearts, minds and wallets.
This could change with the XZ2, though, which will be one of many Android smartphones set to benefit from the Snapdragon 845 processor in 2018. If Sony has bigger fish to fry elsewhere, it still hasn’t given up on a smartphone niche, so hope for something decent from the Japanese company next year.
LG G7
Of all the upcoming Android phones being released, the LG G7 perhaps has the greatest potential to break into the mainstream of smartphone technology. LG has entered the public consciousness to a certain extent, and its devices have been considered some of the very best to be released in the smartphone sphere.
The LG G7 is already been linked with some interesting and innovative features, with the release of the device pushed forward in an attempt to gain a march on the Galaxy S9. The OLED FullVision panel earmarked for the G7 has been linked with some innovative and unique features that have been kept very quiet by the manufacturer, so this device is definitely worth waiting for.
Nokia 9
Nokia is a legendary name in smartphone technology, and the Nokia 9 will attempt to establish the brand as a major player once more. While the ownership and identity of the company has evolved significantly over the years, it is still nice to see the Nokia name participating in the market. The Nokia 9 isn’t about to rival the iPhone X any time soon, but it provides an affordable entry point for those seeking an affordable Android device.
OnePlus 6
OnePlus has been absolutely lauded for the design of its devices, so it will be extremely interesting to see what it delivers with the OnePlus 6. Considering the left-field nature of some of the OnePlus products, this can perhaps be considered the most unpredictable of the upcoming Android phones. Likely to be flexible and customizable, the OnePlus 6 will be nothing if not surprising.
Xiaomi Mi 7
The Xiaomi Mi 7 will attempt to establish one of the more unpredictable and unpronounceable smartphone manufacturers as a mainstream supplier. This will be far from easy, but the flexible nature of products produced by Xiaomi means that the company already has something of a cult following, particularly among young people. Concept designs of the smartphone look stunning, so fingers crossed for something good.
Galaxy Note 9
Finally, of all the upcoming Android phones, the Galaxy Note 9 may be the most technically proficient and impressive. Samsung is increasingly using the Galaxy Note range in order to showcase its most ambitious technology, and this means that Galaxy Note consumers have been particularly spoilt in recent generations.
It is also possible that the Galaxy Note 9 will deliver some of the more innovative features that have been linked with the S Pen stylus over the years. These include an intriguing-sounding speaker system that has yet to come to fruition.
Additionally, the Galaxy Note 9 may deliver the first 4K resolution screen in a mainstream smartphone, although other competitors in this list may also embrace 4K resolution as well. But it is generally believed that 2018 will be the year that Samsung moves into 4K resolution in its current range, and previous experience tells us that the Galaxy Note 9 would be the obvious choice for this feature.