1. Apple iPhone 16 Series
The iPhone 16 series is expected to launch in September 2024, bringing significant upgrades over its predecessor. Rumors suggest four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Key Features:
- A18 Bionic chip with improved AI capabilities
- Larger displays (6.3″ for Pro, 6.9″ for Pro Max)
- Enhanced thermal management for better sustained performance
- Upgraded 48MP main camera with better low-light performance
- New Capture Button for quick photo/video access
- iOS 18 with deeper AI integration
The Pro models may feature tetraprism periscope zoom across both variants, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s exclusive zoom lens.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, is already making waves with its AI-powered features and refined design.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Global) / Exynos 2400 (Select regions)
- 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2600 nits peak brightness
- 200MP main camera with improved AI processing
- 5x optical zoom (periscope lens)
- Titanium frame for durability
- Galaxy AI (real-time translation, AI photo editing)
- 7 years of OS updates
The S24 Ultra focuses on AI enhancements, making it a productivity powerhouse.
3. Google Pixel 9 Series
Google’s Pixel 9 series, expected in October 2024, will likely include Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Key Features:
- Tensor G4 chip with better efficiency and AI performance
- Redesigned camera bar (oval-shaped)
- Upgraded 50MP main sensor with AI-powered computational photography
- Brighter OLED displays (120Hz adaptive refresh rate)
- Android 15 with deeper Gemini AI integration
- Satellite connectivity for emergency messaging
The Pixel 9 Pro XL may feature a 5x telephoto lens, improving zoom capabilities.
4. OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12, launched in January 2024, is a flagship killer with top-tier specs.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 6.82-inch QHD+ 120Hz LTPO AMOLED (4500 nits peak brightness)
- 50MP Sony LYT-808 main sensor + 64MP periscope (3x-6x zoom)
- 5400mAh battery with 100W wired / 50W wireless charging
- OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14)
- Improved cooling system for gaming
The OnePlus 12 competes directly with Samsung and Apple flagships at a lower price.
5. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra, unveiled in February 2024, is a photography beast.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 6.73-inch AMOLED 2K 120Hz LTPO display
- Quad 50MP Leica-tuned cameras (1-inch main sensor, dual telephoto lenses)
- Variable aperture (f/1.6-f/4.0)
- 5300mAh battery with 90W wired / 80W wireless charging
- Titanium frame option
The 14 Ultra is among the best camera phones of 2024.
6. Oppo Find X7 Ultra
Oppo’s Find X7 Ultra, launched in January 2024, boasts dual periscope cameras.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 6.82-inch AMOLED 2K 120Hz LTPO display
- 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP 3x tele + 50MP 6x tele
- Hasselblad color tuning
- 5000mAh battery with 100W wired / 50W wireless charging
The Find X7 Ultra is a strong competitor to Samsung and Xiaomi flagships.
7. Nothing Phone (3)
Expected in July 2024, the Nothing Phone (3) will refine its unique design.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 8+ Gen 1
- 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED with improved Glyph Interface
- Dual 50MP cameras with AI enhancements
- Nothing OS 3.0 (Android 14-based)
- Bigger battery (5000mAh+)
The Phone (3) will likely retain its transparent aesthetic while improving performance.
8. ASUS ROG Phone 8
The ROG Phone 8, launched in January 2024, is the ultimate gaming smartphone.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED (LTPO, 2500 nits peak brightness)
- AirTrigger ultrasonic controls
- 50MP main + 13MP ultrawide + 32MP telephoto (3x zoom)
- 5500mAh battery with 65W fast charging
- IP68 water resistance (first in ROG series)
The ROG Phone 8 is a powerhouse for mobile gamers.
9. Vivo X100 Pro+
Expected in Q2 2024, the X100 Pro+ will push camera innovation.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 6.78-inch AMOLED 2K 120Hz LTPO
- 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP periscope (10x optical zoom)
- Zeiss optics with V3 imaging chip
- 5400mAh battery with 120W charging
The X100 Pro+ will rival the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in photography.
10. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
Motorola’s Edge 50 Ultra, expected in mid-2024, will focus on AI and design.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- 6.7-inch pOLED 165Hz display
- 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 64MP periscope (3x zoom)
- AI-powered camera enhancements
- 4500mAh battery with 125W wired / 50W wireless charging
The Edge 50 Ultra aims to compete with premium mid-range flagships.
Final Thoughts on 2024 Smartphone Trends
2024 is shaping up to be a year of AI-driven smartphones, better cameras, and longer software support. Flagships from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi lead the pack, while brands like Nothing and Motorola offer compelling alternatives.
Key Trends to Watch:
- Generative AI in smartphones
- Periscope zoom in more devices
- Titanium frames becoming mainstream
- Brighter, more efficient displays
- Extended software update policies
Stay tuned for more updates as these devices hit the market!