The year 2013 has kicked off a golden period for the smartphone industry. The first quarter of the year witnessed the release of some impressive devices, such as Sony Xperia Z, Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One, BlackBerry Z10 and iPhone 5. Well, the rest of the year has another line of impressive devices, including new arrivals and successors of best-sellers. Some of the much-talked-of devices are discussed below.
Apple iPhone 5S
The iPhone 5S is expected to feature the same 4-inch display as its predecessor, but its enhanced camera capability, processor and fingerprint sensor will make it stand out. The next iteration is likely to retain much of the design features of iPhone 5, such as the 4-inch display, aluminum back and 4G LTE capability.
Samsung Galaxy S4
The Galaxy S4 shows off a 4.99-inch Super AMOLED display featuring a resolution of 1920 x1080 and an amazing pixel density of 441 ppi. Running on the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean platform, S4 flaunts a 13 MP rear camera and a 2.1 MP front camera. Galaxy S4 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 along with Krait 300 Cores and Power VR SGX 544 MP3 GPU. The high-end device features 2GB RAM and will be available in 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB versions with expandable memory via a microSD card.
Samsung Galaxy Mega
The Samsung Galaxy Mega range, poised to launch this year, includes the Mega 5.8 and Mega 6.3. The former will be part of the dual-sim range with a 5.8-inch qHD display having a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. Powered by a 1.4 GHz processor and 1.5 GB RAM, Mega 5.8 features an 8 MP rear camera, 2 MP front camera and 2,600 mAh battery. Mega 6.3 features a 6.3-inch PLS screen, with the same camera and RAM specifications as Mega 5.8. It is powered by a 1.7 GHz dual core processor and has an impressive 3,200 mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
With Samsung Galaxy Note 2 still retaining its peak demand for its Android OS, huge HD display and S Pen stylus, the Korean company is poised to release the Galaxy Note 3 around September. The new device is expected to feature a 5.99-inch 1080p Full HD screen, 13 MP camera and Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa eight-core processor. Some fans are looking forward to a flexible unbreakable display as well.
HTC First (FB Phone)
HTC First, HTC’s Facebook phone, will come with new home screen – the Facebook Home – and a dedicated user interface. While the FB integration is its most-touted feature, other specifications seem to be standard. The phone features a 4.3-innch 1280 x 720 HD display, a 5 MP rear camera, a 1.6 MP front camera, 1 GB RAM, and 2,000 mAh battery. It is powered by a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 dual core processor and Adreno 305 GPU.
Motorola X
Set to debut via Google’s sister concern Motorola, the X phone will flaunt a 4.7-inch Full HD display, 16 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera. Powered by a 2.3 GHz Nvidia 4i multi-core processor, the Motorola X will feature an Eye Scroll feature resembling Galaxy S4. There are strong expectations that the new device will run on Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, the next iteration of Android OS. There are talks that Motorola X will come in more than 20 colors under the codename Ghost and will launch across all major U.S carriers. It might even replace Motorola’s Droid range.
BlackBerry Q10
Following the release of the all-touch BlackBerry Z10, RIM is set to release the BlackBerry Q10 featuring the classic QWERTY keypad. Sturdy and durable, the phone is powered by a dual core 1.5 GHz processor and 2 GB RAM. Highlights include the BlackBerry Balance, BBM, Remember, Hub and Peek facilitated by the BB10 platform.
Google Nexus 5
Google Nexus 5, the successor of LG Nexus 4, will feature a 5.2-inch full HD display, Nikon camera, and a 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. The announcement of Nexus 5 is expected at Google I/O when the Internet giant will unveil the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. The OS is likely to be Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.
Nokia Lumia Catwalk
Nokia Lumia Catwalk will succeed Lumia 920, one of the best phones running on Windows Phone 8 OS. It is expected to feature a 4.5-inch HD display, 8.7 MP rear camera, 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor, 1 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage.
HTC Butterfly 2
HTC Butterfly 2, the successor of HTC Butterfly, is expected to feature a larger 1080p screen, an Ultrapixel camera, Sense 5, and a metal design. It may debut as the Droid DNA 2.
LG Optimus G2
Optimus G2, the successor of LG optimus G, features a 5.5-inch 1080p display, Qualcomm 800 processor and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It may not have any physical buttons.
Microsoft Surface
Building on the Surface tablet range, Microsoft’s Surface phone is currently in the test phase. It is expected to feature a 4.7 to 5-inch display and the Windows Phone 8 platform.