Ready for an Upgrade? | The Most Anticipated New Phones for 2021
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Every year, the major smartphone manufacturers launch new flagship models in an annual push to get new devices out before the holiday shopping season. We’re halfway through 2021, which means new smartphones are coming soon. We already know that Apple will likely launch its iPhone 13 this fall, but it’s not the only company with smartphones on the horizon. Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and more also are readying new handsets to wow consumers.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung may be focusing on its Galaxy Flip line, but the company is still producing the standard touchscreen candy-bar phone.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is expected to replace the Galaxy S20 FE, which gained a following thanks to its affordable price tag.
Originally expected this summer at the Galaxy Unpacked launch event, this launch date is now in question.
While some recent reports still cling to an October availability, other reports suggest the Galaxy S21 FE has been delayed.
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Though not our favorite, the Google Pixel series is long a favorite among Android owners. Google may expand the lineup this year by introducing not one Pixel phone, but two – the standard Google Pixel 6 and the larger Pixel 6 Pro.
The Pro model will be the premium model with a telephoto lens and a larger battery. Leaked specs hint that the phones may be powered by a Google-designed chip, much like Apple’s homegrown A-series chipset.
OnePlus 9T
OnePlus typically launches new phones every six months. After launching the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro at the end of March, the company may be poised to release the OnePlus 9T this fall.
Details on the phone are not yet known, but it likely will contain only a handful of minor tweaks on the OnePlus 9 models released at the beginning of the year.
The phone also may sport Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 888 Plus processor and possibly a camera boost, thanks to a partnership with Hasselblad.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Flip 3
Samsung holds an annual Galaxy Unpacked event in the late summer or early fall to introduce its new smartphones. One of the most highly anticipated phones is the Galaxy Z Fold 3, an update to Samsung’s foldable phone lineup. The foldable phone is rumored to ship with an under-display camera and support for the company’s S Pen.
Samsung also is likely to launch the Galaxy Z Flip 3 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the expected successor to the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, which debuted last year. Like the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is an evolutionary update and not revolutionary. The company will bump up the camera performance and exterior design but keep the phone much the same.
Apple iPhone 13
Apple likely is prepping to debut not one but four iPhone 13 models, including the iPhone 13 mini, the base model iPhone 13, and two iPhone Pro models. Apple is expected to roll out the iPhone 13 this fall, with all phones launching simultaneously instead of the staggered launch we saw last year. All iPhone models are expected to get a camera bump and a smaller notch, while the highly-anticipated fast-refreshing display may show up only in the Pro models.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
