MWC 2018: Here are the most anticipated phones at the biggest mobile fair
Mobile World Congress (MWC), the biggest mobile technology fair on the planet is upon us. Come February 26, over 2,300 exhibitors from across the globe will gather in Barcelona flaunt new hardware, ideas, and innovations. A truckload of devices will be showcased at the event. However, the most anticipated devices will come from industry giants such as Samsung, Huawei Sony, and Xiaomi. While nobody can predict the line-up accurately, here's what we are likely to see at the MWC 2018 based on the recent leaks and speculation:
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+
First up is Samsung, the leader in smartphone space. The South Korean giant has already confirmed that it will be uncovering the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Barcelona. The company will announce the duo a day prior to the official start of the MWC 2018. Based on the images shared by @evleaks, the S9 line-up will retain its core design. You will get a metal frame sandwiched between the glass. Samsung will minimise the bezels further though. The company will also move the fingerprint sensor from the right-hand side to the centre.
The Galaxy S9 is expected to feature a 5.8-inch AMOLED screen. As suggested by its name, the Galaxy S9+ will come with a bigger 6.2-inch AMOLED display. Rumour has it that the S9+ will come with a dual camera setup. The regular S9, whoever, will have to settle for a single camera at the rear. Both the phones will probably be powered by Samsung's own Exynos 9810 chipset in Asia. For the US, Samsung will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 SoC (System on Chip).
Sony
Once known for its interesting phones, Sony has lost touch with the mobile market. For years, it refused to update the done-to-death "omnibalance" design with thick bezels. Despite losing millions, the Japanese company is adamantly ignoring the bezel-less trend in the smartphone space. As a result, I don't know a single person who bought a Sony phone in recent times.
Sony may want to make itself relevant again with its next flagship phone expected at MWC 2018. Rumoured to be named the Xperia XZ Pro, the phone will get rid of some of the bezels. I'm not sure if Sony will make a radical design yet or even embrace the tall screen 16:9 aspect ratio. As per the latest leak, the Xperia XZ Pro will feature a 5.7-inch OLED screen. It will boast of 4k resolution. For years, Sony phones had used terrible LCD screens, but it seems it will finally make a move to OLED.
In terms of firepower, you can expect the Snapdragon 845 chipset and 6GB of RAM. Sony will update the camera to a dual sensor assembly. And like every recent flagship from Sony, this phone will be water and dust resistant.
Xiaomi
There has been plenty of rumours regarding Xiaomi unveiling its next flagship Mi 7 at the MWC 2018. However, recently a Xiaomi India spokesperson told The Indian Express that, “We are not organising any press events during MWC but will have a booth at Hall 6 Stand 6B30. We will be showcasing a selection of smartphones and ecosystem products.”
From the sound of it, you are unlikely to see the Mi 7 at the MWC. The company may unveil its Mi Mix 2s ahead of the MWC 2018 though. The successor of Xiaomi's best-looking device so far, will continue the schematic genius of French industrial designer Philippe Starck. As per the leaked image posted on SlashLeaks, the bezels will incredibly thin. The front camera will be housed in a tiny notch at the top right corner. To power this thing, Xiaomi will like to opt for the Snapdragon 845 chip from Qualcomm.
Nokia 9 and 7 Plus
HMD Global, the Finland based company with rights to sell Nokia branded phones has received good customer response so far. The company's Chief Product Officer, Juho Sarvikas, has already promised an "awesome" MWC. That has led to high hopes for the fans of the iconic phone company.
The star from the Scandinavia is going to be the Nokia 9. But, it won't target the top-end phones from Apple or Samsung. It will take on the OnePlus instead. The Nokia 9 might come with a 5.5-inch Quad HD OLED display. In the best-case scenario, the phone might have curved edges on the sides much like the S8. The company will continue with the dual camera setup at the back. Most rumours suggest that the Nokia 9 will be powered by the Snapdragon 835. Now that’s underwhelming considering that the other brands are going with the latest Snapdragon 845 SoC (System on Chip).
In addition to the flagship Nokia 9, HMD may also introduce the Nokia 7 Plus. This handset is rumoured to be Nokia's first phone featuring a tall display with 16:9 aspect ratio. As per the promotional content leaked on Baidu, the Nokia 7 will be powered by Snapdragon 660 chip. It will offer 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. This mid-ranger will also boast of a dual camera assembly at the back. It is also expected to come with something called 'Tetracell technology' for better low light performance.
Motorola (Lenovo)
Chinese company Lenovo, which now owns Motorola Mobility, has confirmed its prescience at this year's MWC. Recently, over half a dozen of its phones from the Moto G, Z, and X series. As per most speculations though, the brand is likely to keep the X and Z series phone for later. For now, you expect Lenovo to announce the Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, and Moto G6 Play.
As reported by Droid-Life, the Moto G6 will feature the boring Motorola design with a circular camera bump at the back. It is likely to feature a 5.7-inch FullHD+ display with 18:9 aspect ratio. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset. Expect it to be fitted with a 12MP dual camera setup. For the narcissist kids, it will feature a 16MP selfie snapper.
The Moto G6 Plus will feature a bigger 5.93-inch Full HD+ display with 18:9 aspect ratio. At the heart will be a Snapdragon 630 chip. For the camera buffs, the Moto G6 Plus will offer a dual camera setup. Much like its sibling, there will be a 16MP front camera for selfies.
The Moto G6 Play will feature a 5.7-inch HD screen. It won't hop on to the 16:9 aspect ratio trend. But, it will flaunt a premium metal frame and a glass back. The phone will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 430. So, don't expect to play latest games on the Moto G6 Play. The phone will also opt for a simple 12MP main camera.
Huawei
With its grand smartphone event in Paris scheduled on March 27, Huawei is unlikely to showcase any device at the MWC 2018. The company, however, will be present at the MWC, but will only showcase a new laptop under MateBook series, a bunch of tablets, and perhaps a smartwatch.
