Consumer electronic trade show IFA for the last two years has been the playground of big tech firms to show off their upcoming innovative devices. One of the biggest technology shows on the calendar alongside CES, IFA will be held from September 2 to September 7 in Berlin.
Here’s what we expect from this year’s IFA, which include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other devices from the likes of Samsung, Motorola, Sony and others tech giants:
Samsung
The Korean giant would showcase the new Galaxy Note series to the world in IFA. However, we have already witnessed the Galaxy Note 7, at a dedicated Galaxy Unpacked event, along with a new USB Type-C Gear VR.
So what will Samsung offer at IFA 2016? Well, a possible appearance of the Galaxy Tab S3 seems likely, but the main attraction in stores appears to be the company’s next smartwatch, the Gear S3. Samsung’s press conference invitation strongly suggests the company will launch the successor of Gear S2, which was unveiled at IFA 2015 last year.
Sony
The Japanese tech giant has shown a host of gadgets at IFA, and it seems the PlayStation creator won’t disappoint this year too. The company’s invitation for its press conference features a wide range of devices — earphones, a new Xperia smartphone, a new PlayStation VR, a television set, cameras and a few more.
Recent online leaks suggest a new Sony smartphone will bring serious specs to the table. The handset is tipped to have a 5.1-inch full HD display along with a zippy Snapdragon 820 processor paired with 3GB of RAM. Camera sensors will include a 21-megapixel on the rear and a 12-megapixel up front.
We've already heard rumours surrounding an 'Xperia X2' handset, which could also be debuted this year. What we are sure of is a flagship TV — Sony recently showed it in a preview session.
Motorola
Lenovo acquired Motorola, now known as Moto, unveiled three variants of its smartwatches at the IFA last year. The company has also launched Moto G, Moto Z and Moto E series of devices this year, which indicates it won’t be launching any new smartphones at the event.
However, it’s believed that Moto could launch the next iteration of its smartwatch, dubbed Moto 360 (3rd Gen). The company has also promised new Motomods, including a projector keyboard, a dock that turns the phone into a desktop PC and a blood pressure monitor.
LG
IFA has always been special for LG, and the company is expected to update is product line-up this year too. Few online leaks claim the company could show its next generation curved handset — the G Flex 3. It is expected to feature a 5.5-inch 2K display, powered by a Snapdragon 820 chip and backed by 4GB of RAM. A 16MP camera and a modular design are also on the list.
It is also confirmed that LG will not be launching the next flagship, the LG V20 at the IFA 2016. September 6 will witness a separate event, when LG will take the wraps off the V20. LG will perhaps launch its new range of TVs at IFA this year.
Huawei
There isn’t much to talk about Huawei at IFA 2016, but we can expect to see a smartphone, or a new tablet, this year. With the recent launch of Huawei’s P9, we aren’t sure what to expect from the Chinese giant. However, we wouldn’t rule out a new tablet or a smartwatch.
There is speculation about the launch of Huawei Mate 9 and Mate S2 at this year’s IFA. The successor to Huawei Watch is also expected to feature at the event.
HTC
It hasn’t been a great year for HTC. With just an HTC 10 smartphone launched in the market in 2016, the IFA 2016 seems to be a very important event if HTC has to sustain in the mobile segment.
The company is expected to offer mid-range and budget devices, and could possibly launch its long-speculated HTC smartwatch. Since there seems to be a saturation in the wearable market as of now, it looks like the company will show off its strength in a different segment — virtual reality — with the HTC Vive. However it’s unlikely that HTC Vive will see any big upgrade at this year’s IFA.
