They say you can’t have a proper year-end unless you have seen the predictions for the next year. I like to be prepared for anything that may come, so I’ve compiled a list with some of the most anticipated smartphones of 2014. But until we get there, I want to let you know that 2013 was a rich year in terms of gadget releases, we have seen a lot of new products like smart watches and Google Glass. Most smartphone manufacturers released powerful devices that were bought by customers like hot cakes. Next year, I expect nothing less and I truly believe that 2014 is the year of cheap smartphones and tablets. They will probably dominate the market, and companies like Microsoft could use this future trend to re-enter in customer’s grace.
Samsung Smartphones in 2014
As expected, the most crowded segment is expected to be the launch of new smartphones. Diversity is the key, and Samsung will have the lead with 4 or 5 major products. First, the Samsung Galaxy S5 could be revealed in the beginning of 2014 at the Mobile World Congress 2014. Rumors speculate that S5 will use a processor based on 64-bit architecture, 16 MP main camera, PLS LCD display, fingerprint sensor and Android 4.4 KitKat. In the Samsung’s closet we could also find a budget version of Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy Round and a new device called Galaxy F that may become the new flagship device in the camp. We may also expect devices with UltraHD displays in the near future, but until a confirmation is released, we’ll have to settle with the WQHD resolution (2560×1440).
Apple Smartphones in 2014
If you think that Apple is going to take a step back and watch their devices get “massacred” by Samsung’s smartphones, you are dead wrong. If we look at past release dates we conclude that we’ll probably see an iPhone 6 release in September 2014. If they’ll follow the tradition, the new smartphone may come with a new operating system, the iOS 8 and fresh innovative features. So far, Apple liked to bet on winning horses, but they missed the NFC technology. My guess is that the iPhone 6 will have NFC incorporated, along with a better camera, a bigger display and maybe a relocation on the side of the “Home button”. I know two things: iPhone needs a bigger display but Apple won’t make a bigger phone. So, they have to use the same space in a better way. In 2014, we’ll also witness the release of a new iPhone 5c model that may have similar features to current iPhone 5S. Some rumors say that we may even see a larger iPhone that will compete with Samsung’s Note, but I’m not sure about this one.
Google Smartphones in 2014
Surprisingly, there is not much information regarding the future Google Nexus 6. The device could have a larger display (6.3″ AMOLED Plus) with full HD resolution. If we are to believe the rumors, it will be powered by an octa-core processor (most likely Exynos 5) and 3 GB RAM. Unlike the previous version, it will be available with 128 GB storage space. The implemented operating system could be the upcoming Android 4.5 (codenamed Lollipop, Pie Lime, Licorice, Lion, Laffy Taffy or any dessert that starts with the “L” letter).
HTC Smartphones in 2014
The HTC One’s follower is named HTC M8 and it could feature a display with 2K resolution, a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM and the new HTC Sense 6.0 interface. At the Mobile World Congress 2014 we could witness the release of a new device named HTC Tiara.
Nokia Smartphones in 2014
I wrote an article about Nokia few months ago, and I speculated that they will need a long period of time to recover from their downfall. In February, they will probably introduce the Nokia Lumia 1820 smartphone with a camera that features Lytro-like technology (the user is able to focus after taking the picture) and a new virtual assistant named Cortana (the equivalent of Siri). Let’s not forget about Normandy, the first Nokia smartphone that runs Android. In addition, I could also add the future Nokia Lumia 929 with Windows Phone 8.1, a 5″ display with Full HD , 800 Snapdragon processor clocked at 2.2GHz and a 20 MP camera.
Sony Smartphones in 2014
Sony produced wonderful devices in 2013 and I expect the same quality (or better) next year. At CES 2014 they will probably introduce the new Xperia Z2 “Avatar”, a smartphone that may have an IGZO display and 20.7 MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics that could record 4K videos. Avatar will use Android Kit Kat and will feature the latest available Snapdragon processor. As you already know, Sony has a thing for waterproof devices and customers like this particular feature.
Oppo Smartphones in 2014
When I first heard about Oppo smartphones, I thought it was just a marketing gimmick that will fade away. But I was wrong! Customers love these devices, and in 2014 we will be able to buy the new Oppo Find 7, the first smartphone with 2K display (2560×1440 pixels), 805 Snapdragon processor (clocked at 2.3 GHz), 3 GB RAM and a 4,000 mAh battery.
Blackberry smartphones in 2014
Blackberry has a strong fan base that means business but the manufacturer was not too inspired when it picked the launch date for Blackberry Z30. Although the device is top of the range, it was greatly eclipsed by iPhone 5S and 5C releases. In 2014, the Canadians have prepared two new exciting models: BlackBerry Z50 and Q30. The Z50 should be the next flagship device and it will feature a 5.2″ display with a resolution of 1080x1920quad-core processor.
LG Smartphones in 2014
Not much to tell here. LG doesn’t seems to have prepared any follower for their current LG G Flex flagship model. But Koreans could reveal the mini G2 version at MWC 2014.
Conclusion
The smartphone market of 2014 is diversified and ready to supply all the needs of the customers. You will have a large palette of devices to choose from, starting with premium smartphones, with large-display smartphone and finishing with affordable smartphones with great features. If the main players will keep their current strategy, I don’t think there will be any change in the customers’ choice. I have some close friends that switched from Apple to Samsung recently, and I wonder if the gap between these two giants will get larger next year…
What’s your favorite 2014 smartphone according to the presented facts, rumors and speculation? Which one will you buy? You can also check this article with the most anticipated tablets of 2014.
Samsung Galaxy S image source: http://www.concept-phones.com
iPhone image source: www.businessinsider.com
Nexus 6 image source: www.introoo.com
HTC M8 image source: www.techglen.com
Nokia Lumia 1820 image source: www.nokiainnovation.com
Sony Z2 Avatar image source: www.thenerdmag.com
Oppo Find 7 image source: www.ubergizmo.com
LG G2 image source: anandtech.com
