Apple
This year brings intense anticipation for the iPhone 16 family and the planned iPhone SE 4, both positioned to redefine value and performance in the smartphone market.
Industry chatter suggests the iPhone SE 4 could debut in the spring, introducing a brand new design for the SE line. Visual cues point to a frameless display with a notch, while the body would draw from the iPhone 14 era. The back panel is expected to house a single camera unit, echoing the look of the iPhone XR which remains a memorable bestseller.
Speculation places the iPhone SE 4 with a 6.1 inch OLED screen and a 60 Hz refresh rate. The design logic follows the iPhone 14 aesthetic, making it impractical to fit different screen sizes into the same chassis.
Current 2022 models retain a 4.7 inch IPS display, reminiscent of the iPhone 8, with pronounced top and bottom bezels and a Home button featuring Touch ID. The new SE is anticipated to upgrade to modern biometric options, possibly incorporating Face ID or a power/lock button with built in Touch ID.
Performance is expected to be led by the Apple A16 chip, with the main camera moving to a 48 megapixel sensor. Some sources still entertain the possibility of a 12 megapixel sensor, and an ultra wide angle lens is not anticipated for the SE 4. Budget positioning remains a topic of debate since omitting the ultra wide camera does not drastically reduce overall cost.
For the iPhone 16 series, leaks suggest only moderate changes. Every model could feature an action button, a feature first seen on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max last year. The lineup is rumored to receive updated hardware, with base models stepping away from last year’s chips. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus may adopt the 3-nanometer Apple A18, while the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are said to run the A18 Pro.
Some insiders claim the iPhone 16 Pro Max could sport a 6.9 inch Ultra display, up from 6.7 inches, though the credibility of these leaks remains uncertain after years of similar rumors. Overall, the new devices are expected to resemble the current iPhone 15 series in many respects, with a fall 2024 introduction anticipated.
Samsung Galaxy S24
The Samsung Galaxy S24 family is slated to arrive early, potentially becoming one of the first major launches in this collection. Rumors point to an unveiling date around January 17, with three models in the lineup: Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra.
Differences between the base model and the Plus are modest. The S24 is expected to offer a 6.2 inch Full HD Plus display, while the S24 Plus could feature a 6.7 inch panel with QHD Plus resolution, both supporting high refresh rates up to 120 hertz.
Performance should be strong across the board, with Exynos 2400 powering the S24 and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 Plus. RAM configurations will be 8 GB in the base version and 12 GB in the Plus. The camera setup remains consistent, featuring a 50 megapixel main sensor, a 12 megapixel ultra wide, and a 10 megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
Battery capacities are expected around 4000 mAh for the base model and 4900 mAh for the Plus, both supporting rapid charging enhancements. The S24 Ultra is highlighted as a standout, offering a 6.8 inch display with QHD Plus resolution and up to 120 Hz, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and 12 GB RAM. Its camera system is described as a 200 megapixel main sensor, a 12 megapixel ultra wide, a 10 megapixel telephoto lens with 3x zoom, plus a 50 megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom. A titanium frame marks a notable design shift for the Ultra, echoing the premium build seen in recent high-end models from other brands.
Google Pixel
Google Pixel devices remain particularly popular among enthusiasts in Russia and the CIS, drawing attention for their standout camera processing and long-term software support. Fans are looking forward to the next generation, with the Pixel 8a positioned as a more affordable mirror of the flagship Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, but at a lower price point.
Early information confirms the Pixel 8a will feature a compact OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and noticeably thick bezels from early preview images. Its performance is expected to align with the higher tier, boasting the Google Tensor G3 chip and 8 GB of RAM.
The Pixel line has long distinguished itself through image processing and computational photography. Even with varying sensor sizes, Google’s software can deliver impressive results, though exact camera specifications for the 8a remain under wraps. Wireless charging is planned but modest at around five watts, and the device is projected to receive software updates through 2031, extending its useful life beyond typical cycles.
Pricing for the Pixel 8a is anticipated to hover near five hundred dollars, suggesting strong competition in its segment. The company is also expected to release the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro later in the year, though details remain scarce.
realme 12
Realme followed a standout year with the 11 Pro series, known for its strong main camera with a 200 MP sensor and a distinctive design. The brand’s next line, Realme 12 Pro, is rumored to introduce a telephoto lens, expanding capabilities in the mid-budget segment.
Early rumors describe the Realme 12 Pro as featuring a dual zoom setup with a 32 MP Sony IMX709 telephoto lens and a 12 Pro Plus with a 64 MP OV64B sensor. If realized, these specifications could bring flagship-like versatility to a mid-range device.
Performance is expected to be driven by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, with similar power likely carried over to the base model. Unlike the other brands mentioned, Realme devices have official availability in Russia with a manufacturer warranty, a factor many buyers consider essential. The official release date and price for Realme 12 Pro remain unconfirmed, leaving a touch of mystery in the market.