From Samsung’s Galaxy S24 lineup to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus 12 and Google Pixel 8A, there’s been no shortage of phone launches this year. But there’s still more in store for 2024.
Google, for example, is holding an event on August 13 to introduce the Pixel 9 family. Apple’s iPhone launch usually happens in September. If OnePlus and Samsung follow last year’s pattern, we could see a new OnePlus foldable and a more affordable version of the Galaxy S24 before the year is over. This is just speculation based on last year’s smartphone lineup; we won’t know for sure until we hear from these companies.
Read more: Best Phone for 2024
As for what to expect, artificial intelligence has been a big theme in this year’s phones, as evidenced by the Galaxy S24 series and the introduction of Apple Intelligence at WWDC. Generative AI, or AI that can generate content when prompted based on training data, had a breakout moment in 2023 thanks to the success of ChatGPT. 2024 is testing what these AI-powered features truly bring to the phone experience.
Aside from new AI-powered features, new phones typically include improvements in essential areas like the cameras, processors and battery life.
Here’s a look at the most anticipated phones from the industry’s biggest players in 2024. The list below includes phones that seem likely to debut this year based on previous launch patterns, and we’ll continue to update this list as new rumors and reports emerge.
Read more: The iPhone 16 Plus May Be Apple’s Last. Here’s Why
Watch this: Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: Samsung’s Best Foldable Yet Comes at a High Cost
Apple
iPhone 16 lineup
Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in September.
What to expect: Apple launches new iPhones every September, and we have no reason to believe this year will be any different. All iPhone 16 models are expected to get upgraded microphones to improve Siri performance, according to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That change would come after Apple announced its suite of Apple Intelligence software features, which include an upgraded version of Siri.
Otherwise, the iPhone 16 family is rumored to get a new A18 chip from Apple, with the Pro models getting a version called the A18 Pro Bionic, analyst Jeff Pu reports, according to MacRumors. Apple may also bring the Action button to all iPhone 16 models, not just the Pro, according to Bloomberg. The camera on the regular iPhone 16 Pro is also expected to get a tetraprism telephoto lens like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Kuo also reports, meaning it would likely have a 5x telephoto zoom instead of 3x. And there may even be a new dedicated button for capturing video, as Bloomberg also reports. Read our full iPhone 16 rumor roundup.
Why we’re excited about it: The iPhone 16 sounds like it will be a modest upgrade over the iPhone 15 family. The Action button’s arrival on cheaper models could make Apple’s base model a compelling choice for those upgrading from an older phone. I’m also curious to see whether Apple will announce any new Apple Intelligence features specifically for its latest crop of Pro iPhones.
iPhone SE 4
The 2022 iPhone SE.
What to expect: Apple’s next budget-friendly iPhone could get an overhaul, if reports from MacRumors and TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo turn out to be true. Apple may use a modified version of the iPhone 14’s chassis for the next iPhone SE, meaning it would have a 6.1-inch screen compared with the current version’s 4.7-inch display, according to MacRumors.The site also reports that modern features like Face ID, the Action button and USB-C charging are also coming to the next iPhone SE.
As for timing, the iPhone SE’s launch pattern is a bit more difficult to predict than its standard iPhones. Apple launched the first iPhone SE in 2016 but didn’t release a second model until 2020. The third-generation iPhone SE came in 2022, leading to some speculation that its successor could arrive in 2024. But MacRumors’ intel suggests it could be on track for a 2025 launch.
Why we’re excited about it: Apple’s tiny iPhone needs an upgrade. It runs on the same A15 Bionic processor as the iPhone 14, and its iPhone 8-like design is starting to feel dated. A modern version of Apple’s more affordable iPhone with a larger screen — and hopefully a secondary camera — would be much appreciated.
Samsung
Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE (pictured) is the cheapest model in the Galaxy S23 lineup.
What to expect: If Samsung follows last year’s launch schedule, the cheaper variant of the Galaxy S24 could debut around October or November. The FE line is known for offering an experience that’s similar to the base Galaxy S phone at a lower price, so we’re expecting Samsung to continue that approach should it launch another FE.
The blog Galaxy Club, which has reported on unreleased Samsung products in the past, says Samsung is indeed working on a Galaxy S24 FE for late 2024 or 2025. It’s expected to have a 50-megapixel main camera like the Galaxy S24, according to the report, and will probably come with Galaxy AI given Samsung’s recent emphasis on its artificial intelligence features. Veteran tech leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, in collaboration with the gadget blog GizNext, posted renders claiming to show the device’s design in a mint green color.
However, we won’t know whether the Galaxy S24 FE truly exists until Samsung makes an announcement.
Why we’re excited about it: We loved the Galaxy S23 FE for its fast performance, solid low-light photography and value for the price. If the Galaxy S24 FE arrives at the same $600 price as its predecessor, it could end up being a great choice for those who just want a reasonably priced phone that nails the basics.
Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro
Google teased the Pixel 9 Pro on its website.
What to expect: Based on what we’ve seen with the Pixel 8 family and Galaxy S24 lineup, it’s probably safe to assume we’ll be seeing even more new AI-powered features on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Google’s website indeed hints that Gemini will play a big role in the company’s upcoming crop of smartphones.
Otherwise, we can likely expect routine upgrades like a new Tensor processor and camera improvements. Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, also says the new phones will have larger screens than the Pixel 8 generation, according to a post on X, although a more recent report from Hemmerstoffer and MySmartPrice suggests the Pro model will have a smaller 6.5-inch display. The Pixel 9 Pro may also get a refreshed design with flat edges that resemble the iPhone, according to that same report.
Why we’re excited about it: Google’s Pixel phones are usually among CNET’s favorite phones of the year. The Pixel 8 generation felt like an early look at Google’s new AI-focused direction for smartphones, and I imagine Google will apply learnings and feedback from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9. Plus, given that the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera didn’t impress CNET reviewer Andrew Lanxon the way he had hoped, I’d like to see Google make up for that with the Pixel 9 Pro.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google teased the Pixel 9 Pro Fold on its own site ahead of its launch on August 13.
What we’re expecting: Google hasn’t been shy about flaunting its new phones before launch. The company’s website shows images of what its next foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro, will look like, indicating it will have a fresh design with a redesigned camera bump on the back. Google’s new Pixel phones usually get an upgraded Tensor processor, so it seems likely that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will follow that pattern. Google’s website also suggests Gemini will be a big part of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, so we’re expecting to hear a lot about that at Google’s event.
Why we’re excited about it: Google’s 2023 Pixel Fold was a great starting point for the company’s foldable phone line. The device’s wide cover screen and high-quality rear camera system made it a tempting choice for those interested in a foldable phone. I’m looking forward to seeing whether Google addresses my gripes with the Fold; namely its internal screen, which had chunky bezels that made it look less sleek and immersive than other foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line.
OnePlus
OnePlus Open 2
The OnePlus Open (pictured) impressed us with its hardware.
What we’re expecting: There haven’t been many leaks or rumors about a sequel to the OnePlus Open yet, but the company launched the current model last October. Following comments from tech bloggers and leakers Chun Bhai and Kartikey Singh on X, there’s speculation that the OnePlus Open 2 won’t launch until next year.
As for what to expect, OnePlus usually upgrades its phones with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The company is also known for its impressive battery life and fast charging, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see OnePlus lean into those elements with its next foldable phone. OnePlus hasn’t discussed plans for future foldable phones yet.
Why we’re excited about it: The OnePlus Open impressed CNET’s Eli Blumenthal with its sleek hardware, long battery life and speedy charging. For the second-generation model, we’re hoping to see improved software that makes more use of the Open’s large screen and wireless charging. Regardless, OnePlus’ first attempt at a foldable phone impressed us, leaving us curious about what the second-generation model could bring.
Based on the rumors, reports and announcements so far, this year’s phones should bring a balance of new AI features and updates to existing staples like performance and design upgrades. Although AI still has to prove its purpose in phones, the idea of software features that truly bring something new and useful to phones is refreshing.
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