2023 has just begun. As the year started, rumors about upcoming smartphones are already circulating online. Although it's too early to know what's exactly in store for the smartphone industry in 2023, we can make some guess about what to look forward to this year.
For instance, we may expect the iPhone 15 lineup in September. And it could possibly arrive with USB-C charging for the first time. If Samsung will stick to its typical release cycle, the Galaxy S23 series could be the first new smartphone that we'll see in 2023.
While we still have to wait to actually these smartphones, we bring you some of the most anticipated units that will arrive this year.
1. iPhone 15 Lineup
Usually, Apple launches its new iPhone lineup during its event in September. We expect the same pattern to continue this 2023. One of the biggest changes coming to the iPhone 15 is the adoption of USB-C charging. Last year, the European Union mandated that all new phones sold in the region must support USB-C charging by 2024 and according to Apple, it would comply with these rules.
We're also likely to see some other changes such as camera upgrades and a new processor. The iPhone 15 Pro models are said to sport a periscope lens and an A17 Bionic chip, as per CNET.
Meanwhile, according to TF International Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may do more to distinguish the iPhone 15 Pro from the regular iPhone 15 just like what the company did in the iPhone 14 lineup.
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Lineup
Based on the circulating rumors, Samsung could bring noteworthy upgrades to the camera and design of the Galaxy S23. These are the two areas that have been a big focus for the South Korean tech giant.
We can expect the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to have a 200-megapixel camera, according to rumors. If this is true, this is a huge jump from the Galaxy S22 Ultra's 108-megapixel main sensor.
In addition, the South Korean tech giant might also tweak the design of the regular S23 and S23 Plus to closely match that of the S23 Ultra model. In terms of performance, the upcoming Samsung flagships are said to sport Qualcomm's latest mobile chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
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3. Google Pixel 7A
If Google will continue its tradition, it is possible that the company will launch a cheaper version of the Pixel 7 known as the Pixel 7A in the spring or summer time frame. According to rumors, Pixel 7A could have a screen with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz. In addition, it will support wireless charging, something that is absent from the Pixel 6A.
The Pixel 7A could be powered by a Tensor G2 processor. It's the same processor that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Likewise, if Pixel 7A would follow in the same footstep of the Pixel 6A, it could have a camera setup that includes wide and ultrawide sensors.
4. Google Pixel Fold
Over the years, we've been hearing about the Google Pixel Fold. Based on recent rumors, we could be seeing the device in Q1 2023, or in May 2023.
So far, according to Tech Radar, the Google Pixel Fold might have a 7.6-inch foldable OLED screen, a 5.8-inch cover display, and a Tensor, or more likely a Tensor G2 chipset. According to one leak, the device might sport 64MP / 12.2MP / 10MP rear camera combination.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The next Samsung foldable flagship to come into the market is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, we may have to wait for a while as we're not expecting to see it until August 2023.
According to an early leak, it will be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and it will have similar cameras to the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
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