Multiple launches of exciting smartphones coming this year have either been leaked or announced for 2017, and we at PinoyTechBlog can’t help but feel utter excitement. But in my opinion, only a few of these devices truly warrant the hype they’ve garnered.
10. ASUS Zenfone 4 Selfie and Selfie Pro
The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro
ASUS takes over this list once more, thanks to its diverse launch lineup for the Zenfone 4 family. This time, the Selfie should appeal strongly towards the mass, casual market.
The key feature of the Selfie is its dual selfie camera setup. The Selfie Pro, for example, rocks a 24-megapixel and 5-megapixel setup. On the other hand, the regular Selfie variant employs a still-impressive 20-megapixel and 8-megapixel combo.
On top of that, these phones both sport 4GB RAM with 64GB internal storage, as well as the same 3,000 mAh battery.
9. Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Will the Note 8 provide a comeback for the S Pen capable Note series?
This massive phablet will launch on August 23, most notably, will measure 6.3 inches, possibly Samsung’s largest ever. In addition, it will be the first smartphone to allow streaming and playing of 4k videos!
Unfortunately, the reason why it ranks lower on this opinion-based list is the fact that it has to avoid the pitfalls of the disastrous Note 7. While it will most definitely impress with rumored high-end specs like a Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 chipset and 6GB RAM, it will also have the arduous task of cleaning up the image of the Note line.
8. ASUS Zenfone 4
Zenfone 4 SEA Ambassador Gong Yoo
Combine the impressive leaked specs, and the fact that Korean hearthrob Gong Yoo will become the official ambassador for this device in Southeast Asia, and it’s no surprise that the Zenfone 4 got the top spot. But if that doesn’t sell you on the phone yet, think about the features. This upcoming Asus device sports a 5.5-inch 1080p screen with 2.5D Gorilla Glass and a metal body. Not only that, but selfie lovers will likely enjoy using the 12-megapixel and 8-megapixel camera setup.
What caught my eye in particular, however, is the Snapdragon 630 chipset that will power this phone, supported by 4GB RAM. While we don’t have a local price yet, it will likely hover around the PHP 30,000 range.
7. ASUS Zenfone 4 Max
Zenfone 4 Max Teaser
In terms of official news, the Zenfone 4 Max recently received the green light to release here in the Philippines. Basically, on August 19, we will finally have the chance to get our hands on the Zenfone 4’s big brother.
The so-called Battery King nabs a higher spot in this list because it certainly looks to be a better version of the Zenfone 4. Not only that, but it will also feature one of the biggest batteries so far, at 5,000 mAh.
6. Nokia 8
Nokia rises from the grave to take on smartphone giants Samsung and Apple with the Nokia 8. This 5.3-incher will likely rock an Android 8 variant, on top of a sweet Snapdragon 835 SoC-4GB RAM combo. However, the reason why it doesn’t penetrate the top 5 is due to the nostalgia factor. Honestly, one must admit that most of the Nokia 8’s hype lies in the brand name.
In short, we cannot really be sure if Nokia has the know-how and the expertise to make a great smartphone. Remember, Nokia became famous due to its affordable, durable early phones. They don’t have much credibility in terms of delivering a modern smart device.
5. Huawei Mate 10
Huawei CEO Richard Yu. Image from Yahoo.com
Huawei will most likely continue their Leica partnership with the upcoming Mate 10. As always, the selling point for this smart device lie in its Leica cameras, which are a sure draw for would-be photographers and social media aficionados. Interestingly, as of this writing, we don’t actually know what the Mate 10 will look like. No official pictures, renders, or designs have been released, but many believe it will follow the design mantra of the Mate 8 and Moto 9.
4. Moto X4
The Moto X4 will feature a 5.2-inch Full HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection and will arrive in either Super Black or Sterling Blue variants. In terms of specs, the Moto X4 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor and Adreno 508 GPU. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region will get an exclusive variant of the X4 that contains 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage.
Why does the Moto X4 get the number four spot? Because smartphone fans have been waiting for a followup to the Moto X series for over two years! With the most recent shift of focus by the Moto brand on the Z line, it’s refreshing to see them go back to making another Moto X variant.
3. LG V30
LG V30 Leaked Render
Debuting at the end of this month, the LG V30 promises to dazzle at IFA 2017. How so? By becoming the first LG device powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 SoC. The V30 aims to continue the traditional smartphone design mantra that began with the LG G6.
2. iPhone 8
Who else would we put in the top three? While this smart device stands out from the crowd by being, obviously, not an Android phone, we can’t really make a ‘most hyped’ list without some sort of Apple product.
According to a hodgepodge of leaks, rumors, and verified information, here’s what we know: Apple’s 8th iPhone iteration will redesign the iPhone as we know it. First and foremost, we’re likely looking at a smart device with a glass body and an edge-to-edge OLED display. On top of that, the iPhone will probably also get rid of the Home button, and replace its usual Touch ID feature with a facial recognition system.
Inside, the iPhone 8 will likely contain a 10-nanometer A11 chip for processing, while rumors suggest the capability for induction-based wireless charging.
1 . Google Pixel 2
Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Leaked Renders
Possibly the most high-profile name on this list (in terms of Android phones), the Pixel 2 promises many radical changes to the basic smartphone design.
Primarily, it will get rid of the headphone jack, which has been a standard in almost every portable device before it. Not only that, but according to FCC information, the Pixel 2 will also contain certain features that can be accessed by ‘squeezing’ the phone.
Running on what will probably be a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, this phone will also have 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Lastly, if more recent rumors prove to be accurate, it will also sport Android 8.0.1 pre-installed. This is astonishing because we’re currently still at Android Nougat. The Google Pixel 2 line is expected to launch in late 2017.
