5 upcoming smartphones still worth waiting for in 2021 (and what makes them special)

We’ve crossed the halfway mark in 2021 and there have been tons of highly-anticipated smartphone launches already, and Google has shown us everything there is to know about its upcoming Pixel 6 series. But the excitement is still palpable among smartphone aficionados since bigshots like Apple and Samsung are still waiting in the wings to showcase their latest flagship devices. Apple is definitely prepping up the platform to unleash its new iPhone 13 lineup. And you also have Samsung all set to showcase the next foldable smartphones. So, here are the top six smartphones expected to launch in India in 2021 that are worth waiting for. And we tell you exactly why you should hold on to your wallets just for a little bit longer.

Read more: Realme GT 5G, Realme GT Master Edition will launch in India on August 18th, company confirms

5 upcoming 2021 smartphones worth waiting for

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

Those eyeing a foldable smartphone should keep a close watch at Samsung’s Unpacked 2021 event as the brand is all set to introduce the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. It’s believed to be the most affordable foldable phone you can get your hands on. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 price in India is said to be between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000. The affordable price tag doesn’t mean the smartphone will compromise on performance. If rumours are anything to go by, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 specifications will include Snapdragon 888 SoC (Exynos 2100 SoC in India), paired with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. Additionally, the handset will reportedly come with a traditional flip phone design and a slightly larger 1.9-inch Cover Display compared to the 1.1-inch screen on the predecessor. IPX8 water-resistance, dual 12MP cameras, AMOLED screen, and 3,300mAh battery are said to be part of the package too.

2. Jio Phone Next

Jio Phone Next is Reliance Jio’s first touchscreen smartphone, with a customised version of Android (instead of KaiOS) running out of the box. The handset is claimed to be the most affordable 4G smartphone, with some reports suggesting the phone could be priced under Rs 3,000 in the country. This would be a significant drop from the Rs 5,000 buyers currently need to spend for an entry-level Android phone. The Jio Phone Next first sale has been scheduled for September 1st by the company.

Reliance Jio showed us glimpses of the Jio Phone Next at its AGM 2021 event back in July, without talking much about features or specifications. The highlight of this device is that it will run on a newly customised version of Android that Jio jointly developed with Google. The phone is likely to come pre-loaded with Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Jio apps. The handset also includes voice assistant support, translation features, and a camera supporting augmented reality.

Jio Phone Next could be the ideal choice for 400 million 2G users in India who are yet to experience 4G if the price appeals to them.

3. Apple iPhone 13

Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 13 next month, and it could probably be the iPhone you have been waiting for. The main highlight, at least on the design front, will be the smaller notch that will help the iPhone 13 (and the other models in the series) distinguish itself from its predecessor, which is important considering no other major design change is expected this year. The upcoming iPhone 13 is also rumoured to come with meaningful upgrades like a 120Hz display, A15 Bionic chipset, 25W fast-charging support, and a slightly bigger battery life compared to last year’s iPhone 12. The other iPhone 13 series specifications remain vague, but we can expect the handsets to come with improved cameras.

Apart from the standard model that we spoke about above, the iPhone 13 series will reportedly have three others models: the iPhone 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max. Like previous generations, the differences between the four models will likely be in screen sizes, number of camera sensors, and display quality. This way, iPhone 13 mini becomes the entry point into the 2021 Apple lineup while the iPhone 13 Pro Max will be the most premium option.

4. iQOO 8

iQOO might be a surprise name on the list for many, but it is hard to ignore a product that might give you the fastest available charging speed on a smartphone. The iQOO 8 is launching in a couple of weeks’ time, and without a doubt, the headline feature of this device is 160W fast charging support, the fastest you can get on a commercial handset.

Besides that, it is likely to be the first phone in the market to come with the new Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset. The device will also sport a Quad HD+ display that supports 1400 pixels resolution. And if that wasn’t enough to get your attention, iQOO is offering dual-curved edges around the display. If iQOO 8 can match up these features with a competitive price tag, the phone could give OnePlus 9 series, Realme GT, and other mid-range flagship phones a run for their money.

5. Realme GT 5G

Realme GT 5G is another phone that is making the news, not just because of its hardware prowess, but also for how much it could cost in India. As you might know already, Realme GT 5G comes powered by Snapdragon 888 SoC and all the signs suggest that in India, it could become the most affordable device to come with the flagship chipset. Realme has found its feet in the mid-range segment, but you can’t say the same for the brand when it comes to the premium bracket. But, Realme GT 5G can change that trend for good. So, buyers who need a reliable, powerful and yet affordable device, keep an eye on the upcoming Realme GT 5G, which is scheduled to launch in India on August 18th.

Special mention: Google Pixel 5a

While Google Pixel 6 series is unlikely to launch in India. The company would most likely bring the rumoured Pixel 5a to the market. How can we say that? Well, for starters, the handset has been certified by the FCC in the US. Additionally, while the company may have given up on the flagships in the country, the mid-range segment is still something it is keeping an eye on. Pixel 3a made its debut in India back in 2019. This was followed by Pixel 4a last year, which was well-received by Indian consumers. The biggest USP of a Pixel phone is, of course, its high-quality camera, stock Android experience, and fast software updates. So, bringing the Pixel 5a at more or less the same price as Pixel 4a for Indian consumers is a no-brainer and we can’t wait to hear more about this device from the company.