Best new phones 2017: New Android phones and iPhones you won't want to miss!
There are some brilliant smartphones coming our way in 2017. Before you upgrade, read the latest news and rumors on the best new phones including best new Android phones and best new iPhones.
Apple is set to go big on the iPhone's 10th anniversary, which could go some way to make up for this year's relatively minor upgrade. A combination of design and hardware changes should make the iPhone 8 the most radical new iPhone to date.
The iPhone 8 could be the iPhone with which Jony Ive finally gets his own way: an iPhone that resembles a single sheet of glass with an edge-to-edge OLED screen. According to an Apple supplier, at least one of the company's new iPhones for 2017 will have a glass body. The TouchID scanner is thought to be hidden within the glass, while the physical Home button will be gone.
Other rumors suggest the iPhone 8 will feature wireless charging for the first time and possible biometric features such as facial recognition or iris scanning. It'll run the Apple A11 processor and motion co-processor, and be devilishly fast.
One iPhone we won't see in 2017 is an upgrade to the iPhone SE, which Apple allegedly fears may hurt its iPhone 7 sales.
BlackBerry KEYone
BlackBerry KEYone release date: April 2017
Forget what you read, BlackBerry is not dead. The new KEYone, which will be available in April, runs Nougat 7.1 and resembles a thinner version of the BlackBerry Passport, retaining the clever under-keyboard touch trackpad to help navigate the screen and scroll through apps.
Although it has a mid-range Snapdragon 625 processor, its £499 price tag is anything but. Then again, those after the KEYone are unlikely to care. The BlackBerry brand elicits a fierce loyalty from its now small customer base.
Other specs include 32GB storage (with microSD support), 3GB RAM, and an unusual 4.5in screen with a 3:2 ratio.
Google Pixel 2 release date: October 2017
It's rather early to be talking about the Google Pixel 2, but we already know a few things to look out for. The next Google phone is said to include waterproofing an improved camera that excels with low-light photography. However, the price is likely to go up as a result - by at least $50.
We know that the new Google phone will run Android O, which is likely to be outed by Google at its I/O 2017 developers conference on 17 May. Allowing for a few months of various Android O betas, we'd expect to see the new Google Pixel 2 running the final version of Android O in October.
A recent concept video has suggested a Really Red model, though this may be no more than it poking fun at the recently launch Really Blue Google Pixel.
HTC 11
HTC 11 release date: 20 March 2017 (T5M)
HTC has launched its new phones at MWC in recent years, but skipped the show in 2016 and held its own event to unveil the HTC 10 (pictured). HTC was once again a no-show at MWC 2017, though the company is now teasing on social media that it has a surprise for us on 20 March. Please let it be the HTC 11!
If you thought the last two HTC flagships were a little boring, prepare to be blown away by the HTC 11. If true, it will have a Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, a higher-capacity battery with Quick Charge 4.0 and a 5.5in Quad-HD screen. That's a very high-end spec, so we'd guess that the entry model would have less storage at the very least.
Huawei P10
Huawei P10 release date: 26 February 2017, should be on sale in April
The Huawei P10 and P10 Plus are shiny, colorful and boast features ideal for selfie takers. Reminiscent of the Huawei P9 in design, the P10 has a few subtle changes, with the fingerprint scanner now at the front of the phone, and Dazzling Blue and Greenery color options. Those with a keen eye will also notice a new finish, which Huawei dubs the hyper-diamond cut, and is available on the dazzling blue and dazzling gold P10.
The P10's internals is almost identical to those of the Huawei Mate 9, which launched in November 2016. It uses the same Kirin 960 processor, Mali G71 GPU, the same amount of RAM (4GB) and even boasts the same amount of storage, at 64GB. It’s not a bad thing, though, as we described the performance of the Mate 9 as “blisteringly fast”. Those looking for more power can instead opt for the Huawei P10 Plus, which features 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
The standard Huawei P10 features a 5.1in Full HD IPS display, while the Huawei P10 Plus features a slightly larger 5.5in WQHD IPS display with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels.
LG G6
LG G6 release date: 26 February 2017, on sale 7 April (US) T5M
At MWC 2017 LG announced its latest flagship, the LG G6. The device boasts an impressive Quad HD 5.7in display with an aspect ratio of 18:9, taller than the standard 16:9. It ditches the modular design of 2016’s G5, instead opting for a metal and glass design with a non-removable battery, but keeps the excellent dual camera setup of its predecessor. It's also the first non-Google phone to come with the Google Assistant.
LG has confirmed the G6 will be available in Korea on 9 March, with the US to get the device on 7 April. At the time of writing, a European and UK release date is not confirmed. We expect it to also be in April.
Microsoft Surface Phone
Microsoft Surface Phone release date: T5M
Surface Phone rumors have been few and far between, leading some to think it's nothing more than a myth. But Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella last month raised the expectations of fans by saying that a Surface Phone could be "the ultimate mobile device".
Should it truly exist, the Surface Phone is expected to arrive in 2017, with a 5.5in Quad-HD AMOLED display, 4GB of RAM, 64- and 128GB storage options (with microSD support), a 64-bit Intel processor and 21Mp rear- and 8Mp front cameras. The Surface Phone could also get a Surface Pen and a USB-C port, and there's talk it could feature a foldable screen following a Microsoft patent for such a technology.
Microsoft is expected to hold an event in early 2017 to unveil its updated Surface Pro 5, so this is the next possible release date for the Surface Phone.
Moto G5 & G5 Plus
Moto G5 release date: 26 February 2017, Moto G5 on sale March 2017, Moto G5 Plus on sale mid-Spring
The Moto G family is well known for its extraordinary value, and that is set to continue into 2017. It makes our list not as one of the best-specified phones around, but as one of the best-value phones. In the UK the Moto G5 will be available with 2GB of RAM for £169, and with 3GB for £179. O2 will have an exclusive blue model.
Lenovo has given the new Moto G phones a more premium look, and the bold colors of previous models are gone. It has hints of the Moto Z - such as the protruding rear camera - but these are not modular phones and won't work with Moto Mods. You have a choice of two colors: lunar gray and fine gold.
The G5 Plus, which has a slightly larger 5.2in screen, uses the same camera as the Samsung Galaxy S7 (but without optical stabilization). It will shoot 4K video, while the G5 is limited to only 1080p, despite its higher pixel count.
The back of the G5 is removable, as is the battery, but the G5 Plus does not have the same feature, although its battery is slightly higher in capacity.
Nokia Android phones
Nokia Android phone release date: 27 February 2017, on sale Q2 2017
Nokia used to be the biggest and best-known mobile phone manufacturer, but in 2011 it made the fatal mistake of agreeing to produce only Windows phones. Fast-forward to 2014 and Nokia as we knew it was dead. But now Nokia is getting back into the mobile phone game, with the China-only Nokia 6 running Android announced in January. That phone is now coming to the UK, as well as two more Nokia Android phones: the Nokia 3 and Nokia 5.
Nokia Android phones are said to be different to rival Android phones in three main ways: through Nokia's relentless focus on the everyday experience, whether that is seen in the display or the camera; through its premium design and build quality that is present no matter where in the line-up a model sites, and through its use of the purest version of Android you have seen, with monthly security updates, fast Android platform updates and the implementation of the Google Assistant across the range.
OnePlus 4
OnePlus 4 release date: June 2017 (T5M)
OnePlus has just announced its OnePlus 3T, which is an upgraded version of the OnePlus 3 with a processor and battery boost, plus a new selfie camera. It's an improvement sure, but OnePlus 3 fans won't be in a rush to upgrade.
More exciting for OnePlus fans, then, will be the OnePlus 4 expected in May/June 2017. Its slightly later launch than other 2017 flagships could be a huge advantage this time around, meaning it could get the Snapdragon 835 while they are all stuck with the 821. We could also see the 5.5in full-HD display upgraded to a Quad-HD model.
Other rumors suggest the OnePlus 4 will come with 8GB of RAM, a 21- or 23Mp camera and a 3,500- to 4,000mAh battery with Dash Charge. One thing we're sure of is that it will run OxygenOS, a custom UI that will be based on Android 7.0 Nougat.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 release date: August 2017 (T5M)
Following the Note 7 problems, there are a lot of whispers about Samsung at the moment. The failure of the Note 7 has badly bruised its reputation, and it's hurt its bottom line. Some say it will look to mend its reputation by announcing the Note 8 in February 2017 alongside the Galaxy S8, while others say it will drop its Note line altogether. Samsung thinks differently, and it isn't about to give up on its second annual cash cow just yet. We'd expect to see the Note 8 in August 2017.
Surefire specs include a 5.7in Quad-HD or SuperAMOLED screen with S-Pen support, a powerful processor and RAM combo capable of the very best mobile VR experience, a dual camera, waterproofing and more.
Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S8 release date: 29 March 2017 launch, on sale 28 April 2017 (T5M)
Samsung traditionally holds an Unpacked event in which it unveils its new S-series flagship the day before MWC, but this year that event will take place on 29 March. The Galaxy S8 is apparently set to go on sale on 28 April. Also see: Galaxy S7 vs Galaxy S8 preview
For its now-discontinued Galaxy Note 7 Samsung merged its 'edge' and standard models, so we think we'll see the same with the merging of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Edge, with only the size differentiating the screens on the 5.8in Galaxy S8 and 6.2in Galaxy S8+.
A big change in the design will be the loss of the Home button, with the fingerprint scanner now found on the rear and at the front a virtually 'bezel-less' screen. The headphone jack is rumored to go too, with Samsung expected to favor USB-C for digital audio, though we think it unlikely.
When it arrives, you can expect the S8 to be the fastest phone money can buy, with a top-of-the-range Snapdragon 835 or Exynos processor and 6GB of RAM.
Samsung Galaxy X
Samsung Galaxy X release date: Q3 2017 (T5M)
The bendable phone will finally be a reality in 2017 if rumors are to be believed. Samsung is allegedly going to ship 100,000 units of its Galaxy X fold-out phone in the third quarter of this year, though expect it to be expensive.
The Galaxy X, previously known as Project Valley, is thought to be a smartphone with a dual-screen (one on each side) that folds out to reveal a 7in tablet. An 8in tablet that folds up into a 5in phone has also been rumored.
Key specs are said to include a 4K screen, the latest Snapdragon 835 processor, and dual cameras.
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Sony Xperia XZ Premium release date: Spring 2017
At MWC 2017 Sony introduced us to the XZ Premium, just six months after it announced the Sony Xperia XZ. One of the most interesting things about this phone is that it will run the Snapdragon 835, and the rest of the tech industry was under the impression Samsung had the exclusive on this chip until its Galaxy S8 launches on 29 March. Of course, the new XZ Premium isn't expected until the Spring, and this may be why.
Actually, that's not entirely fair, because the XZ Premium is an interesting phone. The top feature Sony is promoting is the large 5.5in screen, which is the first in a smartphone to feature 4K HDR. This sort of makes it a successor to the Z5 Premium, the first 4K phone.
Sony is known for some of the best phone cameras and it thinks the XZ Premium has one of the best ever put in a mobile. The resolution has dropped to 19Mp but the pixels are 19 percent bigger and the camera can shoot in a jaw-dropping 960fps super slow motion.
Snapchat Smartphone
Snapchat smartphone release date: (T5M)
Okay, let's be honest here, we're not actually entirely convinced that a Snapchat smartphone will ever exist, let alone become a reality in 2017. We think it more likely the company is working on a connected camera, but there is certainly talk of a Snapchat phone.
Parent company Snap has recently been on a hiring spree for several hardware positions, particularly in the mobile space, and of the 36 employees, it has hired since August 16 have previous experience from Motorola, seven from Apple, six from Google, three from HTC, and one each from Verizon and Nokia.
Should a Snapchat smartphone come to reality it will likely be the ultimate selfie phone, and perhaps the first phone to feature a 360-degree camera.
Xiaomi Mi 6
Xiaomi Mi6 release date: April 2017 (T5M)
The Mi 6, successor to the Xiaomi Mi 5 and Mi 5s, was originally expected to be announced at MWC in February. However, the company has said it won't be present at the show, claiming it has no new devices to launch. The timing is bang-on for a Mi 5 update, though, so we wonder whether it has more to do with the sudden departure of Hugo Barra, who will now become VP or VR over on Facebook. We still think the Mi 6 could launch in March, but perhaps without all the fanfare of MWC.
The phone is tipped to come in three versions, with the entry-level running MediaTek's latest deca-core Helio X30 chip, and the two higher devices running Qualcomm's brand-new octa-core Snapdragon 835, also expected to appear in the Galaxy S8, HTC 11, LG G6 and OnePlus 4.
We could see a new dual camera on the rear, and if rumors are to be believed the fingerprint scanner could be replaced with a retina scanner. The highest model in the range is thought to come with a dual-curved-edge screen, though all three have been tipped to fit Quad-HD OLED panels. If true, this will be the first time we've seen 2K screens on a Xiaomi phone.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL
New Pixel phones release date: 4 October 2016 (launch), 20 October 2016 (on sale)
The first phones 'Made by Google' (and actually made by HTC, but we won't worry about the details) are the new Google Pixel and Pixel XL. The Pixel XL will be especially interesting now that Samsung has discontinued its Galaxy Note 7 after it was unable to rectify the battery issues.
The Pixel and Pixel XL are in many respects the same phone, with a larger, higher-resolution screen, a higher-capacity battery and the price tag separating the two.
Headline features include the new Google Assistant, which allows for natural dialogue between Google and a user to get the information they need, a 12.3Mp camera that has won the highest ever rating from DXOMark Mobile and is supported by unlimited cloud storage for your original resolution (even 4K) video and photos, support for VR built-in and the new Google Duo video-calling app.
LG V20
LG V20 release date: 6 September 2016 (launch), End of September (on sale - in Korea, other markets to follow)
The successor to the LG V10 (which never actually made it to the UK), the V20 is set to be LG's second flagship of the year. More importantly, it is the first phone to run Android Nougat out of the box and, as LG itself teased before the launch, has a stellar audio experience shipping with a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC and B&O earphones.
As suspected, the V20 is not - like the company's LG-G5 - a modular phone. However, the 3,200mAh battery is removable, which will please many users. It also supports Quick Charge 3.0 over USB-C.
It's powered by the flagship-level Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM. There's 64GB of storage, plus up to 2TB expansion possible through microSD.
As before two screens feature, with a secondary always-on screen sitting above the 5.7in Quad-HD (256x1440, 513ppi) IPS Quantum Display main panel to offer alerts and notifications at a glance.
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