The best upcoming phones in 2023 & 2024

We have witnessed releases from the Samsung Galaxy S23, OnePlus 11, and Xiaomi 13 series, and there are more launches on the horizon in the next few months, including highly anticipated ones like the iPhone 15 series and Pixel 8 series.

Asus Zenfone 10 – from August 2023

The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and, like its predecessor from the previous year, strives to encapsulate flagship features within a significantly smaller and more robust body. This time around, it also benefits from the valuable inclusion of wireless charging. While the battery life doesn’t match that of larger devices (which is a matter of physics, I’m afraid), it’s still quite commendable. The dual rear camera performs well too.

If you’re in the market for a flagship phone but prefer a more compact size, this is probably the top choice available.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Z Flip 5 – August 2023

The Z Flip 5 is unquestionably the more thrilling option of the two, featuring a larger cover display that enhances the phone’s functionality when closed. It can even run full apps with optimized interfaces in this state.

In contrast, the Z Fold 5 has received more subtle enhancements. Nevertheless, both phones share the advantages of the latest Snapdragon processors and improved hinges that can now close completely flat.

iPhone 15 – from September 2023

In the upcoming release, we can anticipate the expansion of the new Dynamic Island design to the standard iPhone models. Meanwhile, the Pro Max variant might be rebranded as the iPhone 15 Ultra, accompanied by several additional improvements, including a redesigned telephoto camera and a new C-type charging port.

The Pro and Ultra models may also introduce a new customizable ‘action’ button. However, it’s worth noting that the previously rumored shift to haptic volume buttons has apparently been abandoned.

Honor Magic V2 – from Q3 2023

Upgrades include the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, improved triple camera, and stylus support, though the real highlight is the slim, lightweight design – this is both the thinnest and lightest large foldable phone yet.

Google Pixel 8 – from October 2023

Google’s next Tensor chip should power the phone, and otherwise expect new camera features and reportedly an infrared temperature sensor in the Pro model. And maybe finally some faster charging?

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – Expected from Q3 2023

Leaks point to a design that’s surprisingly similar to the mid-range Galaxy A54, and a phone powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 2200 chipset. The highlight is likely to be the camera, with all signs pointing to the S23’s main camera re-appearing here in a more affordable form.

Solana Saga – Expected from Q3 2023

The Solana Saga is the phone once known as the Osom OV1. The specifications are top-tier, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, a 6.67-inch OLED screen, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Additionally, it includes an extra ‘secure element’ to ensure the safety and security of financial data during cryptocurrency transactions and NFT minting.

OnePlus foldable – after Q3 2023

Leakers think this will be a large foldable, based closely on either the Oppo Find N2 or its Find N3 successor – the two companies now share R&D, so that’s no real surprise. That means we can expect something like a 7.1in folding display, flagship Snapdragon chip, and triple rear camera including an ultrawide and telephoto.

Microsoft Surface Duo 3 – from the end of 2023 or 2024

t’s too early to say exactly what to expect, beyond the obvious: better specs, a refined design, and more polished software. Rumours have pointed to an end to the dual-screen design and a shift to a classic foldable form factor, but that would be a first for Microsoft.

Xiaomi 14 – Expected from Q1 2024

Specific specs are unknown for now, though an upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is almost certain.

Leaks so far have also pointed to faster charging and bigger batteries, while we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pro and Ultra’s 1in main camera sensor trickle down to the regular model.

OnePlus 12 – Expected from Q1 2024

The first leaks point to a 6.7in QHD+ OLED display, the inevitable jump to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and a potentially exciting upgrade to a periscope zoom camera – which would be a first for OnePlus.

There’s a lot more that we still don’t know yet, but we expect to find out plenty more soon.

Oppo Find N3 Flip – Expected from Q1 2024

So far we don’t know what to expect from the next Oppo flip phone, though since it’ll only be the company’s second (despite the name) we think it’s likely we’ll see more evolution than revolution, so expect something fairly similar to the first gen.

Samsung Galaxy S24 – Expected from February 2024

It’s too early to say what’s coming, though an upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is likely. Rumours point to a faster refresh rate in the Ultra model too, and maybe tweaks to the telephoto.

Foldable iPhone/iPad – 2024/25

Rumors about a foldable iPhone have persisted since the inception of foldable display technology. Thanks to leaks and speculations, there is strong evidence to suggest that Apple is actively exploring the development of a foldable device, possibly an iPad, which is becoming increasingly plausible. Although many had initially anticipated a flexible iPhone, recent reports indicate that Apple might first venture into the foldable market with a larger iPad. It appears we may need to exercise patience for a foldable iPhone, but if Apple can refine the technology during this time, the eventual wait may indeed prove worthwhile.