These are the best smartphones coming soon to India
In almost three months into 2018, we've seen some of the biggest smartphone launches, thanks to tech events like Mobile World Congress and Consumer Electronics Show. Especially at MWC-2018, several smartphone makers, including Samsung, Nokia, Sony, and ASUS, announced new handsets, giving an idea of what we can look forward to. Here are the top 11 smartphones expected to hit Indian shelves soon.
Samsung dominates MWC 2018 with latest Galaxy S9 duo
Samsung launched the 5.8-inch Galaxy S9 and 6.2-inch S9+ in India on 6 March, only days after the global launch. They will be released on 16 March; pre-bookings are open. They are powered by Samsung Exynos 9810 processor in India with better cameras, AR Emojis, Android Oreo OS, and water+dust resistance. The price of S9 starts at Rs. 57,900 while S9+, at Rs. 64,900.
Sony revives smartphone brand with Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Compact
Sony unveiled two Xperia devices at MWC-2018 -the high-end 5.7-inch Xperia XZ2 and the 5-inch Xperia XZ2 Compact- with all-new design language as the Japanese tech-giant finally addressed the issue of its "stale" smartphone designs. Xperia XZ2 duo is powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 845 SoC, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and Android Oreo experience. They are expected to be released around May in India.
Nokia's flagship Nokia 8 Sirocco likely to arrive in May
HMD Global launched the flagship Nokia 8 Sirocco with an all-new design at MWC. It sports a curved 5.5-inch edge-to-edge pOLED display with 95% of its surface covered by 3D Gorilla Glass 5. It's powered by Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It has 12MP+13MP dual rear-camera and 5MP selfie-camera. It would be released in April. It was launched €749 (Rs. 60,000).
The other two Nokia phones launched at MWC
HMD Global also launched Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 6 (2018) last month. The 5.7-inch Nokia 6 (2018) is powered by Snapdragon 630, 3GB RAM, and 3,000mAh battery. Nokia 7 Plus sports a 6-inch 18:9 display, powered by Snapdragon 660 with 4GB RAM. It has 12MP+13MP dual rear-camera. Nokia 6 (2018) is expected to start shipping in April, while Nokia 7 Plus, around May-June.
ASUS launches high-end Zenfone 5Z, Zenfone 5 (2018)
ASUS unveiled Zenfone 5Z and Zenfone 5 (2018) at MWC-2018; they are likely to be released in India in April. The premium Zenfone 5Z has a bezel-less display with a notch at the top like the iPhone X; it's powered by Snapdragon 845 SoC. Both Zenfone 5 and 5Z come with a 6.2-inch screen, 8MP front and 8MP+12MP dual rear cameras, and 3,300mAh battery.
Vivo unveiled X20 Plus UD with in-display fingerprint scanner
Chinese device maker Vivo announced the X20 Plus UD, the world's first smartphone with an under-display fingerprint sensor, at CES-2018 in January. The device features a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display. It's powered by Snapdragon 660 SoC paired with 4GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage. It packs a 12MP selfie camera and a 5MP+12MP rear camera. The smartphone is expected to be launched by March-end.
Another selfie-centric smartphone from OPPO revealed
Chinese device maker OPPO unveiled its OPPO A73 smartphone last year in China. It is expected to be released around April in India. It features a 6-inch 18:9 FHD+ display. The device is powered by MediaTek MT6763T SoC, 4GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage. The device has a 3,200mAh battery and houses a 16MP selfie shooter and a 13MP rear camera.
What about other unannounced smartphone launches?
Apart from the mentioned smartphones, many other devices, including flagships from Apple (three iPhones), Google (third-generation Pixel handsets), Samsung (Galaxy Note 9), and LG, could be launched in India this year. While OnePlus is expected to bring OnePlus 6/6T devices, Motorola could launch Moto X and Z series smartphones. Nokia and Xiaomi are also rumored to unveil several more new phones in 2018.
