iPhone 8, Galaxy S8, Mi 6 and others: Flagship smartphones to watch out for in 2017

2016 was the year of smartphones and we were spoilt for choices. The year 2017 looks even more promising as we've already got a sneak peek into what some of the big players could probably offer. Let's take a look at them one by one.

Apple iPhone 8

Apple is rumoured to launch three new iPhone models next year namely iPhone 7s, iPhone 7s Plus, and the iPhone 8 also dubbed as Ferrari. While the 7s models are expected to be in line with the iPhone 7 with certain changes, the iPhone 8 is the big 'anniversary' surprise package. It will come with a complete design overhaul and the company's plans of an edge-to-edge OLED display is no secret. It will come with high-end abilities like wireless charging and probably a dual camera setup too. But, the iPhone 8 aka Ferrari isn't just about changes on the outside, but will also come with major internal changes. The company reportedly plans to break the logic board into discrete units connected by flex cable. The SIM tray could be moved to the bottom of the device to make room for other components. 

Samsung Galaxy S8

After the Note 7 fiasco, Samsung has to ensure it doesn't go wrong with the Galaxy S8. The alleged Galaxy S8 that has been popping its heads in the form of leaks and rumours is likely to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress next year, followed by an April launch. Samsung has reportedly planned two variants of the S8 - a 5-inch model and a larger 6-inch model. Sporting AMOLED display, both would get the latest Nougat flavour and come powered by the most powerful Snapdragon 835 (more details of the 835 may be revealed at the CES 2017) or Exynos 8895. Other specs include 8GB RAM, a Beast mode to harness maximum power of the device and the larger variant may also support a stylus. 

Xiaomi Mi 6

Xiaomi Mi 6, successor to the Mi 5, is expected to be launched around February-March. It is expected to come powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 SoC, just like the Samsung Galaxy S8. However, there are conflicting reports that claim Samsung's smartphone will be the first to come with the powerful processor. The Mi 6 is expected to sport a 23MP rear snapper while some reports suggest a dual camera setup of 16MP + 16MP. A 5.2-inch display with 2.5D curved glass, Quick Charge, 4GB RAM are some of the other rumoured features. Xiaomi is known to offer superior specs at jaw dropping prices, and we next the Mi 6 to be no different. 

LG G6

LG hasn't had a great 2016, but looks like the company is looking for hope by launching its flagship G6 way before the Samsung Galaxy S8, taking advantage of the Note 7 debacle. A 5.3-inch display, fingerprint scanner, wireless charging and a unibody design with no modules is what you can expect. 

Others

Besides, HTC is also expected to launch three phones in Q1 2017. However, there has been no word about a successor to the HTC 10 yet. But we did hear about the One X10, which should be a follow up to the One X9 launched in 2015. Considering the HTC 10 launched in April, a successor can be expected around the same time, that is if HTC plans on launching one. 

Nokia's leaked roadmap for 2017 showed 5 new devices. So, the rumoured Nokia D1C could be accompanied by four more models. However, no information is available on these devices and the D1C doesn't seem like a flagship. This may be a far fetched thought with absolutely no detail or word out, but the successor to the celebrated OnePlus 3 is something we are definitely waiting to hear about. And, we certainly hope a OnePlus 4 is the making. 

• Smartphones
• Smartphones 2017
• iPhone 8
• Galaxy S8
• Xiaomi