Mobile World Congress (MWC) wrapped up last week after several days of relentless releases, with smartphones popping up all over the place. Here are nine new ones.
So much news emerged from MWC that it was hard to keep track of everything. Areas of concern such as fingerprint authentication re-emerged amid claims that clay modelling could undermine the whole process.
Elsewhere, the long-simmering rivalry between mobile networks and over-the-top (OTT) players like Google, Facebook and WhatsApp neared a boiling crescendo.
Selfies as payment methods were discussed, as was 5G and the new age of cars, with both heavily intertwined.
But, amid all the mayhem, smartphones, of course, were launched. Here are nine:
LG G5
If you have heard one thing about LG’s latest smartphone, it is that it’s ‘modular’. Basically, there are parts. You want a camera? Add on the LG Cam Plus cartridge-like extra, for example. It’s actually very clever, and a world away from other premium smartphones doing the rounds.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
The new Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge increase the design stakes from the S6s of last year, with 3D glass and better-utilised curves. Available in the US and UK with a free Gear VR headset from mid-March, they offer a better battery package, more durability and improved gaming capabilities.
CAT S60
What does your phone lack? Thermal imaging, perhaps. So here is the CAT S60, which looks a bit like a souped-up smartphone, a bit like how a gaming laptop looks in comparison to your standard variant.
The 13Mp camera is paired with a thermal read, so your heat reading has some shape and parameters. It’s waterproof, can handle some bangs and is quite cool all around.
Gionee Elife S8
Gionee is one of the lesser-known phone manufacturers on this side of the world, but it launched its S8 alongside a major rebrand of its operation. It has a few Apple-esque features, like 3D Touch and a pressure-sensitive display.
Xiaomi Mi 5
By far the most successful launch, Mi 5, Xiaomi’s latest device, is going to be huge. A flash sale begins tomorrow, with more than 14m people already signed up. Extraordinary figures.
Intex Aqua Fish
One of the smaller smartphones launched at MWC, the Intex Aqua Fish sports a 5in display, with cameras (8Mp and 2Mp) firmly positioned in the mid-range.
Zopo Speed 8
Another Asian manufacturer you may not know much about, Zopo’s new Speed 8 is the first-ever smartphone to use a deca-core (10) processor. It looks like a very impressive device.
Lenovo Vibe K5
Aimed at the more price-conscious shoppers, Lenovo’s K5 and K5 Plus don’t reach into the premium spectrum. Snapdragon 415 and Snapdragon 616 processors included in them, respectively, are hardly world-beating elements.
Sony Xperia X series
There were several Sony phones announced at MWC, with the X series finally revealed, alongside the more affordable XA series.
As usual, excellent camera and battery capabilities will be Sony’s primary selling point.
Main image via Shutterstock
