Best Upcoming Phones in the UK – 2023
2023 is a consequential year for smartphones, with notable releases including the Samsung Galaxy S23, OnePlus 11, and Xiaomi 13 series. More best upcoming phones, such as the iPhone 15 and Pixel 8, are expected. Moreover, Android 14 and iOS 17 will bring necessary software upgrades too.
The chipsets powering the majority of flagship phones in 2023 have been announced. These include the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. These chipsets offer features like hardware-enabled ray-tracing for gaming and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. We have already witnessed the release of the first phones with these chipsets, and more are expected to arrive throughout the year. Early rumors are circulating about the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 later this year.
Continue reading to make sure your next smartphone purchase doesn’t lead to immediate regret and a lengthy contract commitment. Keep in mind that you might have the option to upgrade your contract early.
Pro tip: With the upcoming release of new and best phones, the prices of outgoing models will drop, and you will be able to easily get great deals. If you think, “not having the latest technology” can’t bother you, take a look at our recommendations for the best phones currently available in the market.
Best Upcoming Phones of 2023
Huawei Mate X3 – This Best Upcoming Phone Will be On Sale on 26 May
Huawei has introduced its latest foldable smartphone, the Mate X3, to the European market along with the P60 Pro. The P60 Pro is currently available for purchase, but the foldable Mate X3 will be released in stores on May 26th, though with a charming price tag of £1,999.
The Mate X3 marks a return to the outstanding ‘book’ foldable design, similar to the rest of the industry and the Mate X2.
According to Huawei, the Mate X3 is not only the thinnest foldable smartphone to date but also has an IPX8 water-resistance rating, making it highly durable. Additionally, its camera competes with those found in many flagship devices and has the potential to be the best among all foldable currently available.
Motorola Razr 40 – Expected On Sale on 1st June
On June 1st, Motorola is going to unveil not just one, but two new styles of its iconic Razr flip phone.
Rumors suggest that the upcoming models are named the Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra. In a leaked image, the Ultra variant is drawn on the left, featuring a large cover screen that extends across the entire top side of the phone.
The world on the street suggests that both models will offer vegan leather finishes and dual cameras. The Ultra variant, in particular, is expected to be equipped with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, a high refresh rate inner display, and exciting new features that take advantage of the additional screen space on the outside.
Google Pixel Fold – Another Best Upcoming Phone Expected On Sale in June
During Google’s annual I/O conference on May 10th, the Pixel Fold was unveiled, providing an encyclopedic look at the device. Pre-orders for the phone are currently available, with shipments scheduled for sometime in June.
Featuring the same Tensor G2 chip as other Pixel devices, the Pixel Fold combines a triple rear camera setup with a smooth design that is confluent with the Pixel 7 series.
The key challenge lies in how well Google has governed its control over the Android ecosystem to enhance the optimization of apps for larger screens. The success or failure of the Pixel Fold could depend on this crucial aspect.
Sony Xperia 1 V – Expected On Sale on 29th June
The Sony Xperia 1 V has been officially announced and will be available for sale in the UK starting from June 29th. However, it comes with a charming price tag of £1,299.
The design of the phone bears a striking resemblance to last year’s Xperia 1 IV, but it has received several noteworthy upgrades. The major enhancement comes in the form of a brand-new custom camera sensor for the primary camera, while the transition to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is also a welcome improvement.
Although there have been some minor adjustments in other areas, the main takeaway is that the device offers increased power and an enhanced camera.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra – Another Best Upcoming Phone Expected in 2023
Xiaomi has disclosed the highly anticipated Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which will be released internationally in the “next few months.” This marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first Ultra model from Xiaomi to be available outside of China.
The standout feature of the phone is its massive camera setup, consisting of four 50MP lenses. The main lens includes a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor with a variable aperture, while the ultrawide, 3.2x telephoto and 5x periscope lenses utilize IMX868 sensors.
The device has flagship features such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance, a display with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, and fast 90W charging. This combination positions it as one of the most powerful phones currently available in the market.
To learn more about the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, you can explore further details about the device. Alternatively, you can read a detailed review of the 13 Ultra, where we share our impressions after testing the Chinese model of the phone.
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Realme GT 3 – Expected On Sale in Q2 2023
Realme has made the official announcement of its GT 3 crown jewel, a device that was initially unveiled in late February and is scheduled to be available for sale in May or June.
The dropline feature of the device is its 240W fast charging, a capability also found in Realme’s China-exclusive GT Neo 5 (essentially the same phone with a different name). Realme contains a quick 30-second charge that can provide two hours of call time, while a four-minute charge can fill up half of the battery. A full charge can be achieved in just under ten minutes.
In addition to its impressive charging capabilities, the phone offers a 144Hz AMOLED display, and a 50MP camera, and is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. An interesting and unique feature is the rectangular RGB light positioned next to the camera on the rear, which is used for displaying notifications and alerts.
Stay updated on the latest news about the Realme GT3, or check out our in-depth GT 3 review to discover our thoughts and insights based on our hands-on experience with the device.
Solana Saga – Expected On Sale in Q2 2023
The Solana Saga is the smartphone formerly known as the Osom OV1. Originally planned as the inaugural device from startup Osom, it underwent a rebranding after partnering with blockchain company Solana. This collaboration transformed the phone into a web3 handset.
The Solana Saga has high-end specifications, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, a 6.67-inch OLED screen, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Notably, it also includes an additional “secure element” to ensure the safety and security of financial information during cryptocurrency transactions and NFT minting.
OnePlus Nord 3 – Expected On Sale in Q2 2023
The upcoming mid-range OnePlus smartphone is rumored to feature an enhanced 150W charging specification, allowing for a full charge in just 15 minutes. Additionally, it is expected to come equipped with a new Dimensity 8100 chipset and a larger 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The camera specifications are not predicted to change significantly, as it is expected to retain the same 50MP IMX766 main camera as the Nord 2. It will be accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Z Flip 5 – Expected On Sale in August 2023
Samsung has decided to launch its Z Flip foldable smartphones in August each year, which leads us to look for the unveiling of the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 around that time.
Currently, there is limited information available regarding what to expect from the upcoming models. However, it is highly likely that there will be an upgrade to the next-generation Snapdragon chipset. While improvements in camera and battery performance would be appreciated, the question remains whether there will be a significant redesign to accompany these enhancements.
You May Want To Read: Sony Xperia 1 V Review: Trying To Reach The Market Giants
iPhone 15 – Expected On Sale in September 2023
Although Apple has not made any official announcements regarding the iPhone 15, based on the company’s historical pattern, it is highly likely that we can expect its release in September.
Speedy rumors indicate that the new Dynamic Island design might be extended to the regular iPhone models this time. Additionally, there are speculations that the Pro Max version could be rebranded as the iPhone 15 Ultra, offering undisclosed additional upgrades.
Nothing Phone (2) – Expected On Sale in Q3 2023
Nothing has started to build its second smartphone, describing it as a “more premium” device that will be powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. The release of this handset is expected to take place during the summer.
Currently, the available information is limited. Considering that the initial model was launched in July, it is reasonable to anticipate that the follow-up won’t be unveiled before that timeframe.
The main question that arises is whether the company will choose to update the phone’s unconventional design or follow a similar approach to the second-generation Ear (2) headphones by maintaining an identical aesthetic.
OnePlus foldable – Expected On Sale in Q3 2023
According to rumors, OnePlus is reportedly developing its first foldable smartphone, and the company has recently hinted that its unveiling is expected to take place in Q3 of 2023. Some speculations even suggest a potential launch in August.
Recent leaks suggest the possibility of two phones in the works, closely resembling the Oppo Find N2 and Find N2 Flip. Given the shared research and development between the two companies, this comes as no surprise. As a result, we can expect features such as a folding display around 7.1 inches in size, a flagship Snapdragon chipset, and a triple rear camera setup that includes an ultrawide lens and telephoto lens on the larger model.
Regarding the naming, current folks suggest the possibilities of ‘OnePlus V Flip’ and ‘OnePlus V Fold.’ However, it’s important to note that these are purely speculative at this stage.
Asus Zenfone 10 – Expected On Sale in Q3 2023
Traditionally, Asus normally release updates to its flagship Zenfone series during the summer season. Therefore, it is expected that the Zenfone 10 will likely be launched sometime in the third quarter of this year.
The information obtained from leaks so far brings about some surprises: it appears that Asus is planning to diverge from the compact form factor that distinguished the Zenfone 9 and instead opt for a larger display, aligning with the trend seen in other high-end smartphones.
If these reports turn out to be accurate, such a change in design would offer notable benefits, such as a larger battery and improved camera system, potentially featuring a main camera with an impressive resolution of 200MP.
Google Pixel 8 – Expected On Sale in Q3 2023
Concrete rumors regarding the upcoming Pixel flagship phones are currently scarce, but it’s highly likely that we can expect their release in October 2023. This assumption is based on the fact that every previous Pixel flagship has been launched in October, making it a relatively safe bet.
The upcoming Google flagship phone is expected to be powered by the next-generation Tensor chip. Along with that, anticipate the introduction of new camera features and potentially a refreshed design. Additionally, there is a possibility of improved charging capabilities, providing faster charging speeds.
Microsoft Surface Duo 3 – Expected On Sale in Q3 2023 OR Feb 2024
To date, Microsoft has introduced two varieties of its unique dual-screen foldable device. We can expect the arrival of the Duo 3, following its predecessors, either in late 2023 or early 2024.
At this stage, it is premature to provide specific details about what to expect from the upcoming release. However, it is reasonable to predict improved specifications, a more refined design, and further enhancements to the software. There have been rumors suggesting a departure from the dual-screen design in favor of a traditional foldable form factor, although this would mark a significant change for Microsoft.
Since its initial release, the Duo 2 has made significant progress and improvements. Considering this positive trajectory, we remain optimistic that Microsoft has the potential to deliver something remarkable with the upcoming device.
Samsung Galaxy S24 – Expected On Sale in January 2024
Samsung is known for its consistent updates to the flagship S-series, typically unveiling new models around February each year. Based on this pattern, it is expected the arrival of the Galaxy S24 in February 2024 or around that timeframe.
At this early stage, specific details about the upcoming features are not yet available. However, it is probable that the Galaxy S24 will receive an upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. There have been rumors suggesting a higher refresh rate for the Ultra model and potential improvements to the telephoto camera as well. As more information becomes available, a clearer picture of the device’s capabilities will emerge.
iPhone SE 4 Expected On Sale in March 2024
Based on Apple’s recent pattern, it appears that the budget-friendly iPhone SE follows a biannual release schedule. Considering the previous models released in 2020 and 2022, it is unlikely that the next iteration will be unveiled until early 2024.
One of the most significant uncertainties lies in whether Apple will transition to a full-screen design for the iPhone SE, eliminating the Home Button entirely. If this transition occurs, it raises the question of whether Face ID will be included in the SE for the first time, offering a new biometric authentication process.
It is important to consider that certain rumors have indicated the cancellation of the iPhone SE 4, which introduces the possibility that the device may not be released at all.
Foldable iPhone/iPad Expected On Sale in June 2024
Speculations surrounding a folding iPhone have kept going since the advent of foldable display technology. However, recent leaks and rumors have provided compelling evidence that Apple is actively developing a foldable device, potentially a foldable iPhone or even an iPad, which is increasingly gaining credibility.
According to several analysts, the expected technology could make its debut in either 2024 or possibly the following year. While initial expectations centered around a flexible iPhone, recent reports indicate that Apple might instead introduce a larger folding iPad as a preliminary step. This strategy could allow Apple to refine the technology further before unveiling a foldable iPhone. If Apple succeeds in perfecting the technology during this extended timeline, the eventual release will likely be worth the wait.
