India is experiencing premiumisation, especially when it comes to smartphones. According to Counterpoint Research, the premium segment of smartphones in India (phones above Rs 30,000) witnessed a 64% year-on-year (YoY) growth in 2023. So, if you are thinking of upgrading your mid-ranger with the latest flagship smartphone, then you have landed at the right place. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 5 flagship smartphones that should be looked out for in the rest of 2024.
5 Flagship Smartphones Coming in 2024
While 2024 has already seen some impressive flagship launches – the Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup, iQOO 12, OnePlus 12, and the Xiaomi 14 – the party’s far from over. The remaining months are jam-packed with even more innovative devices, with highly anticipated smartphones like the iPhone 16 series to the Google Pixel 2 Fold waiting to be unveiled. Here’s a glimpse of the top flagship smartphones gearing up to dominate the rest of 2024.
iPhone 16 Series
Like every year, Apple is set to unveil four new iPhones in 2024, namely the vanilla iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are said to receive a size jump of around 0.2 inches, whereas the display sizes for the non-Pro models are likely to stay unchanged.
Fortunately, the non-pro models are expected to support a high refresh rate, which is long-awaited. This means the upcoming iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will get Apple’s ProMotion display.
Moreover, Apple is also focusing heavily on AI this year. The latest iOS 18, set to debut with the iPhone 16 lineup, is said to incorporate generative AI features to enhance Siri and the Messages app in handling queries and auto-completing sentences.
Furthermore, Pro models like the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are expected to debut with the A18 Pro chipset. The non-Pro models could feature a fresh chipset, likely an upgraded version of the A17 chipset. This won’t be identical to the A17 Pro powering the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Google Pixel 9 Series
The search giant is expected to unveil three Pixel devices this year: the standard Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Early leaks suggest that Google is done with a visor-shaped camera module and with the Pixel 9 series. The company seems to be going with a wide-pill-shaped camera module. However, it will still possess that iconic Pixel look.
The upcoming Pixel 9 lineup will most likely draw power from Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chipset, which is reportedly codenamed Zuma Pro and said to bring minor upgrades over the Tensor G3 (codenamed Zuma). The devices are also expected to support up to 15W Qi2 wireless charging.
Moreover, the Pixel 9 lineup will run Android 15, which is expected to be announced at the Google I/O event, which is set to begin on May 14.
Google Pixel Fold 2
Google launched its first foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold in May last year. Now, rumours state that the tech giant is working on its successor. The leaked device images suggest that Google will skip the visor-like camera module with the forthcoming foldable. Instead, it will sport a rectangular camera island with rounded edges. The camera island will be placed at the top left of the smartphone, which will sport quad cameras and an LED flash.
As for the specifications, the Pixel Fold 2 could come with the Tensor G4 chipset, codenamed “zumapro,” paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung is all set to unveil its sixth generation of book-style foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It has already appeared on certification websites like the 3C, which reveals that the device will have 25W charging support.
Moreover, official-looking renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 have also surfaced giving a glimpse at the smartphone’s design. The upcoming foldable is said to feature flat edges and a boxy frame similar to the Galaxy S24 series. OnLeaks has also revealed the renders of the smartphone’s Dark Gray shade, which could be marketed as Phantom Black.
The next-gen foldable smartphone is expected to feature all the latest and greatest specifications, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and more. There could also be a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra model with S Pen support.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung is also setting the stage to unveil its clamshell foldable Galaxy Z Flip 6. It has also appeared on the 3C certification website with 25W charging support. Leaks suggest that the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6 will have a 3.9-inch cover display, which, if true, will be a significant upgrade over the current 3.4-inch cover display on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The primary display on the inside will likely remain unchanged at 6.7 inches.
Regarding processors, Samsung is expected to pack the mighty Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Interestingly, Samsung is said to offer 12GB RAM variants this time.
While most of the details about the upcoming flagships could become true, it’s best to take all the details with a pinch of salt and wait for official announcements.
