2014 is going to be a big year in the world of smartphones. This past year was full of high-profile releases from the world’s most important smartphone manufacturers but the eyes of technology enthusiasts are, for better or worse, permanently fixed on the horizon. Let’s take a look at five of the most hotly anticipated smartphones of 2014:
Samsung Galaxy S5
Existing more or less in the realm of speculation and rumor (for now), Samsung’s inevitable update to its flagship Galaxy line is sure to turn some heads in 2014. Most of the rumors so far indicate that the S5 will feature a best-in-class display, coming in at something like 2560 x 1440 pixels, or 560 pixels per inch. We can also likely expect a metal chassis unlike the earlier Galaxy models.
For some potential customers, the size of the new Galaxy smartphone might be a deal-breaker. If you’re more familiar with Apple’s line of svelte handhelds, the Galaxy S5 might prove to be more than a handful.
Sony Xperia Z2
Sony isn’t always named among the upper echelons of smartphone manufacturers. However, the Xperia Z2 looks like it’s going to continue Sony’s pursuit of Samsung and Apple’s shared throne at the top of the smartphone kingdom.
The biggest changes we’ll see with the Z2 model will likely have to do with form. The phone’s predecessor, the Z1, turned a few people off with its somewhat bloated physical design. Another point of concern might be Sony’s insistence on layering its own modified operating system on top of Android, making for a potentially frustrating experience for Android purists.
HTC One 2
When it comes to smartphones, appearance isn’t everything. Even so, HTC’s upcoming One is quite a looker. Seemingly taking a few notes from Apple’s design aesthetic, the HTC One 2 is made from an uninterrupted slab of aluminum. It also features a beautiful screen with exceptional pixel density.
Early rumors indicate that the HTC One 2 will lack the fingerprint scanner found on rival smartphones, thus causing users to miss out on the newest wave of identification solutions. However, it does include an upgraded user interface and operating system, causing many potential smartphone purchasers to consider it strongly.
LG G Flex
Apple is credited with plenty of innovations in the smartphone world, but LG might have beaten them to the punch with one particular breakthrough. The LG G Flex may very well be the first smartphone on the market to feature a curved glass display screen. Apple made the news recently when word broke that it was also looking into larger devices with curved screens, but it will be interesting to see if LG tackles this product achievement first.
When the G Flex arrives in 2014, its reception will be well worth noting – especially to other smartphone developers interested in pursuing a curved phone model. Whether the curved screen is a game-changing innovation or simply a clever gimmick may well have an industry-wide impact on smartphone design for years to come.
Apple iPhone 6
The next Apple smartphone, like others on this list, has yet to be formally announced. Interested parties are anticipating that the iPhone 6 may be larger in size than its predecessors, closing the gap with Samsung’s Galaxy series.
Apple’s next flagship smartphone may also feature a long-awaited first foray into hover-based touchscreens. This could allow users to interact with their phones differently depending on whether their finger is physically in contact with the screen or is hovering just off the surface. This could offer opportunities for new mobile gaming experiences, in addition to how users engage with social media platforms.
With so many smartphones projected for release in the new year, we may be looking at the official phasing out of non-smart mobile devices. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for mobile users to get the experience they want without smart capabilities, yet smart technology is still quite young. Our mobile experiences have evolved rapidly in just a few short years and we can only guess what exciting new innovations lay in wait for us in 2014. These 5 phones are enough to give us an idea, though, and the future is looking smart indeed.
