Despite 2014 already being in its fifth month, there is still plenty more to come from an already exciting smartphone market this year. While there used to be just one or two major players, there is now a whole host of manufacturers looking to be the next big thing in the touch screen arena.
Smartphone technology is already increasing at a rapid pace, so it is no surprise that innovations and new releases are coming thick and fast. It is also a market that is growing, with Gartner revealing that 2013 saw smartphones surpassing the sale of feature phones worldwide for the first time ever. The technology accounted for 57.6 per cent of the market during quarter four, up from the 44 per cent share recorded during the same period in 2012.
So where should we look to next for the most exciting smartphone release?
Apple iPhone 6
Unsurprisingly, the Cupertino company is leading the charge with a new release. Following on from 2013’s iPhone 5 and 5s, this year will see the tech giants revealing the iPhone 6. The latest incarnation of the hugely popular iPhone is set to include an improved A8 processor, high-powered camera and the iOS 8 operating system.
While a familiar sized version of the phone will be released, there is also expected to be a slightly larger creation shipped out to shops all over the country. It is Apple’s attempt to move seamlessly into the phablet market, with this version set to offer a larger display for improved usage on the go.
Nokia Lumia 930
Nokia has had to change its approach in recent years. Once the go-to provider or mobile phones, the dawn of a new digital age has caused the Finnish firm to slip behind the competition. However, with the Lumia the brand has started to pick up some of the slack and once again become a player in the big leagues.
The Lumia 930 is the follow up to the 925 and is set to Microsoft’s latest 8.1 operating system, as well as the Cortana voice activated personal assistant system. It also includes a full HD five-inch touch screen and a 20MP camera. It could be available as soon as July this year. However, if you are still a fan of the simpler Nokia’s don’t despair! You can still find these phones at supermarkets like Sainsbury’s.
LG G3
LG has become a surprise player in the smartphone market. The G2 really announced the brand’s presence as a viable competitor and its follow up model is sure to continue this resurgence. The G3 features back mounted keys, like its predecessor, to make taking pictures with 13-megapixel rear-mounted camera simpler for users. Image stabilisation will help to ensure picture quality is at its pinnacle.
Early leaks suggest the screen will be made a bit larger, without making the size of the actual phone any bigger. The phone should get a proper unveiling later this month and could hit the stores as early as July 2014.
Samsung Galaxy K
Samsung is thought as the next big deal in the smartphone market behind Apple, with the Galaxy making real strides over its American rival. The Galaxy K comes with a pretty exciting addition, in the form of a full-professional quality 20.7 megapixel camera with 10x optical zoom. It even looks like a proper digital snapper. It will be delivered with the latest Android 4.4 (Kitkat) operating system as well as a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen, powered by an impressive processor.
Unnamed Amazon 3D phone
A rather secretive entry this one, but that’s perhaps what makes it all the more exciting. Amazon continues its quest for retail domination with the news it is set to release a new smartphone. With a release expected in June, the debut Amazon phone is said to feature ‘3D’ technology, using retina tracking technology and a quartet of cameras to create images that are almost like a hologram.
It will take advantage of Google’s Android operating system and use features seen in Amazon’s range of e-readers. It really could be a surprise package when it is finally fully unveiled. The as yet unnamed phone is touted to come with a 4.7-inch display with 720p resolution, in addition to a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and two GB of RAM.
With so many new phones primed and ready to be launched to the public, expect the touch screen tussle for customer affection to be fierce! Which one do you think will win your heart?
