There are already plenty of smartphone upgrades debuting in 2023, with Samsung Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 11 5G expected to lead the new releases. Here’s what Samsung, Apple, OnePlus, and Google have in store.
Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup
What we expect: There should be some noteworthy upgrades to the Samsung Galaxy S23’s camera and design, as these have been a key focus for the South Korean tech giant. The upgrade could include a 200-megapixel image sensor, speculated to be in the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and protruding lenses instead of a camera bump.
Samsung Galaxy S23 will also have the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile chip with better power efficiency, upgraded AI, and ray tracing for improved game aesthetics.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
It will be interesting to see the 200-megapixel cam sensor in action. And the design tweak on the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 plus should look cleaner and sleeker without the rear camera bump.
Apple iPhone 15 lineup
What we expect: iPhone upgrades usually launch in September. For the first time, the new iPhone 15 will likely adopt USB-C type charging to align with the European Union’s new regulations.
A camera upgrade is likely, with a new processor upgrade to the A16 Bionic Processor. Apple could further differentiate the regular Pro and Pro Max screen sizes, with the latter having extra perks to entice shoppers.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
The iPhone’s adoption of the USB-C type charger has been long-anticipated. The iPhone, iPad, and Mac will conveniently use the same charger. Additionally, the supersized Pro Max will likely have more functionality similar to the iPad.
OnePlus 11 5G
What we expect: While this new release is already available in China, it will be launched globally on Feb 7. The phone features a 6.7-inch, 120Hz OLED screen and a much faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It comes with 100-watt fast charging, an upgrade from the 80W previous version. Unfortunately, the US model has a 65W cap.
The camera lineup includes a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide camera, and 32MP telephoto camera.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
OnePlus still has a reputation for releasing devices with high-end features, like superfast charging, at a reasonable price.
Google Pixel 7A
What we expect: There might be a cheaper version, the Pixel 7A, launching in the spring or summer, with some significant upgrades such as wireless charging and a screen with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz.
If the Pixel 7A follows suit with the Pixel 6A, it could feature the same Tensor G2 processor with the same camera setup that includes the wide and ultrawide sensors.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
The Pixel 7A offers value in the affordable phone market and might be under $500.
Google Pixel 8 lineup
What we expect: According to German tech blog WinFuture, there are two device releases codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky” with a powerful processor codenamed “Zuma”. The Google Pixel 8 will likely run on Android 14 with 12GB of RAM.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
The current Tensor chips have already enabled practical and useful features like the Face Unblur and Magic Eraser that improve photo quality. You can also add speaker labels to your transcripts in the Recorder app.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
What we expect: Following Galaxy A53 5G’s launch last spring, the new upgrade will likely have modest improvements. The upgrade will have a 6.4-inch screen with a triple rear camera.
A Galaxy Club report also suggests it could have a slightly larger battery than the A53 5G. It’s a great phone when shopping on a tighter budget.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
The Samsung A54 5G offers a well-rounded package at a modest price and might come with camera and processor upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
What we expect: The 5th generation of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold could have an S Pen stylus slot, a sleeker design, and a less noticeable crease, according to The Elec, which hinted at barriers that its predecessor must overcome.
Routine camera and processor improvements are likely features of the upgrade, besides software enhancements. You can also multitask on the lower half when the display is folded halfway.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
The S Pen Stylus pen is a worthy addition. But beyond that, Samsung could add more enhancements to bring foldable phones into the mainstream.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
What we expect: According to Ross Young, the Galaxy Flip 5 could have a larger cover screen, around 3 inches, with a new hinge design for a more subtle crease. There’s also a good chance that this upgrade will have better camera quality, software enhancements, and a new processor.
What’s exciting about the upgrade?
The larger cover screen is a big plus; the upgrade could also come with a longer battery life than its predecessor.
Overall
Most smartphone upgrades in 2023 are likely to focus on battery and charging improvements like fast charge capabilities and design and camera upgrades.
