Best Upcoming Smartphones in India 2016-2017

Last Modified On: 06 May, 2016

2015 has been quite promising in the smartphones segment with some really good devices being brought out in the Indian market in the first two quarters. With the upgrades that have been given to smartphones in the last quarter, it seems that 2016 will have greater prospects for high-end flagship devices, budget smartphones and feature specific mobile phones.

Probably the best part about the upcoming smartphones in India is the anticipation of new features in a budget friendly offering. This is what gets smartphone users in India pretty excited. But if the features, appeal and style quotient justify the price, then there is no problem in purchasing the mobiles. From the reported leaks of upcoming smartphones, and the general speculations by tech experts, the second half of 2016 could witness the launch of some amazing smartphones with top of the line features and next gen functionalities like fingerprint authentication.

Check out the following best upcoming smartphones (mobile phones) in India in 2016-2017.

Apple iPhone 7

The launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus caused quite a stir in the market with its new design, large screen size and the best features that Apple has produced till date. Well, things are going to go up by several notches in 2016 with the launch of iPhone 7. Yes, this device is highly anticipated to sport some stunning features, including a completely waterproof body which would be a first for the company. If this feature comes out, then it will give direct competition to Sony’s line of waterproof smartphones. The waterproof ability will also be a first for the company and it will definitely be received well by the customers.

According to the rumours, the iPhone 7 will also have a thinner body (6mm) that will be made possible with the alleged removal of the 3.5mm audio jack. This will make the iPhone 7 the slimmest devices in the history of the company. It is being expected that the removal of the audio jack will probably be compensated with the use of a new set of headphones that will make use of the lightning port on the device. The only other alternative would be to connect the headphones wirelessly.

In terms of charging capability, the iPhone 7 will definitely get a much needed upgrade with inductive charging. The problem with the technology is that previously it could not transfer power through metal. But thanks to Qualcomm’s WiPower technology, announced in late July, all metal handsets can score wireless charging. This will definitely be a major addition to the new iPhone.

This upcoming smartphone in India will create uproar in the market when it is released. The features and the possible technologies that are being guessed for the new iPhone will surely raise the bar if they are implemented. The iPhone 7 is definitely one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2016.

Key Specs

• Processor: 16nm Apple A10 chipset, manufactured by TSMC

• Display: 4.7-inch Force Touch, but likely with a QHD display of 2560 x 1440 resolution

• Memory: 2 GB RAM

• Storage: 32, 64, 128, and 256GB

• Camera: Primary (12MP, 4K video recording, optical image stabilization), Secondary (5MP with wide angle lens)

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, NFC (Apple Pay only), Bluetooth v4.1, A2DP, LE, USB Type C, reversible connector, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS.

• OS: iOS 10

• Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 1810 mAh battery (6.9 Wh)

• Dimensions: 138.1 x 67 x 6 mm

• SIM: Nano SIM (e-SIM)

• Colour Variants: Silver, Gold, Space Grey and Rose Gold

• Expected Availability: September, 2016

Apple iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 Plus will obviously be a larger device with similar features as the iPhone 7. However, size is not the only difference. It is anticipated that the device will feature 3GB of RAM which will take the performance to a whole new level. Plus, the sleek design of the body will also be a major plus point for the brand. After all, a 5.5 – 5.7 inch device with a slim design and faster performance will definitely woo Apple fans.

Just like the iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus will have inductive charging capabilities, force touch, and the latest iOS version. This upcoming smartphone in 2016 will compete with Android devices that have large screen sizes. Although, from a specs perspective, it might not seem as attractive as the feature heavy devices that are hitting the market. However, this should appeal to those customers who have already purchased the iPhone 6 Plus and are satisfied with the product.

Key Specs

• Processor: 16nm Apple A10 chipset, manufactured by TSMC

• Display: 5.5-inch Force Touch, but likely with a QHD display of 2560 x 1440 resolution

• Memory: 3 GB RAM

• Storage:32, 64, 128, and 256GB

• Camera: Primary (12MP, 4K video recording, optical image stabilization), Secondary (5MP with wide angle lens)

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, NFC (Apple Pay only), Bluetooth v4.1, A2DP, LE, USB Type C, reversible connector, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS.

• OS: iOS 10

• Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 1810 mAh battery (6.9 Wh)

• Dimensions: 158.1 x 77.8 x 6 mm

• SIM: Nano SIM (e-SIM)

• Colour Variants: Silver, Gold, Space Grey and Rose Gold

• Expected Availability: September, 2016

Samsung Galaxy S7

The next iteration to Samsung’s S series is highly awaited and this time, you can expect Samsung to come out with high end features to capture the market share. This upcoming smartphone in 2016 would have either a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 processor or an Exynos 8 Octa 8890Octa Core processor. This will be backed by an Adreno 530 high end GPU which will be responsible for providing high end graphics and superior performance.

In terms of design, the Galaxy S7 will be similar to the S6. However, the Galaxy S7 Plus is expected to be larger with a display size of 6 inches. Samsung will probably bring out the “edge” variant for this smartphone which is being expected to have more curves, especially at the top and bottom ends. Plus, the battery will be bigger in the Samsung Galaxy S7. Since this is expected to come out pretty soon, you can expect a lot of rumours in the market which will be silenced only when the product actually comes out.

Key Specs

• Processor: Quad-core 2.3 GHz + Quad Core 1.6 GHz Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820/ Exynos 8 Octa 8890Octa Core with Adreno 530/ Mali-T880 MP12 GPU

• Display: 5.1 inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors (1440 x 2560 pixels (~576 ppi pixel density)) with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection and force touch display

• Memory: 4 GB RAM

• Storage: 32 GB / 64 GB / 128 GB, expandable up to 200 GB via SD card.

• Camera: Primary (phase detection autofocus, OIS, dual-LED (dual tone) flash), Secondary (dual video call, Auto HDR)

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth v4.2, A2DP, LE, apt-X, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NFC, Infrared Port, and microUSB v2.0

• OS: Android OS, v6.0 (Marshmallow) with Samsung TouchWiz UI

• Battery: Non-removable

• Dimensions: 143.4 x 70.8 x 6.9 mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.27 in)

• Weight: 166 g (5.86 oz)

• SIM: Nano SIM

• Colour Variants: Silk White, Sandstone Black

• Expected Price: Between INR 50,000 and INR 58,000

• Expected Availability: February, 2016

Sony Xperia Z6

The new Sony Xperia Z6 series will sport the upcoming Snapdragon 820 64-bit SoC which contains four custom cores named Kryo. These four Kryo cores are going to be clocked at 2.2 Ghz and built on 14nm process. If reports are to be believed, then the new Kryo cores give 2 times the performance of Snapdragon 810 and also 2 times more power efficient than SD 810. Not only is the Xperia Z6 one of the most highly awaited upcoming smartphones of 2016, but also one of the most promising in terms of innovative features and design.

If rumours are to be believed, then Sony might be bringing the world’s 1st 4K smartphone and bringing with it one of the best camera experiences yet to be seen. Plus, there is a possibility of eye sensing technology in the new smartphone. A 3D rendered display could also be a possibility considering that most manufacturers are focusing on this technology to up the ante. The new Snapdragon Qualcomm 820 processor, if implemented in the Z6, will get rid of the heating issues that were reported for the previous versions.

We can expect a confirmation on the features in Q2, 2016. Till then, we can only rely on speculations and industry trends to determine the features and technologies that will come with the Xperia Z6. In terms of variants, Sony will probably follow its usual approach and come out with Xperia Z6, Xperia Z6 Compact, and Xperia Z6 Premium.

Key Specs

• Processor: Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 820 with 4 Custom Kryo Cores clocked at 3.0 Ghz

• Display: 4.6”, 5.2”, and 5.6” 4K display with a 4096 x 2160 screen resolutionwith Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection

• Memory: 4 GB RAM

• Storage: 32 GB / 64 GB (internal), expandable via microSD card

• Camera: Primary (25 MP, 5520 х 4140 pixels, phase detection autofocus, LED flash), Secondary (7 MP, 1080p@30fps)

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot, Bluetooth v5, A2DP, apt-X, GPS with with A-GPS, GLONASS/ BDS, NFC, FM Radio with RDS and micro-USB (Type-C), 4G LTE

• OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

• Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3750 mAh battery

• Dimensions: 146 x 72 x 7.3 mm (5.75 x 2.83 x 0.29 in)

• Weight: 154 g (5.43 oz)

• SIM: Nano SIM

• Colour Variants: White, Graphite Black, Gold, Green

• Expected Price: INR 50,000 approx

• Expected Availability: June, 2016

LG G5

LG has already made quite an impression with the G4 and its previous versions. The LG G5 is going to be the big daddy of all smartphones with some really promising features being expected from it. To start with, the upcoming smartphone in 2016 will now come with iris eye recognition technology. This technology can detect your Retina up to 50 centi-meters distance. Now you can control your smartphone with your eye. Isn’t that cool?

The 64 bit Qualcomm 820 processor is the fastest one at present moment and far advanced than Exynos big.Little octa-core processor. Plus, the 4GB RAM will ensure that this device turns out to be a massive powerhouse with high performance. It will also have fast internet connectivity with 4G LTE CAT9 data transfer speed (450 MB/Sec) to your mobile device. If you are worried about the device running out of power, then don’t worry. LG might bring a 4000 mAh battery for the device. Coupled with a fast charging capability, the LG G5 will not fail to impress you with its superior features and excellent performance.

In terms of overall design, the LG G5 will feature a premium metal body design with a slimmer and meaner look. Plus, the True HD display will allow users to experience high quality viewing in high definition at superior resolution. In keeping with the market trend, LG won’t leave behind the fingerprint sensing technology which could keep the flagship phone amongst the top phones in the market. Even the camera on this device features really high quality image capturing and processing capabilities. If you want a high performance smartphone, then make sure you buy the LG G5 when it releases in February, 2016.

Key Specs

• Processor: 64 bit Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 with Adreno 530 GPU

• Display: 5.6 inch IPS LCD capacitive touch screen, 16M colors, 1440 x 2560 pixels (~525 ppi pixel density) and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection

• Memory: 4 GB RAM

• Storage: 64 GB, expandable up to 200 GB via microSD card

• Camera: Primary(16 20 MP, laser autofocus, OIS, LED flash), Secondary (8 MP, 1080p@30fps)
  Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot, Bluetooth v4.1, A2DP, NFC, microUSB v2.0 (SlimPort 4K), Type-C reversible connector, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS

• OS: Android OS, v6.0 (Marshmallow) with LG Optimus UX 5.0 UI

• Battery: 4000 mAh Li-ion battery with fast charging

• Dimensions: 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3 – 9.8 mm

• Weight: 155 g (5.47 oz)

• SIM: Micro SIM

• Colour Variants: Grey, White, Gold, Leather Black, Leather Brown, Leather Red, White/Gold

• Expected Price: INR 28,000 approx

• Expected Availability: February, 2016

Project ARA

Project ARA first came into limelight when a Dutch designer Dave Hakkens came with a new design by the name of Phonebloks. This works on the basic concept of assembling and attaching different components as per our preferences and coming up with a truly versatile and extremely customizable phone. The device is made of up of different components and you can easily change it with a better component if the current configuration doesn’t suit your taste. Although Google is actively involved in the development of Project ARA, it is not going to be another Nexus device.

The phone will run Android OS, but the focus is being maintained on the overall concept and identity of the design, rather than labelling it as another Android / Nexus device. Not only will this design help to reduce electronic waste, but you would also not be compelled to sell your phone just to get a better version. You can mix and match different modules and come up with your personalized smartphone.

The launch dates are not clear as of now. Paul Eremenko, the Project Ara director, has stated that a “market pilot” for Project Ara is being conducted in the second half of 2015 in Puerto Rico. This test will reveal valuable insights that would help developers to fine tune the performance of the device prior to a commercial launch. The developers are concerned about the possibility of customers getting worried over the “abundance” of choice that would be offered in the form of various module configures for the device. If everything goes well, then we can expect this device to hit the market later this year.

Key Specs

• Expected Price: INR 12000

• Expected Availability: Late 2016

OnePlus 3

After the release of the OnePlus 2, fans of this amazing smartphone are eagerly waiting for the next iteration of the flagship killer. The latest leak tips that the next OnePlus flagship smartphone will pack an improved and bigger battery than its predecessor. The first thing that you will notice in the upcoming smartphone is an improved and larger battery which should be around 3500mAh. There is also the probability of the inclusion of “Smart Dash”, a proprietary fast charging technology by OnePlus. The feature was to be the company’s take on Oppo’s VOOC, Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, and Samsung’s Fast Charge technology.

Apparently, the upcoming iteration of the OnePlus smartphone will be offered in two variants, 4GB of RAM with 32GB inbuilt storage, and another 6GB of RAM and 64GB inbuilt storage. However, the most interesting aspect of the smartphone apart from the obvious enhancements is the possibility of a new design. This should boost sales and help the company to gain a larger share of the market.

Key Specs

• Processor: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo & dual-core 1.6 GHz Kryo with Adreno 530 GPU

• Display: 4.7-inch Force Touch, but likely with a QHD display of 2560 x 1440 resolution

• Memory: 4 GB / 6 GB RAM

• Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB

• Camera: Primary (16 MP, f/1.8, OIS, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash), Secondary (8 MP, f/2.0, 1080p)

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, NFC (Apple Pay only), Bluetooth v4.2, A2DP, LE, USB Type C, reversible connector, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS.

• OS: Android OS, v6.0 (Marshmallow)

• Battery: Non-removable 3500mAh

• SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

• Colour Variants: Black

• Expected Availability: Q4, 2016

• Price: INR 20517.42 (32 GB version), and INR 25646.77 (64 GB version)

Moto G4 (4th Gen)

This highly awaited upcoming smartphone in India in 2016 is all set to release in May this year. Specifically, the phone (in all probabilities) will launch on 17th May. This has caused an uproar in the market with smartphone users eagerly anticipating the release of the Moto G4. Coming to the technical specs, there is a possibility of the inclusion of a 3GB RAM in the smartphone. Considering the current competition in the market, specifically the price range within which the smartphone lies, it is very likely that the RAM could be upgraded.

According to a recent teaser video about the Moto G4, the camera might be improved considerably. We can also expect the device to come integrated with a fingerprint scanner and an improved battery. The upgrades will more or less be in line with the trends that are happening across the industry. However, the true worth of the smartphone will be evident once the phone is released.

Key Specs

• Processor: 64 – bit Octa-Core processor with Adreno 530 GPU

• Display: 5 – inch of 1080p of IPS LCD display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection

• Memory: 2 GB

• Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB

• Camera: Primary (13 MP dual toned Dual LED Flash), Secondary (8 MP front camera with HD video recording)

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, NFC (Apple Pay only), Bluetooth v4.2, A2DP, LE, USB Type C, reversible connector, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS.

• OS: Android OS, v6.0 (Marshmallow)

• Battery: Non-removable 3500mAh

• Expected Availability: 17th May, 2016

• Price: INR 13,000 (16 GB version), and INR 15,000 (32 GB version)

Which upcoming smartphone (mobile phone) has gained your interest? Will you buy it or prefer some other device? Voice your opinion in the comments section below. You can even check out our new list of latest Smartphones Under Rs. 20,000.