2025 promises to be interesting for fans of mobile technology. Many manufacturers are preparing smartphones that will surprise even the most experienced users.
RBC-Ukraine (Styler project) tells about the 6 most anticipated models that will appear on the market in the first half of 2025, citing the British website about technology and gadget reviews Stuff TV.
Samsung Galaxy S25
The flagship Samsung Galaxy S25 line is likely to be released in a few months. Early leaks indicate that the S25 Ultra model will follow the trend of flat side edges and rounded corners, which will make it closer in design to the regular S25. Reduced screen bezels and the use of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in all models, regardless of region, are also expected.
It can be assumed that Samsung will emphasize the capabilities of Galaxy AI during the presentation. Don't forget about the company's OLED displays, rich functionality based on Android and a price corresponding to the flagship level. However, judging by the leaks, the charging speed is unlikely to improve. It is also unknown whether a new set of cameras will appear on the back of the devices.
Apple iPhone SE4
The most affordable iPhone model will probably adopt the design of the iPhone 14 with flat edges and a 6.1-inch OLED screen, which will significantly update its appearance. This is a major change from the current model, which features old-fashioned Touch ID and a compact 4.7-inch screen.
However, the Dynamic Island will most likely not appear, nor will the Action button. Instead, a traditional cutout for the camera (notch) and the usual mode switch are expected. Connection via USB-C will become the standard, as European legislation prohibits the sale of devices with a Lightning connector. Considering all the innovations, a price increase seems possible.
The next iPhone SE will probably be introduced in March 2025, as Apple usually releases new SE models in the spring.
Google Pixel 9a
Google recently refreshed its main Pixel lineup with the introduction of the compact Pro and Pixel Fold. Rumors suggest that this may be the end of the Pixel 9 generation, with a more affordable 9a not coming. However, some leaks suggest otherwise.
If the Pixel 9a does arrive, it is expected to be priced around $500. The smartphone is likely to offer simplified versions of Pixel 9 features, such as Gemini AI, improved cameras, and a fresh design tailored to the more budget-friendly segment.
Xiaomi 15 series
The Xiaomi 15 series, equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, has confidently announced itself. According to the first reports from China, the smartphones have lived up to expectations: power consumption has been reduced, performance has been increased, AI-task processing has been accelerated, and the gaming experience has become even better.
The Xiaomi 15 model with a compact 6.36-inch screen has received a 5,400 mAh battery, and the older Xiaomi 15 Pro model with a 6.73-inch display has a 6,100 mAh battery. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation, and such indicators surpass the batteries of most Western flagships.
Both models follow modern trends: flat edges and rounded corners. On the back is a triple camera with a resolution of 50 MP. The Pro version has a 5x zoom and the ability to shoot macro shots, which could be a serious reason for an upgrade.
It is not yet known whether Xiaomi is developing a photography-focused model, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Given the success of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which became one of the best camera phones of 2024, fans of the brand hope that the sequel will not be long in coming.
The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are likely to enter the international market in early 2025, possibly as part of the Mobile World Congress exhibition in March.
OnePlus 13
The next “flagship killer” from OnePlus has been on sale in China for a month and will most likely be introduced in other countries in the coming weeks. However, don't expect it to go on sale until early 2025.
In terms of specs, the device features a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 6.82-inch flat AMOLED display, a massive 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, IP69 water resistance, and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. The impressive notification slider returns, and the partnership with Hasselblad for the triple rear camera continues.
All three cameras feature 50MP sensors, with the telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom, and the front camera supports resolutions up to 32MP.
Honor Magic 7
Another early Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphone, at least for China. The Honor Magic 7 series was introduced there in regular and Pro versions, but other markets are likely to see only one version, likely in March 2025, during Mobile World Congress.
As always, the Pro version is focused on photography: the main camera with a 50 MP sensor is equipped with a variable aperture lens, the telephoto lens has a stunning 200 MP resolution, and Honor Eagle Eye technology helps take clear shots of fast-moving objects. There are a variety of AI-powered shooting modes and a host of other AI features on the device.
The 5,850mAh battery is quite modest by today's Chinese standards, but 100W wired charging and 80W wireless charging will ensure quick power-up.
The 6.8-inch screen has slight curves on all four sides, which goes against the current trend of completely flat displays, but the rest of the design follows the trend with a flat metal frame, which is a significant change for Honor after several generations of smartphones with rounded edges.