We’re now halfway through 2023 and it’s been a great year for phones so far, with everything from the Samsung Galaxy S23 series to the landing of the Google Pixel Fold and more.
But there’s still a long way to go, and many of the year’s most potentially exciting releases are yet to be released. We are talking about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and iPhone 15 lines, which are among the most anticipated phones of 2023.
There are also less obvious but no less exciting upcoming phones from brands like Xiaomi, Motorola and more.
Below are the phones we’re most looking forward to for the rest of 2023. These are phones that are likely to be great in most cases – we expect many to make it into our guide to the best phones – and at the very least interesting, unusual or innovative.
Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro were so good we can’t wait to see what Google has in store for the Pixel 8, and thanks to leaks and rumors, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
First, it will likely use the Tensor 3 chipset, support satellite communications, and may have a 6.2-inch screen, 12GB of RAM, and a dual-lens camera. Indeed, given the former form factor, we would expect class-leading cameras and generally strong software.
We’ve also seen what the Pixel 8 might look like, and well, it’s not a big visual change from the Pixel 7, but it’s already one of the more distinctive phones, so it makes sense that Google will stick with this design for a while.
Stay tuned for more as leaks and rumors are sure to start rolling out in greater numbers as we get closer to the phone’s launch.
iPhone 15 Ultra
Of course, the entire iPhone 15 lineup is highly anticipated, but it’s the intriguing talk about the iPhone 15 Ultra that excites us the most.
According to some rumors, this phone may land in place of the iPhone 15 Pro Max (although not all sources agree that the name will change).
Whatever the name, this could have a big spec upgrade, with better cameras than even the iPhone 15 Pro, including a long-range periscope snapper, as well as a focus on battery life, a titanium frame, and a very high price tag.
It probably won’t be available until September 2023 if it lands at all, but it’s a phone worth saving up for as the iPhone 15 Ultra can be very expensive.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is set to be Samsung’s next foldable flagship, but we don’t expect to see it until August 2023, so we’ll have to wait a while.
As such, we don’t know everything about it yet, but an early leak indicates it uses the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and has similar cameras to the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
In fact, it could be similar to the Z Fold 4 in other respects as well, with the same storage and the same screen size. However, its hinge could be greatly improved, thanks to a new design that allows the phone to fold flat instead of leaving a gap between the two halves.
If nothing else, expect it to have a large foldable screen so it can double as a tablet, coupled with a similarly hefty price tag.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Along with the Google Pixel 8, we’re also expecting an even higher-end Google Pixel 8 Pro this year.
Based on the leaks, this could be similar to the vanilla model in some ways, but with a larger 6.7-inch screen, a third telephoto rear camera, and – oddly enough – a thermometer on the back that can be used to detect the temperature of your body or objects.
With the Pixel Fold now available, it won’t be Google’s most expensive phone, but barring the conventional screen, it could well be the company’s most advanced phone.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Along with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, we’re also looking forward to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is likely to be the better seller of the two thanks to its more affordable price tag.
This upcoming foldable flip phone will reportedly use the top-of-the-range Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, have a 3.3- or 3.4-inch screen (compared to the 1.9-inch on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4) and have less visible crease than the current model.
This all sounds very promising, but Samsung will have to work hard to stay at the top of the clamshell fold, thanks to stiff competition from the likes of Oppo and Motorola.
iPhone 15 Pro
While not as exciting as the iPhone 15 Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro will still be one of the best phones of 2023.
Big upgrades this year could include the move to USB-C, the super-powerful A17 Bionic chipset, titanium sides, and thinner bezels.
So it may resemble the smaller iPhone 15 Ultra in many ways (probably with a 6.1-inch display). However, reports suggest the iPhone 15 Pro won’t get the long-range periscope camera that the Ultra is likely to come with, so if you want the best iPhone cameras, you might have to spend more.
Motorola Razr 2023
2023 looks like a huge year for foldable phones, and the 2023 Motorola Razr is set to land as well, but when it does, it could be called the Motorola Razr 40 if you’re in Europe.
It will be the rival of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, and leaks suggest that it will be both a standard model and a Motorola Razr Plus or Ultra.
We’ve heard more about the latter phone than the vanilla model, and the top-of-the-range Razr is expected to feature a 144Hz foldable display, large screen protector, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 12GB of RAM, a pair of 12MP rear cameras, a 32MP front camera, and a 3,640mAh battery. with 33W charging. Expect to see these phones around August.
