2011 is set to be yet another exciting year for mobile phones, so if you are interested in the handsets that are landing in the near future, read on for a look at what is coming up in the next few months.
LG Optimus X2
The Optimus X2 is set to be the world’s first dual core smartphone, running Nvidia’s Tegra2 processor, which will give it more than twice the potential power than current generation handsets. Whether this will make much difference in practice remains to be seen, but with Android 2.3 onboard and the ability to shoot video clips in full HD 1080p, it will be setting the benchmark, which other contenders will have to match.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc
Sony Ericsson is finally getting into its stride and the Xperia Arc, or theX12 as it will also be known, is a step in the right direction. Its 4.2-inch screen will be one of the largest on the market and with Android 2.3 onboard it will be right at the cutting edge when it comes to software. The Arc has been given its name because the rear forms a concave curve, which allows it to be slimmer than any of its rivals at the thinnest point.
Apple iPhone 5
This phone is likely to launch in the summer and although Apple has not officially confirmed any of the details there are various solid rumours circulating regarding its specs. It will possibly feature a dual core processor, which will allow it to be the technical equal of the other high-end smartphones that launch this year. Like the Google Nexus S, it could have Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities built into it to allow for mobile payments at shops. According to rumours, it will be yet another design overhaul just 12 months after the iPhone 4 revolutionised the look of smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Ace
Following the global success of the Galaxy S, Samsung is expanding the range with the Samsung Galaxy Ace, an Android 2.2-based smartphone. It will be smaller and cheaper than its predecessor, with a 3.5-inch LCD display in place of the four in Super AMOLED, but it will still pack a punch with an 800MHz processor and a five megapixel camera. The Galaxy Gio, Fit and Mini will also be arriving in the coming months, hitting the budget end of the market for those who want smartphone functionality for the minimum possible price.
HTC Gratia
‘Compact’ is the watchword with the HTC Gratia, which measures just over 5cm wide and 10cm tall but still manages to deliver some superb features. The dinky design has not prevented the ever-innovative Taiwanese manufacturer from squeezing a 3.2 inch touchscreen onto the device, complete with pinch-to-zoom capability for users who will also enjoy a 600MHz processor and 5 megapixel camera. A 3.5mm stereo audio jack also finds its way onto the Gratia, which boasts HTC’s ‘Polite ringer’ – the ringtone volume drops when you pick up your ringing handset, and if you turn the phone over it stops ringing altogether and quietly takes a message. A discreet little phone for people who want HTC technology without a big bulge in their pocket.