2025–2026 Smartphone Mega-Preview: Flagships, Foldables, Gaming & Future Phones

Get ready for a massive wave of new smartphones in 2025 and early 2026. From cutting-edge flagships and affordable mid-rangers to wild foldables, gaming beasts, rugged workhorses, and even outlandish concept phones, the next 18 months will redefine what our phones can do. Major brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus are gearing up with their most ambitious devices yet, integrating innovations like on-device AI, satellite connectivity, next-gen chipsets, and futuristic designs. Below we break down every notable smartphone coming soon, with a handy comparison table, detailed brand-by-brand sections, and a look at emerging trends set to shape the mobile landscape. Let’s dive in!

Quick Comparison Table: Upcoming Smartphones (2025–Early 2026)

Table Note: Exact dates and prices are subject to change, especially for unannounced devices. “Snapdragon 8 Elite” refers to Qualcomm’s 2024–25 flagship chip (successor to the Gen 2/3), often with a special Samsung-tuned variant. androidauthority.com

Apple: iPhone 17 Series & The New “Air”, Plus a Revamped iPhone SE

Apple is set for a huge 2025 with its iPhone 17 lineup. It’s not just the usual fall release – this time there’s a fourth model shaking things up. Here’s what to expect:

iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max – and the ultra-thin iPhone 17 “Air”

Apple’s fall 2025 iPhones will include the familiar trio of iPhone 17 (6.3”), 17 Pro (6.3”), and 17 Pro Max (6.9”), plus a completely new model: the iPhone 17 “Air” macrumors.com macrumors.com. The “Air” is rumored to be Apple’s thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, around 6mm thin or less macrumors.com (some reports say ~5.5mm and ~145g macworld.com). It will have a ~6.6-inch OLED display, sitting between the Pro and Pro Max in size macrumors.com. Despite speculation that an “Air” might be ultra-premium, insiders say it’s actually a mid-tier model – priced above the base iPhone 17 but below the Pro lineup macrumors.com. In essence, the Air will replace the “Plus” (which is being axed due to weak sales) as a sleek alternative for those who want a bigger screen without the Pro’s weight or cost macrumors.com macrumors.com.

What’s so special about the iPhone 17 Air? Aside from its extreme slimness, it may sport a fresh design language. Leaks point to a horizontal camera layout (a pill-shaped camera bump spanning sideways) instead of the typical triangle of lenses macrumors.com. And notably, to save space, the Air might carry just a single rear camera – a 48MP main lens with no secondary lenses macrumors.com tomsguide.com. This would be a bold move for Apple, effectively making the Air a stylish successor to the single-camera iPhone XR/SE concept, but with flagship-level internals.

Across all iPhone 17 models, Apple is finally expected to bring 120Hz ProMotion displays to the non-Pro iPhones tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. That means even the base iPhone 17 gets buttery-smooth scrolling at last. All four will use LTPO OLED panels, which enable dynamic refresh rates and possibly always-on display functionality (though it’s unclear if non-Pros will have Always-On enabled) macrumors.com. Under the hood, expect an A19 Bionic chip on a 3nm process, delivering yet another leap in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance tomsguide.com. The Pro models should get a bump in RAM to support new AI-powered “Apple Intelligence” features (Apple’s expanding suite of on-device AI for photos, Siri, etc.) tomsguide.com.

Camera upgrades are also in store. The iPhone 17 Pro Max might feature 48MP sensors on all three rear cameras, finally boosting the telephoto from 12MP to 48MP tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Standard iPhone 17 sticks with dual lenses (likely similar to iPhone 16’s 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide) macrumors.com. The front camera on all models is rumored to jump to 24MP with a new 6-element lens for sharper selfies macrumors.com. Another under-the-hood change: Apple has been developing its own 5G modem, and at least one 2025 iPhone (likely the 17 Air) will test an Apple-designed modem and Wi‑Fi 7 chip instead of Qualcomm/Broadcom components macrumors.com. This could improve battery life and signal integration – and mark Apple’s first step to reduce reliance on Qualcomm macrumors.com.

In short, 2025 could bring the most significant iPhone redesign since iPhone X macrumors.com macrumors.com. A reputable source notes it’s shaping up to be “one of the biggest updates to the iPhone’s design” in years macrumors.com. With the iPhone 17 Air capturing the spotlight as a super-slim style icon and the rest of the lineup catching up on features (120Hz for all, bigger displays, new materials like a rumored aluminum frame on Pros for weight reduction macrumors.com), Apple fans have a lot to look forward to in September 2025 macrumors.com.

Launch timing: Apple’s schedule is predictable – barring surprises, the iPhone 17 family will be unveiled in September 2025 macrumors.com. If production stays on track, expect availability by late September 2025.

iPhone SE 4: Midrange iPhone Goes Modern

Apple’s budget iPhone SE line has been stuck in the past – the current SE (2022) still uses an iPhone 8-era shell. But in 2025, the iPhone SE 4 is coming to drag Apple’s mid-tier into the present. It’s widely rumored that Apple will launch the next SE in spring 2025 (March is a good bet, aligning with past SE releases) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and others report “multiple rumors point to a new midrange iPhone in 2025” tomsguide.com.

Critically, the SE 4 is expected to ditch the old 4.7-inch Home Button design entirely. Instead, it will adopt an all-screen front with a notch, likely recycling the iPhone XR/11 chassis design tomsguide.com. That means a 6.1-inch OLED display – a huge upgrade in viewing area for SE users tomsguide.com. Face ID will replace Touch ID, as the notch suggests Face ID sensors will be present. In essence, the SE 4 will look like a modern iPhone, not a 2017 throwback.

Under the hood, Apple tends to give SE the previous year’s flagship chip. If iPhone 16 in 2024 has an A18 chip, the SE 4 should get the 3nm A18 SoC tomsguide.com. That will make it extremely powerful for its price, on par with 2024’s flagships. It also means the SE 4 can support all the latest iOS features, including the fancy new AI/machine-learning features Apple has been adding (e.g. on-device Siri processing, advanced camera effects). In fact, having the A18 will let the SE 4 run the same “Apple Intelligence” features as the pricier iPhones tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, which is great news for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to miss out on new capabilities.

Another huge change: the SE 4 is expected to be Apple’s first phone with an in-house 5G modem tomsguide.com. Apple has been developing its own cellular modems for years, and rumors say the SE 4 will debut it tomsguide.com. If true, this is a strategic move – using the midrange phone as a testbed for a critical component. An Apple 5G modem could improve integration and battery life (and cut costs long-term), but all eyes will be on its real-world performance versus the proven Qualcomm modems.

Camera-wise, details are sparse, but with a new XR-like body, the SE 4 could get at least a 12MP dual-camera system (main + ultrawide). It likely won’t have all the sensors of a Pro, but anything will be a leap from the aging single lens in the 2022 SE. Add in OLED screen for vibrant contrast (replacing the old LCD) tomsguide.com, and it’s clear Apple is dramatically upping the SE’s game.

All these improvements mean the price will likely rise. The current SE is $429, but analysts predict the SE 4 could land around $499 tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Apple will still want it to undercut the $599 older flagship (iPhone 14) that will be on sale by then tomsguide.com. At ~$499, the SE 4 would directly challenge Google’s Pixel 9a and Samsung’s midrange – in fact, Pixel 9a is also rumored at $499, setting up a showdown of the budget champs tomsguide.com.

Bottom line: Apple in 2025 is doing something old and something new – revitalizing the SE for the budget segment, and pushing design boundaries with the new iPhone 17 Air at the high end. Expect bigger screens, faster chips, and more choice for consumers, all while Apple finally jumps on trends like higher refresh rates and thinner form factors it once eschewed. As one tech outlet put it, 2025 is shaping up to be an “exciting year” for iPhone, with rumors swirling well before the iPhone 16 even launched macrumors.com!

Samsung: Galaxy S25 Series, Pioneering Foldables, and Affordable Flips

Samsung enters 2025 as the world’s biggest phone maker, and it’s leveraging that position to try something for everyone. We’ll see the refinement of its Galaxy S flagships, a continued push on foldables (including new form factors), and an expansion of Fan Edition devices to make cutting-edge tech more affordable.

Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra – Iterative Upgrades with a Camera Punch

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series launched in early 2025 and continues the three-model formula: a standard S25 (~6.2”), S25+ (~6.7”), and the fully loaded S25 Ultra (~6.8”). These phones build on 2024’s S24 with modest improvements – Samsung played it a bit safe this round androidauthority.com. Externally, the design language is similar, but the Ultra got subtle refinements. One notable addition across the lineup is Qualcomm’s latest chip: Samsung uses a Snapdragon 8 “Elite” for Galaxy (likely a custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Gen 4) to power all S25 models androidauthority.com. This keeps performance top-tier (think faster speeds and smarter AI processing for camera and voice features).

The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the photography powerhouse. It carries over the 200MP main sensor and 10x periscope telephoto from the S23/S24 Ultra era, possibly with software tweaks for better low-light and zoom stability. Rumor has it Samsung considered bumping the main camera to a new sensor, but it stuck with proven hardware for now. One leak suggests the S26 Ultra in 2026 will finally offer a “tangible upgrade” to the camera, but for S25 Ultra, the changes are iterative tomsguide.com. That said, Samsung’s image processing and the Expert RAW mode continue to impress enthusiasts. The S25 Ultra also inherited slightly faster charging (possibly 50W or 65W wired) and kept the large battery (around 5000mAh) with all-day endurance.

Where Samsung did take a bit of a risk is with a surprise fourth variant: the Galaxy S25 Edge, a.k.a. S25 Slim. This model was teased alongside the S25 series and launched a few months later (by Spring 2025) tomsguide.com. The S25 Edge (Samsung uses “Edge” in some markets, “Slim” in others) is all about being ultra-thin – at just 5.8mm thick androidauthority.com, it’s one of the slimmest smartphones on the market, even thinner than many foldables when open tomsguide.com. It weighs only ~163g androidauthority.com yet still packs a 6.7-inch AMOLED display (essentially matching the S25+ screen size in a far slimmer profile). How? Samsung trimmed the battery a bit and opted for a different chipset to control heat: rumors say the S25 Slim runs an Exynos chip (possibly a tweaked Exynos 2400), since the hotter Snapdragon might be unsuitable in such a skinny frame tomsguide.com. It still manages to include a 200MP main camera – a remarkable feat in such a thin device tomsguide.com – though secondary lenses might be limited (maybe just an ultrawide, skipping bulky zoom lenses). Samsung is testing waters with this model; it’s reportedly a limited release in select markets to gauge demand before a wider roll-out in 2026 tomsguide.com. As one report quipped, “the main draw is right in the name – the thinnest Samsung ever”, but it could be an FE-style value play if priced lower than the main S25 line tomsguide.com.

In general, the S25 family is about polish over revolution. A tech commentator noted that the S25 series felt “safe” with “barely passing as proper successors” to the previous generation androidauthority.com. This suggests Samsung is holding major innovations for later (or focusing them on foldables). Still, the S25 phones are among the best Androids: gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays (likely peaking 1500+ nits HDR), One UI software refinements, and features like satellite SOS support introduced via Qualcomm tech (Samsung was reportedly working on satellite messaging for emergencies to match Apple, possibly enabled in S25 if the modem supports it).

Expect the Galaxy S26 in early 2026 to bring more dramatic changes – rumors already hint at a powerful new Snapdragon “8 Elite 2” 3nm chip and a design revamp for the S26 Ultra (slimmer build, perhaps new camera sensor) androidauthority.com bbntimes.com. But for 2025, the S25 and especially the sleek S25 Edge offer consumers either a tried-and-true flagship or a taste of ultra-thin futurism.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7 – Refining the Foldables, Larger Screens Ahead

Samsung has led the foldable market since 2019, and by 2025 their foldables are maturing. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are expected around August 2025 (Samsung’s usual mid-year Unpacked for foldables) tomsguide.com. While no official news is out yet, early leaks paint a picture of incremental improvements focused on size and durability:

• Galaxy Z Fold 7: Samsung might enlarge the Fold 7’s displays slightly – we’re hearing talk of an 8-inch main inner screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen tomsguide.com (up from ~7.6” and 6.2” on the Fold 5/6). This could make the unfolded experience even more tablet-like. Additionally, Samsung is reportedly obsessed with thinness (as seen across its lineup), aiming to make the Fold 7 thinner and lighter. A source claims Samsung wants the Fold 7, when folded, to be as slim as the Galaxy S24 Ultra (~8.6mm) tomsguide.com – meaning shaving about 3mm off the current Fold’s thickness. Achieving that would be huge for one-handed comfort. We can also expect a new hinge mechanism with less visible crease and improved dust ingress protection (though full dust-proofing might still be elusive). Camera improvements on the Fold 7 are uncertain; Samsung tends to reuse S-series camera systems for the Fold. Perhaps the Fold 7 could inherit something like the S24/S25+ camera setup or marginally better sensors. However, rumors suggest no radical changes in Fold 7 – it’s more about refinement, as recent folds have seen only a few major changes androidauthority.com.
• Galaxy Z Flip 7: The flip phone is Samsung’s bestseller in the foldable category due to its compact style. For the Flip 7, one big leak is a slightly larger internal display (~6.85” vs 6.7”) tomsguide.com – basically slimming the bezels and maybe elongating the aspect ratio. This gives a tad more screen real estate when open. Also, Samsung might experiment with using its own Exynos chipset in the Flip 7 tomsguide.com. Past Flips/ foldables all used Snapdragon chips, but an Exynos could cut costs and help Samsung’s supply chain (the company reintroduced Exynos in some S23 FE/S24 models, so perhaps a high-end Exynos 2400 series for foldables). Aside from that, the Flip 7 should carry forward the improvements from the Flip 5/6: a large cover screen (3.4” on Flip 6 – maybe unchanged or slightly bigger), better battery optimization, and new hinge for a less noticeable crease. No major design overhaul is expected – the flip form has settled into a winning formula. Price-wise, after Samsung’s $100 price hike on Flip 6 (to $1,099), we hope they hold steady for Flip 7 tomsguide.com. A price cut is unlikely unless competition forces it.

One wildcard: Samsung has been floating the idea of “Fan Edition” foldables, essentially lower-cost versions of Fold and Flip androidauthority.com. For instance, we discussed the rumored Galaxy Z Flip FE above – a budget foldable flip that could launch alongside or shortly after the Flip 7 tomsguide.com. There were also rumors of a potential Fold FE, but chatter suggests Samsung’s focus is on the cheaper Flip for now androidauthority.com. If Samsung can successfully bring foldable prices down, it will help adoption – after all, foldables are still <2% of smartphone sales, partly due to cost.

New Directions: Tri-Folds, Rollables, and Concepts

While the mainstream products evolve gradually, Samsung is actively teasing the future of form factors. In early 2025 at MWC, Samsung Display showed off a variety of wild folding concepts – from tri-folding tablets (two hinges, three panels) to an “asymmetric” dual-hinge flip phone androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Enthusiasts voted Samsung’s concept foldables the most exciting thing at MWC 2025 androidauthority.com. The Flex S and Flex G tri-fold designs particularly stood out androidauthority.com. The Flex S folds in zig-zag style (one inward, one outward fold) – when fully opened you get a large tablet, and when folded thrice it’s phone-sized androidauthority.com. The Flex G folds both extra panels inward like a brochure androidauthority.com. These concepts mirror what a real Samsung tri-fold might look like, and there are “mounting rumors” that Samsung could release its first tri-fold foldable in late 2025 androidauthority.com. In fact, Samsung has reportedly been watching Huawei’s Mate XT, which is the first commercial tri-fold phone (launched in China) and earned praise for feeling truly like a tablet when fully unfolded phonearena.com phonearena.com. If Samsung launches a tri-fold, it could define a new ultra-premium category (likely priced even above the Fold series).

Another concept was the “Asymmetric Flip” – essentially a Galaxy Z Flip with two hinges, allowing it to fold into a super-compact square that still leaves a sliver of the screen visible for notifications androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Quirky? Absolutely. Practical? Debatable. But as one tech writer put it, “the only way we push foldables forward is with concepts like this” androidauthority.com. These prototypes show Samsung’s not done experimenting. While many may never hit retail, they “paint a picture of what Samsung thinks the foldable future may look like” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com.

Outside of phones, Samsung even showed rollable and stretchable displays for devices – indicating a potential rollable phone down the line that extends its screen like a scroll. No firm product yet, but the tech is brewing in labs.

Samsung’s willingness to showcase these ideas is refreshing, especially as some critics felt the company’s recent real products were a bit stagnant. Seeing concepts like dual-hinge flips and tri-folds reassures fans that Samsung “hasn’t given up on new ideas” androidauthority.com. It’s likely we’ll continue to see concept-to-product evolution: for example, a tri-fold concept today could become an experimental limited-edition device in 2025 or 2026 if durability can be nailed. Samsung did something similar in the past by commercializing its foldable concepts (the original Fold was once a prototype on display).

Samsung’s Midrange & Rugged Notes

Samsung’s Galaxy A series in 2025 also got noteworthy releases, like the Galaxy A36 and A56 unveiled at MWC. These mid-rangers are marketed as “Awesome AI” phones phonearena.com – a cheeky reference to bringing flagship AI camera features (Best Face, Object Eraser, etc.) to $300–$400 devices phonearena.com. Samsung is leveraging its custom AI chipset (Exynos with NPU) in midrange so even budget buyers get smarter photo editing and voice assistant tricks.

And for the niche rugged segment, Samsung has its XCover line – while not heavily promoted, we might see a Galaxy XCover 7 or similar in 2025 for enterprise/government clients needing a tough Galaxy with replaceable battery. Plus, Samsung partnered with Iridium to enable emergency satellite messaging in its flagship phones from 2024 onward, so even those trekking off-grid with a Galaxy can reach help – an obvious nod to the rugged use-case that Apple and Bullitt (CAT phones) addressed earlier.

In summary, Samsung’s 2025 strategy spans from mainstream refinement to futuristic experimentation. The Galaxy S25 series and Z Fold/Flip 7 focus on polishing the user experience (slimmer builds, better displays), while new efforts like the Z Flip FE aim to make foldables more accessible. Meanwhile, Samsung is visibly working on the next wave of form factors (tri-folds, rollables) – showing the company’s dual-track approach: one eye on the present competition, one eye on inventing the future of phones. It’s an exciting time if you’re a Samsung fan or just love to see technology pushed to the edge (or in Samsung’s case, to the “Edge” 😇).

Google: Pixel Refines AI Prowess – Pixel 10, Pixel 9a, and the Foldable Future

Google’s Pixel phones have carved out a niche by leveraging software and AI to do magical things – from cameras that fix blurry photos to calls that screen themselves. In 2025 and into early 2026, Google will double-down on this AI-centric approach with new Pixels that get faster, smarter, and perhaps a bit earlier in the year than before.

Pixel 10 and 10 Pro: Tensor G5 & Polished Design

Google’s flagship Pixel 10 series is on the horizon for 2025. Historically, Google launched Pixels in October, but in 2024 it shocked everyone by releasing the Pixel 9 series in August (trying to beat the iPhone 15 to market) tomsguide.com. It’s unclear if that schedule sticks, but it means the Pixel 10 could land as early as Q3 2025. Either way, what’s coming is fairly predictable yet exciting for Pixel aficionados.

The biggest upgrade will be the Tensor G5 chip. Google’s Tensor chips (co-designed with Samsung) have been a step behind Qualcomm in raw performance and efficiency, but heavy on AI capabilities. For the fifth-generation Tensor in 2025, rumor has it Google is switching to TSMC’s 3nm process (moving away from Samsung’s 5nm/4nm fabrication) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. If true, this could dramatically improve power efficiency and thermals – addressing Pixel’s Achilles’ heel of mediocre battery life. We should see a “sizable performance uplift” and better battery on Pixel 10 thanks to this move androidauthority.com. The G5 will, of course, pack Google’s latest TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) for AI – enabling features like advanced Assistant voice typing, real-time language translation, and on-device generative AI (maybe the Pixel can summarize webpages for you or generate image edits with just a prompt).

Design-wise, don’t expect a radical departure. A leaked Pixel 10 case photo shows a rear layout much like the Pixel 9 – a horizontal camera bar across the back with softened corners tomsguide.com. That suggests Google is sticking with its recognizable visor design for another year. Interestingly, this contrasts with a rumored change in the cheaper Pixel 9a’s design (more on that soon), implying Google wants to differentiate flagships and budget models visually tomsguide.com tomsguide.com.

The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro will likely maintain their screen sizes (~6.3” for Pixel 10, ~6.7” for Pro) and high refresh OLED displays. One question is whether Google continues the three-model approach it introduced with Pixel 9 (Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL). In late 2024, Google added an “XL” which was basically a Pro with a slightly larger 6.9” display and battery androidauthority.com. It’s possible we’ll see Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL again for large-phone lovers.

Camera expectations: Pixel cameras are mostly about software, but hardware tweaks happen too. The Pixel 9 Pro introduced a 5x telephoto periscope. Pixel 10 Pro could push that further – perhaps a 10x zoom to keep up with Galaxy S Ultra? There’s also room for upgrading the 50MP main sensor that’s been used since Pixel 6. Google often sources sensors from Samsung or Sony; a new 1” type sensor could massively improve light capture. However, no strong leaks yet on specific camera changes for Pixel 10, so any upgrades might be incremental (like improved HDR or video via software and minor sensor refinements).

In any case, expect Pixels to continue to excel in photography – Night Sight, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur – those features will only get better with a more powerful Tensor and Google’s AI research. And Google’s claim to fame: a clean Android experience with day-one updates. By the time Pixel 10 launches, it will ship with Android 16 (or even Android 17 if late in year) and likely come with Google’s unmatched update promise (Pixel 9 offered 7 years of updates) androidauthority.com.

Price: The Pixel 9 series saw a price bump: $799 for base (up from $599 on Pixel 8) and $999 for Pixel 9 Pro tomsguide.com. This was controversial, so fingers crossed Google doesn’t hike further. Pixel 10 will probably stick around $799 base, $999 Pro – still undercutting Samsung and Apple’s flagships. Google learned that pricing too high can hurt sales, so they’ll aim to stay in that sweet spot.

Pixel 9a: Budget Pixel Gets a Facelift

Google’s Pixel A-series has been a budget favorite, bringing Pixel magic to ~$500. In 2025, the Pixel 9a is expected to continue this tradition – and leaks suggest it’s getting some noteworthy changes.

First, timing: Google surprised us by launching the Pixel 8a early (before Google I/O 2024) tomsguide.com. For 2025, one rumor hints at a mid-March 2025 announcement for Pixel 9a tomsguide.com, possibly tied to an accelerated Android 16 release schedule. By May 2025’s Google I/O, the 9a should be on shelves.

Now, what’s new? For the first time, Google might alter the design language of the A-series. Historically, A-series phones looked just like smaller flagship Pixels (e.g. Pixel 6a looked like Pixel 6). But the Pixel 9a is rumored to ditch the iconic camera visor and instead use a more traditional oval camera island in the corner tomsguide.com. Renders suggest a dual-camera in a smaller bump – this could make the 9a look more like a typical smartphone than the past few Pixel As. The reason could be cost or simply to set it apart visually.

Internally, Pixel 9a will almost certainly get the Tensor G4 chip (the same chip in 2024’s Pixel 9) tomsguide.com. That ensures it has all the AI features of the flagship, just at a lower price – Google’s strategy is “no new ground, just make existing Pixel features affordable” tomsguide.com. So, expect things like the Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Clear Calling, etc., all present on the 9a. Performance might not match a Snapdragon 8 Gen chip, but it’ll be consistent with Pixel 9.

One interesting leak: Camera changes. The Pixel 8a actually jumped to a 64MP main camera (from 12MP in 7a). However, rumor has it the Pixel 9a will use a 48MP main sensor instead of 64MP tomsguide.com. That sounds like a downgrade on paper, but sensor quality matters more than megapixels – it’s possible the 48MP sensor is newer/better (larger pixels, maybe with Quad Bayer tech for great low-light). Google might have found that 64MP didn’t offer real benefits, so they opt for a high-quality 48MP and lean on their imaging software. The ultrawide will likely remain ~12MP. Also notably, to cut costs, Pixel 9a may omit the new satellite SOS feature that came with Pixel 8/9 tomsguide.com, possibly because the older modem in G4 doesn’t support it or just to save licensing fees.

All told, Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a strong contender in the ~$499 bracket. Google typically prices the A-series aggressively ($499 for 7a, likely the same for 8a and 9a) tomsguide.com. With Apple’s iPhone SE 4 likely landing at the same price, 2025 will see a head-to-head battle of budget smartphones. One report even framed it as figuring out “once and for all who makes the best cheap phone” when Pixel 9a and iPhone SE 4 collide tomsguide.com.

Pixel Foldables: Will There Be a Pixel Fold 2 or Flip?

Google entered the foldable chat in 2023 with the Pixel Fold, a book-style foldable. It received kudos for camera quality and software, but its first-gen hardware was chunky and very pricey ($1799). There were rumors of a second-gen foldable in development – potentially a Pixel Fold 2 or a smaller Pixel Flip (clamshell). However, recent news casts doubt. By mid-2024, reports said Google had canceled a planned Flip-style foldable and might postpone the next Fold due to the first one’s limited sales and high costs.

Interestingly, Android Authority’s retrospective in May 2025 mentioned that Pixel’s “fourth device” in the lineup was the Pixel 9 Pro Fold androidauthority.com – implying Google launched a foldable alongside the Pixel 9 series. This suggests that a Pixel Fold 2 did come out in late 2024, possibly branded as Pixel 9 Pro Fold. If that’s accurate, Google folded (no pun intended) the foldable into the main lineup naming. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold reportedly had “fundamental changes” from the first Pixel Fold, including different dimensions and a more phone-like outer screen androidauthority.com. This could mean Google fixed some of the aspect ratio complaints (the first Pixel Fold’s outer screen was too squat). It’s likely Google also improved the hinge and made it thinner.

Assuming the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (2024) exists, then a Pixel 10 Pro Fold could follow in late 2025 if Google is continuing yearly foldables. PhoneArena’s menus even list Pixel 10 Pro Fold as a thing phonearena.com. However, we have to treat this carefully as Google has not officially announced anything.

If a Pixel 10 Fold launches, expect it to try and undercut Samsung on price slightly (maybe $1,599?) and play to Google’s strengths: superb camera software (Pixels are the camera kings, foldable or not) and clean Android with fast updates. Google might also leverage its control of Android to optimize big-screen apps (the Pixel Fold debuted features like dual-screen interpreter mode, etc.). But Google also won’t want to burn a hole in its pocket – the foldable market is small, and Google isn’t known for hardware profit. They could also skip a year to refine the product.

For now, the foldable future at Google is murky. Pixel fans would love a flip phone Pixel (imagine a pocketable Pixel with that camera prowess – an instant hit potentially). Code leaks in 2022 hinted at a canceled clamshell project. Perhaps in 2026, if foldables pick up, Google could re-attempt it. The bigger determinant will be how well Pixel Fold and Fold 2 sold and if foldables align with Google’s vision (maybe Google is waiting for a breakthrough like rollable displays).

One certain thing: Google continues to optimize Android for large and folding screens regardless. Android 14L/15 introduced many tablet and foldable improvements (taskbar, multi-pane UIs). So even if Pixel Fold is limited edition, Google wants other manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) to succeed in foldables using Android.

In summary, Google’s 2025 lineup is all about cementing its identity: AI-first smartphones. The Pixel 10 will be the ultimate expression of that, packing a custom chip tailor-made for AI and offering features that make everyday tasks simpler (often in “wow, only on Pixel” ways). The Pixel 9a ensures Google’s innovations reach the more frugal buyers. And while Pixel foldables exist in some form, Google’s main focus remains the slab phones that showcase Android in its purest form. Android enthusiasts can look forward to a Pixel that not only catches up in raw specs (3nm chip!) but continues to lead in software smarts, fulfilling the promise that “Google’s AI is your secret sauce” on a phone.

Xiaomi: Pushing Camera Boundaries, Hyper Charging, and Experimental Concepts

Xiaomi may not be a household name in the U.S., but globally it’s one of the top smartphone makers – and one known for aggressive innovation, especially in camera tech and fast charging. In 2025, Xiaomi’s flagships are reaching new heights (literally, in zoom power!), and the company is showing off wild ideas like modular phone cameras that attach magnetically. Here’s the scoop on Xiaomi’s pipeline:

Xiaomi 15 Series (15, 15 Pro, 15 Ultra) – Mobile Photography Titans

Xiaomi kicked off 2025 by globally launching the Xiaomi 15 series at MWC in February phonearena.com. These phones had already debuted in China in late 2024, and they generated buzz for their camera capabilities. Notably, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been dubbed “the best camera phone” of MWC 2025 phonearena.com, and for good reason.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is less a phone with a camera and more a camera with a phone attached (as one commentator humorously noted) phonearena.com phonearena.com. It packs a quad Leica-tuned camera system headlined by: a 1-inch 50MP main sensor (large sensor = DSLR-like bokeh), a 50MP ultrawide, a 50MP portrait/tele, and stealing the show – a 200MP periscope telephoto lens notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. This 200MP periscope is a massive upgrade from the 50MP tele on the previous Xiaomi 14 Ultra notebookcheck.net. It enables an impressive 5x optical zoom and up to 10x hybrid lossless. In practical terms, Xiaomi says you can get detailed 12MP shots at ~17× zoom equivalent notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net, blowing past most competitors’ zoom range. At MWC, Xiaomi even demoed a “Photography Kit” accessory – essentially a snap-on grip with physical zoom and shutter buttons – turning the 15 Ultra into a point-and-shoot camera notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. Clearly, Xiaomi is targeting camera enthusiasts with this Ultra.

Beyond the cameras, the 15 Ultra is every bit a 2025 flagship: a gorgeous 6.73” 1440p LTPO AMOLED (up to 120Hz and a blinding 3200 nits peak) notebookcheck.net, the Snapdragon 8 “Elite” chip with a advanced cooling (Xiaomi bragged it runs ~6.6°C cooler than an iPhone 16 Pro Max under heavy load) notebookcheck.net, and a 6000 mAh battery notebookcheck.net. That battery is notably larger than most rivals, and Xiaomi pairs it with 90W wired / 80W wireless charging notebookcheck.net – not their fastest ever, but still way above Apple/Samsung speeds. It’s also durable, with IP68 water resistance and tough “Shield Glass 2.0”. Starting around ~$900 in China, the 15 Ultra undercuts many flagships while out-spec’ing them.

The Xiaomi 15 Pro and 15 (non-Pro) are slightly toned down but still formidable. The 15 Pro reportedly also carries a periscope telephoto (perhaps 5x but lower MP), marking the first time Xiaomi put a periscope in a non-Ultra notebookcheck.net. This indicates Xiaomi is making advanced zoom more accessible (a trend across brands). Both 15 and 15 Pro use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/Elite, high-refresh displays (the Pro likely also 120Hz LTPO, the base 15 maybe 120Hz non-LTPO), and still Leica-branded cameras (the base 15 might have a simpler triple-cam without periscope). Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica continues to be a selling point, with Leica color science and lens simulations built-in reddit.com.

An interesting mid-cycle addition is the Xiaomi 15T series expected in late 2025 (around September) notebookcheck.net. Xiaomi often does a “T” update with slight spec bumps. Rumors say the 15T Pro might copy some features from the 15 Ultra, like adopting the periscope zoom (5x) that was previously Ultra-only notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. In other words, by late 2025, Xiaomi could bring 5x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom to a more affordable model (15T Pro) notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. The 15T series might also debut with MIUI based on Android 14/15 and possibly improved audio hardware (one leak mentioned “significantly improved audio” using tech from Redmi’s line) notebookcheck.net.

Looking Ahead: Xiaomi 16 and Ultra Charging

Xiaomi tends to iterate fast. By late 2025 or early 2026, the Xiaomi 16 series will arrive (China launch likely Nov/Dec 2025). We can expect Xiaomi to push the envelope further: perhaps a Xiaomi 16 Ultra in 2026 with even more crazy specs – think 120W or 150W charging, as Xiaomi has already demonstrated 200W charging in labs (full charge in ~8 minutes) though not commercial yet. They might also incorporate new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or “Elite 2”) if available, and maybe even under-display front cameras if the tech matures (Xiaomi experimented with that in past Mix models).

One thing to watch: Xiaomi and other Chinese OEMs are racing in the fast charging arena and battery tech. If any brand is likely to introduce something like a silicon-carbon battery for higher capacity or 200W supercharge in 2025/26, it’s Xiaomi or its peers (e.g. BBK group). These improvements might first show up in a concept or a China-only model, but often they trickle to global flagships later.

Foldables and Concepts: Mix Fold and Modular Camera Magic

Xiaomi has a foldable line – the Mi Mix Fold series – though these have so far been China-only. The last was Mix Fold 3 in 2023. If a Mix Fold 4 launches in 2024/2025, it could eventually come global if Xiaomi sees demand. The Mix Fold 3 already had an excellent slim design and Leica cameras. A Mix Fold 4 could adopt a larger cover screen or water-drop hinge to minimize crease, staying competitive with Samsung and Huawei’s foldables. Given Xiaomi’s aggressive spec attitude, a Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 might try to one-up others with something like 120W charging (most foldables charge slower) or a built-in stylus.

More intriguing on the concept front: at MWC 2025, Xiaomi showcased a Modular Optical System – basically a detachable pro camera module for phones phonearena.com phonearena.com. This concept attaches via a MagSafe-like magnetic system to the back of a phone, adding a 100MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 35mm lens phonearena.com. In simpler terms, it’s like snapping a high-end compact camera onto your phone. Unlike prior attempts at phone mods (think Moto Mods or earlier clip-on lenses), Xiaomi’s approach is all-in-one: the module itself has the big sensor and lens integrated, and it communicates with the phone via a high-speed wireless interface (Xiaomi mentions a “LaserLink” connection) phonearena.com. They argue this could succeed where past add-ons failed, because it’s a complete camera you add, not just funneling light into the phone’s tiny sensor phonearena.com phonearena.com. While this is currently just a concept (and Xiaomi acknowledged it might never go to market if impractical) phonearena.com, it shows Xiaomi’s innovative thinking. If they do produce it, it would appeal to camera enthusiasts who want DSLR-like quality occasionally without carrying a separate camera – just snap on the module for a day of shooting.

Xiaomi also has a history of showing concept phones: remember the Mi Mix Alpha (2019) with a wraparound display? Or their demo of quad-curved waterfall displays? They experiment boldly. We might see a concept of a rollable phone or something like a transparent display phone from Xiaomi at one of these tech events, even if just to demonstrate their R&D prowess.

In the mid-range space, Xiaomi (and sub-brand Redmi/Poco) will continue to offer great value. Devices like Redmi Note 15 series in 2025 will likely bring high refresh screens and 100MP cameras under $300. In fact, leaks already suggest upgrades in the next Redmi Note generation (e.g. better cameras and faster charging) notebookcheck.net. Xiaomi’s strategy is often to pack as much as possible at each price point to undercut competitors. That means even budget Xiaomi phones might sport features like 120W charging or 144Hz LCDs, which only a couple years ago were flagship territory.

Bottom line: Xiaomi’s 2025/26 trajectory is about extremes – extreme cameras, extreme charging, extreme value. By collaborating with Leica, they’ve positioned the 15/16 Ultra to attract photography buffs who might normally lean to a DSLR or a Sony Xperia Pro. And with concepts like modular cameras, they hint at a future where your phone can transform into different gadgets. As one tech reviewer put it at MWC, “if this is the future of smartphone cameras, others will have to catch up” phonearena.com phonearena.com – Xiaomi is not shying away from going bold, and that competitive fire benefits tech lovers everywhere.

OnePlus & BBK Group: Flagship Killers, Foldable Ambitions, and New Compact Trends

OnePlus, along with sister brands under the BBK Electronics umbrella (like Oppo, Vivo, and Realme), continues to play a big role in the smartphone arena by delivering high specs for lower prices and experimenting with new form factors. For 2025 and early 2026, OnePlus is refreshing its core lineup, refining its first foldable, and even plotting a move into compact flagships and tablets.

OnePlus 13 & 13R: 2025 Flagship on a Budget

OnePlus 13 launched globally on January 7, 2025 tomsguide.com, after a late 2024 China release. Sticking to OnePlus’s “beat Samsung on value” ethos, the OP13 packs true high-end specs at a lower price than most peers. It runs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (possibly branded “8 Elite”) with plenty of RAM, and reviewers lauded its “outstanding performance, helpful AI features, and incredible camera system” – all for around $899 androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. That’s several hundred less than many competitors. Design-wise, OnePlus gave the 13 a unique flair (perhaps continuing the circular camera module introduced in OnePlus 11, refined further). The OnePlus 13R (launched alongside) is a toned-down variant with a lower price, using a slightly less powerful chip or simpler camera – but importantly, OnePlus is expanding globally again, bringing models like the 13R to markets like India and possibly Europe.

OnePlus also continues with fast charging leadership – expect the OP13 to feature ~100W charging (the OP12 had 100W). Battery sizes ~5000mAh ensure good endurance. Notably, OnePlus has been adding more AI software enhancements (since they integrated Oppo’s ColorOS codebase, features like smart scene recognition in camera, etc., have improved).

OnePlus 14 and Beyond: Compact Flagship Trend

Looking further, OnePlus’s next numbered flagship would be the OnePlus 14 in early 2026 (if they don’t skip 14 – they did skip “4” in the past due to superstition). There’s not much known yet, but it will likely adopt the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (Qualcomm’s 2025 chip) and continue OnePlus’s focus on fluid displays (120Hz or even 144Hz AMOLED). However, an interesting wrinkle has emerged: OnePlus is reportedly planning a compact flagship for 2026. In fact, leaks out of China (via reliable leaker Digital Chat Station) claim a device called OnePlus 15T will launch in H1 2026 as a “compact flagship” with a 6.3-inch display phonearena.com phonearena.com. The kicker? It’s supposed to have a massive 7000 mAh battery in that relatively small body phonearena.com. For comparison, most 6.3” phones have ~4500mAh – so 7000mAh would be extraordinary, likely requiring new battery tech or a thicker design. This OnePlus 15T compact phone is meant to cater to those who want a smaller device without sacrificing battery life (a common gripe: small phones usually mean small battery). It’s part of a broader trend of compact flagships coming out of Chinese brands: Oppo is said to launch a Find X9 “s” compact, Honor a Magic 8 Mini, and Xiaomi and Vivo also eyeing the segment in late 2025/2026 phonearena.com phonearena.com. So, OnePlus (and BBK at large) doesn’t want to miss that boat.

Thus, while OnePlus 14 (2026) will likely stick to a ~6.7” size, OnePlus might introduce parallel models or a T-series that are smaller. It’s an interesting pivot because OnePlus historically chased big specs and big screens; now they see demand in the premium compact niche (perhaps influenced by Asus Zenfone or iPhone mini fans).

OnePlus Open: First Foldable and Next Steps

OnePlus made waves by finally entering the foldable game in late 2023 with the OnePlus Open. Co-developed with Oppo (it’s essentially a variant of Oppo’s Find N3), the Open earned praise for being slightly more affordable than Samsung’s Fold and for a less noticeable crease, sturdy build, and Hasselblad-tuned cameras. It was positioned at $1,699 – not cheap, but undercutting the $1,799 Pixel Fold and $1,899 Galaxy Z Fold.

Enthusiasts expected a follow-up OnePlus Open 2 in late 2024 or 2025. Indeed, rumors were flying – some thought an early 2025 launch could happen tomsguide.com. But OnePlus executives recently indicated the Open’s successor won’t arrive in 2025 androidauthority.com. Instead, it’s pushed to 2026. This suggests OnePlus is taking a longer 2-year cycle for foldables (similar to how Oppo doesn’t release Find N every year globally). It could also reflect supply chain or strategic decisions – foldables are expensive to develop, and OnePlus might wait for tech (like next-gen hinges or better foldable screens from supplier BOE/Samsung Display) to mature.

Whenever the Open 2 does come (likely 2026), leaks suggest a wish list of improvements: thinner chassis, bigger battery, and full water resistance tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The original Open lacked an official IP68 (though it had some water sealing). OnePlus could differentiate by offering the first truly water-resistant foldable. They’ll certainly upgrade the chip to Snapdragon 8 Elite gen and possibly the camera (rumor of main camera going from 48MP to 50MP, and keeping the 3x tele) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. OnePlus also prides itself on display quality, so expect a gorgeous 120Hz inner and outer screen, maybe with less crease thanks to improved hinge tech. Pricing will likely remain aggressive – OnePlus will try to price it a couple hundred below Samsung’s equivalent. They stated they want to keep it cheaper than Pixel Fold ($1799) and Galaxy Fold ($1899) tomsguide.com.

It’s worth noting, OnePlus being part of Oppo means it benefits from Oppo’s innovations. Oppo showed off a rollable phone concept in 2020 (Oppo X 2021) and a flip foldable (Find N3 Flip) in 2023. OnePlus could potentially rebrand or tweak those for global markets. For example, an OnePlus Flip foldable might appear if they see a market for a clamshell at OnePlus prices (imagine a OnePlus flip phone at $999 undercutting Samsung by $100).

Other BBK Players: Oppo, Vivo, Realme, iQOO

Though the question focuses on notable smartphones (and named OnePlus explicitly), a quick look at sister brands:

• Oppo Find X7 / X7 Pro: Oppo’s 2025 flagship (Find X6 was 2023 but China-only). If Oppo returns to global, Find X7 Pro could bring a best-in-class display (Oppo often uses fantastic panels), 100W charging, and the MariSilicon X imaging NPU for photography. Oppo also usually showcases a microscope or variable aperture camera – they like nifty camera features (Find X3 had a microscope, Find X5 Pro had a custom 5-axis OIS). Keep an eye on them for camera innovation.
• Vivo X100 / X200 series: Vivo (another BBK brand) is known for Zeiss camera partnership and gimbal stabilization. The Vivo X100 series (late 2024) and X110 (2025) will likely continue that, with huge sensors and perhaps the first phone with a variable zoom periscope (continuous optical zoom) which was hinted at. Vivo might also push charging boundaries.
• Realme GT series: Realme, aimed at younger markets, often delivers flagship specs at mid-range prices. The Realme GT4 or GT5 in 2025 could have Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 but priced around $600, plus very high charging (Realme was first with 240W charge commercially). They also love special editions (anime tie-ins, etc.).
• iQOO (Vivo’s sub-brand): Focuses on performance and gaming. The iQOO 12 (2024) and iQOO 13 (2025) will pack the latest Snapdragon, high refresh screens, and big batteries with flashy RGB designs perhaps, targeting gamers in Asia.

The reason to mention these is collectively, the BBK group often introduces features that later become mainstream. For instance, they pioneered periscope lenses (Oppo), super-fast charging (Realme/Oppo), under-display cameras (ZTE and Vivo), etc. So, a feature in an Oppo/Vivo could be a harbinger of what OnePlus might integrate later or what the industry picks up.

Big trend from BBK in 2025: Compacts and foldables. We saw OnePlus planning a compact 15T and Oppo/Honor doing similar phonearena.com. There’s a realization that not everyone wants a 6.7” slab – smaller high-end phones are underserved (Sony’s Xperia 5 series and Asus Zenfone are few examples). By mid-2026, we might have a slew of ~6.1–6.3” flagships from Chinese brands, which is great for users wanting pocket-friendly devices.

Finally, BBK companies are also exploring AR glasses and phone integration (Oppo has smart glasses concepts, Vivo too). While not “smartphones” per se, these could be accessories to phones in 2025/26, hinting at a future beyond the rectangle slab.

To sum up, OnePlus and its sister brands will continue to challenge the big dogs by offering 90% of the experience at 70% of the price. OnePlus 13 shows that formula is still alive, and the brand’s first foldable Open proved they can compete in new categories. With a rich pipeline including potential OnePlus 15T compact with a huge battery phonearena.com and others, they’re adapting to consumer trends quickly. As a tech writer succinctly put, OnePlus wants to cover all bases – from large powerhouses to slim compacts – and 2025–2026 will see that strategy play out in real time.

Other Notable Players: Gaming Rigs, Rugged Phones, and Wild Card Concepts

Beyond the big brands above, a few other categories round out the smartphone scene:

Gaming Phones: Asus ROG, RedMagic, Black Shark & Co.

For gamers who want RGB lights, active cooling, and supercharged specs, gaming smartphones remain a niche but vibrant category.

• Asus ROG Phone 8/9: Asus’s Republic of Gamers line is expected to continue annually. The ROG Phone 7 (2023) impressed with a 165Hz AMOLED and clip-on fan accessory. The ROG Phone 8 likely arrived in 2024 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and incremental upgrades. By ROG Phone 9 in 2025, we anticipate Asus might adopt the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and possibly experiment with mini-LED displays or even higher touch sampling rates to improve responsiveness. Asus could also double down on thermals – perhaps using liquid cooling or vapour chambers so big they span the device. Expect monstrous RAM (up to 18GB) and storage (512GB/UFS4.0 or beyond) and massive batteries (6000mAh) split into dual cells for fast 65-90W charging. Asus often releases multiple variants: a base, a “Pro” or “Ultimate” with an additional PMOLED screen or extra triggers, and special editions themed after games (they’ve done a Batman edition, etc.). These will continue to be pricey (~$1000+) and tailored to the hardcore gaming crowd.
• Nubia RedMagic 10/11: Nubia (ZTE’s sub-brand) has been pumping out RedMagic gaming phones at a brisk pace (two per year sometimes). The RedMagic 10 Pro launched around Q1 2025, and as covered, even had a luxury Golden Saga edition with gold-plated internals phonearena.com – a blend of gaming and bling. Aside from aesthetic flair, RedMagic phones pack built-in cooling fans (tiny spinning fan inside the phone), very high refresh displays (some models hit 144Hz or even 165Hz), and a focus on bang-for-buck. RedMagic undercuts ROG by usually pricing in the $600-$800 range for top specs. By RedMagic 11 in late 2025 or 2026, we could see even faster refresh (maybe 180Hz if panels allow) or innovative features like pressure-sensitive zones on screen for controls. They already offer shoulder trigger buttons and loads of customization in software (game space modes, etc.). RedMagic also plays with fast charging – the RedMagic 9 in 2024 had 80W globally, but a China variant had 150W. So RedMagic 11 might go beyond 150W, potentially hitting that 200W mark for bragging rights (0-100% in under 10 minutes!). The limiting factor is battery longevity, but they may include graphene or other tech to mitigate degradation.
• Black Shark (Xiaomi-backed) and Lenovo Legion: Black Shark was quiet in 2023–2024, but could resurface with a Black Shark 6 or 7 in 2025, offering similar value-oriented gaming features. Lenovo discontinued its Legion phone line in 2022, but who knows, they might partner up or re-enter if cloud gaming or something picks up (though not likely soon).

Gaming phones often serve as a testbed for crazy specs – e.g., the first phones with 18GB+ RAM were gaming phones, first with 144Hz displays, etc. They also sometimes include active cooling which allows sustained performance that regular flagships can’t maintain (thermal throttling is a thing on slim phones). If mobile gaming or even VR/AR hooks (like connecting phones to VR headsets) become bigger, these devices could see renewed attention. For now, they’re a niche for enthusiasts who want to play Genshin Impact at 120fps or emulate consoles on their phone.

Rugged Phones: Built to Survive (with New Tricks)

Rugged smartphones are the polar opposite of sleek flagships – chunky, rubberized, but ultra-durable and practical. Brands like CAT (Caterpillar), Motorola (via Bullitt Group), Ulefone, Doogee, and others roll out new models every year targeted at construction workers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone needing a tough device.

In 2023, Bullitt (which licenses Cat and Motorola’s rugged line) launched devices that introduced something novel: two-way satellite text messaging. The Cat S75 and Motorola Defy 2 could connect to geostationary satellites to send an SOS or even basic messages when off the cellular grid bgr.com. This was done via a MediaTek chip and Bullitt’s custom app with the pay service. Going forward into 2025, we can expect more rugged phones to include satellite comms as a selling point, especially as chipmakers like Qualcomm and MediaTek build satellite support directly into their modems. So a hypothetical Cat S78 in 2025 could allow you to text from the middle of nowhere out-of-the-box. Meanwhile, Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite (introduced in iPhone 14) raised awareness; Android OEMs will follow – in fact, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite aims to enable emergency SMS on premium Androids, but rugged phones will push it to consumers who specifically need it.

Other features standard in this class will continue: FLIR thermal imaging cameras (popular in Cat phones for detecting heat leaks, electrical issues, etc.), air quality sensors (some have VOC sensors to warn of pollutants), huge batteries (it’s not uncommon for a rugged phone to have 8000+ mAh, even up to 10,000 mAh, basically powerbank-like stamina), and loud speakers for noisy environments. Cameras are usually an afterthought, but occasionally a rugged phone surprises – e.g., some pack 48MP or 50MP sensors now, and one or two even have night vision IR cameras for low-light.

One trade-off has been software – historically they lag behind in Android version and updates. But that’s slowly improving as enterprise customers demand security. Maybe we’ll see a rugged phone launching with Android 14/15 and a commitment to 3+ years updates in 2025.

While not “notable” in the consumer press sense, it’s worth mentioning one specific model: Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro 3 (or whatever Samsung names next). Samsung has a line of enterprise rugged-ish phones (the XCover and the Tab Active tablets). They quietly launched XCover6 Pro in 2022 with a removable battery (a rarity!). If Samsung updates it by 2025, we could see a XCover Pro with 5G, decent mid-range specs, and MIL-STD-810H durability, giving more options beyond Bullitt’s offerings.

Overall, rugged phones in 2025–2026 will quietly integrate modern connectivity (5G, satellite) into super-tough frames. They aren’t about glamour, but in certain industries and adventures, they’re literal lifesavers. And as global instability and climate events increase, even average consumers have shown interest in emergency comms – something rugged devices excel at. Don’t expect them to get slim or pretty though; in a way, their unapologetically rugged look is part of the appeal.

Concept Phones & Future Tech: Rollables, AR Integration, and Sustainability

The last category is more forward-looking: concept or experimental phones that hint at what might come in late 2026 and beyond. We’ve touched on a few throughout (Samsung’s tri-folds, Xiaomi’s modular camera). Here are a couple more:

• Rollable Displays: Several companies have shown rollable phone concepts. A rollable phone has an expanding display that unfurls from within the device, converting a regular phone into a small tablet without a fold crease. Motorola (Lenovo) demoed a rollable phone that extends vertically – at the press of a button, the screen unrolls from ~5” to ~6.5” giving you more screen area. Oppo also had a rollable concept (Oppo X 2021) that expanded horizontally. While no one has commercialized these yet, 2025 might see a limited release of a rollable phone. LG was actually close to launching one in 2021 before they exited the phone business – that design might inspire others. If any brand does it, likely candidates are Oppo or Motorola, since they have shown working prototypes. The tech challenges include screen durability (rolling mechanisms must avoid crumpling the OLED) and ensuring dust doesn’t get in. A rollable phone would be an answer to foldables by eliminating the hinge and crease, but it’s mechanically complex. Still, keep an eye out at events like CES or MWC 2025/26 – a company could surprise us with “world’s first rollable phone you can buy”.
• AR/VR Companion Phones: With Apple pushing Vision Pro (AR headset) in 2024, other companies might integrate smartphones more with AR glasses. We could see concept phones that double as controllers or that beam content to lightweight AR glasses. For example, Nothing Phone (2) was used in a OnePlus AR Glasses demo in 2024. Meta and RayBan launched camera glasses; perhaps a phone with dedicated AR sensors or neurotech could come. By early 2026, maybe Google or Samsung tease an AR-oriented phone (like how ASUS had a “Tango” AR phone years ago). Not mainstream yet, but conceptually brewing.
• Sustainable Modular Phones: The Fairphone (a small Dutch company) in 2023 released Fairphone 5 with modular, repairable parts and 5 years warranty (and aiming for 8 years software support). While Fairphone is niche, the sustainability movement grows. We might see a big brand dip a toe into modularity or at least easier repairs. For instance, could Motorola revive the Moto Mods concept in a new way? Or could Google’s abandoned Project Ara modular phone inspire a new startup? In 2025, a company called Framework (known for modular laptops) planned a repairable smartphone – if they or similar succeed, by 2026 we could have a notable phone that prioritizes longevity over latest specs. Keep an eye out for terms like “circular economy” and e-waste reduction in marketing as companies try to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. In fairness, major brands are already boasting recycled materials in phones and carbon-neutral shipping, but a truly modular mainstream phone would be a big shift (if it ever happens).
• Graphene Batteries or New Battery Tech: Often hyped, seldom delivered, but maybe by 2026 we’ll see a small breakthrough – a phone with a solid-state battery (higher energy density, safer) or graphene composite battery that charges ultra-fast and lasts longer cycles. If any, it might first appear in a flagship of a tech-forward company (perhaps Xiaomi or Apple – Apple invests in battery tech, maybe for an iPhone in late 2026/27).
• Quantum or Specialized Chips: On the far edge, companies like Samsung and Google are working on AI accelerators and maybe one day quantum-inspired chips. A concept phone might appear that leverages a dedicated AI co-processor to do things like run large language model AI on-device (imagine chatting with an AI assistant locally with no cloud required). Qualcomm’s latest already can handle some of that, and Google’s tensor is geared for it. By 2026 we might see marketing of “this phone can run an AI with 10 billion parameters on-device” as a selling point, reflecting the AI craze.

In essence, concept and future tech phones give a glimpse of what the next wave of innovation might be after the current foldable craze. Some will remain vaporware, others could become the next big thing. Tech enthusiasts are particularly excited about rollables (to eliminate foldable compromises) and better batteries (because what good is all this power if your phone dies at 5pm?).

As we wrap up our mega-preview, it’s clear the smartphone world of 2025–2026 is incredibly dynamic. We have the reliable cycle of annual improvements – better chips, better cameras – but we also have genuine paradigm shifts in how phones look and function, from foldable tablets in your pocket to satellite links to call for help from a mountaintop. As one journalist noted, “the modern world is evolving so fast, it can be hard to catch the technology winds”, but events like MWC 2025 gave us a chance to “lay our hands on cool new prototypes and prepare for what’s to come.” phonearena.com phonearena.com Indeed, the future of smartphones might be “paper-thin devices we fold multiple times” or modular systems that challenge the very notion of a phone phonearena.com – and the seeds of those were on display.

In conclusion, whether you’re eyeing that refined iPhone 17 Pro, a wild Galaxy tri-fold, a supercharged OnePlus, or a tough satellite communicator, the next year and a half has something in store for everyone. The competition is fierce, which means consumers win – we’ll see rapid advancements and price options at all levels. Smartphones remain the center of our digital lives, and from what we’ve gathered, that center is about to get even more powerful, more innovative, and yes, even more fun. Stay tuned, because 2025 and 2026’s phones will truly change the game – and we’ll be here to enjoy every minute of it, phone in hand.

Sources:

• MacRumors – “iPhone 17: Everything We Know” (July 2025) macrumors.com macrumors.com macrumors.com
• Tom’s Guide – “10 Most Anticipated Phones of 2025” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Android Authority – “Best Upcoming Android Phones in 2025” (May 2025) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com androidauthority.com
• Tom’s Guide – “iPhone SE 4 – What We’re Expecting” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Tom’s Guide – “Galaxy Z Flip FE Rumors” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Tom’s Guide – “Galaxy S25 Slim (Edge) Rumors” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Tom’s Guide – “OnePlus Open 2 Rumors” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Tom’s Guide – “Galaxy Z Fold 7/Flip 7” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• PhoneArena – “Best of MWC 2025” (Mar 2025) phonearena.com phonearena.com phonearena.com
• NotebookCheck – “Xiaomi 15 Ultra launches with revamped Leica camera” notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net
• NotebookCheck – “Xiaomi 15T Pro rumors” notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net
• PhoneArena – “Latest OnePlus rumor: devices in 2026” phonearena.com phonearena.com phonearena.com
• Android Authority – “Samsung’s foldable concepts at MWC 2025” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com androidauthority.com
• Android Authority – “Newest Android phones available today (2025)” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com
• Tom’s Guide – Pixel 10 rumors tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Tom’s Guide – Pixel 9a rumors tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• The Verge – “Motorola Defy and CAT S75 with satellite texting” bgr.com