With the pace of smartphone evolution moving so fast, there's always something waiting in the wings. No sooner have you spied the latest handset, then there's anticipation of something else, the next big thing.
We've rounded up the best smartphones for 2014, those we consider to be the best across all platforms, and we've regularly updated that list as the smartphone world has evolved over the last year from 2013 in to 2014. You can find those in our Best smartphones 2014 feature.
Here we're looking at those phones that haven't yet launched, those we know are coming, or are anticipated. Some will be rumour, some will be fact, but here we'll cut through the speculation to highlight those phones we really want to see. We'll be updating this list on a regular basis, with those device rumours we think are credible and exciting, and devices just announced but yet to hit the shelves.
We've known since July 2013 that the next HTC flagship handset is referred to internally as the HTC M8, the successor to the M7, the device that became the HTC One. With HTC saying that the "One" name is here to stay, it's safe to predict that the final commercial name will be new HTC One or HTC One (2014) or something like that.
As for the specs, it looks like HTC will be bringing the M8 up to the mark with a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, a 5-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution display and Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 6.0. There's little to surprise in there and we suspect most of the attention will be on the metal body construction as HTC looks to repeat the luscious looks of the 2013 HTC One.
One change appears to be the addition of an extra camera sensor on the rear of the handset, designed to improve focusing, low light shooting and depth of field.
We'll be keeping a close eye on HTC and bringing you any news we hear on the next HTC handset. The HTC One will be launched on 25 March at an event in London and New York, so more will be revealed soon.
READ MORE HTC One (M8) release date, rumours and everything you need to know
For many, the hottest handset on the horizon will be the Samsung Galaxy S5. Where does Samsung go after packing everything into the Samsung Galaxy S4 and following up with the excellent Samsung Galaxy Note 3?
There are plenty of rumours swirling about the Samsung Galaxy S5, including talk of a 5.2-inch device that bumps the resolution up to 2560 x 1440 (560ppi), meaning it would be super-sharp and class leading for pixel density. We're sure we'll see a matching of the Note 3's SD800 and 3GB of RAM to give it plenty of power. There's also talk of a metal body alongside the plastic version, with Samsung looking to draw those that HTC attracted with its premium finish.
Perhaps more importantly, Samsung appears to be looking at a refresh for its user interface in the SGS5. We've seen a number of leaks showing a new card-based interface that looks much more mature than TouchWiz of the past.
Samsung has sent out invites for its Unpacked 5 event at Mobile World Congress 2014 in February. We'd expect 24 February to be the Samsung Galaxy S5 launch date.
READ MORE Samsung Galaxy S5 release date, rumours and everything you need to know
Sony used CES 2014 to launch two devices, the Z1 Compact and the Z1S. Neither are a flagship replacement for the Z1. Traditionally Sony has launched a new device at the beginning of the year, but it looks like we're in for an update later in 2014. There are rumours of a new flagship handset, codenamed Sirius, to be launched at Mobile World Congress in February 2014.
The Xperia Z product line has a real strength in design. We love the slim monolitic looks, but felt that the Z1 took things a little too far, with the handset bloating too much to accomodate all the tech within. We'd predict that the Xperia Z2/Sirius will slim things down a little, but keep to a similar, recognisable, design that fits the family.
We'd also expect similar internals to the Z1, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, perhaps 3GB of RAM, a full HD display, with suggestions it might grow to 5.2 inches to match the LG G2. If Sony can do this without growing the size of the phone's body, then it will be an impressive feat. We'd also expect Sony to be supporting 4K video capture with the camera, ready for playback on your Sony 4K TV.
READ MORE Sony Xperia Z2 (Sirius) release date, rumours and everything you need to know
LG has seen a return to form in 2013, with the LG G2 doing a lot to restore faith in the company's smartphone ambitions. That, and the new Nexus 5, see growing anticipation for LG's next flagship device, the LG G3.
The LG G3 is said to land with a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution display, with a slight increase in size. One of the strengths of the G2 is packing a larger 5.2-inch display into a handset that's smaller than some rivals (like the Xperia Z1), so we'd expect to see the same again: more display without the bulk.
There's talk of LG using it's octa-core Odin chipset to power the G3, as well as looking at a fingerprint scanner for security.
READ MORE LG G3 news
LG has now officially launched the LG G Pro 2, although it's initially a Korean handset only, with no news on whether we'll see it in other territories.
The LG G Pro 2 has a 5.9-inch 1080 x 1920 resolution display, 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, 3GB of RAM, and LTE connectivity. The G Pro 2 has a 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilisation on the rear, capable of 4K video capture.
It looks like a strong competitor for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and should be a great phablet.
READ MORE LG G Pro 2 news
Nokia has been going from strength to strength in 2013, making Windows Phone a much more attractive proposition over the past 12 months. The best device so far has been the Lumia 1520, as it breaks new ground for Windows Phone, pushing the display resolution up and making better use of the space available.
The Nokia Lumia Icon brings those phablet skills down to a 5-inch device, but it's a Verizon exclusive. The Lumia Icon has a full HD display, along with a 20-megapixel PureView camera and a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. That's something that might grab the attention of those getting tired of Android.
The Nokia Lumia Icon is now on pre-order, hitting stores on 20 February for $199 on a 2-year Verizon contract.
READ MORE Nokia Lumia Icon news
There has been a flurry of leaks surrounding the Nokia Normandy, or Nokia X, said to be the company's first foray into an Android-based operating system. If the rumours are to be believed, it seems it's aligning with the Asha family of handsets, destined for the affordable end of the market.
It looks like it will be coming in a range of colours in the sort of polycarbonate body and design familiar from Lumia devices. The specs, however, tell the budget story, with a rumoured 4-inch display with 854 x 480 pixel resolution, a 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. It's said to come with dual SIM compatibility and a user interface that's heavily customised to put Nokia's services before Google's.
Nokia has scheduled a press event for Mobile World Congress 2014, so we may see the Nokia X make an appearance.
READ MORE Nokia X (Normandy) release date, rumours and everything you need to know
There's a new Nokia kid on the rumour block called the Lumia 930, said to be a 4.5-inch update of the 920/925 level of device. It's been mentioned that it will bring the top specs of the Lumia Icon to the rest of the world. Previously there was the Lumia 1520V, said to be a smaller version of the 1520, so we suspect they are the same handset.
The Lumia 930 is said to have a 4.5-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution display, a quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset and a 20-megapixel PureView camera. With the Lumia 925 getting rather old, it sounds like a likely spec bump for this important flagship space for Nokia.
There's talk of a launch at Mobile World Congress 2014 at the end of February.
READ MORE Nokia Lumia 930 rumours
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is undoubtedly a great device. It's king of the phablets and has been a huge success for the company, helping remind us why big devices are also beautiful.
But for some, it's just too much. It's too big, it's too expensive and it's overkill: enter the Neo, to bring the Galaxy Note experience to a wider audience. Samsung has formally announced the Galaxy Note 3 Neo, but it looks like Neo won't be coming to the UK or US. Those in Poland, however, you're in luck.
The Galaxy Note 3 Neo features faux leather back, neatly dressing the 5.5-inch 720p AMOLED display, 1.6GHz quad-core processor and 8-megapixel camera. It sounds like the Note 2 in a new coat and that's pretty much what it is, with LTE thrown into the mix.
READ MORE Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo news and reviews
We've rounded up the best smartphones for 2014, those we consider to be the best across all platforms, and we've regularly updated that list as the smartphone world has evolved over the last year from 2013 in to 2014. You can find those in our Best smartphones 2014 feature.
Here we're looking at those phones that haven't yet launched, those we know are coming, or are anticipated. Some will be rumour, some will be fact, but here we'll cut through the speculation to highlight those phones we really want to see. We'll be updating this list on a regular basis, with those device rumours we think are credible and exciting, and devices just announced but yet to hit the shelves.
HTC M8/new HTC One
We've known since July 2013 that the next HTC flagship handset is referred to internally as the HTC M8, the successor to the M7, the device that became the HTC One. With HTC saying that the "One" name is here to stay, it's safe to predict that the final commercial name will be new HTC One or HTC One (2014) or something like that.
As for the specs, it looks like HTC will be bringing the M8 up to the mark with a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, a 5-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution display and Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 6.0. There's little to surprise in there and we suspect most of the attention will be on the metal body construction as HTC looks to repeat the luscious looks of the 2013 HTC One.
One change appears to be the addition of an extra camera sensor on the rear of the handset, designed to improve focusing, low light shooting and depth of field.
We'll be keeping a close eye on HTC and bringing you any news we hear on the next HTC handset. The HTC One will be launched on 25 March at an event in London and New York, so more will be revealed soon.
READ MORE HTC One (M8) release date, rumours and everything you need to know
Samsung Galaxy S5
For many, the hottest handset on the horizon will be the Samsung Galaxy S5. Where does Samsung go after packing everything into the Samsung Galaxy S4 and following up with the excellent Samsung Galaxy Note 3?
There are plenty of rumours swirling about the Samsung Galaxy S5, including talk of a 5.2-inch device that bumps the resolution up to 2560 x 1440 (560ppi), meaning it would be super-sharp and class leading for pixel density. We're sure we'll see a matching of the Note 3's SD800 and 3GB of RAM to give it plenty of power. There's also talk of a metal body alongside the plastic version, with Samsung looking to draw those that HTC attracted with its premium finish.
Perhaps more importantly, Samsung appears to be looking at a refresh for its user interface in the SGS5. We've seen a number of leaks showing a new card-based interface that looks much more mature than TouchWiz of the past.
Samsung has sent out invites for its Unpacked 5 event at Mobile World Congress 2014 in February. We'd expect 24 February to be the Samsung Galaxy S5 launch date.
READ MORE Samsung Galaxy S5 release date, rumours and everything you need to know
Sony Xperia Z2/Sirius
Sony used CES 2014 to launch two devices, the Z1 Compact and the Z1S. Neither are a flagship replacement for the Z1. Traditionally Sony has launched a new device at the beginning of the year, but it looks like we're in for an update later in 2014. There are rumours of a new flagship handset, codenamed Sirius, to be launched at Mobile World Congress in February 2014.
The Xperia Z product line has a real strength in design. We love the slim monolitic looks, but felt that the Z1 took things a little too far, with the handset bloating too much to accomodate all the tech within. We'd predict that the Xperia Z2/Sirius will slim things down a little, but keep to a similar, recognisable, design that fits the family.
We'd also expect similar internals to the Z1, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, perhaps 3GB of RAM, a full HD display, with suggestions it might grow to 5.2 inches to match the LG G2. If Sony can do this without growing the size of the phone's body, then it will be an impressive feat. We'd also expect Sony to be supporting 4K video capture with the camera, ready for playback on your Sony 4K TV.
READ MORE Sony Xperia Z2 (Sirius) release date, rumours and everything you need to know
LG G3
LG has seen a return to form in 2013, with the LG G2 doing a lot to restore faith in the company's smartphone ambitions. That, and the new Nexus 5, see growing anticipation for LG's next flagship device, the LG G3.
The LG G3 is said to land with a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution display, with a slight increase in size. One of the strengths of the G2 is packing a larger 5.2-inch display into a handset that's smaller than some rivals (like the Xperia Z1), so we'd expect to see the same again: more display without the bulk.
There's talk of LG using it's octa-core Odin chipset to power the G3, as well as looking at a fingerprint scanner for security.
READ MORE LG G3 news
LG G Pro 2
LG has now officially launched the LG G Pro 2, although it's initially a Korean handset only, with no news on whether we'll see it in other territories.
The LG G Pro 2 has a 5.9-inch 1080 x 1920 resolution display, 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, 3GB of RAM, and LTE connectivity. The G Pro 2 has a 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilisation on the rear, capable of 4K video capture.
It looks like a strong competitor for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and should be a great phablet.
READ MORE LG G Pro 2 news
Nokia Lumia Icon
Nokia has been going from strength to strength in 2013, making Windows Phone a much more attractive proposition over the past 12 months. The best device so far has been the Lumia 1520, as it breaks new ground for Windows Phone, pushing the display resolution up and making better use of the space available.
The Nokia Lumia Icon brings those phablet skills down to a 5-inch device, but it's a Verizon exclusive. The Lumia Icon has a full HD display, along with a 20-megapixel PureView camera and a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. That's something that might grab the attention of those getting tired of Android.
The Nokia Lumia Icon is now on pre-order, hitting stores on 20 February for $199 on a 2-year Verizon contract.
READ MORE Nokia Lumia Icon news
Nokia X (Normandy)
There has been a flurry of leaks surrounding the Nokia Normandy, or Nokia X, said to be the company's first foray into an Android-based operating system. If the rumours are to be believed, it seems it's aligning with the Asha family of handsets, destined for the affordable end of the market.
It looks like it will be coming in a range of colours in the sort of polycarbonate body and design familiar from Lumia devices. The specs, however, tell the budget story, with a rumoured 4-inch display with 854 x 480 pixel resolution, a 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. It's said to come with dual SIM compatibility and a user interface that's heavily customised to put Nokia's services before Google's.
Nokia has scheduled a press event for Mobile World Congress 2014, so we may see the Nokia X make an appearance.
READ MORE Nokia X (Normandy) release date, rumours and everything you need to know
Nokia Lumia 930
There's a new Nokia kid on the rumour block called the Lumia 930, said to be a 4.5-inch update of the 920/925 level of device. It's been mentioned that it will bring the top specs of the Lumia Icon to the rest of the world. Previously there was the Lumia 1520V, said to be a smaller version of the 1520, so we suspect they are the same handset.
The Lumia 930 is said to have a 4.5-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution display, a quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset and a 20-megapixel PureView camera. With the Lumia 925 getting rather old, it sounds like a likely spec bump for this important flagship space for Nokia.
There's talk of a launch at Mobile World Congress 2014 at the end of February.
READ MORE Nokia Lumia 930 rumours
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is undoubtedly a great device. It's king of the phablets and has been a huge success for the company, helping remind us why big devices are also beautiful.
But for some, it's just too much. It's too big, it's too expensive and it's overkill: enter the Neo, to bring the Galaxy Note experience to a wider audience. Samsung has formally announced the Galaxy Note 3 Neo, but it looks like Neo won't be coming to the UK or US. Those in Poland, however, you're in luck.
The Galaxy Note 3 Neo features faux leather back, neatly dressing the 5.5-inch 720p AMOLED display, 1.6GHz quad-core processor and 8-megapixel camera. It sounds like the Note 2 in a new coat and that's pretty much what it is, with LTE thrown into the mix.
READ MORE Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo news and reviews
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