Share

Here are 2016's top 4 smartphone launches

Competition in the global smartphone market is heating up with traditional players such as Apple and Samsung being pitted against up-and-coming brands like Xiaomi.

In 2016 so far, there have been a number of high-profile launches of smartphones.

Many of these launches took place at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain last month and here are four of them.

Samsung Galaxy S7

Last month, South Korean smartphone maker Samsung launched its latest Galaxy S7 smartphone range, which includes its Edge device. The phones mark incremental improvements in performance when compared to the previous S6 range.

The new phones are expected to go on sale on March 11. The Galaxy S7 sports a 5.1-inch screen using its own Exynos or Qualcomm processors. Meanwhile, the larger 5.5-inch Edge model equipped with the same kind of wraparound display the company debuted last year.

The S7 also initially comes bundled with a VR headset. Samsung has also launched a 360 degree camera alongside its smartphone launch.

LG G5

Another South Korean smartphone maker, LG, also unveiled its first modular smartphone, the G5, in Barcelona last month. The phone is made up of components that can be upgraded or replaced. It also comes with a removable battery and a virtual reality headset.


The LG G5 is positioned to take on premier brands like Samsung. (Bloomberg)

Sony Xperia X

At Mobile World Congress earlier this year, Sony also unveiled its Xperia X range. These devices ranges from the Xperia X, Xperia X Performance and Xperia XA. They all feature premium cases as well as rounded glass fronts. The version X and X Performance devices feature a 23-megapixel camera. Other form factors of the X Performance handset include 32GB of storage and the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.


Sony's Xperia X builds on the Japanese company's previous models. (Bloomberg)

Xiaomi Mi 5

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi also showcased its latest device at Mobile World Congress last month. The Mi 5 has features such as a 5.15" IPS 1080p display, 32 GB and Android 6.0 Marshmallow with Xiaomi’s MIUI 7.0. Xiaomi has started pushing into more markets and has teamed up with a local distributor in South Africa to sell the devices locally. Xiaomi is also trying to take on big players like Samsung and LG by employing features such as curved designs with its Mi 5 handset.


Xiaomi is taking on more established brands after it unveiled its latest flagship last month. (Bloomberg)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.88
+0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.86
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.39
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders