February was an exciting month for the mobile world. The MWC conference brought a round of announcements from phone manufacturers. Here are some devices that will hit the market this year.
SAMSUNG
Let’s start with Samsung, who stole the show with their new Galaxy S5. They added a fingerprint scanner inside the home button and a heart rate monitor underneath the rear camera. The Galaxy S5 is also dustproof and waterproof.
Its big selling points are found on the inside. The Galaxy S5 has a user interface that’s simpler and cleaner, such as the recent apps, notification, and settings menus. You can make icons extra big with an old-folks mode and built-in magnifier. Another feature is the ability to refocus a photo after you’ve taken it.
The Galaxy S5 has an ultra power saving mode for those times when your phone is about to die and you don’t have a charger. It shuts down all non-vital applications and turns the screen black and white. Samsung says the phone can last a full 24 hours off a nearly empty battery (1).
The Galaxy S5 is set to be released April 11th.
SONY
Sony unveiled its Xperia Z2 and less expensive Xperia M2. Among the best new qualities of the Xperia Z2 are its 4K video recording and 20.7-megapixel camera. It’s 5.2” display features Live Color LED technology. This produces brighter and more natural colors while making it easier to read in sunlight. The phone is also dustproof and waterproof.
The Xperia M2 is Sony’s mid-range model with a 4.8” display, 8-megapixel camera, and lower resolution. It’s an affordable option for those who want a smartphone but don’t care about all the fancy extras.
The Xperia Z2 is set to be released this month and the Xperia M2 in April.
LG
With a 5.9” display, the LG G Pro 2 is a super sized handset with improved camera capabilities. The 13-megapixel rear camera can record in 4K resolution. Better stabilization software means your videos will still look good if you’re on a bumpy ride. You can choose between three slow-motion recording options. Magic Focus allows you to change the depth of focus after taking a photo.
Even with the larger display users can still use this phone with one hand. Mini View shrinks the screen and shifts it to one side.
G Pro 2’s Knockon function lets you wake-up or lock the handset by double tapping the screen. One step up from that is Knockcode; instead of a password you tap out a pattern of 2 to 8 knocks.
LG will release the phone in Asian markets by the end of March, but no word when it will come to the states.
APPLE
Apple isn’t expected to release its next iPhone until either June or September. But rumors predict it will come in two sizes, a 4.7” and 5.5” display, with new LED backlighting to make the frames thinner and lighter.
(1) http://bgr.com/2014/02/28/galaxy-s5-battery-life/
