There’s never a shortage of new upcoming phones to get excited about: from flagships to foldables and clamshells to cameraphones, something shiny is out there looking to tempt you away from the handset that’s called your trouser pocket home for the last year or two.
We’ve listed all the major upcoming phones due to land over the next twelve months below. That includes confirmed releases and rumoured reveals, so you can start working on your shortlist – and saving your pennies. Read on for what to expect in terms of specs, camera capabilities and software smarts – and for some added context, check out the summary of every major smartphone announcement from recent months, with links to our review of the biggest hitters.
Only care about phones you can buy right now? Read our guide to the best smartphones on sale today.
All the best upcoming phones we’re expecting soon
Motorola foldable
No, we’re not talking about another Razr clamshell here. The online rumour mill suggests Motorola is hard at work on its first book-style foldable phone, and the firm itself has gotten in on the action, sending journalists teasers for January’s CES trade show that say it is getting ready to “unfold new perspectives”.
Little else is known about the phone so far – even the name is a mystery – but Motorola will surely be taking aim at Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Samsung Galaxy S26 series
The next generation of Samsung Galaxy phones are almost definitely going to land in January 2026. Early rumours suggest there won’t be a S26+. Instead we’ll get a vanilla S26, flagship S26 Ultra, and a super-skinny S26 Edge. The current S25 Edge feels a little out of step with Samsung’s usual update schedule, and bringing it in line with the rest of the S26 line makes a lot of sense.
Samsung fans hoping for bigger upgrades than last year’s iterative tweaks could be in for a pleasant surprise. The firm went radical with its Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 upgrades, and industry whispers are hinting at slimmer builds all round. Camera upgrades, particularly to the Ultra’s zoom lens, would be very welcome indeed. Silicon-carbon seems unlikely, with Samsung playing it extra-safe given its rocky history with battery tech, but hopefully it can boost battery life in other ways to avoid being left behind by the Chinese competition.
The styling might change to make more room for camera tech in a smaller body, with a return to prominent raised camera housings on the S26 and S26 Ultra. The S26 Edge might get a full-width camera bar, just like the rumoured iPhone 17 Air. All three look set to finally bring Qi2 wireless charging into the mix, too, if leaked renders are any indication.
Google Pixel 10a
An affordable Pixel phone is surely on the cards in the next few months, with Google having launched a new A series each year since 2019. Early rumours suggest it won’t be all that different from the old one, though. A certification listing from US network provider Verizon suggests a 6.28in AMOLED screen, 48MP and 13MP rear camera duo, 13MP selfie camera, and 5100mAh battery – or exactly what we got in the Pixel 9a.
There’s no word on chipset yet, but allegedly it’ll reuse the Pixel 9a’s Tensor G4 silicon. 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage are expected, at least for the base model, and charging should still top out at 23W. Pricing should hopefully stay the same, keeping below $500/£500.
Google Pixel 11 series
Google’s mainline Pixel models tend to land in August, well ahead of Apple’s usual September time slot. That’s expected to stay the same in 2026, with the Pixel 11 series. A regular Pixel 11, two flavours of Pixel 11 Pro, and a Pixel 11 Pro Fold are all expected.
A new generation of Tensor silicon seems very likely, as does the latest version of Android, but everything else about the phones is unknown right now. Bigger batteries and new camera hardware would be high on my personal wish list: while Google does great things with image processing algorithms, its sensors are beginning to be left behind by rivals, and silicon-carbon chemistry has redefined what we’ve come to expect from smartphone battery life.
Apple iPhone 18 series
It’s a given September 2026 will see new iPhones introduced. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are surely going to look very similar to the current generation, seeing as Apple tends to stick with its designs for several years and the iPhone 17 generation only just debuted the full-width camera ‘plateau’.
Nothing will be made official until launch day, as is Apple tradition, but current rumours suggest the firm is working on under-display Face ID tech to do away with the Dynamic Island cutout. There’s a chance this’ll get bumped to 2027, though. The other mystery is whether there’ll be an iPhone Air 2 – sales have reportedly fallen short of the firm’s expectations, so it could decide to take a break from thin phones instead.
Apple iPhone Fold
It’s basically public knowledge Apple is developing a foldable phone. Rumours have been doing the rounds for years at this point, and flexible screen suppliers have seemingly been confirmed. But there are still more questions than answers, including what style of foldable it could be. Early concepts (like the one above) imagined a clamshell-style phone, but the most likely scenario is we get a book-style iPhone Fold in 2026 – or later, depending on whether Apple can reduce the screen crease to a level its design team is happy with.
Phones already revealed in China / Korea
Xiaomi 17 and 17 Pro Max
Xiaomi’s next hero phone made its debut right on schedule, just after Qualcomm had made its next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset official. The firm skipped 16, and was unashamedly upfront about why: it’s aiming to take on Apple, and is going about it with a strikingly similar design.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max goes one further, though, turning its expansive rear camera island into a second screen. It’s also packing an absurdly big battery, very capable camera sensors, and the latest version of its HyperOS Android skin. Expect a global launch in early 2026, possibly along with a photography-focused Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
If you can’t wait until early next year for the sequel, you can still grab the current model at a great price:
Samsung Galaxy TriFold
The Huawei Mate XT might’ve been the first ‘tri-fold’ phone out the gate (so-called because it has three separate sections, rather than three folds in its display), but Samsung isn’t far behind. The Galaxy TriFold was officially revealed in December 2025, and went on sale in Korea not long after – for a whopping 3,594,000 Won, or roughly $2450. It will be heading to China, Taiwan, Singapore, the USA and UAE in early 2026, but there’s currently no word on it launching in any other markets.
When folded, the Galaxy TriFold looks and feels like a Z Fold 7 that’s a third thicker. The 6.5in outer screen then unfurls to reveal a 10in tablet. Unlike Huawei, Samsung doesn’t incorporate the inner screen into the hinge, so it’s fully protected when in phone mode. It’s just 3.9mm at its thinnest point, weighs 309g, and has an IP48 resistance rating.
Hardware-wise it shares plenty with the Z Fold 7, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (not the newer Elite Gen 5), 200MP main snapper, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto good for 3x optical zoom. The battery tops out at 5600mAh, which is pretty big for a Samsung handset – though still rather modest among the wider phone world.
Honor Magic Pro 8
Like a lot of Chinese brands, Honor launched its latest flagship on home soil first; a global launch is expected in early January. The Magic 8 Pro is a clear evolution on last year’s Magic 7 Pro (pictured above), with similar styling, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, secure 3D face recognition and a trio of capable rear cameras, including a 200MP periscope zoom.
The big questions right now are whether the worldwide edition will arrive with the same sizeable 7000mAh battery as the Chinese variant, and if the price will change at all. The Magic 7 Pro was a very appealing flagship at launch, but was undercut by rivals like the OnePlus 13. Now, though, you can get one for considerably less than the original retail price:
Latest smartphone releases
OnePlus 15
The 2026 Android benchmark has just been set. Not only does the OnePlus 15 have Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 silicon providing more than most people will know what to do with, it’s also packing a giant battery that makes it a true two-day phone. A gorgeous screen, unique Sand Storm finish and streamlined looks make it stand out, while the rear lens trio comfortably keeps pace with the competition. It’s a fantastic all-rounder at a very reasonable price.
Oppo Find X9 Pro
Don’t dismiss the Find X9 Pro as ‘just’ a OnePlus 15 but with more of an emphasis on photography. Oppo’s alternative has an even bigger battery and its MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset is more efficient, making it an absolute battery champion. Its 200MP zoom lens is among the best around, and that’s before you bolt the optional Hasselblad lens extender accessory on for 10x optical magnification.
Apple iPhone Air
The thinness war has truly escalated now. Apple’s ultra-slim iPhone Air (note no ’17’ in the title there) is just 5.6mm at its narrowest point, yet is also unbelievably strong, with a Ceramic Shield on the rear that can shrug off scratches. Power comes from the same A19 Pro chip as this year’s Pro iPhones, and battery life is slated to last all day. Screen size is an in-betweener 6.5in, and it only comes with a single 48MP rear camera that on paper sounds very similar to the one found on the more affordable iPhone 16e.
Apple iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 may be similar to the iPhone 16, but it’s larger. The display is up to 6.3 inches, matching this year’s Pro, and there’s no bigger Plus version anymore. Apple’s ProMotion has finally trickled down from the Pro models, so you’re getting 120Hz refresh rates for smoother scrolling and video playback. The Always-On Display also belatedly makes its way to the base-level model. An Apple A19 chipset, 256GB base storage, twin 48MP rear snappers and an all-day battery make it all the iPhone most people could need.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
That huge camera bar across the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max? Apple calls it a ‘plateau’. Subtle it is not, but it does contain some serious camera upgrades. You now get three 48MP snappers, with the Tetraprism Telephoto lens providing 4x optical zoom and 8x magnification that’s essentially lossless. The frame is aluminum now, rather than titanium, and Cosmic Orange might be the bolded Pro iPhone colour ever. Tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass also comes to the front display (6.3in and 6.9in OLED panels with ProMotion high refresh rates), and an A19 Pro chipset provides the performance muscle.
Honor Magic V5
With a top-tier Snapdragon chip, high capacity 5820mAh battery, and three of the most capable cameras ever fitted to a book-style foldable, the Magic V5 was off to a great start when it debuted in China back in July. There was a much smaller gap to the global rollout versus previous years – no surprise given Samsung’s shock skinny Galaxy Z Fold 7. Officially Honor reclaims the title of ‘world’s thinnest’, and it’s cheaper to boot.
Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL
Google scored a big win for Android fans everywhere with the Pixel 10 series – it’s the first to finally bring Qi2 magnetic wireless charging to the mainstream. The vanilla Pixel 10 is arguably the pick of the bunch this year, adding a dedicated telephoto lens to an already capable rear camera duo, while all three phones get new Tensor G5 silicon. The XL remains the best pick if you demand maximum battery life, and you get Android 16 across the board, complete with new Gemini smarts.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
After years of iterative updates, the latest Galaxy Fold is an absolute revelation. Samsung’s – and arguably the world’s – slimmest book-style foldable gets a wider, more usable cover screen and an expansive inner display, backed by a fantastic 200MP main camera that takes wonderfully detailed snaps. Battery life is decent rather than class-leading, but wide global availability and the firm’s familiar, comprehensive software suite makes it the new foldable of choice for the majority.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
The clamshell part of Samsung’s foldable duo didn’t get quite as radical a transformation this year, but a full-screen cover display and some seriously skinny bezels have helped bring it up to par with rivals on the design front. Performance is merely OK for the cash, courtesy of a home-grown Exynos chipset, and battery life is bang average too. Still, it takes a nice snap and now has DeX on board for a welcome productivity boost.
Nothing Phone 3
Transparent tech might still be top of the British brand’s agenda, but Nothing has retired Glyph lighting in favour of a Glyph matrix for its highest-end phone to date. Phone 3’s funky rear LED ring can flash to alert you of incoming calls and notifications, show useful info like battery life, and even play fun little micro-games. But it also draws attention to a divisive rear camera layout that not everyone will be on board with. Underneath a step-down Snapdragon chip will have others arguing over what ‘flagship’ means, and the $799/£799/€799 asking price puts it up against some big-name rivals. A good job the software and image quality impress, then.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
The new wave of ‘thin’ phones is surely on the way, now that Samsung has unleashed its debut effort. The S25 Edge is a svelte 5.8mm thick and weighs just 163g – impressive figures given it has a huge 6.7in screen, and a powerful snapdragon 8 Elite chipset underneath. Samsung had to compromise somewhere, so you get two rear cameras instead of three – but the lead is a 200MP unit capable of clean and colourful snaps. The battery is the biggest weak point, struggling to last all day on a single charge. But if you value slimness, there’s little else like it.
Sony Xperia 1 VII
The Xperia 1 VII is everything Sony fans have come to expect from the firm’s flagship phone series – for better and worse. A new top-tier chipset and a class-leading ultrawide camera are the biggest upgrades for 2025, while iconic inclusions like the 3.5mm headphone port, microSD card slot and front-facing stereo speakers stick around for another year. It’s beginning to show its age on the styling front, though, and a high price makes it tricky to recommend if you’re not already an Xperia convert.
Google Pixel 9a
The new gold standard for sub-$500/£500 Android phones, the Pixel 9a is everything we’ve come to expect from Google’s more affordable handset. The sleek redesign makes it look like a pricier phone (even if the bulbous camera bump means you won’t mistake it for a Pixel 9 Pro) and the cameras themselves are top performers for the money. Add on Gemini smarts and a long-lasting battery and you’ve got to try very hard to get more phone for less money.
Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro
Nothing kicked off its third phone generation with the ultra-affordable Phone 3a and its Pro bigger brother. The regular model is an evolution on last year’s 2a, with one more rear camera, a return to Snapdragon power and a new Essential Space that uses AI to organise your screenshots and voice notes. Very gen alpha. The Pro goes one better with a periscope telephoto lens, but if you rarely reach for your camera’s zoom button, the extra cost may not be worth it.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The sequel to one of 2024’s best camera phones pushes the hardware envelope even further, with a 1in lead snapper and two high pixel count zoom lenses. Leica lenses and colour science make it a dream to shoot with in all lighting conditions, and the optional Photography Kit has gotten better too. Specs are equally top-tier everywhere else, with a big battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite power, and the latest version of Xiaomi’s HyperOS software.
Apple iPhone 16e
After three generations of SE, Apple has taken its most affordable phone more upmarket – and made it a little less affordable in the process. The 16e gets impressively close to the regular iPhone 16, with a 6.1in OLED screen, A18 chip and 48MP rear camera. It sticks with a notch instead of dynamic island, and doesn’t support Magsafe accessories, but you’re otherwise getting the full iOS experience, including Apple Intelligence.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s latest non-folding flagship isn’t a ground-up reworking of its predecessor, but does add a few nice-to-haves like a speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, new 50MP ultrawide snapper with macro shooting smarts, and a flatter, curvier design more in keeping with the rest of the S25 range. The firm has focused more on software this year, integrating Galaxy AI across Android and borrowing some Gemini skills from Google. S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra owners really won’t need to think about upgrading, but for anyone with an older handset this has everything but the kitchen sink.
Samsung Galaxy S25/S25+
You’ll really have to look hard to spot the differences between this year’s mainstream Galaxy models and last year’s. A few mild design tweaks and some new colours are basically all you get on the outside, while underneath there’s a new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and more RAM for the S25. The smaller of the two remains the de facto choice for a compact flagship, though, with great cameras, a gorgeous screen and sensible asking price.
Honor Magic 7 Pro
Slick styling, a top tier screen and wicked performance should be a given for any Honor flagship. The Magic 7 Pro also goes big on photography, of course – but its the Ai-infused super zoom abilities that set it apart from rivals. It’s one of few Android phones with secure facial recognition, and the MagicOS skin has some very clever multitasking tools. It’s a left field choice, perhaps, but one that’ll impress you just about everywhere.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
The first Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphone to make its way to Western audiences, the ROG Phone 9 Pro doesn’t skimp on performance one iota. Revised cooling and oodles of RAM give it the edge in games, while the built-in air triggers keep the OLED screen free of onscreen controls. The somewhat subtle styling of the outgoing phone returns (just with fancier AniMe Vision LEDs on the rear) and it remains one of the best gaming phones for photography.
Are upcoming phones worth the wait?
The latest tech is usually the greatest, so buying new guarantees you’re getting the fastest processors, biggest batteries and most capable cameras. But you’ll also pay a premium for them. Sticking with the current generation can save you quite a lot of cash, especially if you wait until a successor is imminent.
Depending on the brand, you might find there’s very little difference between old and new. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series, for instance, only really gained a new CPU and some mild design tweaks – the other changes were all on the software side. And when that software will eventually get ported to older handsets, the $100s/£100s you’d save by buying a Galaxy S24 could be significant.
What should I do with my old phone?
Unless you started saving for your current phone’s replacement as soon as you got it out of the box, the best way to lower the cost of entry is to trade it in – either directly with the manufacturer, or a third-party store or website. Most brands step up their trade-in offers around new launches as an incentive to get you to upgrade sooner than you otherwise might. These can make it cheaper than shopping at a third-party retailer, even after discounts and contract offers kick in.
No trade-in offers available? There are plenty of websites and high street stores that will buy your phone from you (as well as your other tech). Then there are online marketplaces like eBay; you may get more money for your items here, but creating a listing takes more effort.
Keeping the original packaging, ensuring the phone is damage-free, and supplying all the bundled accessories are the best ways to ensure you’re getting the most money back when selling.
Recent updates
- 12th December 2025: Unnamed Motorola foldable added, Samsung Galaxy TriFold confirmed details
- 8th October 2025: Honor Magic 8 added, Xiaomi 17 officially revealed for China
- Related: Best camera phones – smartphone cameras for perfect shots tested
