The 10 Best Smartphone Technology Trends of 2017
The evolution of smartphones is amazing. We’re sharing the best smartphone technology trends that you can expect to see in 2017 here!
What’s your take on foldable smartphones? Apparently, Samsung is building one according to several reports. Kim Tae-woong, Samsung Display’s principal engineer says that the technology will probably mature around 2019. For now, though, Samsung is still enjoying plenty of profit from its bezel-free display gadgets.
Now, I’m asking because some are saying that devices employing a foldable design are the next step in smartphone evolution. I guess that it’s about time. Samsung’s been teasing the concept since 2011 so the company better make something spectacular out of it.
And speaking of evolution, how about a list of smartphone technology trends? If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your phone, this list will keep you in the know so you can choose the perfect device for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Okay then, let’s dive right into it.
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1. Snapdragon 835
Do you want faster chips? Qualcomm’s got you covered with its latest release – the Snapdragon 835. It promises speeds up to 2.4Ghz, which is way ahead of what any other processors on the market today can deliver. What’s even more amazing is how thin it is (10nm across).
But is this a case of “with great power comes great battery drain?” The good news is it that it consumes less power than its predecessor, Snapdragon 821. This means you can expect more juice so you don’t need to charge your phone often.
It also comes with Quick Charge 4.0 technology, which has gone through numerous safety tests, meaning you don’t need to worry about your device blowing up on you (side eyes Note 7).
I am currently using a Oneplus 3T with the Snapdragon 821 but the new Oneplus 5 is sporting the new Snapdragon 835.
2. Faster LTE Speeds
There’s a video from T-mobile showing how the Galaxy S8 can hit gigabit LTE speeds. Of course, you’re unlikely to see that kind of speed in real life but it’s still a safe bet to say that in terms of 2017 technology trends, smartphones will get faster LTE speeds.
Now how fast, will depend on your carrier. Even if your new phone is capable of max LTE speeds, there’s nothing you can do until your network supports the new speeds.
3. USB-C
When it comes to Android handsets and many new laptops, USB-C is fast becoming the standard in connectivity.
This means that as far as smartphone technology trends go, micro-USB is on its way out. And it’s a good thing, too. USB-C is reversible so there’s no wrong or right side to worry about when plugging your cable in…yay!
Plus, USB-C isn’t just for charging. You can use it to connect your handset to other devices such as headphones, HD monitors, and so on. On some handsets, manufacturers are removing the 3.5mm headphone jack and only using a USB-C jack. (We think the headphone jack needs to stick around a bit longer though.
4. Bluetooth 5
When it comes to Bluetooth, you’re probably aware that there are two strains: classic and low-energy. The former includes versions 1.0 to 3.0, while the latter includes 4.0 to 4.2.
Compared to v4.2, Bluetooth 5 has four times the range and double the speed. That means more accurate location tracking and better communication between devices among other things. The increased range means you can turn on your Bluetooth speaker and wirelessly stream music from a longer distance. I thin Bluetooth 5 will also be useful for Home Automation / Smart Home devices and sensors.
5. Augmented Reality
The “Next Big Thing” for Apple is AR or augmented reality. Rumor has it that iPhone 8 will have a 3D camera that can be used with AR applications. The company also recently obtained a patent that will use the tech to enhance Apple Maps.
Last year, Lenovo released PHAB2 Pro, the first smartphone to use Tango, which is a technology platform by Google that lets mobile devices use AR. Other companies investing in AR technology include Microsoft, Google and most recently Apple. Interestingly, Google Glass received an update after being ignored for a few years.
6. Iris/Retinal Scanners
In this day and age, we’re all concerned about security and privacy. So if you’re not satisfied with the usual 6-digit passcode or your fingerprint, you’re in for a treat with retinal scanning technology.
While the tech isn’t exactly new (Samsung Galaxy Note 7 had it), you can expect to see a new wave of phones including retinal scanning along with fingerprint and passcodes to provide a multi-layered security system.
7. Dual Cameras
What’s the extra camera for? Well, the secondary camera helps capture extra light and increase the field of view. Again, this isn’t exactly new tech.
HTC pioneered this with the Evo 3D back in 2011. Today, your options include LG G5, Huawei Mate 9, Oneplus 5 and newer iPhones. If the tech keeps improving, it’s only a matter of time before everyone can take professional quality photos with their smartphones!
8. Waterproofing / Water Resistant
Happy with your splash-proof phone? You know it’s okay to ask for more. Samsung, Sony, and Apple have all launched water resistant(well not quite waterproof enough to go scuba diving with) smartphones so you’re not exactly lacking for choices here.
You can also add LG G6 to your list.
9. Digital Assistants
This comes as no surprise especially to those who are keenly following smartphone technology trends. Frontrunners include the usual suspects – Samsung(S-voice/Bixby), Apple(Siri), and Google(Ok Google), Amazon(Alexa on Huawei Mate 9), Microsoft(Cortana). Other companies have no choice but to follow suit and bring their A-Game if they want to keep up.
10. Bezel-Free Displays
Most of the time, when you think of tech trends, you think about functionality. This isn’t the case with bezel-free displays, where it’s more about the form (sleek and sexy as they are).
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a top choice but there’s also Sony Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra, as well as Xiaomi Mi Mix.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to smartphone technology trends, it’s difficult to predict what will take off. But there are some such as digital assistants, AR, Bluetooth 5, just to mention a few that will most likely be the standard for next-generation smartphones.
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