Top New Phones Forecast for 2023: Galaxy S23, iPhone 15 and More

There are several speculations, stories, and leaks concerning new phones that are anticipated to be released during 2023, even though the year has just just begun.

The first new devices will be released by Samsung and OnePlus. The Galaxy S23 is anticipated to be announced by Samsung on February 1 while the OnePlus 11 5G will go on sale worldwide on February 7.

Because many businesses follow the same launch schedule each year, it is possible to make some accurate assumptions about what the smartphone industry will look like in 2023, despite the difficulty of doing so. For instance, the iPhone 15 series is scheduled to release in September and may include USB-C charging for the first time. The 200-megapixel camera sensor from Samsung may be found in the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Such releases would occur after cellphones made small but significant advancements in 2022. While Google discovered new methods to use its specialized Tensor chip in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, the iPhone 14 got satellite connectivity for emergency situations and auto accident detection, as one example. Samsung, on the other hand, updated the camera and gave its top Galaxy S range a new design.

Here are the new phones we’re likely to see in 2023, based on previous launch cycles, rumors and reports.

Apple iPhone 15 lineup

What we’re expecting: Apple typically introduces its new iPhone line around September, and there is no reason to think 2023 will be any different. One of the greatest changes we anticipate seeing in Apple’s upcoming iPhones is the implementation of USB-C charging.

By 2024, all new phones sold in the region must enable USB-C charging, according to a recent directive from the European Union. Apple stated that it would abide by these regulations, however it was unclear if this meant that USB-C would take precedence starting in 2023. Additionally, it is unclear whether a USB-C iPhone will be available worldwide or only in Europe.

Otherwise, standard adjustments like camera improvements and a new CPU are likely to be made. The well-known TF International Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kio tweeted that Apple might take more steps to set the iPhone 15 Pro apart from the standard iPhone 15 in the future.

With the iPhone 14 generation, it already took a step in that approach by restricting the availability of features like Dynamic Island and the new A16 Bionic CPU to the Pro line. But what’s more intriguing, in Kio’s opinion, is the notion that Apple would further distinguish the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max from the more compact iPhone 15 Pro.

The screen size is the primary distinction between the Pro and Pro Max. Giving the Pro Max some more benefits would persuade customers even more to splash out on Apple’s largest (and most costly) iPhone. According to Mark German of Bloomberg, Apple may eventually rename the iPhone Pro Max to the iPhone Ultra in order to more closely resemble other items like the Apple Watch Ultra.

Why I’m excited about it: The biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s upcoming smartphone is probably the long-awaited switch to USB-C for the iPhone. With the transition, iPhone customers will now be able to use the same charging cable to charge their iPhone, iPad, and Mac, which will reduce friction and make the iPhone even more practical. I’m also interested to see if Apple makes any other distinctions between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. I’ve advocated that Apple should equip its giant iPhones with more features that make use of their larger screens, much like the iPad.

OnePlus 11 5G

What we’re expecting: The OnePlus 11 5G is already available in China, but on February 7 it will go on sale worldwide. The new phone will sport a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 engine, and 100-watt fast charging, according to information we’ve acquired via the OnePlus China website. That’s an improvement above the 80W fast charging that OnePlus provided on the device from the previous year, albeit regrettably, those rates were restricted to 65W on the US model.

Additionally, the OnePlus 11 5G will include three cameras: a 32-megapixel telephoto camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 50-megapixel primary camera. That is consistent with earlier specifications from renowned leaker Steve Hemmers offer that were posted on the website Gadget Gang.

Why I’m excited about it: For a business that built its reputation as the “flagship killer,” OnePlus’ costs have recently crept up on those of the rivals it seeks to undercut. Despite this, OnePlus is still known for offering inexpensive products with premium features like speedy charging.

According to my colleague Andrew Lanyon, who reviewed the OnePlus 10 Pro, it was quite close to being a fantastic iPhone rival. However, limitations like the absence of 80-watt charging in the US and a somewhat underwhelming camera kept it from being as good as it may have been. OnePlus should make these improvements in its upcoming model.

Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup

What we’re expecting: According to the reports, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 may have some significant improvements to the camera and design, two features that have long been top priorities for the South Korean tech giant.

A 200-megapixel main camera might be included in the anticipated Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung’s announcement of a new 200-megapixel camera sensor in mid-January increased rumor’s that it will be included in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. On paper, that seems like a significant improvement over the 108-megapixel primary sensor of the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Samsung might potentially alter the appearance of the standard Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus so that it more closely resembles the Ultra model. Samsung may replace the camera hump on the S23 and S23 Plus with the protruding lenses featured on the Galaxy S22 Ultra, according to images from trusted leaker Hemmer stuffer. Together with Hemmer stuffer, images were posted on the tech blogs Digit and Smart prix.

Samsung often uses Qualcomm’s most recent mobile chip in the new version of its phones that are introduced in the United States and some other areas, albeit we are not exactly what to anticipate in terms of performance. Therefore, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will probably be included in Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy phone. Among other improvements, the new CPU delivers increased power efficiency, ray tracing for better visuals in mobile games, and updated AI that can better distinguish you from your Zoom background. Analyst Kio even thinks Samsung could stop using its own Exim’s chips and switch the Galaxy S23 entirely to Qualcomm.

Why I’m excited about it:  I’m interested to see whether a 200-megapixel sensor actually makes a noticeable difference because smartphone cameras have already advanced to such an extent. In any case, it will be intriguing to watch how Samsung improves the camera experience in the S23 lineup considering the recent escalation of competition from Google’s Pixel line. I also support the expected redesign of the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus to more closely match the Galaxy S23 Ultra. According to the renderings, it appears more streamlined and clean than the camera bulge on the Galaxy S22.

Google Pixel 7A

What we’re expecting: If Google sticks to precedent, the Pixel 7A, a less expensive variant of the Pixel 7, may debut in the spring or summer. There are currently few rumours about the Pixel 7A. However, developer Kuma Wojciechowski claims to have located information in the Android core that may be related to the Pixel 7A, indicating that some very big enhancements are in the works.

According to Wojciechowski’s research, the Pixel 7A might offer wireless charging and a screen with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz, two features that are conspicuously lacking from the Pixel 6A. The Pixel 7A will likely have a very similar style to its predecessor, according to leaked renders from Hemmer stuffer that were once again posted on Smart prix.

The same Tensor G2 CPU and camera system found in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro may also be found in the Pixel 7A, along with wide- and ultrawide-angle sensor configurations. That is, of course, assuming that the Pixel 7A follows in the footsteps of the Pixel 6A.

Why I’m excited about it: From a value perspective, Google’s A-series Pixel phones are quite outstanding. Because of this, the Pixel 6A is our favorite Android phone under $500 and has won a CNET Editors’ Choice award. Google will be an even more powerful competitor to Samsung in the low-cost phone market if it can fix the Pixel 6A’s few minor flaws while keeping the same price of $449.

Google Pixel 8 lineup

What we’re expecting: Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have just been available since the middle of October 2022, but speculation regarding the Pixel 8 family has already begun. According to the German tech blog WinFuture, publicly accessible code contains mentions to two upcoming Pixel devices. These two devices are powered by a new CPU with the codename “Zuma,” according to the research, and are known by the codenames “Shiba” and “Husky.” According to WinFuture, the code also reveals that these smartphones will use Android 14 and have 12GB of RAM.

Why I’m excited about it: There aren’t many speculations around the anticipated Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, so there isn’t much to be excited about just now. But I’m most curious to see what new capabilities Google’s next processor will give its phones. With the current Tensor chips from Google, functions like Magic Eraser and Face Unblur for bettering photo quality and the capacity to add speaker labels to transcripts in the Recorder app appear to be useful and practical in daily life. That makes me curious about Google’s potential future directions.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

What we’re expecting: Samsung may be most known for its Galaxy S products, but if you’re on a tighter budget, you should pay attention to its line of Galaxy A phones. Following the release of the Galaxy A53 5G in the spring, the Galaxy A54 5G is anticipated to be the following phone in this series.

According to the scant number of leaks that have leaked so far, the Galaxy A54 5G will only be somewhat superior to the A53 5G. It is anticipated to sport a triple back camera and a 6.4-inch screen, which is somewhat smaller than the A53’s 6.5-inch display. That’s according to the leaker Hemmer stuffer, who provided images with the tech blog 91Mobiles that purported to depict the design of the Galaxy A54 5G. According to a roomer from the Dutch technology website Galaxy Club, the A54 5G might have a somewhat bigger battery than its forerunner.

Why I’m excited about it: The Galaxy A53 5G felt significantly more expensive than it actually was when I tried it shortly after its launch. Although it isn’t ideal, Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G offers a complete package for the money. I’m hopeful that the popularity of Google’s Pixel A series will spur Samsung to improve its low-cost phone lineup even more.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

What we’re expecting:  While most people are still unfamiliar with foldable phones, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold will be on its fifth generation in 2023. According to Korean news outlet The Elec, Samsung’s upcoming phone-tablet hybrid may have a space for storing the company’s S Pen pen, a lighter build, and a less obvious crease. The story didn’t specifically state that the Z Fold 5 will include these upgrades, but it did mention that Samsung has identified them as challenges that must be overcome to increase the popularity of foldable phones.

Otherwise, we can definitely anticipate routine updates to the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s camera and chipset. This year, Samsung also improved the Z Fold 4’s multitasking capabilities, such as the capability to use the bottom third of the screen as a little trackpad while the display is folded in half. So there’s a chance that in the future, we’ll also see more software improvements.

We’re probably going to see the next Z Fold around that time because Samsung usually introduces its new folding phones in August.

Why I’m excited about it: To make foldable popular, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 needs to do a lot more than just come with a S Pen. Making the S Pen a bigger part of the experience, though, would help clarify the purpose and target audience for the Z Fold. Considering that Samsung is pitching the Z Fold 5 as a gadget focused on work, having an inbuilt S Pen seems like a logical choice. The S Pen is compatible with the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3, however they must be purchased separately.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

What we’re expecting: According to Ross Young, co-founder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, Samsung’s upcoming flip phone may have a larger cover screen and a less obvious seam. According to a recent tweet from Ross, the Z Flip 5 will have a cover display that is about 3 inches wide and a new hinge that might make the crease less obvious. That would be a significant improvement over the 1.9-inch cover screen on the existing Z Flip 4. Similar to the Z Fold 5, there’s a possibility that we’ll see general upgrades to the camera and software in addition to a new processor.

Why I’m excited about it: Making the cover screen slightly larger would address one of the Z Flip’s biggest shortcomings. As my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his cover screen is the biggest area where Samsung could be doing more. I’m also hoping to see longer battery life from the Z Flip 5 considering that’s another area where Samsung’s current flip phone could use some improvement.

Overall

It appears that battery and charging enhancements, along with camera and design updates, will be some of the main changes we can anticipate seeing on all new smartphones in 2023. Of course, as new reports and rumors’ circulate and as Samsung, OnePlus, Apple, and Google actually release their products, we’ll learn more throughout the year.