MWC 2014: Here is what's going to happen
We're days away from the Mobile
World Congress (the action starts this Sunday) and things are moving
fast – phones are getting announced early, while a barrage of leaks
targets the ones still under the veil.
Since all that fast flowing info can get confusing, here's a summary of what to expect at the MWC.
Samsung Galaxy S5: Practically confirmed
Samsung's event is titled Unpacked 5, making the Galaxy S5 the most likely phone to headline the event (here's a teaser video that puts 5 everywhere). The device will have a slightly bigger screen than its predecessor, 5.25", and either borrow the chipset selection from the Galaxy Note 3 or get the next gen Samsung and Qualcomm chips.
It's almost certain that the camera will be a 16MP shooter with 2160p video capture. There's no mention of optical stabilization yet though. We've been getting glimpses of the new TouchWiz too (the invite matches the teaser), which will be flat but still different from stock Android.
There has been talk of two S5 versions for a while – first it was plastic and metal, now it's 1080p screen and QHD screen. With recent developments, a plastic leather-textured back is a safe bet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4: Possible
A trio of Galaxy Tab 4 tablets leaked, reportedly waiting for a MWC launch. "More tablets?" you're probably thinking and you'd be right.
However, unlike the Galaxy Tab Pros these will be entry to mid-range tablets at 7", 8" and 10.1". Not as entry-level as the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 though.
Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: Possible
The Galaxy Gear got Samsung in the smart wearable game and a quick refresh might be just what the doctor prescribed to expand the niche. Judging by rumors, there will be plenty of wearables at the MWC and Samsung wouldn’t want to be left behind. But will Gear drop Android in favor of Tizen? Speaking of Tizen, a new phone is unlikely – or Samsung really upped its security measures.
So Galaxy Gear 2 is a likely attendee, but Samsung may still be debating the price - the original was the priciest smartwatch.
Samsung Huron: Unlikely
Samsung seemed to have forgotten about the whole Windows Phone thing, but then the Huron leaked. That's for Verizon though and the US-based CDMA carrier has no presence at the MWC. The only hope of a Samsung WP phone is if the company brings out the GSM version of the Huron (no leaks about it though).
Sony Xperia Z2 (Sirius): Very likely
Sony had been having two flagships a year for the last years and 2013 was no exception - the first one (Xperia Z) was announced in January. This allowed it to be the first 1080p flagship, getting a lead on the Samsung, HTC and LG offerings.
Other than 2160p video capture and the 5.2" screen not much will change, if rumors are to be believed.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z2: Likely
While the Xperia Z1 is still fresh, the Xperia Tablet Z is starting to show its age. There's plenty to update, especially by moving from Snapdragon S4 Pro to Snapdragon 800, though current rumors are that the 10.1" screen will remain at 1080p resolution.
The Xperia Tablet Z2 will retain the headlining features of its predecessor – the thin body (even thinner this time around) and water resistance.
Sony Xperia G: Possible
Aside from flagship Z products, Sony might also bring a mid-range offering to try and capitalize on the success of the Moto G. The Xperia G (perhaps not its real name) will probably feature improvements over the Motorola, but water resistance will not be one of them.
LG G Pro 2: Already official
The LG G Pro 2 phablet is already official but we're itching for a chance of a hands-on. The device should go on sale in Korea in a few days, but we'll make sure to ask LG about concrete US and Europe launch plans ("not before April" is all we have now).
LG G2 mini: Already official
The G2 mini also went official before the MWC. Unlike the Xperia Z1 Compact, LG's mini features lower-end specs than the G2 flagship on all counts, especially the 4.7" qHD screen. Still, a hands-on is in order.
HTC M8 / All New One / One+: Not coming
HTC has an event scheduled for late March and that's probably when the One will be announced. The phone might (or might not) have two cameras and come in Gold, but we won't find out at the MWC.
HTC Desire 8: Likely
With no One successor, what will HTC bring to the MWC? The Desire 8 phablet is a possibility, but there seems to be a Chinese event scheduled for it (also in March).
The Desire 8 is a 5.5" phablet with a 13MP camera and BoomSound speakers. It promises to be very slim and has the specs to compete with the Xperia T2 Ultra and Ascend Mate2.
HTC octa-core: Unlikely
Two HTC mid-rangers were found in AnTuTu's database recently, including one with an octa-core chipset from MediaTek and a 5" 720p screen. Leaks about it have been sparse recently though.
Nokia X A110: Very likely
Nokia has put out several teasers for an upcoming device featuring a green X, which rumors tell us is the name of Nokia's Android-powered device.
The Nokia X A110 (aka Normandy) aims for the higher echelons of the Asha line and the specs are basically the same as the Lumia 520.
Nokia Lumia 930: Likely
The Nokia that will still be the old Nokia, the Microsoft acquisition is a lengthy, recent process, not enough time to bring out Microsoft Lumias.
That doesn’t preclude the possibility of Nokia Lumias though. With Verizon's Lumia 929 already official, it's a good time to announce a GSM counterpart – the Lumia 930. That one is still based on the Lumia 1520 powerhouse but may feature an even smaller screen – 4.5".
Nokia Lumia 630/635: Likely
Nokia has had great success with entry-level Lumias and we might see a successor the its first entry-level WP8 phone, the Lumia 620. The Lumia 630/635 should offer a bigger screen and more powerful chipset than the Lumia 525.
Huawei Ascend P7: Confirmed?
Huawei is certainly bringing something to the MWC, but the video parodying Apple's Siri is kind of ambiguous. The rumor mill thinks the device will be the Ascend P7 – a 5" 1080p phone that uses HiSilicon's new Kirin chipset.
Huawei MediaPad X1: Likely
Huawei also has a tablet in the works, MediaPad X1, that uses the same chipset and is more compact and lighter than the Nexus 7 (2014). Rumored prices are cheaper too, considering the tablet will have LTE connectivity.
Since it's already certified in China, the device is most likely ready for show time.
Acer announced the mid-range Liquid E3 - essentially a €200 LG G2 mini competitor. We'll certainly be having some one on one time with it at the MWC.
Acer Liquid Z4: Already official
Acer also unveiled the Liquid Z4, which costs half as much as the E3 and is going to tackle the likes of the Xperia E1.
Acer Liquid S3: Possible
We know that Acer will be unveiling three smartphones at the MWC and we already have an entry-level one and a mid-ranger, which leaves room for a flagship. A successor to the Liquid S2 (the first phone with 2160p video capture) would be pretty sweet.
An entry-level BlackBerry leaked – touchscreen only, unlike the Q5 – but BlackBerry has made no indication it will be present at the MWC 2014. Still, the rumor mill thinks the device will make an appearance.
Since all that fast flowing info can get confusing, here's a summary of what to expect at the MWC.
Samsung
Samsung's event will be on February 24, Monday, 6:30-9:00pm CET.Samsung Galaxy S5: Practically confirmed
Samsung's event is titled Unpacked 5, making the Galaxy S5 the most likely phone to headline the event (here's a teaser video that puts 5 everywhere). The device will have a slightly bigger screen than its predecessor, 5.25", and either borrow the chipset selection from the Galaxy Note 3 or get the next gen Samsung and Qualcomm chips.
It's almost certain that the camera will be a 16MP shooter with 2160p video capture. There's no mention of optical stabilization yet though. We've been getting glimpses of the new TouchWiz too (the invite matches the teaser), which will be flat but still different from stock Android.
There has been talk of two S5 versions for a while – first it was plastic and metal, now it's 1080p screen and QHD screen. With recent developments, a plastic leather-textured back is a safe bet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4: Possible
A trio of Galaxy Tab 4 tablets leaked, reportedly waiting for a MWC launch. "More tablets?" you're probably thinking and you'd be right.
However, unlike the Galaxy Tab Pros these will be entry to mid-range tablets at 7", 8" and 10.1". Not as entry-level as the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 though.
Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: Possible
The Galaxy Gear got Samsung in the smart wearable game and a quick refresh might be just what the doctor prescribed to expand the niche. Judging by rumors, there will be plenty of wearables at the MWC and Samsung wouldn’t want to be left behind. But will Gear drop Android in favor of Tizen? Speaking of Tizen, a new phone is unlikely – or Samsung really upped its security measures.
So Galaxy Gear 2 is a likely attendee, but Samsung may still be debating the price - the original was the priciest smartwatch.
Samsung Huron: Unlikely
Samsung seemed to have forgotten about the whole Windows Phone thing, but then the Huron leaked. That's for Verizon though and the US-based CDMA carrier has no presence at the MWC. The only hope of a Samsung WP phone is if the company brings out the GSM version of the Huron (no leaks about it though).
Sony
The Sony event at the MWC will be on February 24, Monday, 8:30-9:30am CET.Sony Xperia Z2 (Sirius): Very likely
Sony had been having two flagships a year for the last years and 2013 was no exception - the first one (Xperia Z) was announced in January. This allowed it to be the first 1080p flagship, getting a lead on the Samsung, HTC and LG offerings.
Other than 2160p video capture and the 5.2" screen not much will change, if rumors are to be believed.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z2: Likely
While the Xperia Z1 is still fresh, the Xperia Tablet Z is starting to show its age. There's plenty to update, especially by moving from Snapdragon S4 Pro to Snapdragon 800, though current rumors are that the 10.1" screen will remain at 1080p resolution.
The Xperia Tablet Z2 will retain the headlining features of its predecessor – the thin body (even thinner this time around) and water resistance.
Sony Xperia G: Possible
Aside from flagship Z products, Sony might also bring a mid-range offering to try and capitalize on the success of the Moto G. The Xperia G (perhaps not its real name) will probably feature improvements over the Motorola, but water resistance will not be one of them.
LG
LG's press event is on February 24, Monday.LG G Pro 2: Already official
The LG G Pro 2 phablet is already official but we're itching for a chance of a hands-on. The device should go on sale in Korea in a few days, but we'll make sure to ask LG about concrete US and Europe launch plans ("not before April" is all we have now).
LG G2 mini: Already official
The G2 mini also went official before the MWC. Unlike the Xperia Z1 Compact, LG's mini features lower-end specs than the G2 flagship on all counts, especially the 4.7" qHD screen. Still, a hands-on is in order.
HTC
HTC has scheduled a press conference for February 24, Monday, 3:15-5:30pm CET.HTC M8 / All New One / One+: Not coming
HTC has an event scheduled for late March and that's probably when the One will be announced. The phone might (or might not) have two cameras and come in Gold, but we won't find out at the MWC.
HTC Desire 8: Likely
With no One successor, what will HTC bring to the MWC? The Desire 8 phablet is a possibility, but there seems to be a Chinese event scheduled for it (also in March).
The Desire 8 is a 5.5" phablet with a 13MP camera and BoomSound speakers. It promises to be very slim and has the specs to compete with the Xperia T2 Ultra and Ascend Mate2.
HTC octa-core: Unlikely
Two HTC mid-rangers were found in AnTuTu's database recently, including one with an octa-core chipset from MediaTek and a 5" 720p screen. Leaks about it have been sparse recently though.
Nokia
Nokia's event will be on February 24, Monday, 8:30-9:30am CET.Nokia X A110: Very likely
Nokia has put out several teasers for an upcoming device featuring a green X, which rumors tell us is the name of Nokia's Android-powered device.
The Nokia X A110 (aka Normandy) aims for the higher echelons of the Asha line and the specs are basically the same as the Lumia 520.
Nokia Lumia 930: Likely
The Nokia that will still be the old Nokia, the Microsoft acquisition is a lengthy, recent process, not enough time to bring out Microsoft Lumias.
That doesn’t preclude the possibility of Nokia Lumias though. With Verizon's Lumia 929 already official, it's a good time to announce a GSM counterpart – the Lumia 930. That one is still based on the Lumia 1520 powerhouse but may feature an even smaller screen – 4.5".
Nokia Lumia 630/635: Likely
Nokia has had great success with entry-level Lumias and we might see a successor the its first entry-level WP8 phone, the Lumia 620. The Lumia 630/635 should offer a bigger screen and more powerful chipset than the Lumia 525.
Huawei
Huawei's press event is scheduled for February 23, Sunday, at 3:00-4:30pm CET.Huawei Ascend P7: Confirmed?
Huawei is certainly bringing something to the MWC, but the video parodying Apple's Siri is kind of ambiguous. The rumor mill thinks the device will be the Ascend P7 – a 5" 1080p phone that uses HiSilicon's new Kirin chipset.
Huawei MediaPad X1: Likely
Huawei also has a tablet in the works, MediaPad X1, that uses the same chipset and is more compact and lighter than the Nexus 7 (2014). Rumored prices are cheaper too, considering the tablet will have LTE connectivity.
Since it's already certified in China, the device is most likely ready for show time.
Acer
Acer Liquid E3: Already officialAcer announced the mid-range Liquid E3 - essentially a €200 LG G2 mini competitor. We'll certainly be having some one on one time with it at the MWC.
Acer Liquid Z4: Already official
Acer also unveiled the Liquid Z4, which costs half as much as the E3 and is going to tackle the likes of the Xperia E1.
Acer Liquid S3: Possible
We know that Acer will be unveiling three smartphones at the MWC and we already have an entry-level one and a mid-ranger, which leaves room for a flagship. A successor to the Liquid S2 (the first phone with 2160p video capture) would be pretty sweet.
BlackBerry
BlackBerry Z3 (Jakarta): No event scheduledAn entry-level BlackBerry leaked – touchscreen only, unlike the Q5 – but BlackBerry has made no indication it will be present at the MWC 2014. Still, the rumor mill thinks the device will make an appearance.
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