As we move into 2026, the smartphone world is gearing up for one of its most competitive years yet. Apple, Samsung, and Google are all preparing headline launches, but they’re far from alone. Chinese heavyweights like Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo are pushing boundaries in design, photography, and charging tech at an astonishing pace.
Unsurprisingly, Apple’s long rumoured iPhone Fold is already shaping up to be the most talked about device of the year, with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series close behind as it sets the tone for the Android market. But 2026 isn’t just about the usual suspects. Foldables are set to take centre stage, with Oppo, Google, and Samsung each refining their designs, and Xiaomi and Huawei making strong plays for the camera phone crown.
The result? A top 10 lineup that perfectly captures where the smartphone industry is heading. Thinner, smarter, and more experimental than ever, with AI and imaging technology driving the next big leap forward.
The Top 10 Most Anticipated Phone Releases for 2026
1. Samsung’s Galaxy S26
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup will almost certainly dominate the headlines in January 2026. Whispers suggest slimmer designs, refreshed camera housings, and a serious zoom upgrade for the Ultra model.
The S26 range might also bring Qi2 wireless charging and better battery efficiency, helping Samsung stay competitive against a fast moving Chinese market. As always, the S series will likely set the standard for what an Android flagship looks like in 2026.
2. OnePlus 14
The OnePlus 14 is expected to kick off the 2026 phone season with a January launch, following a late 2025 debut in China. It’s rumoured to come with a flat 120Hz display, the latest Snapdragon 8 series chip, and the kind of super-fast charging OnePlus is famous for.
Early leaks suggest a new periscope telephoto lens too, marking a first for the brand. With its mix of speed, simplicity, and value, the OnePlus 14 could be one of the most talked-about Androids to start the year.
3. Oppo Find N6
Oppo is back in the foldable game with the Find N6, expected in the first quarter of the year. Early reports point to a sleeker, lighter design with improved battery life and a tougher hinge.
Oppo’s foldables have quietly earned a reputation for being some of the most refined on the market, and the N6 could be the one that truly challenges Samsung’s Fold lineup for mainstream appeal.
4. Xiaomi’s 16 Ultra
Xiaomi’s 16 Ultra is shaping up to be a photographer’s dream when it arrives in early 2026. The phone is expected to debut first in China, with a global release shortly after, packing Leica branded optics, a huge 1inch camera sensor, and blisteringly fast 120watt charging.
Xiaomi has carved out a niche for making some of the most advanced camera phones available, and the 16 Ultra looks set to continue that streak.
5. Huawei’s Pura 90
Huawei’s Pura 90 series should make its debut between March and April, marking another step in the brand’s ongoing comeback. Powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9030 chipset, the Pura 90 range is rumoured to feature satellite messaging, a refreshed flat-screen design, and continued excellence in mobile photography.
Despite restrictions on its global presence, Huawei remains a major name in camera innovation, and the Pura 90 is likely to prove why.
6. Sony’s Xperia 1 VII
Sony’s Xperia 1 VII will appeal to its usual creative crowd when it launches sometime between March and August. Expect a cinematic 4K HDR OLED display, variable telephoto optics, and manual camera controls that feel more like using a professional camera than a phone.
It may not sell in huge numbers, but Sony’s focus on creators keeps the Xperia line one of the most distinctive in the industry.
7. Oppo Find X9 Ultra
Oppo is also preparing a heavy hitter in the form of the Find X9 Ultra, likely to land in the first half of 2026. It’s rumoured to include a variable-aperture main camera, triple 50 megapixel setup, and QHD+ LTPO display, all backed by 100watt charging.
Oppo has been closing the gap on Samsung and Xiaomi in both performance and imaging, and the X9 Ultra could be its most complete flagship yet.
8. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8
By mid summer, Samsung will return with its eighth-generation foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8. Expected in July or August, these devices are tipped to feature thinner bodies, almost invisible creases, and improved stylus support.
They’ll share the same top end processor as the S26 series and will continue to refine Samsung’s foldable formula, which has become the benchmark for the entire category.
9. Apple iPhone Fold
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is without question one of the most anticipated devices of 2026. Expected to arrive in September alongside the standard and Pro models, the iPhone Fold could mark a major shift in Apple’s product lineup. It’s likely to feature the latest A-series chip, upgraded cameras, and deeper AI integration across iOS.
If Apple’s history of redefining product categories is anything to go by, this will be one of the biggest launches of the decade.
10. Google’s Pixel 11 Range
Rounding out the year will be Google’s Pixel 11 range, expected to make its debut in the autumn. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, in particular, is generating excitement thanks to the upcoming Tensor G6 chip and a new generation of AI-driven photography tools.
Running Android 16 or newer, Google’s next flagship foldable will aim to combine smart software with top tier hardware in a way that feels uniquely Pixel, simple, and intelligent.
Has all this talk got you excited about getting your hands on a new device this year? Why not sell your old mobile phone first, or take a look at the refurbished phones we have available if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge on one of 2026’s brand new offerings.