Should You Buy a New Smartphone Today or Wait for 2017’s Devices?

Should You Buy a New Smartphone Today or Wait for 2017’s Devices?

It may seem that technology progress has already reached its apogee with modern-day smartphones equipped with almost every modern convenience–functionality that we couldn’t even imagine ten years ago! The high-res screen and super-fast processor, incredible image definition and brightness, express charging–that’s what convinced people to buy smartphones in 2016.

Smartphones of 2017

We saw a lot of amazing smartphones in 2016 and most of them, really worth buying. However, 2017 promises even better functionality and amazing design in industry’s best devices. The question becomes, “Should I upgrade now or wait for 2017’s smartphones?” To help you answer the question we’ve outlined a few strategies to help you decide. First, however, let’s review 2016’s big releases, and look at the smartphones that will be released in 2017.

The Best Smartphones of 2016

Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime – September 2016

Samsung has introduced its new smartphone Galaxy J7 Prime that falls in the average price category, costing around $280. The flagship phone is in a metal housing, equipped with a 5.5″ screen with 1920×1080 resolution, and 8-core Exynos 7870 processor. This device has 3 GB RAM, 32 GB of internal storage and will be equipped with 3300 mAh battery and two cameras (13 and 8 MP). Galaxy J7 Prime also has a built-in fingerprint sensor, so obviously all true Samsung fans like this new device.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime

BlackBerry Argon & BlackBerry Mercury – October 2016

BlackBerry has repeatedly talked about their intentions to release a more affordable smartphone than their BlackBerry Priv. Now, the Canadians are planning to come back to the market new Android-based flagship, BlackBerry Argon. The new BlackBerry device offers high-end characteristics including a powerful Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 5.5-inches 2560×1440 pixels display, 21- and 8-megapixel main and front cameras. In addition, the smartphone has the USB-C port, fingerprint sensor and a 3000mAh battery with support for fast charging technology called Quick Charge 3.

Another big release from BlackBerry is the BlackBerry Mercury, released only few months ago. This new BlackBerry device, enclosed in a metal housing, is designed in classic BlackBerry form–monoblock with QWERTY-keyboard. The mobile device will carry a 4.5-inch display with Full HD resolution, 18-megapixel main and 8-megapixel front camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal flash storage and a 3400mAh battery.

BlackBerry Argon & BlackBerry Mercury

Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime – October 2016

Another member of Galaxy J family, Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime, has been recently introduced to the market. The device is closely related to the recently announced Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime–both share the same design and overall concept but differ slightly in size and functionality. Needless to say, the screen of Galaxy J5 Prime is smaller; its battery is more modest, and chipset is not 8 but 4-core. However, Galaxy J5 Prime also has a metal casing and fingerprint scanner.

The smartphone is equipped with a 13-megapixel main camera with hydrochloric high-quality aperture and autofocus. The device’s battery may seem disappointing initially (being just of 2400mAh), however, the new energy consumption optimization technology that Samsung implemented in its recent models of Galaxy J lineup, Galaxy J5 Prime shouldn’t be underestimated here. Moreover, this smartphone has a special feature, S Power Planning, which is a type of scheduler for battery consumption. This means heavy users who have their smartphone working almost 24/7 will surely benefit from this new Samsung device.
Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime

Should I buy Galaxy J5 Prime or Wait for OnePlus 4?

The biggest selling point of the Samsung Prime J5 is the battery. It is definitely a good choice in the affordable category of smartphones, with quality features that are perfect for regular, not too heavy usage.

Speculations on OnePlus 4 are amazing and if these rumors turn out to be true, OnePlus 4 has been tagged as the 2017 iPhone killer, staying true to their tagline “never settle.” Speculations on OnePlus 4 are amazing, and if these rumors turn out to be true, OnePlus 4 will be worth the wait.

Google Pixel & Google Pixel XL – October 2016

In 2016 Android fans were eagerly awaiting the release of two new smartphones from Nexus lineup–Nexus Marlin and Sailfish — which became known as Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Pixel XL is loaded with a 5.5-inch (quad HD) screen, while Pixel will have 5.2-inch full HD display. Both smartphones are loaded with Snapdragon chipset, have 4GB of RAM and 32GB internal memory with outstanding feature of unlimited cloud storage for heavy media files. Both devices come with amazing 12-megapixel industry leading camera module.

Along with the new Android OS, unlimited cloud storage, excellent battery life, and brand new design, Google Pixel is definitely a market maker in the field of Android smartphones.

Google Pixel

Should I buy Google Pixel or Wait for iPhone 8?

The iPhone is turning 10 this year and many believe Apple will do something special to commemorate the occasion. Rumors suggest the iPhone 8 will get a major redesign for 2017, including wireless charging, a glass body and OLED display. The display could even be edge-to-edge, meaning the screen would cover the entire body. Inside that screen could feature a front-facing camera and Touch ID—pretty cool stuff. If you’re using an iPhone 6, do yourself a favor and wait. Apple is going to pull out all the stops in celebration of the smartphone that changed the world.

Huawei Mate 9 – November 2016

This new device from China’s largest smartphone manufacturer has a 20 MP camera and will surpass Huawei P9 accordingly. But there’s still much to expect from the new Huawei flagman. This new device released with the Kirin 960 chipset ensuring low power consumption and high performance. Therefore, in addition to an excellent camera we expect high performance in apps, good battery life and, of course, a high build quality which is traditional for Huawei. A distinctive feature of this device is support for advanced 4G LTE network Cat 6 – Cat 13. This enables you this smartphone to download data at up to 600 Mbit/sec and upload with up to 150 Mbit/sec.

Huawei Mate 9

Lenovo Phab 2 – November/December 2016

The device called Lenovo Phab 2 Pro was created in collaboration with the Department of Google Advanced Technologies & Products and is equipped with the dual camera in addition to depth and motion capture sensors, that will scan three-dimensional space with a frequency of 250,000 times per second. Additionally, Lenovo Phab 2 includes 2K display, 8-core Snapdragon 652, 4GB RAM, 64 GB of internal memory, a 4050mAh battery and Dolby Atmos technology, which provides users the option to record sound in 5.1.
Lenovo Phab 2
Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is the first device that supports Tango technology, enabling the use of augmented reality in apps and services. Impressive, isn’t it? If you are looking for a good performance with a reasonable price tag, Lenovo Phab 2 Pro could be a perfect solution for you.

The Best New Smartphones of 2017

The upcoming year will be full of new and interesting releases, so let’s find out what brands and smartphone names will be big in 2017.

Samsung Galaxy S8 – March/April 2017

The forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 Edge has already proved that it is worth the wait, although the smartphone release is scheduled for Q2 2017. Samsung is known as the manufacturer of cutting-edge devices, and this time is not an exception. Galaxy S8 Edge will become the third model with the curved edges in the S lineup. The new conceptual object will embody many unique features, including wide look-up angles and better smartphone performance. You can expect a slightly larger screen, faster work speed, more space for internal memory, faster processor, and much more. The most daring rumors about Samsung Galaxy S8 Edge bear the idea of a foldable smartphone concept.

Early rumors about S8 Edge confirm that the device has no comparable counterparts; what’s more, many analysts believe that the S8 Edge will be one of the best smartphones in 2017. Some of its unique features include a retinal eye scanner, recording in 4K format, the new version of the protective Gorilla Glass, and fast-changing technology. It is rumored that the smartphone’s wired charger can fully charge your phone from 0% to 100% in 30 minutes.

Samsung Galaxy S8

Should I buy Samsung Samsung Galaxy S7 or Wait for Galaxy S8?

Considering there are a ton of upgrades in store, the Galaxy S8 is set to be a fabulous phone by all accounts. But it’s not available yet, and the Galaxy S7 is—at a more reasonable price; can you wait a few months to upgrade your phone?

HTC 11 – April 2017

The new HTC device will see the light of day in a few months and is all about performance. Rumor has it the HTC will be loaded with Snapdragon 835, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB of storage, a higher-capacity battery with Quick Charge 4.0, and a 5.5in Quad-HD screen. Two alternatives are expected—a high-end model with innovative hardware, and the standard model with a reasonable price tag.
HTC 11

Should I Buy HTC 10 or Wait for HTC 11?

The HTC 10 is a good all-round phone with a new design, but it lacks the stand-out features of some rivals. If rumors are true, HTC is upping its game with its next flagship; the HTC 11 spec will amaze you and be well worth the wait.

LG G6 – February 2017

LG G6 is expected to adopt a wireless charging feature and be VR ready. Another interesting feature rumored is a new type of iris scanner that uses the front camera sensor. Rumors has it the LG G6 will have a better design and will potentially be waterproof. If you are not happy with the current hardware of your smartphone, switching to LG G6 will be a significant advantage; a better processor, graphics and more RAM will make LG G6 a device for games and heavy apps.
LG G6

Should I Buy LG G5 or Wait for LG G6?

Although the LG G6 is likely to have a nicer design than the painted aluminium of the G5, the G5 will cost you less than the G6 will new (and better deals will be available if you can wait a few months). It is modular and allows you to bolt on optional accessories. It has a removable battery and a microSD slot, which the G6 could lose if it gets a rear glass panel. It’s a great phone and although the G6 will be faster, the G5 is plenty fast—and you can buy it right now rather than wait four or five months

OnePlus 4 – April/May 2017

OnePlus 4 will be one of the year’s most expected releases after the success of its predecessor. The device will most likely have Snapdragon 835 on board alongside with 5.5-inch Quad-HD display. Another rumor is OnePlus 4 will be equipped with 8 GB RAM, 23 MP camera and a 4,000 mAh battery. So if you have or had OnePlus 3 and you liked the experience, OnePlus 4 will rock your world!
OnePlus 4

Should I Buy OnePlus 3 or Wait for OnePlus 4?

The OnePlus 4 will be a very hard to resist, as HNGN reports it will sell for about $400—the same price at which the OnePlus 3 is currently selling. However, keep in mind that the specs and details about the OnePlus 4 are still rumors. If you need to buy a new smartphone now because your old one is on its last leg, then the OnePlus 3 is an excellent device to consider.

Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus – September 2017

After minor upgrades in 2016, Apple will definitely try to go big with its new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Rumors are that Apple wants to set new market standards similar to 10 years ago when Steve Jobs released the first generation of iPhones. Most analysts say the new iPhone 8 will come as a single sheet of glass and be loaded with edge-to-edge OLED display.

Support of wireless charging technology is expected, as well as biometric features that Apple will eventually integrate with its IoT projects. As for the other hardware, there isn’t much information, but we already know that iPhone 8 will come with Apple’s new A11 processor and motion co-processor, ensuring you have the best performance on the market.
iPhone 8

Should I Buy iPhone 7/7 Plus or Wait for iPhone 8?

Although the iPhone 7/Plus design is sleek it’s most noteworthy feature is its improved camera. Apple stuck with the same design introduced on the iPhone 6; it still looks and feels great, but it’s not a must-have upgrade—there’s nothing to get excited about.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 – August 2017

After a battery problems with Note 7, Samsung will definitely have to spend more time testing its new Note 8. Right now the chances Samsung will drop the entire lineup are still high. However, other rumors suggest that Samsung will still announce this device in February alongside with Galaxy S8.

Expected features and specs include a 5.7in Quad-HD or SuperAMOLED, even more powerful processor and more RAM making this device VR-ready. Support for S Pen, waterproof and dual camera make this smartphone one of the most expected Smasung devices of 2017.

Galaxy Note 8

Should I Buy Galaxy Note 7 or Wait for Galaxy Note 8?

The Galaxy Note 7 is a capable Android phone that showcases Samsung’s best in design, battery life, speed and features; the 64GB base model provides plenty of space for photos, videos and games. However, given the battery fire debacle, you shouldn’t buy a Galaxy Note 7—even if you can still find one.

To Wait or Not to Wait?

The question is simple and complicated at the same time. Switching between models is easy, changing brands or even operating systems may be much harder. Having a new mobile device means having a completely new experience. And if you have the budget for an upgrade and not really happy with your current device, we recommend you make the switch and buy a new phone.

On other hand, if you’re happy with your device and purchased it only 6 month ago, then switching to a new device would be a wise choice only if you’re looking for a different experience. And let’s not forget that upgrading to another smartphone is always a breath of fresh air in technology and innovation; if you like this, spending money on it is definitely worth consideration.

How to Increase Your Productivity With Any Mobile Device

With each passing year we see the growing demand for optimizing productivity, along with increasing trends in cyber security. People are beginning to search for alternative solutions to manage their personal information without using public services where it can be stolen or compromised. The recent 500 million hacked Yahoo accounts only highlights the problem is far bigger than most can imagine. After this issue, many people started changing the way they treat their sensitive information they keep in Cloud.

That is why at Akruto we are trying to provide the best cloud-free experience for syncing sensitive data you have in Outlook with your smartphone or tablet. With AkrutoSync you can move away from using cloud services for your personal data such as notes, your business contacts and calendar events. Try AkrutoSync and ensure your Outlook data has the maximum security level, because the only place where your data is being stored is your own PC.

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