7 much-awaited smartphones expected to launch by end of 2018
What's the story
Smartphones have evolved dramatically, this year especially, with innovative tech like in-display fingerprint sensors, pop-up cameras, multiple-camera setup, etc.
But there's more to come - there's an exciting line-up of big-ticket smartphones scheduled to arrive in the coming months.
If you're wondering what else major smartphone makers have in store for you this year, here are 7 devices expected to launch before 2018 ends.
OPPO R17
What we so far know about the OPPO R17
Chinese device maker OPPO's R17 is rumored to launch this month alongside a high-end variant, R17 Pro.
The R17 is likely to come with a 6.4-inch full-screen 4K OLED display and a "waterdrop" notch at the top, an under-display fingerprint sensor, ultra-slim bezels, and a vertical dual rear camera setup.
It might also be the first ever smartphone to have 10GB of RAM.
Nokia 9
Nokia 9 might see the light of day in September
HMD Global unveiled many Nokia smartphones, including Nokia 8 Sirocco, at MWC-2018.
But it's reportedly saving the second 2018 flagship smartphone, Nokia 9, for IFA-2018, scheduled for 31 Aug-5 Sep'18.
It might sport a 6-inch QHD "notch" display, 8GB RAM, and under-display fingerprint-scanner.
The highlight, however, would be its penta-camera setup. It's also tipped to have the world's first 52MP 5X Optical Zoom Lens.
Pixel 3 handsets
What about the third generation Google Pixel smartphones?
Google always announced Pixel flagship smartphones in October, but this time, it could launch Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL in September itself.
While Pixel 3 would have 5.4-inch 18:9 display, Pixel 3 XL is tipped to sport 6.2-inch 19:9 "notch" display.
They will use Snapdragon 845 SoC and run Android 9 Pie. The duo might feature a triple-camera setup with dual front camera.
2018 iPhones
The new iPhones will arrive in September, as usual
Apple is expected to launch three iPhones, which resemble iPhone X, in September.
While there's confusion about their names, the 2018 iPhones will be successors to iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X (rumored to be called iPhone 9, 9 Plus, and iPhone XI, respectively).
Two of them (5.8-inch, 6.5-inch) would be OLED models while the third would be a cheaper, 6.1-inch LCD variant.
Xiaomi Mi MIX 3
Mi MIX 3 pegged to arrive in September, too
It looks like September is going to witness some major smartphone launches, with Xiaomi reportedly gearing up to unveil the Mi MIX 3 in mid-September.
It is likely to come with 5.99-inch display and wireless charging support, too.
Thanks to the numerous leaks, we can expect some major design changes, a pop-up selfie camera, and an in-display fingerprint sensor, too, on Mi MIX 3.
LG V40 ThinQ
LG to also unleash V40 ThinQ in September
LG is also expected to unveil V40 ThinQ in September which could be among the first smartphones to run the new Android Pie OS.
It's likely to feature a 6.1-inch 4K 18.5:9 OLED display. It would be powered by Snapdragon 845 processor and 8GB RAM.
V40 ThinQ is also tipped to sport a penta-camera setup with a dual front camera and triple rear camera.
Vivo X22
A successor to Vivo X21 to launch in December
Earlier this year, Vivo surprised everyone by launching X21 UD, the world's first smartphone to have an under-display fingerprint sensor.
Now, if rumors are to be believed the Chinese device maker is gearing up to launch X21's successor, the X22, in December this year.
While not much is known about X22, it is rumored to be powered by Snapdragon 845 SoC with 10GB RAM.