5 products we expect to see at MWC 2016 – including Samsung Galaxy S7 and Microsoft Lumia 750
Without doubt Mobile World Congress, or MWC, is one of the world’s largest gatherings for the mobile industry. Due to take place in Barcelona from 22-25 February, it usually sees the major manufacturers (with the exception of Apple of course who like to do their own thing) announce all their new products for the coming months. Here are five announcements we expect to be made.
Microsoft Lumia 750
Though the US giant has recently unveiled both the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, the Windows 10 Mobile Handset range is looking a little sparse with only 550 joining the flagship duo.
So it seems likely (though by no means certain) we will see the launch of two new mid-range models, the Lumia 750 and 850, at February’s MWC in Barcelona.
Though little is known about the 850, the 750 is believed to feature a Snapdragon 617 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and either a 5.4-inch or 5.7-inch Full HD screen.
Samsung Galaxy S7
Last year at MWC Samsung announced a number of new products, including the S6 and S6 Edge. And this year also promises to be no different with a number of products in the pipeline.
On February 21, the day before MWC officially opens, the South Korean company will hold its Unpacked Event where journalists will be shown the latest Samsung Galaxy S7 and possibly the S7 Edge variant.
Rumours are that some of the features removed from the S6 could make a return, including a microSD card slot and possibly water resistant casing. Other possible features include Snapdragon 820 or Exynos M1 processor, a strong magnesium alloy build, and a durable Turtle Glass display, pressure-sensitive 3D Touch-like technology and an even better 12MP camera. There’s also talk of Samsung unveiling a large screen Galaxy S7 Edge+.
LG G5
LG doesn’t always unveil its flagship products at MWC (last year it skipped the event because it didn’t want to be overshadowed by the Samsung Galaxy S6 line up). However, this year is thought to be an exception.
Like its South Korean rivals, LG will have a press event the day before MWC officially opens where it’s expected to announced the new LG G5.
Rumours are that it will boast a metal body complete with Snapdragon 820 processor, a whopping 21 Megapixel camera and even retinal scanning. Android Authority has produced a sketch of what the LG G5 might look like based on insider information (see above) with the volume controls moving from the rear back to a more conventional side position.
LG is also thought to be about to launch its own payment service, similar to Samsung Pay and Apple Pay but we’ll see.
Sony Xperia Z6
Previously Sony has favoured double launches, announcing new models at both MWC in Barcelona and IFA in Berlin. But could the Japanese brand be set to depart from this protocol and unveil the successor to the Xperia Z5 which it launched at IFA last year?
We can’t say for sure but one thing we can tell you is that will be a press launch first thing Monday morning (22nd February) at the show when all the new products will be announced.
If it’s not the Sony Xperia Z6, then expect to see a tablet or two, such as the Tablet Z2 or the Xperia Z4, as Sony generally does love to launch a tablet in Barcelona.
Also a possibility is a new wearable. It’s been 18 months since we saw the Sony Smartwatch 3 so there’s the possibility of an upgraded Smartwatch 4. Alternatively, we could see Sony make a fuss over the Xperia M5 pro-selfie which it announced in August 2015, but which has only just gone on sale in the UK.
HTC One M10
At MWC 2015, HTC launched the One M9, so it seems likely that it will present the latest model in its One line up at this year’s Barcelona show. Currently codenamed ‘Perfume’, it will be called the M10, though it is expected to differ substantially from its predecessor, at least according to the rumours.
For a start it’s expected to be a lot sleeker than the previous M9 with much more minimalist design, more like the One A9 in fact.
The biggest difference between the M9 and M10 is likely to be the lack of BoomSound speakers on the new model in order to keep the compact size. Other features are expected to include a fingerprint scanner and a 5.1 inch 2560 x 1440 AMOLED display.
Although it seems likely HTC’s M10 will launch at MWC there is always the possibility that the new model won’t launch until March so we might have to wait a little longer!
