TOP 5 SMARTPHONE TRENDS OF 2016

As we approach 2017, it’s time we take a look back at some of the trends that had a big impact on how we use our smartphones.

Faster Networks: Network connectivity speeds got a serious boost with new modem technologies such as 4G LTE technology which became more widespread in 2016. The Huawei Y6 II for instance can download data over LTE networks at an ultrafast speeds of up to 150Mbps (bits per second) which is faster than all devices within in its range

Selfie Phones (Better Front Facing Cameras): Just a few years ago, front facing cameras on phones were just VGA, 1.3MP or maximum 2MP, but with the rise of the self-portraits craze, front cameras on smartphones got the required bump they needed this year. Most companies launched phones with a front facing 5 Megapixel camera and advertised it as their selfie phone this year, but Huawei went one further and released the Y6 II, equipped with an 8-megapixel f/2.0 front camera and beautification technology which allows users to enhance images with various makeup styles and preview the effects in real time with a single touch. The function provides eight templates and delivers more natural effects and a range of advanced professional beautifying features.

Kirin 960

Faster chips: As always, a lot of the new smartphones were equipped with faster and more energy-efficient chips. Graphics were smoother, and applications ran much faster in 2016. But a new twist in mobile processors is stacked transistors, which allow more features to be packed into smaller chips. This is a big chip-manufacturing advancement that will allow smartphones to do a lot more while preserving battery life. For instance, Huawei’s latest Kirin 960 processor which got its first debut in the new Mate 9 to provides better performance to run apps, videos and HD games seamlessly, as well as for other day to day uses.

Bigger, Better Screens: 2016 marked the mainstream acceptance of 5”plus smartphones. This was largely caused by technology advancements allowing manufacturers to make bezels almost non-existent. Over the years, every mobile device with a screen larger than 5” was instantly ridiculed and deemed to be unusable. It seems, though, that customers just needed to overcome their initial concerns about the portability of large smartphones. 2016 was also the year of 1080p full HD screens on phones. Barely a couple of years ago, 1080p screens on TVs were the norm and now the same number of pixels are being crammed into many phone displays.

Huawei Nova Plus

Finger print technology: Finger print unlock has become the smartphone trend as serves as a mark for premium smartphones. Unlock passcodes and patterns are no longer something to be surprised about and all premium smartphone manufacturers from Huawei to Apple have embraced the finger print trend, but not just any finger print technology is trending.  The Huawei GR5 Mini which has been dubbed the King of fingerprint comes with a 2.0 fingerprint sensor, which has been improved 100 per cent over the 1st generation. It recognizes your fingerprint in 0.5 seconds and it comes with 360° Readability, allowing fingerprint contact to be made from any angle, left right, front or back, even with partially wet hands.

What were your favorite smartphone trends for 2016? Let us know if we have missed out on any trend.