Android Flagship Frenzy: Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and Huawei Gear Up to Challenge Apple in September
This year, several major Android manufacturers are moving their flagship release dates to September, directly challenging Apple's dominance. According to sources, devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 “Ultimate Edition” are slated for a late September launch. MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 chip is expected to be released even earlier, suggesting that new phones featuring this chipset will also debut around the same time.
Huawei: Aiming to Compete with Apple with at Least Three Flagship Models
Huawei, one of the few Chinese brands capable of competing with Apple in the high-end market, is set to launch at least three flagship phones in the coming months. The first of these is rumored to be the Mate XT 2 foldable phone. According to sources, this device might be named the “Mate XT 2 Extraordinary Master” and will feature upgrades to its chip, camera, and battery.
The new Mate X7 foldable phone is expected to feature the latest Kirin 9030 chip. While details are scarce, the battery capacity is expected to be around 5500mAh.
The Mate 80 series is also anticipated, potentially featuring high-silicon single-cell batteries with capacities of 5750mAh or 6000mAh. The Mate 80 Pro may boast a 50MP main camera with a large 1/1.28-inch sensor
Furthermore, the Mate 80 series might feature a custom-designed dual-layer OLED eye-protection screen and possibly even a cooling fan. The phones are expected to run on HarmonyOS 6, offering enhanced connectivity, AI capabilities, and cross-device collaboration.
Apple: 120Hz Refresh Rate Finally Standard, but Standard Version Gets Only Minor Upgrades
The iPhone 17 series is rumored to include four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The base iPhone 17 will feature a 6.1-inch screen, an A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a dual-camera setup. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a 6.6-inch screen, an A19 chip, 12GB of RAM, and a single 48MP rear camera. The Pro models will share most specs, including an A19 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, and a triple 48MP camera system.
Notably, the entire iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature a 120Hz refresh rate. On the software front, iOS 26 is rumored to be the biggest update in 13 years. Apple is reportedly partnering with Anthropic or OpenAI to enhance its AI Siri capabilities.
Xiaomi: 16 Series to Launch Four Models, All with Flat Screens
Xiaomi is reportedly planning to launch four models in its 16 series: a standard version, a Pro, a Pro mini, and an Ultra. All models will feature flat screens with narrow bezels. The Xiaomi 16 and 16 Pro mini are expected to have 6.3-inch screens, while the Xiaomi 16 Pro will sport a larger 6.8-inch display. The Pro models will feature a horizontal camera module and a periscope lens.
The Xiaomi 16 is rumored to be among the first to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 “Ultimate Edition,” with a launch date around September 25-26. The smaller models in the series are said to have large 6800mAh-7000mAh batteries.
OPPO: Most Sincere Standard Version?
OPPO is planning four versions of its next flagship: the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, launching in the second half of the year, and the Find X9s (small screen) and Find X9 Ultra, arriving in the first half of next year.
The OPPO Find X9 standard version is expected to feature a 6.59-inch screen, a periscope lens, wireless charging, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, full-level waterproofing, and a large battery. The main camera is rumored to be a 50MP sensor.
Vivo: Small-Screen Flagship Complements Shortcomings, Large-Cup Main Image Selling Point
Vivo is expected to launch the X300 series, with the standard X300 model taking on the role of a small-screen flagship. This model will feature improvements over its predecessor, including a periscope lens, a large battery, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The Pro version is rumored to have a large-angle flat screen and a new ultra-large sensor for its main camera, along with a 200MP periscope telephoto lens.
Honor: Image Capability Upgrade, AI is the Biggest Highlight
Honor is expected to launch the Magic 8 series, including standard and Pro models. A small-screen flagship is still under consideration. The Magic 8 standard version will feature a 6.58-inch screen, a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, wireless charging, and IP68/IP69 waterproofing. The Pro version will have a 6.7-inch screen and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. The key highlights of the Magic 8 series are expected to be its imaging capabilities, AI features, and MagicOS 10.
Summary: The Most Exciting September
With so many flagship devices launching in September, the competition will be fierce, potentially leading to price wars. The trend is clear: curved screens are being phased out in favor of flat screens, and the number of small-screen flagships is increasing. Consumers can expect significant upgrades in AI and imaging capabilities across all brands.
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