The best upcoming Android phones that are worth the wait

Publish date: 2022-05-23

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

There’s no shortage of powerful smartphones to go around, but it’s our nature to wonder what’s ahead. What could be in the works for the rest of 2022? Let’s talk about the hottest upcoming Android phones. We’ll mainly focus on devices that will likely be released within the next six months or so, just to keep things more relevant and not speculate on far-off projects.

See also: The best Android phones

The best upcoming Android phones

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best upcoming Android phones regularly.

Asus ROG Phone 6 series

Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority

We know Asus can’t step things back, so we expect nothing but greatness from their upcoming Android phones. These would be the Asus ROG Phone 6 series. These are definitely among the best upcoming Android phones. The bad news is we know pretty much nothing about them yet. Bits of information should start leaking soon enough.

The Asus ROG Phone 5 series was launched in March 2021. While we haven’t heard much about the upcoming devices, we can expect them to be released around the same time. Of course, it seems to be a bit behind, as we last updated this post on March 15th and there’s still no sign of the new Asus gaming phones.

Sony Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Sony Xperia 1 and 5 devices are usually powerful handsets with an elegant design, gorgeous 4K displays, and capable cameras. We should expect the same from the Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV, but we don’t know much about them so far, but they’re some of the most anticipated upcoming Android phones.

More: These are the best camera phones around

One rumor tells us the Xperia 1 IV might come with four 50MP cameras. This wouldn’t be surprising, as Sony does tend to stick with similar megapixel sensors across its cameras. For example, both the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 1 II had three 12 MP cameras. We also expect them to be expensive, although Sony may have to think about lowering prices to compete with its rivals. Fingers crossed.

We expect the phones to make their debuts at the beginning of Q2 2022, although there’s a chance they may be launched a bit sooner (or a bit later). At least that should be the case for the Sony Xperia 1 IV. The Sony Xperia 1 III was launched in April 2021. Meanwhile, the Xperia 5 III was released months later, in October 2021. We might see a similar strategy with the upcoming Sony phones.

Google Pixel 6a

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 6 series has amazing offerings, but we know many of you are more excited about the Pixel A-series, and the next one is expected to be the Google Pixel 6a. We haven’t heard anything about the upcoming Android phone, but we can assume the common changes will likely hit this device too.

Related: These are the best phones with near-stock Android

If the past releases are anything to go by, the Google Pixel 6a will likely see some small sacrifices in specs. Additionally, it should have a less premium design and build quality. We can also assume the camera, while downgraded, should still offer class-leading performance.

The Pixel 5a with 5G was released in August 2021, so we can expect to see a similar release time frame for the upcoming Google phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

We’ve been keeping a close eye on Samsung’s Galaxy Fold and Flip devices for some years now. Foldable screen devices continue to be a novelty, and have faced some difficulties along the way. We’re waiting for the devices that finally hit mainstream standards. While the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 got really close, we’re hoping to see much more polished products in the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4.

More options: Other great foldable phones you should consider

We know it might gain an S Pen slot, but aside from that, we haven’t heard anything about these phones yet. The current generation launched in August of 2021. We can expect a similar release for the upcoming Android phones in 2022.

Both the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 entered the market in August 2021. We should expect a similar release window until further notice.

Asus Zenfone 9 series

Luke Pollack / Android Authority

The Asus Zenfone line is known for offering great value, spec’d with powerful internals, and carrying an affordable price tag. At one point, Asus Zenfone devices were also known for being among the few series to still make worthy small phones.

There are many things we wish the Zenfone 9 series will come with, but so far, we haven’t heard any solid rumors. We can assume there will be a base version and a Flip iteration, though. Regardless, both ZenFone 8 phones were launched in May 2021. Unless anything goes wrong, we should see the new ones coming at around the same time.

Samsung Galaxy A53

We’ve grown very fond of Samsung’s A50 series, which often come with an excellent design, mid-tier specs, and very accessible price points. They have been hitting a very sweet spot in terms of value the past few years, and the Samsung Galaxy A53 is expected to be another hit.

More: The best budget phones available right now

We’ve seen plenty of rumors about the Galaxy A53, including a couple of renders, leaked wallpapers, and even a TENAA entry with a bevy of possible specs. These include a 6.46-inch 2,400 x 1,080 display, 128GB to 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and 4,860mAh battery. The cameras are expected to have 64MP, 32MP, and two 5MP sensors.

The A52 launched on March 17, 2021, and it looks like its successor will make its debut just a few days from now, exactly a year after its predecessor. Samsung is hosting a launch event on March 17, although the announcement of the A53 has not been officially confirmed.

OnePlus 10R

Harley Maranan / Android Authority

The OnePlus 9R was launched along with the OnePlus 9, as a slightly more affordable device. The specs are still compelling and capable, and some believe these “R” devices to be of better value.

More: Other OnePlus phones you should consider

Rumors say the upcoming Android phone will be a unique offering. The OnePlus 10R might come with a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, a 120Hz refresh rate screen, at least 8GB of RAM, and at least 128GB of storage.

According to rumors, the phone will launch very soon. This makes sense, as the OnePlus 9R hit the shelves in March 2021.

Keep in mind these are only some of the best upcoming Android phones. We’ve focused on the ones we’re most looking forward to. It’s important to keep in mind that the industry continues to push forward, so we’re sure there will be plenty of other exciting announcements coming from now until the end of 2022. As always, we’ll be here at AndroidAuthority.com telling you all about them!

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