Google Project Ara
Google Project Ara, a modular smartphone that allow users to customize its specs by swapping hardware components. TheVerge

Smartphones that were released in 2015 focused on delivering topnotch design and hardware features like Quad HD display, remarkable camera, fingerprint sensor and retina scanners. In 2016, smartphones are expected to release with even more advanced features.

Most flagship smartphones of 2016 are going to release with full-metal design, pressure-sensitive displays, water and dust resistant chassis and more. Here are the top 15 most desired smartphones across various brands that are expected to release in 2016:

Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus smartphones that are going to release in the second half of this year are likely to arrive with newer design. The axing of 3.5 mm headphone jack is expected to result in slimmer iPhones this year. Instead of 16 GB edition, the base model of the iPhone 7 could arrive with 32 GB storage.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are the first flagship smartphones from the South Korean tech giant that are expected to get unveiled in 2016. Speculations suggest that both the handsets will continue to sport glass and metal combo design. Both the smartphones are expected to carry support for microSD slot, always-on screen, 12-megapixel shooter with larger f/1.7 lens, and bigger batteries. Samsung is also expected to release other variants of S7 such as Galaxy S7 Plus, S7 Edge Plus this year.

Samsung Galaxy Note 6

The rumors are rife that the Galaxy Note 6 will arrive with foldable displays. Other speculations indicate that the phablet will be carrying support for a laptop dock. It will allow users to use the phablet’s CPU and display as the processor and touchpad of the laptop. Like this year, Samsung may avoid the launch of Galaxy Note 6 alongside the iPhone 7 models in September. Hence, it may release in August this year.

Google Nexus 6 (2016)

In 2016, Google is again speculated to collaborate with Huawei to launch Nexus 6 2016 smartphone. However, it is not known whether LG will be building the Nexus 5 2016 smartphone. Both the smartphones will arrive with Android N onboard that will arrive with a new multi-window feature. The 2016 editions of Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 are expected to get announced by the fourth quarter of this year.

Xiaomi Mi 5

The Xiaomi MI 5 is expected to get announced in the next month. It will be powered by Snapdragon 820 and impressive tech spec like high screen-to-body ratio, bezel-less design, 21-megapixel camera and more. Moreover, its base model is rumored to be available for about $350.

Apple iPhone 5e

Apple is expected to launch a 4-inch iPhone 5e in March 2016. The ‘e’ stands for enhanced. It could arrive with vibrant colored metal casing. With a price tag of about $500, it will offer features like Apple A8 chip, 1 GB of RM, 8-megapixel camera, NFC, fingerprint sensor and more.

LG G5

The LG G5 is expected to launch by May 2016. Unlike previous models of the LG G series lineup, the LG G5 flagship is rumored to arrive with full-metal chassis and also feature microSD slot and removable battery. Moreover, it is also expected to come with upgraded version of the excellent camera present on the LG G4.

Moto X 2016

The Moto X Pure Edition (aka the Moto X Style) from 2015 was received by critics and customers. The Moto X 2016 is likely to launch at the end of the third quarter of this year. Rumors have it that Lenovo will adopt a full-metal design for the Moto X 2016 and still offer customization through the Moto Maker tool. It is expected to be priced around $400.

Sony Xperia Z6

Sony is likely to launch Z6 series that will include smartphones like Xperia Z6, Xperia Z6 Compact and Xperia Z6 Premium during September’s IFA 2016 event. The Xperia Z6 series are expected to be fueled by Snapdragon 820 chipset. Early rumors indicate Z6 variants will also include smartphones like Xperia Z6 Mini, Xperia Z6 Plus and Xperia Z6 Ultra.

HTC One M10

HTC One M10 that is speculated to be codenamed as HTC Perfume is speculated to get unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 event next month. It will adopt a Quad HD display this year. It will arrive preinstalled with Android 6.1 Marshmallow that will be overlaid with HTC Sense 8.0 UI. It is expected to feature stunning front-facing speakers and premium metallic design.

OnePlus 3

OnePlus 3 is likely to be unleashed at the end of 2016. It is expected to feature Snapdragon 820 chipset, front-facing speakers, iris scanner and more. Like the OnePlus 2, it is expected to be available with a competitive pricing. At the beginning, the OnePlus 3 will be exclusively available through invitation only program.

Microsoft Surface Phone

Rumors are rife that Microsoft is preparing a business phone called Microsoft Surface Phone. It will arrive with Windows 10 Mobile OS that will carry support for Win32 desktop apps. It is expected to offer enhanced Continuum experience.

Moto G 2016

The Moto G 2016 will be a midrange smartphone that may get launched in July or August this year. It will continue to sport polycarbonate construction with water and dust resistant capabilities. It will also carry support for Moto Maker customization. Its lowest storage model is rumored to arrive with 16 GB storage. Speculations indicate that it may arrive with a fingerprint scanner.

BlackBerry Vienna

The Canadian firm is speculated to be working on BlackBerry Vienna. It will feature a large display and still hours a physical QWERTY keyboard. It will release with Android OS onboard. Its release is said to be company’s last attempt to stay in the mobile business.

Google Project Ara

Google Project Ara, a modular smartphone is expected to release sometime this year. It will be a unique smartphone that will allow users to swap hardware components of the smartphone to upgrade its features. In others words, users will have the power to swap the RAM, processor, storage, camera and so on.