Major new smartphones set to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress

We’re expecting some pretty big updates to come out of this year’s MWC from hardware manufacturers, including news of the upcoming HTC Vive consumer version and VR prototypes from Acer, not to mention Samsung’s mysterious Galaxy S7 “Unpacked” teaser that heavily features Gear VR.

Previous year the Japanese tech behemoth did reveal a mid-range Xperia M4 Aqua and its super-slim Xperia Z4 tablet however, so we could very well see upgrades to both of those product lines.

Following the established tradition from preceding years this year also we are about to witness numerous biggest launches of new smartphones and new device technologies.

Top of the pile will be LG, whose G5 smartphone has attracted a lot of attention in recent weeks as details have leaked out. This year the company seems interested in differentiating the two phones with more than just a curved screen on the Edge.

Lenovo’s all metal smartphone: Lenovo is also expected to launch a new smartphone at MWC.

The LG G5 is said to be loaded with a 5.6-inch QHD screen, a secondary display screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, removable battery, expansion slot, and dual-lens camera. There were rumors earlier that indicated at Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Plus not being launched, but this time, instead, the S7 Edge will have a larger screen.

“Known as a company ahead of the times, LG took this characterization to heart by revealing the existence of the accessory before the actual product”, the company quipped in a post on its website.

As far as design goes, the Mi 5 allegedly has 2.5D glass, which curves subtly on the sides and a slim, oval-shaped home button on the front. Like rivals Apple Pay and Android Pay, it also supports near field communication technology that requires a separate transaction device. Lemon 3 had a 5-inch full HD display, but comes with a plastic polycarbonate body.

Sony has confirmed it will be holding a press conference on February 22 at the trade show in Barcelona. Among the biggest names who are expected to make major announcements at the MWC 2016 are Samsung, Sony and LG.

LG have long had to live in the shadows of their fellow countrymen but they are doing all they can to break this stranglehold and see this year’s MWC as the ideal opportunity to try and buck this trend. The launch is slated for February 21, a day before the MWC’s doors officially open.

There’s at least one more topic getting some deserved recognition in Barcelona-MWC programs built around “Connected Women” are created to address gender gaps in mobile, and to “promote great inclusion of women as employees and leaders in the industry”.

Sony’s presence at MWC is nearly always a given, but this year will be interesting.