This summer's smartphone lineup is one you don't want to miss

The summer months, once a quiet period for phone releases, are now packed with some of the year's most anticipated devices.

This year, some of the biggest names in the industry, including Nothing, OnePlus, Samsung, and Google, are preparing to release a slate of new devices.

If you are considering a new smartphone, the upcoming smartphone launches over the next few months present compelling reasons to wait.

This guide provides a detailed look at what you can expect from these highly anticipated phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip FE

Samsung's major summer launch event is traditionally focused on its foldable devices, and this year appears to be no different.

A launch is rumored for July 13, where we expect to see updates to the company's flagship foldable phones.

This year's lineup is expected to include the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and a new, more affordable model, the Z Flip FE.

This FE model is likely to be significantly cheaper than the premium Z Flip 7, which is rumored to keep a starting price around £1,049/$1,099.99.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will remain the most expensive of the trio, with its price expected to be similar to the Fold 6's £1,799/$1,899 tag.

The Z Flip FE is anticipated to be very similar in design and function to the Z Flip 6, offering a lower-cost entry into the flip phone category.

The premium Z Flip 7, on the other hand, is slated for more noticeable upgrades, including significantly larger cover and internal displays, along with a less visible crease on the folding screen.

Early rumors about the addition of a telephoto camera to the Flip 7 now seem to be unfounded. For processing power, both flip phones are rumored to use Samsung's own Exynos chipsets.

The Flip 7 will likely get the newer Exynos 2500, while the Flip FE may use the Exynos 2400.

The book-style Z Fold 7 is expected to stick with a Qualcomm chipset, specifically the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.

Both of the Fold 7's displays are also expected to get larger. The most significant upgrade for the Fold 7 could be its camera system, with the potential addition of a 200-megapixel rear camera that would bring its imaging capabilities closer to top-tier camera phones.

All three of these new foldables are set to run One UI 8, Samsung's software layer based on Android 16, which is also rumored to introduce a new suite of Galaxy AI features.

Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold

Following a March launch for the Pixel 9a, Google's biggest smartphone event of the year is expected to happen around August 20.

The Pixel 10 series is rumored to include four distinct models for the second consecutive year, with the lineup consisting of a regular Pixel 10, a 10 Pro, a larger 10 Pro XL, and the foldable 10 Pro Fold.

Pricing for the new series is expected to remain mostly the same as the previous generation, although the book-style Pixel 10 Pro Fold might receive a small price decrease.

The design language is expected to be consistent across all four models, but a shake-up in color options is rumored, including a new 'Limoncello' yellow for the standard Pixel 10.

Internally, Google's next-generation Tensor G5 chip is expected to power the series, delivering a noticeable boost in performance, particularly for AI-driven tasks.

The most significant camera news concerns the regular Pixel 10, which is expected to gain a telephoto lens for the first time.

However, to accommodate this new hardware at its price point, the main and ultrawide sensors on the base model could be downgraded.

The 10 Pro Fold is rumored to get the 50-megapixel main camera from the Pixel 9a, while the camera hardware across the other three phones looks set to remain unchanged from their predecessors.

The Pixel 10 series will launch with Android 16 and could be among the first phones to feature Google's new Material 3 Expressive user interface.

Nothing Phone (3)

Nothing has confirmed a launch date of July 1 for its next device, the Phone (3). The company is positioning this model as its first "true flagship," a significant step up from its previous offerings.

This ambition is reflected in the rumored price, which is expected to be around £800/$800. One of the most discussed changes is a major design shift.

The company is reportedly moving away from its signature 'Glyph' light system on the back of the phone. In its place, the Phone (3) is expected to feature a new dot-matrix display, a design element that may be similar to what is seen on the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.

Company CEO Carl Pei promised "premium materials, major performance upgrades, and software that really levels things up".

This points to a device built to compete at the highest level. For performance, you can expect a top-tier chipset, with rumors pointing towards the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

This will be paired with a new version of the company's software, NothingOS 4.0, which will be built upon the foundation of Android 16.

The camera system is also set for a substantial improvement. A triple-camera array is expected on the rear, and for the first time in a Nothing device, this will include a periscope telephoto lens for improved optical zoom capabilities.

To power these new features, a small increase in battery capacity compared to the Phone (2) is also anticipated.

OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE5

OnePlus is set to continue its push in the mid-range market with two new devices launching on July 8: the Nord 5 and the Nord CE5.

The OnePlus Nord 4 was a favorite mid-range phone of 2024 for many, and the company will be looking to build on that success. So far, we know the Nord 5 will be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip.

This processor is capable of supporting gaming at 144 frames per second, which strongly suggests the phone will feature a display with a 144 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gameplay.

The back of the Nord 5 will house dual rear cameras set within a 'Dry Ice' finish. It is currently unclear if the 50-megapixel main sensor and 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor from the Nord 4 will receive an upgrade this year.

One of the biggest upgrades, however, is rumored to be the battery. Speculation suggests a massive increase in capacity, potentially to 7000 mAh or even higher, which would offer multi-day use for many people.

As for the more budget-friendly Nord CE5, information is sparse. It has been revealed that the phone will be available in a 'Marble Mist' finish and will also feature two rear cameras.

A key piece of missing information for both models is the price. It remains a mystery whether the Nord 5 will see a price increase over its predecessor, the Nord 4.

Honor Magic V5

The Honor Magic V5 is expected to launch first in the company's home country of China before the end of June.

While September is technically not a summer month, a global launch could follow at the IFA trade show in Berlin in early September.

This timeline would be similar to that of its predecessor, the Magic V3. It is worth noting that Honor skipped the number four in its naming sequence, as the number is considered unlucky in China.

Rumored specifications for the Magic V5 include the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which would place it in the premium performance category.

The device is also said to feature a battery of around 6000 mAh with support for 80W fast charging, ensuring long life and quick top-ups. A new 'Silk Gold' color option is also part of the rumors.

A key question surrounding the Magic V5 is its physical design. Its predecessor, the Magic V3, was remarkably thin at 9.2mm when folded, and it remains to be seen if Honor can make the V5 even slimmer.

Pricing is also yet to be revealed, and it will be interesting to see if the new model will be any cheaper than the Magic V3's £1,699.99 price tag.

This summer is shaping up to be a packed season for new smartphones, with compelling options across different price points and form factors.

From flagship powerhouses and innovative foldables to new mid-range contenders, there is a lot to track.

Which of these upcoming phone launches are you most excited about, and are there any other new devices on your radar that we missed?