The best upcoming Android phones of 2020 - Android

We’ve already seen a number of great smartphones announced in 2020 including the Galaxy S20, OnePlus 8, and Xiaomi Mi 10, among others. However, we expect to see many more in the coming months. These include flagships from Samsung, Nokia, and Asus, as well as a few mid-rangers from companies like Google and OnePlus. Here are the best upcoming Android phones that are expected to be announced this year.

Best upcoming Android phones:

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

1. Google Pixel 4a

The Pixel 4a (there won’t be an XL model this year) is expected to follow the same recipe that made its predecessor a success. It will slash out the expensive hardware aspects of the Google Pixel 4 and retain the super-fast Android updates, rear camera experience, and Pixel-exclusive software features.

Rumors suggest that the phone will sport a 12.2MP rear-facing sensor with OIS and EIS, the Snapdragon 730 chipset, and a 5.81-inch display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Other possible specs include a 3,080mAh battery, dual-SIM support, and 6GB of RAM. And yes, the phone will likely retain the headphone jack.

We initially expected the phone to launch at Google’s annual I/O developer conference that usually takes place in May, but that didn’t happen because the conference was canceled. A new launch date hasn’t been officially announced yet, but the phone could be just around the corner. The latest rumor suggests that the Pixel 4a will launch on July 13. However, it’s also possible that Google will speed things up and reveal the handset at its Android 11 event on June 3.

• Launch ETA: June 3 or July 13

2. OnePlus Z

OnePlus is gearing up to launch a mid-range phone this year, its first one after the OnePlus X that was unveiled in 2015. Presumably called the OnePlus Z, the phone is expected to sport an OLED punch-hole display, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and 8GB of RAM.

Rumors suggest that the phone will pack a MediaTek processor under the hood. This could either be the MediaTek Dimensity 800 or Dimensity 1000, which means the OnePlus Z could support 5G. The Dimensity 1000 is a flagship-level processor, while the Dimensity 800 is more in line with the Snapdragon 765 series — learn more about OnePlus’ upcoming phone here.

A launch date hasn’t been announced yet, but rumors claim the phone will make its debut in July. The OnePlus Z likely won’t be as affordable as the old $250 OnePlus X, but it is expected to cost at least $200 less than the OnePlus 8.

• Launch ETA: July 2020

3. Asus Zenfone 7

Let me start by saying we know nothing about this phone as of now. We haven’t come across any rumors or leaked renders that would reveal the specs or the design of the handset. However, based on how well the Zenfone 6 was received, it’s almost a guarantee we’ll see its successor this year.

We expect the Zenfone 7 to follow the same recipe as its predecessor, which means it should pack high-end specs, run a near-stock version of Android, and come with a flip camera that makes it unique and allows for a full-screen experience. It will also be powered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset. Hopefully, Asus will upgrade the LCD display to an OLED one and sell the phone for the same amount as the Asus Zenfone 6.

The announcement date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but according to a report by Commercial Times, the handset will make its debut sometime in the third quarter of the year — between July and September.

• Launch ETA: Q3 2020

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series

Samsung hasn’t shared any details about its upcoming Note series so far, but we already know a few things to expect. The company will likely announce two phones named the Note 20 and Note 20 Plus. The Galaxy line name jumped from 10 to 20, so it makes sense the Note line will as well.

The handsets will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 chipset, depending on the region. We also expect to see IP68 water-resistance rating, at least 12GB of RAM, no less than 256GB of internal storage, wireless charging, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. And let’s not forget about the S-Pen, which will likely have a few new tricks up its sleeve this year.

Based on a leak showing a case for one of the Galaxy Note 20 phones as well as the render of the handset, we can assume that the phones will have a robust camera setup, similar to that of the Galaxy S20 Ultra. And like the S20 series, Samsung’s upcoming phones likely won’t have a headphone jack on board. You can learn more about the two handsets in our Galaxy Note 20 rumor roundup post at the link.

The Galaxy Note 20 phones are expected to be announced in August. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect Samsung will opt for an online event instead of a physical one.

• Launch ETA: August 2020

5. Samsung Galaxy Fold 2