What the focus will be in MOBILE this year?

MASABATA MKWANANZI masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za

How smart is a smartphone or what can a smartphone do? These are the questions every user wants to know before buying a new mobile phone. And app developers are working around the clock to simplify the lives of users.

The year 2020 saw a lot of apps and mobile functionalities being reinvented, from foldable and flexible mobile phones, to eSIM for smartphones and Google Assistant to help you with everyday tasks.

The following apps and mobile functionalities should have more users jump on the bandwagon in 2021.

5G Mobile Internet Network

Although the use of 5G smartphones started making the rounds late last year, 2021 will see the use of 5G smartphones double if not triple in numbers. This became more evident with the release of the iPhone 12, Galaxy S21 series, and the highly anticipated release of Xiaomi Mi 11, Oppo Find X3, and the OnePlus 9.

The high speed of 5G can bring revolutionary changes to the apps associated with video streaming, especially in 4K video streaming, easy to handle VR & AR 3D objects, and better connectivity of IoT devices & services. more impact on our lives with trends such as AI-based cameras, voice translations and user predictions that will find a new place in smartphones in 2021.

Wireless charging

Smartphone makers like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and LG have had wireless chargers for a while now and users around the world have got used to the trend of wireless charging. But cellphone manufacturers in 2021 should look into all smartphones having wireless charging, including entry-level smartphones.

Wireless charging is super cool for a smartphone. Place the phone down on to a wireless charger and it starts charging immediately.

Smartphones sold without a charger

Apple made headlines late last year when the iPhone 12 was sold without a charger. It is believed that in 2021 more smartphone makers will join these trendsetters in producing smartphones without chargers.