The hottest new flagship devices

If you are on the lookout for a new smartphone, or simply looking to upgrade from an existing one, chances are you will be spoilt for choice in the coming months. With top-of-the-line devices launching one after another, we look at what makes each one stand out.

( )

( )

iPhone 6s: Like its predecessor, the iPhone 6s has a 4.7 inch retina HD display. But that is where the similarities end. The new device comes with 3D Touch — better described as 'the right click' for phones, a 12MP iSight primary camera and a 5MP front camera, 4K filming, and is available in a new colour — pink gold.

USP: 3D Touch

Price: ₹62,000 onward (pre-order)

( )

( )

Lumia 950: When connected to a monitor and keyboard, Microsoft's latest addition turns itself into a Windows 10 PC. Office apps, a 20MP camera with optical image stabilisation, unlocking via facial recognition, and USB Type C connectors that can charge to over 50 per cent of battery power in less than 30 minutes, are bonuses.

USP: A Windows 10 computer in a smartphone

Price: To be announced

( )

( )

Moto X Style: Motorola claims its latest device is the most customisable handset in existence and that its battery charges the fastest. That apart, smartphone users also get a 21MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera with flash, and Moto Assist — a software that helps the phone learn a user's preference and react accordingly.

USP: Customisation

Price: ₹30,000 onward

( )

( )

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium: This premium model comes with a 5.5 inch 4K display, said to be a first for a smartphone. It also has a whole bunch of features that can be found in most flagship phones, such as a fingerprint sensor and a great primary camera (23MP). It is available in three colours — chrome, black and gold.

USP: 4K display

Price: To be announced

Nexus 6P: Built by Huawei "under Google's guidance", this smartphone boasts of an anodised aluminum shell that wraps around a 5.7 inch display. It has an integrated fingerprint scanner, and claims to recharge its battery twice as quickly as any current generation iPhone. It will also be among the first devices to feature the latest Android OS, Marshmallow.

USP: Marshmallow update

Price : ₹40,000 onward

( )

( )

OnePlus 2: A hit in its native country, the Chinese smartphone is what experts call a "genuine Android flagship". A body formed from an aluminum-magnesium alloy with stainless steel accents, a 13MP rear camera capable of filming 4K video, a 3,300 mAh battery, and a fingerprint sensor that recognises up to five fingers, are some of its many features.

USP: Premium device at budget price

Price: ₹24,999

( )

( )

HTC Butterfly 3: The smartphone giant will apparently hold "dual flagship" launches. While the already launched Butterfly 3 has a 5.2 inch display, octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM for speedy performance, a 20MP rear camera, and a 13MP front camera, buzz around the yet-to-be-launched One A9 (rumoured to be unveiled on October 20) is high as well.

USP: Speedy performance

Price: To be announced

( )

( )

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+: Its rear-facing camera can shoot in 4k, and film in HD and stream directly to YouTube or a pre-created group of contacts. The 5.7 inch quad-HD display wraps around on both edges, which can be used to quickly launch favourite apps or settings. It is also among the first handsets to support the firm's mobile payments system, Samsung Pay.

USP: Edge design

Price: ₹57,000 onward

( )

( )

LG v10: Just this month, LG unveiled its latest flagship device in South Korea. What sets it apart is that it comes with a screen above the main 5.7 inch display. The former can display details such as weather and time and date, even when the main display is off. This device also has dual 5MP front cameras to capture great selfies, while a 16MP primary camera adorns the back of the phone.

USP: Dual screen

Price: To be announced

( )

( )

Huawei Mate S: Experts have called it an "iPhone killer" ever since it was unveiled at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) this year. But more than its many gimmicks, including Apple's Force Touch feature, what this device manages to get right are its basics — a 13MP primary camera, an attractive metallic design and fingerprint sensor — among other features.

USP: ForceTouch

Price: To be announced

The challengers: These devices are looking to make it to the big league

Xiaomi Mi 4i: Dubbed as a "budget flagship phone", the company believes that "a great display is more than a resolution race". It thus comes with sunlight display, which uses hardware-level algorithms to adjust contrast in real-time to improve readability in sunlight. And, it is rumoured that the Mi 5 is set to be unveiled on October 19.

Price: ₹13,000

Gionee Elife E8: Launched this month, the latest addition to the Elife series boasts of a 6 inch screen, an 24MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, a fingerprint sensor, and a 3,520 mAh battery.

Price: ₹35,000