2016 was an exciting year for the tech world, with numerous innovative smartphones hitting the market. It was the year when smartphones started to get more powerful, feature-rich, and affordable. Many flagship devices were released in 2016, which set the bar high for future smartphones. In this article, we’ll take a stroll down memory lane and explore some of the most popular phones made in 2016.
The Big Players: Samsung, Apple, and Google
Three giants in the smartphone industry, Samsung, Apple, and Google, released some of their most iconic devices in 2016.
Samsung’s Galaxy Series
Samsung’s Galaxy series has always been a benchmark for Android smartphones. In 2016, Samsung released several Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 7, and Galaxy A series. The Galaxy S7 Edge was particularly popular, with its curved screen, water-resistant design, and powerful Exynos 8890 processor. It was also one of the first phones to feature a Dual Pixel camera, which offered exceptional low-light photography.
Apple’s iPhone 7 Series
Apple’s iPhone 7 series was another highly anticipated release in 2016. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus came with significant upgrades, including water-resistant designs, improved cameras, and faster A10 Fusion processors. The iPhone 7 Plus also featured a dual-camera setup, allowing for optical zoom and portraits with a bokeh effect. The removal of the headphone jack was a major talking point, but Apple’s wireless AirPods helped to ease the transition.
Google’s Pixel Series
Google entered the smartphone market in 2016 with its Pixel series. The Google Pixel and Pixel XL were designed to showcase the best of Android, with timely software updates and exceptional camera performance. The Pixel’s 12.3-megapixel camera was praised for its ability to capture stunning low-light photos, and its snappy performance made it a favorite among Android enthusiasts.
Other Notable Releases
Besides the big three, other manufacturers also released some impressive phones in 2016.
OnePlus 3
The OnePlus 3 was a budget-friendly flagship killer that offered top-notch specifications at an affordable price. Its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 16-megapixel camera made it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Huawei P9
Huawei’s P9 was a stylish phone with a unique design and impressive camera capabilities. Its dual-camera setup, co-engineered with Leica, offered exceptional image quality, and its Kirin 955 processor provided smooth performance.
Lenovo Moto Z
The Lenovo Moto Z was a modular phone that allowed users to attach different modules, such as a camera module, speaker module, or battery module, to enhance its functionality. Its sleek design and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor made it a interesting alternative to traditional smartphones.
Key Features That Defined 2016 Smartphones
Looking back, 2016 was a year of significant advancements in smartphone technology. Here are some key features that defined 2016 smartphones:
Water Resistance
Water resistance became a standard feature in many 2016 smartphones, with IP68 ratings becoming increasingly common. This meant that phones could withstand accidental splashes or drops in water, providing peace of mind for users.
Dual Cameras
Dual cameras were another trend that emerged in 2016. Phones like the iPhone 7 Plus, Google Pixel, and Huawei P9 featured dual cameras, which allowed for better low-light performance, optical zoom, and portrait mode with bokeh effects.
Fingerprint Sensors
Fingerprint sensors became more common in 2016, with many phones featuring fingerprint recognition for biometric authentication.
Fast Charging
Fast charging technology improved significantly in 2016, with QuickCharge 3.0 and VOOC becoming popular. This allowed users to quickly top up their batteries, reducing downtime and increasing overall convenience.
Virtual Reality
2016 was also the year when Virtual Reality (VR) started to gain traction. Many phones, including the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Google Pixel, supported VR headsets, providing an immersive experience for users.
What Made 2016 Smartphones Special?
So, what made 2016 smartphones special? Here are a few key factors:
Power and Performance
2016 smartphones were powered by fast processors, ample RAM, and efficient batteries, providing a seamless user experience.
Camera Capabilities
The cameras on 2016 smartphones were significantly better than their predecessors, offering improved low-light performance, better image stabilization, and innovative features like dual cameras and optical zoom.
Design and Build Quality
2016 saw a focus on premium designs, with many phones featuring glass or metal bodies, curved screens, and water-resistant construction.
Software Innovations
2016 was also a year of significant software innovations, with the introduction of Android Nougat and iOS 10, which brought features like split-screen mode, enhanced notifications, and improved security.
Conclusion
2016 was a landmark year for smartphones, with significant advancements in power, performance, camera capabilities, design, and software. While we’ve come a long way since then, the innovations of 2016 paved the way for the powerful, feature-rich smartphones we use today. Whether you’re a fan of Samsung, Apple, Google, or other manufacturers, there’s no denying that 2016 was a year that revolutionized the smartphone industry.
What made 2016 a revolutionary year for smartphones?
The year 2016 was a game-changer for smartphones as it witnessed the launch of several innovative devices that redefined the boundaries of mobile technology. This was the year when top-tier brands like Samsung, Apple, and Google introduced phones with cutting-edge features, designs, and capabilities that took the industry by storm.
Some of the key factors that contributed to the revolutionary nature of 2016’s smartphones include the introduction of advanced biometric security features, improved camera capabilities, and faster processing speeds. Additionally, 2016 was also the year when virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) started gaining traction, with major brands incorporating these features into their devices.
What were some of the most popular smartphones of 2016?
Some of the most popular smartphones of 2016 include the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Google Pixel and Pixel XL, and the OnePlus 3. These devices were praised for their sleek designs, impressive performance, and innovative features that set them apart from their predecessors.
Each of these phones had its unique features that made them stand out in the market. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge was known for its stunning design and advanced camera capabilities, while the Apple iPhone 7 Plus introduced the revolutionary dual-lens camera system. The Google Pixel, on the other hand, was praised for its exceptional camera performance and timely software updates.
What were some of the key features of the Samsung Galaxy S7?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was one of the most highly anticipated smartphones of 2016, and it did not disappoint. Some of the key features of the S7 include its stunning 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, IP68 water and dust resistance, and advanced biometric security features like a fingerprint sensor and iris scanner.
The S7 was also powered by a fast Exynos 8890 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and a sizable 3000mAh battery. Its 12-megapixel rear camera was praised for its exceptional low-light performance, and the phone’s premium design made it a head-turner. The S7 was also the first Samsung phone to introduce a hybrid SIM tray, allowing users to expand their storage capacity.
What were some of the key features of the Apple iPhone 7?
The Apple iPhone 7 was a significant departure from its predecessor, introducing several innovative features that set it apart from other smartphones. Some of the key features of the iPhone 7 include its stunning 4.7-inch Retina HD display, IP67 water and dust resistance, and a powerful A10 Fusion chip that provided exceptional performance.
The iPhone 7 was also notable for its improved camera capabilities, featuring a 12-megapixel rear camera with a larger f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. The phone’s design was also significantly revamped, with a new solid-state home button and a water-resistant construction. Additionally, the iPhone 7 was the first Apple phone to ditch the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of wireless audio.
What was the significance of the Google Pixel?
The Google Pixel was a revolutionary smartphone that marked a new direction for the search giant’s mobile efforts. The Pixel was significant because it was the first smartphone to be designed and manufactured by Google, giving the company complete control over the device’s hardware and software.
The Pixel was praised for its exceptional camera performance, timely software updates, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem of services. The phone’s 12.3-megapixel rear camera was particularly notable, offering exceptional low-light performance and features like HDR+ and Night Sight. The Pixel’s snappy performance, courtesy of its Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, and its clever AI-powered features made it a compelling choice for Android enthusiasts.
What were some of the key trends of 2016’s smartphones?
Some of the key trends of 2016’s smartphones include the increasing focus on camera capabilities, the rise of virtual and augmented reality, and the emphasis on biometric security features. Many top-tier brands introduced advanced camera systems, including dual-lens cameras, optical image stabilization, and advanced software features.
Another significant trend was the increasing importance of AI-powered features, such as Google’s Assistant and Apple’s Siri, which enabled phones to learn and adapt to users’ habits. Furthermore, 2016 was also the year when USB-C and wireless charging started gaining traction, paving the way for faster and more convenient charging solutions.
How did 2016’s smartphones impact the mobile industry?
The smartphones of 2016 had a profound impact on the mobile industry, setting the stage for future innovations and advancements. The year’s devices raised the bar for camera capabilities, processing speeds, and design, forcing manufacturers to up their game and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The smartphones of 2016 also paved the way for emerging technologies like AI, VR, and AR, which have since become integral parts of the mobile landscape. Furthermore, the devices’ emphasis on security, convenience, and performance has continued to shape the industry’s trajectory, driving innovation and growth in the years that followed.