Predictions for Mobile World Congress 2014

We’re only two weeks away from one of the biggest shows in mobile, Mobile World Congress or MWC 2014, which will take place in Barcelona. Held at Fira Gran Via, the show takes place from February 24th to February 27th. While some mobile providers prefer to schedule separate events for their flagship devices, this event is often used to launch mid-range smartphones and tablets.

Mobile World Congress 2014

This year we’re guaranteed to see a focus on 4G ready devices as the network rollout gains pace, and we’re also likely to see a big announcement about Facebook on mobile as Mark Zuckerburg is the first day’s main keynote speaker.

Here are a few predictions for what you can expect from the big names in mobile at MWC 2014:

  • Nokia historically uses MWC to launch mid to low range devices such as the Lumia 520 and 720. This year we can expect to see a budget Android device with a mid-range spec, which has been code named ‘Normandy’.  Nokia is also likely to launch two Windows devices, the Lumia 1820 smartphone which will have a Lytro-style camera, and the Lumia 2020 tablet which will feature an 8” display.
  • Huawei chose not to unveil the ‘world’s slimmest smartphone’, the Ascend P6 at last year’s MWC. However, it is expected to use this year’s show to launch its successor, the Ascend P6S. Broadly similar in spec, the new model is expected to have a 1.6GHz and increased storage of 16GB.
  • Samsung, which seems determined to release a phone and tablet for every screen size, has been reported to be launching the Galaxy S5 at MWC 2014. However, this is a little unlikely as it usually plans a launch in New York or London for flagship devices. What we can expect to see from Samsung is a Windows Phone 8 device which has been codenamed SM-W705, and a budget phablet in the form of the Galaxy Neo Note.
  • Sony has been tipped to release the Xperia Z2 at MWC 2014, despite the fact that is has only recently launched its predecessor the Xperia Z1. The upgraded device is expected to feature a 5.2” display, 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, and a 20.7 megapixel camera. Sony are also likely to launch a sequel to the Xperia tablet Z which will have 4G and wifi variants.
  • LG is unlikely to use MWC 2014 to launch their G3 flagship device, but we may well see the G2 Mini, complete with 1.2GHz quad core processor and 540 x 960 pixel display. It will run on Android 4.4 KitKat. LG may also use the opportunity to release the G Pro 2 phablet which is rumoured to have a powerful 2.2 GHz octa core processor, a 2560 x 1400 pixel display and fingerprint scanning.
  • HTC is unlikely to launch the successor to the HTC One at MWC itself as it released the original handset just days before last year’s show. However, if we do see the new version of the HTC One, which is currently codenamed the M8, we can expect to see a full HD 5” display, 2GB of RAM, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processor running at 2.26GHz.

What is certain is that the MWC 2014 will bring some exciting developments in the field of 4G mobile devices, both smartphone and tablets. Check back after the show as we’ll be bringing you the latest news.