What is IFA
IFA presents the newest devices and latest innovations from around the world; taking place in Berlin, Germany, between September 2-7 at the ExpoCenter. This massive venue is expected to see around 240,000 visitors viewing more than 10,000 products during six days of presentations.
IFA is one of the oldest industrial exhibitions in the world, starting in 1924 and going through 1939. It picked up again in 1950, following the end of WWII. IFA stands for 'Internationale Funkausstellung' which is German for 'International Radio Exhibition'. In the past, it was a biennial event but starting in 2005 became an annual event.
In 2003, IFA was the largest consumer electronics fair in the world with 273,800 visitors to more than 1,000 exhibitors. There was over $2.8 billion in placed orders for products. It also has an average of 6,800 accredited journalists from 78 countries. And AndroidPIT will be there in force.
How to get into IFA 2016
You can pick up a one-day ticket to the exhibition for 17 EUR (about $20). Other options including packages with Berlin public transportation are also available.
What we expect to see at IFA 2016
You can find all different types of consumer electronics at IFA. We have all the latest rumors for what we can expect to find at IFA this year. Scroll through and browse what we know or jump to a section at one of the links below.
Jump to a section
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Smartphones
Sony Xperia X Compact
Sony has already released a number of devices this year in its new Xperia X line but one more could be on its way. Rumor has it that a new Compact model, the Xperia X Compact, will be shown off at IFA.
It's suggested that the X Compact would have a 4.6-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM. This could become the new king of Android's range of smaller handsets (as if that even exists) and we could see it show up at Sony's press conference this coming Thursday.
Sony is also said to be priming a new flagship with the model number F8331. This is what some folks are calling the Xperia XR and it's expected to be a new flagship with USB Type-C, an all-new Sony design (with rounded sides) and a 23 MP rear camera. We'll hopefully have more on this throughout the week.
Xiaomi Mi Note 2
Xiaomi has given us some home runs this year and the Chinese powerhouse manufacturer could unveil its upcoming Mi Note 2 at IFA this year. We know that this Xiaomi phablet will be released this year but there is no confirmed date for the unveiling.
So far, we have some interesting rumors on the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 specs and features. Like the flagship Xiaomi Mi 5, the Mi Note 2 could come in two different versions: a normal and Pro version. Both could come with 5.7-inch displays and 3,600-mAh batteries. But the Pro version could come with a Snapdragon 823, 6 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal memory, as opposed to the Snapdragon 820, 4 GB RAM and 32 GB of internal memory expected in the normal version.
What's more, the latest rumors suggest the Mi Note 2 could arrive with a curved display, to put it in direct competition with Samsung's Galaxy Note 7. Here's everything we know so far about the Xiaomi Mi Note 2.
Huawei Mate S2
Huawei launched the first Mate S at IFA in 2015 and the rumor is its successor, the Mate S2, expected to be unveiled in September. Given these two factors, we think it's likely that we'll see this new device unveiled at IFA in 2016.
The Huawei Mate S came with a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display. A HiSilicon Kirin 935 chipset powered the device and was backed up with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB of internal memory.
So far, it seems like the Huawei Mate S2 would be more of the same in terms of display size and quality, but it's said to have more RAM, a faster processor, and a very familiar look (leaked images suggest it will look almost exactly the same as the Nexus 6P, also developed by Huawei).
Despite this, the latest speculation suggests the Mate S2 won't be unveiled at IFA, though this would make the appearance of the Huawei Watch 2 (detailed below) even more likely.
LG V20
The LG V20 is official and Google announced that it would be the first smartphone to run Android 7.0 Nougat. Despite being set for release soon, it looks unlikely that this device will be at IFA. AndroidPIT reached out to Ken Hong, Senior Director, Global Communications of LG, back in May and he told us that LG "has no plans to introduce a new smartphone at IFA." This would also rule out an appearance of the LG G Flex 3.
For everything we know so far about the LG V20, hit the link.
Asus Zenfone 3
The Asus Zenfone 3 series looks ridiculous. Really. The Ultra model has a 6.8-inch display – I don't know if I'm supposed to put it in my pocket our mount it on my bedroom wall.
The Zenfone 3 series is comprised of three models, the aforementioned Zenfone 3 Ultra, the Zenfone 3 Deluxe and the Zenfone 3. We've already had a brief look at the new lineup but we're expecting to go hands-on with them at the show.
They're a good-looking bunch, each model will arrive with a Full-HD display and one rumor suggests they're not going to break the bank, with the price range said to sprawl from $110 up to $370 for the most expensive handset.
Moto Z Play
The Moto Z Play could also make an appearance at this year's IFA. This handset is expected to offer a 5.5-inch 1080p display, 3 GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 625 processor, modular functionality and a 3.5 mm headset jack (notably missing from recent Lenovo Moto Z devices). Where exactly this device fits in with current Moto lineup we don't yet know, but we might find out during IFA.
Smartwatches
Samsung Gear S3
The Samsung Gear S2 was unveiled at IFA in 2015 among a glut of other smartwatches. But this wearable was different and, undoubtedly, outshined the competition. It's a Tizen-powered smartwatch with a rotating bezel. It's durable, intuitive and well made.
So we're nearing IFA and the big question is whether Samsung will release the Gear S3. Well, it seems exceedingly likely that it will be there in 2016, with several Samsung marketing images suggesting this. Will it be the new best Android smartwatch? We'll see.
Huawei Watch 2
The original Huawei Watch, released in September of 2015, was the first of the Huawei line of watches to contain Android Wear. The wearable was first previewed at MWC 2015 where many of the details were presented. It was officially unveiled at IFA 2015.
As Huawei didn't give us anything on the second generation of the watch at MWC 2016, we're not sure whether the Chinese smartphone giant will present what has been dubbed the Huawei Watch 2 at IFA 2016. That said, at this point, we're not sure how much else it could have on offer at the show.
Asus Zenwatch 3
Another smartwatch tipped to make an appearance at IFA is the Zenwatch 3. The Zenwatch 2 was one of our favorite Android smartwatches – we even called it the best value Android smartwatch – and Asus looks like its upping its game with the Zenwatch 3.
Rumor has it the Zenwatch 3 will do away with the rectangular body, instead favoring the current circular Android Wear trend, and it's likely to be made of stainless steel. Look forward to hearing more about this on August 31.
The time for something incredible is now! #IFA16#ASUSpic.twitter.com/D7GgqHJvUW
— ASUS (@ASUS) August 17, 2016
Fitbit
Fitbit is set to launch two devices at IFA 2016, according to Wareable. There are many fitness trackers on the market but Fitbit has continually stood out in our evaluations. We'll see what interesting features are added to this year's fitness trackers at IFA.
So what do you want to see this year at IFA? Let us know in the comments below.
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