11 Best Smartphones of 2015 that will continue to hog limelight in 2016

By Harshita

| Updated: Thursday, December 24, 2015, 14:20 [IST]

The year 2015 will be remembered in the tech world for seeing the launch of many powerful smartphones from brands across segments. Indian being an important and crucial market for smartphone brands, we witnessed a flood of smartphones across price segments this year. Many of these smartphones did really well in the market, while many other came amid much hype but could not create buzz in the market.

Top 11 smartphones of 2015 that will not fade out in 2016

From the very premium Apple's iPhone 6S to the new range of Nexus smartphones in mid-range to the much affordable Micromax Xpress series of phones, there were a variety of phones that became pretty popular in 2015, and are likely to continue hogging limelight even in the New Year.

Here we pick top 11 smartphones that got launched in 2015 amid much fanfare and will continue to rule consumer's heart in 2016 as well.

Samsung Galaxy Note phones

Samsung added the metal goodness to its top-of-the-line ‘Note' series of smartphones by launching the beautifully designed, metal-clad Galaxy Note 5 and its Edge variant. The device brings a greater functionality to S-Pen stylus and is loaded with powerful features and specifications, which make it the best Android smartphone in its price. We think this phone will continue to grab attention from consumers who wish to own a premium phone with beasty features, and remain a top charter even in 2016.

Apple iPhone

After much rumors and conjectures, Apple launched the iPhone 6S and the 6S Plus in September this year. The phones are upgraded versions of iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus launched in 2014. These latest Apple smartphones are popular for featuring even more powerful hardware than their predecessors, and for loading new software features. Apple iPhone 6S are the most powerful smartphones of the year and will continue to attract consumers in 2016.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 6S And 6S Plus: Top 10 Best Features

The new OnePlus

OnePlus grabbed much attention for its One smartphone back in 2014. The One was touted as the flagship killer, and became quite a hit in the market. Encashing on the popularity of the One, the company launched the OnePlus 2 this year as its next gen flagship killer smartphone. So far, this phone has received a bag full of mixed reactions for its hardware, software and performance, but it is still selling like hot cake in the market. Team GizBot think that the OnePlus 2 is not going to fade out from the market any time soon and will continue to sell for a long time in 2016.

Google Nexus 6P

Google came up with the best ever Nexus smartphone ever this year. The Huawei-made Nexus 6P is undoubtedly amongst the biggest ever launches of the year, and the most powerful ever Nexus smartphone. It has a massive 6-inch display with 2k resolution, octa-core chipset, 3GB RAM, 13MP camera, 3,220mAh battery and fingerprint scanner, and now boasts Android Marshmallow. You may find it a little expensive, but it surely does make for a very powerful smartphone.

Moto X Play

When Motorola decided to shut its business back in 2012, nobody really expected that the company will ever be able to revive to once again become one of the leading smartphone brands. In 2015, the company launched an array of smartphones and expanded business by adding new models in its X series of mid-range devices. The Moto X Play came as a good surprise for Motorola fans, as the phone packed in quite an interesting set of specifications including a 20MP camera to attract consumers. We find the phone pretty impressive in its price range and think it will continue to be a good smartphone option in 2016.

Nexus 5X

Along with the Nexus 6P, Google also launched a new variant of the Nexus 5 smartphone. The Google Nexus 5X is the company's another specs-heavy smartphone that's quite a charmer for its price. The phone also boasts a fingerprint scanner, and is now upgradeable to Android Marshmallow. The Nexus 5X is another phone that is not going to loose its charm any time soon.

The 'X' factor

This year, OnePlus launched two smartphones including the OnePlus 2 and a comparatively lower priced model, the OnePlus X. The company launched the OnePlus X in Onyx variant and Ceramic variant, at price starting from Rs 16,999. The company mentioned that the "X" represents 'experiment' in building something powerful and beautiful for the design-conscious set of consumers. This phone packs in impressive specifications and flaunts a new design language, which will help it remain a tough competitor in the market in 2016.

Yu Yutopia

Micromax's subsidiary Yu created much hype for its flagship Yutopia smartphone ahead of its launch that happen recently in Delhi. The phone has been promoted as the Most Powerful smartphone ever from an Indian company. The Yu Yutopia undoubtedly is a beast in all aspects, be it the hardware or the software, and has been priced aggressively for Rs 24,999. We feel the phone will be here for a while to compete with the upcoming Xiaomi Mi5 and Lenovo's new Vibe smartphone.

Sony's new 'Z' flagship

Sony might have been finding it tough to maintain its smartphone market shares, but the company did give us its best in 2015. Its flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia Z5, is a beauty that combines good hardware and waterproof capability. The phone is sleek, has a better design with a frosted glass back, has fingerprint sensor and is powerful. It boasts 23MP rear snapper and 3GB of RAM, among many other attractive features. The phone was launched at a much higher price point but has now got price cuts. This phone is expected to get cheaper in another couple of months, which will make it a good buy in 2016.

Micromax canvas Xpress series smartphone

Micromax finally entered the online only space with the launch of its Canvas Xpress series of smartphones. The company recently announced its upgraded version, the Canvas Xpress 4G which brings good specifications at an affordable price point. We think the smartphone makes for a good budget option and will remain so even in 2016.

Microsoft Lumia with Windows 10

Microsoft Lumia 950XL is the company's first smartphone to feature its Windows 10 OS for smartphones. The phone packs boasts impressive features and specifications, and seems promising in terms of performance. We think this Microsoft baby will do good for the company in 2016.