The phones of IFA
Held every September in Berlin, IFA is one of the biggest tech trade shows in the world. It's like CES, except that the public can get inside to see the latest appliances, gadgets, computers, and more.
Every year, new smartphones launch at the show, and this year is no exception. We're seeing a mix of the next generation of the Samsung Galaxy Note and Sony Xperia lines, plus brand-new models from other companies.
Click through to check out all the new devices that debuted at IFA 2014, and check back to see new phones as they launch throughout the week.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Arguably the star of IFA is Samsung's latest in its Note phablet line, the Galaxy Note 4.
Like its predecessors, the Note 4 has a sizable 5.7-inch screen and comes with a stylus to scribble out notes and drawings.
This time around, Samsung also added several features from its flagship Galaxy S5 phone, including a heart-rate monitor and a 16-megapixel camera. The Note 4 also features a refined design, with a back cover that looks like supple leather, but is actually polycarbonate.
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Another addition to Samsung's Note lineup is the Galaxy Note Edge. The phone features most of the same specs of the Note 4, but this one has a very special feature -- a curved screen that wraps around the side of the device. That curved edge houses buttons in certain apps, and it also works as a ticker, showing you news updates, notifications, and other controls.
The Note Edge also comes with a stylus for writing notes, just like the Note 4.
Sony Xperia Z3
A mere six months after Sony released its flagship Xperia Z2, it's back with the next-generation Xperia Z3. This high-end smartphone is waterproof, like its predecessors. It also features a neat way to connect to your PS4 to play video games on the phone.
Other notable features include a 2.5GHz quad-core processor, a 20.7-megapixel camera, and Android 4.4.4 KitKat.
Sony Xperia E3
Another model from Sony is the Xperia E3, a budget-minded device with pared-down features. Unlike the Z3, this model isn't waterproof, but it still has the same slim and rectangular design. It also has a 1.2GHz processor and a 5-megapixel camera.
There's no word yet on pricing, but Sony promises it'll be affordable to match its lower-end features.
HTC Desire 820
HTC's newest phone, the Desire 820, is bright, thanks to its colorful plastic exterior. It's super slim, just 0.30 inches (7.7mm) thick and weighs 5.5 ounces (155g). There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but HTC says it will be affordable.
Huawei Ascend Mate 7
Huawei had a strong presence at IFA, showing off four new phones.
First is the Huawei Ascend Mate 7, which is packed with features, including a 2,560x1,600-pixel resolution 6-inch display, an octa-core processor, a fingerprint scanner and a 13-megapixel camera. It goes on sale in October, but no details yet on what it will cost, and where you can get it.
Huawei Ascend G7
Next from Huawei is the Ascend G7, a 5.5-inch Android handset with an all-metal body, 13-megapixel camera and modest price tag of $355 (£215, AU$380).
Huawei Ascend G620S
One of the lower-end devices from Huawei is the Ascend G620S, which will cost only about $200 when it goes on sale later this year. Luckily, this phone still packs a large screen, 4G LTE, and Android KitKat.
Huawei Ascend Y550
Last from Huawei is the Ascend Y550. It's the least expensive of the bunch, yet it still manages to include 4G LTE. It'll cost £100 in the UK, ($165 or AU$175), but for that low price, you get a phone without much design flair, and a heavily modified version of Android.
Nokia Lumia 830
At IFA we also got a look at new Windows Phones from Nokia. The Lumia 830 is an affordable step down from Nokia's flagship Lumia 930, but this phone doesn't sacrifice too much for its lower cost. It has a 5-inch display, PureView camera, and it's running Windows Phone 8.1
Nokia Lumia 735
Up next from Nokia at IFA is the Lumia 735, a bright and colorful phone that keeps step with Nokia's trend of vivid devices. It's a 4.7-inch Windows Phone with a 720p display, and a dual-SIM setup. The only major downside here is there's not 4G support.
Lenovo Vibe Z2
Lenovo made its presence known at the show with two new phones. The Vibe Z2 is the company's first 64-bit smartphone, which claims to offer a lot of power and speed. The Z2 goes on sale in China in October for the equivalent of $429 US.
Lenovo Vibe X2
The Lenovo Vibe X2 is most noticeable for its three-toned design, which shows up as colored layers on the phone's edges. The X2 has a 5.5-inch screen and a MediaTek octa-core processor, and it's running Android 4.4. It goes on sale in China in October for the equivalent of $399 US.
CAT S50
Yes, Caterpillar, the same company that makes rugged construction machines, also makes phones that are built just as tough. The latest is the S50, a phone that won't win any beauty contests, but can best nearly any phone in a drop test. It's waterproof, dustproof, and highly resistant to tumbles.
It can be yours for $500 in the US and €500 in Europe when it goes on sale in late 2014.
Alcatel OneTouch Hero 2
Another stylus-toting phablet from IFA is the Alcatel OneTouch Hero 2. It's a 6-inch phone running Android 4.4, and it has a 13-megapixel camera. Stay tuned for pricing and availability.
Alcatel Pop 2 Family
Alcatel also dropped a new family of smartphones at IFA, under the Pop 2 brand. There's a variety of devices running either Windows Phone 8.1 or Android. Alcatel hasn't revealed many details about these devices, so stay tuned for pricing and availability.
Doro Liberto 820
Designed with older generations in mind, the Doro Liberto 820 is a simplified Android KitKat smartphone. It has easy-to-press buttons and a paired-down operating system that makes it more approachable to seniors and anyone who might need a little extra help using a smartphone. It will retail for £250 (approximately $420, AU$450) when it goes on sale in September.