MWC 2012 preview: Rumor or real?

by Aloysius Low | 22 February 2012 6:48pm SGT

The announcements and rumors for the upcoming Barcelona-based tradeshow are coming in fast and furious. Some companies, such as Samsung, have already given clues on what it would be announcing, while others, like LG, have decided to start the ball rolling early with tons of new product announcements.

We'll be headed to Spain to bring you all the juicy news and our hands-on impressions, but here's a quick roundup of what we'll likely be seeing at the event.

Samsung

The biggest player besides Apple in the smartphone industry, Samsung has declared that the hotly anticipated follow-up to its popular Galaxy S II will not be making an appearance at MWC. So what's left?

Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500

The low-end Android handset is rumored to debut at MWC and sports an 800MHz processor as well as a 3.3-inch display.
Our verdict: Highly likely

Samsung Galaxy S II Plus
Based on what's claimed to be a supposed "leaked" image, the S II Plus was to have been the surprise announcement. Upon closer examination however, the image looks doctored.
Our verdict: Unlikely

LG

The other Korean chaebol's smartphones may not be doing as well, but that hasn't stopped it from announcing new handsets even before the tradeshow starts. That said, there are still rumors at a possible new 3D phone.

LG Miracle Windows Phone

The LG Miracle
(Credit: Pocketnow)

When LG missed the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango launch with a phone of its own, we at CNET Asia were curious to find out if LG was giving up on Microsoft's mobile OS. Here it is at last, and well, it's sort of underwhelming.
Our verdict: Likely

LG Optimus 3D 2 Max
A thinner frame and better specs is what rumored to be on LG's upcoming flagship device, and if it pans out, could be the handset that will leave everyone drooling.
Our verdict: On display at MWC

LG Optimus Vu

(Credit: LG)

The 5-inch wonder smartphone/tablet looks to be LG's answer to Samsung's Galaxy Note, and it stands out mainly due to its 4:3 aspect ratio display. It's certainly a handset to watch out for.
Our verdict: On display at MWC

LG Optimus L3, L5 and L7
LG's three latest smartphones feature a design that seems inspired by the Prada 3.0 by LG. The L5 and L7 will run Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), while the L3 will stick to Gingerbread (Android 2.3).
Our verdict: On display at MWC

Huawei

The Chinese company has been making cautious moves into the smartphone arena with its low-cost and midrange handsets. In CES, the company unveiled its first high-end smartphones, the Ascend P1 and P1S. Rumor has it that it will be launching a new "Diamond" handset with its own quad-core chip at MWC this year.
Our verdict: Highly likely

ZTE

ZTE PF200
(Credit: ZTE)

The other Chinese company to watch out for, ZTE has just announced two new handsets that will run Ice Cream Sandwich, the ZTE PF200 and N910. The company has said that both handsets will be at its booth at MWC.
Our verdict: On display at MWC

HTC

With the company announcing a shift in its smartphone marketing plans to focus more on premium handsets, two rumored devices have been making their rounds. The HTC Endeavour/One X will be its Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core offering, while the Ville will be its dual-core ICS model.
Our verdict: Highly likely

Sony Mobile

The leaked Sony Xperia U.

Sony Ericsson is no more and taking its place is Sony Mobile. Rumor has it that the company will be launching at least three handsets at MWC, but so far, we've only seen leaked images of the Xperia U. We'll definitely find out more next week.
Our verdict: Highly likely

Nokia

With Windows Phone 7 now its main focus, the Finnish smartphone maker will likely debut more WP7 devices at the tradeshow. We've heard rumors about low-end devices thanks to an accidental leak on the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), but it's likely we will see more from Nokia too.
Our verdict: Highly likely

About the author

Aloysius Low is a Senior Writer at CNET Asia and covers all things mobile. A former World of Warcraft addict, he now dabbles in social media to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. As a lover of all things furry, he's also the unfortunate slave/minion of two adorable cats.

Aloysius Low, Senior Writer