Superphone
Superphones are smartphones with high-end features to make them more capable than basic smartphones. The term was introduced when Google launched the Nexus One.
It implies high-end functionality beyond the basic criteria for a smartphone, such as the ability to be more tailored to a users needs than just being able to extend a selected set of software ("mobile apps"). A Superphone also implies newer technology, and newer software. For example, having the newest SoC chip made from OEM's such as Qualcomm or Intel.
An example of a Superphone is the LG G Flex 2. The phone sports a body that is curved horizontally, this makes the phone much less likely to break when bent or in a scenario where one sits on the phone by accident. The back of the G Flex 2 is coated with a material that 'self-heals' within minutes when scratched.
Many flagship smartphones from various OEM's (Samsung, LG, HTC) are considered to be Superphones, as the term flagship refers to the OEM's most high-end offering.
Plausible criteria for Superphones in 2016 include:
- Minimum of 1080p (Full-HD) display, 1440p (Quad-HD) displays are more preferable. 4K-screens are anticipated.
- Screen display larger than 5-inches (125 mm) (may overlap with phablet).
- USB Type-C port, instead of the older Micro-USB 2.0
- Supports NFC.
- Supports Qi Wireless Charging.
- Supports Quick Charging.
- Ability to replace system software and user-interface of the phone using 3rd party software.
- Multi-core processor and dedicated 3D-graphics, minimum of 1.5 GHz.
- At least 3GB of RAM.
- Large capacity battery, larger than 2500mAh.
- High-speed internet 100Mbit/s WWAN capabilities or higher.
- Has Hi-Fi audio capabilities built into the phone.