Superphone
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The term describes a category of phones, with high-end features to make them more efficient, powerful and flexible than basic smartphones. The term was introduced when Google launched the Nexus One in 2010. It was coined to describe phones that have more capabilities than basic smartphones.
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.