MWC 2016 rumor roundup: Confirmed and expected devices from Samsung, LG, Sony and Xiaomi

Mobileworldcongress.com

It's just a few days more before the much-awaited Mobile World Congress opens its doors to the awaiting public. The MWC is the world's largest mobile electronic trade show and will happen this year in Barcelona from Feb. 22 to 25.

Samsung

Samsung has already issued invites for its Unpacked event, set to happen on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. for the launch of its new flagship phone. The invite has a hashtag #TheNextGalaxy, which is widely believed to be pertaining to the Samsung Galaxy S7. The unveiling will be live-streamed on Samsung's YouTube channel.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2016

Based on rumors, there will be two variants of the Galaxy S7: one will have a 5.1-inch display and the other will be the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge. However, there is also a rumored third variant, the 6-inch Galaxy S7 edge+, but that might be released at another time.

While there is an abundance of speculations on the possible specs of the Galaxy S7, two seem to catch the attention of tech enthusiasts. The first is an IP58 water-resistance rating, and the second is the microSD slot returning to the Galaxy line. It was also reported that Samsung will be offering a free Gear VR headset for Galaxy S7 pre-orders.

LG

LG gave out press invites for its rumored G5 flagship phone, which is said to be inclined to giving impressive entertainment features. The event will happen on Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. LG has officially revealed the Quick Cover case for their latest offering, which is believed to have an always-on screen feature.

The LG G5 is said to be loaded with a 5.6-inch QHD screen, a secondary display screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, removable battery, expansion slot, and dual-lens camera. All these will reportedly be enclosed in a full metal body.

Additionally, LG is suggesting that there will be other products to be revealed, rumored to be the LG X Cam, the LG X Screen and the LG 360 VR.

Sony

Sony will have its fair share on Monday, Feb. 22 at 8:30 a.m., as stated in their press invite. However, the Japanese tech giant is very good in keeping secrets and the public does not yet know what devices are to be presented. Rumors suggest that it could be a phone, a tablet or the Sony SmartWatch 4.

Xiaomi

This will be the first MWC event for Xiaomi and their scheduled press conference will on Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. The company is said to be launching the Xiaomi Mi5, their latest flagship phone. It is rumored to have a 1080p QHD display, 3GB/4GB RAM, 32GB/64GB internal storage, a 16MP rear-facing camera and a 13MP front-facing one. The Mi5 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820.