iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note 4: Specs and Features | Release Date Update

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As Americans enjoy their summer vacations and children are enjoying life without school, two of the mobile giants are preparing for a fall-winter battle of the ages. Apple is rolling out the iPhone 6 in unprecedented sizes and Samsung is releasing the Galaxy Note 4. Let the iOS and Android war wage on.

Apple is so confident that they have boosted their initial order of a standard 50 million units to 80 million units expected by December. China based Foxconn Technology has already added 100,000 new employees to handle the order.

Both carriers are expected to release in September with leaked documents pointing to a Sept 19th release date for Apple. Releasing a new device on a Friday is standard operating procedure for the technology giant. Samsung is reportedly unveiling the Galaxy Note 4 at either the IFA 2014 event in Berlin or jumping the Apple gun and releasing September 3rd. An earlier release by Samsung would be seen as a smart move to hit the market first. However, a final release date is currently unknown.

The iPhone is entering uncharted waters with this release. There will be two versions sent to consumers this time around as the giant leaves behind the 4-inch model. The 4.7-inch variant is geared at battling the like of the LG GS3, Samsung Galaxy S5 and the new HTC or Motorola releases. Meanwhile, a 5.5-inch variant is targeting the phablet market dominated by the Samsung Galaxy Note. This comparison will focus on the 5.5-inch iPhone and the Galaxy Note 4.

Clearly, with weeks still before the launch, there are points to each device that are not yet known but there are many items that we can say with confidence. Apple fans and possible convertors to the iOS world can expect a tweaked look to the iPhone 6. This should not come as a shock since Apple tends to change their design every 24 months putting the iPhone 6 right on track for an overhaul. Rumor has it that Apple will be delivering the thinnest smartphone on the market.

The operating system (OS) for both machines is where the major departure begins from a user preference perspective. Apple will use iOS 8 on the iPhone 6 while Samsung will be taking Android KitKat 4.4.3 to the streets with the Galaxy Note 4. Apple enthusiasts will be excited to get the new iOS while Android lovers will be pumped to know the newest version of Android will be delivered on the Samsung device. I could break down the plusses and minus of each OS but we will save that for a different article. The important point is that each runs a totally unique OS.

Apple will continue with its rock solid Retina display with notable improvements geared to the support the larger screen sizes. Meanwhile Samsung is expected to deliver a QHD (Quad HD) display similar to that of the LG GS3. The intention of the QHD display is to improve quality while gaming or watching movies.

It can be assumed that both machines will not come with exceptional battery life. Regardless of the iPhone 6 or Galaxy Note 4, heavy and moderate use handlers should not expect to go through an entire day without charging. However, for most, it is all about the capability of the phone and less about its battery life. The reality is a change in battery size would be a huge benefit to someone like myself who is a heavy user and does not near an outlet for the majority of the day but would not be a game changer for most users.

Below is a table of consolidated features and specifications based on data gathering. Items subject to change as release approaches.

There are reports that also claim that the Galaxy Note 4 will come with a UV Sensor. According to reports, the intent of the sensor is to protect the user from sunburn or skin cancer through analysis and notification systems inherent to the new Samsung release.

Meanwhile, it appears that Apple will deliver an altimeter and barometer with its new iteration of the flagship phone. The iPhone 6 will allow users to benefit from the technology while hiking, running and other solutions. However, the device will also serve purposes related to indoor mapping. Apple appears to have been looking at this previously which drove the acquisition of WifiSLAM in March 2013. Indoor mapping will not use GPS but rather WiFi to accomplish the task.

The impending battle between Apple and Samsung will provide a boost in sales for both giants through the holiday season. Clearly the release dates of both devices are geared to that result.