Apple iPhone 6 vs. Samsung Galaxy Alpha — Specifications, Features, Release Date And Price Comparison

The 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch Apple iPhone 6 models have recently been unveiled at a special event in Cupertino on Sept. 9, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Alpha was launched at the IFA 2014. Both incredible handsets will be released in September. [Scroll down to get the detailed release date update.] Readers who are interested in purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Alpha or the 4.7-inch Apple iPhone 6 should check out this specification, features, release date and price comparison.

Display, Exterior And Size

Both handsets feature the same 4.7-inch display. However, the display technology used in the iPhone 6 and the Galaxy Alpha are LED-backlit IPS LCD (Retina HD) display and Super AMOLED display, respectively. Also, there is a slight difference in resolution and pixel strength between the aforementioned devices. While the Apple device comes with a screen resolution and pixel density of 750 x 1,334 pixels and 326 ppi, the Samsung handset settles for 720 x 1,280 pixels and 312 ppi, respectively.

When it comes to the exterior, Apple has taken a leaf or two out of the iPad Air to get the iPhone 6 design right. The handset comes with a brilliant metallic exterior that looks more like ceramic. The rear panel feels very comfortable on the hands and the curved corners and overall design makes it look sleeker, says Tech Radar. The glass that is part of the rounded corners of the display is not the heavily rumoured sapphire crystal. Apparently, a different material is used to achieve the look, but Apple has not revealed the details yet, reports CNet. [Update: The different material is Ion Strengthened Glass.]

On the other hand, the Galaxy Alpha has ditched the plastic material for the much-loved metallic frame, which makes the handset look elegant with bevelled corners. Nevertheless, the rear is the same faux-leather panel. Instead of the perforated/dotted design seen in the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Alpha has cross-stitch pattern on the back, says Phone Arena.

Speaking of size, the thickness and weight of the iPhone 6 are 0.27-inch and 129 g, respectively, whereas the Galaxy Alpha is 0.26-inch thick and weighs 115 g. Meaning, the Samsung device is thinner and lighter than the Apple handset.

Hardware, Software And Memory

The Galaxy Alpha is powered by a octa-core (Exynos 5) processor, clocked at a combination of quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A15, in addition to a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 core. The iPhone 6, meanwhile, is powered by the latest 64-bit Apple A8 processor. Also, the Samsung device comes with 2 GB of RAM; however, Apple has not revealed the RAM specification of its iPhone 6 yet. If rumours are true, the iPhone 6 will come with 2 GB of RAM.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Alpha runs on Android OS v4.4.4 (KitKat) along with TouchWiz UI on top of it, while the iPhone 6 runs on Apple's latest iOS 8. When it comes to memory, the Samsung handset offers 32 GB of in-built storage, while the Apple handset provides 16 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB of internal storage options. Expectedly, both devices do not support expandable storage option.

Camera And Battery

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha sports a 12 MP ISOCELL rear-facing camera unit with LED flash, whereas the Apple iPhone 6 comes with an 8 MP primary unit with dual-LED flash. In addition, the iPhone 6 and the Galaxy Alpha house 1.2 MP and 2.1 MP front-facing shooters, respectively. While the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 variant comes with "digital image stabilization," the 5.5-inch model supports "optical image stabilization." Also, Apple has improved the FaceTime camera in the front. Furthermore, the Samsung device supports 4K video recording, while the Apple device doesn't.

As far as battery goes, the Galaxy Alpha houses a Li-Ion 1,860 mAh battery unit. During the Sept. 9 event, Apple said the battery unit has been improved in its latest offering; however, the actual specification was not revealed. Nonetheless, the company says the iPhone 6 can provide up to 14 hours of 3G talk-time and 250 hours of 3G stand-by time.

Additional Features

1. Both the handsets feature the much-loved fingerprint scanner for unlocking the device and also for making mobile payments. Apple has introduced a new program called Apple Pay. Apple Pay utilises integrated hardware, software and other services to facilitate mobile-based payments. Specifically, it uses NFC antenna, Touch ID, Secure Element and Apple Passbook.

Users of American Express, MasterCard and Visa can enjoy Apple Pay service upon release. The company is also working out plans to include other majors shortly. Nevertheless, Apple Pay will be available only to the U.S customers starting October. Potential buyers need not lose hope because this payment program will be introduced in other countries eventually.

2. Also, both phones do not come with water or dust resistant exterior.

3. The Samsung Galaxy Alpha comes in white, gold, silver, blue and black, while the Apple iPhone 6 comes in space gray, silver and gold shades.

4. Apart from the standard connectivity options, both devices support NFC but not Infrared port.

5. In addition, both phones support nano-SIM.

6. Apple iPhone 6 supports wireless calling facility.

Price And Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha will reportedly be released on Sept. 12 in selected markets. However, in Canada, the device will be released on Sept. 26 and can be availed from Bell and Virgin Mobile at this point. However, other carriers will also offer the Samsung device shortly. Notably, Bell has started offering pre-orders already. When it comes to price, the Galaxy Alpha can be purchased for 149.95 CAD that roughly translates to about US$136 and AU$147 with a contract. The other option is to buy the handset outright for 699.95 CAD that roughly translates to about US$637 and AU$687, according to Phone Arena.

The 16 GB Apple iPhone 6 (4.7-inch) model, on the other hand, is priced at $199 under a 2-year contract. The 64 GB and 128 GB iPhone 6 models come for $299 and $399, respectively. Meanwhile, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus (16 GB) variant is priced at $299 under contract. And the 64 GB and 128 GB models are priced at $399 and $499, respectively.

It is worth noting that Apple iPhone 6 models can be pre-ordered from Sept. 12. However, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be released on Sept. 19 in 9 countries. This includes the U.S, the UK, Australia, France, Hong Kong, Canada, Germany, Singapore and Japan.

Also Read

1. Sony Xperia Z3 vs. Xiaomi Mi4—Specifications, Features, Release Date And Price - [Read]

2. Samsung Galaxy Alpha Release Date And Official Price Details Revealed - [Read]

3. Apple Event Live Coverage: Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Watch (Not iWatch) Release Date, Price, Features Confirmed - [Read]