Samsung Flags Are Set Up At The Main Entrance To The Berlin Fair Ground
Samsung flags are set up at the main entrance to the Berlin fair ground before the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin in this August 28, 2012 file photo. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is emerging as a major player in its local debt market, buying more South Korean-issued bonds as it juggles a $60 billion cash pile. Samsung's push into private bank debt and government bonds underscores the challenges faced by the electronics giant in managing its massive cash holdings, with local banks reluctant to overload on short-term deposits from Samsung. REUTERS

Both 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 Note 4 was launched at the IFA 2014. While the Apple device is scheduled for September release, the Samsung handset will be released in Q4. [Scroll down to get the detailed release date update on iPhone 6.] Readers who are interested in purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 or the 4.7-inch Apple iPhone 6 should check out this specification, features and price comparison.

Display, Exterior And Size

The iPhone 6 features a 4.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD (Retina HD) display, whereas the Galaxy Note 4 comes with a bigger 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display. While the Samsung device comes with a killer screen resolution and pixel density of 1,440 x 2,560 (2K) pixels and 515 ppi, the Apple handset settles for 750 x 1,334 pixels and 326 ppi respectively. Even though there is a wide gap in the aforementioned screen details, readers should keep the different display sizes in mind.

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 and the rear panel feels very comfortable on the hands. Also, the smartphone has curved corners and the overall design makes it look sleeker, says Tech Radar. The glass on the display is not the heavily rumoured sapphire crystal. Apparently, a different material named Ion Strengthened Glass is used.

The Samsung handset, meanwhile, sports a razor sharp display and much-thinner bezels compared to its predecessor. In spite of housing superior Super AMOLED screen and 2K resolution, there is not much difference in the display when looked from a distance. However, when the phone is positioned closer, users can see the superiority of Samsung's display in the form of no pixilation of any kind, says Phone Arena. In addition to the dotted back panel, the Galaxy Note 4 comes with a metallic frame surrounding the plastic corners of the handset, giving it the much-loved premium look than the predecessor Note 3.

Speaking of size, the thickness and weight of the iPhone 6 are 0.27-inch and 129 g respectively, whereas the Galaxy Note 4 is 0.33-inch thick and weighs 176 g.

Hardware, Software And Memory

The Galaxy Note 4 is powered by a quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 805) Krait 450 processor, clocked at 2.7 GHz. The iPhone 6, on the other hand, is powered by the latest 64-bit Apple A8 processor. Also, the Samsung device comes with a solid 3 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 6 settles for the same 1 GB of RAM similar to its predecessor.

It is worth noting that, Samsung offers an additional processor choice based on the region of release i.e. octa-core (Exynos 5433) processor. However, there is no information available to ascertain when and where this model will be released. Furthermore, the Galaxy Note 4 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. Moreover, the iPhone 6 does not support expandable storage, whereas the Galaxy Note 4 supports up to 128 GB.

Camera And Battery

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 sports a 16 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 Note 4 house 1.2 MP and 3.7 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. The Samsung device, on the other hand, supports 4K video recording and OIS.

As far as the battery goes, the Galaxy Note 4 houses a powerful Li-Ion 3220 mAh battery unit. During the Apple event, the company said the battery unit has been improved in its latest offering, however the actual specification was not revealed. Nonetheless, Apple 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. Furthermore, Apple has introduced a new program called Apple Pay. Apple Pay utilises integrated hardware, software and other services to facilitate mobile-based payments. In specific, 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. The Galaxy Note 4 can charge from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes, according to Phone Arena.

3. The Samsung device comes with water and dust resistant exterior. However, it is not certified. Also reports say the handset can survive up to 30 minutes of underwater (1.5 meters depth) sojourn.

4. Furthermore, there is no dearth of weather-related sensors in both the phones. However, the Galaxy Note 4 comes with additional sensors like UV, heart-rate, SpO2 and gesture-based sensors.

5. The unique selling point of the Galaxy Note 4 is its improved S-Pen stylus. The stylus is housed perfectly in the slot provided in the phablet's body. The S-Pen stylus blends seamlessly to provide natural writing experience, according to Phone Arena.

6. Dropbox is now offering 50 GB of free cloud storage (Duration: 2 years) for Galaxy Note 4 buyers.

7. While the Samsung handset supports micro-SIM, the Apple device supports nano-SIM.

8. Apart from the standard connectivity options, both the devices support NFC.

Price And Release Date

Reportedly, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be priced at a whopping €799. However, when it comes to the U.S. the device's price will be somewhere between $799 and $849, says GSM 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, according to Apple.

It is worth noting that, Apple iPhone 6 models can be pre-ordered starting 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.

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