Nexus 4 and Xperia Z, flagship smartphones of Google and Sony, respectively, are two of the latest NFC (Near Field Communications)-enabled devices to hit Australia early this year. Forecasts suggest more mobile users will switch to NFC gadgets in 2013. Which of these much-anticipated phones will get the bigger market slice?

Related News: Google Nexus 4 Available Soon, Supply Chain Issues Solved?

Nexus 4: Google's 2013 flagship smartphone (Image: Google)

Tapit forecasts indicated there will be 4 million NFC handsets by the fourth quarter of this year. In contrast, within the first quarter of 2012, there were only 375,000 NFC-enabled handsets in the country. But awareness of the NFC relevance in today's modern technology is believed to be fast increasing among Aussies.

Vodafone Australia announced late last year its SmartPass NFC mobile wallet, which will enable consumers to shop and dine with only their cellular device.

"As early as next year, customers with NFC-enabled smartphones will be able to leave their wallets at home and pay for a morning coffee, an evening out with friends, or groceries, with their handset," said Thomas Roets, general manager of strategy and business development at Vodafone Australia.

Apple iPhone 5 has been quickly eliminated from the emerging trend for its lack of NFC support. But Google Nexus 4 and Sony Xperia Z users could join the early adopters of the technology.

Xperia Z: Sony's 2013 flagship smartphone (Image: waibo.com)

Google Nexus 4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Price, Specs

Aussies can get the Nexus 4 starting Feb. 1 via Harvey Norman. It will cost AU$496 contract-free. In contrast, Xperia Z price tag in Australia is marked AU$749 direct from Sony Centers. It appears the Xperia Z will start selling in March. Harvey Norman has more price details on its website, while Sony Australia updates its Facebook page for more announcements.

Related News: Sony Xperia Z vs Xperia ZL: Both Available in SE Asia, Which One is Better?

The Nexus 4 is described to be the ideal phone for Android enthusiasts who want total control of their mobile device. It is more than likely to get the first rollout of OS updates ahead of other Android devices. Xperia Z, on the other hand, boasts of cutting-edge waterproof and dust-proof features matched to a 1080p TFT Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2. Both devices are fueled by GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2 GB RAM memory.

Users who would be happy to drop their point and shoot cameras will enjoy Nexus 4's and Xperia Z's 8MP and 13.1MP rear cameras (back-side illuminated sensor with LED flash), respectively.

VIDEO: Sony Xperia Z (Yuga) vs Google Nexus 4 by LG (KnowYourMobile)

Xperia Z uses 2330 mAh battery, 4G capable, supporting LTE. Nexus 4 uses 2100 mAh battery, has HSPA+ capability but lacks 4G LTE (some tech bloggers have published ways to get around this missing feature).

Which handset could win more Aussies in 2013 - Xperia Z or Nexus 4?

Also read:

Google Nexus 4 Hits Australia Retail Store Feb. 1 -- Price?

Asteroid Makes 'Record-setting' Close Approach in February - NASA [VIDEO]