Tech giants like Google, Apple and Samsung seem to have an affinity for the number 5. Apple and Google already released two of the most popular smartphones today: the Google Nexus 5 and the iPhone 5s. With Samsung reportedly gearing up for a Galaxy S5 release, which 5 should consumers go for?

Google Nexus 5

The Google Nexus 5 packs on a solid and sleek design and offers high-end features, strong performance and a great price, making it one of the best choices around today. Many sources commend the device for having a clear connection, excellent battery life and improved interface. They also agree that the Nexus 5 finally provides the market an offering that truly defines what the "Nexus" name should be.

Google remains true to its minimalistic approach on its devices. Nonetheless, the Nexus 5 adds a twist of its own, offering sharper curves and straighter edges. It appears more professional compared to the previous generation, which featured a display sloping downwards towards the sides. The overall design is durable and solid, assuring consumers of its sturdiness.

The device measures 2.72 inches wide and 5.43 inches tall. It is lighter and slimmer compared to the previous generation. It weighs around 4.59 ounces and measures 0.34 inch thick. Its weight and thinness allow users to hold the device comfortably.

The Nexus 5 sports the biggest screen of the line yet. It features a 4.95-inch Gorilla Glass 3 display. Living up to its competitors, it packs on a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution offering up to 445 ppi, ensuring a sharp display.

The Nexus 5 can be considered a powerhouse with specs including a quad-core 2.26 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 450 MHz Adreno 330 GPU. The HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 are already categorised as speed demons running on Snapdragon 600 processors, what more for a Snapdragon 800.

Another incredible feature of the Nexus 5 is Android 4.4 KitKat. While KitKat does not offer some revolutionary features, it does provide deeper integration with the varying services of Google like Google Now. People are given the chance to experience a true Google and Android device. The 4.4 update is Google's answer to the long fragmentation problem raised by many users.

Other specs include 2 GB RAM, 2,300 mAh battery, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) dual-band Wi-Fi support and multiple LTE support. It also provides NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and built-in wireless charging. However, as with previous generations, the Nexus 5 does not feature a microSD card slot.

The device starts at $349 for the 16 GB model. It is around $200 cheaper compared to other smartphones with similar high-end features.

iPhone 5s

Many consider the iPhone 5s as the best iPhone yet. It makes sense that the latest refresh should trump previous generations. In terms of design and quality, the iPhone 5s follows a similar framework to that of the iPhone 5. Its predecessor featured an extremely well-made build and so does the 5s. This also makes the iPhone 5s as one of the best-looking handsets to date.

Design features include precision-cut aluminium back and glass panels. It also sports neat edges that fit just right against a user's hand at 7.3 mm thick. The device only weighs 112 g. People will not have a hard time carrying the device because it is as light as they can imagine it to be.

One of the standout features on the iPhone 5s is the Touch ID. The feature helps the handset recognise the user's profile based on their fingerprints. Users only need to hold their finger against the sensor repeatedly for the device to create a profile. A person's fingerprints take the place of passwords or pass keys.

The device still sports the same 1,136 x 640 resolution from the iPhone 5. While the 4-inch screen remains the same and seems comparatively small against full HD Android versions, the iPhone 5s can still hold its own. The 4-inch screen can still provide the same level of enjoyment and quality as full HD screens.

The resolution is just enough for using apps and browsing the Web. The resolution is sharp thanks to the Retina Display offering up to 326 ppi. The iPhone 5s also comes with a high-quality IPS panel for excellent image quality. Users can expect vibrant color, impressive whites and ideal viewing angles.

As for performance, Apple made sure the iPhone 5s is faster than ever. It runs on their latest System on a Chip (SoC), the Apple A7. The A7 is the first 64-bit consumer-based smartphone SoC. This means the iPhone 5s can work with more memory compared to 32-bit devices. The new A7 also allows Apple to work with a newer ARM architecture. This offers better efficiency, performance and speed.

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung has yet to release its Samsung Galaxy S5, but the market has already been buzzing about it. According to reports, the device will run on an Exynos 6 family high performance processor with 64-bit support. While Samsung has not confirmed this officially, the company did announce before that all products to be released in 2014 will already feature the 64-bit processor. The processor will also come with 3 GB RAM. Other features include 16 MP camera with ISOCELL technology, Android 4.4 KitKat and 1,080p display.

According to sources, Samsung will release the device around January 2014. Analysts point out that the Korean tech giant has to catch up with competitors like Google and Apple which have released their own 5 series.

Who will dominate? The market will have to wait for the Samsung Galaxy S5 to hit stores to see which handset truly delivers.