Samsung Galaxy S5 is a highly anticipated smartphone coming in 2014, but it won't be alone to capture minds next year. Two contenders are going to take on the S5 in a bout - the HTC Two M8 and Sony Xperia Z2 - promising to deliver unique Android experience than the Galaxy series.

HTC Two M8

Even under dire straits, the battle isn't over yet for HTC and the M8 smartphone is coming next year to succeed the HTC One family. According to rumours, HTC Two M8 features bigger, faster and more powerful hardware capabilities than the previous generation.

The HTC Two sports 5 inches of 1,920 x 1,200 full HD display screen, newly improved Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 or 805 quad-core processor, 2 to 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage and a 10 "ultrapixel" camera on the back.

Moreover, the HTC Two will run the latest Android 4.4 KitKat which could be the first release on the current 4.4.2 version to be pushed on the One Google Play edition smartphone. Wi-Fi certification has been released as well, certifying an upcoming HTC device that may be the M8.

A device was certified on Dec 10, 2013 under HTC Corporation with product and model number 0P6BXXXXX. The smartphone runs Android OS with frequency bands of 2.4 and 5 GHz switchable.

Possible advantages of HTC Two M8:

- Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 5.5 or 6.0 UI

- Exclusive HTC Sense features such as BlinkFeed and HTC Zoe

- New camera features from 10 MP ultrapixel lens

- Premium exterior and component, as always

- More stable system than HTC One.

What should you expect?

1. Focus on multimedia features such as stable camera and speakers

2. More market availability across the globe

3. Better technical support in case bugs occur

4. Crisis experienced by HTC One such as purple hue camera will be avoided

5. Improved BlinkFeed feature

Sony Xperia Z2

Sony's Xperia Z2 is currently coded as the "Avatar" and will succeed Xperia Z1 Honami in 2014. The Sony Xperia Z2 features upgraded features and components of the Xperia Z1 with the same anti-hazard resistances.

The Sony Xperia Z2 is expected to feature Android 4.4 KitKat next year, IGZO screen display with 505 ppi pixel density, Triluminos and X-Reality display engines, 20.7 MP Sony G lens camera with Carl Zeiss optics, 3.5 MP front camera featuring Exmor RS imaging processor, Xenon flash instead of LED, possible 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 3 GB of RAM and the famous water and dust resistances.

If it runs Android 4.4 KitKat, Sony can customise the smartphone to give owners their own printing application, expanded wireless payments, changes on Xperia home UI, more colour schemes and wallpapers, camera and gallery improvements, better PDF export and import, more camera and image filters and native apps from Google.

Possible advantages of the Xperia Z2:

- Dust and water resistances

- Less battery consumption with IGZO display

- Better display projection due to mobile display engines

- Improved photo and video captures due to Xenon flash

- Get more exclusive camera apps

What owners should expect?

1. Expanded market availability

2. Camera button could be added

3. Effective dust and water resistances

4. Unlockable boot loader

5. Camera lens should be excellent

Release Dates

The HTC Two M8 has cleared the Wi-Fi certification process and should now go for Bluetooth certifications and FCC approval which may take some time. Hopefully, it may be announced in early 2014 at the same time with the Galaxy S5.

Sony remains silent regarding certifications which may actually take more time since the company needs to get resistance features certified. In addition, Sony may actually wait for Qualcomm to develop a high-class 64-bit processor that they can use for the Xperia Z2. Still, despite these, the device may actually appear in 2014.