Apple and Samsung no longer share the smartphone market alone with more competitors and brands challenging the two tech giants. Specifically, Sony has been upgrading its mobile phone series impressively. Many agree that Sony's Z Ultra is one of the best out there. Now that Apple released their latest iPhone 5S, which phone is the better high end choice?

iPhone 5S

Fingerprints and fingerprint scanners used to be just prevalent around police stations and crime scenes. Not anymore. Apple just introduced their fingerprint-scanning iPhone 5S. Apple has transformed a unique characteristic of people to pass key in their smartphone. Now, people do not have to worry about securing their phones. It may be difficult to guess or copy a fingerprint more than a password or pattern. The newest iPhone device will hit stores on September 20.

The fingerprint scanner is a built-in feature of the phone. It has a sapphire crystal coating. It also utilizes low radio frequency signal to check the unique features of a person's thumb or index finger. The device scans the dermis layer under the skin. This avoids problems due to dry or damaged fingertips.

Owners can unlock their phones with just one touch. Their fingerprints will be enough to verify their identities. Users can also use their fingerprints to purchase programs from the App Store. They can access films, books, music and applications with just a touch. Apple released in a statement that they included the scanner in hopes of upgrading security for their phones. Many people are threatened online as hackers try to decode passwords every day.

"All fingerprint information is encrypted and stored securely in the Secure Enclave inside the A7 chip on the iPhone 5s," Apple said in a statement. "It's never stored on Apple servers".

iPhone 5S is pretty much similar to the iPhone 5 with the fingerprint scanner as the main addition.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Initially, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra appears like a big slab. However, it is more than just a slab. Imagine a smartphone and tablet in one. This makes the offering an even more interesting option. The Xperia Z Ultra offers a 6.44-inch full HD display. It has a resolution support up to 1080 x 1920 pixels. Hardware specs include Micro USB port, Micro SIM slot and a microSD slot. Outdoor visibility of the screen is average.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Pre installed apps include TrackID (Sony's answer to Shazam), Xperia Z Ultra include Socialife (A Flipboard-like app from Sony), Voice Dialer, Word Search, Wisepilot for XPERIA (GPS-based navigation app), Converter, and File Commander (a file explorer).

The choice depends on the security and functionality users are looking for.