Samsung Galaxy S5 v. Apple iPhone 6 – Specifications, Features, Release Date And Price Comparison

Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus variants have recently been launched at a special event on Sept. 9, whereas the 2014 flagship Samsung Galaxy S5 was released in April. Readers who are interested in purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S5 or the 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 S5 comes with a relatively bigger 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display. While the Samsung device comes with a good screen resolution and pixel density of 1,080 x 1,920 pixels and 432 ppi, the Apple handset features a less impressive resolution of 750 x 1,334 pixels and 326 ppi respectively.

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 sports curved edges, and the overall design makes it look sleeker, says Tech Radar. However, the glass on the display is not the heavily rumoured sapphire crystal. Apparently, a different material named Ion Strengthened Glass was used. The Samsung handset, meanwhile, has a perforated (dotted) back panel design synonymous with high-end Samsung devices. However, the surface is matte and not glossy, says CNet.

When it comes to size, the iPhone 6 is thinner and lighter than the Samsung handset at 0.27-inch thick and 129 grams, whereas the Galaxy S5 is 0.32-inch thick and weighs 145 g.

Hardware, Software And Memory

The Galaxy S5 is powered by a quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801) Krait 400 processor, clocked at 2.5 GHz. The iPhone 6, on the other hand, is powered by a dual-core (Cyclone ARM v8-based) Apple A8 processor, clocked at 1.4 GHz. Also, the Samsung device comes with a solid 2 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 6 settles for the same 1 GB of RAM that's similar to its predecessor.

Also, the Galaxy S5 runs on Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat) with TouchWiz UI, whereas the iPhone 6 runs on the latest iOS 8. When it comes to memory, the Samsung device offers 16 GB and 32 GB of built-in storage, while the Apple handset offers 16 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB of internal storage options. However, the iPhone 6 does not support expandable storage, whereas the Galaxy S5 supports up to 128 GB.

Camera And Battery

The Samsung Galaxy S5 sports a 16 MP rear-facing camera unit with LED flash; the Apple iPhone 6 features a camera with a smaller resolution, 8 MP, but with dual-LED flash as well. In addition, the iPhone 6 and the Galaxy S5 house 1.2 MP and 2 MP front-facing shooters, respectively. While the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 handset comes with "digital image stabilization," the 5.5-inch model boasts "optical image stabilization." Also, Apple has improved the frontal FaceTime camera. The Samsung device, on the other hand, supports 4K video recording, while the Apple device doesn't.

As far as the battery goes, the Galaxy S5 houses a good Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery unit. In the iPhone 6 launch, the company said the battery unit has been improved in its latest offering; however, specific details were not given. Nonetheless, the company 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 handsets feature the much-loved fingerprint scanner for unlocking the device and also for making mobile payments. Apple has also introduced a new program called Apple Pay. Apple Pay can be used for mobile-based payments. Specifically, it uses NFC antenna, Touch ID, Secure Element and Apple Passbook to support mobile payment.

Users of American Express, MasterCard and Visa can enjoy Apple Pay service upon release. The company is looking to include other major payment networks in the future. Apple Pay will also be available only to U.S customers starting October. Potential buyers need not lose hope because this payment program will be introduced in other countries eventually.

2. The Samsung device comes with water- and dust-resistant exterior (IP67 certified).

3. The Samsung handset supports micro-SIM; the Apple device supports nano-SIM.

4. Apart from the standard connectivity options, both devices support NFC. While the Galaxy S5 features an Infrared port, the iPhone 6 doesn't.

5. Lastly, both phones are equipped with wireless charging facility.

Price And Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy S5 4G LTE 16 GB model is priced at AU$579.95. In the U.S., the 16 GB Apple iPhone 6 (4.7-inch) model is priced at $199 under a contract of two years. 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. The 64 GB and 128 GB models cost $399 and $499, respectively, according to Apple.

In Australia, the iPhone 6 16 GB variant can be purchased for AU$869 outright, whereas the 64 GB and the 128 GB models is available for AU$999 and AU$1129 respectively. Furthermore, the iPhone 6 Plus 16 GB variant costs AU$999, while the 64 GB and the 128 GB models can be purchased for AU$1129 and AU$1249, respectively, reports The Australian.

For those interested, Apple iPhone 6 models can be pre-ordered starting Sept. 12. Also, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be released on Sept. 19 in 9 countries: the U.S, the UK, Australia, France, Hong Kong, Canada, Germany, Singapore and Japan.

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