2014 promises to be a big year for smartphones, given that both Apple and Samsung have a new device in the works. So what are the five biggest releases of this year likely to be? Here we count down the smartphones that every tech fan is looking forward to.
Samsung Galaxy S5
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is now just days away from being released. The Korean manufacturer’s flagship smartphone device is sure to sell like hotcakes in East Asia in particular, and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) itself is expecting great things from the S5 given that the have vowed to overtake Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) this year as the world’s biggest smartphone seller.
Quite a bold statement, but the South Korean giant’s new flagship smartphone has already impressed onlookers at its unveiling February 24, and consumers in the 150 countries in which it is being released are now eagerly awaiting its arrival. The spec list looks as impressive as one would expect with 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with full HD (1920x1080p) resolution, powered by a 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 series quad-core CPU, and featuring Android v4.4.2 KitKat OS. The 16MP camera in the S5 looks particularly impressive and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) has attempted to update the Galaxy’s body, which is now waterproof and dust-resistant.
Apple iPhone 6
It goes without saying that any new iPhone will be a massive seller and that it will create a huge buzz when it is released. Not that we know when this will be yet – Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is keeping characteristically quiet about the iPhone 6 – but we can expect it to be around September.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) hasn’t officially made any information about the iPhone 6 public, but it looks like at least one iPhone 6 model will be large enough to be considered a ‘phablet’, with a 5.5-inch plus display. Apple also looks to be creating a unique premium version of the iPhone, which will be manufactured using sapphire glass. Other details are patchier, but some of the concept images related to the iPhone are simply staggering, and Apple fans are certainly awaiting the iPhone 6 with baited breath.
Sony Xperia Z2
Aside from the two big boys, the already released Xperia Z2 looks capable of doing well this year. The 20.7 MP camera in this device is a standout, and the 5.2-inch full HD (1920x1080p) screen with TRILUMINOS, X-Reality for mobile picture engine technology and Live Color LED technology also impresses. Its Android v4.4.2 KitKat OS is nifty and slick, and the Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758) device overall is impressive enough to garner significant market share.
HTC One M8
One of the most critically acclaimed smartphones, HTC Corp (TPE:2498) will be hoping their new smartphone can enjoy the sales that its quality deserves. The HTC One certainly stands up to other smartphones in spec terms, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 series quad-core processor with 2.3GHz CPU speed making this a powerful device, now HTC just needs to capture the public’s imagination.
Nexus 6
A corporation the size of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) must be a contender in any market, and the Nexus 6 is its latest attempt to make waves in the smartphone sector. Yet to be unveiled, but expected around July, the device is expected to feature a 5.2-inch full HD and curved LCD display, and a 5MP front camera. An Android-based device, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) will be hoping for big things from the Nexus 6.
