iPhone 6 vs. Galaxy S5: Apple Could Be Playing Catch-Up Again [REPORT]

The iPhone 6 and the Galaxy S5 are the two most highly anticipated smartphones expected out this year, as many fans speculate what kinds of features they will carry. If this new report from Korean brokerage firm KDB Daewoo Securities is accurate, then it sounds like Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) may outdo Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) this year.

iPhone 6, Galaxy S5 report may be from credible source

BGR reports (via Yahoo! News) that this particular firm has a pretty good track record in terms of providing details on devices before they come out. The report covers the Galaxy S5 and the iPhone 6, along with the larger iPhone model that is expected to come out alongside it. The firm cited sources within Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930)’s and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s supply chains.

Some iPhone 6 details seem a bit odd

Many of the suspected details offered by KDB about the iPhone 6 seem pretty run-of-the-mill and in line with reports from other sources. However, there are a couple of them which suggest that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) might have a surprise.

The firm claims that the iPhone 6 will have a display that’s 4.7 or 4.8 inches in size, while the larger model will be 5.5 inches in size. These numbers seem to match with what we have heard from other places. KDB also suggests that the iPhone 6 will have a full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080), while the larger model will have 2K (2,272 x 1,280) resolution.  Other than the screen size, most of the specs are comparable to those of the iPhone 5S, including an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 3.2-megapixel front camera, a 1,800 mAh battery and, of course, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s own 64-bit processor—the next model, which would be the A8 chip.

Then the report digs into the software KDB believes is included in the iPhone 6. The handset is widely expected to launch with iOS 8 loaded onto it, but according to KDB, it will have iOS 7.2. This is certainly contrary with other reports which provide highlights of iOS 8, which is expected to be unveiled in June.

KDB also claims that the iPhone 6 will launch in the second or third quarter, while other sources suggest a September launch. Keep in mind though, that this isn’t the first time someone has suggested that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will pull the trigger on the iPhone 6 early this year. We’ve been hearing rumors to this effect for some time, and if the handset does come with iOS 7.2, then it would make sense that it would launch before iOS 8—if these two parts of the firm’s report are true.

KDB predicts metal case for Galaxy S5

The Korean firm also returned to the rumor that Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) would use a metal casing for the Galaxy S5 this year. This is an area where there have been numerous conflicting reports, with some even suggesting that there will be both metal and plastic models.

The firm also states that the Galaxy S5 will come out in either the second or third quarter, while other sources have suggested a March unveiling. Other specs suggested by KDB include a 5.2- to 5.25-inch AMOLED display with WQHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440)—which would blow the iPhone 6 and even its larger companion out of the water. The firm also claims the Galaxy S5 will have a 16-megapixel rear camera (double that of the iPhone 6), a 3.2-megapixel front camera and a huge 3,200 mAh battery (which again trounces the iPhone 6).

KDB also predicts that Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) will match Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s move last year in adding a 64-bit processor to its flagship handset.