Apple’s highly-anticipated iPhone 6 is likely to hit the markets this fall. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) unveiled its Galaxy S5 at the MWC, which will be released in more than 150 countries on April 11. However, Susquehanna Financial Group analysts Chris Caso and Liz Pate believe that the Galaxy S5 is no threat to the iPhone 6.
iPhone 6 likely to have much better features than the Galaxy S5
The iPhone 6 is likely to have more exciting features because the Galaxy S5 is seen as more evolutionary than revolutionary by critics and media. Recently, Ovum analyst Nick Dillon said that the Galaxy S5 looks pretty similar to its predecessor at first glance. The new device does boast some new features like fingerprint sensor, a heart rate monitor and camera autofocus. The Galaxy S5 sports a 2.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM. The smartphone can adapt its screen to changes in external conditions. It has a 16MP main shooter and 2.1MP front camera. And, yes, the Galaxy S5 is waterproof. However, none of the new features seem revolutionary. Most of those apps and features are already available in competing smartphones such as the iPhone 5S and Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758)’s Xperia Z.
On the other hand, the iPhone 6 is speculated to have a much better health tracking app that will monitor your blood sugar, calories burned miles walked, heart rate, sleep quality, etc. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s upcoming smartphone is also expected to come with sapphire glass, which provides more rigidity. There have also been rumors that it will be waterproof and dustproof.
Experts agree on iPhone 6 with mobile payments
Chris Caso and Liz Pate said in a research note that the industry experts at MWC agreed that the iPhone 6 is highly likely to offer mobile payments. That, coupled with the excellent health tracking app, should drive user upgrades to the iPhone 6. Analysts believe that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may use NFC with a secure element for that purpose. There are two options for NFC solutions that may be used in the iPhone 6. The tech giant may use Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM)’s combo chip. In that case, Broadcom will have to partner with a third-party for the secure element. But if Apple chooses to go ahead with NXP Semiconductors NV (NASDAQ:NXPI), the Netherlands-based company would provide its own secure element. Susquehanna Financial Group says the latter scenario is more likely. Meanwhile, Apple is likely to keep using iBeacon as a complementary service for the Passbook app.
