We still don’t know the exact iPhone 6 release date — Apple (AAPL) continues to stay quiet on that front — but we have a pretty good idea it will be soon after the rumored Sept. 9 media event.
Things get a little fuzzier when you consider the likelihood of two new iPhones and the possibility that one might be delayed due to some manufacturing challenges. This makes it possible that we may see a scenario where there are actually two different iPhone 6 release dates this year.
The one thing we do have a pretty good handle on is the smartphone competition. Apple competitors have released a steady stream of flagship smartphones like the Samsung (SSNLF) Galaxy S5 over the past few months.
Whatever that exact iPhone 6 release date turns out to be, these are five of the toughest smartphones it will be going up against.
iPhone 6 Release Date Competition: Samsung Galaxy S5
The Samsung Galaxy S5 beat the impressive launch performance of last year’s Galaxy S4 by one million units, selling 11 million smartphones in its first month.
However, sales have slowed since, and one of the key advantages Samsung’s flagship has over current Apple iPhones — size — is expected to be lost if the iPhone 6 is the larger device we’re expecting.
We reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S5 and found that its software was on the messy side and the plastic case came off looking a bit cheap. Rumors have Samsung doing something about the appearance before the iPhone 6 release date.
GigaOm’s Kevin C. Tofel reported on leaked photos showing what’s being called the Galaxy Alpha, Samsung’s first metal-cased smartphone. The company may not be able to clean up its Touchwiz software before fall, but if it can deliver this metal-clad Samsung Galaxy S5 in time, it may help to rain on Apple’s iPhone 6 parade.
iPhone 6 Release Date Competition: Sony Xperia Z2
Sony (SNE) had a pretty good year for smartphones in 2013 and while sales are down slightly in 2014, it’s still received a lot of kudos for this year’s offerings, including the Sony Xperia Z2.
There aren’t many devices that can top the 20.7MP camera in the Sony Xperia Z2. It has a big 5.2-inch display that makes the most of Sony’s TV expertise — including triluminos and X-Reality technology — and the whole thing’s waterproof.
Sony and Apple have long been considered leaders in product design, and the visually attractive Sony Xperia Z2 should remain a compelling choice for consumers, even after the iPhone 6 release date.
iPhone 6 Release Date Competition: Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung has a second competitor in the race with its Galaxy Note 3. Most iPhone 6 rumors have Apple unveiling a phablet on the iPhone 6 release date.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 is the latest version of the device that started the entire phablet product category.
With a 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLD display, S Pen stylus and multi-window capability, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is going to be tough to dethrone as king of super-sized phablets.
iPhone 6 Release Date Competition: HTC One M8
When we were sent an HTC One M8, we found the latest version of the HTC One to be a strong contender for the best Android smartphone on the market. Add the metal cladding and you end up with a premium device that’s just as attractive as any Apple has put out.
Like Apple (iPhone 6 rumors have the company sticking with ultra-pixels in its camera image sensor), HTC has avoided the MP race, choosing to go with fewer ultra-pixels for better low-light camera performance.
Further bolstering the One’s prospects is price. Most iPhone 6 rumors put Apple’s new phones at $199 and $299, on contract. You can pick up an HTC One M8 on contract at AT&T(T) for just $99.
iPhone 6 Release Date Competition: Google Nexus 5
The Google (GOOG) Nexus 5 was released way back in 2013, so why would it be any competition for the iPhone 6?
While the Nexus 5 may be a bit behind the curve now in terms of specs, it’s still a compelling smartphone and a favorite of Android fans. It runs Android 4.4 (KitKat) without any third-party UI — like Samsung’s Touchwiz — to mess it up.
The Google Nexus 5 has the 5-inch display everyone wants, and despite being nearly a year old, it’s no slouch — especially when you consider its $349 price tag. Plus, the phone comes unlocked.
That’s right, if iPhone 6 rumors are correct about the Apple phablet having a $299 price tag on contract, a potential buyer would pay just $50 more to get an unlocked Google Nexus 5 and never have to make another payment on it.
When we hit the iPhone 6 release date, Apple will likely discover if its customers have any price sensitivity and if so, some may just shrug and opt for a much cheaper Google Nexus 5 to get their big screen fix.
As of this writing, Robert Martin did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
