iPhone 6 vs. Galaxy Note 4: Everything We Know About Release Dates, Specs, Screens And Features

The mobile wars are back. This September will mark the latest showdown between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co. (KRX:005930) when they unveil their latest flagship phones, the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Both devices are highly anticipated by consumers and critical for both company's bottom lines.

Despite a new iPhone on the way, Apple is having no trouble moving existing iPhones, selling more than 35 million -- a 13 percent increase -- in the period ended in June. iPhone is Apple's revenue and profit driver; Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty believes a redesigned iPhone could drive a 20 percent increase in sales this fall.

Samsung is aiming to rebound after its disappointing second quarter, during which its smartphone sales fell 9 percent, but that was driven by lower-end phones in emerging markets. Samsung has had no problem selling its premium devices. The company said that its Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone, launched in April, is outselling the previous Galaxy S4 by 10 percent, and expects the Galaxy Note 4 to outsell the Galaxy Note 3.

The dates are already set with Samsung expected to unveil the Galaxy Note 4 on Sept. 3 and Apple expected to unveil the iPhone 6 on Sept. 9, but the real test is figuring out which device consumers want to buy and how well they will fare on the market. Both companies are notoriously tight-lipped about future products, but leaks abound. Here's how we think the two most important phones of the year will measure up:

Display

Apple iPhone 6

For the iPhone 6, its all about screen size, specifically two screen sizes that are expected to be much bigger than any previous iPhone. The iPhone 6 is expected to have a 4.7-inch display, which would put it on par with many of its large-screen Android counterparts (like the Galaxy Note 4). The larger display will reportedly have a 1704 x 906 resolution. Apple may also opt out of using Corning Inc.’s (NYSE:GLW) Gorilla Glass and make its own displays from sapphire glass. Reports also suggest that Apple may release a second, larger iPhone with a 5.5-inch display; this device might be called the “iPhone Air.”

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 may include a QHD (1440x2560) resolution display that could be curved or flexible. The Galaxy Note 4 is expected to retain the same 5.7-inch display size as its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. This unchanged display size with an increase in the display resolution would mean that images on the Galaxy Note 4 will be sharper and colors truer.

Design

Apple iPhone 6

Because of its supposed larger screen, the iPhone 6 is expected to be much taller and wider than previous models. A recent leak on Amazon suggests that its dimensions could be 130 x 65 x 7mm, which would also make the device one of the thinnest iPhones. The iPhone 6 is also expected to have an aluminum back panel, and many concept designs have envisioned the iPhone 6 with much curvier edges than previous iPhone models.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Rumors have long suggested that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 could feature a curved design. In January, Bloomberg spoke with the executive vice president of Samsung's mobile business, Lee Young Hee, who said the next Galaxy Note would utilize a “new form factor,” which would allow users to read messages from an angle. Not many other reports have surfaced about the possible design of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4; however, Samsung’s Kim Hyun-joon recently detailed during an earnings conference call that a premium device to be released after the Galaxy Note 4 will be made of “new materials.” This likely indicates that the Galaxy Note 4 will be made of the same polycarbonate plastic for which Samsung devices are known. Several recent Samsung flagships have introduced special designs for their back panels; the Galaxy Note 3 features a faux leather design, while the Galaxy S5 features a perforated back panel.

Specifications

Apple iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 will likely include Apple’s 64-bit A8 chip, which reports suggest could be a dual-core processor running at 2GHz or more. The faster processor should help improve the efficiency of the battery on the iPhone 6, which is expected to be within the 1800mAh to 1900mAh power range (the 5.5-inch iPhone may include a 2500mAh battery).

The iPhone 6 is expected be available in 32GB and 64GB internal memory options, but may also come in a 128GB option. Apple may also include the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi protocol on the new device.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will likely include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 or Samsung Exynos 5433 chipset, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Like other devices in the Note series, the Galaxy Note 4 should include S Pen stylus and should also be water and dust resistant like the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Software

Apple iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 is expected to run Apple’s iOS 8 operating system, which was introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The new software includes a number of enhancements and new features such as interactive notifications, which allow users to respond to notifications without having to leave the application they are in; upgrades to iMessage, which allows users to add or remove people from individual threads, and put individual chat threads on “Do Not Disturb” mode; and continuity, which allows users to sync their iPhones with Apple’s new desktop operating system, OS X Yosemite.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is expected to run the Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system. Notably, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is expected to release its new Android L operating system in the fall; however, the Galaxy Note 4 will likely release before Android L.

The Galaxy Note 4 may also include a host of new software features. A feature leak from May indicated possible Galaxy Note 4 features like “Swipe to launch Motion Launcher,” “Aqua Capture,” “Multi Network for Booster,” and “Smart Fingerprint.” A feature leak from July indicated possible features like “S-Studio,” “VRSVC,” “Out Of Focus Viewer,” “Photo Studio,” and “Smart Self Shot,” among others.

Camera

Apple iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 may have a rear camera between 8-megapixels and 13-megapixels. One rumor suggests a 10-megapixel camera with an f/2.0 aperture and improved filter. The iPhone 6 camera may also include electronic image stabilization (EIS) to prevent images from blurring.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 may have either a 12-megapixel or 16-megapixel main camera. If Samsung opts for the smaller lens, it may focus on increasing photo quality with a better-quality lens. If Samsung opts for the larger lens, it may focus on improving photo quality with optical image stabilization, a camera feature that makes it easier to capture clear images, unaffected by small movements that might occur when handling a camera.

Special Features

Apple iPhone 6

Like the iPhone 5S, the iPhone 6 is expected to include a Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into its home button. The iPhone 6 could also include near-field communication connectivity (NFC) to enable various banking and quick-pay applications. However, recent reports suggest that Apple may be developing its own iWallet feature, which would be compatible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

According to rumors, the Galaxy Note 4 may include an iris scanner or a fingerprint scanner. Reports indicate the Galaxy Note 4 may also include an ultraviolet (UV) sensor, which would be able to measure the levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and offer suggestions for users to protect themselves. Reports also indicate that Samsung may announce a virtual reality (VR) headset called Samsung Gear VR, which would pair with the Galaxy Note 4.

Price

Apple iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 is expected to have a similar price point to older iPhone models and may sell for between $199.99 and $299.99, with a two-year contract from a mobile carrier. Prices will depend on the amount of internal memory the iPhone 6 model contains. Off-contract with carriers, the iPhone will likely sell for about $600. Customers purchasing the device directly from Apple may have to shell out at least $650. Analysts expect the larger 5.5-inch iPhone to sell for around $700.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

There have been no details on what the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will cost; however, the device will likely sell for between $299.99 and $349.99 with a two year contract from a mobile carrier like previous models. Off-contract, the Galaxy Note 4 may sell for between $699.99 and $749.99.

Release date

Apple iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 will likely be announced at an Apple media event on Sept. 9. Currently, the smartphone is expected to go on sale on or around Sept. 19. The 5.5-inch phone may be announced and released in December or early 2015.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will likely be announced at Samsung’s Unpacked event on Sept. 3. The smartphone is expected to go on sale on or around Sept. 25. Notably, many U.S. mobile networks may have their own release dates for the Galaxy Note 4 after the device's initial release.