We’ve written plenty of articles now about the two most-awaited smartphones coming this year, the Apple iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3 (or S III). From comments we’ve received we’ve noted that people seem to be very firm enthusiasts of one or the other of these so today we’re asking which smartphone grabs your attention and which you’d vote for.
Another thing we’d like to know from readers is whether a preference for the iPhone 5 or Galaxy S3 comes from the hardware or how much the iOS or Android operating systems influence your decision. Even though nothing is yet official about the hardware, plenty of you already seem to have made up your mind as to whether your next choice of smartphone will be the iPhone 5 or Galaxy S3. Since neither of these devices has yet been announced the specs and features we’ll mention are not yet confirmed but nevertheless can give us an idea of what to expect.
As a brief reminder of major specs and features anticipated we’ll tell you that the iPhone 5 looks almost certain to have LTE connectivity, a larger display, the A5X processor (as on the new iPad), or even a step up to an A6 processor and an improved camera. The Galaxy S3 could feature an Exynos quad-core processor, a 10 or even 12-megapixel camera, a larger 4.8-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, LTE support and NFC.
As far as designs go we’ve heard various rumors for the iPhone 5 but no general consensus about what’s coming. However we’d be surprised if Apple doesn’t come up with a new design as some were disappointed last year when the iPhone 4S had exactly the same look as its predecessor. The Galaxy S3 looks as though it will be ultra slim and again not much has been said about the cosmetic appearance of the handset although we have heard rumblings of a ceramic casing.
However, as we mentioned earlier in this article, it may not be the hardware that wins the day in the end. People seem to be very positively in the iPhone 5 camp or Galaxy S3 camp. Not many at all seem to be torn between the two and we feel this is mainly down to a definite preference between the iOS or Android platforms. The iOS vs. Android argument is the real divide between these two smartphones and if you prefer one rather than the other you’re not likely to be swayed to the alternative.
The iPhone 5 could release with iOS 5.1, as just became available with the new iPad. However there are two streams of belief about a release date for the iPhone 5. Most industry insiders seem to think it will be either in June after Apple’s WWDC or in fall, a year after the release of the iPhone 4S. If it arrives in the summer it’s likely the iPhone 5 will launch on iOS 5.1. However if it doesn’t appear until the fall then it’s certainly possible that iOS 6 might arrive with the next iPhone.
The Galaxy S3 on the other hand is likely to release with Android 4.0 ICS, which became available at the end of last year. Although a release date is not confirmed for the Galaxy S3 either, most expect it at any point between April and July. As the new Android OS, 5.0 Jelly Bean, is not due until the fall it seems pretty certain that the Galaxy S3 will release tasting of Ice Cream Sandwich.
So what we really want to hear about is this. Based on all the hype so far about these two smartphones and the usual iOS vs. Android debate, which of these two devices would you really love to own? Will it be the iPhone 5 or the Galaxy S3 that gets your vote? Perhaps you could also let us know why you so positively prefer one and not the other or maybe you’re one of the few who will have a hard job making a choice? Send your comments to let us know.