The "biggest handset launch in (Apple) history" is set for Sept. 12, according to Jefferies analyst Peter Misek about the iPhone 5, but with the information gathered so far, it seems the new device is no match to Samsung's latest mobile. The Galaxy S3 has so far sold 10 million units for the month of July.
The rumored features for the iPhone 5 are definitely improvements from its predecessor, the iPhone 4S, but not by much.
Battery Power:
One of the important aspects of the iPhone 5 is its battery power, which will receive an upgraded capacity of 1140 milliamp hours (mAh), which is 10mAh higher than the iPhone 4S. The higher the mAh means the phone is fully-charged.
For the Galaxy S3, the battery power is practically double with 2100 mAh. The mAh for the latest Samsung device is an improvement from the Galaxy S2's mAh which ran between 1500 and 1850 mAh.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S3 - Stronger battery power equals longer use.
The battery life once again goes back to the display as a low mAh could suggest a small display which appears to be true based on suggested sizes of the iPhone 5's screen.
Display/Screen:
The iPhone 5 is expected to be 7.6mm thick with a non-removable battery, while the Galaxy S3 is a bit thicker with 8.6mm but with a removable battery.
The Galaxy S3's screen is 4.8-inches with a Super AMOLED HD screen with an impressive resolution of 1,280x720. The improvements here from the Galaxy S2 was also Super AMOLED but with a screen size of 4.3-inches and 800x400 resolution.
The iPhone 5 has carries less numbers with only a 4-inch screen with a resolution of 1,136x640 and will remain with the IPS display as its predecessors. The screen size for the iPhone 5 is .5 bigger compared to the iPhone 4S, but .8 less than Samsung's device. The iPhone 4S is 3.5-inches with a resolution of 960x640.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S3 - If you like to view media in HD, then Samsung is in your favor.
Operating System:
The iPhone 5's operating system is unknown, but based on scheduled releases from Apple, it could run on the new iOS 6. The latest Apple mobile operating system is scheduled for a September launch, likely the same day as the iPhone 5 preorder launch.
The iOS 6 will have an improved Siri voice command that will familiarize with other languages, better integration with Facebook and Twitter which will give users an easier time sharing photos, media files, and contacting others, and payment system new app titled Passbook that rivals Google's Wallet.
Notably absent from the iOS 6 will be the apps of YouTube and Google Maps, instead Apple's Map App will replace Google Maps and YouTube will be categorized differently.
For the Galaxy S3, it runs with Android's Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). The ICS have so far received good reviews due to its multitasking features and easy to use widges. However, the newest Android operating system, the Jelly Bean, is scheduled to launch for the Galaxy S3 around the same time as iPhone 5 makes its debut.
Winner: Draw - Both operating systems have its benefits and improvements, especially the iOS 6 which features give the Android operating systems a run for its money.
Additional iPhone 5 Changes:
A major change iPhone 5 users can expect is it no longer accepts the 30-pin connector used in other Apple products. Latinos Post reported a small dock port is shown in rumored leaked images and it will support a 19-pin model. But leaked images released show a connector with nine pins, but it hasn't been confirmed by Apple. The change of the pin means it will no longer be compatible with current iPhone docking products, which gives Apple the opportunity to create and sell docking products for the 9-pin or 19-pin connector.
The iPhone 5 is also out of the question for T-Mobile customers, as Apple and the fourth largest mobile carrier in the US still have not come to an agreement on selling the device.
T-Mobile thinks the iPhone is a good device and we've expressed our interest to Apple to offer it to our customers. Ultimately, it is Apple's decision," said T-Mobile in a statement. "We believe a capable version of the iPhone for our 3G and 4G networks would offer an additional compelling option for our customers on a fast 4G network."
The iPhone 5 will be available for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless customers, but similar to the iPhone 4S, unlocked iPhone 5's will undoubtedly circulate around the web for T-Mobile customers to purchase.
The latest iPhone is expected to cost up to $800 without the standard two-year contract, but it can go as low as $199 when signing a two-year contract with the three major phone carriers: AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.
"While the iPhone 5 may be a huge hit with Apple fans, it is not expected to be better than the S3 in terms of hardware or software, but merely matching it. Given that I am not partial to either OS, I jumped on a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 last week already and haven't regretted it... yet," said Dwayne Madden of Auto-o-Mobile.