Xperia Z2 vs Galaxy S5 specs

SAMSUNG AND SONY went head to head at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), with the two firms unveiling their latest flagship Android devices, theSamsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2, respectively. 

Both manufacturers are hoping their high specification devices will win the affections of those in the market for a flagship Android smartphone, and with both the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 boasting similar specification sheets, it's going to be a tough race to call.

We've pitted the Samsung Galaxy S5 specifications up against those of the Sony Xperia Z2 to see which smartphone is worth splashing the cash to buy.

Design, measurements and weightSamsung Galaxy S5: 142x73x8.1mm, 145g
Sony Xperia Z2: 147x73x8.3mm, 163g

While they have similar dimensions and weights, the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 are worlds apart in design.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 features a perforated plastic casing edged in aluminium, an improvement over last year's glossy plastic model, and is available in more colours than the Galaxy S4, too - black, white, blue and gold. The Sony Xperia Z2, on the other hand, looks nearly identical to its Xperia Z1 predecessor, featuring the same boxy, eye-catching design that received high marks in our review last year.

While it hasn't seen much of an upgrade in design, the Sony Xperia Z2 improves on last year's model in size, measuring 8.2mm thick compared to 8.5mm. The Samsung Galaxy S5, on the other hand, is a bit chunkier than its predecessor, although it still measures just 8.1mm thick.

Both the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 arrive resistant against dust and water too, with the two smartphones touting IP67 and IP58 certification. However, the Galaxy S5 edges the Xperia Z1 with additional hardware features, including a fingerprint sensor and a heart rate monitor.

Screen
Samsung Galaxy S5: 5.1in 1920x1080 Super AMOLED display, 432ppi
Sony Xperia Z1: 5.2in 1920x1080 IPS Triluminos display, 424ppi

If you're looking to select your next smartphone purchase based on display, you're going to have a tough decision, with the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z1 sporting almost identical displays. The Xperia Z2 touts a 5.2in HD 1080p screen with a pixel density of 424ppi, while the Galaxy S5 edges it slightly with a 5.1in HD 1080p display with a pixel density of 432ppi.

What's more, with Samsung configuring the Galaxy S5 with Super AMOLED screen technology and Sony using its Triluminos display technology on the Xperia Z2, both screens offer very vibrant images and sharp text, so it will be difficult to call a winner out of the two.

ProcessorSamsung Galaxy S5: Quad-core 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
Sony Xperia Z2: Quad-core 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor

Much like with their displays, the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 should be pretty evenly matched in performance, as both have Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor. We've had some hands-on time with both devices, and both are impressively quick - so it will be hard to call a winner in this category, too. However, the Xperia Z2 does squeeze in more RAM, boasting 3GB of RAM compared to 2GB of RAM in the Galaxy S5.

Software
Samsung Galaxy S5: Android 4.4.2 Kitkat, custom UI
Sony Xperia Z2: Android 4.4.2 Kitkat, custom UI

Both the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2 arrive with the latest version of Google's Android mobile operating system, Android 4.4.2 Kitkat. Both devices also have a custom user interface (UI) from their respective manufacturer, skinning Google's stock UI and stuffing the handset full of custom applications.

Samsung has toned down its UI on the Galaxy S5 compared to the version on the Galaxy S4, and has also given it a lick of paint, making it more stripped down and easy to use, much like Apple's iOS 7 mobile operating system. However, it's still recognisable as a Samsung Galaxy S smartphone, featuring the same widget layout and the same applications on the homescreen.

Samsung has introduced some new features with its latest custom UI, though. Among these is My Magazine, a HTC Blinkfeed-style feed which is accessed by swiping left on the homescreen. Samsung has also included S Health 3.0, taking advantage of the smartphone's built-in sensors to monitor its user's fitness activities. There are several new camera features included, too, including Selective Focus, which allows the user to re-adjust the focus after an image has been taken.

Sony's custom UI, however, remains largely unchanged from the version found on last year's Xperia Z1. We've always found that Sony's UI is more usable than those of other smartphone makers, and while the handset still arrives covered in custom widgets and applications, it's a much cleaner design than that of others on the market. That said, we still find it a little overbearing compared to Google's vanilla Android UI.

The Sony Xperia Z2 is preloaded with Sony's Walkman and Playstation companion apps as seen on the Xperia Z1, as well as some new camera features and noise cancellation technology to help block out background sounds while listening to music.

Cameras
Samsung Galaxy S5: 16MP rear-facing camera with autofocus, LED flash and 4K video recording, 2.2MP front-facing camera
Sony Xperia Z2: 20.7MP rear-facing camera with autofocus, LED flash and 4K video recording, 2.2MP front-facing camera

The Samsung Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 both claim to offer huge improvements in their cameras, and despite Sony's higher resolution sensor, the two handsets likely will be fairly evenly matched.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 features a 16MP rear-facing camera, an improvement on the Galaxy S4's 13MP sensor, which arrives with onboard features such as an LED flash, autofocus, HDR, smile detection and the capability to record video and take images at the same time. It's also capable of shooting video at 4K resolution.

The Sony Xperia Z2 features the same 20.7MP sensor as its predecessor, but it also has a number of improvements, such as the ability to shoot 4K video. Much like the Galaxy S5, there are several camera features too, such as HDR, image stablisation and panorama mode.

Both the Galaxy S5 and the Xperia Z2 feature 2.2MP cameras on the front, both of which are capable of shooting HD 1080p video.

Battery
Samsung Galaxy S5: 2,800mAh battery with 21 hours of quoted talk time
Sony Xperia Z2: 3,200mAh battery with 19 hours of quoted talk time

The Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2 both have upgraded batteries, but although the Xperia Z2 has the larger cell, it looks like the Galaxy S5 might edge it. The Galaxy S5's 2,800mAh battery will, according to Samsung, offer around 21 hours of constant talk time, while Sony claims that the Xperia Z2's larger 3,200mAh battery is good for 19 hours.

Storage
Samsung Galaxy S5: 16GB/32GB built-in, microSD up to 128GB
Sony Xperia Z2: 16GB built-in, microSD up to 64GB

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is the clear winner for storage. Samsung will make the phone available in both 16GB and 32GB storage versions, and thanks to the onboard microSD card slot this can be expanded by up to 128GB.

The Xperia Z2, on the other hand, will be available only in a 16GB model that can be expanded by up to 64GB via microSD card.

                    SONY XPERIA Z2

GENERAL	2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - D6502, D6503, D6543
	3G Network	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - D6502, D6503, D6543
	4G Network	LTE 700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600 - D6503
		LTE 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600 - D6543
	SIM	Micro-SIM
	Announced	2014, February
	Status	Available. Released 2014, April

BODY	Dimensions	146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm (5.78 x 2.89 x 0.32 in)
	Weight	163 g (5.75 oz)
		- IP58 certified - dust proof and water resistant over 1 meter and 30 minutes

DISPLAY	Type	IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
	Size	1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.2 inches (~424 ppi pixel density)
	Multitouch	Yes, up to 10 fingers
	Protection	Shatter proof glass
		- Triluminos display - X-Reality Engine

SOUND	Alert types	Vibration; MP3 ringtones
	Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers
	3.5mm jack	Yes

MEMORY	Card slot	microSD, up to 128 GB
	Internal	16 GB, 3 GB RAM

DATA	GPRS	Up to 107 kbps
	EDGE	Up to 296 kbps
	Speed	HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.8 Mbps; LTE, Cat4, 50 Mbps UL, 150 Mbps DL
	WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
	Bluetooth	v4.0, A2DP
	NFC	Yes
	USB	microUSB v2.0 (MHL 3), USB On-the-go, USB Host

CAMERA	Primary	20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 pixels, autofocus, LED flash,check quality
	Features	1/2.3'' sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, image stabilization, HDR, panorama
	Video	2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR,check quality
	Secondary	2.2 MP, 1080p@30fps

FEATURES	OS	Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat)
	Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801
	CPU	Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
	GPU	Adreno 330
	Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
	Messaging	SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, IM, Push Email
	Browser	HTML5
	Radio	FM radio with RDS
	GPS	Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
	Java	Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
	Colors	Black, White, Purple (D6502, D6503) / Black, White (D6543)
		- ANT+ support - SNS integration - TV-out (via MHL 3 A/V link) - Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic - Xvid/MP4/H.263/H.264 player - MP3/eAAC+/WAV/Flac player - Document viewer - Photo viewer/editor - Voice memo/dial - Predictive text input

BATTERY		Non-removable Li-Ion 3200 mAh battery
	Stand-by	Up to 690 h (2G) / Up to 740 h (3G)
	Talk time	Up to 15 h (2G) / Up to 19 h (3G)
	Music play	Up to 120 h

MISC	SAR US	1.34 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)
	SAR EU	0.38 W/kg (head)
	Price group

TESTS	Display	Contrast ratio: 1195 (nominal), 1.944 (sunlight)
	Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 75dB
	Audio quality	Noise -88.2dB / Crosstalk -88.9dB
	Camera	Photo / Video
	Battery life	Endurance rating 89h

Apple iPhone 6 preview

 you’re an iPhone 5 owner who has yet to snap up the new iPhone 5sor 5c, chances are you’re holding out for the next iteration of the iPhone, like a sensible gadgeteer. 

The iPhone 6 remains (somewhat) shrouded in mystery - but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from enthusiastically grinding away, and some whispers do have a ring of truth about them.

So then, what are the web's commentators saying about the iPhone 6? Well…

Jump straight to:

Apple iPhone 6 - build and screen

Apple iPhone 6 - camera

Apple iPhone 6 - processor, storage and battery

Apple iPhone 6 - iOS 8, price and release date 

MAKEOVER 

It's almost guaranteed that the iPhone 6's appearance will be different enough from the iPhone 5s to earn it its all-new number.

Traditionally, ‘s’ devices have kept the same design as their predecessors, with major differences appearing on the insides, and Apple will get a lot of flak if the iPhone 6 turns out to be a 5s with faster innards.

Thankfully, that doesn't look likely. The iPhone 6 body has leaked countless times over the past year in various forms, and now actual (and apparently genuine) production cases have made their way into the hands of online tech aficionados.

The video above, courtesy of YouTube user iCrackUriDevice, shows off one of these rear cases, and it clearly shows off Apple's new design in all its glory.

It's immediately obvious that the iPhone 6 will likely arrive with a bigger screen. The case is larger than the iPhone 5s, and its thinner, with a much rounder design.

One big change is the relocation of the power button from the top to the right hand side, where it will be easily accessible with your thumb, Samsung Galaxy-style.

Looking at the rear, the pill-shaped flash cutout has been replaced by a circular one, suggesting that Apple has either ditched its dual two-tone LED flash, or it's managed to cram both LEDs into a circular space.

The volume buttons however, have appeared to do the reverse. They are now a thinner pill shape, falling in line with the iPod Touch, as opposed to the circular buttons currently found on the iPhone 5s.

Looking at the internals of the case, we can see a slight recess over the Apple logo cutout. This, combined with the fact that previous Apple logos weren't left as cutouts, suggests that the logo will light up, like the ones found on its MacBook brothers.

This is supported by previous photos leaked by uSwitch (with the aid of famed Apple leaker Sonny Dickson), which show off the rear housing of an iPhone 6, with a plastic panel that's thin enough to let line shine through it.

Apart from attracting moths, the logo could be used as a blinking notification light - a handy function if the device is face down.

Back in June, GSM Arena snaffled a picture of the phone alongside its likely main rival, the Samsung Galaxy S5.

The image shows off the expected larger screen, along with a clearly visible power switch on the right edge. 

Another iPhone 6 dummy leak courtesy of G for Games also emerged, this time apparently of a non-working dummy model.

The first image above shows it next to an iPhone 5s and HTC One (M8). As you can see, it's not far off the size of the latter.

A trio of iPhone 6 dummy units in gold, black and grey leaked online in July, courtesy of a tweet sent out by Apple leaker Sonny Dickson.

The photo matches up with all previous iPhone 6 leaks, although the exact size is hard to determine without a regular iPhone 5s for scale.

Update 08/08/14: iPhone vendor Feld and Volk has released more photos of the iPhone 6 case. A close-up of the volume buttons show that they're recessed, which could reduce the chances of accidentally adjusting the volume while it's in your pocket.

ANDROID-MATCHING SCREENS

The iPhone 6 will almost certainly have a larger screen than the 4in display of the iPhone 5s, and it could very well arrive in two models - one with 4.7in screen, and another 5.5in version.

April saw an iPhone 6 manufacturing mould leak, pointing to at least one larger iPhone in the works. French site Nowhereelse.fr scaled up the image using the iPhone 4s for comparison, and it suggests that we could be looking at  a 4.7in screen size, which fits in with all of the previous rumours we'd seen up to that point.

In June, Italian site Macitynet posted images of an iPhone 6 dummy unit alongside the iPhone 5s and a Samsung Galaxy S5. The pictures support rumours of a taller, wider iPhone 6, with rounded edges and an all-black anodised aluminium finish. Also notable is the protruding camera array, similar to the design of the current iPod Touch.

And as for the 5.5in phablet version - A fellow called Jimmy Lin (who leaked the iPhone 5c before its launch last year) went on to repeat himself by leaking the iPhone 6 in June.

Lin shared pictures of an allegedly genuine iPhone 6 on Chinese site Weibo, after previously leaking images of the smaller 4.7in model, which he stated was a beta unit for testing purposes.

His latest picture showed off the larger size of the 5.5in iPhone 6 against what appears to be an iPhone 5s being repaired.

It's hard to tell whether or not the unit is genuine, but given Lin's past leaks, we could be looking at the real deal.

Update 08/08/14: More leaked shots from Feld & Volk show off a close-up of the iPhone 6's rear Apple logo, which is apparently made from an extremely scratch-resistant material, which could be liquid metal, though there's no way to confirm this at this stage.

Update 12/08/14: The iPhone 6's insides have come under the microscope once again, with a number of leaked photos of the phone's components appearing on French site Nowhereelse.fr. The shots lend credence to similar component pics leaked by Feld & Volk; the most interesting image shows off a separate metal logo piece that appears to be identical to the one seen in the earlier leak. Other leaked components include the reverse of the Home button, the headphone jack and Lightning port and the cover of the SIM card port.

Update 18/08/14: Apple could be set to end USB aggravation with a Lightning cable that sports a reversible USB connector. Regular Apple leakers Sonny Dickson and Nowhereelse.fr have shown off snaps of the accessory, which sports a USB connector in the centre of its metal housing – meaning that you can plug it in either way up. Adding fuel to the fire, Apple filed a patent in 2013 for a reversible USB connector. The connector differs from the similarly reversible USB Type-C connector announced last week; the rumoured Apple connector should fit into current Type-A receptacles.

Bloomberg's source also added fuel to the dual iPhone rumour flames once again. The source stated that Apple will release a 4.7in and 5.5in iPhone in September, both of which will feature rounder and thinner designs, which matches up with all the leaked pictures we'd seen to date.

The screens will also apparently taper off towards the edges, thanks to some curved glass magic, which should make the new iPhones feel even thinner.

The rumour came straight after leaked model photos of the iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, which indicate that all three devices will sport Touch ID Home buttons. No surprises there.