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iPhone 5 Competitors: The Best iPhone Alternatives

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We’re still not exactly sure when Apple is going to announce or release the next iPhone, or iPhones, but we have a pretty good feeling that a launch will be taking place in September or October. If true, the iPhone 5 is going to be up against some stiff competition, arguably, the most serious competition that it has ever faced at launch.

Missing the usual June launch is only partly to blame. Instead, the blame can be placed on how the competition has stepped up to the plate and how much different the mobile landscape is right now from years previous.

Android is absolutely huge, 4G LTE is here, Windows Phone 7.5 Mango looks extremely promising and it appears likely that Apple won’t be changing up the game too much with its next rendition of the iPhone.

iPhone 4

Still , the iPhone is the iPhone and it’s going to be good especially since it’s arriving with the gorgeous looking iOS 5. Toss in the fact that it’s rumored to be arriving on AT&T, Verizon and on Sprint with unlimited data, and you certainly have a recipe for success. However, success might not come as easily as it has in years previous and the fierce competition might have something to do with that.

Here is how said competition stacks up against the iPhone 5. I’ve ranked these in order in terms of how threatening they are to the success of the iPhone 5 with the Nexus Prime as the most dangerous and the BlackBerry’s latest BlackBerry 7 phones being the least formidable.

Samsung Nexus Prime:

iPhone 4

In my opinion, the Samsung Nexus Prime is going to be the greatest competition to Apple’s iPhone, especially if it arrives in October as is rumored. The Nexus Prime is also pegged to be coming with a 4.65-inch HD display, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and a 8.8mm design. It’ll also most likely have Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on board as well.

So from the sound of things, my best guess is that this thing is a souped up Nexus S, Galaxy S II inspired device that will likely have a vanilla version of Android and won’t be carrier branded.

It’s also unclear if it will have 4G LTE – something that I don’t think the iPhone 5 will have – but even if it doesn’t, those that don’t need 4G LTE are going to definitely give this a long look right beside the iPhone 5.

Samsung Droid Prime: 

Droid

There is another Samsung-made Prime device that has been rumored for October, a device called the Samsung Droid Prime. At the moment, this phone could be one of two enticing variants. The first? A Verizon branded version of the Samsung Nexus Prime. The second? A Galaxy S II, possibly the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE, just with Droid branding.

I think either way, it’s going to be a 4G LTE phone and the only reason that I put it a step below the Nexus Prime is because I think there will likely be Samsung’s TouchWiz UI on it when it arrives.

This will be a major competitor to the iPhone 5, especially if Apple doesn’t come through with 4G LTE.

Which it won’t.

Motorola Droid Bionic:

Droid Bionic

I almost didn’t rank the recently released (and reviewed) Motorola Droid Bionic this high. Sure, it’s a fantastic phone but there is a problem. It’s an expensive phone. Factor in the steep cost of the phone itself in with the fact that new Verizon customers will have to sign up for tiered data paired with 4G LTE and this could be a very costly investment for a lot of people.

Face it, tethering is one of the best things about 4G LTE at the moment and it’s not cheap on Verizon.

However, I think come October, the Droid Bionic will be one of the most appealing phones on the market. And that’s because I see it taking a significant price cut with the arrivals of the Prime(s) and the iPhone 5.

No, I won’t buy a Droid Bionic for $300 or $250, but I will definitely buy it for $125 or less. I think at that price, many people are going to weigh it more heavily against the iPhone 5 than they would if the price of the actual device was in the several hundreds of dollars.

Windows Phone Mango/Nokia:

Nokia Sea Ray

Microsoft and Windows Phone Mango has a very viable shot at taking the number three spot in the mobile wars with webOS dead and RIM on a steep decline. And that’s not meant to take away from the quality of Microsoft’s new software. Mango is going to be a fantastic release from the looks of things. Now, if only Microsoft had some hardware to go with it.

The first incarnation of Windows Phone 7 had the Samsung Focus but not much else. This time around though, Microsoft has made a clear commitment to exciting hardware with the announcement of the HTC Titan as well as bringing former competitor Nokia on board as a partner.

Love or hate Nokia, they make quality hardware. And paired with Mango? That’s a combination that will surely be in the same breath as the iPhone 5. Nokia’s Windows Phone Mango device, the Sea Ray, looks like it will be similar to Nokia’s MeeGo-powered N9.

Yup, I’m interested. You should be too.

Samsung Galaxy S II:

Galaxy S II

The Samsung Galaxy S II will be launching in the United States a little later on in September and it will be headed to AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. All three phones are extremely compelling. All three with offer 4G of some kind and it’s possible that T-Mobile’s will be its first 42mpbs HSPA+ smartphone. All three also offer 8MP cameras, dual-core processors, massive Super AMOLED Plus displays, and Android Gingerbread.

This is a phone that has widely been considered to be one of the best Android phones ever made and the U.S. variants look like they could very well be able to live up to that distinction.

The only reason they are ranked this low is because of Samsung’s problem delivering timely Android updates and because they won’t launch with Android Ice Cream Sandwich. All three are still viable competitors to the iPhone 5 though.

HTC Vigor:

HTC Vigor

Another phone ranked lower than it probably should be but that’s only because we’re still unsure about the HTC Vigor. It’s rumored to be coming out in October but that’s still unconfirmed. Although, it did just pass through the FCC (with LTE radios) so it could happen. HTC also has an event later this month, announcement time? Hopefully, because the HTC Vigor is rumored to be a beast.

It’s jaw dropping specs include a 4.3″ 720p HD screen  with 1280×720 resolution. It’s also rumored to be coming with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, 8MP rear cam, 2MP front, Android 2.3.4, as well as a new version of HTC Sense dubbed Sense 3.3. It’s also possible that this could be the first phone with Beats by Dre technology.

It’s also destined for Verizon’s 4G LTE network.

Beats by DreHTC Sensation Special Edition:

The HTC Sensation 4G is a fantastic device for T-Mobile and it looks like HTC might be releasing a souped up version of it complete with Beats by Dre, a 4.3-inch Super qHD LCD HD display, a 8MP rear camera, VGA front facing camera, a massive 1730 mAh battery, and 4GB of internal storage space, and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor.

And this is a phone that is rated near the bottom of the competition.

HTC EVO 3D:

If Sprint does get the iPhone 5, it’s going to be facing some stiff competition from the Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch and the HTC EVO 3D which was released earlier this summer. HTC and Sprint have transformed the EVO line into a household name and don’t think that just because this phone is a few months old means that it can’t hold its own against the iPhone 5.

It’s built to last, just like the HTC EVO 4G was, and it definitely is going to be worth a comparison by those looking to get the iPhone 5 on Sprint at the very least.

HTC Sensation 4G:

HTC Sensation

The HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile is a phenomenal phone, one of the best phones on the market right now. But it will soon be overshadowed by the HTC Sensation Special Edition. Still, those that don’t want to pay top dollar will want to take a look at this phone, especially if the iPhone 5 doesn’t come to T-Mobile.

BlackBerry Bold 9930Current BlackBerry Phones:

Last but not least, the current crop of BlackBerry phones. The only one of the bunch that could truly lure some people in over the iPhone 5 is the BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 but unfortunately, the carriers have priced both devices absurdly high. $300 on-contract high.

Maybe the prices will drop when the iPhone arrives but even then, buying a phone with an operating system that is about to be replaced is probably not a wise decision. Even if the new Bold is considered one of the best BlackBerry’s ever made.

Remember, RIM is going to be moving to QNX-based hardware, possibly as soon as this year. Outdated hardware and software that is on its way to the graveyard. I don’t see these faring well against Apple’s new iPhone.

The iPhone 5 is rumored to have a larger screen, most of these have large screens.

It’s rumored to have a dual-core processor. Most of these have that.

It’s rumored to have an 8MP camera. Nokia’s Windows Phone 7.5 Mango device will likely have something better and the others will at least be comparable.

I don’t think it’s going to have 4G LTE, a feature that a few of these on the list have.

In other words, Apple will have its hands full come October, maybe more so than it ever has and quite frankly, I’m excited and I’m excited for those of you that are looking for a new phone.

So, which one of these are you planning on getting?

23 Comments

23 Comments

  1. Scotty Braun

    09/12/2011 at 1:37 pm

    I would love everyone of those phones you mentioned over the iPhone, but thats what I would do.  But you know that a larger majority of people out there will stick to Apple, or don’t know what a Nexus prime is, or even care what a dual core processor is.
    They just get the iPhone because its what they like and what their used to. So I think this will have an effect on the whole Smartphone Following crowd, and younger generation, but sadly the rest it wont phase.  

  2. Brandon Hampton

    09/12/2011 at 1:40 pm

    I was sure that I was going to get the Bionic, but after I played with it I decided that I was going to wait. For the price I just couldn’t deal with the pentile screen. I am not an apple fan, but the new iphone does have me intrigued. I really wanted to wait for the HTC Vigor but I have had to many problems with my Incredible 2. I guess I will just have to wait until October!…..and hopefully no later than that.

  3. Anonymous

    09/12/2011 at 2:00 pm

    Want to
    sell your iPhone / iPod for cash? 
    Sell
    Your iPhone
    – They will buy your used iPhones for cash. High
    Payout, Free shipping to send your phones, Quick Payments.

  4. Anonymous

    09/12/2011 at 3:16 pm

    It’s rumored to have an 8MP camera. Nokia’s Windows Phone 7.5 Mango device will likely have something better and the others will at least be comparable…@annawilliams987:disqus I just got a $829.99 iPad2 for only $103.37 and my mom got a $1499.99 HDTV for only $251.92, they are both coming with USPS tomorrow. I would be an idiot to ever pay full retail prices at places like Walmart or Bestbuy. I sold a 37″ HDTV to my boss for $600 that I only paid $78.24 for. I use https://bit.ly/grab2015

  5. Samcedar564

    09/12/2011 at 3:29 pm

    I would love to give up my last Apple product but first Google needs to step up oversight of the store you get software from. Not to Apple’s big brother standards but to keep up some policing of rampant abuses by hacked software. The Android could be unstoppable.

  6. Samcedar564

    09/12/2011 at 3:29 pm

    I would love to give up my last Apple product but first Google needs to step up oversight of the store you get software from. Not to Apple’s big brother standards but to keep up some policing of rampant abuses by hacked software. The Android could be unstoppable.

  7. Guest

    09/12/2011 at 4:26 pm

    Xperia Duo?

  8. Killa504killa

    09/12/2011 at 5:00 pm

    Deactivated my evo 4g sold shipped on ebay activated my evo 3d deactivated for moto photon took a while to get used to pentile, but definately an all around better phone e3d is good just not this good. Lookng to jump upto gs2 photon moves to back up evo 3d boxed and shipped(maybe).

  9. Killa504killa

    09/12/2011 at 5:00 pm

    Deactivated my evo 4g sold shipped on ebay activated my evo 3d deactivated for moto photon took a while to get used to pentile, but definately an all around better phone e3d is good just not this good. Lookng to jump upto gs2 photon moves to back up evo 3d boxed and shipped(maybe).

  10. Anonymous

    09/12/2011 at 5:03 pm

    Good solid list. If the iPhone is released with an all new design, bigger screen, and dual core, it will be a huge hit. I can just see the i5 being released, All new large HD Retina Display. Two Cores for twice the power of past iPhones. People who don’t know any better will believe that dual core was invented by Apple.

    But we know different, don’t we?

    I’m actually very excited to see what October brings to the table. I’m getting the Bionic and the i5. If the newest Nexus is announced soon enough though, ill forego the Bionic.

    Its an exciting time to be in love with mobile technology regardless of your OS preference. As far as WP7 is concerned, as well as BB, I worry that the domination of iOS and Android has almost put them out to pasture. But time will tell. If they release with enough carrier support maybe they can rebound solidly.

  11. Anonymous

    09/12/2011 at 7:05 pm

    Folks, when are you going to learn? The reason why people go for the iPhone has very little to do with rationality and the like. It’s mostly about the Apple mystique, the mystic aura that shrouds Apple and its products. No amount of rational dissection of countless lists of specs will ever make up for a drop of Apple glamour and quasi-religious attachment and adulation. What could undercut this wall of irrationality is serious price slashes, but this is something most Android OEMs refuse to see.

  12. girthdiggler

    09/12/2011 at 9:32 pm

    My single core Smansung focus running Mango will run circles around your dual core android and that’s a fact.

  13. Anonymous

    09/12/2011 at 9:40 pm

    Folks, when are you going to learn? The reason why people go for the iPhone has very little to do with rationality and the like. It’s mostly about the Apple mystique…@Aqua1ung:disqus I just got a $829.99 iPad2 for only $103.37 and my mom got a $1499.99 HDTV for only $251.92, they are both coming with USPS tomorrow. I would be an idiot to ever pay full retail prices at places like Walmart or Bestbuy. I sold a 37″ HDTV to my boss for $600 that I only paid $78.24 for. I use https://bit.ly/grab2038

  14. Anonymous

    09/12/2011 at 9:40 pm

    Folks, when are you going to learn? The reason why people go for the iPhone has very little to do with rationality and the like. It’s mostly about the Apple mystique…@Aqua1ung:disqus I just got a $829.99 iPad2 for only $103.37 and my mom got a $1499.99 HDTV for only $251.92, they are both coming with USPS tomorrow. I would be an idiot to ever pay full retail prices at places like Walmart or Bestbuy. I sold a 37″ HDTV to my boss for $600 that I only paid $78.24 for. I use https://bit.ly/grab2038

  15. Enoel69

    09/12/2011 at 11:01 pm

    Where is the Ruby/Amaze 4G on this list. I think this is a more sexier looking device a Sensation look alike but with more muscle. Lets hope HTC will throw us a curve ball and out an unknown ICS device on the 20th in New York..cuz they might have something up their sleeve. If HTC is not gonna be making the new Nexus…know they have something big in the works for ICS. 

  16. Prachi Desai

    09/13/2011 at 10:57 am

    iPhone 5 will be the best of lot..

  17. StoryFirst

    09/13/2011 at 11:20 am

    Having had both an iPhone and Android, I now want to try Windows Mango. I really like the clean look of it but am not too keen on the SeaRay. The specs of that phone (granted speculation right now) do not seem that great compared to the HTC Titan or Samsung Focus S. The iPhone 5 will no doubt be the best seller amongst Apple fans but for anyone older than 16 or not in advertising, Android or Windows OS are looking the most innovative right now. So, do I wait for the Titan or the Focus S?

  18. Ade Langford

    09/13/2011 at 6:07 pm

    i-phone4,i-phone5,Apple.They really have made their customers look like sheep , Bah Bah Bha Bha.Boring design , boring menu system with totally bland colouring.

  19. best phone service

    09/17/2011 at 12:19 am

    I say let the phone orgy commence!  Much like @twitter-37537445:disqus I would love all these phones with all my heart. Truly.  Can I have all of them as my concubines?

    Seriously, though, I’d like to be able to compare all of these myself.

  20. Mads Kaae

    09/20/2011 at 5:29 am

    I think it’s kinda interesting that when iphone 4 nothing came close to it for a long time. But already before the release it seems that the android devices are superior spec wise.Im guessing that not more than 2 months after release the iphone 5 will be nowhere near the top of the android phones. 

  21. graphic design melbourne

    12/19/2011 at 8:48 am

    This one is awesomely looking one of the exceptional information about iPhone. The regarding features and contents of this one are magnificently looking heart throbbing. This one is completely looking just knowledgeable about it. Thanks for sharing.
     

  22. Silentknight

    09/12/2012 at 3:32 pm

    It’s kind of funny how about a year after this article was written all of these phones are obsolete and most have their successors out, plus the real iPhone 5 is coming out with its 4 inch screen and 1.8ghz quad core a6!

  23. Silentknight

    09/12/2012 at 3:34 pm

    I Just realized how funny it is that the iPhone 5 is announced exactly a year after an article was written about alternatives to the 4s!

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