Samsung Galaxy S6 vs HTC One M9: 10 Things to Expect

Samsung and HTC will announce the biggest smartphones of spring on March 1st, just hours apart, setting in motion a major comparison for shoppers and another head-to-head retail war for the attention of consumers. We don’t know everything about these two devices, but with two giant leaks we have enough information to offer a good Samsung Galaxy S6 vs HTC One M9 comparison.

This comparison is based on a large amount of credible and believable leaks that tell us a lot about these hotly anticipated devices. This week we saw three HTC One M9 videos leak with a clear look at hardware, software and cameras. We also saw what is very likely the Galaxy S6 with a new premium metal and glass design.

On Sunday March 1st Samsung will announce the Galaxy S6 just a few hours after HTC hosts an event where we will see the HTC One M9. Even with leaks there are some things we don’t know yet, but can offer educated guesses based on our observations of the mobile industry.

Three huge carriers are already teasing the Galaxy S6 release, but so far it is quiet in regards to the HTC One M9 release from major U.S. carriers.

Both of these new smartphones for 2015 will take on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which dominate many sales right now. HTC and Samsung typically offer a collection of new features on top of the standard Android options. Even with a scaled down version of TouchWiz, count on these two devices to deliver more than just Android Lollipop to better compete with each other and the iPhone 6.

This early HTC One M9 vs Galaxy S6 comparison highlights what you can expect from these two devices based on the latest rumors.

Galaxy S6 vs HTC One M9 Release Date

The Galaxy S6 release date is widely rumored while the HTC One M9 release date is still a mystery, but one that we do have some expectations of.

Best Buy, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T are all ready for a fast Galaxy S6 release date. Best Buy and Sprint say the Galaxy S6 is “Coming Soon” and other signs point to a Galaxy S6 release date in late March or early April.

The HTC One M9 release date rumors are surprisingly absent, but there is hope that HTC is able to pull off a repeat of 2014 and deliver a HTC One M9 release the same day as the announcement. HTC and Verizon offered a day one exclusive, but we have yet to hear about this or see a leak that indicates the HTC One M9 is sitting behind the closed doors at carriers. If the HTC One M9 release date is not on Sunday, we definitely expect to see it arrive very quickly.

Galaxy S6 vs HTC One M9 Displays

This year it looks like we could see two new phones from Samsung and two new phones from HTC in rapid succession. We fully expect to see the Galaxy S6 release come right along with a Galaxy S6 Edge release that offers up a curved edge on at least one size. The HTC One M9 may come along with a larger screen HTC One M9 Max option as well.

The HTC One M9 display could offer a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution with a 5-inch screen size, according to recent rumors. Some rumors pointed to a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution display and up to a 5.5-inch display, so it is still tough to call this exactly. There is a chance that the 5-inch display will arrive on the HTC One M9 while the 5.5-inch display is destined for the HTC One M9 Max or HTC One M9 Plus.

Samsung will deliver a Galaxy S6 display with a Quad HD 2,560 x 1,440 resolution. This is the same resolution as the Galaxy Note 4, and every rumor points to this feature. We expect to see a 5.1-inch display on the Galaxy S6. A Galaxy S6 Edge will likely offer the same size display and the same resolution, but add on at least one curved edge that can show notifications and shortcuts.

Galaxy S6 vs HTC One M9 Design

Forget plastic. Samsung is finally ready to move up to a metal and glass design according to multiple leaks and reports. Most recently alleged Galaxy S6 photos show off a metal design with a headphone jack on the bottom and a glass back.

The HTC One M9 design looks very much like the HTC One M8. This comes from several HTC One M9 announcement videos that Upleaks shared on YouTube and subsequently removed. Count on a curved metal back and a similar look to the HTC One M8. We did see a two-tone design with multiple colors that could deliver a a new look that some users will want. The HTC One M9 will feature BoomSound with Dolby Audio Surround through front-facing speakers.

We expect that both of these phones will offer a Micro SD card slot, but that they will not let users remove and replace the battery when it runs out. The back of the HTC One is metal, while the back of the Galaxy S6 is likely a strengthened glass.

• Galaxy S6 Dimensions (Rumored) -143.30 x 70.81 x 6.91 mm
• HTC One M9 Dimensions (Rumored) – 144.6 x 69.7 x 9.6 mm

Above you can see the rumored dimensions of both devices, which reveal similar height and width, but a thicker HTC One M9.

Galaxy S6 vs HTC One M9 Security

Samsung included a fingerprint reader on the last two major devices it released and rumors suggest the company is upgrading the security on the Galaxy S6 with a new and improved fingerprint sensor. On the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 users need to swipe a finger at the right speed and angle. This is a pain to do while holding the phone and trying to unlock with the same hand.

All signs point to a new sensor that lets users place their finger on a new home button to unlock the Galaxy S6. This new option will be similar to the iPhone 6 Touch ID sensor in how it works.

There is no fingerprint sensor on the HTC One M8 and rumors and leaked videos don’t place on one the HTC One M9. There is a chance that the larger HTC One M9 Plus or Max will feature a fingerprint reader on the back.

Galaxy S6 vs HTC One M9 Cameras

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 cameras will offer upgrades from the models that they replace. It’s not clear exactly which options Samsung will go with, but we know a lot about the HTC One M9 thanks to leaks. We can also count on a new photo editor on the HTC One M9, which appeared in the leaked videos.

Expect to see a 20MP rear-facing camera on the HTC One M9. The leaked video showcased a 20MP camera and Phonearena reports that it may use a new type of square pixels. This sounds like a big upgrade from the UltraPixel design of the HTC One M8. On the front you can expect a 4MP UltraPixel camera that leaks claim will take better and brighter selfies in low light.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 camera will either use a 16MP or a 20MP sensor with Optical Image Stabilization according to the several reports. This will combine with a front-facing 5MP camera that should include a wide-selfie mode in the camera app.

Both HTC and Samsung offer a lot of options in the default camera apps and HTC is well known for offering great ways to combine photos and videos into a sharable clip or album with built-in options.

HTC One M9 vs Galaxy S6 Software

There is no doubt that the HTC One M9 and the Galaxy S6 software will run on top of Android Lollipop. This may be Android 5.0.1 or Android 5.0.2, but don’t count on Android 5.1. You can also count on customizations and special apps that add to the features of both devices.

Leaked video showcases an upgraded HTC Sense 7 skin on top of Android Lollipop that includes a new BlinkFeed, support for themes and other upgrades. In the videos we saw the HTC One M9 with on screen keys that include one more than most Android devices. There is also a new HTC One M9 Home widget that will show you what you need based on your location. There is a similar feature on the Galaxy Note 4.

The best parts of HTC's March 1st launch event are the parts you have NO IDEA are coming.

— Jeff Gordon (@urbanstrata) February 24, 2015

Jeff Gordon, Senior Global Online Communications Manager at HTC is confident that there is a lot more to come for the HTC One M9, teasing that we don’t know about the best parts of the announcement.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 will run Android Lollipop with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, but reports indicate that Samsung plans to tone down the customizations and software that they add to the device. We may only see two Samsung apps loaded on the Galaxy S6 when it lands in your hands, but you can count on carriers to add apps and for Samsung Galaxy Gifts to still offer access to many other apps.

HTC One M9 vs Galaxy S6 Storage

We expect at least 32GB of storage from HTC and Samsung in each device. The HTC One M9 may only come with a 32GB option, but we expect to see multiple Galaxy S6 storage options, including 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. It’s unknown if U.S. carriers will offer more than one storage option for the Galaxy S6.

We expect to see Micro SD card support on both the HTC One M9 and the Galaxy S6, allowing users to add up to 128GB of storage with a cheap Micro SD card anytime after the initial purchase.

HTC One M9 vs Galaxy S6 Carriers

Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T already confirmed that they will carry the Galaxy S6 and it is certain that Verizon will also sell this phone. In addition, expect to see US Cellular on board as well.

The HTC One M9 release on U.S. carriers is getting less attention so far, but it is possible that Verizon is staying quiet about the Galaxy S6 to focus on the HTC One M9 release first. You can expect to see the HTC One M9 on all five major U.S. carriers including Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and US Cellular.

HTC One M9 vs Galaxy S6 Price

We expect the Galaxy S6 price to arrive at $199 on contract or $249 on contract with a $50 rebate at some carriers. The Galaxy S6 Edge will likely command a $100 premium. For users who buy on Edge, Next, Jump or EasyPay, expect to pay $25 to $30 a month for the phone.

The HTC One M9 price will likely fall in the same ballpark, at $199 on contract and $25 to $30 on a payment plan at carriers that offer a $0 down option with monthly payments.

Count on off-contract prices for both of the main phones to be around $599 to $649 at most carriers.

Google Wallet vs LoopPay

We expect that you will be able to make mobile payments with both the HTC One m9 and the Galaxy S6, but in different ways. Both phones will likely support Google Wallet to make NFC payments at retailers who support this option, but the Galaxy S6 will likely offer a new option that lets it work at more retailers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw1l149Rb1k

Samsung is acquiring LoopPay and rumors suggest that it is integrated into the Galaxy S6. Loop Pay lets users make a mobile payment by sending magnetic stripe data wirelessly to the same area of a cash register that the card is normally swiped through. This option should work in more retailers, since it will work on older, point-of-sale systems that don’t have the NFC technology needed for Google Wallet.

More Choice with Android

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Apple offers more choice than we've seen from them before with the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone SE as well as older models -- but you still only have three screen sizes and two designs to pick from.  Android delivers more options with waterproof phones, different screen sizes, more colors, different materials and other differentiating factors.  With Android smartphones users can choose a waterproof option like the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge or go with a modular design like the LG G5. 2017 brings newer designs and options. There is also support for a huge screen with a built-in stylus with the Note 6. In addition to these big names, there are many other options from Motorola, Huawei and if you include last year's releases a number of other interesting options.  There are also options to buy an Android phone with wireless charging or a replaceable battery, neither of which is available without adding a case to the iPhone. Users can pick the phone size and design they want, and they can also pick a phone that offers a replaceable battery, a great camera or another feature without limiting to just two phones for the latest features and user experience.

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