Okay, so we know that when it comes to tablet devices Apple and Samsung are at the top of their game, but Microsoft has been trying their best to get in on the game as well. You may be familiar with the Surface Pro, and while some of you will say that this is not a tablet, it’s still going to eat into the market a little because of its portability factor, as it’s much smaller and lighter than a notebook.

Now you may not agree but the Surface Pro 2 will still have to contend with the iPad 5 and the Nexus 11 (if that’s what it will be called), as they could all be released around the same time, with the exception of the Pro 2, as this could be released a few months later.

Some of you may still wonder how the Surface Pro 2 will be a rival to the next-generation iPad, and we can tell you that we believe the Surface Pro 2 is expected to be a slimmer, more powerful device. While it will have better performance than the iPad 5, it still has its limitations, and this is why they could be rivals.

So how will the Surface Pro 2, iPad 5 and Nexus 11 compare in terms of their expected specs? We hope to see the next-gen Surface Pro come with a Haswell processor, but there is still a chance that it will pack the same processor in order to keep costs down. However, as we said above the design should be much thinner and lighter, although the biggest upgrade would have to be to battery performance and better software management.

As for the iPad 5, it’s clear that Apple would like to mimic the design of the iPad mini, so we should see a thinner bezel, which would allow the next-gen iPad to be smaller while still maintaining the same screen size. The A7 chip should keep things running, and we hope to see even more RAM to help speed things up a little. However, the biggest upgrade will be to its software, as it will be running iOS 7.

Finally we have the supposed Nexus 11, again we’re not even certain if this will be its name, but there’s a good chance it will be. The screen is said to measure 11 inches and be the direct successor to the Nexus 10. It’s said that the screen resolution will be the same, if not better than its predecessor and make use of PLS technology. The Exynos 5 Octa 5410 CPU should run the show and we hope to see an 8-megapixel camera to the rear and support for a microSD card this time. As for software, the smart money would be to say the Nexus 11 will make use of Android 4.3 and not 5.0 Key Lime Pie.

Again, this is only information gathered from rumors we’ve heard over the past few months, but who knows, some of them may stick.

Earlier in the year we had seen the flexible display technology progressing, and as such assumed that the Samsung Galaxy S4 was going to make use of the technology. However, because of problems with production this was looking less likely, something verified when the S4 was finally revealed to the world.

Following the lack of flexible display on the S4, attention has now turned to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, as this is the next likely candidate to make use or a curved display. Some people felt letdown by Samsung with the design of the S4 (although the technology inside is rather impressive) and cling on to the hope that the Note 3 design will be more impressive.

However, according to recent news this is unlikely to happen, as the Galaxy Note 3 design is expected to be very similar to that of the S4. This means that the Note 3 will not have a metal body and will stick with the same polycarbonate design as the S4. Having said that, you shouldn’t feel too disappointed, as the internals will be significantly improved.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 specs are expected to include a 5.99-inch AMOLED HD display, a choice of two processors, 1.9GHz Cortex A15 or the quad-core 1.6GHz Cortex A7. The main camera should be a 13-megapixel and should run Android 4. 3 Jelly Bean. That’s another disappointment, as we had hoped to see the Galaxy Note 3 with Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, but this was a no show at the Google I/O event earlier this week.

So what could be the first Samsung device sporting a flexible display? It’s highly unlikely that we will see Samsung release a new device in 2013 featuring a flexible display (and fingerprint scanner), but 2014 should be a different story. It’s very possible to see the Samsung Galaxy S5 with a flexible display, as a new radical design is needed – especially if they wish to keep their customers happy. As we said above, the S4 never had the radical design change expected, so the S5 certainly needs to deliver in that department.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One are the two latest handsets on the market, and are pretty much the best of what Android has to offer at this moment. Both have the latest in cell phone technology, although some of you believe that while the S4 has the edge in terms of speed, the One has the better build quality.

We’ve seen all sorts of comparison tests with these two handsets, such as benchmark, camera, battery and overall performance. However, we don’t think we have seen any reviews on video footage of the Galaxy S4 vs. S3, iPhone 5, HTC One, Nokia Lumia 920 and the Sony Xperia Z.

Most video capture reviews display them individually, which means you will find it hard to see the differences, as these smartphones shoot at different frame rates. However, by putting all the video footage of these handsets on one video side-by-side you get a better understanding of their diverse qualities.

The test was conducted by CNET UK, and you’ll see how he strapped all six handsets to a bendable metal rule and then went for a walk. It’s clear to see that the Lumia 920 stood out because of its optical image stabilization, which meant that video footage is much smoother. The 920 also had the most vivid colors, although in some cases it was too much.

The HTC performed pretty well, as did the iPhone 5, but you’ll notice in the video that the footage looked a little too dark, something I’ve noticed a lot with my iPhone 5. The Galaxy S4 is superb when it comes to taking still images, but shooting videos lets itself down because of how shaky it is.

Having said that, we have to wonder if the S4 image stabilization was turned, as it is switched off by default? Also it would have been a better test if a less flexible strip of metal was used, as the outside edges would have had more movement.

Are you happy with this test, or do you find it amateurish?

Even though the iPhone 5 is almost 8 months old, it’s still a very capable handset and sales are still impressive. However, there are two new kids on the block ready to show Apple’s aging smartphone a thing or two, and even though they talk a good talk, do they have the goods to deliver?

We have three videos for your viewing pleasure with one aim, to see how these three handsets fair. However, because this article is directed more for those of you thinking of getting a HTC One, this is our main focus. So the first video will look at the HTC One against the Samsung Galaxy S4, the second against the iPhone 5, and the third all three with each other.

First up we have a HTC One vs. Galaxy S4 benchmark test. This side-by-side comparison is of the best-of-the-best Android handsets, and while we know benchmark test scores don’t mean everything, it does give you an idea. The video runs for a little under 14 minutes, so is very thorough, although we kind of feel the reviewer is a little biased towards the S4, as he keeps saying it has the better hardware, when the two are evenly matched.

The second video is a HTC One vs. iPhone 5 benchmark comparison, and it’s like a comedy moment because of the size difference. It’s clear to see from the start that the iPhone 5S is starting on its back foot, as it has a slower processor speed. However, the results are not as far apart as you would’ve thought.

Finally we have a benchmark test video that puts all three of these handsets together, so which of the three do you think comes out on top? However, this is in German, but the benchmark tests are still the same, so just turn your sound down. We were unable to embed this one, so you will have to view it here.

The stock version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be released on June 26 and will come with Android 4.2. The best part is that this will have none of the bloatware, which is currently a concern with the current version on sale.

Not a lot is known about the Galaxy S4 Stock Android model, but Engadget has had some hands-on time with the new model, which comes with 16GB of storage. The mobile OS version will be Android 4.2.2, just like you get on the latest Nexus handset. What users will like about this model is the lack of all that extra software Samsung loves to put on to not only slow the device, but take up valuable space.

From what Engadget can tell this version is also much faster without TouchWiz, which comes as no surprise. However, some users may not like the plain look, as the Galaxy S4 Stock Android model will seem a little bland to some of you, although this is a small price to pay for the advantages.

Samsung Galaxy S4 update to rectify storage issue – We recently reported that the Samsung Galaxy S4 has been suffering from the same storage issues as the Microsoft Surface Pro, and while the latter hasn’t done much to try and resolve the issue (apart from saying buy alternative storage) the former may consider dealing with the issue in a more traditional way, although they recently suggested the same as Microsoft.

For those of you who live in the UK, you may be familiar with the BBC show Watchdog, where they try to get to the bottom of viewer’s complaints. The latest episode saw consumers complain about the amount of space being taken up with pre-installed software on the Galaxy S4.

Take the Galaxy S4 16GB model; well there is only 8GB available for you to store your apps, music, photos and videos. Okay, so we know you can purchase a microSD card, but you shouldn’t have to. As a result of these and other complaints, we could see a Samsung Galaxy S4 update to help rectify the storage issue.

One of the main reasons why the S4 is storage hungry is because of TouchWiz, as some of its features loves to take up a huge amount of space. It’s not sure how Samsung will be able to resolve the issue on those who currently have the handset, but new models could come with less bloatware.

It makes you wonder where the 8GB goes, because it’s hard to believe that this is going on the OS and bloatware? To give you an idea of how much free space you get on a stock Android device, currently 2.7GB of storage space is being used on the Nexus 4 16GB model. We’ll be interested to know how much free space there will be in the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition.

Thanks to CNET UK.

If you bought the Samsung Galaxy S4 at launch, you may have suffered a state of shock when you checked your internal storage on the device. Samsung has made the 16GB Galaxy S4 their primary device at the moment, but only 8GB or so is available for the user to freely utilize after a significant portion of that 16GB memory is eaten up by system resources.

That shock may have even turned to despair when you then realized that you couldn’t freely transfer your apps over to the MicroSD card. As a result, it means that many Galaxy S4 users have a memory crisis on their hands, with most now starting to feel regret that they didn’t wait for the 32GB variant.

Fortunately, we’re hearing whispers on Samsung potentially coming up with a solution to solve the memory problems. When speaking to CNET UK, the company revealed that they are studying ways in which they can free up more usable internal memory for consumers, by making further use of software optimization.

The statement was in response to the company being investigated by the infamous BBC Watchdog programme, following complaints from angry consumers who discovered that they only have half of the advertised memory to play around with. We see system resources all the time with new smartphone launches, but perhaps 8GB out of 16GB is a little too much to take.

While music can be saved on a MicroSD card, the majority of apps cannot – especially memory intensive games which are now starting to appear on the Google Play Store with file sizes in excess of 1GB. A couple of these games, some media apps and perhaps a currency app will already leave you close to the limit on the Galaxy S4 16GB.

If you are suffering from these exact same problems on your 16GB model, let us know your thoughts on an advertised 16GB, turning out to be 8 or 9GB in reality. From buying the device at launch – how much memory do you currently have left?

[Image courtesy of CNET].

Later this year both Apple and Samsung will be updating two of their devices, with one a tablet and the other pretending to be one. We’re talking about the iPad mini 2 and the Galaxy Note 3. It’s obvious there will be changes to these devices, with Apple’s tablet expected to be a little smaller while keeping the same display size, and Samsung’s to see a slight increase in screen size to 6 inches.

So that means the iPad mini 2 will stick with a 7.9-inch screen and the Galaxy Note 3 will benefit from a (rumored) 6-inch display. It’s this that will cause some confusion, as some of you would rather go for the Note 3 because the screen will only be about 1.9 inches smaller than the mini 2.

Going for the Galaxy Note 3 will have its pros and cons, because while you have a pretty decent screen size, and the ability to make calls, there are still limitations. The size for some is just too large to be classed as a phone, and begins to get very awkward trying to use with one hand, like you would with a standard smartphone.

However, the iPad mini 2 will be an even better tablet than its predecessor, and makes it a far more practical tablet for some because of its smaller size. Okay, the screen is smaller than the full size iPad and larger than the Note 3 will be, so is regarded as the middle ground. Then again, because it will not be able to make standard cell phone calls, this will draw people to phablets like the upcoming Note 3.

It’s clear that even though Apple and Samsung are working to make the iPad mini 2 and Galaxy Note 3 better products than their predecessors, is seems some people still need a tablet and a phone, we just wonder where the cutoff point will be where the tablet makes a perfect smartphone as well?

It’s obvious that people will be looking at the iPhone 5S and how it will be able to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4, but from what we already think we know, these two devices will not be all that competitive. We all have high hopes for the next-generation iPhone to come with radical changes, but Tim Cook has already ruled this out.

What to expect from the iPhone 5S – The iPhone 5S will be similar in design to the current model, so a 4-inch display. However, we could still see multiple colors, a fingerprint sensor (expect to see this on the Galaxy S5), a faster processor and improved 12-megapixel camera. It’s clear to see that most of the changes will be under the hood, well that’s what analyst Peter Misek believes.

iPhone 5S vs. Samsung Galaxy S4 – Questions are being asked as to how these two will compare, and from what we know so far Samsung has the advantage because of the early release of their flagship handset. There’s also another point to consider, how can the 5S compete with the S4 when one will have a 4-inch display, while the other benefits from a 5-inch screen?

Many users much prefer a larger display so these two handsets are for different users, as not all love a larger screen. However, most smartphone users are warming to the idea of a larger screen, and so Samsung will take a significant share of the high-end smartphone market.

For those who believe that there will be an iPhone with a larger screen in 2013, then forget it, as we won’t see this until June 2014 at the earliest, as we said above, even Tim Cook said there will be no larger display iPhone this year.

As for the iPhone 5S release date, we don’t expect to hear an announcement during WWDC 2013, which we explained in more detail here.

A top analyst has seen a pattern emerging, and that is smartphones due for release later this year could incorporate fingerprint readers. This doesn’t come as a surprise because there has already been hints that the next iPhone (iPhone 5S or 6) will use this technology. This leads us to believe that this could also be the case for the Galaxy S4 successor.

We’ve already looked at possible Galaxy S5 designs, as Samsung is expected to make use of a curved display, 3D, and we’ve also seen a concept design, so now we want to take a closer look at this extra security measure.

GottaBeMobile has already taken a look at a sort of wish list for the S5, and no one mentioned the idea of a Samsung Galaxy S5 with fingerprint sensor. Again, if Apple was to include this in their next smartphone, then Samsung will not let that happen without an alternative, although this could mean the Galaxy Note 3 is a serious contender for a fingerprint sensor instead?

Including fingerprint sensors on smartphones will become popular in a year or so because of the added benefits, such as making fast and secure payments, as you could order something online and just use your fingerprint (which stores all your payment information) for the payment to go through.

So far none of the top smartphones has this feature, and we’re sure Samsung will not want Apple to beat them to market, which is the reason we believe the Note 3 could make use of this technology first.

Going back to that Samsung Galaxy S5 wish list, a new design is high on the list, as is Android 5.0 key Lime Pie, which didn’t even make a showing during the Google I/O 2013 keynote yesterday.

What are the chances of the Galaxy S5 incorporating a fingerprint sensor?

This article should help some of our readers that are still trying to decide what Android smartphone should be their next purchase, and have already narrowed the choice down with the main options being the Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One. We have taken a look at some of the latest reviews that put these popular Android phones against one another.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One in three confrontations – below this article you will find three videos that were uploaded to YouTube within the last week or so, and deliver hands-on insight and a verdict between the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4.

The first video runs for almost 30 minutes and provides one of the longest and most insightful reviews yet, although we won’t spoil the verdict between Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, so you’ll need to watch the hands-on review or skip to the end but we recommend watching it all. You’ll learn more about the specs for both smartphones, media performance, useful features and differences in user interface.

If you care about listening to music on the Samsung Galaxy S4 or HTC One built-in speakers, then this first review clearly points out that the HTC One built-in speakers are a lot better than Samsung’s flagship smartphone. You can also see how smooth gaming is on both handsets and a lot more.

We have included two more HTC One vs. Samsung Galaxy S4 video reviews below the first video, which are shorter in length but well worth watching for more insight. The second hands-on video has over 2,000 likes and hardly any dislikes, so this 11-minute review is recommended by the YouTube community and might be due to it covering most aspects and being right to the point.

Finally, our last video putting the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One side-by-side is a little more bias, which aims to explain why the Galaxy S4 is better than HTC One with 25 reasons. This video has been liked almost 1,000 times and has a lot more likes than dislikes, so again it is well worth a watch to see if they have any valid points in your opinion.

Watch the three videos comparing the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, and then let us know if any of these reviews changed your mind? If you want to see these two smartphones compared with a focus on cameras, then you should see our earlier article featuring a thorough camera test.