Apple vs. Google is probably the biggest rivalry in the tech world. The Android war between HTC and Samsung could however give them a run for their money. The two brands are neck-to-neck with the release of their flagship phones: both the HTC One M9 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 will be ready for pre-order and release at the same time.
It appears from the timing that this is a pre-arranged duel between HTC and Samsung. The manufacturers simultaneously issued statements that pre-orders would start at midnight on March 27.
The HTC flagship phone, which is already on sale in Europe and Taiwan, will hit stores on April 10, while the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are getting a worldwide release on — yes, April 10.
In addition to the pre-order, Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge phones will be available to demo in certain AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, U.S. Cellular and Best Buy locations from March 27.
AT&T has announced pricing details for both the Samsung and HTC handsets. The 32GB version of the Galaxy S6 starts at $22.84 per month for 30 months, which works out to about a $685 off-contract price. The Galaxy S6 Edge is $27.17 per month for 30 months, or roughly $815 off contract. AT&T is selling the HTC M9 for $23.64 per month for 30 months, $199 with a two-year contract or outright for $708.99.
T-Mobile is coming in at a similar price point, charging a little more. The Galaxy S6 and S6 edge will cost $28.33 and $32.49 per month over 24 months, which equates to $679.92 and $779.76 respectively — over $100 more than AT&T. The HTC M9 will set you back $27.08 a month for 24 months, which works out as $650.
The HTC is available directly and unlocked on the Taiwanese manufacturer's online store for $649. It carries the promise that the phone will arrive at your door before going on sale in stores on April 10. Neither Sprint or Verizon has released their pricing details yet.
Both phones were unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona at the start of March to positive reviews. The Galaxy S6 has the extra appeal of the curved edges, but the regular S6 and the HTC One M9 are quite well matched. You can see comparison of the handsets here.
It will be interesting to see how the HTC fares against the more popular Samsung brand. The little tête-à-tête is likely to boost the sales of both devices with a little extra publicity.
