UPDATE 5: RUMOUR: iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy Note 2?

In the ever-changing mobile world - there are 2 major players. Apple and Samsung. They are locked in with each other with several legal cases against each other around the world, and Apple is steadily decreasing their purchases from Samsung in favour of companies like Sharp, LG, and Japan Display Inc. 

Both companies are expected to launch their newest flagship phones in the near future!

Samsung has announced that their latest Galaxy product will be unveiled on August 15th - perhaps the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Rumours state that it might just be the Galaxy Note 2. The international version will feature a Exynos 4 Quad-core processor @ 1.6 GHz, 200 MHz higher than the S3 (Similar to the original Note).

But then - we have LTE in North America, so will Samsung use a LTE chip like the S3 in Korea, or use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with an upgraded Adreno 320 GPU? It is expected to have a 1280 x 800 screen, maybe 5.5 inches large?!?

On the other hand, Apple says that they expect to launch their iPhone 5 in fall. They are using in-cell displays (which combine the touch sensors with the display), to make it more responsive and .5mm thinner. It is also expecting a nano-SIM card to miniaturize computing. It is also expected to be thinner than 8mm, and house a full metal body (thank goodness).

Speculated prices are as low as $169 - in the ever homicidal smartphone market. Foxconn's CEO even went as far as to say that the iPhone 5 would "Put the Galaxy S3 to shame"!

UPDATE 1(July 23, 2012 8:14 PST): The iPhone 5 is slated to arrive September 21st, with a smaller 19-pin connector, and the headphone jack to be relocated to the lower-left. A 3.99 inch screen is expected with a 1136 x 640 resolution.

UPDATE 2(July 24, 2012 8:31 PST): Apple shares plummeted 5% (about 30 points) in after-hours trading today, as earnings rose 21% (but not beating analysts' expectations), as anticipation for the iPhone 5 builds up.

UPDATE 3(August 2, 2012 5:26 PM PST): The Galaxy Note launch is expected to be August 29th, after Mobilesyrup received an invitation to a Samsung Unpacked event, which had a magic wand which resembles a S pen.

UPDATE 4(August 6, 2012 5:42 PM EST): Apparently the Galaxy Note 10.1 will be launched in August, but there is no confirmed information from Samsung. It's basically a Galaxy Tab 10.1 with new hardware, and a stylus.

UPDATE 5(September 25, 2012 5:34 PM EST): New info for the Samsung Galaxy Note II is available here. It also includes carriers.

Specs as confirmed by Samsung:

• 10.1 '' 1280 x 800
• 1.4 GHz CPU (Quad-core)
• 2GB RAM
• 5 MP Back camera
• 1.9 MP Front camera
• Bluetooth 4.4
• Wifi, 3G
• USB 2.0
• 16/32/64 GB onboard storage
• up to 64GB microSD supported
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Are you excited about either phone? Leave us a comment below!