Over the years, Apple and Samsung have battled their way to greatness, both coming up with products that became icons of the digital era. Today, as competition in the smartphone arena heats up, expectations from their next flagships have only become higher, with the iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 brewed in the rumor mills.

The devices have not been confirmed yet, only predicted based on conventional launching patterns. Followers would know that the current Apple flagship, the iPhone 6, was introduced back in September, while the Samsung Galaxy S6 was unwrapped last month. Both devices were unveiled with companion handsets, the iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, respectively.

At this point, we'll be looking at how the alleged upcoming devices compare against each other, as far as speculations are concerned. Since we're yet to hear from Apple and Samsung, these details are best taken with healthy pinches of salt.

Release Date

Before we get into specs and features, note that the iPhone 7 is speculated to launch this fall, according to recent reports. Stabley Times is convinced that the device may arrive with the likewise-rumored iPhone 6s, the latter being a mid-price model. Alternatively, it is said the Cupertino giant may unveil the iPhone 6s soon, while the iPhone 7 waits until 2016 before it sees the light of day.

However, recalling Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction, KGI Securities analyst, Apple could ditch the idea of an iPhone 6s and head straight to the iPhone 7. His forecast, however, does not entirely kill the 4-inch iPhone, currently assumed to be the iPhone 6c.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected to arrive next year, following the lineup's usual MWC appearance. It is also speculated that its release could depend on the iPhone 7's launch, being an anticipated rival.

Design

Citing a patent filed earlier this year, the Ecumenical News notes that the iPhone 7 is rumored to have a flexible display. This must not be mistaken with a curved screen, such as that sported by the LG G Flex or Samsung Galaxy Note Edge / S6 Edge, but rather, speculations have it that we're bound to see a device that's actually bendable on purpose.

Interestingly, the Galaxy S7 is also thought to be a foldable smartphone. This makes the competition even better, because as far as reports suggest, Apple and Samsung will be vying for the world's first flexible handset.

Display

In terms of display, the iPhone 7 is thought to have a bezel-less screen, protected by a sapphire-alternative material. Sidewall displays, reminiscent of the Galaxy S6 Edge, is also seen as a possibility.

The Galaxy S7 is assumed to sport a 4K display, packed in a 5.5-inch AMOLED panel. In this case, Samsung may be battling over Sharp's 4K pilot, since the company reportedly announced its intention to produce similar displays using IGZO technology.

Camera

The iPhone 7's camera is probably one of the most controversial things rumored about the device. This springs from a speculation which claimed that Apple could equip it with professional-quality technology, similar to DSLR.

ValueWalk says Apple has thought of a "revolutionary periscope camera," a snapper that makes use of "wobbling mirrors and multiple zooming lens elements." Rumors also have it that Sony is supplying the iPhone 7 with 21 MP CMOS sensors.

According to the Venture Capital Post, the Galaxy S7 may be upgraded from the S6's 16 MP rear camera to a whopping 30 MP capacity. Meanwhile, its front snapper is marked at 10 MP, doubling the S6's 5 MP.

Processor, RAM and Storage Options

Speculations geared towards the iPhone 7's A9 chips also add up to the early hype. As followers would know, Samsung is believed to have secured a deal in supplying the new processors, replacing Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg. Co. Ltd. (TSMC) as Apple's source. Rumors also claim the inclusion of 2 GB of RAM and a 64 GB starting storage within the device.

As cited by Realty Today, the Galaxy S7 is touted to arrive with 4 GB and 6 GB of RAM. Expected to run a 64-bit Exynos processor, storage options are temporarily listed at 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB.

Operating System

With the iOS 9 speculated for introduction in June, it's inevitable to predict that the iPhone 7 ships with the latest version of the operating system at launch.

The Galaxy S7, on the other hand, could run the latest of Android Lollipop, though we have to hear more word about Android 6.0. At this point, the new software is dubbed to be "Milkshake" and "Marshmallow," among other nicks.

Other Features

International Business Times cites a recent concept which puts the Apple Watch's digital crown in the iPhone 7, including a "Sense" button that replaces the Home button. The device is also purported to sport Force Touch, wireless charging and waterproofing abilities.

Samsung is reportedly working on a technology that could make Apple's fingerprint scanning obsolete, BGR previously said. This is called "Iris on the Move," expected to launch within a customized Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 at ISC West 2015.

The outlet sees it possible for Samsung to incorporate the said feature into its next flagship smartphone.

Price

The iPhone 7 is currently thought to retail for at least $649, while the Samsung Galaxy S7 is speculated at $999.

While we're only up with speculations at this point, which of the two flagships are you more looking forward to see? Let us know in the comments below.