Upcoming Android Phones 2014: Semi-Flagship Rivals Hit Indian Market, Which Is The Better Smartphone The Galaxy Alpha Or The Xperia Z3 Compact?

It's just been several weeks after the IFA event in Berlin, but it looks like manufacturers are already willing to launch their respective upcoming Android phones in 2014 in emerging markets to get some early traction in the market. 

Today, two competing handsets have arrived in India, but who will be the superior handset?

According to separate reports by GSM Arena, both the Galaxy Alpha from Samsung and the Xperia Z3 Compact from Sony will be making their debuts in the Indian subcontinent, considered by many as the second largest smartphone market in the world. 

So what has each one have in store?

As for the Galaxy Alpha, the Android handset packs a 4.7-inch screen with HD (1280 x 720) resolution, 2GB of RAM, an Exynos 5430 chipset, octa-core CPU, a 12MP primary camera and a 2.1MP front shooter. 

Also on board is a 32GB built-in memory, though storage expansion via microSD card is not available. Considering these specs, the Samsung smartphone is clearly made to rival the new iPhone 6. Unfortunately, it missed out on some of the Galaxy S5's cool features.

Meanwhile, the Xperia Z3 Compact is more of a semi-Android flagship killer. Boasting a 4.6-inch display with the same 720p resolution, 2GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 801 chipset, and a microSD card slot, the phone indeed edges the Alpha in a lot o aspects, especially in the camera department. The Xperia Z3 gets the 'staple' camera tech for high-end Sony phones, its 20.MP shooter.

Some added considerations to buy either device include the Galaxy Alpha's metal frame, the first in a Samsung smartphone, while Sony's handset packs a slimmer design with the same water and dust resistant body.

In the report, the Alpha costs INR 39,990 or about $654 while the Z3 Compact is priced stepper at INR 44,990 or $732.