The cat is out of the bag: Samsung's and HTC's flagships are coming to town. But while they are set for an April launch, some might be able to get their hands on one, or at least on a pre-order form, earlier than others. If you're a bit confused on where to get them, if you haven't sworn fealty to a carrier, Android Community has the low down on availability dates as well as some prices to help you make the decision of which smartphone to get this year.
Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge
The good news is that both the Galaxy S6 and its dual edge cousin will be available in the US and from all major carriers. It all boils down to when they will actually land in stores. Different carriers, different dates, different prices. Here's the Cliff Notes version on Samsung's twins.
Pre-order: Starts March 27
Shipping/Retail: Unspecified
Colors: Black Sapphire, White Pearl, Gold Platinum
Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Prices:
Galaxy S6: 32 GB starts at $22.84/mo on Next 24
Galaxy S6 edge: 32 GB starts at $27.17/mo on Next 24
Pre-order: Starts March 27, 7 a.m. PT
Shipping/Retail: April 10 (pre-orders will get theirs before this date)
Colors: Black Sapphire, White Pearl (Gold Platinum still to come)
Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Prices:
Galaxy S6: 32 GB $28.33/mo x 24 or $679.92; 64 GB $99.99 down + $27.50/mo x 24 or $759.99; 128 GB $199.99 down + $27.50/mo x 24 or $859.99
Galaxy S6 edge: 32 GB $0 down + $32.49/mo x 24 or $779.76; 64 GB $99.99 down + $31.66/mo x 24 or $859.83; 128 GB $199.99 down + $31.66/mo x 24 or $959.83
Pre-order: Starts April 1
Shipping/Retail: Unspecified
Colors: Black Sapphire, White Pearl
Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Prices:
Galaxy S6: 32 GB 24.99/mo x 24 on Edge or $599.99; 64 GB $29.16/mo x 24 on Edge or $699.99; 128 GB $33.33/mo x 24 on Edge or $799.99
Galaxy S6 edge: 32 GB 29.16/mo x 24 on Edge or $699.99; 64 GB $33.33/mo x 24 on Edge or $799.99; 128 GB $37.49/mo x 24 on Edge or $899.99
Of course, you can also get your Samsung fix from prepaid carriers such as Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and MetroPCS, who will only have the Galaxy S6, as well as retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Costco, Sam's Club, and Target, who will carry both.
Be sure to check out our brief hands-on of the Galaxy S6 as well as the Galaxy S6 edge.
HTC One M9
Of course, HTC's "jewel grade" One M9 isn't that far behind. Although somewhat disappointing in its hesitation to make a leap of faith, fans will undoubtedly appreciate the refinement of their favorite smartphone. Like Samsung's contenders, the One M9 will be available across major carriers as well as directly from HTC itself. Here are the details.
Pre-order: Starts March 27
Shipping/Retail: April 10 (pre-orders can get theirs on the same day if ordered before 1 p.m. CT)
Colors: Gold on Siilver, Gunmetal Gray
Prices: $23.64 on Next 24 or $708.99
Pre-order: Starts March 27, 6 a.m. PT
Shipping/Retail: April 10
Colors: Unspecified
Prices: $27.08/mo x 24 or $649.92
Pre-order: Starts April 1
Shipping/Retail: April 10
Colors: Gold on Siilver, Gunmetal Gray
Prices: $24.99/mo x 24 on Edge
The HTC One M9 is also available unlocked from HTC 's website for $649. Retail partners who will also carry the smartphone include Amazon, Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, Costco Wholesale, and Target.
Get to know more about the HTC One M9 on our review of HTC's early 2015 champion.