Samsung is expected to release an upgraded device called the Galaxy Note 3 perhaps in the month of September. The competition will be fierce in the hotly contested smartphone and phablet arena.

A hot topic is what the actual features are in each device. The iPhone 5S is closer to standard size, so there is a wide selection of carrying cases and similar accessories, and since these accessories are widely available, they are also less expensive. The Galaxy Note 3 has a larger screen and is harder to fit, and the ones available are more expensive.

The Galaxy Note 3 is expected to have improved screen quality at full HD screen level. The S-Pen feature may be changed. It comes with an 8-core processor with 3GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera and a metal case.

On the other hand the Apple iPhone is expected to have a plastic cover. It’s expected to have a dual core processor, an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 4-inch screen display.

The iPhone is expected to be less than $600, while the Galaxy Note 3 may be over $600. In all fairness the Galaxy Note 3 is not the Galaxy S4 and is a larger smartphone than the next iPhone.

Samsung has sold 10 million units in the first month making it the best-selling smartphone ever. Samsung has also sold other variants of the same Galaxy S4 model, such as the Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Zoom and the Galaxy S4 Mini.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be released around September. The next generation flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5, may not be released until 2014. Despite being perhaps a year away, designers with vivid imaginations are making concept models.

The phone features a 5-inch 1080p display like the Galaxy S4 and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It also features a fingerprint reader performing security functions, which is also rumored to be included in the next iPhone. Rumors suggest that Samsung could be playing with the idea. The 16 megapixel camera has optical image stabilization and a next-generation Exynos 5 Octa processor.

The Galaxy S5 concept has a water resistant metal design making the current plastic case obsolete, which is also supported by rumors. It no longer features the physical home button and instead uses on-screen keys and utilizes a new version of TouchWiz.

Based on specs, the two devices are somewhat different. Galaxy Note II runs on a 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos 4412 processor, and the Optimus G Pro has a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor. The screen resolution of the Optimus G Pro is 1920 x 1080, while the Galaxy Note II is 1280 x 720. The Optimus G Pro doesn’t feature a built-in stylus.

The camera resolution of the Optimus G Pro is superior with 13 megapixels, while the Galaxy Note II has 8 megapixels. The Optimus G Pro has a 2.1 megapixel front facing camera, while the Galaxy Note II is 1.9 megapixel. The megapixel rating is only one factor of the camera, so it takes more to evaluate their ability to take pictures.

In cases like this where hardware is very similar, manufacturers try to display real differences through the software. The LG Optimus G Pro includes the ability to collaborate with others and it allows several windows to be viewed at the same time.

Through AT&T, the LG Optimus G Pro costs $199.99 with a contract and discounts.

The 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage interest rates are available starting at 2.875% at BoA with an APR of 2.980%.  7 year ARM loans have been quoted at 3.375% today showing an APR of 3.208%.  The 10/1 ARM interest rates have been offered at 3.750% today with a starting APR of 3.511%.  

The benchmark 30 year refinance FRM interest rates at BoA start at 4.125% carrying an APR of 4.269% today.  Shorter term, popular 15 year refi fixed rate loan interest rates have been offered at 3.625% and an APR of 3.777%.  5/1 ARM interest rates at BoA have been quoted at 2.875%. showing an APR of 2.976%.  7 year refi ARMs are 3.250% currently and APR of 3.147%.  ARM loans in the 10 year refi category start at 3.625% today yielding an APR of 3.441% to start.  

As far as ARMs go, 5 year deals at Chase Bank have been listed at 2.875% and the APR is 2.981%.  The 7/1 ARMS are being quoted at 3.000% currently and the APR is 3.044%.  

Standard 30 year refinance loan interest rates are 4.125% at Chase Bank and APR of 4.198%.  The shorter term, popular 15 year refinance loan interest rates are available starting at 3.000% today yielding an APR of 3.198%.  5/1 ARM interest rates are published at 3.000% at Chase Bank. with an APR of 3.025%.  7 year refinance ARM loans are being quoted at 3.000% today with an APR of 3.044%.  

Popular 15 year fixed rate loans are coming out at 2.625% at the bank today carrying an APR of 3.001%.  

The FHA 15 year loans are 2.750% carrying an APR of 3.433% today.  The Jumbo 15 year fixed rate mortgages are being quoted at 3.000% and an APR of 3.294% today.  10 year fixed rate mortgages at the bank are being offered for 2.375% today carrying an APR of 2.946%.  3 year ARM loans are listed at 2.500% today showing an APR of 3.413%.  In the ARM arena, 5 year loans at US Bankcorp are coming out at 2.500% and the APR is 3.287% on initial purchase.  

ARM interest rates in the 5 year category at Suntrust are published at 2.490% with an APR of 2.927%.  ARM loans in the 7 year category have been published at 2.600% today showing an APR of 2.927%.  

Standard 30 year refinance loan interest rates at Citibank are available starting at 4.000% today and an APR of 4.210%.  The shorter term 15 year refi loan deals stand at 3.125% carrying an APR of 3.432%.  

Shorter term, popular 15 year fixed rate mortgage interest rates have been quoted at 3.000% today carrying an APR of 3.097%.  

15 year Jumbo fixed rate mortgages can be had for 3.375% carrying an APR of 3.406% today.  

The 7 year Adjustable Rate Mortgages have been published at 2.625%  and APR of 2.984%.  

The benchmark 30 year refinance FRM interest rates have been quoted at 3.990% at Quicken Loans and an APR of 4.176%.  Popular 15 year refi loan deals start at 2.990% yielding an APR of 3.369% today.  The 7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage interest rates have been offered at 2.625%  showing an APR of 2.984%.