Coming iPhone 5 Release Creates Intro Frenzy for Smartphone Makers

It would appear that iPhone hysteria is almost upon us, as Apple has scheduled an undisclosed press event for September 12. If precedent serves us correctly, we can expect the release of the iPhone 5 to be monumental, as Apple sold 4 million iPhone 4S units during the its first three-day weekend last year.

The iPhone 5's release is predicted to not only match that record but surpass it; with sales expected to surpass 10 million units within the first week according to Gene Munster analyst Piper Jaffray. According to JP Morgan Analyst Mark Moskowitz, the iPhone 5 is going to hit sales breaching 168 million units over the course of 2013, greatly expanding from his earlier prediction of 147 million units. While there is still some speculation as how many iPhones will sell when the device finally releases, one thing is for certain -- this release is going to be huge.

Analysts are not the only ones who are predicting the release of the iPhone 5 to be larger than life, as many rival phone makers are attempting to make their big announcements/unveils before Apple shows its new handset. Usually there is a lull in the industry between IFA and Labor Day as people are recovering from their vacations and gearing up for the all the big announcements due to hit later this fall, but this September is anything but lax, with Samsung, Nokia, and Motorola all making big reveals.

Although this is certainly not the norm for the smartphone industry, these companies have helped to illuminate that there are other smartphones besides Apple's. While we may have trouble grasping this concept in the months to come, there are plenty of great handsets on the way. Here's a list of a few that you should keep your eyes on:

Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820

The new pair of Nokia smartphones will be the first from this company to run Windows 8 Phone OS. This will offer users a greater level of customization, allowing users to modify their start screens along with creating/editing live titles that offer real-time updates.

The Nokia Lumia 920 is going to be be the higher-end device of the pair, offering impressive specs including its 1.5 dual-core GHz processor, 1GB of ram, and a 4.5-inch Pure Motion HD plus display with a 1280 x 768 resolution. The truly defining characteristic of the device however, will be its impressive 8.7-megapixel camera that will offer a very high level of imaging quality in a handset, being able to take in five times more light than competing smartphones.

The Lumia 820 will, in turn, offer slightly lower specs (albeit at a more affordable price) including a 4.3-inch 800 x 430 display, 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM.

Here's our full preview of the Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820.

Motorola Droid RAZR M, Droid RAZR HD, RAZR HD MAXX

The most notable of Verizon's recently-unveiled trio of Android-based smartphones is the RAZR M, which offers a 4.3-inch display. 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM. Combining all of that with an impressive 8-megapixel camera, the RAZR M offers high-end specs at the attractive price point of $100 with a two-year contract.

Verizon also will introduce the Motorola RAZR HD and RAZR Maxx HD, which will basically serve as augmented versions of the previous mid-ranged device . They will boast 4.7-inch HD displays and are expected to offer an update to 4.1 Jelly Bean upon release -- which will be some time before the holidays.

The trio will offer a sleek aesthetic as each device has a thin frame that does a great job of accentuating the beautiful HD displays. If looks are as important as performance the Motorola trio may be worth a second look.

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G most likely won't be a direct competitor with the iPhone 5. Instead, this handset will look to provide a more pragmatic utilitarian experience for users, offering the Android OS running on a noteworthy 1.5GHz dual-processor with the functionality of the its full five-row QWERTY keyboard. This device will still be geared to be aesthetically pleasing with its 4-inch super AMOLED display with 1280 x 720 resolution; however, many of the features will revolve around the ideal of utility, such as its full suite of enterprise designated capabilities. This will serve as a (most likely) cheaper option for those prioritizing form over function.

For those interested in the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G, it's set to release exclusively at T-Mobile retailers sometime in the coming weeks.

AT&T Pantech Flex

The Pantech Flex differs from the other smartphones on this list as it is designed with first time smartphone users in mind. The device will offer an 'easy experience' mode, which will limit the interface to a single home screen equipped with large text and buttons, greatly simplifying the experience. Users will also be able to switch to a second mode that offers a standard interface for users who want more customization.

Just because the Pantech is new user friendly doesn't mean that it won't pack serious hardware. The handset will offer a 4.3-inch HD Super AMOLED display 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor. The Pantech is set to release September 16 at the affordable price of $50 (with a two year contract).

If the idea of a smartphone has always been appealing, but the complex nuances have always intimated you the Android-Powered Pantech Flex may be worth looking into.