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Samsung and HTC reveal release dates, pricing

New phones from Samsung and HTC will be available in U.S. stores starting April 10, with advance orders for the new HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S6 beginning on Friday. However, prices will vary by mobile service provider.

HTC will stick to the same design and size while improving the camera. The HTC One will also allow users to personalize their home screens based on their locations. The new HTC One will even come with a one-time replacement policy if the phone gets smashed or cracked.

Samsung has also improved the camera and software interface of its new phone, but will swap the back cover of the S6 from a plastic cover to a more stylish metal and glass casing. Samsung has changed the back cover material in order to compete with the iPhone better.

AT&T will allow customers to buy a Galaxy S6 with a $685 installment plan or a higher-end Galaxy S6 Edge for $815.

T-Mobile will also follow suit, pricing the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge at $680 and $780 respectively, while the HTC One will be available for $650.

Sprint customers can also get the new models. They will be able to either lease an S6 for free or purchase an S6 for $650 through Sprint’s prepaid Boost Mobile service. The Galaxy S6 Edge will be available on a $5 a month plan and an $80 a month Unlimited Plus plan. However after two years, customers must either pay the remaining balance for the phone or continue with a $20 a month leasing plan for the S6 and $25 plan for the Edge. The HTC One will be available for $20 a month.

Although orders will not start until next Wednesday, Verizon prices will be cheaper. Customers can buy a Galaxy S6 or an HTC One for $600. The Galaxy S6 Edge will sell for $700. Although the HTC One will be available on April 10, Verizon has not disclosed a selling date for the S6 or the S6 Edge.

AP