The techie wars are setting the mercury levels soaring. Rivals Samsung and Apple are brewing up a storm with their rumored offerings - the Galaxy Note 2 and iPad Mini, slated for an August and September release, respectively. In the phablet versus the tablet saga, how do the arch rivals measure up against each other?

Gone are the days when big was beautiful. A gadget's compactness and sleek design make it or break it, playing a pivotal role in its success story. We give you a peek into the gizmo wonders.

Reports also indicate that the screens will feature indium gallium zinc oxide panel technology. Apple will also include an improved battery in the iPad Mini. Battery issues have been Apple's bane as it drains out quickly courtesy the various apps. With the screen size hogging all the limelight and floating conjectures, little else is known about Apple's tablet offering.

All that one has been able to glean about the iPad Mini has been from leaks and rumors. Leaks of purported iPad Mini case renderings suggested that it would be 7.4mm thin compared to its 9.3mm predecessor. Also, according to iMore "Apple will be keeping costs lower by providing less storage capacity. $200 to $250 will get you 8GB."

The tablet will be priced around the $200 mark to compete with entry-level tablets.

According to a recent report by iMore, Apple's iPad Mini is slated for a September 21 and not October release.

Galaxy Note 2 - The Futuristic Phablet

Samsung's Galaxy S3 has been breathing down iPhone's neck and tech pundits are touting it as the iPhone 5 killer. With the Galaxy Note 2, Samsung is looking at strengthening its market stronghold and eating into Apple's market share, a hefty chunk of the Apple pie at that.

According to speculations and the floating rumors, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Note 2 in two separate events on August 15 and August 30, respectively. The release date would likely be different for the American and European markets.

Samsung's Galaxy Note line-up supports a capacitive stylus pen - the reason the Korean tech giant dubs it the "Note". The Galaxy Note 2 will sport a 5.5-inch display, which is 0.2 inches larger than its predecessor - the Galaxy Note. Several new features will be included in the Note 2: design, camera sensors, and a new processor.

According to the Examiner, "it might go to a Super HD AMOLED display with rgb format, instead of the PenTile screens in the Note and Galaxy S3."

The 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2 is rumored to have a quad-core Exynos processor and the Exynos 4412. The processor for the S3 and Galaxy Note 2 (Exynos 4 Quad) may be same; however, the Galaxy Note edges out S3 by clocking higher at 1.6GHz.

According to the leaks, the device packs a mean punch with 1.5GB of RAM, a 12- to 13-megapixel rear camera, and possibly, 4G LTE data speeds. Additionally, the Galaxy Note 2 may be shipped with the latest Android 4.1 OS.

Detractors have opined that phablets are not popular. With 7 million units sold worldwide, the Galaxy Note broke the myth and silenced critics proving that a market for 5-inch smartphones exists.

Its successor, Galaxy Note 2 is set to make a mark but will burn a hole in your wallet, thanks to the lofty $900 to $1000 (non-contract) rumored price.

The gap between Samsung and Apple is slowly widening. Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC averred "Samsung employs a 'shotgun' strategy wherein many models are created that cover a wide range of market segments. Apple, in contrast, offers a small number of high-profile models. While both companies have expanded their geographic presence in pursuit of market share, the two companies will inevitably come into greater conflict as both try to generate additional gains."

With both Apple and Samsung gearing up for pre-holiday season onslaughts, the phablet versus tablet battle is intensifying. Both the iPad Mini and the Galaxy Note 2 have a gamut of features on offer; so, it will be interesting to see who walks away with top honors. Ultimately, the consumer will be the winner.