Galaxy Note 4 vs. iP6

[raf66]

Hi everyone. Like some on macrumors, I'm looking forward to Apple's "big reveal" on 9/9 to see what the iP6 is all about. I've had the 5 since launch and it was my first iPhone. I've been pleased with the phone and the iOS. No lag, works like it did the day I got it, and the build qualiy is phenomenal. That said, I really want a larger screen.

My VZW update is available next month and I am seriously considering the next iteration of Galaxy Note as well as the iP6. I've handled the Note 3 and really like the screen size and can really see some good uses for the S pen. As a businessman, I use my phone for many things beyond making phone calls, and it seems like the Note foots the bill for many of these uses. And as I'm getting older, every little bit of screen real estate is welcome to my older eyes. Given this, I'm really thinking about getting the Note 4 when it comes out. I will also seriously consider the iP6 if it is released in the rumored 5.5" version (not the 4.7").

As a former Droid X owner from years ago, I have some questions for Note 3 users out there: Do you find that the Android OS is suitable for everyday phone usage in whatever form that usage takes? Is there "lag"? Is the camera comparable to the iP5? Will I be required to reboot the phone every couple of days with battery pulls, etc. In short, has the Android OS been refined? Also is the Note a good build quality (I've heard Samsungs aren't known for that)? Is touch wiz something that enhances the OS, or does it make it worse?

Thanks for the info.

 

[raf66]

The lack of responses leads me to believe that no one really has any strong feelings one way or the other for the Note series. With all the Note topics here I would've thought otherwise. I guess I'll just wait for the N4 and iP6 to come out to compare/contrast the two.

 

[The Game 161]

There is no lag on the note 3.battery life you should not be worried. Easily the best battery life I've ever had on a phone.

Touchwiz isn't for everybody which is why Alot use nova launcher.

There are very few advantages the iPhone has over the note for my needs but everybody's needs are different.

I wouldn't get your hopes up on the 5'5 iPhone being out on time from the sounds

Removable battery is a big plus for me.

 

[tbayrgs]

It's a bit of an 'apples to oranges' (sorry for the terrible pun but it works ) comparison. The Note offers some unique functionality, specifically, the S-Pen, that isn't matched in iOS and won't be available on any iPhone, regardless of the size. If that functionality is one's primary draw to the Note, I don't really see the iPhone as an alternative choice, even at 5.5"

As far as your other questions, I'll offer my $0.02, though I admittedly haven't owned a Note 3, I did own previous generation Note 2 and the Note 10.1 (2014) tablets, so I have some experience with the S-Pen functionality and TouchWiz.

Do you find that the Android OS is suitable for everyday phone usage in whatever form that usage takes?

Absolutely. Even with TouchWiz, the Note 3 is generally considered to be one of the smoothest/quickest Android based user experiences.

Is there "lag"?

Everything has some degree of lag, including the iPhone. The Note 3 is probably Samsung's best when it comes to a near lag free experience.

Is the camera comparable to the iP5?

Very comparable, maybe even better.

Will I be required to reboot the phone every couple of days with battery pulls, etc. In short, has the Android OS been refined?

Since Jellybean, Android is a much more refined OS. How it compares to iOS is more a matter of preference, IMO. Reboots and battery pulls are also pretty much a thing of the past.

Also is the Note a good build quality (I've heard Samsungs aren't known for that)?

Build quality--very good. Build materials--that's more a matter of personal preference.

Is touch wiz something that enhances the OS, or does it make it worse?

There are certainly people who like TouchWiz. Speaking solely based on my own experience and preference, I dislike TouchWiz, so much that I won't considering another Samsung device that uses it as it presently exists. I find the design cartoonish and unappealing, everything seems blown up too large, and more importantly, it's an over bloated resource hog that likely is the source of any occurrence of lag. I also found little use for the S-Pen functionality on such a small device--was more appeal on the tablet but then, still wasn't executed that well. Again, this just my own evaluation of TW based on my personal tastes.

 

[jamezr]

We don't know what new features attributes the N4 or IP6 will bring when they are announced and demonstrated. But to my knowledge the IP6 will not come with a stylus as the N4 will undoubted have.
I am sure there will be pros and cons to both phones. I think they will both be great phones! I will get the 4.7 IP6. The N4 will have the S-Pen and i don't see that kind of functionality coming to the IP anytime soon.

 

[OceanView]

tbayrgs pretty much answered all your questions.
I've been pretty happy with the Note 3. No issues with lag or TW or reboots.

If you can wait the few weeks for both of these official releases I would wait and then decide but you can't go wrong with the Note series.

 

[Gaugerer]

If you want the capabilities of computers such as multi-window multi-tasking, file handling, adding extra storage, replacing batteries etc. with plenty of apps then Samsung provides it. The S-Pen on the Note devices adds further worthwhile flexibility.

I don't experience any lag on my Note 3 and find Touchwiz is needed for the more complex Samsung devices and it improves on basic Android.

 

[MasterRyu2011]

Honestly, you can't really do a compare until both have come out. Do you really need to have a new phone in September, October, November, or December? If not, I say just wait until both have been out and the reviews are in. Go play with them in the stores and see which one feels best in the hand, which is more smooth in terms of the UI, and which camera is best.

In terms of camera features, I'm guessing the Note 4 will have more bells and whistles (more megapixels, 4K shooting, dual camera videos, etc.), as it has always been known for.

I too was a Droid X owner and boy have Android handsets come a long way. Personally, Motorola all the way for me.

 

[xraydoc]

My main hesitation at the Note 4 is Samsung's terrible reputation with timely software updates. Didn't it take like 5 months to get the S4 and N3 on to Kit Kat?

 

[Shanghaichica]

My main hesitation at the Note 4 is Samsung's terrible reputation with timely software updates. Didn't it take like 5 months to get the S4 and N3 on to Kit Kat?

To be fair all android OEM's take a while to update their devices, which can't really be helped.

If you want timely updates you need to get a nexus or a Motorola device. Although with them being bought by Leveno I wonder if it will effect the speed of their updates.

 

[Gaugerer]

My main hesitation at the Note 4 is Samsung's terrible reputation with timely software updates. Didn't it take like 5 months to get the S4 and N3 on to Kit Kat?

Timely updates are always preferred, however updates now are not so important now because Android has matured into a fully functional system and updates are slight improvements rather than must have features.

I would be happy to use kitkat if unable to upgrade to L.

 

[xraydoc]

To be fair all android OEM's take a while to update their devices, which can't really be helped.

If you want timely updates you need to get a nexus or a Motorola device. Although with them being bought by Leveno I wonder if it will effect the speed of their updates.

I have a Nexus... That's why I'm concerned.

 

[Technarchy]

Since neither are out, it's pretty hard to have an opinion.

 

[PFKMan23]

I have a Nexus... That's why I'm concerned.

If you're concerend about updates then stick with a Nexus (or a Motorola assuming that they'll still e relatively prompt when Lenovo finishes up their acquisition of Motorola). Assuming it's possible, you could also look at ROMs, but certain models, like the one of ATT, are painful.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

Overall... If the s pen is a big deal for you, and you have the apps you need on Android (most are present, with alternatives for the ones that are not present ).... Then it is may be your best bet. Why? Android L will completely level the playing field in terms of lag and fluidity of the operating system.

I have an lg g3 right now and it is a wonderful phone. Am I considering the iphone 6...very much so... But that is because of my personal preference.
I'd someone tells you one operating system is way better, in general, than the other... They simply don't know of what they are taking about. It's all about specifics now.

 

[sddabrow]

Overall... If the s pen is a big deal for you, and you have the apps you need on Android (most are present, with alternatives for the ones that are not present ).... Then it is may be your best bet. Why? Android L will completely level the playing field in terms of lag and fluidity of the operating system.

I have an lg g3 right now and it is a wonderful phone. Am I considering the iphone 6...very much so... But that is because of my personal preference.
I'd someone tells you one operating system is way better, in general, than the other... They simply don't know of what they are taking about. It's all about specifics now.

This is spot on and well worded. There are features of the Note 3 I feel like I can't live without, while the exact is going to be true of the iPhone6 with iOS8.

For me, it's going to come down to ecosystem, apps purchased, what phones friends use, and what makes my day to day life easier.

To be honest, I rarely use the pen, Multi window, or any of the air gesture features on the note 3. But there are things like the IR blaster, drag and drop files, replaceable battery, and handling of email attachments that will be hard to replace with the iPhone. On the other side, iMessage, handoff, and airdrop will be extremely valuable to me.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

This is spot on and well worded. There are features of the Note 3 I feel like I can't live without, while the exact is going to be true of the iPhone6 with iOS8.

For me, it's going to come down to ecosystem, apps purchased, what phones friends use, and what makes my day to day life easier.

To be honest, I rarely use the pen, Multi window, or any of the air gesture features on the note 3. But there are things like the IR blaster, drag and drop files, replaceable battery, and handling of email attachments that will be hard to replace with the iPhone. On the other side, iMessage, handoff, and airdrop will be extremely valuable to me.

It is a tough decision. Due to the fact that I don't have cell office signal in my work, but I have great wifi.... Imessage is really handy. At the same time, Android had some really nice features as well.

Price will vs value will be over factor as well. The nexus, running Android L at a value price point, with the usual impressive specs, will be appealing. Plus, if it is made by moto, you can expect good build quality with great ergonomics.

 

[aneftp]

This is a mute discussion if op thinks 5.5 inch iPhone is coming out.

Most likely just one model 4.7 inch is being released.

If op is happy with iOS. Than I would not recommend switching to android/note 4. Even though the note series has been the top samsung performance wise (since it's released in fall so it gets newwrr processors).

Note series is not for everyone. They are "big phones" phablets.

All android phones "lag". It's just android. And I've had all the android devices from android 1.0 to 4 of the 5 nexus phones and 4 out of 5 galaxy S phones as well as note 2 and 3 and now lg g3.

Lag is very minor. People are picky.

Heck. I even see "lag" on my iPhone 5s. Apple hides the lag better than android. But I have to wait for apps to open at times on iOS as well even with the top iPhones.

iPhone cameras tend to be slightly better than galaxy note cameras. It's not a deal breaker.

Bottom line. There won't be a 5.5 inch iPhone this year. You are going to have to choose 4.7 iPhone 2014 model vs 5.7 inch galaxy note 4 model.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

This is a mute discussion if op thinks 5.5 inch iPhone is coming out.

Most likely just one model 4.7 inch is being released.

If op is happy with iOS. Than I would not recommend switching to android/note 4. Even though the note series has been the top samsung performance wise (since it's released in fall so it gets newwrr processors).

Note series is not for everyone. They are "big phones" phablets.

All android phones "lag". It's just android. And I've had all the android devices from android 1.0 to 4 of the 5 nexus phones and 4 out of 5 galaxy S phones as well as note 2 and 3 and now lg g3.

Lag is very minor. People are picky.

Heck. I even see "lag" on my iPhone 5s. Apple hides the lag better than android. But I have to wait for apps to open at times on iOS as well even with the top iPhones.

iPhone cameras tend to be slightly better than galaxy note cameras. It's not a deal breaker.

Bottom line. There won't be a 5.5 inch iPhone this year. You are going to have to choose 4.7 iPhone 2014 model vs 5.7 inch galaxy note 4 model.

You are absolutely correct about the lag. It is present on both systems. I just believe android L will do a equally good job of "hiding" it as ios8.we will have to see.

You seem certain on there not being a larger 5.5 iPhone. Why? With all the leaks it seems likely.

 

[F123D]

I've handled the Note 3 and really like the screen size and can really see some good uses for the S pen. As a businessman, I use my phone for many things beyond making phone calls, and it seems like the Note foots the bill for many of these uses.

If/when apple releases a phablet. I don't see them coming close to the productivity/functionality of Samsung's Note line and their S Pen.

 

[dumastudetto]

You are absolutely correct about the lag. It is present on both systems. I just believe android L will do a equally good job of "hiding" it as ios8.we will have to see.

You seem certain on there not being a larger 5.5 iPhone. Why? With all the leaks it seems likely.

I think it's pretty likely Apple would have used a Gruber, Dalrymple or source at the WP to deny the existence of the larger phone by now if it wasn't happening. I thought that might be happening a few weeks ago when Gruber put out a thought that there might not be a larger iPhone. But it was just jokey speculation based on lack of leaks, and he didn't put those words into a post on his site. There are certain rumours Apple doesn't like to grow into absolute expectation because of its effect on the stock price. These are usually answered with a controlled leak and a simple yep/nope by Jim Dalrymple depending on the situation.

 

[burgman]

The lack of responses leads me to believe that no one really has any strong feelings one way or the other for the Note series. With all the Note topics here I would've thought otherwise. I guess I'll just wait for the N4 and iP6 to come out to compare/contrast the two.

Hard to compare two unicorns without ,you know, seeing them.

 

[Savor]

Between iP6 models, I would pick the iPhone 6L over the 4.7 model. But if I might pick the GNote 4 over both. Samsung is generally my LEAST fav Android OEM. Samsung might be an Android hero to some, but their TouchWiz gave Android an ugly reputation for others. By throwing so much crap on the wall to see what sticks, some of their stench still hasn't been completely wiped off clean. HTC, Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, LG, Sony, Huawei, Asus, and many others aren't perfect either, but I would rather root for them than Sammy. But in fairness, Samsung does make nice Smart TV's and the Galaxy Note is an excellent product line.

I would pick the Note 4 because...

Samsung is more experienced with the phablet segment. About 3 years ahead of Apple in this regard.

S-Pen is generally used by 70% of Note owners and looks quite useful.

I simply enjoy Android more than iOS. I grew up playing sports games and Japanese RPG's tinkering with the menu screen. I'm a stat geek. Android is for people who are OCD about all the details and possible customizable combinations.

Removable and near class-leading battery life. Samsung might actually pack a 3500 mAh this time around.

Expandable memory slot

I generally like Apple hardware more than Samsung hardware. But the Note series is still the king of the phablet space with a few hardware and software advantages.

 

[maflynn]

Its tough to judge which model is best since both are unreleased and we really don't know what both will have feature wise.

 

[pedromcm.pm]

Not true.

There is no lag on the note 3.battery life you should not be worried. Easily the best battery life I've ever had on a phone.

Touchwiz isn't for everybody which is why Alot use nova launcher.

There are very few advantages the iPhone has over the note for my needs but everybody's needs are different.

I wouldn't get your hopes up on the 5'5 iPhone being out on time from the sounds

Removable battery is a big plus for me.

There is lag on the Note 3.

About battery: Ars technica has the iPhone 5s having better browsing battery life in WIFI, for example. Anandtech too, I think.

Nova launcher doesn't negate touchwiz on the status bar, dialer apps, settings apps, built in apps, etc. It's always there.

A bigger iPhone certainly has the potential to (together with the 4.7 and even 4" models) annihilate everybody else on the premium segment. Let's see.