Samsung Note 4 or iPhone 6 Plus? Foot in Each Camp...

[MRU]

And the stupidity IMO continues with iOS8 and Lollipop both having blinding white themes. I always wondered if Apple and Google engineers live somewhere where it's only daytime.

Don't worry Flat & White will be "so 2013/14" before long and by next year we will have some other 'slight' aesthetic tweak that all seem to hover towards. Just be surprised that at least this years big pantone colour 'orchid' isn't everywhere right now (but by the end of the year you will be sick of it too).

 

[spinedoc77]

Don't worry Flat & White will be "so 2013/14" before long and by next year we will have some other 'slight' aesthetic tweak that all seem to hover towards. Just be surprised that at least this years big pantone colour 'orchid' isn't everywhere right now (but by the end of the year you will be sick of it too).

I've been using windows phone until my Note 4 replacement gets here. MS gets it, they have a very nice black theme which is perfect at night or in the dark. Honestly I wonder where the disconnect is at apple/google in relation to how white/bright the themes are, I just can't fathom why.

 

[Oohara]

So I just won a used Note 3 with insurance running until 2016, very cheap on an auction site. I figured I'd test this (with the leaked L update) alongside the 6+ for a while and see if I can make up my mind about Android or iOS. If I go for Android I might stick with the 3 if it's good enough, and buy the Note 5 when it comes out, or just sell the Note 3 and get a 4 in a few weeks.

Or I might just go nuts and keep the 3 to have both systems at hand...although this is a bit on the edge for my cash flow

In any case, I'm quite excited!

Yes it does.

I'm positively addicted to both iOS and Android, therefore I carry one of each.

Both have their own unique advantages that I enjoy, there's no turning back...ha...ha...ha

Ya, this is what I would do always if I could afford it, heh. With a Windows phone on the side too. Might stick with the Note 3 and 6+ though...

And the stupidity IMO continues with iOS8 and Lollipop both having blinding white themes. I always wondered if Apple and Google engineers live somewhere where it's only daytime.

Indeed. How hard would it be to offer an optional dark theme?

 

[technosix]

So I just won a used Note 3 with insurance running until 2016, very cheap on an auction site. I figured I'd test this (with the leaked L update) alongside the 6+ for a while and see if I can make up my mind about Android or iOS. If I go for Android I might stick with the 3 if it's good enough, and buy the Note 5 when it comes out, or just sell the Note 3 and get a 4 in a few weeks.

Might stick with the Note 3 and 6+ though...

I bought Note 3 upon its release, used it for a full year while marveling at how fast stable and reliable it is. Upgraded to a Note 4 but that ones a relatively small upgrade, I like the N3 better. I keep each rev of the Android OS on my server so I can switch for testing purposes. My personal favorite is ver: 4.4.4.

My Nexus 5 is another one of my favorite models, also on 4.4.4 after a few months on ver: 5.0.x & higher I rolled it back until the latest rev is improved and further debugged. The same holds true for my Nexus 6, the hardware is wonderful especially the 6.0" display, that's my ideal size for all the web research and other work I do. Past experience suggests it'll not be long before Google has it well sorted.

Based on seven years of Android/iOS experience with Rooting/Jailbreaking and ROMS for Android, I find my personal preference for work related use, Androids additional functionality is ideal. For variety and keeping current, nothing beats using both platforms concurrently.

 

[Oohara]

I bought Note 3 upon its release, used it for a full year while marveling at how fast stable and reliable it is. Upgraded to a Note 4 but that ones a relatively small upgrade, I like the N3 better. I keep each rev of the Android OS on my server so I can switch for testing purposes. My personal favorite is ver: 4.4.4.

My Nexus 5 is another one of my favorite models, also on 4.4.4 after a few months on ver: 5.0.x & higher I rolled it back until the latest rev is improved and further debugged. The same holds true for my Nexus 6, the hardware is wonderful especially the 6.0" display, that's my ideal size for all the web research and other work I do. Past experience suggests it'll not be long before Google has it well sorted.

Based on seven years of Android/iOS experience with Rooting/Jailbreaking and ROMS for Android, I find my personal preference for work related use, Androids additional functionality is ideal. For variety and keeping current, nothing beats using both platforms concurrently.

Well, I just got my Note 3 and......holy crap I LOVE it! I don't know how I didn't understand one year ago that it's this nice. This thing has the leaked Lollipop build on it and the phone is lightning fast, I'm not even getting any of the usual TouchWiz 'jank' (as MKBHD calls it) lag. Super smooth.

Still early days of course and a new device even if previously used by someone else is of course always exciting, but I think I can safely say that I'll have no problem selling my 6+ and skipping the upgrade to the Note 4...at least until the Note 5 comes out.

As for Android vs iOS - the back button, system wide gesture typing, Keep, notification light, Nova gestures all immediately feel like something I didn't know how much I was missing, I'm actually surprised by the degree to which I'm relieved to have them back. I think at least for now I have to admit I'm actually an Android person

 

[technosix]

Well, I just got my Note 3 and......holy crap I LOVE it! I don't know how I didn't understand one year ago that it's this nice. This thing has the leaked Lollipop build on it and the phone is lightning fast, I'm not even getting any of the usual TouchWiz 'jank' (as MKBHD calls it) lag. Super smooth.

Still early days of course and a new device even if previously used by someone else is of course always exciting, but I think I can safely say that I'll have no problem selling my 6+ and skipping the upgrade to the Note 4...at least until the Note 5 comes out.

As for Android vs iOS - the back button, system wide gesture typing, Keep, notification light, Nova gestures all immediately feel like something I didn't know how much I was missing, I'm actually surprised by the degree to which I'm relieved to have them back. I think at least for now I have to admit I'm actually an Android person

I agree with your points. Completely.

I must say I'm quite disappointed with the very buggy, crash prone iOS 8... And I'm not just referring to Safari and it's obsessive reloads, but now when working in any of a number of apps they just plain crash.

Although I've had every iPhone to date, it's shocking just how bad the 8.1.3 experience is on my iP6 Plus. Nothing like the fairly good experiences I've had with each of the previous iPhones. At this point I'm going to enjoy my Androids while I wait for Apple to fix iOS 8. That said it is rather sad they've let it go this long, some of my new friends that only use one phone are besides themselves with how erratic their iP6 phones are.

Some with less patience than I... have already tossed theirs in a drawer, gone out and bought top of the line Android phones from their carrier. The smiles on their faces when they have a terrific initial experience is priceless. Being their first Android after years of iPhones, all they had as a point of reference that set their expectations was old negative stories that no longer apply. The latest few revs of Android especially 4.4.4 is especially outstanding.

One thing iP6 proves is millions upon millions will spend a thousand dollars at the drop of a hat for the Apple Logo and the "cool phone" they love to be seen with. Taking a page from MBZ BMW & Porsche it's all about the image.

Despite the issues I still plan to stay with Apple because I do like the variety of having both platforms, and the latest rumors published here suggest Apple realized how bad they screwed up and will fix it in iOS 9.

That's a long wait but it's important to remember that Apple's lost its ability to be nimble and responsive. They're in a big battleship now that takes a long time to maneuver. So I'm prepared for a long wait, no problem. It's all just a part of the Apple experience, eventually it'll "just work"

 

[epicrayban]

I agree with your points. Completely.

I must say I'm quite disappointed with the very buggy, crash prone iOS 8... And I'm not just referring to Safari and it's obsessive reloads, but now when working in any of a number of apps they just plain crash.

Although I've had every iPhone to date, it's shocking just how bad the 8.1.3 experience is on my iP6 Plus. Nothing like the fairly good experiences I've had with each of the previous iPhones. At this point I'm going to enjoy my Androids while I wait for Apple to fix iOS 8. That said it is rather sad they've let it go this long, some of my new friends that only use one phone are besides themselves with how erratic their iP6 phones are.

Some with less patience than I... have already tossed theirs in a drawer, gone out and bought top of the line Android phones from their carrier. The smiles on their faces when they have a terrific initial experience is priceless. Being their first Android after years of iPhones, all they had as a point of reference that set their expectations was old negative stories that no longer apply. The latest few revs of Android especially 4.4.4 is especially outstanding.

One thing iP6 proves is millions upon millions will spend a thousand dollars at the drop of a hat for the Apple Logo and the "cool phone" they love to be seen with. Taking a page from MBZ BMW & Porsche it's all about the image.

Despite the issues I still plan to stay with Apple because I do like the variety of having both platforms, and the latest rumors published here suggest Apple realized how bad they screwed up and will fix it in iOS 9.

That's a long wait but it's important to remember that Apple's lost its ability to be nimble and responsive. They're in a big battleship now that takes a long time to maneuver. So I'm prepared for a long wait, no problem. It's all just a part of the Apple experience, eventually it'll "just work"

My disappointments with the iPhone 6 and iOS 8 are what drove me to Android as well. I'm happily using my OnePlus as my daily driver.

In retrospect, I was destined for this course. I was a fairly happy iPhone 5 owner, but Apple just kept taking the wrong steps, in my opinion, over the past few years both with hardware and software. Or maybe "wrong steps" is the wrong phrasing. It's more like, baby steps. They advance a bit too slow for me especially when everyone else around them are moving so fast. Wireless charging, dual speakers, higher PPI, bigger batteries, more software customization, better keyboards, etc.

Over time, they lost me.

 

[spinedoc77]

So I just won a used Note 3 with insurance running until 2016, very cheap on an auction site. I figured I'd test this (with the leaked L update) alongside the 6+ for a while and see if I can make up my mind about Android or iOS. If I go for Android I might stick with the 3 if it's good enough, and buy the Note 5 when it comes out, or just sell the Note 3 and get a 4 in a few weeks.

Or I might just go nuts and keep the 3 to have both systems at hand...although this is a bit on the edge for my cash flow

In any case, I'm quite excited!



Ya, this is what I would do always if I could afford it, heh. With a Windows phone on the side too. Might stick with the Note 3 and 6+ though...



Indeed. How hard would it be to offer an optional dark theme?

Does that leaked Lollipop release have touchwiz? I really don't like vanilla lollipop much at all and have grown to love touchwiz, I'd love to see the marriage between them.

I'm also veering towards dumping my Note 4 and going back to a Note 3, it depends if my latest replacement is functional or not.

 

[Oohara]

Does that leaked Lollipop release have touchwiz? I really don't like vanilla lollipop much at all and have grown to love touchwiz, I'd love to see the marriage between them.

I'm also veering towards dumping my Note 4 and going back to a Note 3, it depends if my latest replacement is functional or not.

Yep it's a TW version, best one I've tried so far. It has most if not all of the S Pen functions from the Note 4 too.

 

[spinedoc77]

Yep it's a TW version, best one I've tried so far. It has most if not all of the S Pen functions from the Note 4 too.

Thanks! I'll look into that.

 

[MRU]

Yep it's a TW version, best one I've tried so far. It has most if not all of the S Pen functions from the Note 4 too.

I find it annoying they flatten and make many stock apps material design ethos and we're still left with the hideous phone and other stock app icons. Come on Samsung surely to God someone at design HQ can put out some new icons.

 

[viorelgn]

It doesn't take very long living with the Note 4 and the iPhone 6 Plus to see that these are two great big phones and arguably the best options available at the moment. The Nexus 6 will run both of these close but until we've had our hands on it, the Motorola phone can't really be considered. Which is the best? If you are basing your purchase on design and ease of use, it's the iPhone 6 Plus. For innovation, the Note 4 is the one to go for. Samsung's phablet also promises the better battery life despite having a bigger, more demanding display. The stylus is a bonus as well if want to mix things up. These are two phones that really grow on you the more time you spend with them and discover their strengths and weaknesses. Apple's first stab at a phablet is a good one, while Samsung's Note series just keeps on getting better.

 

[ceva321]

Omg I've had the iPhone and Samsung's but I prefer the Note4 hands down. It just has more to offer for me .
The back button is a must for me.
So OP did you decide???

 

[Oohara]

I find it annoying they flatten and make many stock apps material design ethos and we're still left with the hideous phone and other stock app icons. Come on Samsung surely to God someone at design HQ can put out some new icons.

Yeah ofc...the only 'design HQ' at Samsung is a pool full of manatees...

What I dig is the S Pen functions from the Note 4 being available then on the Note 3, and the general smoothness (really this build is unbelieveably snappy on the Note 3). Oh and the notifications of course

 

[sunking101]

It doesn't take very long living with the Note 4 and the iPhone 6 Plus to see that these are two great big phones and arguably the best options available at the moment. The Nexus 6 will run both of these close but until we've had our hands on it, the Motorola phone can't really be considered. Which is the best? If you are basing your purchase on design and ease of use, it's the iPhone 6 Plus. For innovation, the Note 4 is the one to go for. Samsung's phablet also promises the better battery life despite having a bigger, more demanding display. The stylus is a bonus as well if want to mix things up. These are two phones that really grow on you the more time you spend with them and discover their strengths and weaknesses. Apple's first stab at a phablet is a good one, while Samsung's Note series just keeps on getting better.

I wouldn't call an oversized iPhone with insufficient RAM a good first stab at a phablet. The battery life is awesome and the screen pretty good, but this thing needs 2GB of RAM minimum and some additional features over the smaller iPhone 6.

 

[Roidman]

I wouldn't call an oversized iPhone with insufficient RAM a good first stab at a phablet. The battery life is awesome and the screen pretty good, but this thing needs 2GB of RAM minimum and some additional features over the smaller iPhone 6.

So we've heard a 100 times in a 100 different threads, if it's that bad and it's not( just sold mine for a 6 after 2 months) sell it and buy something else.
If you think the plus needs 2gb ram wait till you get a Samsung you will need 5gb at least and that's just to swipe screens #
Not to mention more lag, ram usage and battery drain for no reason.

 

[Tsepz]

I can't take the 6 Plus seriously as a true phablet, the puny RAM and Safari reloads once I use more than 4tabs is just annoying. With my Note 4 I sometimes have the Samsung browser, Chrome, Opera Mini all with multiple tabs going, on top of multiple apps running and I don't get reloads, this beast just keeps going, makes productivity so much faster and more simple.

Got the 5.0.1 Lollipop update on my Note 4 now and it is just running beautifully, the already excellent battery life has gotten better, the phone is running smoother and material design looks good.

So happy with my Note 4 now that I couldn't be bothered with any other phone at the moment, the 6 Plus with its top heavy build, puny RAM and iOS's limits put me off it, Nexus 6 with its below par battery life and rather plain Android also put me off, OnePlus One is using old hardware (S801)... Bring on MWC, I want to see what new things OEMs have been working on, I will probably wait and get a Note 5 anyway, but I'm looking forward to the Galaxy S6, Xperia Z4 and Htc One M9.

 

[spinedoc77]

So we've heard a 100 times in a 100 different threads, if it's that bad and it's not( just sold mine for a 6 after 2 months) sell it and buy something else.
If you think the plus needs 2gb ram wait till you get a Samsung you will need 5gb at least and that's just to swipe screens #
Not to mention more lag, ram usage and battery drain for no reason.

It's a touch choice, lag on the Note 4 or constant internet tab reloads on the ip6+. At least the N4 can be debloated or replace TW completely, but the IP is still stuck with its RAM.

 

[JackieInCo]

It's a touch choice, lag on the Note 4 or constant internet tab reloads on the ip6+. At least the N4 can be debloated or replace TW completely, but the IP is still stuck with its RAM.

I've not had any lag on my Note 4 or my Note Edge. What apps are lagging?

 

[MRU]

I've not had any lag on my Note 4 or my Note Edge. What apps are lagging?

It's nano-lag.

Phones are getting so fast now a days that we have to outrageously make do with nano second delays here and there and then act all peeved off and angry on the internets... Apparently that's all the fashion judging by almost every thread where these two phones are being discussed

 

[JackieInCo]

It's nano-lag.

Phones are getting so fast now a days that we have to outrageously make do with nano second delays here and there and then act all peeved off and angry on the internets... Apparently that's all the fashion judging by almost every thread where these two phones are being discussed

I guess so. It's pretty rediculous. The Note 4 is the fastest phone I've used so far.

I can't really say anything about the 6+ because I don't have one. I ordered one from T-Mobile back in November but canceled the order before it shipped. I just didn't feel good about buying one yet because I really wanted a new android phone first. I will get one soon and I'm sure the lag people complain about isn't noticeable.

 

[MRU]

I guess so. It's pretty rediculous. The Note 4 is the fastest phone I've used so far.



I can't really say anything about the 6+ because I don't have one. I ordered one from T-Mobile back in November but canceled the order before it shipped. I just didn't feel good about buying one yet because I really wanted a new android phone first. I will get one soon and I'm sure the lag people complain about isn't noticeable.

I'm thinking of getting the Note 4 as I've been offered one at a good price and then maybe sell it when M9 or S6 comes out. So tempted simply because it is such a good price €400 unlocked.... Curse my impulsions

 

[JackieInCo]

I'm thinking of getting the Note 4 as I've been offered one at a good price and then maybe sell it when M9 or S6 comes out. So tempted simply because it is such a good price €400 unlocked.... Curse my impulsions

If you can afford to buy it, I would. Don't pass up a good deal.

 

[MRU]

If you can afford to buy it, I would. Don't pass up a good deal.

Bought....

Hopefully will be here end of the week.

 

[spinedoc77]

I've not had any lag on my Note 4 or my Note Edge. What apps are lagging?

I never believed in lag either, my Note 3 was very smooth. On the Note 4 it was smooth when I first got it, but over the course of a couple of weeks it developed lag. Trust me, I was the first one to scream at someone if they mentioned lag, but I learned the hard way it is there.

It's odd though, it's varied with different Note 4's as I'm waiting to get my 6th hardware replacement Note 4 I have had experience with several of them. I've found the ATT ones lag the worst. The T-Mobile ones are very decent. Flashing a custom ROM that's been debloated is like night and day, no lag and very smooth. To me this says that it's not necessarily touchwiz, but the carrier bloatware that lags them down.

Finally my last Note 4 had a terrible and true "lag". Every 5-10 seconds the entire phone would freeze up for half a second. You could see it typing, every 5-10 seconds it wouldn't register any more letters for half a second, then it would very quickly regurgitate those letters as if it was holding them back. This one I'm pretty sure what hardware defective though, no matter what ROM I flashed it had that weird lag.

Don't even get me started on how long it takes to open the multitasking screen, or how long it takes to go from camera to gallery, or the email app if you have a lot of emails, etc.