Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 3

Samuel J Tan Personal Technology, Tablets, Technology 0

With the launch of the next generation Samsung Galaxy Note 4 at the IFA 2014 electronics trade show in Berlin, we are eager to find out what the differences between this and its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Table of Contents

Old Vs New

Just about a year ago (Sept 2013), we were introduced to the Note 3 since then a lot of changed in the world of smartphones and tablets. So how does the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (launched Sept 2014) compares with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

The new Note 4 has enhanced Multi Window for multitasking. We have seen this on the Note 3 but here, the Note 4 lets you access apps via full, split or pop-up screen with option easily change the size and position with one swipe.

Samsung has also packed more pixels onto the 5.7″ display, the Note 4 spots a Quad HD Super AMOLED offering higher resolution and better image quality.

The 16MP main camera also features Smart Optical Image Stabiliser which was absent from the predecessor allowing for better shots. The camera also supports Real-time HDR which captures more colour and brightness. The front facing camera has also been given a boost. At 3.7MP with lens that captures more light, great for shooting in low lighting conditions, the front facing camera is capable of wide angle shots and ‘panoramic’ type capture, great for group selfies (or groupies? or we-fies?).

Samsung Galaxy Note was the first to bring back the stylus, and the implementation has been quite successful. Since then, the S Pen as they call is has come a long way and with every generation, new functionality was added. You can use the S Pen to select text and photos, piece together content from different places, create notes and type. An app called Snap Note lets you take a picture and append your own note son it instantly.

Another difference between the previous generation Note 3 and the new Note 4 is the inclusion on a finger print scanner and the host of security features that you currently see on the Galaxy Alpha. You can learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Alpha in our other article.

The Ultra Power Saving Mode that was featured in Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Alpha is also available on the Note 4. Together with Fast Charging, it extends your Note 4’s battery life and keeps your phone on longer. Lastly, as with Samsung Galaxy Note 3, S5 and Alpha, the Note 4 is compatible with current and next generation smart wearable devices, the Samsung Gear S.

Let’s take a spec by spec look between the two:

Design

The soft-textured faux leather back cover is here to stay. However, the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 follows in the foot steps of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha and Samsung’s new design direction towards a high-end feel and premium build quality by introducing a metallic frame. This will undoubtedly add a bit of weight but not too much as you will see later. It does go a long way in giving the device a sturdy build and better handling.

Note 4: soft-textured back plate with metallic frame as seen in the Samsung Galaxy Alpha giving it a premium feel. Available in Charcoal Black, Frost White, Bronze Gold and Blossom Pink [BETTER BUILD & DESIGN]
Note 3: soft-textured back plate with faux chrome surround and plastic chassis. Available colour options are Black, White, Pink, Merlot Red, Rose Gold Black and Rose Gold White.

Processor

Note 4: Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 (SM-N910S), Exynos 5433 (SM-N910C) Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 (SM-N910S)/ Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A57 (SM-N910C) [FASTER PROCESSOR]
Note 3: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (N9005, N9002)/ Exynos 5 Octa 5420 (N9000), Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 (N9005, N9002)/ Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 & Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 (N9000)

GPU

Note 4: Adreno 420 (SM-N910S/ Mali-T760 (SM-N910C) [NEW GENERATION GPU]
Note 3: Adreno 330 (N9005, N9002)/ Mali-T628 MP6 (N9000)

Memory & Storage

Note 4: 3GB memory and 32GB storage upgreadeable up to 128MB via microSD slot
Note 3: 3GB memory and 16/32/64GB storage options upgreadable up to 64GB via microSD slot

Display

Note 4: 5.7″ 1440 x 2560 Super AMOLED touchscreen 16M colours with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (515 PPI) [HIGHER RESOLUTION]
Note 3: 5.7″ 1080 x 1920 Super AMOLED touchscreen 16M colours with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (386 PPI)

Cameras

Note 4: 16MP rear facing 3456 x 4608 pixels autofocus camera with optical image stabilisation, LED flash and 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps video capture capability. 3.7MP front facing camera with 1080p@30fps video capture capability [BETTER CAMERAS]
Note 3: 13MP rear facing 4128 x 3096 pixels autofocus camera with LED flash and 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps. 2MP front facing camera with 1080p@30fps video capture capability
Common camera features: Dual shot, simultaneous HD video and image recording, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilisation, panorama, HDR

Battery Life

Note 4: 3220 mAh Battery [TBC] Fast charging with up to 50% in 30 mins. Ultra Power Saving Mode.
Note 3: 3200 mAh Li-Ion Battery

Connectivity

Note 4: LTE, 3G, WiFi 802.11 abgnac Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.1, microUSB, USB Host, USB OTG, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, NFC, Infrared
Note 3: LTE, 3G, WiFi 802.11 abgnac Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB, USB Host, USB OTG, A-GPS, GLONASS, NFC, Infrared