Connect with us

Android

iPhone 6 vs. Galaxy Note 4: 11 Things Buyers Need to Know

Published

on

Now that the iPhone 6 release is confirmed, consumers are starting to weigh Apple’s new iPhone against top competitors. One of those competitors is the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Samsung’s upcoming flagship, and a device that should match up well with the new iPhone. Here, we take a look at 11 of the most important things prospective buyers need to know about the iPhone 6 vs. Galaxy Note 4.

In the past eight months, we heard a ton about rumored 2014 smartphones. In particular, we heard a lot about Apple’s rumored iPhone 6 and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4. Rumors suggested that the two flagships were on a collision course for the fall, similar to the path the iPhone 5s and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 took at the tail end of last year.

As we pushed deeper into the year, it became clear that these two flagship smartphones would face off in the fall ahead of the holidays and ahead of Black Friday, the start of the holiday shopping bonanza. We knew but we just didn’t have any of the concrete details. That is, until now.

Earlier this month, Samsung revealed the Galaxy Note 4, its replacement for the Galaxy Note 3. The Galaxy Note 4 looks like its a worthy successor to the Galaxy Note 3 and a device that consumers around the globe are taking a look at ahead of release. And today, consumers can finally start weighing it against Apple’s new iPhone.

Today, Apple took the stage and debuted the new iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, two new smartphones that are now set for arrival and set for a battle with the Galaxy Note 4. We’ve heard from a number of people who are taking a look at both of these smartphones. And while we can’t make a full on comparison just yet, we can take a look at some of the key similarities and differences between the two flagships.

Here, we take a look at the iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note 4 and point out the most important things that prospective buyers need to know about as we head towards release.

iPhone 6 Pre-Order Date

As of right now, only one of these devices has a pre-order date. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 currently does not have a pre-order date, the date on which consumers can order the device ahead of the release date, and it’s not clear if U.S. carriers will be offering one ahead of its arrival.

As we’ve pointed out, Verizon seems to hint at an upcoming pre-order with its Galaxy Note 4 splash page but it doesn’t confirm anything specific. Other carriers have failed to communicate pre-orders to prospective Galaxy Note 4 buyers and for the moment, consumers in the United States are left without a way to buy the upcoming Galaxy Note release.

Galaxy Note 4 Features - Sensors

The iPhone 6 does have a pre-order date. Apple today announced a iPhone 6 pre-order date for September 12th. This includes both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. The devices will go up for pre-order through Apple and through carrier sites. What this means is that there’s a very good chance the iPhone 6 will go on sale before the Galaxy Note 4.

This is going to make it hard on some consumers because the iPhone is typically in short supply in its first three to four weeks and rumors suggest that the larger iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus, could be hard to find after it goes on sale.

Galaxy Note 4 Release Date

The iPhone 6 release date, for both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, is September 19th. That date is concrete for all major carriers and it should include at least one smaller one as well (C Spire). Apple Stores will be opening up early at 8AM to accommodate the crowds and we should see carrier retail stores do the same.

What this means is that the iPhone 6 release date will come before the Galaxy Note 4 release date. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release date is confirmed for October, both for the U.S. and for the international community, though specifics remain unknown. As we’ve pointed out, Galaxy Note 4 release date rumors point to an arrival on October 10th but that date comes from retailers and not carriers or Samsung itself.

iPhone 6 Price vs. Galaxy Note 4 Price

The iPhone 6 price is confirmed as well and Apple will be offering it at two different starting price points depending on the internal storage space. Apple’s iPhone 6 takes over for the iPhone 5s at the $199.99 spot while the larger iPhone 6 Plus will be $100 more expensive on-contract. Here’s how that works out:

  • iPhone 6 16GB – $199
  • iPhone 6 64GB – $299
  • iPhone 6 128GB – $399
  • iPhone 6  Plus 16GB – $299
  • iPhone 6 Plus 64GB – $399
  • iPhone 6 Plus 128GB – $499

While there are six price points for the iPhone 6, there will probably only be one for the Galaxy Note 4. The Galaxy Note 4 price is still not known though we do have a rough estimate. While nothing is set in stone, it does look like Samsung might offer the 32GB Galaxy Note 4 at the Galaxy Note’s usual price points.

This price is based off the suggested retail price in Europe that mirrors last year’s Galaxy Note 3 price and a contest that’s going on at T-Mobile that puts the full retail price at around $681. This is similar to the off-contract price for the Galaxy Note 3.

The iPhone 6 price could potentially dictate where carriers put the Galaxy Note 4 but with a large high-res display, a design that uses metal, and a bundled S Pen stylus, there’s a good chance that the Galaxy Note 4 won’t be cheap.

Carriers

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are coming to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon, C Spire, and additional carriers that could include both pre-paid and regional in the United States. Typically, smaller carriers wait to announce their specific iPhone release details so we may not know who else is getting it until October or November.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 on the other hand is stuck on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. There’s little chance of it expanding beyond these carriers which means that the iPhone 6 should offer more choice to consumers in the U.S. Choice is absolutely crucial and it’s going to be an advantage for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Size

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 is a big phone. The Galaxy Note 4′s form factor is 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5mm thin and weighs 176 grams. Here’s how that compares to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Note-4-Design

The iPhone 6, the 4.7-inch model, weighs just 129 grams and measures 138.1 x 67.0 x 6.9mm. Yes, the device is thinner than the iPhone 5s and thinner than most smartphones on the market including the Galaxy Note 4. This size difference makes the smaller iPhone 6 much more portable and it will make it easier to use with one hand.

Apple’s larger iPhone 6 Plus is more on par with the Galaxy Note 4 though there are some noticeable differences. The 5.5-inch iPhone 6 weighs 172 grams, a little lighter than the Galaxy Note 4. It probably won’t be noticeable but it’s something to keep in mind nonetheless. As for the overall size, it checks in at 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1mm. So, it’s thinner than the Galaxy Note 4 but it’s a little bit taller.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note series always comes with a massive display. Its a hallmark of the series and one of the features that draws in consumers. The Galaxy Note 4 carries on this tradition as it offers a 5.7-inch Quad HD display which translates to  2,560 x 1,440 resolution with 515 pixels per inch. It’s one of the most impressive displays we’ve ever seen.

While the Galaxy Note 4 has a distinct advantage over the iPhone 5s’ Retina Display, the iPhone 6 has closed the gap. Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus come with new Retina HD displays. For the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, this means 1334 x 750 resolution at 326 pixels per inch. For the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6, this means 1920 x 1080 resolution at 401 pixels-per-inch.

iPhone 6 vs Galaxy S5 - 11-X3

On paper, the Galaxy Note 4 display bests the Retina HD display. However, there is a very good chance Apple’s iPhone 6 displays will keep pace. We obviously can’t make a direct comparison just yet but what we can say is that content on both looks stunning. We might see some slight differences but the biggest difference is probably going to be in size.

S Pen

One of the other unique Galaxy Note 4 features is its S Pen stylus that comes holstered inside the device. The Galaxy Note’s S Pen is a bundled stylus that allows you to write and draw on the screen and take advantage of powerful applications. It can be seen in action in the video below.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 won’t be sharing an S Pen with the Galaxy Note 3 though. The company made some significant changes to this year’s S Pen including increased sensitivity on the Note 4 screen to make the note taking experience on the Galaxy Note 4 feel more like writing on paper. More sensitivity also leads to better looking text from handwriting.

Samsung’s also made some significant improvements to the S Pen’s built-in applications including, Air Command, S Note and Voice Memo, and more. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus do not come with an S Pen nor are they compatible with Samsung’s S Pen. This feature is one that you absolutely need to take a look at before buying.

Some people absolutely love the S Pen while others don’t find it to be necessary.

Multitasking

One Galaxy Note feature that Samsung has absolutely nailed throughout the years is multitasking. The Galaxy Note series’ large screen is perfect for TouchWiz’s assortment of multitasking features including the well known Multi-Window View, a feature that the company has souped up with the Galaxy Note 4. To get some idea of how Multi-Window View works, take a look at the Galaxy Note 4 video below.

Multi-Window View, at its most basic level, allows users to run multiple applications on screen at the same time. With the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung has made some admirable changes including the ability to access applications in full, split or pop-up screens. Galaxy Note 4 users will now also be able to reposition apps on the screen with just one swipe.

As we’ve pointed out, iOS 8 rumors point to split-screen multitasking for the iPad but we now know that it will not be coming to iPad, or iPhone, with the initial iOS 8.0 release.

Apple’s multitasking in iOS 8 simply can’t compare to the multitasking on the Galaxy Note 4. The big screen on the iPhone 6 Plus is fantastic but the Galaxy Note 4 adds some different elements that the iPhone cannot match.

Sensors

The Galaxy Note 4 comes with an array of sensors including a heart rate sensor to measure your pulse and also a brand new UV sensor that ties into Samsung’s S Health 3.5 application and provides UV level readings.

The Galaxy Note 4′s UV Sensor will do everything from help you avoid a sunburn, premature skin aging and with action, it could help reduce your risk of skin cancer. The heart rate sensor will keep track of your pulse during exercise or normal activities.

Note-4-vs-Note-3-2

Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus do not feature either of these. What they do come with though are Touch ID fingerprint sensors embedded inside of their home buttons. The Touch ID is similar to the technology found on the iPhone 5s wherein users simply need to touch their fingerprint over the home button to unlock the phone.

The Galaxy Note 4 comes with the same fingerprint sensor as the Galaxy S5, a fingerprint sensor that we think is inferior to Apple’s. Samsung’s swipe-based fingerprint sensor is difficult to use with one hand which makes it far more inconvenient than Apple’ Touch ID fingerprint sensor that only requires users to put their thumb on the home button.

Storage

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus both come in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB. However, they do not feature any expandable storage. What this means is that users must rely on the internal storage and cloud services including Apple’s iCloud.

Galaxy Note 4 Features - Design

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 comes with 32GB of storage space and a microSD card slot that supports 64GB microSD cards for expanded storage. We have a feeling that 128GB microSD cards will work with the Galaxy Note 4 though we still haven’t been able to confirm that. It will also come with 50GB of free storage courtesy of DropBox.

Battery

We don’t know how iPhone 6 battery life will compare to the Galaxy Note 4’s but what we do know is this. The Galaxy Note 4’s battery is removable, the iPhone 6’s is not.

What this means is that users can easily swap out the battery if a problem occurs or if the on board battery life isn’t good enough. Samsung and third-party vendors offer extended batteries for more juice.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. nb

    09/11/2014 at 5:33 am

    Obviously a apple fanboy. How can the apple display keep up with the note? Note is uhd and apple is 1080. Its not keeping up in anyway. Worst article ive probably read

  2. thegoatman

    09/11/2014 at 7:13 am

    Apple’s been building a phone to compete with Samsung Galaxy S models. Unbeknownst to Apple, Samsung has been pumping up their Note series, and surpassed them on one of the things they value over everything else – screen resolution.

    It’s also a little misleading showing the S5 between the two upcoming iPhone models (that is too small to be the Galaxy Note 4) seeing as this article isn’t about the S5…

  3. ROGER NYREN

    10/22/2014 at 7:45 am

    is a pulse required is the thumb all you need to go shopping?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.