iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note 4: 5 Things You Must Know Now

With the iPhone 6 now out on shelves and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release date confirmed for next month, consumers in the United States and around the world are weighing the iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note 4. In this comparison, we take an updated look at the key details buyers should focus in on ahead of the Galaxy Note 4 release.

Earlier this month, Samsung and Apple took to the stage to announce their brand new smartphone releases. First, it was Samsung and the Galaxy Note 4, its flagship that will replace the Galaxy Note 3 later on this fall. The Galaxy Note 4 and its high end features make it an appealing device and a device that’s worthy of consumer attention.

In past years, the Galaxy Note series dwarfed the iPhone. This year, things are a little different as Apple did not let the Galaxy Note series go unchecked. At its event earlier this month, the company unveiled two new iPhone 6 models including the iPhone 6 Plus, a 5.5-inch iPhone, and a smaller 4.7–inch iPhone 6. The iPhone 6’s larger screen, powerful features and cheaper price put it in direct competition with the Galaxy Note 4 and it’s a device that consumers around the world are looking at as we head deeper into the fall towards the holidays.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release date is confirmed for October and with a few weeks to go before its arrival, we want to help consumers prepare for its release. Here, we focus in on the Galaxy Note 4 vs iPhone 6 and take an updated look at the key things buyers need to know about as we prepare for Samsung’s Next Big Thing.

Focus on the S Pen & Larger Screen

If you are weighing the Galaxy Note 4 specs against the iPhone 6 specs, there are a couple of things that we think you need to be taking a very close look at. The first, the display size difference which translates into a big overall size difference and the Galaxy Note 4’s S Pen.

Both the iPhone 6 and Galaxy Note 4 come with big, beautiful screens but there are a few key differences that you’ll want to look at before coming to a final decision. One of those differences is the S Pen.

The S Pen is the Galaxy Note series’ bread and butter and one of the features that helps to separate it from other big name smartphones. It’s a feature that many people love but it’s also a feature that some Galaxy Note users end up neglecting in the long run. Before coming to a decision on the Galaxy Note 4 vs iPhone 6, figure out which one you are.

Samsung’s made some significant improvements to this year’s S Pen including increased sensitivity 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 applications including, Air Command, S Note and Voice Memo, and more.

Tons of people love these S Pen features, we ourselves love these features, but they’re not for everyone. The S Pen is an integral part of the Galaxy Note experience and you’ll want to figure out if you’re going to use it before plopping a ton of money down on the Galaxy Note 4. It’s one of the biggest differences between these two phones.

The other difference is the overall size. You need to figure out if that big, beautiful 5.7-inch Quad HD display is worth it. The iPhone 6 is a much smaller phone and it’s going to be far easier to use with one hand. The larger screen does provide ample space for gaming and watching movies but not all of you care to do that on your phone.

Galaxy Note 4: Mature Big Screen Software

After using both devices, you get a sense that Samsung’s done this whole big screen smartphone thing before. The Galaxy Note 4 is the fourth-generation Galaxy Note and over the years, the software on board has done a ton of maturing. This maturation includes features, tweaks and enhancements that truly take advantage of the device’s screen real estate.

One such feature is Multi-Window View. 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. The feature can be seen in the video below.

Samsung’s note taking software including S Note also takes full advantage of the device’s massive screen. What we’re getting at here is that the Galaxy Note 4 display comes with a ton of purpose, thanks to years of software changes. It’s far more than just a big, pretty screen.

The iPhone 6 display is big but it doesn’t come with this kind of firepower. Apple’s software, like Samsung’s, will mature but you need to decide if you’re willing to wait for that to happen.

Galaxy Note 4 Release Date is Close

While it might be tempting to pull the trigger on one of these smartphones from the comfort of your own home, we advise you to wait until you can go hands on with the Galaxy Note 4. Right now you won’t be able to but that’s going to change in a few short weeks as Samsung pushes the Galaxy Note 4 onto shelves around the world.

The Galaxy Note 4 release date in the U.S. is confirmed for October 17th. At that time, stores should have both devices stocked and demo units available. If you’re able, go down to your local retailer and go hands on. Try out the Note 4’s S Pen. Try out the multitasking on both devices. Play around with the operating systems as a whole. And make sure to hold both in one hand.

Feeling comfortable with you smartphone is absolutely critical and you won’t be able to make that decision from behind a computer screen. Skip the Galaxy Note 4 pre-orders and go hands on in three weeks. You can thank us later.

iPhone 6 Price vs. Galaxy Note 4 Price

The Galaxy Note 4 and the iPhone 6 are both expensive smartphones though the Galaxy Note 4 is going to cost you a bit more.

The iPhone 6 starts at $199.99 on-contract and goes up to $399.99 on-contract for the 128GB model. So, its base model is going to be $100 cheaper than the Galaxy Note 4 while the 64GB model will match it in price.

While we had to wait a few weeks, we now know that Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 will come with a familiar price. AT&T and Verizon will charge $299.99 for the 32GB Galaxy Note 4. Sprint is going to charge a little more and its Note 4 sits at $350. T-Mobile charges $0 down for the time being while U.S. Cellular has yet to reveal its price. We expect its price to fall in line with the others though.

One thing to note. iPhone 6 deals are fairly scarce. We’re expecting Galaxy Note 4 deals to be far more widespread in October, November and December, another reason to take a wait and see approach with these two big name smartphones.

iPhone 6 Carriers vs. Galaxy Note 4 Carriers

Finally, you’ll want to know that the iPhone 6 comes with far more carrier options than the Galaxy Note 4. The Galaxy Note 4 comes with five (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon) while the iPhone 6 comes with an absolute ton.

This might not seem important to many of you but it is. What this means is that you’re going to have a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing your iPhone 6 network and iPhone 6 data plan. The up front costs will be relatively similar but network size, customer service and data plans are going to be huge factors in your upcoming purchase.

The Galaxy Note 4 is very limited and that’s something you need to know before it arrives in the United States in just a few short weeks. Most of you will buy your next device on a major carrier but those that aren’t planning to might need to go back to the drawing board.