Top 5 Smartphones to Consider Before Buying the Galaxy Note 3 [May, 2014]

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release won’t be taking place until the fall which means that consumers will have to contend with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for most of the year. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is a fantastic device but before buying it, consumers would be wise to check out a few notable competitors.

For much of 2013, we heard about a rumored Samsung Galaxy Note 3, a device that would replace the popular Galaxy Note 2 and arrive with a handful of impressive features including a brand new display, design, camera, processor, and software. In September, Samsung took the stage at IFA 2013 and announced the Galaxy Note 3 to a great deal of fanfare.

The Galaxy Note 3, as expected, delivered high-powered hardware in combination with improved software, particularly the features that work in conjunction with the device’s bundled S Pen stylus. At the time, we considered the Galaxy Note 3 Samsung’s most powerful smartphone and even now, we consider it to be one of the most powerful smartphones on the planet, perfect for those who need a ton of firepower.

Consumers looking for a new smartphone in the month of May are likely to encounter the Galaxy Note 3. It still has a presence on shelves around the world. And while we consider the Galaxy Note 3 a top smartphone option, consumers would be smart to check out some of the Galaxy Note 3’s biggest competitors before buying.

In fact, we believe there are five devices in particular that are worth taking a look at before buying the Galaxy Note 3.

In an effort to steer as many people as we can in the right direction, we want to take a look at the five devices that we think need to be heavily considered before buying Samsung’s 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 3.

Keep in mind, our list may differ from yours but these are the devices that Gotta Be Mobile editors have selected for recognition this month. We feel like they deliver the best, all-around package at the moment. This list will change from month to month as rumored devices get closer to announcement and announced devices get released.

Samsung Galaxy S5

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The Samsung Galaxy S5 is maybe the first smartphone that prospective Galaxy Note 3 buyers need to take a look at before buying. While it doesn't come with an S Pen, it does come with a number of high-end features that make it an extremely powerful choice for consumers. Samsung's brand new flagship comes with all of the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-end smartphone in 2014. It features one of the best displays ever and one that DisplayMate says bests the iPhone 5s' Retina Display, it comes with a speedy processor, design that is dust and water resistant, a solid camera, great battery life, and an improved software experience. It's also cheap on-contract if you go through Amazon. Like the Galaxy Note 3, the Galaxy S5 presents an all-around package that many shoppers will find suitable. We consider it to be one of the best smartphones on the market and those looking at the Galaxy Note 3 in May should take a close look at before taking the plunge. Our Galaxy S5 versus Galaxy Note 3 buying guide will point you in the right direction though we highly recommend going hands-on with both before buying.

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