LG G3 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Early Feature Comparison

As we move deeper into the summer months the reports and rumors have continued to arrive about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 4. A device which is expected to replace the current Galaxy Note 3 while contending with the newly announced LG G3 and upcoming iPhone 6.

With both Samsung’s Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8 readily available around the globe and from all major carriers in the United States, consumers have either picked up their device of choice or are waiting for something better. If a large Quad-HD display is something you are considering, the two devices we’re talking about here today are worth waiting for.

Read: 5 Reasons to Wait for the LG G3

Looking at what’s currently available to Android users and potential buyers, the two biggest upcoming smartphones as 2014 continues are the Galaxy Note 4 and the impressive LG G3 that was announced late last month. Here we take a look at what they both have to offer, how they differ, and everything we know so far about the upcoming Galaxy Note 4.

After months of leaks, rumors, and speculation the LG G3 was finally revealed at the end of May at an event in London and New York City. The device had been leaked so many times that LG had no surprises left, but that didn’t matter because the device sounds rather impressive, and our initial hands-on with the device had us extremely impressed.

This year LG opted to release its latest smartphone months sooner than the previous versions in an attempt to have a earlier impact on potential buyers, get a lead on the Galaxy Note series, as well as take on Samsung’s coveted Galaxy S5. As a result we have a phone that’s most likely being released in July, just two months after the Galaxy S5, while being a few months ahead of the Note 4. It’s a perfect spot for the impressive 5.5-inch phone to be in, and it just so happens to be perfectly sized between both of Samsung’s options too.

We know plenty about the highly anticipated and upcoming Galaxy Note 4 too, although the details are mostly just rumors for now as we’ve yet to see actual images leak of the handset. Based off of previous release cycles, rumors, and expectations based on the technology available below is what we think we know about the Galaxy Note 4 and how it will compare to the LG G3.

Display

Obviously the display will be a deciding factor for many, simply because of the sheer size and stunning resolutions we’ll be receiving. The LG G3 is the first smartphone to arrive in the U.S. with a 2560 x 1440 Quad HD display (some call it a 2k display) and it looks gorgeous. Samsung didn’t deliver it with the S5 like many expected, and instead all rumors are pointing to a new Galaxy F (Prime) and the Galaxy Note 4 to offer a Quad-HD display from Samsung.

The LG G3 delivers a 5.5-inch Quad-HD display that is one of the best we’ve ever seen, even if it isn’t as bright as some previous devices. The Galaxy Note 4 will reportedly offer the same, only be slightly larger offering a 5.7-inch screen. This is the same size as the Note 3 from 2013 but with a much higher resolution for a better overall experience.

Lately a few rumors have emerged suggesting the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will actually launch with two different variants. One mainstream option for all markets, and a second unit with a curved AMOLED display similar to the Samsung Galaxy Round from last year. This hasn’t been confirmed, but we know Samsung’s been working extremely hard on its bendable or curved display technologies.

This could be a major deciding factor for many that want something new and different if they already own the LG G2 or the Galaxy Note 3. That isn’t to say the G3 doesn’t have a few tricks up its sleeve either.

Design

The design of the Galaxy Note 4 is largely up in the air. Most are assuming it will be similar to the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5 in terms of overall design cues, but we’ll have to wait and see. Samsung’s been toying with metal on a Galaxy S5 Prime, so we could see an aluminum Galaxy Note 4. At the same time that likely won’t be the case if the device comes with a curved display as we mentioned above.

Samsung’s built a following using the same design on almost all devices, and we doubt it will be changing, even if the materials do. Expect a large 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 4 with a camera and flash in the middle, a dedicated home button that should house a fingerprint scanner for additional security, and the usual rear or bottom facing speaker grill.

LG on the other hand, is pushing the boundaries and changing things up. Just like the LG G2 the G3 will be one of the smallest devices that offers such a large screen. The slim bezels around the 5.5-inch display make the device roughly the same size as the Galaxy S5. Meaning the screen is barely smaller than the Note 4 will offer, yet the devices physical size will likely be much smaller. Something many will consider when it comes to portability.

The next major design factor is the rear-facing buttons. The power and volume controls are around back, rather than the sides and nicely fit where an index finger rests for most users holding a device. It was popular with the G2, and is a feature many will enjoy once the LG G3 gets released.

Read: LG G3 vs HTC One M8: 5 Key Differences

In the end the LG G3 will be the smaller device with a unique and likely better design, but it also lacks the built-in stylus and a few of those features that makes the Note series popular.

Camera

LG came out swinging in 2014 when it comes to the camera on the upcoming G3. Last year the previous versions was one of the first Android devices with Optical Image Stabilization, and the new LG G3 continues that with OIS+ technology. The LG G3 comes equipped with a 13 megapixel OIS+ camera with a laser-auto focus similar to what we see on high end professional DSLR cameras. This is a smartphone first, and something we likely won’t see from the Note 4.

However, rumors are speculating that the Galaxy Note 4 will come with a similar 16 megapixel camera as the Galaxy S5, only it will offer real optical image stabilization as well. The camera battle will be a close one, but so far our impressions of the Galaxy S5 haven’t been as good as expected, while the LG G3 left us amazed with the quality of photos, speed of auto focus, and other features like what’s shown below.

It’s too early to tell of course, but so far the LG G3 looks to have the most innovation behind the camera as a whole in 2014, but we’ll need to see what else is on the horizon. If photos are important, the G3 and Note 4 are two of the best upcoming devices.

Specs

Overall the specs aren’t a huge factor, as consumers will just want to make sure these devices will be powerful and last for years to come. Both smartphones offer top-tier cameras, stunning displays, and powerful quad-core processors for multi-tasking and gaming. That said, the Note 4 being released later in the year will have a slightly newer processor, but this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for any potential buyers. Here’s what the G3 has to offer, and what rumors suggest the Note 4 will deliver.

LG G3 Specs

• 5.5-inch 2560 × 1440 Quad-HD display
• 2.5 GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 801 with 2/3GB of RAM
• 13 Megapixel camera with OIS+, laser auto-focus, 2.1-megapixel front camera
• 16GB storage and microSD card slot with up to 128GB support (32GB model available)
• Android 4.4.2 KitKat
• 3,000 mAh battery with wireless charging
• WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 4G LTE, FM Radio, IR Remote
• DLNA and Miracast support
• Metallic Black, Silk White, Gold Shine, Moon Violet, and Burgundy Red color options
• 146.3 x 74.6 x 9.1mm

Galaxy Note 4 Specs

• 5.7-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD display
• 2.5 GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 805 with 3GB of RAM
• 16 Megapixel OIS camera, 2.1 front shooter
• 16GB storage and micro-SD slot with 128GB support
• Android 4.4.3 KitKat
• 3,500 mAh battery
• WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 4G LTE, FM, IR Remote
• S-Pen stylus for content creation
• Fingerprint scanner for security
• Possible curved AMOLED display option
• Black & White color variants at launch

Overall the specs are quite similar between these two devices, and it will largely come down to the sheer size of the device, camera options, the S-Pen stylus or the custom skin or user interface over the stock Android experience each respective manufacturer delivers. Both of these phones are powerhouse devices that will last for years to come, but we’ll have to wait and see if Samsung has any surprises in store.

Release Date

Another extremely important factor regarding the LG G3 vs Galaxy Note 4 is the release date. Many consumers don’t want to wait months for a smartphone when options like the Galaxy S5 or HTC One M8 are both available, but some of the details above could be enough to keep you waiting. The LG G3 will be here first, of course, but we’re still not exactly sure when.

The LG G3 release date was confirmed by LG to be globally launched before the end of June. That being said, all reports and rumors thus far are suggesting a launch around the second and third weeks of July. The Verizon LG G3 is rumored to arrive on July 17th, with AT&T possibly being first earlier in the month. Meaning the wait for the impressive LG G3 is only about 30-45 days at most. Even outside of the US we’re expecting July launch dates.

So what about the exciting Samsung Galaxy Note 4? Based off the release cycle from years past the Note 4 will likely be announced around September 5th, when the annual IFA event kicks off in Berlin. With a global launch and U.S. carriers offering the new Galaxy Note 4 sometime in late September or early October.

A few small rumors have suggested Samsung may speed up the release to combat a potential iPhone 6 launch, especially given all the talks of a larger screen on the new iPhone.

All said and done consumers have a few excellent choices right now with Samsung or HTC, but later this year the LG G3 and Galaxy Note 4 will offer compelling designs and features many will consider. As more details arrive regarding both smartphones we’ll continue to update, not to mention we’re still waiting on this metal Samsung Galaxy F “Prime” that rumors keep talking about.