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Should I Buy the Galaxy Note 3 or Wait for the Galaxy Note 4?

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With Samsung Galaxy Note 4 rumors flying around, we’re starting to get a lot of questions from prospective smartphone buyers, many of whom are trying to decide between buying the Galaxy Note 3 right now or waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 to arrive. While that’s a personal decision, we can equip you with the necessary information to potentially come to a decision and that’s what we intend to do here.

Last year, in the buildup to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch, we heard quite a bit about Samsung’s plans for the Galaxy Note series. Unsurprisingly, we’re seeing the same thing happen with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 4, a device that Samsung itself has already confirmed for this year.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 rumors are rampant and they all point to an attractive addition to the Galaxy Note series of smartphones. In fact, Galaxy Note 4 rumors have been so exciting that they’ve piqued the interested of average consumers looking into getting a new device. Only the most popular devices have a tendency to do this. The iPhone is one of them, the Galaxy Note series is another.

So, we’re starting to get the usual questions about whether it’s worth it to buy the current model or simply wait and see what the future brings. Well, since the Galaxy Note 4 only exists in the rumor mill at the moment, we can’t offer consumers a definitive answer. Galaxy Note 4 rumors paint a picture of a powerful device but there is no telling exactly what the Galaxy Note 4 will have on board.

We can, however, offer an early glimpse at how the rumored Samsung Galaxy Note 4 stacks up with the Galaxy Note 3. While the comparison won’t answer everything, it will help to point prospective buyers in the right direction moving forward.

Here is what Galaxy Note 4 rumors are telling us thus far.

Galaxy Note 4 Release Date

Samsung Galaxy S5 HERO

If you’re trying to decide between waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 and buying the Galaxy Note 3, we don’t envy you. It’s not an easy decision. At all. The Galaxy Note 3 is still one of the most formidable Android smartphones on the market and Galaxy Note 4 rumors point to a pretty substantial upgrade and one that is only a few months away.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 launch rumors put the device’s announcement in the month of September and specifically, on September 3rd. That falls in line with previous Galaxy Note launches and what Samsung executives have said about the Galaxy Note 4’s arrival. It’s almost certainly coming this fall.

So, at this point, it’s looking like you’ll have about a three month wait for the Galaxy Note 4 announcement. Samsung usually releases its devices about a month after the announcement so you’ll probably be able to buy the Galaxy Note 4 in about four months or so. That’s actually not so bad in the grand scheme of things because this is a device that comes once every year.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is rumored to be coming with the same size display as the Galaxy Note 3, 5.7-inches, but rumors suggest that it will come with at least one major upgrade.

Samsung is still in the lab testing the Galaxy Note 4 but it’s pretty clear that the company will be making some changes to the display on its Galaxy Note series. Rumors suggest that the Galaxy Note 4 could come with two major upgrades. A QHD display, the same resolution we just saw debut on the 5.5-inch LG G3, and a three-sided “bent” display that offers new viewing angles.

Galaxy-Note-3-Beats-iPhone-5s-3-620x309

Company executives continue to tease the bent display concept but one was recently quoted as saying that the device was still being tested and that the final design had not been decided on. Samsung routinely tests a number of different designs before settling on the final version so there is no guarantee that we’ll see this massive change in 2014.

The QHD display is far more likely. LG is a major Samsung rival and given that the screen size of the LG G3 is now closer to the Galaxy Note’s, there is incentive for Samsung to debut a high-resolution Quad HD display of its own. And if it does, the Galaxy Note 4 display will be sharper than the one found on the Galaxy Note 3.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 display is brighter than the bigger Galaxy Note 3 display.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 display is brighter than the bigger Galaxy Note 3 display.

This is especially important on a phone like the Galaxy Note. It’s a device that is built with content consumption in mind. A QHD display would do wonders for activities like gaming.

The full HD display on the Galaxy Note 3 is great but those that do a lot of gaming or watch a lot of content will want to think about waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 because it might just have one of the best smartphones displays of all time, Flexible or not.

Design

We like the Galaxy Note 3 design more than we like the Galaxy Note 2 design but we don’t like the Galaxy Note 3 design more than the Galaxy S5 design or iPhone 5s design. The faux leather plastic just isn’t as nice as the aluminum iPhone 5s or the plastic matte material that Samsung introduced with the Galaxy S5.

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy Note 3 -  Cameras

This is what has us, and many other people, excited about the Galaxy Note 4. Even if Samsung uses a design similar to the Galaxy S5, it will be an upgrade over the Galaxy Note 3’s design. In fact, rumors point to a design that is similar to the Galaxy S5 in two ways.

The first, IP67 certification. We’ve seen this feature rumored not once, but twice for the Galaxy Note 4. The Galaxy S5’s design is IP67 certified which means that it’s both dust and water resistant. The Galaxy Note 3 does not come with the same certification though it can be obtained through the use of a case.

The other feature is a fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S5 comes with a fingerprint sensor inside of the home button that may not be as good as Apple’s Touch ID, but still provides added security and convenience to the Galaxy S5 owners. Samsung has also opened up the fingerprint sensor’s APK to developers so it should only get better over time.

The Galaxy S5 buttons offer faster access to Google Now and multitasking.

The Galaxy S5 buttons offer faster access to Google Now and multitasking.

These are in addition to the usual tweaks and improvements that Samsung always makes to its designs every year. Nothing is set in stone but we very well could see a Galaxy Note 4 design that, at the very least, offers better security and more durability. For many, that’s probably worth waiting for.

Specs

We haven’t heard much about the rest of the Galaxy Note 4’s hardware specifications but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Samsung always installs newer, better hardware on its new devices. We always see the company swap out the processor, camera, battery, and sensors. The Galaxy S5, for instance, trumps the Galaxy S4 in all of those areas.

Smartphone innovation hasn’t slowed down, it’s just a little harder to detect. Processors now offer incredible power with battery life optimizations. Cameras come with image stabilization technology to minimize shaking. Batteries are able to offer users all day usage, even when using 4G LTE data. And sensors can now keep track of your health.

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy Note 3 - Water Resistant

The Galaxy Note 4 is rumored to be coming with a 64-bit processor. Samsung has said that it’s working on delivering the technology to consumers and the Galaxy Note series would be a perfect debut device. 64-bit processors can handle more memory than 32-bit processors, something that is important for high-performance devices like the Galaxy Note.

We also wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung focused on the camera, battery and sensors with a possible tie into S Health 3.0. S Health 3.0 is a big part of the Galaxy S5’s software and it ties into Samsung’s wearable technology that will continue to play a big role in the company’s future.

The point is, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest, the Galaxy Note 4 is worth waiting for. It’ll most likely trump the Galaxy Note 3 in all of the important areas.

Software

If you want the best software and if you’re planning to keep your device for two years or more, it’s worth considering a wait.

Samsung always outfits its new devices with brand new software that separates them from their predecessors. The Galaxy S5, for instance, arrived with a brand new version of TouchWiz that looks and operates a lot different than the software on the Galaxy S4.

Galaxy Note 3

The Galaxy Note 4 will come with new software and we’ve already heard about four of the possible features on board. Here is what we’ve heard thus far:

  • Smart Fingerprint –  It wasn’t fully detailed but it’s assumed that it has something to do with being able to customize a fingerprint reader for certain actions.
  • Multi Network for Booster –  Could be similar to the Download Booster feature on the Galaxy S5 that combines Wi-Fi and cellular data for faster download speeds.
  • Swipe to Launch Motion Launcher –  Could be similar to Motion Launch on the HTC One M8.
  • Aqua Capture – Possibly similar to the Aqua Mode found on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active. Aqua Mode allowed Galaxy S4 Active users to take photos underwater.

Those, according to SamMobile, are features that are in testing. While they may not all arrive later this year, it’s a sign that Samsung is working to deliver big upgrades with the Galaxy Note 4. And Samsung doesn’t always outfit older devices (hint: Galaxy Note 3) with the biggest upgrades.

The Galaxy Note 4 will also be a year younger than the Galaxy Note 3 which means one more year of software support. Again, this should only require a three month wait.

Carriers & Storage

evleaks claims that the Galaxy Note 4 will come to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon. He also claims that it will come with 32GB of internal storage. This is the same as the Galaxy Note 3 and offers no real advantage.

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is getting cheaper and that’s one of the reasons why people are taking a look at it. We don’t blame you. However, we should point out that the device will almost certainly be cheaper when the Galaxy Note 4 arrives.

galaxy-note-3

Once the successor arrives, retailers and carriers put older devices into the bargain bin. Need an example? Take a look at the LG G2. Just days after the arrival of the LG G3, Best Buy is offering the former flagship for a penny on-contract. The Galaxy Note 3 may not be sold for pennies but it’ll probably be more affordable than it is right now. All you’d need to do is wait three months

Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but given what we’ve seen and heard and given that we’re likely only three months away from the Galaxy Note 4, we’d probably wait the three months and then decide.

10 Comments

10 Comments

  1. Adel Ibrahim

    05/31/2014 at 12:22 am

    I advice every one : do not buy any Galaxy note or tablet as it develops “sudden death” after some months. If you do not believe, write on Google: “sudden death of Galaxy” and raed!!. I had this experience and the company did not help me al all

    • Bob Cottrell

      05/31/2014 at 7:49 pm

      It is not true that all of them developed SDS. It had to do with the chip used and whether or not you had the update to the OS provided by Samsung (which negated the chip problem). ALL phones have some kind of problem and NONE ARE PERFECT.

  2. Jacqueline

    05/31/2014 at 2:25 am

    Well, till now I am satisfied with my Galaxy Note 3 and might be look for Galaxy Note 4 if these rumors will be confirmed. I am using my device for performing professional as well as personal tasks and like its 3200mAh battery that after fully charged on qi wireless charger, runs throughout the day.

  3. karnika

    05/31/2014 at 4:06 am

    Hi

    Really nice galaxy mobile very useful blog , thank you for sharing .

  4. carl williams

    05/31/2014 at 4:14 am

    I LOVE MY NOTE 3 BUT I AM WAITING FOR THE NOTE 4 I LOVE SAMSUNG PHONES WIND THE NOTE 4 COMES OUT I WILL BE BUYING IT I CAN’T WAIT

  5. LAKERS

    05/31/2014 at 4:23 am

    LOVE THE NOTE 3 WAITING FOR THE NOTE 4

  6. Darkwood30

    06/01/2014 at 4:39 am

    My last paycheck was $19863 wơrking 17 hours a week online. I’ve been doing this for almost two years now, as a second job, and have made over $300k using this system. It’s really user friendly, tasks simple and fun…..Check this out…….. PayCog.c*om

  7. Blaze

    06/01/2014 at 11:40 pm

    Love my note 3..waiting for note 4! 💃💃💃

  8. Oh Canada

    06/25/2014 at 7:44 pm

    Love my Note 2 with kitkat update after rooting and using sd fix. Will be getting Note 4 but will wait a month or 2 after official release though.

  9. Jennifer

    09/22/2014 at 5:54 pm

    Still love my Note III. If you do not currently own a Note, get a III if money is tight. You won’t be disappointed. Otherwise a Note IV should be fine. Plenty of apps can be found for fingerprint scans and heartbeat monitoring. Processor is just fine in the III. Either way both phones are beasts! I’ll keep mine until it simply gives out on me. Plenty of storage and runs fast. No problems or glitches yet! Hope this helps! Enjoy!

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