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| Which is better? iPhone 5s or Galaxy Note 3 |
Samsung recently released a monster of a smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Apple also just unveiled its latest flagship device, the iPhone 5s. As far as smartphones go, these two could not be more different. While there exists some overlap in features between the two smartphones, there are also radically diverse distinctions. This is a spec comparison concerning Samsung's new phablet and Apple's new smartphone. Which gadget will prove a better choice in the Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s showdown?
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Size & Weight
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is notorious for its colossal size. In fact, one comparison report likened the phablet to a pop-tart. It was larger than the breakfast pastry. The Galaxy Note 3 dimensions measure in at 8.33mm thick, 151.2mm long and 79.2mm wide, and weighs in at 168g. For some smartphone users, a big screen size is seen as a bonus, especially if the device is often used for media playing. For others, a smartphone nearing on the dimensions of a tablet is a literal (two) handful. For those, the iPhone 5s is a more fitting smartphone choice, based solely on the need for a more portable, handy device.
The iPhone 5s dimensions are unmistakably significantly smaller than the Galaxy Note 3, as can be seen by the naked eye. Apple's latest flagship smartphone measures in at 7.6mm thick, 123.8mm long and 58.6mm wide, weighing in at 112g. The iPhone 5s is significantly thinner, shorter and lighter than Samsung's massive phablet, making it the obvious choice for consumers interested in a device more smartphone than tablet.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Price
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and iPhone 5s showdown can easily be wrapped up for many cost-conscious consumers. Looking at average prices, the Apple smartphone is surprisingly the cheaper alternative fo the two devices. The Galaxy Note 3 price averages in at $300 with a two-year contract, compared to the iPhone 5s price, averaging at $200 with a two-year contract. The release date for both smartphones has come and pass, meaning both are widely available online and in-stores.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Design
The Galaxy Note 3 look definitely broke the mold from Samsung's flagship Galaxy S4 device. Rather than the standard plastic housing often seen in Samsung devices, the Galaxy Note 3 design features a faux leather backing with fake stitching to give it the appearance a soft, leather-bound look. The device comes in Jet Black, Classic White and Blush Pink color options. The phablet size and pleather material together give the Galaxy Note 3 a prominently notebook-esque vibe. This design greatly differs from the iPhone 5s, which also featured exterior changes.
The iPhone 5s design doesn't stray too far from the iPhone 5 build. Apple's new smartphone is still equipped in its standard aluminum housing, though it now comes in a wider array of color options. The iPhone 5s now comes in Space Gray, Gold and Silver. With both this device and the Galaxy Note 3, consumers have more room for customization. Smartphone users looking for a sleeker, more polished look should opt for the iPhone 5s. While Samsung's phablet is getting mixed reviews in its design changes, the pleather finish is receiving ample attention nonetheless, praised by some for the effort to try something new. Both the iPhone 5s and Galaxy Note 3 prove worthy choices in terms of look, depending on consumer preferences.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Display
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet may put on some extra weight compared to the iPhone 5s, but its display is impressive. The 5.7-inch device boasts a screen resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, coming in at 388 pixels-per-inch. The screen itself is a quality choice for media viewing purposes, considering it features 103 percent more display area. If consumers can look past the chunky weight of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, its sharp screen resolution and extensive surface area make it a worthy device.
The iPhone 5s display may not be as sharp as the Galaxy Note 3, but it still features an impressive screen resolution. Apple's new smartphone display boasts 1,136 by 640 pixels, which is 326 pixels-per-inch. Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet screen resolution is technically sharper. If screen resolution is the most important feature for a smartphone user, than the Samsung phablet trumps the iPhone 5s based on pixel density. Though Apple's latest flagship device still features an impressive display for consumers interested in leaner devices.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Processor
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 processor is an upgrade from its predecessor. The phablet comes equipped with a Snapdragon 800 CPU 2.3GHz quad-core processor and Adreno 330 GPU. This new chip proves a performance boost in the device. Compared to the iPhone 5s, the Galaxy Note 3 is fairly a match in speed.
Apple's iPhone 5s boasts a 64-bit A7 1.3GHz dual-core chip, which is also incredibly fast. The standout difference between the latest iPhone and Galaxy Note 3 in terms of processor is Apple's motion coprocessor. The new M7 coprocessor powers the smartphone's motion sensors, which ties into the use of fitness apps and the like. For exercise enthusiasts, this could be seen as an advantageous bonus, giving the iPhone 5s an edge over the Galaxy Note 3. Overall, though, both devices boast noteworthy processors.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Storage & RAM
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 storage options include a 32GB and 64GB variant. The phablet also features a microSD slot for expandable memory. The Galaxy Note 3 also comes equipped with 3GB of RAM. Comparing it to the iPhone 5s, the Samsung device trumps Apple's smartphone in both the base model storage as well as RAM.
The iPhone 5s is available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage options. Apple's flagship device also features 1GB of RAM. Based on storage and RAM alone, the Galaxy Note 3 beats the iPhone 5s. This also depends on consumer storage preferences.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has a 3,200mAh battery compared to the iPhone 5s, featuring a 1,570mAh battery. Battery life is most accurately determined through hands-on testing. Based on these benchmarks, the Galaxy Note 3 has a reportedly longer battery life than the iPhone 5s. Phone Arena states that the Samsung device gives consumers a full 24 hours before charging is necessary, compared to the Apple smartphone, capping out at roughly 10 hours.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Cameras
The Galaxy Note 3 features a front 2-megapixel camera and rear 13-megapixel shooter. The Samsung phablet offers numerous manual controls as well as an extensive mix of camera modes. A hands-on test of the Galaxy Note 3 camera reveals that the snapper is impressive in quality, though compared to the iPhone 5s, is slightly less sharp.
The iPhone 5s has a 1.2-megapixel front camera and rear 8-megapixel shooter. While the Note 3 does have a diverse range of camera modes, the Apple smartphone offers a more simplified photography experience. The iPhone 5s camera also reportedly takes a tad sharper photos than the Samsung device.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Software
The Galaxy Note 3 runs on the latest version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and boasts TouchWiz UI. Due to both of the devices recent launch dates, both Samsung and Apple's latest flagship devices run on the latest software. The iPhone 5s launched with the redesigned iOS 7. Choosing a smartphone based on user interface and functionality is really a matter of individual partiality. The iPhone 5s offers a more eye-catching appearance, though the Galaxy Note 3 offers more practicality and personalization.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Bonus Feature
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Apple's iPhone 5s are radically different devices, though they are both worthy choices in terms of performance. If you are torn between the monster phablet and flagship smartphone, it's worth noting the special features of each device. The Galaxy Note 3 stands out with its S Pen. The handwriting recognition of the Samsung device definitely adds a plethora of pen-based gestures that consumers will not find in Apple's smartphone. The Stylus-equipped Galaxy Note 3 gives users an action memo feature, content scrapbooks, annotated screenshots and more.
The iPhone 5s standout feature upon its launch was its Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Apple's fingerprint scanner doesn't have as many capabilities as the Galaxy Note 3 Stylus, but it does separate itself from the Samsung device. The Touch ID button unlocks the iPhone 5s and lets users pay for App Store purchases. While there isn't much else to it at the moment, Apple is likely to build on the new feature in the future.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPhone 5s Conclusion
Comparing the Galaxy Note 3 and iPhone 5s reveals two drastically different devices. The bottom line relies heavily on what type of experience the consumer is looking for. Apple's iPhone 5s is the best choice for users looking for a sleeker, slimmer smartphone packing in impressive performance and resolution. The Galaxy Note 3, on the other hand, is a better choice for users that are more concerned with screen real estate, battery life and an intensely sharp display. Which device would you rather buy, the Galaxy Note 3 or iPhone 5s?
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