Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone? The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos and the Karbonn A15 are both contenders, but they cater to different needs. This comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos, despite its age, generally offers a superior experience thanks to its more powerful processor and Samsung's optimized software. However, the Karbonn A15 boasts a newer chipset and potentially better battery efficiency, making it a viable option for basic users on a tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, February | 2012 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148.4 x 77.4 x 8.6 mm (5.84 x 3.05 x 0.34 in) | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM, (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) |
| Weight | 162.5 g (5.71 oz) | - |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 |
| Type | Super AMOLED | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7 | 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8228 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB (11GB user available), 2GB RAM | 4GB (2.5GB user available), 512MB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
QVGA |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.6, 31mm (standard), AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 2.0 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 87 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 440 h (3G) | Up to 150 h |
| Talk time | Up to 22 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1420 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green | Black |
| Models | SM-N7502 | KE5S |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.81 W/kg (head) 1.45 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos
- More powerful processor
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Larger battery capacity
- Generally better camera
- Older device - potential software update limitations
- May have slower storage speeds
- Larger and heavier than the Karbonn A15
Karbonn A15
- More affordable
- Newer chipset (potentially better efficiency)
- Compact size
- Dual SIM support (likely)
- Weaker processor
- Less impressive display
- Lower camera quality
- Limited storage
- Less responsive UI
Display Comparison
The Note 3 Neo Duos features a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Karbonn A15 likely has a smaller, less impressive LCD display, potentially with lower resolution. Samsung's display technology generally provides a richer viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both phones have cameras, the Note 3 Neo Duos likely has a better camera sensor and image processing capabilities, resulting in superior photo quality, especially in low light. The Karbonn A15's camera is likely adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
The Note 3 Neo Duos's Snapdragon 400 (1.6 GHz) offers significantly better performance than the Karbonn A15's Helio A20 (1.0 GHz). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user interface on the Samsung device. The Karbonn A15 will struggle with demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
The Note 3 Neo Duos has a 3200mAh battery. The Karbonn A15, with its more efficient 12nm chipset, *might* offer slightly better battery life under light usage, but the Note 3 Neo's larger battery generally provides longer runtime.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos is ideal for users who value performance and a familiar Samsung interface, even if it means dealing with an older device. The Karbonn A15 is best suited for those prioritizing affordability and basic functionality, like calls, texts, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Note 3 Neo Duos still worth buying in 2024?
It depends on your needs. If you prioritize performance and a good display on a budget, it can still be a decent option. However, consider its age and potential software limitations.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and better graphics capabilities.
