The Samsung Galaxy Note series has always been synonymous with premium features and powerful performance. But how do the Note 3 Neo and the Note 4 stack up against each other? This comparison dives deep into their specs, features, and overall value to help you decide which device is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Note 4 is the clear winner. Its significantly faster processor, superior camera, and faster charging capabilities provide a vastly improved user experience. While the Note 3 Neo offers a more budget-friendly option, the Note 4's advancements make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, February | 2014, Q4. Released 2014, Q4 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148.4 x 77.4 x 8.6 mm (5.84 x 3.05 x 0.34 in) | 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm (6.04 x 3.09 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM, (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 162.5 g (5.71 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | Stylus | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~518 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 88.5 cm2 (~73.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8228 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm APQ8084 Snapdragon 805 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 420 |
| OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB (11GB user available), 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.6, 31mm (standard), AF | 16 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) | 3.7 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 3 TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, gesture, UV, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Air gestures |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired, QC2 |
| Music play | Up to 87 h | Up to 80 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 440 h (3G) | Up to 212 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 22 h (3G) | Up to 31 h 20 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3220 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green | Frosted white, Charcoal black, Bronze Gold, Blossom Pink |
| Models | SM-N7502 | SM-N910A, SM-N910T, SM-N910V, SM-N910M, SM-N910P, SM-N910R4, SM-N910W8, SM-N910T3 |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | 0.81 W/kg (head) 1.45 W/kg (body) | 0.88 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos
- More affordable
- Large screen
- Samsung One UI
- Outdated processor
- Lower resolution display
- Slower charging
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (USA)
- Powerful processor
- High-resolution display
- Excellent camera with OIS
- Quick Charge 2.0
- Older device
- May lack latest software updates
- More expensive (if buying used)
Display Comparison
The Note 4 boasts a 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) Super AMOLED display, offering significantly sharper visuals and vibrant colors compared to the Note 3 Neo's 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Super AMOLED screen. The Note 4's higher resolution and improved color accuracy provide a noticeably better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Note 4 features a 16MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 3.7MP front camera. The Note 3 Neo has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP front camera. The Note 4's OIS and improved image processing result in sharper, more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. The front camera is also a significant upgrade.
Performance
The Note 4's Snapdragon 805 with a 2.7 GHz Krait 450 CPU delivers a substantial performance boost over the Note 3 Neo's Snapdragon 400 with a 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Note 4. The Note 4 also benefits from more RAM (3GB vs 2GB).
Battery Life
The Note 4 has a 3220 mAh battery with 15W wired charging and Quick Charge 2.0 support, allowing for faster charging. The Note 3 Neo has a 3200 mAh battery. While the battery capacities are similar, the Note 4's more efficient processor and Quick Charge capabilities provide better overall battery life and faster charging times.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Duos is a good option for users on a tight budget who still want a large screen and Samsung's One UI experience. It's suitable for basic tasks and media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (USA) is ideal for power users, photographers, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and features. It's a worthwhile investment for a premium Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Note 4 still worth buying in 2023?
Yes, the Note 4 remains a capable device, especially if you can find it at a good price. Its performance and features are still respectable, though it may lack the latest software updates.
❓ What is the main difference between the Note 3 and Note 3 Neo?
The Neo is a slightly refreshed version of the Note 3, with a more efficient processor and improved software. However, the performance difference isn't drastic.
