Looking for a reliable Android phone without breaking the bank? The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo and LG G2 Lite were popular budget options. But which one offers the better experience? We'll break down their key features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Note 3 Neo edges out the LG G2 Lite thanks to its superior battery life and hexa-core processor. While the G2 Lite is a simpler device, the Neo's performance and endurance make it the more compelling choice for most users, especially considering its impressive sunlight readability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-N7505 | HSDPA 850 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - SM-N7505 | - |
| EDGE | Class 10 | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2(LTE)/21.1(3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-N750 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, February | 2014, November. Released 2014, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148.4 x 77.4 x 8.6 mm (5.84 x 3.05 x 0.34 in) | 127.5 x 67.9 x 11.9 mm (5.02 x 2.67 x 0.47 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM (dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 162.5 g (5.71 oz) | 153.7 g (5.40 oz) |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~66.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (4x1.3 GHz Cortex A7 & 2x1.7 GHz Cortex A15) | Quad-core 1.2 GHz |
| Chipset | Exynos 5260 Hexa | - |
| GPU | Mali-T624 MP4 | - |
| OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls | - |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included |
| Internal | 16GB (11GB user available), 2GB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | - |
| | eMMC 5.0 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.6, 31mm (standard), AF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. | 480p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) | VGA |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | 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, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | - |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 64 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 540 h (3G) | Up to 345 h (2G) / Up to 345 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 18 h (3G) | Up to 15 h (2G) / Up to 11 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1820 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Pink, Red | White, Black, Gold |
| Models | SM-N750, SM-N7505, SM-N750K, SM-N750S, SM-N7507, SM-N750L, SM-N7500Q, SM-N7506V, SM-N7505L | - |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.70 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.25 W/kg (head) 0.27 W/kg (body) | 0.75 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -96.1dB / Crosstalk -94.9dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 74h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.487 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo
- Exceptional battery life (74h)
- Hexa-core processor for better performance
- Excellent sunlight readability
- Likely better camera quality
- Older device, may lack latest software updates
- Potentially larger and heavier than the G2 Lite
LG G2 Lite
- Simple and easy to use
- Potentially more affordable
- Compact design
- Weaker processor
- Shorter battery life
- Less impressive display
- Likely inferior camera
Display Comparison
The Note 3 Neo boasts a significantly better display, particularly in sunlight. Its contrast ratio, while technically 'infinite' in nominal conditions, performs exceptionally well at 3.487 in direct sunlight, making it easily viewable outdoors. The LG G2 Lite's display is adequate but lacks the same level of brightness and contrast, struggling in bright conditions. The Note 3 Neo also likely has a higher resolution, contributing to a sharper image.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing for both devices, the Note 3 Neo likely has a more capable camera system. Samsung historically prioritized camera quality in their devices. The G2 Lite's camera is likely adequate for casual snapshots, but the Note 3 Neo should offer better image quality, especially in low light.
Performance
The Note 3 Neo's Exynos 5260 hexa-core processor (4x1.3 GHz Cortex A7 & 2x1.7 GHz Cortex A15) provides a noticeable performance advantage over the LG G2 Lite's quad-core 1.2 GHz CPU. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Note 3 Neo. The G2 Lite is sufficient for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Note 3 Neo's battery life is a standout feature, boasting an endurance rating of 74 hours. This is significantly better than the LG G2 Lite, which likely has a smaller battery and less efficient processor. The Note 3 Neo will easily last a full day or more on a single charge, while the G2 Lite may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking. The LG G2 Lite is a good option for those seeking a basic, no-frills smartphone experience with a focus on simplicity and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Note 3 Neo still worth buying in [current year]?
While an older device, the Note 3 Neo's excellent battery life and decent performance still make it a viable option for budget-conscious users, especially if you prioritize longevity over the latest features.
❓ Which phone is easier to use for beginners?
The LG G2 Lite's simpler design and fewer features might make it slightly easier for absolute beginners to navigate, but both phones offer a familiar Android experience.
