The Samsung Captivate Glide and Galaxy Note N7000 were both flagship Android devices from their time, offering compelling features. But which one holds up better today? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which phone was the better choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Note N7000 edges out the Captivate Glide thanks to its slightly faster processor, larger screen, and generally more refined software experience. While both offer decent battery life, the Note's overall package makes it the preferable option for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 4, 17 - AT&T |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, October. Released 2011, November | 2011, September. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 124 x 64 x 13 mm (4.88 x 2.52 x 0.51 in) | 146.9 x 83 x 9.7 mm (5.78 x 3.27 x 0.38 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 147 g (5.19 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~285 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~66.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | TouchWiz UI
| - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H | Exynos 4210 Dual (45 nm) |
| GPU | ULP GeForce | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.6, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@24~30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | Yes (optional) |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | HDMI port
MP4/DivX/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Photo/video editor
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 396 h | Up to 960 h (2G) / Up to 820 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 26 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 13 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Pink |
| Models | - | GT-N7000, GT-I9220, SHV-E160L, SHV-E160S |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | 0.20 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | 0.16 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.4dB / Crosstalk -87.4dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 39h
|
Endurance rating 39h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.970:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 72dB
|
Samsung i927 Captivate Glide
- More compact size
- Stylus-free experience
- Decent battery life
- Slower processor
- Smaller display
- Less refined software
Samsung Galaxy Note N7000
- Larger display
- Faster processor
- S Pen stylus for productivity
- Generally better camera
- Larger size may not suit everyone
- Software can feel dated
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Note N7000 boasts a larger 5.3-inch Super AMOLED display compared to the Captivate Glide's 4.2-inch screen. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (Infinite nominal, 2970:1 sunlight), but the Note's size provides a more immersive viewing experience. The Note's display also generally had better color accuracy and vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Generally, the Galaxy Note N7000's camera was considered slightly better in terms of image quality and low-light performance, though both were adequate for their time. The Note also had slightly better video recording capabilities.
Performance
While both phones feature dual-core Cortex-A9 processors, the Galaxy Note N7000's Exynos 4210 clocked at 1.4 GHz provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Captivate Glide's Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H at 1.0 GHz. This translates to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Note.
Battery Life
Both phones share the same endurance rating of 39 hours, suggesting comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the Note's larger screen and more demanding processor could lead to slightly faster battery drain under heavy load.
Buying Guide
The Captivate Glide might appeal to users seeking a more compact device and a stylus-free experience. The Galaxy Note N7000 is ideal for those who value a larger display, enhanced performance, and the S Pen stylus for note-taking and creative tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Captivate Glide still usable in 2024?
Yes, but it will feel dated. Software updates are long gone, so security is a concern. It can still handle basic tasks, but don't expect a modern smartphone experience.
❓ What is the S Pen on the Galaxy Note N7000 used for?
The S Pen is a stylus that allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and navigation. It offers pressure sensitivity and various software features designed to enhance productivity and creativity.