With the iPhone 6 and Galaxy Note 4 being unveiled this September, the inevitable Samsung versus Apple clash has begun in earnest.
Apple will fire the first shots when they release their newest iPhone 6 along with its larger iPhone 6 Plus variant to consumers on Friday, Sept. 19. Both versions of the iPhone 6 will sell out quickly on that day.
Still, there is time for undecided buyers to contemplate which phone is best for their needs. Apple will undoubtedly restock the phones in time for the Winter Holidays. Samsung is pushing for a much later Galaxy Note 4 launch date that is rumored to be in October.
In this guide, we will examine the strengths and weaknesses of the iPhone 6 Plus and the Galaxy Note 4 flagships, which are considered the top in their class.
Dimension
Observers will immediately notice that the two flagships are evenly-matched in the dimensions contest.
The Galaxy Note 4 measures in at 153.5x78.6, and weighs 176 grams. By comparison, the iPhones 6 Plus measures at 158.1x77.8 mm, and weights 176 gram. Apple's iPhone 6 Plus is 7.1mm thick, while the Galaxy Note 4 has 8.5mm thickness.
Samsung's phone is slightly heavier, thicker, and shorter. Even so, this difference is hardly noticeable when the Galaxy Note 4 is placed next to the iPhone 6.
Performance
Regarding processors, the iPhone 6 Plus holds a very minor advantage with is A8 64-bit processors. In contrast, the Galaxy Note 4 runs on the Snapdragon 805 processor. Though reliable and fast, the Snapdragon chip is more-or-less a 32-bit processor.
Most consumers will find that the 32-bit processor is more than sufficient for basic needs such as running flash games and playing music. Nonetheless, 64-bit processors are the way of the future, which was the subject of excellent article published on Trusted Review.
Software
Samsung has structured the Galaxy Note 4 around multi-tasking operations. The Galaxy Note 4 runs on a version of Android 4.4.4 KitKat, which has been modified for Samsung's TouchWiz user interface. One apparent feature of this design is the Multi-Window View that allows users to simultaneously run multiple apps on the screen. Galaxy Note 4 owners can also split the screen in half as well. Though the iPhone 6 Plus has multi-tasking functions, the device does not have nearly the same amount of options as the Galaxy Note 4.
Aesthetics
The Galaxy Note 4 has a larger 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display (2560 x 1440), while the iPhone 6 Plus has the smaller 5.5-inch display (1920 x 1080). Though the iPhone 6 Plus possesses great clarity, the Galaxy Note 4 is slightly better with its higher resolution. Still, the difference is not too apparent.
On the other hand, the iPhone 6 has more customization options for the cover. Apple customers can choose between three colors that include gold, white, and gray.
Samsung is only offering the Galaxy Note 4 in either black or white. However, the South Korean company may release a blue and gold option at a later date.
Camera
Both the iPhone 6 Plus and Galaxy Note 4 comes with Optical Image Stabilization, which allows users to take clearer pictures. However, the Galaxy Note 4 has a rear-facing 16MP camera. Meanwhile, the iPhone 6 Plus has 8MP camera in the back.
For self-photos, the Galaxy Note 4 sports a 3.7MP front-facing camera while the iPhone 6 Plus has the front-facing 1.2MP camera.
In this category, the Galaxy Note 4 has the advantage, though Apple users can still take gorgeous pictures with the iPhone 6 Plus.
Extra Features
The Galaxy Note 4 has an S-Pen that allows users to scribble notes as if writing on a piece of paper. Compared with its predecessors, the newer Galaxy Note has better S-Pen sensitivity. Unlike Samsung, Apple has not included the S-Pen with the iPhone 6 Plus.
However, Apple has the Touch ID fingerprint sensor that is superior to the fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy Note 4. For a fingerprint reading, iPhone 6 Plus requires the users to hold their thumb on the home button with just one hand. In contrast, the Galaxy Note 4 users need to scan their fingerprint on a sensor while using two hands - increasing the risk of dropping the phone.
Recently, manufacturers are placing much emphasis on health-related features. The iPhone 6 Plus comes with a new Health app that tracks the user's health and fitness data.
However, the Galaxy Note 4 comes with health-specific hardware that includes a heat-rate sensor located near the camera. This measures the user's pulse. Also, Samsung's flagship has a separate sensor that gauges the level of UV radiation around the user. Apple has not included any of these sensors on their iPhone 6 Plus.
Storage
Apple offers three internal storage options for the iPhone 6 Plus - 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB. In comparison, the Galaxy Note 4 only comes with 32 GB internal storage.
Even so, the iPhone 6 Plus' advantage is negated with its lack of a microSD card slot that allows users to add more internal storage. The Galaxy Note 4 has a microSD slot that supports cards up to 128GB.
So, neither of the two phones have an advantage over one another in regards to internal storage capacity.
Battery
Additionally, the Galaxy Note 4 features a removable back that allows users to install longer-lasting batteries. The iPhone 6 Plus does not have this option, so users are stuck with whatever battery that Apple provides.
The basic Galaxy Note 4 comes with a 3220 mAH battery, while the iPhone 6 comes with a 2915 mAH battery.
Price
Only Apple has confirmed the starting price for the iPhone 6 Plus. The retail value of an unlocked 16GB model costs $299.99, while the 16GB version sells for $399.99. Users wishing more internal storage can purchase the beefier 128GB model for $499.99.
The iPhone 6 Plus is much cheaper with contract from the major carriers. Prices may vary depending on the mobile service provider's policy.
However, the U.S. retail value for the Galaxy Note 4 has yet to be confirmed. For the moment, interested buyers will need to wait for more details from Samsung.
