In just a few weeks, we should see both the Apple iPhone 5S and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch and tempt consumers with their charms. Both devices are sure to have some tempting features and here, we take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features that could potentially push consumers away from the iPhone 5S.
Apple and Samsung appear destined for another clash as the companies are thought to be announcing new flagship smartphones in the coming weeks. For Samsung, it’s the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, a device that the company has confirmed for arrival on September 4th, and a device that will be matched up against the likes of the HTC One Max, Sony Xperia Z Ultra and yes, the iPhone 5S.
The Cupertino-based company still hasn’t confirmed an iPhone 5S launch date though September 10th is heavily rumored as its target date, meaning, we could see the iPhone 5S launch just about a week after the Galaxy Note 3. And with the devices likely launching and getting released in both proximity to each other, it’s natural that consumers will likely have them near the top of their smartphone shopping list.
Both of these devices are going to be powerful, attractive smartphones. No doubt about it. However, like all smartphones, there will be areas where they are superior to each other. Thanks to extensive feature leaks for both the Galaxy Note 3 and the iPhone 5S, we have a good idea where their superiority might lie. The iPhone 5S will likely outsell the Galaxy Note 3, but that doesn’t mean that it will the superior smartphone in all arenas.
Here, we take a close look at areas where we think the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be equipped to beat the iPhone 5S.
Bigger, Higher Resolution Display
One of the hallmarks of the Samsung Galaxy Note series is its large display. And it looks like Samsung will be going even larger with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
Rumors suggest that the Galaxy Note 3 display will be checking in at 5.7-inches with 1080p resolution. That’s bigger and better than the display on the Galaxy Note 2. What this also means is that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display will more than likely feature a larger display and higher resolution display than the iPhone 5S.
The iPhone 5S is expected to retain the iPhone 5′s 4-inch Retina Display. There have been rumors that we could see a boost in pixels-per-inch to make it even better, but that remains flimsy. So, we could see an iPhone 5S display that is on par, in terms of quality and size, with the display on the iPhone 5.
The Galaxy Note 3 will have a larger display than the Galaxy Note 2, seen here with the iPhone 5.
Not everyone wants or needs a massive display like the Galaxy Note 3′s but here is why we think it will be better overall. For one, the large screen means more real estate for things like watching movies. Watching a movie on the iPhone 5′s display can be a bit uncomfortable due to its small size. Same goes for playing games. The Galaxy Note 3 will be the optimal display for playing games as it will more closely mirror a gaming handset. In addition, reading on the Galaxy Note 3 should be easier for those that need it as font sizes will be larger.
We should also see the resolution change bring a big boost to the pixel-per-inch count on the Galaxy Note 3 and it could be on par with the 326ppi that is on the iPhone 5. So expect content to look great on both, but expect to be able to do more with the Galaxy Note 3′s display size.
Tons of Storage
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is rumored to be coming in 32GB form instead of the 16GB models that we’ve seen emerge in the past. If that’s true, users should be able to expand the memory of the device with a 64GB microSD card which will bring the device’s internal storage up to 96GB. The 32GB is looking like it will be the base amount for the Galaxy Note 3.
The iPhone 5S could come in four storage sizes, but it still won’t beat the Galaxy Note 3.
The iPhone 5S is expected to come in several different storage variants though nothing is confirmed. We’ve seen Apple offer 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models in the past though there are rumors that we could see a 128GB model emerge as well. If it does, we could see it replace the 16GB iPhone 5S.
So here is how it would likely breakdown:
- iPhone 5S 16GB: $199.99
- iPhone 5S 32GB: $299.99
- iPhone 5S 64BG: $399.99
Or, if a 128GB iPhone 5S is introduced:
- iPhone 5S 16GB: $199.99
- iPhone 5S 32GB: $299.99
- iPhone 5S 64GB: $399.99
- iPhone 5S 128GB: $499.99
Or:
- iPhone 5S 32GB: $199.99
- iPhone 5S 64GB: $299.99
- iPhone 5S 128GB: $399.99
What this means is that we could see a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with more bang, storage-wise, for a buck. The iPhone 5S is not likely to have a microSD card slot which means that users could be stuck with 32GB at the very worst or 64GB at the very best for $299.99 in our scenario. Or, the same price as a 96GB Galaxy Note 3.
Both devices will utilize cloud storage as well but it could be that the Galaxy Note 3 will appeal to power users who need a ton of space for apps, games, photos, video, and more.
Removable Back
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is almost assuredly going to be made of plastic, we know this thanks to Samsung’s history and some recent part leaks, and that should mean that it will come with a removable back, just like the Galaxy S4. The iPhone 5S, on the other hand, is unlikely to feature a removable back as the iPhone 5 didn’t have one and Apple has never offered the feature in the past.
What this could mean is that the Galaxy Note 3 will have two major benefits over the iPhone 5S. The first, wireless charging. We saw Samsung introduce a Wireless Charging Kit for the Galaxy S4 and given the popularity of the Galaxy Note, it makes sense that it would offer one for the Galaxy Note 3 as well. Wireless charging allows users to charge their device without wires.
The iPhone 5S likely won’t have a removable back.
The other reason has to do with the battery. With a removable back, users can easily install an extended battery inside the Galaxy Note 3 in order to get more juice. The Galaxy Note 3 should already have a massive battery inside but for those that need it, there should be massive extended batteries available on shelves.
The iPhone 5S will benefit from things like Mophie cases but adding an extended battery will likely be next to impossible thanks to the non-removable back.
Powerful Multitasking
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 featured and still does feature some of the most powerful multitasking on the market. Thanks to the Galaxy Note 2′s enormous display and high-end processor, features like Multi-Window View and Pop Up Play and Pop Up Browser, which allow users to watch a video while doing other tasks, work like a charm.
These features will likely be on board the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. And there are signs that we could see some improvements to those and possibly some additions to the Galaxy Note 3′s software as well.
Lee Young-hee, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business, told The Korea Times this about the Galaxy Note 3:
Samsung opened a new smart mobile device category back in 2011 with the introduction of the first Galaxy Note. Since then, smartphones with large screens have been a mainstream trend. As the creator of this category, we will introduce our customers to enhanced key features on our Galaxy Note devices.
A key feature on the Galaxy Note has always been multitasking so it’s possible that we could see some upgrades here. The device is also expected to feature a Qualcomm 800 quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM which should help with the horsepower needed for powerful multitasking features.
iOS 7 brings improved multitasking to iPhone owners but it’s likely not going to be on par with the Galaxy Note 3, even if the device doesn’t feature drastic multitasking upgrades.
iOS 7 multitasking allows users to see full size previews of apps and brings the ability to swipe to dismiss them. But there is nothing, at least that we’ve seen, that appears to trump the type of multitasking found on the Galaxy Note series.
So for those that love to do tons of stuff at once, particularly all at once on the same screen, the Galaxy Note 3 will likely be worth taking a close look at.
S Pen
When Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone, he was quick to point out that its competitors uses styli, a pen that allowed users to write and perform functions on the display. Before the launch of the original Galaxy Note, styluses were mainly used in conjunction with tablets, not smartphones. Samsung changed that.
The Galaxy Note comes with a bundled stylus called the S Pen that can be holstered inside the phone when not in use. The stylus isn’t a standard stylus though as it comes with some of the Galaxy Note’s most unique features.
For instance, when users pull the S Pen out of the holster, it brings up a powerful note taking app called S Note that is perfect for jotting down ideas while in class or in a meeting. For many, it’s going to be more accurate than trying to type on a keyboard on a screen that is 4-inches in size.
Users can also hover over things like email to get a preview or simply navigate through the device’s user interface simply by making movements with the pen. This is more than an average stylus.
We’ve seen signs that Samsung is going to improve the S Pen with the Galaxy Note 3. For one, its upcoming developer conference notes that it will be talking about new functionality for the S Pen. We’ve also seen a possible S Pen related website emerge ahead of the Galaxy Note 3 launch. And finally, we have to consider Lee Young-hee’s comments about focusing on the key features.
The S Pen is what separates the Galaxy Note from its competitors and with competition breathing down its neck, we should see the S Pen grow even more powerful with the Galaxy Note 3 whether its upgraded applications or new applications that usher in a new era.
This is something that iPhone 5S owners simply will not have access to unless Apple drastically alters its course and offers a unique stylus for its next iPhone, something that simply isn’t going to happen.
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