Samsung Galaxy Note LTE vs Apple iPhone 4S
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By now, we’ve all probably watched that commercial about the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE for AT&T – you know, the one that aired during the Super Bowl. Sure, we get a good chuckle out of it, thanks to its over the top style, but when you overlook the theatrics and celebrity cameos, we find yet another casual instance of Samsung pitting its offering against Apple’s pride and joy. Storming onto the scene, the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE has proven itself as one captivating smartphone that’s very different from mostly everything else, but it’s going to take more than BIG talk to take away the iPhone’s grasp on the market, so let’s find out who these two titans in the smartphone world stack up against one another.
Design:
To put it bluntly, these two handsets couldn’t be any more different from one another, as size is undoubtedly the most prominent differentiator. On one side, we have the obnoxiously large size of the Galaxy Note LTE, which makes it impossible to use single handed – though, we have to admit that it’s so uncanny that it actually provides most of its wow factor. Conversely, the iPhone is more form fitting and comfortable to hold in the hand, while its top-notch quality choice of materials gives it that premium feel. We can argue which one has the better construction or killer design, but in an age where initial impressions have long lasting implications, the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE simply has that fresh appeal to snag the attention of people far and wide.
Even though we rarely had issues accidentally any of the Note’s capacitive buttons, it’s never a problem with the tactile physical home button of the iPhone 4S. Perched above their displays are their respective front-facing cameras, with the Note donning a higher count 2-megapixel snapper versus the VGA one of the iPhone 4S.
Buttons below the displays | Front-facing cameras |
The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (right) and the Apple iPhone 4S (left) | |
Bottom edges | Left | Top | Right |
The sides of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (bottom) and the Apple iPhone 4S (top) | |||
Display:
Arguably, we can dissect and mention the advantages between each handset’s display, but ultimately it’s our eyes that emphasize which is ultimately the more alluring one. On numerous occasions, and even now, we’ve always been enthralled by the 3.5” Retina display of the iPhone 4S, but it has become somewhat passé – but to its credit, it’s still perceived as a benchmark for everything else. Naturally, both deliver stunning detail as the iPhone 4S and Galaxy Note LTE offer high pixel densities of 330 ppi and 285 ppi respectively, but we cannot overlook the unnatural size of the Galaxy Note LTE. In the end, we’re attracted to it more due to its mind-boggling 5.3” footprint – plus, its saturated colors and sheer luminance rounds out things to complement its beauty.
Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out
Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out
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53 Comments
1. Birds posted on 24 Feb 2012, 05:57 8 2
Finally, a none biased review. lol Just kidding. But sounds like John V. Has fallen in love with the Galaxy Note.
33. ghost__uwi posted on 25 Feb 2012, 09:56 1 13
my word what a crappy phone to fall in love with.
2. TreyTreyTaylor posted on 24 Feb 2012, 06:29 14 1
I love the hell outta my GNex but the Note is so boss. I hope and pray Verizon gets a five incher cause I would NEVER go to At&t. Hate em with a passion lol XO
10. PAPINYC (limited) 3 days ago posted on 24 Feb 2012, 08:19 5 3
iHate them even more. And, I'm with you, hope Verizon gets it :)
20. RORYREVOLUTION posted on 24 Feb 2012, 17:37 3 0
I agree but I doubt VERIZON will pick up the Galaxy Note. They seem to be all in love with Motorola and they don't want to hurt the sales of the Galaxy Nexus. But yes I would pick up the Galaxy Note on Verizon in a heart beat.
43. Larry_ThaGr81 posted on 28 Feb 2012, 16:29 1 0
Not true, they are going to call their version of the Galaxy Note, the Galaxy Journal. Of course that name is subject to change, but does seem fitting.
52. Fhammond posted on 05 Apr 2012, 11:29 0 0
I agree with you. I too hate At&t and I don't want to move to them to get this beast of a phone.
3. bbblader posted on 24 Feb 2012, 06:40 14 1
could this be? phonearena have stopped being iphonearena? now this is better news than the SGSIII
5. Jeradiah3 posted on 24 Feb 2012, 07:35 7 0
Thats one of the best comments Ive seen about the note in a while lol
7. greathero1 posted on 24 Feb 2012, 07:45 3 0
Too funny but when you see them side by side, thats one hell of an accurate observation lol!
11. PAPINYC (limited) 3 days ago posted on 24 Feb 2012, 08:20 10 6
No, 'it's like a man and his B¡tch'.
6. kshell1 posted on 24 Feb 2012, 07:36 2 0
i want the galaxy note but im saving up for the optimus 4x HD
40. jamrockjones posted on 27 Feb 2012, 15:18 0 1
Ha, if it comes to Sprint I for sure will buy the 4X HD.
9. PAPINYC (limited) 3 days ago posted on 24 Feb 2012, 08:16 11 9
Haaa!!!! I had to read that title twice, then I laughed: 'vs' implies by definition competition. There is no competition here; iPhone 4S is a flip phone (with dediCated 911 shortcut button for seniors) next to that Galaxy Note. Damn, I have serious size envy, my RAZR™ is only 4.3". At least I can reach for my original Galaxy Tab whenever I'm feeling small (or, at least, as small as the iPhone 4S is right now).
Go Sammy, stomp all over that LiMiTed and tiNy iOS'd fliP phone.
14. bucky posted on 24 Feb 2012, 09:25 3 14
lol u have some serious hatred for the iphone. I have an SGS2 and i can honestly say i would take the iphone over your razr.
The iphone 4s still creates standards in many ways.
17. PAPINYC (limited) 3 days ago posted on 24 Feb 2012, 12:06 1 2
Yes, it's a great replAcement for femiNiNe hygiEne.
41. -box- posted on 27 Feb 2012, 16:32 0 0
I'd have to be paid to use an iphone, and very very well at that.
I'd use Verizon if someone paid for it, but I'd never willingly go there.
If I had to have Verizon, the Droid RAZR Maxx or Galaxy Nexus or LG Spectrum would be the only choices I'd consider.
46. Powerhawk posted on 29 Feb 2012, 03:50 0 1
Lucky for you, -box-, I'm sponsoring faggots to use iPhones on Verizon. Forward your contact information.
13. redmd posted on 24 Feb 2012, 08:42 1 0
there's only one iphone 4S. but I'm so having fun with my GNote. I can't exchange this for any other phone right now. Haha
15. greathero1 posted on 24 Feb 2012, 09:40 3 1
This phone looks awesome but why in the hell couldn't they had left the design alone? I am sick of all US Android phones having the exact same 4 buttons. I love the look of the International version.
16. kcombs posted on 24 Feb 2012, 10:29 2 1
I had the pleasure of looking at a Note in the store the other day, let me tell you it is awesome! but it really is not that big, pictures make it look bigger.
30. EarnYourLeather posted on 25 Feb 2012, 03:59 1 0
I disagree. When I saw it for the first time in stores my instinctual vocal reaction was "What the hell is that?" I wasn't sure if it was a phone or a mini-tablet. It's just too big for my tastes.
18. gallitoking posted on 24 Feb 2012, 14:05 2 10
that thing that I note is that fandroids support that is Android and that's all.. not that is the Note itself... mentioning other devices when it should about the note and the iphone 4S only... but will leave it at that...
27. XiphiasGladius posted on 24 Feb 2012, 21:59 4 0
Huh? Am I the only one who doesn't understand a single bit of what he is blabbering right now?
19. Striker posted on 24 Feb 2012, 16:07 1 5
Dear John,
In spite of your biased article, I'd like to share some thoughs. How can you compare a smartphone with a Pad?!? How can you call the Korean device a smartphone?!? This is either a phone for 10 feet Marsians, a coffee tray or an iPad/tablet, but NOT a phone. Besides, you can also explain what all the hypes about hyper-oled or whatever display, means to the public and why the colours look so unnatural, right? The whole article is wrong. You should compare the ''Note'' with an iPad, not with a smartphone...
25. frydaexiii posted on 24 Feb 2012, 20:42 2 0
Because it has a phone function in it. By your comment we should start comparing the iPod Touch to every other phone out there right? And even if this was compared to the iPad, it'd still win, better display, phone functions, s pen
21. pedobear posted on 24 Feb 2012, 17:39 1 1
I would pick android over apple any day but the note is way too big and uncomfortable. I remember when 4.3" was pretty big and now I`d be lucky to find a top-tier phone that`s 4.3 inches. if 5" screens become the standard for android phones then I'll be on my way to a store to pick up an iPhone.
22. CivicSi89 posted on 24 Feb 2012, 18:37 1 0
Oh. My God.... Its Pedobear.... I thaught you liked them small man?
23. pedobear posted on 24 Feb 2012, 19:23 0 0
I like them all sizes, as long as their study and they work.
32. XiphiasGladius posted on 25 Feb 2012, 04:31 1 0
wow 9gagers?
28. trumpet116 posted on 24 Feb 2012, 23:31 3 0
HAHAHAHA you can't even compare the two...they're on totally opposite sides: one is of the smallest, one is THE biggest. No one is going narrow down their choices to these two...
34. x7black7x posted on 25 Feb 2012, 12:14 0 0
that's the same old 3.5" screen since 2007 or let's just say from 6 generations and apple fool you ifanboys by saying they have got something new the only phones by apple i found innovative were iphone1, 3, 4. that's all, all the other's were just like selling s**t on the name of apple
APPLE, Is**t2, Is**t3GS, Is**t4S.
36. Manster posted on 25 Feb 2012, 23:49 1 2
That GNote is a nice phone but c'mon people it's a HUGE DOORSTOP of a phone! Its too darn big and inconvenient to haul around.....you might as well carry around a tablet!
iPhone 4S gets my nod......and jailbroken the iPhone simply RULES!
'Nuff said, and you have been schooled! ;)
38. E.N. posted on 26 Feb 2012, 16:23 0 0
Dude I agree, I'd never buy anything that big. If you don't mind the size, then of course, the Note will be a good device. But in my opinion, it just seems slightly impractical carrying that around. Your phone is suppose to be your "take with you everywhere" device.
42. gragonHDfones (unregistered) posted on 27 Feb 2012, 22:31 0 0
i am so happy i have att, even though i dont like them, they are getting a good amount of phones
44. k1ng617 posted on 28 Feb 2012, 20:48 0 0
"it’s able to somehow magically sum up conversation from random strangers"
Totally, 100% true!
47. samnote posted on 02 Mar 2012, 13:51 0 0
i had both iPhone 4s and Samsung Galaxy Note. i use them most the time. even my iPhone sim small i still can use my Galaxy Note. love it.
48. jellmoo posted on 02 Mar 2012, 22:42 1 0
I'm forced to agree with the article. The Note is clearly a better tablet than the iPhone.
49. paladinkar posted on 04 Mar 2012, 12:40 0 0
"Sorry iPhone but 3.5 inches isn't enough to satisfy our insatiable needs"...anybody else chuckle a little at this?
50. paladinkar posted on 04 Mar 2012, 12:43 0 0
"Also, well endowed in key areas." There is no way these weren't on purpose.
53. brandon.quinonez2012 posted on 08 Jun 2012, 15:20 0 0
i think we should have a better reviewer such as a person who isnt pro-iphone. because you are trying to make the iphone seem a lot better than what it really is.
54. jasonlee posted on 12 Dec 2012, 11:32 0 0
I own both; currently using my GNote but it's still lightyears behind my 4S. True, it's huge and it gets a lot of compliments but my iPhone's form factor, design, and outright functionality wins for me.
Aside from the size of the GNote (which isn't operable one handed like my iPhone 4S is), it's camera isn't as high of quality as my 4S, nor does it honestly seem faster in comparision (and mind you, Apple underclocks it's chipset and has half the RAM).
IMO GNote < 4S.







