Samsung Galaxy Note LTE vs Apple iPhone 4S
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Here we go again! It’s yet another classic brawl between Android and iOS, but as we’ve pointed out in several comparisons, they have their specific characteristics to appeal to a wide audience. However, you can kind of see how the TouchWiz interface of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE closely resembles the iPhone’s grid-like interface – albeit, the Note displays more icons thanks to its generous size. As we’ve come to expect, the Note offers a ton more personalization than the iPhone can ever dream about in its lifetime, but some newcomers might be scared by its complexity – well, that’s on top of its menacing presence. Oppositely, traversing through the iPhone’s interface is wickedly easier thanks to its simplistic and straightforward approach.
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The TouchWiz interface of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE | |||
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iOS 5 on the Apple iPhone 4S | |||
Now that the Galaxy Note LTE is here in the flesh, it redefines what it means to have a spacious keyboard layout – essentially when compared to the iPhone’s offering. Thankfully though, both are well endowed in typing up long passages of text with minimal mistakes thanks in part to their tasteful responsiveness. Sure, we might accidentally hit the wrong button when using the iPhone’s keyboard, but seeing that it has one of the best autocorrect and predictive features, we can consistently keep a good rate without worries.
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On-screen keyboards of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE | |||
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Portrait keyboard | Landscape QWERTY |
On-screen keyboard of the Apple iPhone 4S | |
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Calendar | |||
Samsung Galaxy Note LTE | |||
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Calendar | |||
Apple iPhone 4S | |||
Processor and Memory:
In our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE, we were quick to notice some evidence of choppiness with certain processor intensive tasks – and that’s despite packing a mighty 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8660 processor with 1GB of RAM. In contrast, it’s rarely a concern with the 800MHz dual-core Apple A5 CPU with 512MB of RAM of the iPhone 4S, as it seemingly exhibits the more fluid movements and executions. Honestly, the sluggish performance of the Galaxy Note LTE isn’t in our face all the time, but when we find the iPhone 4S running smoothly in all aspects, it begs the question if software is the culprit behind the Note’s performance.
You’ll need to be extremely picky with the iPhone 4S, seeing that there’s no way to increase its internal memory, which is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities. Meanwhile, the Note is graced with 10.84GB of free storage out of the box, which can be supplemented by throwing in a microSD card.
Internet and Connectivity:
Talk about speed! There’s no comparison with this one as the Note is blessed with support for LTE connectivity – whereas, the iPhone 4S is limited to HSPA+ speeds with AT&T’s network. Taking speeds out of the equation, we still have to hand it to the Note when it comes down to web browsing. Simply, it’s fluid, displays more things on-scree simultaneously thanks to its size, and offers Flash support for that remarkably close desktop-like experience. Yeah, the iPhone 4S exhibits the same responsiveness and fluidity with its browsing controls, but it can’t outclass the Note in this category.
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Web surfing with the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE | |||
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Web browsing on the Apple iPhone 4S | |||
Reiterating ourselves, the Samsung Galaxy Note has the upper hand in the data speed department thanks to its LTE connection, but it’s worth noting that the iPhone 4S also packs a CDMA radio to run off the networks of Sprint and Verizon. Moreover, they both feature aGPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
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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) 4 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) 4 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) 4 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) 4 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.
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