Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Pro Reviews

The Galaxy Note Edge is a lot about showing off the amazing capabilities of Samsung’s AMOLED displays, and how they curve and bend. It’s a show-off feature, and as such, it is granted to get you a lot of looks and attention, but it does little in terms of meaningful functional improvements. Still, overall, the Note Edge is a considerable upgrade over the Note 3 - it comes with a sharper, Quad HD screen, and while your eyes might not be able to tell much of the difference in terms of sharpness, they would appreciate the improved color accuracy. The OIS camera is also a nice step up on the Note Edge, as it captures some of the best shots we’ve seen from a smartphone and does so consistently, while the Note 3 is a bit less capable. Performance wise, the Note Edge has the faster chips, but the performance boost is very slight and most of the gains are offset by the higher-res display. The Note 3, on its part, has the more alluring price - Samsung has now cut its price by nearly a third, making it a good value for the money. The Note Edge, on the other hand, is an exorbitantly expensive phone with a starting price of $950 off-contract. It’s a 'limited-edition' device, after all. Counting out the price factor, the Note Edge does offer some meaningful upgrades outside of the rim, but the cost has us hesitating giving it a heart-felt recommendation.

Unsuprisingly, the Galaxy Note 4 is a better phablet than its predecessor in every regard. It has a nicer build, an incredible display, a faster processor, revamped interface and enhanced functionality, along with a better camera, and a slightly longer battery life. If you are a fan of big-screen phones, and the Galaxy Note line in particular, there's hardly anything unlikeable about the fourth-generation Galaxy Note. If specs, looks, and an enhanced S-Pen don't compel you into upgrading from the Galaxy Note 3, that's perfectly reasonable. However, if you are still rocking the good old Galaxy Note 2, then we think you are going to have a much better time with its heir from 2014.

The iPhone 6 Plus is Apple's first foray into the phablet borderland, and it impresses on most counts. It brings everything you can expect from an iPhone in a much larger package – the build is as premium as ever, and the screen is bright and very accurate. In contrast, the Note 3 has a not-so-impressive plastic body, but it has replaceable battery and microSD slot. Note 3's AMOLED screen is not color-accurate, though many love the oversaturated hues it produces. The iPhone 6 Plus comes with excellent camera, which excels in low-light and video capture, thanks to its large pixels and optical image stabilization. Apple's phone also supports a record number of LTE bands, for a truly globetrotting experience. Note 3 isn't too shabby either – its camera is also great, and it has some software and alternative input aces up its sleeve like split-screen multitasking, or the embedded S-Pen stylus. For a few years now, Samsung dominated the phablet segment that it created. However, after seeing rivals pop up from most other companies, Apple is now also joining this game, and its model is on par with the best.

Ultimately, choosing a favorite between the LG G3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 depends mostly on what your personal preferences are, and now that we've presented you with their respective pros and cons, we hope that picking one would be less of a hassle. Whichever you go with, rest assured that you'll be getting your money's worth in return.

Traditionally, the older a smartphone gets, the cheaper its price becomes. Therefore, it should be expected for a 6-month product to be lower in price point than let’s say, a new smartphone that was just recently released. Bearing that in mind, we’d be inclined to think that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 would be the affordable device, but that’s not the case here. In fact, the HTC One M8 is actually the more affordable smartphone – bearing a contract and outright cost of $200 and $650 respectively. In contrast, the much older Note 3 is attached with a sticker tag of $300 on-contract, and an even more ridiculous $725 outright through many of the popular wireless carriers. It’s staggering, don’t you think? We can argue endlessly and dissect each phone to determine the superior one, but again, they each have their unique features, attributes, and characteristics to reel in different individuals. In our opinion, the HTC One M8 has more of that balanced appeal to cater to a wider audience. From its stylish design, to its simple software experience, it has the key ingredients that are necessary for a solid foundation. Heck, the pricing is also easier to tolerate – an inviting incentive for those budget conscious buyers out there. Oppositely, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 can also attract the same folks, just as long as they can tolerate the diverse software features it offer, and its ordinary looking design. Nonetheless, productivity centric individuals will especially gravitate to what the Note 3 brings to the table. In fact, all of those software features, on top of the added functionality you get from its S-Pen, fit perfectly into the mold of productivity users.

It would be easy to say that, beyond size considerations, the Galaxy S5 is the better overall device of the two, but size never really left the equation, now did it? Whether it's the larger, 5.7-inch screen and more spacious, 3200 mAh cell, or the inclusion of the S Pen stylus and the plethora of functionality accompanying it, this is always going to be a hard call unless you're certain of the form factor and type of functionality you're after. But a larger screen is definitely not an advantage for everybody, and not all of us really need a stylus. If that kind of thinking applies to you, then it's safe to say that the Galaxy S5 will have the clear advantage here. It reaches a stalemate in the design department with the Note 3, but it has the advantage of a dust- and water-resistant encasing. Thanks to the all-new fingerprint sensor and heart rate monitor, the S5 is also, arguably, the slightly more functional of the two. Moreover, it sports a tad more potent Snapdragon 801 chip, allowing for super fast image sensor processing times. Speaking of images, that's another step where the Galaxy S5 proves more capable -- it offers no revolution, mind you, but an evolutionary step forward in the camera department is hard to argue. All of the above amounts to a wildly nuanced picture. As we mentioned already, the key in picking the right device is really exploring and getting to know what you, individually, are looking for. As complicated as this may sound to some, there's a silver lining here: either device will likely prove a most excellent choice.

LG G Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 are arguably the best that the Android phablet world can currently offer, yet choosing one over the other is very clear-cut. At first blush, they sport an almost identical specs sheet, close performance, and similar design solutions with a removable battery. LG also met every major feature of Samsung's TouchWiz interface, including the multi-window mode. Still, there is a handful of major differences that will easily tip the scales for you. The OIS tech on the G Pro 2 results in better low-light photos, and shake-free videos, compared to the Note 3. Samsung also has an ace up its sleeve with the S Pen stylus, which offers an extra input option, that is more precise than your fingertips. However, anecdotal evidence, and our own polls, come to show that only a small percentage of Note owners use the stylus on a regular basis, while most use their phone camera often. Given that the pricing of the two phablets is very similar, the choice here boils down to whether you prefer a better camera with your phablet, or the extra input options brought along by the S Pen – as simple as that.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 offers a very nice combination of camera and smartphone features, and its primary camera produces image quality that's above average when compared to other smartphones and beginner level point-n-shoot cameras. Its 5.7-inch full HD display touchscreen is very impressive, and Samsung did a great job in designing the camera's menus and buttons to take advantage of the touchscreen. But the large screen requires this device to be larger than most smartphones, which may disappoint some users. And the Galaxy Note 3's lack of an optical zoom lens will make it tough for many photographers to use this device as their only camera.

The Galaxy Note 3 isn’t the greatest smartphone money can buy, but it’s the best option in the category it fills, sure to keep Samsung dominant for another year or two.

We can’t deny the new innovations that accompany the LG G Flex, which makes it so impressive in many fronts. It’s obviously unique and very different in the space right now, seeing that no one else has really done it before, but at the end of the day, it’s a solid showcase device that shows us what is possible. In comparison to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, it’s a good rival, but doesn’t have enough of the practical “goodies” for power users. There’s good reason why many believe that Sammy’s phablet is the one to beat, mainly due to the fact that it’s still a class ahead of everyone else in what it can do on any every day basis – to help us get through things, get the work at hand accomplished. Although it’s not perceived as a new or fresh feature, its S Pen stylus continues to bring forth new enhancements and functions that aid the overall smartphone experience. Additionally, it’s a true high-spec’d device in every single hardware category. And then there’s the matter of pricing. Right now, if you’re to import the LG G Flex from South Korea, you’re going to need to fork over a whopping $940 out of your pockets. Certainly it’s a hefty tally, but it’s a warranted one because of the innovative qualities it brings to the table. Are they practical? Yes, but from a design and ergonomics vantage points. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 can be purchased outright for $750 through many US carriers. It’s still expensive in terms of smartphone pricing, but its deeper and more meaningful offerings give it a more well-rounded finish. The LG G Flex has the looks and cooler next-generation tech behind it, but at the end of the day, it’s the Note 3 that will appease a wider array of consumers at the moment with its outstanding and diverse software experience.

Let’s cut to the chase, these two are no doubt the best phablet performers in their respective platforms. However, as we’ve compared the two, it’s very apparent that the Note 3 has several advantages over the newcomer in the space. Sure, they’re blessed with almost the same set of hardware under the hood, but it’s just the enhancements we see in the customized Android experience of the Note 3 that takes it up a notch over the Lumia 1520. Don’t get us wrong, Windows Phone 8 is constantly growing and developing, but as a whole, it still has yet to reach the milestones we’ve seen out of Android. On top of that, the Note 3 further complements the experience by including several neat/redundant features to its package. Even though the Note 3 is arguably the preferred choice for power users, we can’t help but stress the fact that it’s attached with a premium price point – one that’s still viewed as being hefty in this day and age. Well, considering the enhancements we see from its customized experience, combined with its inclusion of an IR blaster and S-Pen, its $300 on-contract price is more than justified. Knowing that, we’re just amazed to see that the Lumia 1520 is sporting an impressive on-contract price of $100. Heck, that price alone undercuts many flagship devices in the space, giving it a whole lot of value. If you’re looking to save a whole lot of money, while still being given a device that doesn’t make compromises in the specs and performance departments, the Lumia 1520 is going to be the device for you. Sure, Windows Phone 8 might not be on the same level as its rival, but as we’ve seen, each iterative update brings forth enhancements and features that diversify its functionality. On the other end of the spectrum, if money isn’t a concern, we’d recommend the Note 3 for its deeper functionality, excellent performance, and all around performer.

Impressive though it undoubtedly is, the new Note 3 doesn't eclipse the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. The Ultra’s screen is larger and more natural in hue; Sony’s tweaked version of Android is a darned sight less confusing than Samsung’s; the bespoke Sony media apps are better if only by a small margin; and the battery life seemed better. And of course it’s waterproof. But the Note 3 runs a more modern version of Android out of the box, has much the better camera, a stylus, and a very bright and vivid screen. Its battery is removable. Which is the better of the two is a truly tough call. I would be more than happy with either. But if all you want is a whopping display, you could save yourself £250 and buy a Mega 6.3 instead.

Big, bigger, biggest. That seems to be the tale of phablets that started from the 5.3-inch size on the original Note back three years ago, and now shoot up to the sky. Despite that growth in screen sizes, Samsung has managed to actually make its Note 3 narrower and thinner than the original Note, and more comfortable in the hand, while the HTC One max feels too big. These are two premium high-priced and well crafted devices. Design is great on both and performance is buttery smooth. However there are a few areas where the One max is lacking - its processor is not future proof and most importantly its camera is underwhelming. It comes with extra large screen, though (5.9” for the One max vs 5.7” for the Note 3), and gorgeous front-facing speakers. The Galaxy Note 3 in contrast doesn't have such premium build, but is smaller and lighter. It ticks all boxes, just works better all around, adds some extra features thanks to its software and S Pen and gets our recommendation here.

It is always hard to pick a winner in these comparisons because each user has different opinions and requirements for a phone. Both Samsung and LG have brought excellent devices to the table, and in reality the Note 3 and Nexus 5 compete in slightly different segments. Still, they represent the top end of what Android has to offer and many users will find themselves choosing between the two. If you’re looking for a super-sized screen and lots of software features (some of them gimmicks) the Galaxy Note 3 is your device, but if you’re looking for the latest and greatest pure Android OS has to offer in a more svelte package then the Nexus 5 is the choice. Both devices are wicked fast due to the Snapdragon 800 processor, both displays are beautiful and both camera can handle most of what you throw at them. In the end it may come down to price for many users, and what Google has done with the Nexus pricing is simply untouchable.

Both the LG G2 and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 received solid remarks in our individual reviews of each device. If you're someone artistic or in a field that requires lots of productivity or planning, I'd recommend taking a hard look at the Galaxy Note 3. The S Pen offers more input options and a wider canvas to operate on. The size is rather large, which leaves room for the G2 to come in and offer a counterargument as the better compromise between features and practical use on a daily basis. There's so much identical between the two phones internally that it boils down to how much someone cares about an S Pen, or if that person can get over the texture and camera compromises of the G2. If you still need more convincing, read the full LG G2 review or Samsung Galaxy Note 3 review for more guidance.

Those who have always been fond of the Note series will definitely already have cast an eye at Samsung's newest flagship - and rightfully so, as the Galaxy Note 3 is more than just an ordinary successor to the Galaxy Note II. Staying true to the trend of ever larger smartphone screen sizes, the display of the Note 3 has grown as well, albeit in moderation (the device is actually smaller and lighter than its predecessor, partially thanks to smaller bezels). Qualcomm's ultra-fast Snapdragon 800 and 3 GB of RAM speak for themselves. But even during real-life usage, the smartphone barely ever breaks sweat, remaining extremely fast and responsive. Another big pro is the Note 3's absurdly phenomenal battery life. The camera module is exactly the same as the one used in the older Galaxy S4, but neither Samsung nor our reviewers feel much need for change in this regard. And while we didn't really take to the S-Pen (not using it much at all), it is surely an attractive feature with a number of useful application scenarios for those who need it. Samsung pretty much nailed it with the Galaxy Note 3, creating a formidable smartphone. It is no bargain, currently retailing for around 650 euros, but this is still considerably less than the 799 euros the 32 GB variant of the iPhone 5S costs. For those who are in need for an even larger device, the 6.44-inch Sony Xperia Z Ultra (approx. 600 euros) might do the trick. The 5.2-inch LG G2, on the other hand, might be a great "smaller" alternative at 480 euros.

In some ways (not least of which is that we’ve not got our hands on the 1520) it’s too early to give concrete buying advice. However, on the other hand, the fact that the Note 3 runs Android is a big advantage over the Lumia 1520 which runs Windows Phone 8. Both phablets have good cameras, but each has different strengths and weaknesses. With very similar processors, neither will disappoint when it comes to performance. We’ll update this review once we’ve fully tested out the Lumia 1520.

Samsung refines its top-tier phablet with the 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 3, a powerful, full HD phone/tablet combo that may be the only mobile device you need.

A stupendous smartphone – Samsung’s huge, 5.7in handset supplies oodles of features and a refined all-round performance

This is where we wrap things up and present you with our advice on which smartphone you should go with – the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 or the LG G2. But in all honesty, we're split in our decision, so ultimately, the choice will depend on the needs and preferences of each and every user. Size is the Galaxy Note 3's weakest link, but it is one of its strongest selling points at the same time. That's because even though the handset would be too large for the average consumer to comfortably handle and carry around, it rewards us with its spacious touchscreen – a touchscreen that ranks among the very best we've seen on a smartphone to date. Ultimately, all that display real estate makes the Note 3 one of the top handsets for entertainment and media consumption. Not to be forgotten is the S Pen and the boatload of productivity features loaded onto the device, optimized to work in tandem with Samsung's digital stylus. But the LG G2 is no less amazing, and its slightly smaller, yet just as good-looking touchscreen is also suitable for any task you might imagine. At the same time, the company's flagship is much easier to wield and as a result has a higher chance at grabbing the attention of typical buyers. Or at least those who don't mind the unusual placement of its power and volume keys. These key differences aside, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the LG G2 both are well worthy of being regarded as the cream of the crop among Android smartphones. We're pleased to say that they both excel in delivering the premium user experience and the smooth performance we've come to expect out of a contemporary high-end smartphone. They are mighty fast, pretty much equally capable from a hardware standpoint, and loaded to the brim with unique features – all traits that place them on top of the Android foodchain.

At the end of the day, which one should consumers go for – the Note 3 phablet or the Z1 smartphone? It turns out that it's actually not that easy to answer this, as it's not simply a matter of size. If the two handsets were mostly equal in what they do, then the bulkiness of the Xperia Z1 would have probably pushed us into the Note 3's direction. However, the Xperia Z1 is quite a solid contender that's able to give the Note 3 a run for its money in almost all categories. Sure, it's bulky for its a smartphone with a 5” display, but it's still a bit smaller and more compact than the Note 3. It's display is significantly smaller, but produces higher-quality visuals. The Z1's camera is about equal or slightly better in some scenarios, while the software has a more mature and streamlined look. All of this doesn't mean that the Note 3 is an inferior product. Not at all. The Note 3 is probably the best phablet money can buy right now and it really has no major flaws. What we mean is that both handsets are very good at what they want to be, so it really comes down to the subjective nature of personal preferences. If you want the bigger screen – get the Note 3. If you prefer the more solid construction and exquisite design, get the Z1. At the end of the day, both feature top-notch hardware and tons of features to keep you busy, so you can't go wrong with either of them.

As we said in the beginning, having in mind that both devices offer a very similar experience, it'll depend on the nuances to eventually make users want to side with one handset or the other. For starters, one of the most obvious differentiating factors in play here is the screen size. Not that the 5" screen of the Galaxy S4 is small or anything, but if you happen to want (need?) even more real estate, the Note 3 can give you just that. Of course, this means you should be ready to sacrifice some of your comfort, as the bigger size of the Note 3's body sure makes a difference. Apart from the screen size (and overall size), though, the only other significant differences between the Note 3 and Galaxy S4 are the better chipset of the phablet and the lack of an S Pen stylus in the GS4. Still, we wouldn't say that the performance difference is really that big, so in case the ability to draw and take notes using a stylus isn't a must-have for you, don't be afraid to go for the GS4, in case the bigger size of the Galaxy Note 3 worries you. In case it doesn't, you'll be treated to an equally good experience with both, with the Note 3 taking things just a step further.

The Galaxy Note II ignited the fire of companies working to master the in-between mobile device, and the Note 3 is an obvious improvement in that area. The Galaxy Note 3 is predictably only as good as one's perspective. Even after shaving a few millimeters, the phone is still too big for a large group of people; however, it's just fine for many who have come to appreciate, or even prefer, phones that approach mini-tablet territory. Anyone intrigued by the previous Note will be happy to learn that its S Pen is still just as fluid as ever, the screen is optically superior, and the performance is faster. Samsung improved on every aspect of the device except its software. Touchwiz remains a useful, gimmicky, and at times frustrating user experience, but the power of the S Pen and the cases of innovation that have practical value make the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 a solid purchase.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out: the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is indeed better in many ways than the Samsung Galaxy Note II. That’s why if pricing isn’t an issue, picking the newer model instead of the old one would be a wiser choice. In return, you’ll get to enjoy its larger, high-res screen, experience its silky smooth performance, and utilize its plethora of productivity and multitasking features. At the same time, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is still standing strong. Sure, it might have been over a year since it launched, but it does rank as a relevant smartphone, and in case you happen to own one, then upgrading to the Note 3 is not really a must. Unless you’re a smartphone aficionado, that is. Besides, the price of the Galaxy Note II has gone down quite a bit, so it could be a cheaper alternative for those who find the Note 3 too expensive.

To use a term of phrase borrowed from that other mobile giant, this is Samsung's best Note yet. It's better in pretty much every way, with the possible exception of that speaker. The display is bigger, but it never makes the device feel inflated, which is some sort of dark magic in its own right. Either way, we applaud Samsung for consistently making this series better and better. But, like most good things, it does come at a price. In the UK, that price is going to be around £620 SIM-free. That's a chunk of change. Of course, it'll be much cheaper (and already, in some cases, free) on contract in the same market. US prices are set to be somewhere in between those two numbers, floating around the $300 mark. Not the cheapest phone, but those who have already converted to the way of the Note will likely see it as a necessary evil. If you're thinking about making the step up, we say get it while it's hot.