Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung has just this week unveiled the much rumoured follow-up to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. We’re about to see what has changed in the past year, but if you want more then check out our hands on: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 review.
If you were watching Samsung’s Unpacked event at IFA in Berlin, holding your Note 2 and wondering whether it will be worth an upgrade to the new model, we’re here to help. We’ve handily compared both devices, to see if the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is a worthy investment.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Build
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a new design over its predecessor boasting a soft-touch, faux leather back. With dimensions of 151.2x79.2x8.3mm the Note 3 is actually slimmer and thinner than the Galaxy Note 2 despite boasting a larger 5.7-inch display. Not only that, it's only 168 grams - 12 grams lighter than its predecessor.
In terms of the Note 2, it comes in at 9.4mm thick; it’s slimmer than the original Note (9.65mm) but not as slender as the Samsung Galaxy S4.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Processor
The Galaxy Note 3 has been given a serious hardware boost with the 3G model featuring the much-reported 1.9GHz octa-core processor whilst the 4G/LTE version will come sporting a 2.3GHz Qualcomm quad-core processor. There’s an impressive 3GB RAM and it will come with either 32 or 64GB of storage with microSD support up to 64GB as well.
The main additions to the Note 3 stem from its power, and the brand new Air Command function. Hovering over the screen with your S-Pen and pressing a button on the side of the Pen brings up a new menu, with a number of new features – something not available on the previous model.
It’ll also come running the latest version of Android, 4.3, something which has not yet made its way over to the Note 2
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was definitely no slouch, packing a 1.6GHz quad core processor plus 2GB of RAM.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Screen
The first thing many people will notice on the Note 3 is the display, bumped up to 5.7 inches the screen is a Full HD Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1920x1080 and a pixel density of 386ppi.
The screen on the Note 2 was 5.5-inches and still HD Super AMOLED quality which means you could expect deep blacks and brilliantly vivid colours.
Samsung seems to be getting ever closer to that 6-inch size, with the Note 3 improving on its predecessors display. Who knows what size they will hit this time next year.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Camera
In the Note 2’s camera department, there was a respectable 8-Megapixel rear-facing snapper with auto focus that could be adjusted on the screen and an LED Flash. Interestingly, the front-facing camera capable of HD recording was just 1.9-Megapixels down slightly from the 2-Megapixel one on the original Note.
The Note 3 packs a 13MP camera that, as rumoured, will be able to shoot Ultra-HD 4K video at 30fps, FHD at 60fps and even Slow Motion at 120fps.
There's a 2MP camera on the front as well for selfies and of course Samsung's Dual Shot, Dual Recording and Dual Video Call features. A definite improvement, specs wise anyway, over the previous model.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Operating System
Both devices are based on the Android platform, though it has been heavily customised thanks to the additions of TouchWiz - Samsung’s skin. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a whole host of additions including a new magazine feature, improved support for the S-Pen and a redesigned S-Notes application. We’re not sure yet which features may make the jump to the older hardware, though we’ll be sure to update you once we known more.
We do know that Samsung’s Smartwatch – the Galaxy Gear will work with the Note 3 and Note 3 10.1 at launch, though an update should enable it to play nice with the Note 2
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the brand's most powerful mobile device ever and finally the first Note with a build quality that reflects the price. If you’re in the market for an extra-large device, with a speedy processor and a whole boat load of added features, the Note 3 could be just that. However you’ll have to stay tuned for a full review when we’ve had more time to play with it.
Head over to our IFA hub for much more coverage from the Berlin based tech conference
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