Apple iPhone 6 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4: The phablet war gets hotter

 

With Apple launching the iPhone 6, all major giants are now out with their flagship models. Apple has a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, akin to its arch rival Samsung’s 5.1-inch  Galaxy S5 and popular 5.7-inch Note 4.




Take a look at the comparison table below:

The iPhone 6 Plus is Apple’s first attempt at a phablet and seems like a decent try. It ropes in a slightly smaller 5.5-inch display compared to the 5.7-inch seen in the Note 4, but has done considerably well to fit the package in a sleek body. It is 7.1mm thin compared to 8.5mm Note 4. The difference in the weight of both devices is almost negligible. Apple is opted for an IPS display while Samsung stays loyal to Super AMOLED. Though the rumoured sapphire protection is missing in the iPhone 6 Plus, it does get a layer of oleophobic coating and a shatter-proof glass. Note 4 comes with the latest Gorilla Glass 3 protection. In terms of resolution, Samsung beats Apple with 1440 x 2560 resolution and pixel density that goes all the way up to 515ppi. However, this doesn’t mean the iPhone 6 display is bad. Apple’s full HD display is quite efficient and one wouldn’t really find a massive difference in the quality of images seen on both devices, unless one is taking a real closer look.

Apple’s new A8 processor comes with 2 billion transistors, making it 25 percent faster for any ordinary computing task and 50 percent faster for graphics, says the company. There is no word on the RAM included in the device. While Apple never divulges most of such information, we expect an efficiently fast running device. Samsung has also powered the Note 4 with the latest Snapdragon 805 chipset that clocks at 2.7GHz. but it may launch 1.9GHz Exynos variant in India. It includes gigantic 3GB RAM, so one can be rest assured that the device will be capable of handling all the apps efficiently.



Apple lets users pick 16GB, 64GB or 128GB storage units, while Samsung has put forth a 32GB unit expandable up to 128GB. In terms of connectivity options, both devices now seem at par with the latest in Bluetooth and other networking options.



The Note 4 comes with a 3,220 mAh battery, while Apple hasn’t mentioned the battery capacity yet. However, the company has disclosed an improvement in battery compared to its predecessors. For instance, it promises a talk time of 24 hours and battery life over Wi-Fi of 24 hours. Samsung has also roped in a camera sensor with double the resolution, but one should know that the higher resolution doesn’t gurantee better pictures. Apple is relying on several other factors like the ability to handle brightness, noise and so on.

In terms of specs, both devices appear to be at par, rather Apple seems to be make a late entry to the party with the display size and some other features like support draft ‘ac’. However, one can expect good build, smartwatch support, all other gimmickry and some solid specs from both devices. Apple could earn additional brownie points if it manages to deliver on the promise of 24 hours of battery life and NFC payments. While it has promised partnerships with a lot of companies in the US, the NFC payments will definitely take some time getting to Indian shores. So, the distinguishing factor would be whether you would opt for the iOS 8 or Android KitKat, assuming an Android L update is likely to come. Another crucial factor will be the price point. While there is no word on the Note 4 launch in India, the iPhone 6 Plus is likely to hit store shelves here on October 17. Considering the fox and hen fight between the companies, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Note 4 goes on sale way before that.