Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs. LG G2 Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs. LG G2: Smartphone Comparison

Released in 2013, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and LG G2 were two prominent flagship smartphones that catered to different user needs. The Galaxy Note 3 was part of Samsung’s successful Note series, known for its large display and S Pen functionality, while the LG G2 focused on performance and innovative design. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two devices:

Design & Build

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 featured a plastic design with a faux leather back and stitching that mimicked a traditional notebook. It measured 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm and weighed 168 grams. The design was ergonomic, with a large 5.7-inch display, but the plastic construction felt less premium compared to metal or glass designs.
  • LG G2: The LG G2 had a premium plastic and glass construction with a minimalist design. It featured a 5.2-inch display and very thin bezels, measuring 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 143 grams. The rear-mounted buttons (power and volume) were a unique feature that improved one-handed usability, and the overall design felt modern and comfortable to hold.

Winner: The LG G2 wins for its more innovative design and ergonomic feel, while the Galaxy Note 3 offers a larger screen.

Display

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 sported a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (386 ppi). The AMOLED technology provided vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The larger screen size made it great for multitasking and using the S Pen.
  • LG G2: The LG G2 featured a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (424 ppi). While the display was slightly smaller, it offered great color accuracy and brightness, providing an excellent viewing experience. The thin bezels allowed the display to feel even more immersive.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 wins for its larger AMOLED display, but the LG G2 wins for sharper pixel density.

Performance

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor (2.3 GHz quad-core) with 3GB of RAM. This combination offered top-tier performance, making the device capable of handling multitasking, gaming, and resource-heavy applications with ease. The Adreno 330 GPU ensured smooth graphics performance for games.
  • LG G2: The LG G2 also featured the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor (2.26 GHz quad-core) with 2GB of RAM. While slightly less RAM than the Note 3, the G2 still delivered excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming, handling most applications smoothly.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 wins for its higher RAM, which contributed to better multitasking.

Camera

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 had a 13MP rear camera with features like OIS, HDR, and various shooting modes, including Dual Shot and Panorama. The camera performed well in various lighting conditions, capturing sharp and vibrant photos. The front camera was 2MP.
  • LG G2: The LG G2 also featured a 13MP rear camera with OIS. It produced excellent photos in both well-lit and low-light conditions, with good color accuracy and detail. The front camera was 2.1MP, similar to the Note 3.

Winner: Tie – Both cameras performed well, with excellent quality in their respective conditions.

Battery Life

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 came with a 3200mAh removable battery. Thanks to the larger capacity and power-efficient Snapdragon 800, the Note 3 offered excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with heavy use.
  • LG G2: The LG G2 had a 3000mAh non-removable battery. While it provided great battery life, it was slightly less than the Note 3, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. However, the G2’s efficient software helped it stretch battery life.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 wins for its larger removable battery and better battery life.

Software & Features

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 shipped with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and featured Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. It included numerous features such as S Pen functionality, allowing for handwritten notes, sketches, and precise navigation. Other features included Multi-Window for split-screen multitasking, Air View for previewing content, and a robust suite of Samsung apps.
  • LG G2: The LG G2 ran Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with LG’s custom UI. Key features included:
    • KnockOn: Double-tap to wake the screen.
    • Slide Aside: A multitasking feature to swipe apps aside.
    • Guest Mode: A secondary profile for limited access.

The G2’s software offered a clean experience, though it had some additional features compared to stock Android.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 wins for its S Pen features and robust multitasking capabilities.

Storage Options

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 was available in 32GB and 64GB storage options, with the added benefit of a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 64GB.
  • LG G2: The G2 came with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, but it lacked expandable storage via microSD.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 wins for its expandable storage options.

Connectivity

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: The Note 3 supported 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and an IR Blaster.
  • LG G2: The G2 also supported 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC, but lacked the IR Blaster found in the Note 3.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 wins for including the IR Blaster.

Conclusion

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Best for users who want a feature-rich smartphone with a large display, stylus functionality, and expandable storage. It excels in multitasking capabilities and offers a robust suite of features for productivity.
  • LG G2: Best for users who prioritize a compact device with excellent performance, camera quality, and innovative features like rear buttons and KnockOn. The G2 is a solid choice for users who want a premium experience without the added bulk of a stylus.

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and LG G2 were excellent flagship devices in 2013, with the Note 3 excelling in productivity features and larger display, while the G2 stood out for its design and camera performance. Your choice would depend on whether you value the S Pen functionality and larger screen of the Note 3 or the more compact design and unique features of the G2.

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