Note 4 vs Nexus 6

[NerdTopper]

I currently have the Nexus 6, Note 4, and iPhone 6+. All great devices that excel in different areas. My breakdown and ranking of each:

Camera:
1. Note 4
2. iPhone 6 Plus
3. Nexus 6

All are pretty well rounded decent performers but the Note 4 in my daily use produces the best looking pictures and easily bests the others on video recording although the time lapse and slo mo on the 6 plus are amazing and tend to produce better results easier but I just don't use those enough to matter.

Build/Design:
1. iPhone 6 Plus
2. Note 4
3. Nexus 6

All are great but the iPhone 6 no matter what you think of Apple is a beautiful device and just feels amazing. The Note 4 really impressed me and is a close 2nd. I dont care for the old, stale look of the front and the odd shaped home button but the ergonomics, chamfered metal casing, and fake leather back are all really impressive to me. Nothing wrong with the Nexus. Its nice. But just feels a little plasticky to me and slightly large for my taste and I'm a big guy with very large hands. Also dont like the fact that it is really fond of keeping all your fingerprints stored on the back for future use. Still a slick device and the only other phone besides the note and iPhone I'd put above it is the m8 as far as build.

Display:
1. Note 4
2. Nexus 6
3. iPhone 6+

Note 4 is in a league of its own. Hands down. Still in awe everytime I use that device. Nexus 6 is great as well but just doesn't pop like the Note 4 display and tends to be a bit cooler. The 6 plus is nearly as good and honestly could be considered a tie with the Nexus. It really is splitting hairs when trying yo decide between the two.

Software/Performance:
1. Nexus 6
2. iPhone 6+
3. Note 4

To me this is what really makes the Nexus a winner. I love 5.0. I love the notifications. I love the fluidity and the overall look. For the first time I find an Android UI as overall visually impressive as iOS. I still really like iOS I just really get bored with it. But the 6 + flies. I like a lot of the enhancements Apple has implemented on ios8 and for the 6 plus but they have not done anything really ground breaking for a while. The notification center while it looks nice is a huge cluster eff. Note 4 is great and doesn't perform bad in any area. I just still loathe TouchWiz. The hideous colors Samsung adds to the quick toggles in the notification center irks me. The lags and stutters I get every so often annoy me but not enough to ruin the experience. The S-Pen integration is amazing and really the only thing attribute that Touchwiz offers that I really like.

Battery:
1. Note 4
2. iPhone 6+
3. Nexus 6

So far by my usage. The Nexus and iPhone are really close. I've only had the Nexus a few days so this could change.

Speaker:
1. Nexus 6
2. iPhone 6+
3. Note 4

Not much to say here. Nexus is loudest with the most clarity to me closely followed by the iPhone. Samsung should be ashamed of putting that chintzy little speaker on the back of an otherwise excellent piece of hardware.

In the end if someone put a gun to my head and made me choose I'd pick the Nexus. Software is what makes or breaks the overall experience when the hardware is mostly on a level playing field as it is with these three devices. I LIKE using the Nexus the most but I agree with Adranalyne above that the Note 4 may be the better overall device. I'd take a Google Play Edition Note 4 over anything else if it were available.

I will have to disagree with some of your points (I have owned all 3 devices as well).

Camera: iPhone 6+>Note 4>Nexus 6

Build/Design: iPhone 6+>Nexus 6>Note 4

Display: Note 4>iPhone 6+>Nexus 6

Software/Performance: Nexus 6>iPhone 6+>Note 4

Battery: Note 4>iPhone 6+>Nexus 6

Speaker: Nexus 6>iPhone 6+>Note 4

 

[jairusz]

None are so blind than those who refuse to see. Check out the fit and finish on both - there are gaps on most Note 4s.

Hold both of them in your hands - both the iPhone 6 and Nexus 6 blow the Note 4 out of the water on build quality. The Note 4 looks ridiculous with that cheap fake leather back and glossy plastic front!

Personally, I find my Note 4 feels good and the easiest to hold without a case.

 

[CehowardNote7]

Let me get my feet wet!!

First off, the Nexus 6, doesn't have removable battery and sd card support..

They are biggees to a lot of users.

The Nexus 6 does have the ability to not have all the bloatware, therefore can start up and move faster than the Note 4. In talking faster, I race motorcycles, we talking about 100mph Note 4, and 115mph Nexus.. I am saying they are both fast.

I am almost sure a rooted Note 4 is close, and since the Nexus 6 is Google it has the latest Lolipop OS.

However, it is not a NOTE 4,

No way, I would even consider the Nexus 6, because of the non-removable battery and no sd card support. I guess if Nexus had included those 2 features, the Nexus 6 would cost more than the Note 4..

They LEFT THOSE 2 FEATURES out to keep the price down to compete with a better Note 4!
The Nexus 6 can do nothing for me, and the only way I will cut the Note 4 loose will be for a genuine bonifide Note 5..

 

[NerdTopper]

Let me get my feet wet!!

First off, the Nexus 6, doesn't have removable battery and sd card support..

They are biggees to a lot of users.

The Nexus 6 does have the ability to not have all the bloatware, therefore can start up and move faster than the Note 4. In talking faster, I race motorcycles, we talking about 100mph Note 4, and 115mph Nexus.. I am saying they are both fast.

I am almost sure a rooted Note 4 is close, and since the Nexus 6 is Google it has the latest Lolipop OS.

However, it is not a NOTE 4,

No way, I would even consider the Nexus 6, because of the non-removable battery and no sd card support. I guess if Nexus had included those 2 features, the Nexus 6 would cost more than the Note 4..

They LEFT THOSE 2 FEATURES out to keep the price down to compete with a better Note 4!
The Nexus 6 can do nothing for me, and the only way I will cut the Note 4 loose will be for a genuine bonifide Note 5..

Lol it actually takes longer to start up than the Note 4...

 

[aggie]

I will have to disagree with some of your points (I have owned all 3 devices as well).

Camera: iPhone 6+>Note 4>Nexus 6

Build/Design: iPhone 6+>Nexus 6>Note 4

Display: Note 4>iPhone 6+>Nexus 6

Software/Performance: Nexus 6>iPhone 6+>Note 4

Battery: Note 4>iPhone 6+>Nexus 6

Speaker: Nexus 6>iPhone 6+>Note 4

Free to disagree as you wish. Its all a matter of opinion. Doesn't mean I'm wrong or you're right or vice versa. My post is how *I* see it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[NerdTopper]

Free to disagree as you wish. Its all a matter of opinion. Doesn't mean I'm wrong or you're right or vice versa. My post is how *I* see it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

I'm well aware of that, I was just sharing my opinion as well, my response to your post even started with "I".

 

[CehowardNote7]

Lol it actually takes longer to start up than the Note 4...

You kiddin me!!!!!

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

I think that the one thing I envy about the Nexus 6 is the consistent experience. When you look at the Note4 and all of its features, there is some redundancy and confusion as where to go. You have two web browsers, multiple ways for taking notes, two music players, two ways of handling documents, two email apps, etc. You can get confused on where to go. With the Nexus, it's everything Google and that makes it simple or simpler. With the Note 4 you have 3 ecosystems to deal with; Google, Samsung, and AT&T.


Nothing but Note! A little rim, some backboard, but mostly Note!

 

[alhadee12]

All those devices have their strong, which makes it hard to choose for some. I generally carry two devices because my job gives me one. I like the Note 4 as my work phone because of the S-Pen. I like the simplicity of the iPhone 6+ and the Nexus 6. That's when the water gets muddy for me.

 

[astarling10]

delete

 

[astarling10]

This was the most disappointing first impression I had when I finally saw the N6. Sorta expecting it after reading the AT review, so I'm really curious how it compares to the Note 4 in bright sunlight.

Most things leaning toward the Note 4.... except the software. I tend to heavily favor stock for updates, but TW does have one handed mode (multi-window and split screen don't entirely appeal to me). Battery life.. I could accept on the N6. N6 would also be ~$150 cheaper (would need Qi back).

I'll take them out tomorrow in direct sunlight and see which one looks the best. That's of course IF it is sunny out tomorrow. Weather kinda crappy the last few days.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

All those devices have their strong, which makes it hard to choose for some. I generally carry two devices because my job gives me one. I like the Note 4 as my work phone because of the S-Pen. I like the simplicity of the iPhone 6+ and the Nexus 6. That's when the water gets muddy for me.

I also believe that the other devices people own factor into the equation. I bought my Note 4 because I wanted an all-in-one device. Before then I had the iPhone 6 Plus and an iPad Air. I returned the iPhone and got the Note 4 then I sold the Air and got a Chromebook. If I had been thinking, I would have just pocketed the money for the Air because I don't really use the Chromebook, and not because it isn't awesome, but because the services don't line up as well. I can't connect to my Samsung services the way I want to. But if I had a Nexus 6, it would perfectly complement the Chromebook. I don't know if this makes sense to anyone, but it's how I see things. If I new that I would eventually get a Chromebook, I would have just gone for the Nexus 6. But I chose the Note 4 because I thought it was a better device, but now really don't need my Chromebook.

Nothing but Note! A little rim, some backboard, but mostly Note!

 

[alhadee12]

I also believe that the other devices people own factor into the equation. I bought my Note 4 because I wanted an all-in-one device. Before then I had the iPhone 6 Plus and an iPad Air. I returned the iPhone and got the Note 4 then I sold the Air and got a Chromebook. If I had been thinking, I would have just pocketed the money for the Air because I don't really use the Chromebook, and not because it isn't awesome, but because the services don't line up as well. I can't connect to my Samsung services the way I want to. But if I had a Nexus 6, it would perfectly complement the Chromebook. I don't know if this makes sense to anyone, but it's how I see things. If I new that I would eventually get a Chromebook, I would have just gone for the Nexus 6. But I chose the Note 4 because I thought it was a better device, but now really don't need my Chromebook.

Nothing but Note! A little rim, some backboard, but mostly Note!

I agree with your assessment because that was my primary reason for the iPhone and iPad. I find myself using my iPad more when I'm teaching at school, but coaching basketball the Note is very handy for recruiting, scouting and quick reference of my future opponents players and plays.

 

[BOSSY TEXAS CHICK]

I don't really hate it but my main thing with Touchwiz is the way it looks, it's like a fake IOS look. Another thing is how it totally covers up Android. I could understand back during the Eclair, Froyo and Gingerbread days but Android has come a long way since then, especially now with Android 5.0

I remember there was a rumor that Touchwiz was being redesigned, I even saw a sample of it and it looked cool, that was obviously fake.

What's weird is this may be the first year I don't buy a Galaxy Note. Every since it came out, I always get the Nexus phones first, then after a few months I long for the big screen of the Note and end up buying it later.

I just turned on mySamsung Infuse (2012)...trust me, it's NOT a rumor, Touchwiz is 1000 times improved! It's just about "there" if you ask me, I don't like skins either, but the Note 4 without it would be just a big clunky phone. ...:::-*

BTC

 

[qnet]

I just turned on mySamsung Infuse (2012)...trust me, it's NOT a rumor, Touchwiz is 1000 times improved! It's just about "there" if you ask me, I don't like skins either, but the Note 4 without it would be just a big clunky phone. ...:::-*

BTC

It's improved no doubt. I was mainly talking about a leak I saw a few months ago on a tech show I watch. It showed a whole new redesign of Touchwiz that looked a lot better and original. That never really happened (not yet anyway) since it still looks the same.

 

[tbran]

As I've said, I have a 12 line business/home account that currently has 2 Edges, 2 Note 4's and 2 Nexus 6's along with 4 Note 3's and a pair of S4's. So 6 lines are due for upgrades. Anyway, the Edge is mine, but I have spent alot of time with the Note 4 before my Edge arrived. I have only toyed with the N6 over the last few days. My first opinions are that, while nice, the N6 simply is not in the same league as the Note 4 yet. The N6 is quick, but the overall experience is sort of disjointed. A few forced closures now and then, and I am not overly impressed by the very plastic-y feel of it. The Note 4 feels like a much more substantial device in quality and the screen and camera beat the N6 hands down. Given time, the N6 will get better. It's just not there yet.

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note® Edge, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

 

[justmikey]

Great thread. I've been debating which phone to get for a few weeks now but I think I've pretty much decided. I've been using a Nexus 4 for almost 2 Years now and love it but I am excited about the Note 4

 

[LDenis]

and what about performance? i want to buy one for my cousine but can't choose which one would be best.

 

[jairusz]

and what about performance? i want to buy one for my cousine but can't choose which one would be best.

This is just my experience on the performance between the two phones. When I use my Note 4 I notice the typical Touchwiz jank throughout the day. From switching apps to using its multi window feature it's way less than my last Samsung device(S4) but it's enough for me to notice when I use it. It makes me cringe when such a high end device does this on a mature version of KitKat. But still, the jank isn't as bad as my previous experience with Touchwiz but it's there.

Nexus 6, in the other hand, is an excellent performer. Switching and app transitions are smooth. I enjoy scrolling on apps. The way the interface shows presses and among other things makes me really enjoy using this phone. The experience is phenomenal. Even in power saving mode it's still speedy. I find myself playing around just to see the animations on various actions such as pulling the notification shade, although I think the ios copy cat notification banner is a step back to the old notification ticker.

All Android devices have their stutters and hiccups and when it comes to the highest end of phone prices thus year I like how the Nexus 6 is very smooth and when it does stutter, it's still quick and almost immediately gets back into gear. The Note 4 is the same at times but it has its noticeable lag that sometimes hangs there for a little bit and that makes me think it shouldn't do this at that price but I blame Touchwiz.

I always throw this out there for a performance comparison, I think OnePlus One is the best performer of the three

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

I also believe that with future updates that the Note 4 will get faster. There are some videos on YouTube about the S5 on lollipop and how much smoother it is. I would assume that it Wil have the same effect on the Note 4 that has higher specs. Plus, I have been playing around with my old S3 and that thing seems a lot snappier now than when I used it as my daily driver. The updates really did it well. I think that the performance of the Note 4 is great. It may not be as fluid as the Nexus 6. I will concede to that. But it also has more features than the Nexus 6 and can do more at once if others would concede to this. Knowing that it could possibly get faster with the inevitable updates that I hear are coming before the year is out makes the Note 4 an even more attractive option than it orginally was in my opinion. Again, I don't think anyone could go wrong with either device. But even though the experience with both would be different, a person could be just as productive and have just as much fun with either.

Nothing but Note! A little rim, some backboard, but mostly Note!