Samsung S8+ vs. Samsung Note 4

Gear Review

Side-by-Side Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy S8+

Bridging the generation gap between two iconic Android flagships

2

Devices Compared

$75

Note 4 Price

$160

S8+ Price

Table of Contents

• ①Specifications Overview
• ②Comparison Analysis
• ③Conclusion: The Verdict

Section I

Specifications Overview

Recently, I acquired a Samsung Galaxy S8+ from a friend who was upgrading their phone. After using it for a few days, I realized that the S8+ could easily replace my older Galaxy Note 4 for streaming movies and overall media consumption. Before I part with the Note 4, I wanted to do a side-by-side comparison to highlight the differences and improvements.

 

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

• →Screen — 5.7” (1440 x 2560 pixels) ~515 ppi - 60 Hz
• →Processor — Snapdragon 805 (28 nm)
• →RAM — 3 GB
• →Storage — 32 GB (expandable via microSD up to 256 GB)
• →Battery — 3220 mAh (removable)
• →Camera — 16 MP (rear), 3.7 MP (front)
• →Weight — 6.21 oz
• →Port — microUSB

Samsung Galaxy S8+

• →Screen — 6.2” (1440 x 2960 pixels) ~529 ppi - 60 Hz
• →Processor — Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) / Exynos 8895 (10 nm)
• →RAM — 4 GB
• →Storage — 64 GB (expandable via microSD up to 256 GB)
• →Battery — 3500 mAh
• →Camera — 12 MP (rear), 8 MP (front)
• →Weight — 6.1 oz
• →Port — USB-C

Section II

Comparison Analysis

Display and Usability

The S8+ features a larger and higher-resolution display, which enhances the overall viewing experience. The taller and narrower design of the S8+ makes it easier to hold and view, particularly for widescreen content. In comparison, the Note 4's display, while still impressive for its time, feels dated alongside the S8+'s more modern design. While the Note 4 has a simple flat screen design, the S8+ with its curved edges presents a more premium aesthetic.

Performance and Power

In terms of power and speed, the S8+ outshines the Note 4. With its Snapdragon 835 processor and 4 GB of RAM, the S8+ offers faster performance for multitasking and media playback. The Note 4, with its older Snapdragon 805 and 3 GB RAM, struggles to keep up with demanding applications. Furthermore, the S8+ boasts a larger battery capacity at 3500 mAh compared to the Note 4's 3220 mAh, which translates to better battery life during long streaming sessions.

Note: The S8+ form factor is significantly more comfortable for long-form media consumption than the legacy Note 4 design.

Feature	Note 4	S8+
Screen Size	5.7"	6.2"
Battery	3220 mAh	3500 mAh
Port Type	microUSB	USB-C
Market Price	~$75	~$160

Section III

Conclusion: The Verdict

Overall, it wasn't much of a contest; the Samsung Galaxy S8+ wins across almost every category, including power, speed, battery life, and screen quality. This made my decision to part with the Note 4 very straightforward, as the S8+ has quickly become my go-to portable media player. The price difference reflects how both models are considered outdated by modern standards, but the S8+ undeniably offers significantly better value for its capabilities.

While the Note 4 remains a classic piece of tech history, the S8+ provides the modern performance needed for current media demands.