Google's Nexus 6 and Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 are two of the latest Android phablets on the market, but which is the best? Here we compare Samsung and Google's flagship phablets spec for spec. Also see: Best smartphones 2014 and Best Android phones 2014.
Before we begin we should point out that this is merely a comparison of the specs, and real-life testing could yet alter our verdict. While we grabbed some hands-on time with the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 at IFA 2014 (read our Samsung Galaxy Note 4 hands-on review), we have yet to get either device into our lab. We'll update this comparison with benchmark results and subjective analysis as soon as possible. Also see: Google Nexus 6 UK release date, price and specs and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 UK release date, price and specs.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: UK price and availabilityThe Nexus 6 won't be available to pre-order in the UK until November, but will go on sale in the same month. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, although in the US it will cost $649 for the 16GB model and $699 for 64GB. O2 and Vodafone have already confirmed that they will offer the Nexus 6, but not confirmed their pricing.
Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 is available now from all UK mobile operators, with SIM-free prices starting from £599 (expect this price to drop rapidly). We doubt there will be much difference in pricing between the Note 4 and Nexus 6, with mobile operators likely offering similar tariffs. If you are buying a smartphone SIM-free, however, check out the Best SIM-only deals.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: Design and buildThe Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is similar in design to its predecessor (also see Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4), with a faux leather rear but a new metal frame (seen only around the edge). It's smaller than the 159.3x83x10.1mm, 184g Nexus 6 in every dimension, and lighter too, measuring 153.5x78.6x8.5mm and weighing 176g. It should be said both are enormous smartphones, of course.
The metal Nexus 6 is water-resistant, but lacks the fingerprint scanner, UV scanner, heart-rate monitor and S-Pen of the Note 4.
You'll find the Nexus 6 in midnight blue or cloud white, and the Note 4 in jet black, classic white, blush pink or copper gold.
Both the Nexus and Samsung feature super-high-resolution Quad HD (2560x1440) displays, but the Nexus 6's is slightly larger at 5.96in against the Samsung's 5.7in. Given the difference in size the Samsung's has the higher pixel density (515ppi vs 493ppi), but at this level you really won't be able to tell - both will look amazing.
Both these screens are protected with Gorilla Glass 3 and based on AMOLED technology; the Samsung's SuperAMOLED. When compared with LED AMOLED typically offers excellent viewing angles and better contrast with deeper blacks, but colours can sometimes be overly vibrant or oversaturated.
The difference between AMOLED and SuperAMOLED is a single touch-sensitive layer; while the Nexus 6 has an extra screen layer for touch, Samsung builds touch sensitivity into the screen's existing top layer. This makes the display thinner, lighter and easier to see in bright sunlight, while consuming less power and offering better sensitivity.
So, while the Nexus has the larger screen, Samsung packs the better panel technology, as well as a higher pixel density.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: Processor and performanceIn some territories the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has an octa-core processor that pairs 1.9GHz and 1.3GHz quad-core chips; in the UK it features a 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 CPU, which it couples with Adreno 420 graphics and 3GB of RAM. That's the exact same spec as the Nexus 6, so expect very similar - and very good - performance. Also see: What's the fastest smartphone 2014.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: Storage, connectivity and extras
The Nexus 6 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 have 32GB of storage as standard. While the Nexus 6 also comes in a 64GB version, the Samsung has an ace up its sleeve with support for microSD cards up to 128GB. Both are compatible with Google and various third-party cloud-storage apps, too.
We love the Nexus 6's dual front-facing speakers, but the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has several extras of its own. There's the S-Pen stylus that has long been adored by fans of the Galaxy Note range, plus a heart-rate sensor, fingerprint scanner and UV scanner. The Note 4 also supports Gear VR, Samsung's virtual-reality headset.
Connectivity wise there's little difference: both are 4G phones with support for dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, DLNA and so forth. The Nexus 6 also suports Qi wireless charging, while the Note 4 has a unique Download Booster that pairs Wi-Fi and 4G to offer theoretical download speeds of 400Mb/s.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: Cameras
On paper the 16Mp Samsung Galaxy Note 4 wins out against the 13Mp Nexus 6, although Google's camera is reportedly better in low-light with a dual- rather than single-LED flash. Both feature optical image stabilisation and HDR modes.
If it's selfies or video chat you're interested in then the Samsung is the better-specified here, too. Whereas the Nexus 6 has a 2Mp front-facing camera, the Note 4 has a 3.7Mp, f/1.9 snapper with a Wide Selfie Mode for better groufies.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: Battery
Both phablets feature 3220mAh batteries that support fast charging. Google says you can get six hours of use from a 15-minute charge on the Nexus 6, while Samsung claims a 50 percent charge is possible in half an hour on the Note 4.
Which will last longer will depend largely on your usage, but also on the fact these two phones run different software. Android Lollipop offers remarkable battery life when compared to KitKat, if little improvement in raw performance.
That doesn't mean the Nexus 6 will win this category, though: its larger AMOLED panel will drain more power than the Samsung's SuperAMOLED version, plus the Note 4 benefits from an Ultra Power Saving mode that can squeeze out an extra day's use from the last 10 percent of battery by switching off the screen colours and any non-essential features.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: SoftwareThe Nexus 6 is the first smartphone to run Android Lollipop, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 runs KitKat - see Android KitKat vs Android Lollipop. Lollipop will eventually come to the Note 4, but in the box will come KitKat.
Whereas the Nexus 6 has a vanilla implementation of Android, Samsung installs its TouchWiz UI and several apps, most notable of which is S Health, which it pairs with the Note 4's heart-rate monitor.
On the Galaxy Note 4 we were pleased to find Samsung has improved Multi Window's usability, incorporating it into the Recent key. This feature lets you run an app in a pop-out window, while Split View runs two apps side-by-side - useful if, for instance, you're copying an address from an email into Google Maps. Other changes include dynamic lock screens.
Nexus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comparison: VerdictWe really like the Nexus 6, but on paper the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 beats it in every category here. Unless Google comes in with a really good price for the Nexus 6, for now it's difficult to recommend over the Note 4.
Read next: Google Nexus 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus.
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