Samsung is almost certain to unveil the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 on September 3. Thanks to a number of leaked images and spec sheets, we've got a pretty good idea of how we think it'll shape up.
So how does Samsung's next premium phablet compare to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3? It's still an extremely capable super-sized smartphone. so how has Samsung managed to make significant improvements to its winning formula?
Let's take a closer look.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 3: Design
Galaxy Note 4: Metal frame, textured plastic back
Galaxy Note 3:All-plastic design, faux-leather plastic back
The recent launch of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha may have signalled the start of a general shift to a classier design language for Samsung, especially if alleged images of the Galaxy Note 4 are to be believed.
Leaked snaps reveal a large-screened device that adopts the Alpha's flat metallic rim, but with a heavily textured plastic rear. Yes, it could well be a recurrence of the Note 3's faux-leather back, but at least Samsung has removed the dodgy stitching.
All in all it doesn't look that far removed from the Note 3, but the Note 4 is still shaping up to be an improvement.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 3 - Screen
Galaxy Note 4 - 5.7-inch Super AMOLED QHD display (2560 x 1440)
Galaxy Note 3 - 5.7-inch Super AMOLED 1080p display (1920 x 1080)
Unusually for Samsung, it looks as if it won't be adding any millimetres to the Note 4 display. That's off because up to now, each successive version of the Note series has been bigger than the last.
So like the Galaxy Note 3, the Note 4 will probably have a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display - beloved of video watchers and mobile gamers; the bane of those with small hands and pockets.
The major difference here looks likely to be sharpness. While the Galaxy Note 3 display has a perfectly sharp 1080p resolution, the Galaxy Note 4 will take things to the next level with a QHD resolution.
In terms of sheer pixel density, that will mean a bump up from 386ppi to 515ppi. Quite a shift.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 3 - Power
Galaxy Note 4 - Snapdragon 805 CPU 2.5GHz, 4GB RAM
Galaxy Note 3 - Snapdragon 800 CPU 2.3GHz, 3GB RAM
The Galaxy Note 3 was and still is a pretty pokey smartphone, but the Galaxy Note 4 should represent a comfortable step up.
While the Note 3 uses the dependable but now slightly old Snapdragon 800 CPU, the Note 4 looks set to move to the more advanced Snapdragon 805 chip. According to reports, it will also feature a staggering 4GB of RAM.
Given that the Note 3's 3GB of RAM is still considered generous on today's high-end smartphone landscape, 4GB sounds almost over the top.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 3 - Storage
Galaxy Note 4 - 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, expandable via microSD
Galaxy Note 3 - 32GB, 64GB, expandable via microSD
It seems as if the Galaxy Note 4 will offer an additional storage variant over the Galaxy Note 3, with a lower 16GB model set to be made available. Otherwise it's the same 32GB or 64GB options, with a microSD slot for expansion purposes.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Note 3 - Camera
Galaxy Note 4 - 16-megapixel camera, dual-LED flash
Galaxy Note 3 - 13-megapixel camera, LED flash
The Galaxy Note 4 appears set to feature an improved camera - 16-megapixel rather than the Galaxy Note 3's 13-megapixel model.
It also looks like the Note 4 will have a dual-LED flash rather than the Note 3's single example, so it should be better in those no-light shooting situations.
Given these leaked specs, the Note 4's camera may well be the same unit as the one found in the Samsung Galaxy S5. That would be no bad thing at all, as the Galaxy S5 is one of the stronger cameraphones on the market.
Early verdict
While the Samsung Galaxy S5 was arguably not enough of an improvement over the Samsung Galaxy S4, it's looking likely that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be a considerable step up from the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
Not only will the Galaxy Note 4 sport an improved design, it'll also have a much sharper display on board. This will be backed by a faster processor, more RAM, and a better camera.
While the Galaxy Note 3 is a fine super-sized smartphone, come September 3 there'll be a new phablet in town - and we're betting it'll be better in almost every way.
MORE: Samsung Galaxy Alpha vs Samsung Galaxy S5
