While all eyes are now set on the successors iPhone 5s and Samsung Galaxy Note 3, here's quick guide for those who'd rather stick with the 2013 flagships.
Design and Display
There is a clear difference between the sizes of these devices: the iPhone 5s is a sleek device which kind of mimics its predecessor approximately 4 inches while the Galaxy Note 3 is a 5.7-inch phablet sporting a faux-leather rear casing. Another thing to take note of in the design aspect is the premium feel of Apple's aluminum casing while Samsung Note 3, as agreed by Phone Arena, is still considerably, a plastic device.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 also renders a higher resolution of 1080 x 1920 Super AMOLED screen as compared to iPhone 5s' 640 x 1135 Retina Display. However, don't let these figures easily end the display battle, as iPhone 5s flashes a display with three full subpixels that give that crisp picture or better outdoor visibility. This again, is challenged by Note 3's higher pixel density complemented by its damage resistant glass that can withstand high levels of force.
Hardware
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 boosts the entire mobile experience with its 1.9 GHz quad core, 1096 linpack, which is generally higher than Apple's 1.3 GHz, dual core with 970 linpack. Samsung also designed its device with higher RAM memory of 3GB vs Apple's 1 GB. iPhone 5s however, is available in 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB while Note 3 only comes with 32 GB which can be expanded through a microSD chip.
OS and Features
As per its OS, a lot of users still favor the classic texture of the iOS 7 over Note 3's more stylish interface, TouchWiz Nature UX, running on top of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
However, Note 3 takes the crown in giving cutting-edge functionality and personalization with its Multi Window feature alongside with the Pen Window that enables users to switch from one app to another easily. As per Phone Arena, Note 3 also gives users the power to customize their device depending on their preferences with various widgets, icons, and live wallpapers.
Camera
Technically, Samsung offers higher megapixels (13 MP) as compared to Apple's 8 MP rear camera; its front camera is 2 MP while iPhone holds it at 1.2 MP. However, as per Phone Arena's review, iPhone has faster Cam Speed without flash leading to more detailed shots of moving scenarios. If the flash is enabled on the other hand, Galaxy Note 3 surpasses its rival when it comes to camera speed. Both devices render 1920 x 1080 @ 30 fps video resolution, but Samsung has higher maximum bitrate of 47 Mbps than Apple's 20 Mbps.
Battery Life
Here, we'll give credits to Galaxy Note 3's powerful 3200 mAh removable lithium ion battery than iPhone 5s' 1570 non-removable lithium-ion polymer.
Many users commend iPhone 5s for having this personal feel; perhaps seeing its apps and features more user-friendly than any other phone. On the other hand, Samsung's phablet Galaxy Note 3 has always been entrepreneurs/businessmen top choice because of its corporate functionalities.
Having two different markets, will there ever be a winner on the battle of 2013 flagships? Which do you prefer? Apple iPhone 5s or Samsung Galaxy Note 3? Sound off in the comments section below!
