Galaxy Note II vs iPhone 5s: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy Note II edges ahead with a BeastScore of 60.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2012

Galaxy Note II

Galaxy Note II
61/ 100
Launch price$650
Apple · 2013

iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s
61/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Galaxy Note II wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy Note II
Galaxy Note II
1 win
iPhone 5s
iPhone 5s
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy Note IIiPhone 5s
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    60
    60
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy Note II
    52
    32
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy Note II has the bigger battery3,100 mAh vs 1,560 mAh
  • Galaxy Note II has the bigger screen5.5" vs 4"
  • iPhone 5s is lighter112 g vs 183 g
  • iPhone 5s launched cheaper$649 vs $650
  • Galaxy Note II has a sharper selfie camera1.9 MP vs 1.2 MP
  • Galaxy Note II has more RAM2 GB vs 1 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note II
  • ✓Bigger 3,100 mAh battery (+1,540 mAh)
  • ✓8 MP main camera
  • ✓5.5" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 5s
  • ✓71 g lighter (112 g vs 183 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$1 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $650)
  • ✓8 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy Note IIiPhone 5s
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeHD Super AMOLEDLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina
Screen Size5.5"4"
Resolution & Density1280x720 (267 ppi)1136x640 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness350 nits peak500 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.1iOS 7
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR1 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera8 MP, f/2.68 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens1.9 MP, f/2.61.2 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 5s Lightest Chassis
Dimensions151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight183 g112 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,100 mAh1,560 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging5W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 4Wi-Fi 4
Bluetooth4.04.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0Lightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$650$649
Our verdict

Galaxy Note II wins — BeastScore 60.8/100

The Galaxy Note II is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 1,560 mAh) and bigger screen (5.5" vs 4"). The iPhone 5s is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (112 g vs 183 g).

Buy Galaxy Note II if you want

Larger battery: 3,100 mAh vs 1,560 mAh · Larger display: 5.5" vs 4"

Buy iPhone 5s if you want

Lighter: 112 g vs 183 g (71 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note II or iPhone 5s?

The Galaxy Note II is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 1,560 mAh) and bigger screen (5.5" vs 4"). The iPhone 5s is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (112 g vs 183 g). BeastScore: Galaxy Note II 60.8/100, iPhone 5s 60.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy Note II and iPhone 5s?

Galaxy Note II has a 5.5-inch display and 3100 mAh battery. iPhone 5s has a 4-inch display and 1560 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note II and iPhone 5s compare for speed?

Galaxy Note II scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone 5s scores 60/100.

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