Galaxy Note 3 vs Galaxy S5: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2013

Galaxy Note 3

Galaxy Note 3
63/ 100
Launch price$700
Samsung · 2014

Galaxy S5

Galaxy S5
63/ 100
Launch price$600
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 0 of 7 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy Note 3
Galaxy Note 3
0 wins
Galaxy S5
Galaxy S5
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy Note 3Galaxy S5
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    57
    57
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger battery3,200 mAh vs 2,800 mAh
  • Galaxy Note 3 charges faster9W vs 5W
  • Galaxy S5 has a sharper main camera16 MP vs 13 MP
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger screen5.7" vs 5.1"
  • Galaxy S5 is lighter145 g vs 168 g
  • Galaxy S5 launched cheaper$600 vs $700
  • Galaxy Note 3 has more RAM3 GB vs 2 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note 3
  • ✓Bigger 3,200 mAh battery (+400 mAh)
  • ✓13 MP main camera
  • ✓5.7" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Galaxy S5
  • ✓23 g lighter (145 g vs 168 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$100 cheaper at launch ($600 vs $700)
  • ✓16 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy Note 3Galaxy S5
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeFull HD Super AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Screen Size5.7"5.1"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (386 ppi)1920x1080 (432 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness460 nits peak698 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.3Android 4.4
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB16GB / 32GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera13 MP, f/2.216 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 Lens2 MP, f/2.42 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S5 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm
Weight168 g145 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,200 mAh2,800 mAh
Wired Fast Charging9W 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 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 3.0Micro-USB 3.0
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$700$600
Our verdict

Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5 are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy Note 3 for its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 2,800 mAh) and faster charging (9W vs 5W), or the Galaxy S5 for its sharper main camera (16 MP vs 13 MP) and lighter body (145 g vs 168 g).

Buy Galaxy Note 3 if you want

Larger battery: 3,200 mAh vs 2,800 mAh · Larger display: 5.7" vs 5.1"

Buy Galaxy S5 if you want

Lighter: 145 g vs 168 g (23 g less) · Lower launch price: $600 vs $700

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note 3 or Galaxy S5?

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy Note 3 for its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 2,800 mAh) and faster charging (9W vs 5W), or the Galaxy S5 for its sharper main camera (16 MP vs 13 MP) and lighter body (145 g vs 168 g). BeastScore: Galaxy Note 3 62.8/100, Galaxy S5 62.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5?

Galaxy Note 3 has a 5.7-inch display and 3200 mAh battery. Galaxy S5 has a 5.1-inch display and 2800 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5 compare for speed?

Galaxy Note 3 scores 60/100 for performance; Galaxy S5 scores 60/100.

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