Galaxy Note 3 vs Galaxy S6: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S6 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but 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 · 2015

Galaxy S6

Galaxy S6
64/ 100
Launch price$685
Head-to-head

Galaxy S6 wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy Note 3
Galaxy Note 3
1 win
Galaxy S6
Galaxy S6
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy Note 3Galaxy S6
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraGalaxy S6
    68
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy Note 3
    57
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger battery3,200 mAh vs 2,550 mAh
  • Galaxy S6 charges faster15W vs 9W
  • Galaxy S6 has a sharper main camera16 MP vs 13 MP
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger screen5.7" vs 5.1"
  • Galaxy S6 is lighter138 g vs 168 g
  • Galaxy S6 launched cheaper$685 vs $700
  • Galaxy S6 has a sharper selfie camera5 MP vs 2 MP
  • Galaxy S6 has newer Bluetooth4.1 vs 4
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note 3
  • ✓Bigger 3,200 mAh battery (+650 mAh)
  • ✓13 MP main camera
  • ✓5.7" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Galaxy S6
  • ✓30 g lighter (138 g vs 168 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$15 cheaper at launch ($685 vs $700)
  • ✓16 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy Note 3Galaxy S6
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeFull HD Super AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Screen Size5.7"5.1"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (386 ppi)2560x1440 (577 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness460 nits peak784 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 5.0
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S6 Wins Camera
Primary Camera13 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/1.9, OIS
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/2.45 MP, f/1.9
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S6 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm
Weight168 g138 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,200 mAh2,550 mAh
Wired Fast Charging9W wired fast charging15W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listed9W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.1
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 3.0Micro-USB 2.0
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$685
Our verdict

Galaxy S6 wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Galaxy S6 is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (15W vs 9W) and sharper main camera (16 MP vs 13 MP). The Galaxy Note 3 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 2,550 mAh).

Buy Galaxy Note 3 if you want

Larger battery: 3,200 mAh vs 2,550 mAh · Larger display: 5.7" vs 5.1"

Buy Galaxy S6 if you want

Brighter screen: 784 nits vs 460 nits · Lighter: 138 g vs 168 g (30 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note 3 or Galaxy S6?

The Galaxy S6 is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (15W vs 9W) and sharper main camera (16 MP vs 13 MP). The Galaxy Note 3 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 2,550 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy Note 3 62.8/100, Galaxy S6 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S6?

Galaxy Note 3 has a 5.7-inch display and 3200 mAh battery. Galaxy S6 has a 5.1-inch display and 2550 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S6 compare for speed?

Galaxy Note 3 scores 60/100 for performance; Galaxy S6 scores 60/100.

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