Galaxy Note 3 vs iPhone 6s: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy Note 3 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 62.8/100 — 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
Apple · 2015

iPhone 6s

iPhone 6s
63/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Galaxy Note 3 wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy Note 3
Galaxy Note 3
1 win
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy Note 3iPhone 6s
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
  • ConnectivityGalaxy Note 3
    57
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger battery3,200 mAh vs 1,715 mAh
  • Galaxy Note 3 charges faster9W vs 5W
  • Galaxy Note 3 has a sharper main camera13 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy Note 3 has the bigger screen5.7" vs 4.7"
  • iPhone 6s is lighter143 g vs 168 g
  • iPhone 6s launched cheaper$649 vs $700
  • iPhone 6s has a sharper selfie camera5 MP vs 2 MP
  • iPhone 6s has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
  • 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 (+1,485 mAh)
  • ✓13 MP main camera
  • ✓5.7" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 6s
  • ✓25 g lighter (143 g vs 168 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$51 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $700)
  • ✓12 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy Note 3iPhone 6s
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeFull HD Super AMOLEDLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina HD
Screen Size5.7"4.7"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (386 ppi)1334x750 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness460 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 4.3iOS 9
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera13 MP, f/2.212 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/2.45 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 6s Lightest Chassis
Dimensions151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm
Weight168 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,200 mAh1,715 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
Bluetooth4.04.2
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 3.0Lightning
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$649
Our verdict

Galaxy Note 3 wins — BeastScore 62.8/100

The Galaxy Note 3 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 1,715 mAh) and faster charging (9W vs 5W). The iPhone 6s is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (143 g vs 168 g).

Buy Galaxy Note 3 if you want

Larger battery: 3,200 mAh vs 1,715 mAh · Larger display: 5.7" vs 4.7"

Buy iPhone 6s if you want

Lighter: 143 g vs 168 g (25 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note 3 or iPhone 6s?

The Galaxy Note 3 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,200 mAh vs 1,715 mAh) and faster charging (9W vs 5W). The iPhone 6s is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (143 g vs 168 g). BeastScore: Galaxy Note 3 62.8/100, iPhone 6s 62.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy Note 3 and iPhone 6s?

Galaxy Note 3 has a 5.7-inch display and 3200 mAh battery. iPhone 6s has a 4.7-inch display and 1715 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note 3 and iPhone 6s compare for speed?

Galaxy Note 3 scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone 6s scores 60/100.

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