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Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 still in the running?

androidpit Samsung Galaxy Note4 3
© nextpit

Launched in September 2014, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is starting to show its age… at least on paper because the reality is another matter altogether! Due to various events surrounding the Note series in recent years (the Note 7 fiasco and the non-launch of the Note 5 in Europe), this smartphone is actually still in fashion for many users and is very likely to be found at the foot of the tree this Christmas. But is it really a good investment in 2016?

It is one of the rare smartphones with a stylus

The Galaxy Note7 scandal last September and the non-commercialization of the Galaxy Note 5 last year means the European market has not seen a new Note series smartphone in two years. The selection of smartphones with a stylus is very limited. This is a shame as, for many users, it is one of the most practical aspects of a smartphone.

The Galaxy Note 4 stylus also has functions that are characteristic of computers with a conventional mouse

Removing the stylus from its position kickstarts Air Command, the shortcut management center for Action Memo, Intelligent Selection, Image Clip and Capture. The Galaxy Note 4 stylus also has similar functions to that of a conventional mouse on a computer. For example, if you hold down the S Pen button and move the tip over the screen at the same time, you can select whatever you want on the Note: just as you would do on a computer.

androidpit samsung Note4 vs Note5 8
The Note 4 (left) versus the Note 5 (right). © ANDROIDPIT

A slightly outdated design that still offers some advantages

The obvious trend for high quality smartphones in 2016 is the use of noble materials such as metal and glass. Clearly, the Galaxy Note 4 is not quite of this caliber, though its design is far from offensive. You may or may not like the fake leather effect on the back, but this can be removed and, unlike many other smartphones, allows access to a removable battery and a microSD extension.

It is especially important to clarify that with regards to the SIM card, a simple micro SIM is sufficient. There is therefore no need to order a nano-SIM from a phone provider. If you already have a nano-SIM, you will need an adaptor.

A screen that still holds its own and a decent camera

The Galaxy Note 4 may not be of the latest generation, but it nevertheless benefits from technical features that are still very much acceptable in 2016 and are sufficient for the majority of users. Should we conclude that the Galaxy Note 4 is outdated? Absolutely not.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 technical specifications

The Samsung phablet has a Super AMOLED screen with QHD definition (1440 x 2560 pixels). With 518 pixels per inch, it's an excellent screen that is far from obsolete compared to the competition. The same goes for its 16 megapixel camera which is, of course, not at the same level as a Galaxy S7 but does not fall far behind either. Its performance in low light is a bit disappointing, but it's not terrible. The Galaxy Note 4 manages well in natural light, as well as for macro shots.

androidpit Samsung Galaxy Note4 2
The Galaxy Note 4 screen is still holds its own in 2016. © ANDROIDPIT

Not Nougat but Marshmallow

Samsung will never update its Note 4 to the latest version of Android Nougat, but smartphone owners can however get Android Marshmallow. The update introduces new features, such as the memo function available on the Note 5 which allows notes to be taken as soon as the stylus is removed. The overall performance has also been improved (fewer lags when multitasking) and the icons have been reviewed. The new version of Android Marshmallow on the Note 4 also features the native management of application permissions, the introduction of a menu dedicated to managing the RAM, Google Now On Tap, Doze...

 

A price that is still very high

The price of a Galaxy Note 4 can vary depending on the vendor, but in general it hovers at around 500 euros. It is thus a particularly high tariff for a 2-year-old smartphone but its price can be explained by the high demand from users and diminishing stocks. For me, however, this price is still very high. As a comparison, a Galaxy S7 Edge launched barely six months ago costs around 600 euros, a Nexus 6P 500 euros and a Huawei Mate 8 600 euros.

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 edge 15 review
The price of a Galaxy S7 Edge is not so very different from that of a Note 4... © ANDROIDPIT

That being said, there is a strong possibility that it will be found during the sales around Christmas time, so be wise and make sure to differentiate between real discounted phones and scams. You could also make the most of Black Friday next month.

Conclusion

If you want to give a relatively high quality Samsung smartphone as a gift this Christmas but cannot (or do not want to) invest 600 euros, turn to the Galaxy Note 4 - especially if the stylus or removable battery are important criteria for you. Its popularity has ensured customized ROMs and a large community of fans is present on the web.

However, except for the stylus, there are now many alternatives on the market that, on top of performing better, have the distinction of being significantly more affordable. Better to think twice before buying a Galaxy Note 4, especially since Samsung now no longer provides maintenance for one’s phone.

What do you think about the Galaxy Note 4? Is it still an option for you?

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Pierre Vitré

Pierre Vitré
Head of Content

Pierre has a strong passion for new technologies and mobile since its first StarTac. Android user since 2011, Pierre became totally hooked. He never leaves his smartphone and smartwatch and still believes in the success of Google Glass. That's why he joined AndroidPIT.fr to be the head of content.

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39 comments
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  • Joe Sebo 2
    Joe Sebo Nov 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Does the writer if this article work for Samsung? I "upgraded" twice from the Note 3 to the Note 7. Speed and efficiency were great but not everyone is in love with the edge design. The Note 4 is a flat screen with the same screen hardware spec! The same. With Marshmallow, I find it every bit as capable, fast as the Note 7. Samsung did not bother to do much with Touch Wiz mods, and the reason is obvious, they want you to go buy the Next Big thing. Here is the point to be be made about a sealed design...yes, you can take it swimming...oh yay, but in a year or so, that battery won't be keeping a charge the way it did. When I bought my aftermarket Note 4 the ONLY thing wrong with it was the original battery was not holding a charge. That was to be expected. Bought two after market batteries with a wall charger for 50 bucks. Good as new! Try that with your beloved S7. Speaking to the author on that. I have nothing against the phone. Loving my Note 4, fully paid, not leased, and won't be updating soon.

    Hans F


  • 28
    itprolonden Nov 18, 2016 Link to comment

    Let me know when Samsung Pay arrives


  • Mike P 5
    Mike P Nov 17, 2016 Link to comment

    Still love my Note 4, old but still gets the job done. Removable battery is a plus along with the microsd card slot, my screen shows signs of ageing yes because of amoled, slightly on the warm side eventhough I using amoled cinema to make it a bit cold


  • minikate 3
    minikate Nov 15, 2016 Link to comment

    Samsung note 4 is good indeed

    Moni Mihailov


  • 2
    Scooter Man Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

    I just wish they had Samsung pay on the note 4!!!! Other then that its a great phone!

    itprolondenCory Schmidt


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Nov 14, 2016 Link to comment

      I agree Scooter Man! Samsung says Samsung Pay is available on "our latest devices," which includes the Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 active, Galaxy S6, and Gear S2 (Beta – with NFC only). But since the Note7 blew up, maybe it should open it up to a previous generation.

      Moni Mihailov


      • 28
        itprolonden Nov 18, 2016 Link to comment

        It's not that easy. It's not simply a software upgrade


  • 5
    tungsten tungsten Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

    i don't get the big deal on the android updates all they do mainly is restrict more than anything else. My note 3 was rooted on the first day and it was never updated works great. Using xposed and other apps makes it a great phone no need for upgrades.

    Moni Mihailov


    • 19
      Moni Mihailov Nov 15, 2016 Link to comment

      My S5 is still on Kitkat. And I won't update to anything. I tried 5.0.1 months ago. More than half of my xposed modules didn't work and everything is freaking white -_- no thanks then!


    • 28
      itprolonden Nov 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Restrict? I get more features or smoother operations. Interesting..


  • 2
    Sandy Harding Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

    My family thinks I'm crazy that I won't upgrade "because of a stylus"! I'm a happy camper with my Note 4 & attached stylus-THE BEST addition to ANY smartphone since apple pie!!! Until, the lack of being able to update REALLY makes a difference, OR someone comes up with a phone WITH a stylus, I'll stick with my Note 4.

    Moni Mihailovcamxucgame


  • Tracy R. 2
    Tracy R. Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

    I'm back to using my Note 4 after having to return two Note 7s - what a headache! It's actually working better the 2nd time around. I'm very happy I didn't get rid of it when I upgraded to the combustible Note 7. I was faced with the decision of switching teams and going with iOS (shuttered at the thought) or downgrading to S7 or another Samsung phone. I couldn't do it. The Note 4 is tried, true, dependable and reliable. I have no qualms with it or the software. Will hold on to this gem until it dies.

    Moni MihailovDenise Williams


    • 28
      itprolonden Nov 18, 2016 Link to comment

      The only other premium device is hte iPhone unfortunately.


  • Pamela Buckshon 1
    Pamela Buckshon Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

    I need the SPen and I love the Note 4. If only Android would support its older operating systems though. Lollipop updates have introduced several frustrating bugs since I purchased the phone. What I don't understand is why nobody is fixing them.
    Three weeks after I got the Note 4, it stopped connecting to the car audio and I can't dial out via Bluetooth. The display goes black after 2 seconds when the notification bar is pulled down, it asks EVERY TIME which program to open (even my memory is better than that). No amount of resetting or restoring makes any improvement either.
    Parts replacement is also horrendous. I've ordered batteries and SPens from Samsung's suppliers but they are a poor quality or don't work at all.
    My original Note was great but the processor is inadequate with new apps. TouchWiz was also more powerful and useful.
    Even though I won't go near iOS, I do respect that Apple keeps their operating systems up to date for their users.


  • 1
    Michael Traeye Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

    What method did you use to root your Note 4? I need to retrieve pics that were accidentally deleted and have never rooted before.


  • Kris Dwight 1
    Kris Dwight Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

    Ever since I rooted my note 4 it's been running smoother than my friend's note 5. I just got a new battery today and am going to upgrade my software to cyanogen mod 14.1 nougat later this evening.


    • 2
      Scooter Man Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

      Upgrade to nougat? How???


      • 19
        Moni Mihailov Nov 15, 2016 Link to comment

        xda


    • 28
      itprolonden Nov 18, 2016 Link to comment

      But you had to root it.


  • 3
    Isiah Mcarn Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    2yrs old,,operating perfectly, love my 4.

    Sergio A GuzmánMoni MihailovJan LuKris DwightChad_Higgins


  • Alestair Patterson 3
    Alestair Patterson Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    I have had notes since the first one, until the note 4, to me it's the best so far... My reason for going to the note from the start was because I traveled often for work and it was it only practical phone... Fwd to today.. the note 5 didn't make sense because I like the extra battery... SD card...I love going to places and if nobody is around just change the channel on TV and cable box to whatever I want.... Control AC, fans... Most devices in my home
    .. And since the N7 issue I got another just in case.
    If you are into custom roms you can try a few different ones that gives you the same S7 features and performance... So I'm keeping my note until they both stop working...

    Hans FMoni MihailovLisa O'NeillKris Dwight


  • Cdubra 2
    Cdubra Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    Love my note 4. Can get rid of the removable battery and the IR blaster! Plus the screen res and marshmallow put it on our above many phones out this year

    Chad_Higgins


  • 4
    anthony gross Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    for me love everything about the note4 i wish they bring back the tv remote feature and the removal battery the tv remote is awsome....anybody agree

    Hans FSergio A GuzmánMoni MihailovLisa O'NeillKris DwightChad_HigginsCdubra


  • 3
    bhochha Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    I just purchased a Note 4c as a back up for my first Note 4 while still available brand new. It was manufactured June 2016. No better phone available for the money.

    Moni MihailovChad_Higgins


  • 2
    Salah Adel Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    I recently broke my note4 and started looking for a replacement. The option I had is the note5, which was more expensive and less functional due to the lack of expandadable storage, removal battery, and IR blaster.

    When I searched online, it was infuriating that most of them recommend S7/S7 edge and other devices that do not have a stylus. The only distinctive feature of the note series is the S Pen and and that's why I bought my note4. So a device without a stylus is not a replacement of a note. The LG stylus, which is the only other none-note option, does not have the functionality of the S Pen on the note series.

    The good looks argument of the post note4 samsung flagships and other glass and metal devices does not stand because they are more fragile and would break in the first few drops. They will drop because they are more slippery as opposed to the more grippy "fake leather" back. Add to that the finger prints and smudges retained by the glass body. Many people end up using cases to cover the beautiful looks they paid too much for and some leave their devices, without a case, prone to shattering and ugly looks of the fingerprints. My note4 broke after 14 months of very tough use.

    So I ended up buying another note4 two weeks ago

    Moni Mihailov


  • Taoufiq Lak 14
    Taoufiq Lak Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    I really care about the removable battery in every smartphone I intend to buy. For exemple, I decided to buy a Samsung Galaxy S5 in place of getting the S7. I hope that the battery of the S8 will be removable.

    Moni Mihailov


    • 28
      itprolonden Nov 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Keep wishing. Apparently most people don't care about a removable battery.


  • 5
    tungsten tungsten Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    i am using note 3 and still good

    Moni MihailovChad_Higgins


  • Mitchell Ferencevich 4
    Mitchell Ferencevich Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    Note 4 still top notch. I told Verizon that if they wanted me to turn in my note 7's, they had to give me my note 4 again. Not nearly as cool looking, but it was my only acceptable option. They actually gave me two note 4's for free. I wasn't about to give up an s pen and I still needed lots of storage. The Note 5 was not expandable, but the note 4 still was. The 256gb card that came free with the Note 7 works great in the note 4 so I still have almost 300gb of storage on a device that's two years old. I had originally been pushed to switch to the s7, but I think many people forget the value of the s pen to those who really enjoy the note phones. I couldn't go back to a finger phone at this point. In addition I was not willing to pay for a phone that I don't actually want. The note 7 was only $3/MO more than the s7 edge. The $3/MO savings by no means would have been worth the loss of an s pen. Since turning the Note 7's in for the 4's, I noticed that other than looks I really dont notice that much of a difference. Phones have not made all that much progress with innovation and many of the new ones don't do that much more than the phones from 2-3 years ago. Indeed they look cooler, have newer OS features, and are faster, some of the things you won't notice on an older device because the features were not all that bad to begin with. Back to the Note 4 for my wife and I until a newer note comes out. In the meantime I am enjoying my older phone especially I am saving $72/MO for two lines (device payment) by not paying for a different device that I really don't want.

    Sergio A GuzmánMoni MihailovLisa O'NeillbhochhaDavid Kelly-DurrantSharlene Hennigar


  • Jimi Adair 2
    Jimi Adair Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    Bought my 32gb ATT Note 4 last year after jumping from my Desire 826 I had busted the screen on. One year later and I can say it's the best phone I have ever had and I don't see it slowing anytime soon. I still get compliments on its look and feel on the rare occasion I take it out of the case.

    David Kelly-DurrantSharlene Hennigar


  • 3
    Steven DeBIasi Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    2014 was an excellent year for Android smartphones! My friend is still rocking his Note 4. And I recently purchased my Nexus 6 (not 6P!) just over a month ago. No stylus, but I've got Nougat and the latest security updates. As a big phone fan, I love the size (especially the width) and the design (especially the slimmed down bezels as compared to the 6P and the Pixel XL). I'm quite happy with my Nexus 6. For the price, this is my favorite phablet, even in 2016!

    Moni MihailovChad_Higgins


    • 19
      Moni Mihailov Nov 15, 2016 Link to comment

      Don't forget the S5 :)


  • 3
    Warren Chang Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    My Note 4 is broken, granted I was thinking of getting a new phone anyways after 3 years but I do miss it while using a S4 as a replacement until I can find a Pixel XL in stock in my country but the Note 4 was definitely a very enjoyable phone to me. Even after all this time it never felt that jittery, I had little ot no problems with it in the time I've had it. It was a really superb phablet.


  • Kris Gregor 3
    Kris Gregor Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    I regret selling my note 4 last week so many amazing features .... I bought the Samsung galaxy s7 edge !! I'm still getting use to the edge and I think the edges are mainly useless!! Flat screens are better and safer less chance of damage only good thing is ip68 rating

    Chad_HigginsSharlene HennigarDeactivated Account


  • 1
    Andy Mogilewski Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    Note 4 outstanding , on my 3rd considering I broke the last 2 , 10k mh battery extender battery runs 2+ days heavy user , , does all I need , boot leggim streaming , tethering and etc , don't forget the ir blaster, all great (flag) ships come blasters , no rooting , this is a beast !


  • Rath Mam 1
    Rath Mam Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    My Note 3 and Note 4 are still running great even without the software updates.


  • Greg1100 24
    Greg1100 Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    " Samsung will never update its Note 4 to the latest version of Android Nougat"
    As they lashed up with Note 7 and Note 5 never came to UK, then Note 4 is the last proper sensible phone sold here.
    They should certainly give the Note 4 another year of support in recompense for their N7 cockup. I wouldn't have bought the N5 anyway, as I consider it a downgrade after the Note 4.
    Glass panels are absolute crap- too easily busted. My Note 4 is white, so has a very strong, very light plastic back allowing easy battery changes and better access for SD card fitting. Plus, my Note 4 is in a case, so rear panel could be made of concrete- no one would see it, so all the journalistic whingeing of non "premium materials" is of no consequence.

    Hans FSergio A GuzmánDenise Williamssolomon wrightBojan M.Desmond WallaceKevin FarmerSharlene HennigarJonathan PollardMarc WilsonDeactivated AccountCachedwilly 4


    • 2
      Scooter Man Nov 13, 2016 Link to comment

      I agree! They really should almost give the note 4 away because of the n7 mess up!!! Then update all of them!!


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    The Note 4 is still one of the best phones on the market today. The Note 5 is a downgrade from the 4 except for processor speed. No removable battery or Micro SD support. I do not know where you get your prices from but I can buy an unlocked Note 4 for $339.00 online. Which for what you get is a great deal. Get an external charger a couple of extra batteries and never have to worry about being low bat again. A couple of extra Micro SD cards fill them with movies and music and never be bored again.

    Sergio A GuzmánLisa O'NeillBojan M.Sharlene HennigarCachedwilly 4

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