What To Know
- The Samsung Note 3, released in 2013, boasts a premium design with a leather-like back and a metal frame.
- While the Note 3 offers a premium design and unique S Pen features, the J7 Prime emerges as the superior choice for most users.
- However, if you’re on a truly tight budget and don’t mind using an older device, the Note 3 can still be a viable option.
Are you in the market for a new smartphone but on a tight budget? You might be considering the classic Samsung Note 3 or the more recent J7 Prime. Both devices offer decent performance and features, but which one is the better choice for you? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Note 3, released in 2013, boasts a premium design with a leather-like back and a metal frame. It feels sturdy and well-built in hand, though its large size might be cumbersome for some. The J7 Prime, on the other hand, launched in 2016 with a more modern design featuring a metal unibody construction. It’s sleek and comfortable to hold, but its plastic front might not feel as premium as the Note 3’s glass panel.
Display
The Note 3 features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. The display is vibrant, sharp, and offers excellent viewing angles. The J7 Prime sports a 5.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. While not as vibrant as the Note 3’s AMOLED panel, the J7 Prime’s display is still decent and offers good color reproduction.
Performance
The Note 3 is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM. While this might seem outdated compared to modern smartphones, it still offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The J7 Prime is equipped with an octa-core Exynos 7870 processor and 3GB of RAM. This combination provides a noticeable performance boost compared to the Note 3, making it a better choice for demanding applications and multitasking.
Camera
The Note 3 boasts a 13MP rear camera with a dual-LED flash and a 2MP front camera. It captures decent photos and videos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The J7 Prime features a 13MP rear camera with a single LED flash and a 8MP front camera. It offers better low-light performance than the Note 3 and captures sharper images with more detail.
Battery Life
The Note 3 packs a 3200mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for a day of moderate usage. The J7 Prime comes with a 3300mAh battery, offering slightly better battery life than the Note 3. Both devices support fast charging, which allows you to quickly top up the battery.
Software and Features
The Note 3 launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and was later updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop. It also features Samsung’s S Pen stylus, which offers a unique and versatile input experience. The J7 Prime runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and is upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat. It doesn’t offer any unique features like the Note 3’s S Pen, but its software is more up-to-date and offers a smoother user experience.
Storage and Expandability
The Note 3 comes in variants with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, but doesn’t support expandable storage. The J7 Prime offers 16GB or 32GB of internal storage with the option to expand it further via microSD card.
Price
The Note 3 is now considered a budget-friendly option, available for around $100-$150. The J7 Prime, being a newer device, is priced slightly higher, ranging from $150-$200.
Choosing the Right Device
The choice between the Samsung Note 3 and the J7 Prime depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Note 3 if:
- You’re looking for a large-screen smartphone with a premium design and a unique S Pen experience.
- You’re on a very tight budget and don’t mind using an older device.
Choose the J7 Prime if:
- You need a device with better performance and a more modern design.
- You prioritize a good camera and longer battery life.
- You want the option to expand your storage.
The Verdict: A Modern Choice for a Budget-Conscious Buyer
While the Note 3 offers a premium design and unique S Pen features, the J7 Prime emerges as the superior choice for most users. Its newer hardware, better camera, and longer battery life make it a more appealing option for everyday use. However, if you’re on a truly tight budget and don’t mind using an older device, the Note 3 can still be a viable option.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which device has a better screen resolution?
A: Both the Note 3 and J7 Prime have a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution, so they offer the same screen sharpness.
Q: Can I upgrade the Note 3 to the latest Android version?
A: The Note 3’s maximum Android version is 5.0 Lollipop. It’s unlikely to receive any further updates.
Q: Does the J7 Prime support NFC?
A: Yes, the J7 Prime supports NFC for contactless payments and data transfer.
Q: Which device has a better front camera?
A: The J7 Prime offers a better front camera with 8MP resolution compared to the Note 3’s 2MP front camera.
Q: Is the Note 3 still supported by Samsung?
A: The Note 3 is no longer officially supported by Samsung. It might not receive security updates anymore.
