Few times a year we find two large smartphones on the market that will compete to be the best sellers. It usually happens with flagships but has never happened with phablets until now. The Galaxy Note has a rival, and it's from Sony. We compare the two terminals in this comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra.
This guide brings together the key technical data, the differences in daily use and the extras that can influence the decision. In addition to maintaining the essential elements of our initial test, we have integrated specific figures of dimensions, weight, pixel density, connectivity, S Pen software improvements, and camera details from top industry sources to give you a truly comprehensive view.
Screen and camera
The screen is the star of this comparison. Phablets are characterized by one main thing, and that is having a larger screen than conventional smartphones. Thus, we find that the screen of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is almost double the size of screens from a few years ago. In fact, it is a screen of 6,44 inches with technology TriluminosThe difference with respect to the Galaxy Note 3 is really important, since the latter has a screen of 5,7 inches. However, as far as resolution is concerned, there is no difference, as both screens are of 1920 by 1080 pixels, Full HD. The technology of the South Korean smartphone is also different, being a type screen Super AMOLEDIn any case, the only real difference is the screen size, and here it's a matter of choosing one that's almost tablet-sized, or one that's more standard.
Adding reference data, the Note 3 concentrates that resolution in a more compact panel, offering around 386 dpi of density compared to the approximately 341-344 dpi of the Xperia Z Ultra. In practice, this translates into sharper text on the Note 3, while the Sony wins in useful surface for productivity and entertainment. The matrix AMOLED of the Note 3 provides very deep blacks and high contrasts, and the panel of the Z Ultra, type LCD with Triluminos, brag about more natural colors and excellent uniformity in full light. Choosing depends on whether you prioritize perceived quality o size.
In terms of ergonomics, it is worth considering that the Z Ultra measures around 179,4 x 92,2 x 6,5 mm and weighs about 212 g, while the Note 3 stays at 151,2 x 79,2 x 8,3 mm y 168 g. The result is that the Note 3 is more manageable and suitable for one-handed use, and the Sony, despite being thinner, is noticeably larger and heavy.
Expanding on important details, the Note 3 includes LED flash and a front camera of about 2 SM, while the Xperia Z Ultra, with sensor Exmor RS de 8 SM, lacks built-in flash and also has a front camera close to 2 SM. In video, the Note 3 arrives at 4K is 30 fps and offers slow motion in some ways, something valuable for creators; the Sony records reliably in 1080p is 30 fpsIf advanced photography and video are a priority, the Note 3 is a better fit; if you prefer a simple but capable package, the Z Ultra delivers.
Processor and RAM
We've left this aspect for later because in this case it wasn't as important as the screen and camera. The processor is also the same in both cases, although there will be a version of the Galaxy Note 3 that will have a different processor. However, the version of the Note 3 that will be available in Spain will have a different processor. Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core, the same one that the Sony Xperia Z Ultra has.
However, the RAM of both will be different. The Japanese smartphone will have a RAM of 2 GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will have a RAM memory of 3 GB. Let's also keep in mind that it's the only smartphone that will be available on the market with this type of RAM. That's definitely something to consider.
Breaking down the platform, both resort to Snapdragon 800 (8974) with GPU Adreno 330, although the Note 3 operates at a slightly higher frequency, around 2,3 GHz, in front of 2,2 GHz typical of the Z Ultra. Depending on the region, the Note 3 also had a variant with 5 Exynos OctaIn real-life performance, the jump is most noticeable in heavy multitasking and in the use of S Pen functions, where the 3 GB of RAM make it easy to keep more apps open smoothly. In games, the combination of Adreno 330 and Full HD displays ensures stable fps in demanding titles in both.
Operating System
And if in the previous aspects the Galaxy Note 3 was an improvement over the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, it's not going to be any different here. Although in essence there won't be many differences, the Note 3 will carry 4.3 Android Jelly Bean, while the Sony Xperia Z Ultra will feature 4.2 Android Jelly Bean. Although it is obvious that it will not take long for them to update, and probably at 4.4 Android KitKat, it can always be something to consider when choosing one smartphone or another. As for the software, it's a matter of taste. Some people prefer Samsung's interface and apps, while others prefer Sony's.
In addition, Samsung strengthens its proposal with the S Pen and dedicated functions such as Air Command, Scrapbook o Pen Window, which speed up content clipping, floating windows, and gesture navigation without touching the screen. Sony, for its part, is betting on a more clean Android with tools like small apps, recognition of handwriting and modes for use with one handThe choice here depends on whether you are looking for productivity with stylus or a lighter interface.
Battery and memory
Finally, we must focus on the battery and memory of these two terminals. The memory that the Sony Xperia Z Ultra has is 16 GB, and can be expanded with a microSD card of up to 64 GB. However, the truth is that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has a memory of 32 or 64 GB, and the memory can also be expanded via a microSD card. And if that weren't enough, the Galaxy Note 3 will have a battery of 3.200 mAh, while the Japanese smartphone will have a battery of 3.050 mAh, and with a screen that should consume more battery.
For practical purposes, the Note 3 offers, all things being equal, a little more autonomy in video and navigation, favored by its AMOLED panel and smaller diagonal. The Z Ultra compensates with energy optimizations and can reach large figures pending. Manufacturer's guideline data places talk times at 3G in the range of 16-21 horas and waiting for 17-34 days, depending on the network. A plus of the Note 3 is that its battery is removable, which allows you to change it or use an extended battery; it also integrates USB 3.0 to Faster transfers and enhanced charging. Both accept microSD and support advanced multimedia profiles.
Miscellany
What we must not forget are two things. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has a S Pen stylus, which the Sony Xperia Z Ultra doesn't have. However, the latter incorporates a technology that allows us to use it as a pointer any common object, like a normal pencil or marker. This is really important. On the other hand, the Z Ultra is Waterproof, while the Galaxy Note 3, and again this feature could be decisive when choosing one or the other.
We add several nuances here that influence the decision:
- Complete connectivity: both models offer NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi a / b / g / n / ac, LTE 4G y GPS. The Note 3 adds USB 3.0 and, depending on the market, IR emitter to control televisions.
- Materials and design: The Note 3 opts for a back with a finish like synthetic skin Made of polycarbonate, comfortable and with good grip. The Xperia Z Ultra maintains its lines angular and a premium style with Cristal and 6,5mm slim frame.
- Dimensions and weight: : the size of the Sony brings it closer to a typical use compact tablet, while the Note 3 is more balanced for the pocket.
Availability and price
El September 12 We can now buy the Sony Xperia Z Ultra for a price of 799 Euros. Two weeks later, the new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will arrive, the price of which is still unknown, although we can expect the price at which the new device can be purchased to be announced soon.
These amounts correspond to your launch and tend to vary over time depending on offers, operators, and promotions. The final decision may depend on availability in your region and the packages with accessories or data plans.
As a general idea, anyone looking for a phablet focused on productivity, with advanced stylus, better camera and body more compact, you will find in the Galaxy Note 3 a more versatile companion; if the priority is a huge screen for multimedia, ultra-thin design and water resistance, the Xperia Z Ultra offers a distinct experience that many users appreciate, especially if they also tend to use it as an occasional tablet replacement.
