Galaxy S5
The new Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone (L), Gear 2 smartwatch (C) and Gear Fit fitness band are displayed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona February 23, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea

Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 are both expensive with price difference of more than $300 at Amazon. Find out the practical factors such as usage, features and durability to help you decide which to purchase.

Durability Department

Users looking for high powered Samsung Galaxy device with durability should first look for Galaxy S5. It features IP 67 certification rating making the device resistant to water, sweat, rain, liquids, sand and dust. Galaxy Note 4 has no additional durability included aside from the Corning Gorilla Glass that protects the display screen.

Display: Compact vs. Quality

Compactness of a device is an important aspect affecting the user's comfort. Galaxy S5 smaller with its 5.1 inches display screen than the 5.7 inches display screen of Galaxy Note 4. But in terms of better experience on watching videos or viewing crisp images, Galaxy Note 4's larger screen sports QHD or 1440 x 2560 display resolution - better than 1080 x 1920 on Galaxy S5.

Multitasking, Performance And Speed

Both devices are relatively fast compared to their respective predecessors but the two in terms of usage. Galaxy Note 4 has serious multitasking features while Galaxy S5 has a combination of different services.

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Download BoosterDownload Booster
Multiple Input Multiple OutputInfrared
Fingerprint ScannerFingerprint Scanner
Adapt DisplaySmart Select
Heart Rate SensorPhoto Note
S Health AppsMulti-Window Apps

It is obvious that Galaxy S5 software represents combined features to enhance Internet download speed, encourage users to a healthy lifestyle with health apps and easier payments using PayPal. Galaxy Note 4 specialises on what S Pen can do such as grab contents on any parts of the display screen, perform several apps at once on one screen and use advanced editing tools practical for business or office setting.

Camera Capabilities

Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 have the same 16 MP camera lenses installed on the rear side but do not function exactly when it comes to features. Galaxy S5 can record 4K or Ultra High Definition videos while Galaxy Note 4 can record videos with more stability using the Optical Image Stabilisation module.

For capturing images under low-light scenes, Galaxy S5 uses HDR mode to improve natural lighting while Galaxy Note 4 has F1.9 camera lenses on both front and rear cameras to absorb 60 per cent more light. Other camera apps found on Galaxy S5 include Fast Autofocus and Selective Focus.

Battery Performance

Samsung installed necessary things to deliver the best battery performance possible for both Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4. Here are default parts which affect battery life of each device:

1. Super AMOLED display technology was used on Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 to reserve more power the darker the display is.

2. Galaxy S5 has 2800 mAh battery pack while Galaxy Note 4 has 3220 mAh battery unit. The difference on the battery capacity is relative to the size of the display screen.

3. Ultra Power Saving mode to significantly boost the battery life. Users can turn the device into a basic phone to extend battery life longer.

All of these will go down to the bottomline of pricing wherein Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is more expensive with the price of $844.80 at Amazon in exchange for higher display quality and S Pen exclusive services. Samsung Galaxy S5 costs $518.48 at Amazon in exchange for more camera apps and durability against water and dust.