Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and iPhone 5 were two of the most popular flagship smartphones released in 2012. Both devices offered cutting-edge features and specifications at the time, but there were some key differences between the two.
Size and Design
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was significantly larger than the iPhone 5, with a 5.5-inch display compared to the iPhone 5’s 4-inch display. This made the Note 2 a better choice for users who wanted a large-screen smartphone for media consumption and productivity. However, the Note 2’s larger size also made it more difficult to hold and use with one hand.
The iPhone 5 was more compact and easier to hold, but its smaller display made it less than ideal for watching videos, playing games, or reading text. The iPhone 5 also had a more premium design than the Note 2, with its aluminum chassis and Gorilla Glass display.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was powered by a quad-core 1.6GHz Exynos 4412 processor, while the iPhone 5 was powered by a dual-core 1.3GHz Apple A6 processor. Both devices were very fast for their time, but the Note 2 had a slight edge in terms of raw performance.
The Note 2 also had more RAM than the iPhone 5, with 2GB compared to the iPhone 5’s 1GB of RAM. This extra RAM made the Note 2 better at multitasking and running demanding apps.
Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 had an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, while the iPhone 5 had an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and image stabilization. Both cameras took good photos for their time, but the iPhone 5’s camera was generally considered to be the better of the two.
The iPhone 5’s camera was better at capturing low-light photos and videos. It also had a faster shutter speed and better image processing capabilities.
Software
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 came with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean pre-installed, while the iPhone 5 came with iOS 6 pre-installed. Both operating systems were excellent, but they offered different experiences.
Android was more customizable and offered more features, while iOS was more user-friendly and polished. The Note 2 also came with a stylus, which was useful for taking notes, drawing, and annotating documents.
Price
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was more expensive than the iPhone 5 at launch. However, the Note 2 offered a number of features that were not available on the iPhone 5 at the time, such as a larger display, more RAM, a stylus, and a microSD card slot.
Which Phone Was Better?
Ultimately, the best phone for you depended on your individual needs and preferences. If you wanted a large-screen smartphone with a stylus and a lot of features, then the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was the better choice. If you wanted a more compact and user-friendly smartphone with a great camera, then the iPhone 5 was the better choice.
Here is a quick summary of the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and the iPhone 5:
Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Larger display (5.5 inches)
- Stylus support
- More RAM (2GB)
- microSD card slot
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
iPhone 5
- Smaller display (4 inches)
- No stylus support
- Less RAM (1GB)
- No microSD card slot
- iOS 6
Which phone should you buy today?
Neither the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 nor the iPhone 5 are still available new, so if you are considering buying one of these phones today, you will need to buy it used.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is now over 10 years old, so it is not recommended for everyday use. The phone’s hardware and software are outdated, and it will not be able to receive the latest security updates.
The iPhone 5 is also over 10 years old, but it is still a viable option for basic tasks such as making phone calls, sending text messages, and browsing the web. However, the phone’s camera and performance are not up to par with modern smartphones.
If you are looking for a used smartphone, there are many better options available than the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and the iPhone 5.
