So I'm due for a new phone. I still have an S3 right now which I don't think is as terrible as Wendell seems to, but is getting up there in age and needs to be replaced. I'm sitting here trying to nitpick and looks at specs, but at the end of the day does it really matter? What's the difference between these phones really? It seems like I probably won't be able to put CM on these, so I guess I could nitpick the OS, but does it really matter? Any personal experiences with these phones would be nice to hear about.
If you can go for a Nexus 6 way more open to root, change kernel/different ROMs and operating systems system
i wouldnt get the note4 as for sprint, they disabled talking and using the internet at the same time. (spark network) you should look into that.
Thought about it, but I have to pass for two reasons. First is that there's no microSD expansion slot. I use my phone as a music player as well, and I have a pretty large library that I appreciate having with me. Second is that the battery is not removable. With a G3 or a Note 4 I can either buy extra batteries to have with me or I can go to ZeroLemon and buy a case that puts a 9,000 or 10,000 mah batter in my phone. Just a practicality issue. I'm cringing thinking about having to use their OS though.
I'm AT&T. I so rarely double-task that way though, so I don't think that would have been a huge issue for me.
If I was you I would go moto x 2nd gen it has stock android with a few tweaks to it but all of the tweaks are app based so you get the new updates as soon as they come out it has a nic screen size not to big not to little but as you said have a big music library and no expandibal storage that is the downside
i love my g3 i was in the same situation you are in. the note 4 does have the s-pen and a more powerful processor and gpu. if i had to do it again i would still go with my g3.
Both are good phones. Go with Personal preference and the features you want, I have a Note 4 and my wife has the G3.
Personally I use the s-pen alot, I tried out the Galaxy Edge and did not like the feel of it. Plus more screen to power on a smaller batterly. Not nearly as many accessories available for it either. In my line of work If I can't get an otterbox or equivelant case , I don't buy it. I also like Samsung phones because they capacitive Home back and menue buttons.
My wife uses the G3 primaraly for Music, texting and light web use. She does not like bulky phones and only has a tempered glass screen protector & aluminum bumper on it because I talked her into having at least minimal protection ( no insurance ). Internal storage is only 16 GB, but I got a 128GB micro SD card for all her music. Even though it is plastic it looks much classier than my note 4 side by side, the only detractor is the LG logo plastered on the bottom bezel. Another annoyance (This was only AT&T variants as far as I know) this phone only accepts PMA wireless charging. So I had to buy a new charging mat for her phone as all my old phones were QI.
I have the Note 4 and I must say that it's an amazing phone. I use mine more than my laptop. It's just such a powerhouse and the only thing I really can complain about is that the S-pen is not as well built as the phone. The size might be a problem for some people but for me it's not, I have a single average sized hand and I'm one handing the phone without the "One-Handed operation" mode active without any problem!
Touchwiz is not as bad on the Note 4 as other Samsung phones. But I still want stock Android, however I'm not rooting and installing a new ROM until I see what 5.0 lollipop looks like.
I vote Note 4.
Yeah, the s-pen is nice but could be better designed. The Button placement on the pen is awkward (the way I hold it). The tips are made of a rubber like material that grabs the screen and does make it feel more like writing on paper. However the tips tends to wear out quickly and leave residue on the screen. The residue does come off when you clean the screen and you get 6 replacements tips with the phone. I'm probably pressing too hard with the s-pen but it is what feels natural and comfortable.
Touchwiz seems fine on this phone, however it is probably taking more resources than it should but the note 4 has power to spare.
I would say the G3. Incredible screen, great battery life, removable battery, and microSD slot. The software is WAY better than the G2's clunky, bloated software. It is also easy to root. I put a ROM on my G2, and didn't care about paying $299 when it has to be returned. That's how bad it was.