Introduction The mobile phone created a big industry and vast business globally. Many companies emerged as giants and achieved a landmark success. Motorola is a big name in industry and in the recent past Moto 360 brought big fame to the company and it was liked by the consumers and earned good opinion from the critics. Now we have Motorola Droid which has surpassed Android and is a well reputed product in the line of Smartphone.
Motorola is not alone enjoying this reputation; Google is a big name has made another big device named Nexus 6 with the collaboration of Motorola. This is an equally reputed and high profile device with its own features being announced with good specs and is claiming to be the best in the market. Samsung is another giant in the industry and has given the consumers Samsung Galaxy Note 4. A lot has been said and heard about Motorola Droid, Nexus 6 and Galaxy Note 4 they are coming soon in the market claiming to be the champions of the market.
Here in this review we are comparing these three big flagships by three different companies. The purpose here is not the fault finding or to advocate for anyone but only the user awareness and to carry out a technical evaluation.
Make and Appearance
As we know through the rumors and early news that Nexus follows the footsteps of Moto X 2014 in design and has taken many features from it. Only the big size Nexus logo and size of the device itself distinguish it from Moto X 2014. The Galaxy Note 4 is different in appearance by its rounded corners and having two speakers fitted at top and bottom and no home button. The Nexus has at the back a matted plastic shell that curves to the sides. Samsung selected the faux leather look for their Note 4. Nexus has another change as well; placing of both the power key and volume rocker low on the right side of the frame convenient to reach with the thumb. None other has done it.
Google claims that Nexus 6 is going to be a comfortable and handy device to operate but it is not so. The dimensions deceive this claim. It is 159.26 x 82.98 x 10.06 mm as compared to Note 4 that is 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm. It also weighs a bit more than Note 4 and is not convenient to use with one hand, however, Note 4 is also not one hand usable device. Now look at the Motorola Droid from the front side, the DROID Turbo’s design does not seem to be very impressive but certainly carries some attraction by more aggressive and angular appearance. Looking at it from the back it gives it a distinctive and distinguishable look.
DROID has the new metalized glass fiber (MGF) material reinforced by DuPont Kevlar to appear as the name says, though not as prominent as the Moto X. a thin metal trim outlines the phone on all sides. It gives a good look and also feels good while holding in hand. The DROID also has another look as well; the stitched pattern that is something not seen in the DROID family, so it’s undoubtedly nice to see, but we do not know how it behaves in the long run. It may be water resistant but not water proof to be dipped into the water. In overall construction, the DROID Turbo is pretty strong. This is the known quality of the DROID line. Moreover its size is quite manageable for single hand operation effortlessly, but not very convenient. Comparing it with to the Moto X, the DROID Turbo is somewhat thicker, wider, longer, and heavier.
Display
While talking of the display of the three devices, we cannot give more marks to one and less to the other because they are big giants having mastery over the technology and know well what to do. In case of Google Nexus 6 they have changed the tradition of using conventional, battery-sparing 1080p display; they are changing to a Quad HD having the 5.96-inch screen panel with a sharp resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels making it for 493 pixels per inch. It has the screen that is the AMOLED type. Previously only Samsung used it. Samsung Galaxy Note 4's designers have placed a 5.7-inch, Super AMOLED screen Quad HD similar resolution (515 ppi). Nexus 6 and Galaxy Note 4 both are protected by using a Gorilla Glass 3 cover, harder to scratch and resistant to shattering than conventional glass. The Moto DROID is equipped with 5.2 inches display with the same pixels resolution and density level. All the three giants have lower levels of reflection to make outdoor visibility better and they carry the same protection of screen. Note 4's screen has an advantage of being extra sensitive through an option in the settings menu and you can use it with gloves on. In colder regions and weather it a great extra feature much desired.
User interface
The Nexus line runs on the latest error free versions of Android and that has been the main feature of the Nexus devices and so is the case with the Nexus 6 and probably is the first one to come with the latest version of Android 5.0 Lollipop from the company which presents a key change with Lollipop the change towards a flatter, but animation-rich visuals giving a cool feeling and provides a much desired fluidity to actions. Lollipop has brought the notable improvements to interact with notifications and how they are presented. They can be operated straight from the lock screen. As part of the Project Volta, Google has brought in the enhancement to battery life and Android now finally has a dedicated power-saving mode.
Looking at the Note 4, here we see the different approach. Contrary to Google's lightweight philosophy, Samsung believes in bucketful of extras and perks, and it is prominently visible in Note 4. The company's latest phablet sports Android 4.4.4 KitKat with its overlay of it own TouchWiz on top. This shows the visuals flatter than in the past, and Samsung has selected to opt much better than with the latest application of TW.
Overall, in interface comparison, it definitely is matter of taste; both have their own strong points. The Nexus 6 presents straightforward, Lollipop user experience and quick subsequent updates while the Note 4 heralds about the extras it has. Talking about DROID Turbo it is exactly like the Moto X from visual and software point of view. In all three cases the companies have made the user interface user friendly and as convenient for the user as possible.
Processor and Memory
Here are the three champions with their strengths in terms of processors and memories. Each one is well equipped and the best efforts of the companies are there into making of these flagships. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is paired with Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 (SM-N910S) with Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 (SM-N910S) Eryngoes 5433 (SM-N910C) system on chip. The device is also powered with Adriano 420 (SM-N910S) for graphics. The other version of processor used in this device is Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A57 (SM-N910C) and has Mali-T760 (SM-N910C) for handling the graphics. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has massive 3 GB RAM and is preinstalled with 32 GB internal memory capacity that can be extended with the help of microSD up to 128 GB. Enough of a space expected out of a device like this for any user.
Talking of Motorola Nexus 6 is powered with Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 processor having Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset. For graphics it has Adriano 420. The device has the same massive 3 GB RAM as in case of Note 4 and has two memory options; 32/64 GB but there is no provision for extension in the memory through external source.
Now the DROID that is the champion from Motorola with all the good things packed into it. The handset is featured with Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 processor coupled with Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset provide the processing ability with smoothness and speed to the DROID and Adreno 420 is there to take care of the graphics. Like the above two flagships, this is also powered with a massive 3 GB RAM. On account of memory, it is preinstalled in two options; 32 and 64 GB capacity but it cannot be enhanced externally because there is no card slot provided.
Both the devices having high resolution displays, the Google/Motorola duo, like Samsung, has used a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset with the speed of 2.7GHz and the two have made use of an Adreno 420 GPU, having performance improvements over its predecessor and a few new features, like hardware tessellation.
Camera
A 13-megapixel, 1/3.06'' Sony IMX214 Exmor RS sensor (1.12 micron pixels) has been placed inside the Nexus 6, with optical image stabilization. The unit is also complemented by element, f/2.0 lens and an unusual ring flash surrounding it, with 2 LEDs inside. The secondary camera up in the front, we've got 2-megapixel selfie features with 720p capture for the occasional video chat.
With the Note 4, we have 16-megapixel, 1/2.6'' sensor (1.1 micron pixels) with optical image stabilization. The camera has wide, f/2.0 lens, but has a single LED flash. Samsung equipped the Note 4 with a generous, 3.7-megapixel front camera that can record 1080p video.
Nexus 6 and Note 4 both devices can record videos at 1080p at 30 FPS but the Note 4 can shoot smooth, 60 FPS 1080p clips also and super high-res 4K UHD, also at 30 frames per second. Note 4 is also better than Nexus 6 in capturing slow-motion videos.
The Nexus 6 is not available to users as it is yet to come therefore to comment on its photographic results would be too early and before time. Note 4 have proved its quality and it is currently an efficient Smartphone in respect of photography. Drawing the conclusions from the former two Nexus flagships Nexus 6 should be as capable and should give good results from its camera.
In case of Motorola DROID Turbo, the company is determined to improve its camera aspect by installing a huge capacity 20.7-megapixel 4:3 camera, which is featured with an f/2.0 aperture lens, dual-LED flash and 4K video recording. It does have some features from Moto X and has the Quick Capture feature.
In many aspects the DROID Turbo’s camera is capable enough to deliver pleasant and calculated results. Its outdoor performance is perfect and is characterized with rich details, balanced dynamic range, and presentation of true and well toned colors. In case of indoor or low light conditions the pictures are not as perfect and tend to give a softer look. Now it depends how Motorola has tried to fix these issues of camera to reach the level of perfection.
Battery
Note 4 is packed with lot many features like a 1440p display, tons of features and the latest and tough hardware we may think the Note4 may have some trouble in the battery department. Luckily it seems that no such trouble is foreseen because Galaxy Note 4 tends to have good battery life. The handset is energized with a 3220 mAh battery that is quite a decent capacity and Samsung claims to provide long 20 hours of 3G talk-time. With all the features in Note 4 having 20 hours talk time is wonderful. Samsung has taken good care of this aspect.
With the Nexus 6 being a bulky handset and packed up with everything does not seem to be lacking in battery like Note 4. A generous, 3,220 mAh battery has been placed in the device. It is non-removable type and supports Qi wireless charging. The non removable feature is not much liked still this power unit provides a decent battery life. Because of the other features and the Quad HD panel on board will power than a 1080p screen. Like Note 4 this handset Nexus 6 is also going to manage this power demand in decent manner out of this power unit.
Nexus 6 has 24 hours talk time, 9.5 hours of browsing time on Wi-Fi and 10 hours on LTE. Lastly, the Nexus 6 is rated as good for up to 10 hours of video playback. It also has the quick charging ability with Motorola Turbo Charger.
Motorola graces its pride and joy DROID with a massive 3900 mAh battery, which the company says can achieve up to 48 hours of battery life with mixed usage. It is big achievement and great satisfaction for the user, more so when it has quick charging ability as well. The turbo charging technology is impressive which needs only 2 hours and some minutes to recharge its 3900 mAh battery to 100% capacity.
Advantages of Galaxy Note 4, Motorola Droid Turbo and Nexus 6
Galaxy Note 4 runs KitKat operating system but Nexus 6 is specially designed for Android 5 Lollipop and the Droid Turbo will switch to the latest version of the operating system in near future.
All three handsets are offered with sufficient battery backup but only Motorola Droid Turbo offers the fastest charging; charging 60% battery within 30 minutes which is pretty fast.
Note 4 come with S-Pen which makes the typing easy and faster than before. Stylus only comes with Note 4.
Galaxy Note 4 has a finger print scanner which makes the device personal but Nexus 6 and Droid Turbo does not have the supporting feature.
Disadvantages of Galaxy Note 4, Motorola Droid Turbo and Nexus 6
FM radio is missing in Nexus 6 and Motorola Droid Turbo.
Motorola Droid Turbo and Nexus 6 do not have external memory extension, only Galaxy Note 4 supports limited extension up to 64 GB only.
Price and Release Date:
The three handsets are available now on pre order meaning they will be soon delivered to the consumers. Galaxy Note 4 costs $750, Nexus 6 costs $649 and Motorola Droid Turbo costs $822.2. Relatively Turbo Droid is the costliest and then comes Galaxy Note 4 whereas Nexus 6 has the lowest cost out of the three. All three handsets are costly and high end devices.