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Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The Galaxy Note 5 is better designed and has more up to date specs giving an all-round better experience. It sports Samsung's design language from the Galaxy S6, finally seeing away with plastic on the Note series.
It's got more power, the S Pen has been given a few new tricks and the design is much improved. There's no huge change in the screen or camera departments, but as a package it's a lot more slick.
If you want the best phablet on the market then the Note 5 is what you need to get, as long as you can stand the lofty price tag attached to it. But be warned, it's not out in the UK - but that doesn't really matter as the whole world now has the Galaxy Note 7.
- Read our Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review
Samsung Galaxy S6
The Galaxy Note 4 is now far from the most stylish smartphone in Samsung's stable - that accolade is now held by the Galaxy S6 (and S6 Edge), which boasts an all new metal-glass design, an equally stunning QHD display, fantastic 16MP camera and no plastic in sight.
You can get the Note 4 cheaper than the S6, but the Note is six months older and the fingerprint scanner on Samsung's latest flagship really does put its previous efforts to shame.
The Galaxy S6 is easier to hold in one hand - and slip into a pocket - its design is superior and apart from the slightly questionable battery life it's the best Samsung handset currently on the market.
Unless you're desperate for the extra screen real estate - or just happen to be in love with the S Pen - the S6 is a better bet.
- Read our Samsung Galaxy S6 review
iPhone 6 Plus
There's one handset which was clearly lining up against the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and that's Apple's iPhone 6 Plus.
It's a touch smaller with a 5.5-inch full HD display versus the 5.7-inch QHD offering on the Note 4, and while the Samsung is both wider and thicker it's the 6 Plus which has the most height.
In terms of design the iPhone 6 Plus wins out with its premium all metal body oozing class, but the metal frame of the Note 4 does kick things up a notch and it has the bonus of a removable battery and microSD slot.
Both handsets have strong camera offerings, each benefitting from OIS (optical image stabilization) ensuring you won't be let down by your smartphone's snapper.
Equally when it comes to price both the Galaxy Note 4 and 6 Plus demand a huge amount of cash.
If you fancy more features and functionality then the Note 4 is the way to go, but for a refined, premium experience you may be better off with the 6 Plus.
Apple's since followed it up with the iPhone 6S Plus, which is more of the same but with improvements throughout and a heftier price tag. So if money's no object that's also worth a look.
- Read our iPhone 6 Plus review
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
If you don't feel the need for a stylus or do feel the need for a curved screen the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ is the obvious alternative to the Galaxy Note 4.
Being a generation newer it's more expensive, but it's also more powerful, has an improved camera and a vastly superior design, following the language of the Galaxy S6 with a metal frame and glass back.
The curves don't add much beyond stunning good looks and the lack of an S Pen stylus actually makes the S6 Edge+ less versatile than the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, but it's sure to impress your friends and it will be that little bit longer before it goes out of date.
- Read our Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ review
Nexus 6P
The Nexus 6P is quite a bit newer than the Galaxy Note 4, yet it's only a little more expensive at £449/$499.
For your money you get a similarly impressive 5.7-inch 1440 x 2560 screen, a premium metal build, slightly superior specs and the stock version of Android Marshmallow, plus the promise of prompt system updates.
On the other hand, it lacks the optical image stabilisation found in the Note 4, the camera bulge on the back makes it a little ugly and it doesn't have a stylus, which makes it a more conventional phablet than the Note 4.
- Read our Nexus 6P review
