Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

Samsung's 2014 phablet still packs a punch

Reviews
By published
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Recommended
A powerful, sensible update from Samsung

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

With HDR off the Note 4 does well, but the foreground is a little dark

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

Turn HDR on and the picture comes to life more

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

The Note 4 performs very well outdoors

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

Head inside and it still does a good job

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

Selective focus can be fun to play with

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

You can a high level of detail up close

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

Photos in low light are also more than acceptable

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

Spot the difference: Beauty mode at levels 0, 3 and 8

Click here for the full res image

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review

I was impressed with the Note 4's ability to capture fire

Click here for the full res image

TOPICS
John McCann
John McCann
Former Global Managing Editor

TechRadar's former Global Managing Editor, John has been a technology journalist for more than a decade, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He’s interviewed CEOs from some of the world’s biggest tech firms, visited their HQs, and appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC, and BBC Radio 4.

Latest in Samsung Galaxy Phones
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors seemingly revealed in new video, and there’s another sign of an imminent launch
Samsung Galaxy S25 on a blue deals background
Bored with your iPhone? The ‘incredible’ Samsung Galaxy S25 just hit a record-low price in the Amazon Spring Sale
Samsung Galaxy S25 from the front
The Now Bar on Samsung One UI 7 is about to get a lot more useful – and could soon match Live Activities on iOS
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
A fresh Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge leak hints at a 2K display and a titanium frame
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in Paris in front of the Louvre pyramid
I switched to a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 five months ago and I haven’t looked back – here are five things you need to know before buying a foldable phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in Paris in front of the Louvre pyramid
5 things I want from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used
CoreWeave

Is CoreWeave another WeWork? Blogger who caused Nvidia market capitalization to drop by $600 billion in a day thinks so
Microsoft Surface laptop 7 on the left side versus Apple MacBook Pro M4 14-inch on the right side, TechRadar vs background

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 vs. Apple MacBook Pro M4 14-inch: Mac and Windows go head to head once again
Discord Clyde

Discord's game overlay has seen a complete revamp - I've tried it, and it's one of the best updates ever
See more latest
Most Popular
Canon PowerShot V1 compact vlogging camera on a white desk, lens folded away
I tested the Canon PowerShot V1, and the beginner vlogging camera feels like the complete package but for this one thing
The Creative Pebble Nova on a brown table, connected to a green laptop.
Creative's new otherworldly desktop speakers belong on an alien spaceship – and they're so good, I'd abduct them
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Page shows the getting started page on the Notability app.
I enjoyed testing this satisfying note-taking app, but its collaboration skills were weak
Belkin BoostCharge Pro GaN Dual Wall Charger 45W on block against pink background with plant
I tried this small wall charger from Belkin and it was super-useful, albeit a little underpowered
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used