Samsung Galaxy Note 4
A visitor holds a new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smartphone at the Unpacked 2014 Episode 2 event ahead of the IFA Electronics show in Berlin, September 3, 2014. Reuters/Hannibal Hanschke

Moto X and Samsung will go head to head as both companies make their way to the US. The previous Moto X generation was well received thus the expectations on the new one while Galaxy Note 4 gains equal attention for its high end features. Which handset is the ideal choice?

Design and Build

The comparison borders on whether people should get a phablet or a standard handset. According to Gizmag, the Galaxy Note 4 is winder compared to the Moto X by as much as 9 to 10 percent. Moto X is thicker as the Note 4 is 14 percent thinner. The Note 4 measures 154 x 79 mm x 8.5mm while the Moto X measures 141 mm x 72mm x 9.9mm. It depends on the user if they prefer a one-hand operation or is comfortable with working on big screens.

The Note 4 went with a faux leather finish plus metal band surrounding the edges. Many compare feel of the Note 4 to the Note 3. One edge that Moto X may have is that people can customize the handset based on wood, leather or plastic finishes. If offers a more personalized approach.

Display

Note 4 trumped the iPhone 6 on a recent display survey with reports noting it as the overall better display although iPhone 6 Plus take home the better performing part. Note 4 have larger and sharper resolution. Note 4 comes with 2560 x 1440 pixels with pixel density of 515. Moto X, on other hand, offers 1920 x 1020 pixels with pixel density of 432 ppi. Both handsets offer Super AMOLED displays although the Note 4 also has Quad HD screen.

Moto X runs on Active Display. This means when users receive a notification, the screen will also illuminate the necessary pixels to present the alert. This allows users to refrain from switching the display on just to see the notifications. This also extends battery life. Note 4's AMOLED panel can also do this but it does not have the program to run the feature. There are third party apps that people can download.

Processor, RAM and Price

Both devices run on a Snapdragon 801 quad core clocked at 2.5GHz. Motorola has a more hands-off approach to the Android platform. The company decided that its Moto X devices will ship near stock Android 4.4.4 KitKat. There were only a number of additional features. Samsung makes sure it alters the Android stock to fit its system and UI. The company focused on providing a more vibrant UI appearance.

The price may be a defining factor as the Note 4 comes with a $700 price tag while the Moto X comes with a $500 price tag. Moto X is available in the US starting September 26 and the Note 4 by October 14.