Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo smartphone

Photo: Beamish4 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo

February 2014 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo is an Android phablet released in February 2014, positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship Galaxy Note 3. It features a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, an 8MP camera, and includes the signature S Pen stylus for enhanced productivity.
Display5.5-inch Super AMOLED, 720 x 1280 pixels
ChipsetExynos 5 Hexa 5260 (hexa-core)
Main Camera8 MP with 1080p video recording
Battery3100 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $75

💰 Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Price

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo lowest price is $75, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size5.5 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels
ProtectionNot officially specified, likely Gorilla Glass (common for Samsung at the time)

Platform

OSAndroid 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) for most models
ChipsetSamsung Exynos 5 Hexa 5260 (for LTE and 3G versions outside of specific regional variants)
CPUHexa-core (2x 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7)
GPUARM Mali-T624

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC, up to 64 GB
Internal16 GB
RAM2 GB

Main Camera

Single8 MP, autofocus
FeaturesLED flash, Digital Image Stabilization
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single2 MP
Video1080p

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 3100 mAh
ChargingStandard (no fast charging mentioned)

Body

Dimensions148.4 x 77.4 x 8.6 mm (5.84 x 3.05 x 0.34 in)
Weight162.5 g (5.73 oz)
BuildPlastic leather-like back, faux metallic bezel
SIMMicro-SIM
StylusS Pen

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
Infrared portYes
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL 2.0, USB On-The-Go)

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 2014
StatusDiscontinued (released February 2014)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Integrated S Pen stylus for productivity and creativity
  • Large and vibrant Super AMOLED display
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • Removable battery allows for easy replacement
  • Good battery life for its era
  • Feature-rich software experience (for its time)

Cons

  • Lower display resolution (720p) compared to contemporary flagships
  • Older Android version with limited official updates (up to 5.1.1 Lollipop)
  • Dated hardware by current standards, leading to slower performance for modern apps
  • USB 2.0 port instead of the faster USB 3.0 found on the original Note 3
  • 8MP camera is less capable than current smartphone cameras
  • Potential for unoptimized firmware and lag reported at launch
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo offered a compelling S Pen experience and a good Super AMOLED display for its time, but its mid-range specifications, lower screen resolution, and outdated software make it a niche device in today's market.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo is a vintage smartphone, primarily suitable for collectors, enthusiasts of older Android devices, or those seeking a very basic, inexpensive device with S Pen functionality. If considering a purchase, look for refurbished units from reputable sellers and prioritize battery health, as original batteries will be significantly degraded. Be aware that official software support has long ended, and many modern apps may not run optimally or at all. Its value lies more in its historical significance as a Note series device rather than as a daily driver in 2026.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo smartphone
  • S Pen stylus (integrated)
  • Wall charger (2A)
  • USB cable (microUSB 2.0)
  • In-ear headphones with mic
  • Spare S Pen tips and removal tool
  • Quick Start Guide and Warranty Information

For a device released in 2014, any original manufacturer's warranty would have expired; current warranty, if any, would be provided by the reseller for refurbished units.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo released?

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo was officially unveiled in February 2014, with its worldwide release commencing later that month.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo come with an S Pen?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo includes the signature S Pen stylus, offering features like Air Command for enhanced productivity.

What operating system does the Galaxy Note 3 Neo run?

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo originally launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and was officially upgradable to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop for most models.

Can the storage on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo be expanded?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo features a microSDXC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 64 GB.

What are the main differences between the Galaxy Note 3 Neo and the original Galaxy Note 3?

The Note 3 Neo is a lower-spec version, featuring a 5.5-inch 720p Super AMOLED display (vs. 5.7-inch 1080p on Note 3), an 8MP main camera (vs. 13MP), 2GB RAM (vs. 3GB), and a microUSB 2.0 port (vs. USB 3.0 on Note 3).

Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo still a good phone to buy in 2026?

In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo is largely considered a vintage device. While it offers the S Pen, its outdated hardware and software mean it's not recommended as a primary smartphone for modern use, but it could appeal to collectors or for very basic tasks.