Droid Turbo 2 Vs Galaxy Note 4: Is The Newer Phone Really Worth The Upgrade?

When Motorola launched the Droid Turbo 2 in late 2015, it entered a market still captivated by Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4. The Note 4 had set a high bar for productivity-focused Android devices with its stylus, high-resolution display, and premium build. But the Droid Turbo 2 brought something new to the table: an unbreakable display and a massive battery. For users considering an upgrade from the Note 4—or choosing between the two—the question remains: is the newer phone truly better?

This comparison dives deep into real-world performance, design philosophy, software experience, and long-term value to help you decide whether the Droid Turbo 2 justifies moving on from one of Samsung’s most beloved phablets.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Note 4 embraced a classic premium aesthetic with its faux-leather back, metallic frame, and refined curves. It felt luxurious in hand, though its plastic back wasn’t as durable as some competitors. Measuring 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm and weighing 176 grams, it was large but balanced well for its time.

In contrast, the Droid Turbo 2 adopted a more rugged, utilitarian look. With dimensions of 153.5 x 78.4 x 9.2 mm and a weight of 176 grams, it matched the Note 4 closely in size but felt slightly denser due to its Kevlar-reinforced body and dual-layer shatter-resistant display. Motorola’s “Moto ShatterShield” technology promised a screen that wouldn’t crack—even when dropped from shoulder height onto concrete.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone or use it in demanding environments, the Droid Turbo 2’s durability gives tangible peace of mind.

While the Note 4 appealed to professionals seeking elegance, the Turbo 2 targeted users who prioritized resilience. Neither uses fully metal construction, but both reflect their brands’ philosophies—Samsung favoring polish, Motorola emphasizing practicality.

Display and Visual Experience

The Galaxy Note 4 featured a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels (515 PPI). Colors were vibrant, blacks were deep, and viewing angles were excellent. This display was widely praised at launch and remained competitive even years later.

The Droid Turbo 2 also used a 5.7-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560) display, but with a twist: it was an AMOLED-based “Active Display” with five protective layers. While the resolution matched, early reviews noted slightly less color accuracy and brightness consistency compared to the Note 4. However, its dynamic ambient display—which showed notifications and time with minimal power use—was a standout feature.

For media consumption and outdoor visibility, the Note 4 held a slight edge in color fidelity. But the Turbo 2’s unbreakable screen offered a unique advantage: no need for a bulky case or screen protector. Over time, this could save money and hassle.

“The trade-off between absolute display quality and physical durability is real. The Note 4 wins on paper, but the Turbo 2 wins in practice for many users.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetScope

Performance and Software Comparison

Under the hood, both phones were powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 805 processor, ensuring strong performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The Note 4 came with 3GB of RAM, while the Turbo 2 upgraded to 3GB LPDDR3—a minor improvement with little real-world impact.

Storage differed significantly. The base Note 4 offered 32GB with microSD expansion up to 64GB, giving users flexibility. The Turbo 2 came in 32GB or 64GB variants—but no expandable storage. That limitation could be a dealbreaker for photographers or media-heavy users.

Software experience diverged sharply. The Note 4 ran Samsung’s TouchWiz interface atop Android 4.4 (KitKat), later updated to Lollipop and Marshmallow. While feature-rich, TouchWiz was often criticized for bloatware and slower updates.

The Droid Turbo 2 shipped with near-stock Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), offering a cleaner, faster interface with timely Google updates. Motorola added useful features like Moto Actions (chop twice for flashlight) and Moto Display without cluttering the system.

Feature	Droid Turbo 2	Galaxy Note 4
Processor	Snapdragon 805	Snapdragon 805
RAM	3GB	3GB
Storage	32/64GB (No SD)	32GB + microSD
OS at Launch	Android 5.1.1 (Near-stock)	Android 4.4 (TouchWiz)
Battery	3760 mAh	3220 mAh
Charging	Quick Charge 2.0	Fast Charging Support

Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

Battery longevity was where the Droid Turbo 2 truly pulled ahead. Its 3760 mAh cell outclassed the Note 4’s 3220 mAh battery. In independent tests, the Turbo 2 consistently delivered over 24 hours of mixed usage, sometimes stretching to two full days under light loads.

Moto’s optimization of Android further enhanced efficiency. Combined with Quick Charge 2.0, the Turbo 2 could reach 50% charge in about 30 minutes—ideal for busy users.

The Note 4 also supported fast charging and performed respectably, but heavy stylus use, high screen brightness, and background processes drained power faster. Most users needed to charge daily, sometimes midday.

Tip: If you travel frequently or work remotely, prioritize battery capacity and charging speed. The Turbo 2 excels here.

Camera and Multimedia Features

The Galaxy Note 4 packed a 16MP rear camera with OIS and an f/2.2 aperture. Photos in daylight were sharp and richly detailed. Low-light performance was decent but suffered from noise and inconsistent HDR processing. The front-facing 3.7MP shooter was excellent for selfies and video calls.

The Droid Turbo 2 also featured a 21MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and auto-HDR. While higher in megapixels, image processing lagged behind Samsung’s tuning. Photos often appeared oversharpened or overly saturated. Low-light shots showed more grain than expected, despite improved sensor tech.

Video recording favored the Turbo 2: it supported 4K capture, while the Note 4 maxed out at 2160p (also called 4K) but with less stabilization. Both handled 1080p well, but Motorola’s audio capture was clearer in windy conditions.

Where the Note 4 stood out was in functionality. The S Pen enabled screenshot annotations, air commands, and precise note-taking—features absent on the Turbo 2. For students, artists, or business users, this tool added significant value beyond specs.

Mini Case Study: Real-World User Transition

Mark, a field service technician based in Denver, used his Galaxy Note 4 for three years. He relied heavily on the S Pen to sketch repair diagrams and annotate inspection reports. When his phone finally failed after multiple drops, he upgraded to the Droid Turbo 2.

Initially frustrated by the lack of a stylus, Mark discovered that the unbreakable screen survived repeated falls from ladders and toolboxes. He began using third-party note apps with finger input and found the longer battery life eliminated mid-shift charging anxiety. After six months, he admitted: “I miss the S Pen sometimes, but I don’t miss replacing screens every few months.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Droid Turbo 2’s screen really unbreakable?

Motorola claims the display can survive 25+ drops onto concrete from 4 feet. While not indestructible, real-world testing shows extreme resistance to cracking. Scratches are still possible, so a light film is recommended.

Can I get software updates on either phone today?

Both devices stopped receiving official OS updates years ago. The Droid Turbo 2 reached Android 7.0 Nougat; the Note 4 topped out at 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Security patches ended by 2017. Neither is ideal for modern app demands or security-sensitive tasks.

Should I upgrade from the Note 4 to the Turbo 2 now?

If you’re still using a Note 4 in 2024, consider a newer device entirely. Both phones are outdated by modern standards. However, if choosing between these two secondhand, the Turbo 2 offers better durability and battery life, assuming you don’t rely on the S Pen.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Droid Turbo 2 isn’t universally better than the Galaxy Note 4—it’s different. It trades Samsung’s polished ecosystem and S Pen versatility for Motorola’s focus on endurance and resilience. If your priority is reducing screen replacements and extending time between charges, the Turbo 2 delivers tangible benefits.

However, if you value precision input, expandable storage, and a richer software suite, the Note 4 remains compelling—especially with a good case and tempered glass.

In the end, “worth the upgrade” depends on your lifestyle. For rugged use, yes—the Turbo 2 justifies the switch. For creative or office-centric workflows, the Note 4’s tools may outweigh newer hardware perks.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Assess how you use your phone daily—durability, battery, and usability matter more than specs alone. Share your experience below and help others choose wisely!