From Galaxy S III to iPhone 5..... to Note II? I need some opinions - Galaxy Note II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi!
So, the thing is, that this summer, I got the GT-I9300, and was very happy with it. Late in December, I drowned it by accident, but luckily my insurance covered it, so I could afford a new phone. Being somewhat tired of not getting a fully working CyanogenMod10 because of the lack of Exynos-sources, I decided to pick another brand and/or model.
After some thinking, I landed on the iPhone 5. I was happy with my choice, for a while. I experienced a lot of small issues tho. When I turned it on, it wouldn't connect to my WiFi, so I had to connect it to my computer, and small annoyances like that. When I had set it up properly, adding accounts and such, things were starting to behave the way I wanted. Until I had a WiFi problem. Again. The connection would drop (speed would go ridiculously low), but the icon was showing full signal strength. After some googling, I found out that this was a common problem, and that many people had been getting replacements without any help. This made me want another phone, (I expect things like WiFi to be fully working when you buy a device this expensive), because waiting for an update fix from Apple could potentially take forever.
Since I wasn't noticed about all these issues when buying the phone, and when it's behaving this abnormal with a feature this critical (WiFi is one of the most important features for me), I might be eligible for return my iPhone in trade for another brand or model.
This leads me to my questions. Have anyone here had and iPhone or SIII and then bought the Note II later? What's you opinions regarding user experience, general OS "smoothness", and features?
When I had the SIII, the sources were an important part for me (though I didn't know SIII had no proper sources before I bought it). How is that on the Note? I know the Note II doesn't have the sources either, but how is the overall experience compared to the S3? Does it have the small "hiccups" the S3 had?
(Contacts and Phone opening lag and stuff like that). I'd really like to know, especially from former iPhone and SIII-owners.
(Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section, though I thought this might be the place for getting opininons from Note II-owners.)

I had s3, didnt like it because of some lag, 1 gb ram isnt enough for s3 with touchwizz. Note 2 seems to be perfect for me, had a lot of high end devices but note 2 atm best for me. But to be honest i didnt try iphone 5 but im thinking about buying it. Because atm im owning ipad mini and it is extremely smooth with even a lot of worser hardware than iphone 5. Just one thing bothers me about iphone 5, small screen damn it... XD

I had an iphone 5 for a week and then gave it to my sis as present and bought a note 6 days back. Well if your worried about network issues you wont have any with thd note 2, in terms of the ui and screen quality i belive it beats the iphone 5. Performance is great as long as your not gaming gameloft games. Play any hardcore games and you wont like the heat its way hotter than an iphone 5 while gaming only. Other than that the phone is reallly good never ever heats up.
1 excellent thing about the note is how fast it charges and the battery life. The iphon 5 is horrible when it comes to chargin, but also has amazing battery life. The iphone 5 shud be ur number 1 choice only if your a hardcore gamer otherwise the note 2 is a beutiful phone with great performance. Hope this helps.

nielo360 said:
I had an iphone 5 for a week and then gave it to my sis as present and bought a note 6 days back. Well if your worried about network issues you wont have any with thd note 2, in terms of the ui and screen quality i belive it beats the iphone 5. Performance is great as long as your not gaming gameloft games. Play any hardcore games and you wont like the heat its way hotter than an iphone 5 while gaming only. Other than that the phone is reallly good never ever heats up.
1 excellent thing about the note is how fast it charges and the battery life. The iphon 5 is horrible when it comes to chargin, but also has amazing battery life. The iphone 5 shud be ur number 1 choice only if your a hardcore gamer otherwise the note 2 is a beutiful phone with great performance. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emmm no offence, but will hardcore gamer play games on 4" screen? Lol i dont think so. Hardcore gamers choose ipad or atleast smartphones with bigger screen than with 4"

Haha none taken i agree the screen is too small but i only mean in terms of optimization i found games more enjoyable on it and smooth.

hey sir
Hello sir ,
i been waiting for 4 years now and i had the galaxy mini gt550 model for a long time sins it was releases as a payphone, now i bought the note 2 after been on s3 or not and decided too invest few euro more for a biger bang tbh,
in my eyes this phone is gonna be great and super cool!
i didnt wanna buy the iphone cuz whats is not always right and its expensive too the note 2 is cheap good interior and big screen (the biggest)
samsung been around a long time even thought apple thing they are the greatest they arent, ppl are a friad of workign there isnt a good company atleast you dont see the samsung workeer in the news few times a year so that also is a + in my book.
hopefully the note 2 is a disapointment compared too iphone 5 with ****ty wifi haha it so expensive still so many simple faults is unbearable tbh..
---------- Post added at 11:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 AM ----------
EdgaBimbam said:
I had s3, didnt like it because of some lag, 1 gb ram isnt enough for s3 with touchwizz. Note 2 seems to be perfect for me, had a lot of high end devices but note 2 atm best for me. But to be honest i didnt try iphone 5 but im thinking about buying it. Because atm im owning ipad mini and it is extremely smooth with even a lot of worser hardware than iphone 5. Just one thing bothers me about iphone 5, small screen damn it... XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes also why i chose the samsung phones over iphone , the screen needs to be big adn handy in hand something samsung just proved the could and its a must too seee streams and other media smoother and readable something they ALSO improved ones again . its just great i feel like i am on extacy at times i think about it hehe

I had the iphone 4. Sleek and sexy device but I had to charge it at least twice a day and phone gets really hot. Switched to note 1. Loved the screen size but battery life isnt any better.
Got the s3 non lte. The development support for the s3 is awesome. So many roms, kernels, themes and mods to choose from. However im extremly dis satisfied with the screen size. Battery life was decent 5hrs screen time on average. In the end I gave it to my girlfriend and decided to take the plunge.
I was very skeptical of getting the note 2 at first due to extreme limited development especially the Lte version. But after using it for 2 weeks. I have no regrets. Amazing battery life and no lag or what so ever on stock odexed rom. There isnt a need for a custom rom anymore!
Ive just gotten the 4.1.2 update for my country and im going to root it to use couple of tools for a better experience. Awesome phone!
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

Had an s3 and moved to the note 2. Big difference for me. Noticably smoother and faster, screen seems nicer and camera seems better.
All my opinion some may disagree
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Thank you for many helping answers
EdgaBimbam said:
I had s3, didnt like it because of some lag, 1 gb ram isnt enough for s3 with touchwizz. Note 2 seems to be perfect for me, had a lot of high end devices but note 2 atm best for me. But to be honest i didnt try iphone 5 but im thinking about buying it. Because atm im owning ipad mini and it is extremely smooth with even a lot of worser hardware than iphone 5. Just one thing bothers me about iphone 5, small screen damn it... XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I can see why you are considering it because it is indeed very smooth. Screen size is not a very big deal for me though (I get used to new sizes very quickly), switching from SIII to iP5 was no problem. Getting rid of the pentile display was a plus tho
nielo360 said:
I had an iphone 5 for a week and then gave it to my sis as present and bought a note 6 days back. Well if your worried about network issues you wont have any with thd note 2, in terms of the ui and screen quality i belive it beats the iphone 5. Performance is great as long as your not gaming gameloft games. Play any hardcore games and you wont like the heat its way hotter than an iphone 5 while gaming only. Other than that the phone is reallly good never ever heats up.
1 excellent thing about the note is how fast it charges and the battery life. The iphon 5 is horrible when it comes to chargin, but also has amazing battery life. The iphone 5 shud be ur number 1 choice only if your a hardcore gamer otherwise the note 2 is a beutiful phone with great performance. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not much of a gamer, just more like Granny Smith, Cut the Rope-type of games. So I'll be fine in that matter. Imo the iPhone charges very quickly, at least when i compare it to the SIII.
Chronosphere said:
Hello sir ,
i been waiting for 4 years now and i had the galaxy mini gt550 model for a long time sins it was releases as a payphone, now i bought the note 2 after been on s3 or not and decided too invest few euro more for a biger bang tbh,
in my eyes this phone is gonna be great and super cool!
i didnt wanna buy the iphone cuz whats is not always right and its expensive too the note 2 is cheap good interior and big screen (the biggest)
samsung been around a long time even thought apple thing they are the greatest they arent, ppl are a friad of workign there isnt a good company atleast you dont see the samsung workeer in the news few times a year so that also is a + in my book.
hopefully the note 2 is a disapointment compared too iphone 5 with ****ty wifi haha it so expensive still so many simple faults is unbearable tbh..
---------- Post added at 11:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 AM ----------
Yes also why i chose the samsung phones over iphone , the screen needs to be big adn handy in hand something samsung just proved the could and its a must too seee streams and other media smoother and readable something they ALSO improved ones again . its just great i feel like i am on extacy at times i think about it hehe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, yeah. Still, the iPhone 5 is a very good phone, aside from the WiFi-problems.
unholygid said:
I had the iphone 4. Sleek and sexy device but I had to charge it at least twice a day and phone gets really hot. Switched to note 1. Loved the screen size but battery life isnt any better.
Got the s3 non lte. The development support for the s3 is awesome. So many roms, kernels, themes and mods to choose from. However im extremly dis satisfied with the screen size. Battery life was decent 5hrs screen time on average. In the end I gave it to my girlfriend and decided to take the plunge.
I was very skeptical of getting the note 2 at first due to extreme limited development especially the Lte version. But after using it for 2 weeks. I have no regrets. Amazing battery life and no lag or what so ever on stock odexed rom. There isnt a need for a custom rom anymore!
Ive just gotten the 4.1.2 update for my country and im going to root it to use couple of tools for a better experience. Awesome phone!
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree very much about the development section for the I9300. It was awesome, but it was still disappointing that with every new version of ROMs, there occurred a new problem. But no performance tweaks are really necessary? Especially the Perseus kernel is tempting. One of the best kernels available for the SIII, and when it's there for Note II as well... It makes it hard to decide.
And do you guys have money to just give away a phone that expensive? That's insane :silly:
How's the Note's build quality? I really like the metal/glass design on my current phone, and the SIII felt more like some plastic toy in comparison... Does anyone know if there is any significant difference between the SIII and NII?
Also, I'm not really sure why I want the Note... It's so appealing to me in a strange way... I think I kinda miss the open file system, and being able to fix my phone's problems on my own.

I purchased the Note 2 first, then after 3 weeks I purchased the iPhone 5.
I was loving the Note 2, still do, regardless of it's charging issue, but I love my iPhone more. I've never compromised with quality, and that's why I will always use an iPhone. It really doesn't matter how many haters you'll find here, but how much YOU actually will love it.
About smoothness? Lol. How could you compare Android with iOS in terms of smoothness, or fluidity? Sorry, I can't.
At the end, well, you don't have an iPhone? You don't have an iPhone.
Sent from my GT-N7100

Still can't understand how people can live with a 4 inch screen nowadays...
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2

tacchan23 said:
Still can't understand how people can live with a 4 inch screen nowadays...
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be a limitation on a mobile phone's screen size/body size. Imo, Note 2's 5.5" is already pushing it, any bigger will have a farewell from my end.
These stuffs will be carried in people's pockets and elsewhere, and this is not a laptop or netbook.
Swyped from my GT-N7100

jujuburi said:
There should be a limitation on a mobile phone's screen size/body size. Imo, Note 2's 5.5" is already pushing it, any bigger will have a farewell from my end.
These stuffs will be carried in people's pockets and elsewhere, and this is not a laptop or netbook.
Swyped from my GT-N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why have a limitation? Just give people a choice.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

My wife has an S3, so I've found chance to mess with it as said before, it has a low ram for such device. Running quite laggy. My brother just have bought an iphone 5 and I've messed with that too. After using a note for 1.5 years and now note 2, iphone' s screen size came very small.
However tried and compared camera (note 2 is significantly better), lag, processing things and tasks etc. So after all stayed at note 2. It is the best hand device in the market in my opinion now. Whatever I was looking for, I've found on note 2. Even the screen size. It's all completed itself.
So, my two cents. If I born today once more, I'll buy note 2 once more.
Kind regards,
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium HD app

Raintech said:
My wife has an S3, so I've found chance to mess with it as said before, it has a low ram for such device. Running quite laggy. My brother just have bought an iphone 5 and I've messed with that too. After using a note for 1.5 years and now note 2, iphone' s screen size came very small.
However tried and compared camera (note 2 is significantly better), lag, processing things and tasks etc. So after all stayed at note 2. It is the best hand device in the market in my opinion now. Whatever I was looking for, I've found on note 2. Even the screen size. It's all completed itself.
So, my two cents. If I born today once more, I'll buy note 2 once more.
Kind regards,
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard the iPhone 5 camera is better than the Note II. Similarity, without even having used the iPhone 5, I can assure you it is smoother than any Android device.
Personally I've got a Note II, and I'm reasonably happy even though I miss HTC Sense UI and can't find any other launcher or widgets which compare to it.
Any sort of lag bothers me, and I would probably get an iPhone if the screen was at least 4.3" and it wasn't so expensive.

fade2black101 said:
I've heard the iPhone 5 camera is better than the Note II. Similarity, without even having used the iPhone 5, I can assure you it is smoother than any Android device.
Personally I've got a Note II, and I'm reasonably happy even though I miss HTC Sense UI and can't find any other launcher or widgets which compare to it.
Any sort of lag bothers me, and I would probably get an iPhone if the screen was at least 4.3" and it wasn't so expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive read mixed reviews on the camera, but in general I think the iphone 5 was sharper from memory.
Ive only used an iphone 5 a few times but the camera was quite nice. Although the first one I used the camera was faulty and wouldnt start haha.
Overall all it is smoother than any android I've used, but still lags and jitters itself at times. The one I used also had wifi problems.
No phone is perfect. To each his own.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

What many people used to going straight to AOSP or CM with their phones will say, is that touchwiz is actually tolerable on the note 2, mainly because of the phone's power. I've grown to appreciate all the stock features, something I'd never thought in my wildest fantasies.
After removing bloatware and using a custom tweaked stock rom, i found the note 2 lag free a couple of days after I got it. Still is. Disabling scrolling cache fixes lag from poorly optimized apps like Tapatalk, what many people refer to as micro lags.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

adytum said:
What many people used to going straight to AOSP or CM with their phones will say, is that touchwiz is actually tolerable on the note 2, mainly because of the phone's power. I've grown to appreciate all the stock features, something I'd never thought in my wildest fantasies.
After removing bloatware and using a custom tweaked stock rom, i found the note 2 lag free a couple of days after I got it. Still is. Disabling scrolling cache fixes lag from poorly optimized apps like Tapatalk, what many people refer to as micro lags.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Please could you explain what you mean by "disabling scrolling cache" and how you go about doing it? I would very much like to get rid of any lag in apps like Tapatalk and Whatsapp.
Thank you

fade2black101 said:
Hi
Please could you explain what you mean by "disabling scrolling cache" and how you go about doing it? I would very much like to get rid of any lag in apps like Tapatalk and Whatsapp.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not aware of it as a standalone mod yet, so you'll have to flash omega rom and find the mod in its repository. Have no idea if it's rom specific.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

nielo360 said:
I had an iphone 5 for a week and then gave it to my sis as present and bought a note 6 days back. Well if your worried about network issues you wont have any with thd note 2, in terms of the ui and screen quality i belive it beats the iphone 5. Performance is great as long as your not gaming gameloft games. Play any hardcore games and you wont like the heat its way hotter than an iphone 5 while gaming only. Other than that the phone is reallly good never ever heats up.
1 excellent thing about the note is how fast it charges and the battery life. The iphon 5 is horrible when it comes to chargin, but also has amazing battery life. The iphone 5 shud be ur number 1 choice only if your a hardcore gamer otherwise the note 2 is a beutiful phone with great performance. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if this helps but if ur phone is rooted then install a cpu control program like setcpu and change the value for max cpu to 1ghz or 1.2ghz. Still runs buttersmooth in nova 3 or mc3 and doesnt heat up as bad. Warm... not hot.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Related

[Q] How do you like your Note 2 (after using it for a while)?

Howdy Note 2 owners,
I decided to return my HOX and ordered the Note 2 from Amazon. It is supposed to be here next Tuesday :good:
So I would like to ask for feedback from you guys those who have used this phenomenal device. What do you like most of it? And what you don't like?
Any suggestion or tips for new owners?
Thank you so much :laugh:
If you are okay with the size, there simply isn't anything better.
I'd suggest coming in assuming you can't use it one handed. If you can, consider that a bonus.
You'll be more pleasantly surprised that way.
There's really very little to complain about with this phone. It's quite astounding.
- Frank
AirSupply said:
Howdy Note 2 owners,
I decided to return my HOX and ordered the Note 2 from Amazon. It is supposed to be here next Tuesday :good:
So I would like to ask for feedback from you guys those who have used this phenomenal device. What do you like most of it? And what you don't like?
Any suggestion or tips for new owners?
Thank you so much :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the correct choice you made... As even i sold my HOX for Note2 , I am really liking it. Size does not matter much now, As its trendier for bigger phone.
My money spent on NOTE2 brings be joy specially the S-Pen and features which i still need to learn. You got plenty of things to learn when you get NOTE2 .:fingers-crossed:
Between Congrats :good:
Regards
The_Rock
Been using it for a few days, it's a great device. Just can't believe I have an android phone that I don't have to carry a charger with me any more. Battery served more than 22 hours with wifi, gps, 3g, and automatic screen display.
Few hiccups sometimes with TW sometimes but not major and not frequent.
You will not regret it. :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
When I was waiting for the I phone 5 my cousin showed me his new galaxy s3 and I fell in love with the screen size and as app people knew that the iphone 5 would only have a longer display in decided to buy an GS3 and it was fantastic far more better than my iphone 4s it brought me the same feeling I had with the first iphone back in 2007, then I wanted a bigger screen and I bought the note 2 and it's even better than the GS3... The best phone I ever had.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Do you guys think we will get pure Jelly Bean room from dev soon? I just don't like Touchwiz that much
I'm not sure that pure vanilla will be good with the massive screen, but you can use nova launcher it does the trick
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re-volt said:
Been using it for a few days, it's a great device. Just can't believe I have an android phone that I don't have to carry a charger with me any more. Battery served more than 22 hours with wifi, gps, 3g, and automatic screen display.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude this is so true
Sure there will be plenty of roms as the device become more available and more popular, I didn't root mine and honestly I don't seem to find a good reason to root.
I always root my devices to make the the phone go faster, have better battery, but there is no need with note 2 yet, from my point of view at least.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
I've used a lot of phones and I can safely say this is the best phone I've used! In terms of raw performance and battery life, this ion another level!
Same here fantastic device that i play with now for a full a week.
If u look at kernel perseus thread and undervolt values it seems you can get even much more out of the chip...
So much that dev and other people wonders if it is for real...and so far it seems to be. Seems to me that samy did something quite special in response to the fruit chip....we all seems to agree battery performance IS OUTSTANDING..and thats not only it, spen etc...you name it.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
I've been playing with it since i got it and i love it.. I don't regret getting it.
Anybody experience fast dormancy?
It's been a week since I got my note 2. I've used iPhone4s, s3, HOX. But this the best phone I've ever used. Far better than all others.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
was using note1, s3 before but my note 2 pwns them, honestly at everything- multitasking, battery time, design and etc. ;D
The comments from you guys make me felt so excited to get my hands on this beast next Tues
It's just a very different beast compared to the S3 I had for a while there. On paper I guess the Note II isn't a lot more than a bigger version of the S3, but it really is much better in many ways. I especially enjoy the big beautiful screen, the good battery life, playing with the S-Pen (though it's not very useful for me), I also think it feels better in the hand than the S3 did, typing is easier and more comfortable and I think the device looks nicer too!
I am getting my Note 2 tomorrow. CAN'T WAIT!!!
So I have some questions for those who already have this beast. It only has one button.. so how do you close apps and switch between apps??? How thick is the machine? How many rows and columns fit on the screen for apps? Never used touchwiz before only used sense.. I heard it is not user friendly? Do the home screens run in a continuous loop? How easy us it to root and unlock?
Thanks.. looks like I am getting one for my birthday from my hubby.. kinda nervous and ezcited at the same time..
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Coming from a galaxy Ace , i find it awesome.
As i do not yet receive the case to protect it, i found the back very slippery, which is annoying for a so big phone.
I would have prefer a back with some rubber to stay well in one hand.
It will be better with the case even if it's even bigger

Anyone go from Galaxy Nexus to Note II ?

Would like opinions, on anyone here that went from the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, to the Note II ? I am looking to switch soon, maybe the Nexus 4, or try something fresh like the Note II.
How was adjusting to the larger size of the Note II, over the Nexus ? Screen technology noticeably better, or just slightly ? Battery life, I assume is better on the Note II vs Nexus ?
Are you overall happy with the Note II, or want a Nexus phone again instead ?
I went from Gnex to Note 2. Because i sold Gnex for Nexus 4 and then i got irritated because i couldn't buy Nexus 4 because of stupid google, and then i went for note2...
I am amazed... Bit irritated by TW (i have it for 6 hours only) but i dont want to flash custom rom and loose s pen
Moved from Gnex to Note 2 last week.
Biggest issue for me has been getting used to the changed position of menu and back buttons... Plus I miss being able to add a screen off button but that's now solved with an app.
Haven't played around so much with the S pen but the little bits I have are promising.
The larger screen is what made me change and I do not regret it at all. Battery life is way better which is a real bonus. Easily getting two days with pretty heavy usage (you know how it is with a new bit of tech).
Rooted the Note today so can finally begin getting back to my rom flashing addiction
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Steelyglint said:
begin getting back to my rom flashing addiction
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you wont get much use of spen
Laynee1 said:
Then you wont get much use of spen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still handy for cleaning my ears
I'll have to live with limited spen use... Getting severe withdrawals from my flashing addiction!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
I'll hopefully be getting my Note tonight. I am currently using a stock Galaxy Nexus, the first Android I've never felt the need to tamper with, highly ironic as its also the best device for flashing ROMs onto!
switched from gnex to note2 a week ago, it was a painless move for me, as the Note2 is doing what I was missing in the gnex. However I feel the camera and especially usage of the camera is far better and smoother than on the Note2. If you don't need a pen and you like to snap away with you phone, then i would stay with the gnex. Overall am a very happy camper with the Note2.
WTF? The camera on the Note is WORSE than the GNex?! I bloody hope not as thats one of the reasons I'm upgrading. All of the reviews say its a pretty good camera, so I'm a bit puzzled by that as the GNex camera is dire.
boogs68 said:
switched from gnex to note2 a week ago, it was a painless move for me, as the Note2 is doing what I was missing in the gnex. However I feel the camera and especially usage of the camera is far better and smoother than on the Note2. If you don't need a pen and you like to snap away with you phone, then i would stay with the gnex. Overall am a very happy camper with the Note2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sorry but... Camera is far better on NOte 2 than on Gnex.. Hdr... Smart Face capture... Burst shots.. Better video recording...
Laynee1 said:
Im sorry but... Camera is far better on NOte 2 than on Gnex.. Hdr... Smart Face capture... Burst shots.. Better video recording...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I think I need to put something in the right light here. The pictures on the N2 are definitely better, no contest. I was more referring to the feel and ease of operation. Burst mode is fine, but it still is unmatched how fast the gnex is ready for a shot and how fast it responds. My point is that the gnex is better for the instnataneous snapper. No quality reference to be made here.
Instantaneous Snapper is Ok on Note 2 too... It's not likeI'm defending Note 2,I'm just saying things from my experience with both phones
Handwritten from my Note 2
I have found the camera on the Note to be way better quality than the Gnex and starts up as quickly if not quicker.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
I went from a Gnex to a Gnote2.
Great upgrade. Here are the upsides:
Way better battery life.
Way nicer screen.
Gorilla glass (tougher).
FM radio function.
SPen and all associated functions are useful for me. YMMV.
Noticeably faster.
Louder ringer and a vibrate function I actually feel.
Here are some downsides.
Menu has changed. Takes some getting used to the new back button location.
The keyboard portion is a step down. I'm not sure what it is, but I seem to make more mistakes and the note is slower to correct them.
Bigger and heavier (obviously).
For me, it was totally worth the upgrade. Hope this helps.
-PW
Laynee1 said:
Then you wont get much use of spen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laynee1 said:
i dont want to flash custom rom and loose s pen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Says who?!
I am using custom roms and have spen fully working.
If you go AOSP Roms (Liquidsmooth, etc...) you will loose Spen but not in its entirety, if you stick with samsung base roms (Wanamlite, etc...) Spen fully works.
Laynee1, Perhaps you should get your facts straight before misguiding others.
On the same note, I switched from the Gnex and I have been very happy. I have been using it for approximately one month and only recently have I switched to a custom rom . Better battery life, better camera, really snappy and best of all its gorgeous 5.5" display
Switched from a Gnex to a Note 2 a week ago. The Note 2 is a sick device. I love it and the switch was absolutely worth it.
Zorachus said:
Would like opinions, on anyone here that went from the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, to the Note II ? I am looking to switch soon, maybe the Nexus 4, or try something fresh like the Note II.
How was adjusting to the larger size of the Note II, over the Nexus ? Screen technology noticeably better, or just slightly ? Battery life, I assume is better on the Note II vs Nexus ?
Are you overall happy with the Note II, or want a Nexus phone again instead ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine last night, stupendous device. Here are my impressions thus far (copied and pasted from elsewhere):-
I got mine last night, and think it's a fantastic device.
I have a few more tests to run, but I think this could be the best device I've ever owned by quite a distance. I was going to go for the N4, but glad I didn't.
+ Spectacular screen - many I've shown do believe its too big for a phone, but can't help be impressed anyway. This device has replaced phone and tablet.
+ Battery life - too early to comment, but it seems to last 2 - 3X as long as my old GNex, and even performs at least on par with the Nexus 7 (a full size tablet) if not even better than that!
+ Signal strength - I can actually get a signal, just, at my Jarrow office, which most phones fail miserably to get any. I get a full 3G signal at the front of the building (again my GNex failed to get any here!)
+ S-Pen - A gimmick for some, probably, but I like it, the handwriting function is brilliant.
+ Camera - Excellent for a phone, on par with a Galaxy S3 and only a smidge behind an iPhone 5.
+ DAC - Reported by many reviews to be excellent, and will have Voodoo support from Supercurio @ XDA developers shortly to make it even better. As close as it gets to an Audiophile device in a phone.
+ Speed - 2Gb of RAM and a 1.6 Ghz Exynos Quad Core CPU. More powerful than my PC! Blazingly fast, leaves a SGS3 in the weeds.
+ Expandable storage - A small point maybe, but many phones are turning their backs on this now. I've just ordered a Class 10 64 Gb memory card for £40, giving my device a theoretical 78 Gb storage.
+ Call quality - often overlooked, but I'm hearing unprecedented levels of clarity here.
I'm yet to thoroughly test the Audio quality (with Sennheiser IE6 headphones) and the GPS capabilities, but I'm not worried.
Only downside is TouchWiz is, in parts, still aesthetically challenged, but thats easily sorted with some themes from XDA developers and a new Home screen launcher and icons.
This device is a tech addicts dream TBH.
I also came from a nexus...
The battery is way better
Screen is better
But development has just started
Anyway change to note 2
My2cents
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
I just got mines yesterday, coming from mygnex.. Only downfalls is getting used to Touchwiz, the bloat (not as much as i thought) ,the no on screen home button (i missed that). Other than that..everything is fantastic !
BiGMERF said:
I just got mines yesterday, coming from mygnex.. Only downfalls is getting used to Touchwiz, the bloat (not as much as i thought) ,the no on screen home button (i missed that). Other than that..everything is fantastic !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you touch and hold the little dots it will turn into a slider and screen numbers are then shown.
srikat said:
If you touch and hold the little dots it will turn into a slider and screen numbers are then shown.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not see the black dots you speak of.. Help? lol

Looking for your opinion from original Note users...

I currently have the original Note running CM10. My phone is a work phone and I have the luxury of getting early upgrades from AT&T. They have offered me the phone at $199.00 if it want. You folks have been using your phones for a bit now, any original Note converts think it wasn't worth it and in hindsight don't see that much of an improvement?
Birdsfan said:
I currently have the original Note running CM10. My phone is a work phone and I have the luxury of getting early upgrades from AT&T. They have offered me the phone at $199.00 if it want. You folks have been using your phones for a bit now, any original Note converts think it wasn't worth it and in hindsight don't see that much of an improvement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely worth it, especially for the increase in battery life.
sold my note1 havent looked back (i was running cm10)
oh and i sold it for $350.
the GN2 is so smooth...:highfive:
kirkla79 said:
Definitely worth it, especially for the increase in battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for battery. last through the day note like the Note 1. smoother and better wise
I got lucky with a craiglist deal and got it earlier than I expected. I was going to wait for a coupke months. The biggest upgrade to me is the 2gb of ram.
If can wait for a better deal I would wait. Personally my excitement level wasnt as high as the original note. But all in all this is the best device on the market.
I owned a dna droid for about 2 weeks foe testing and htc in my opinion is still playing catchup and next to the note 2 its looks washed out specially if your a fan of amoled display.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
Sold my note1 for a nexus in july then sold my nexus for this. Best phone ever used.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
By far the best phone ever made in my opinion. The note 1 doesn't even compare to this thing it really is far better in every way
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
I still have my original note (being used by my brother) and weve done some side by side tests the note 1 just doesn't compare to the note 2 not even in the same league
I had the note 1,and I'd have to say the note 2 was worth the upgrade.The note 2 just so much faster and more options than my note 1 by far.I would say get the note 2 definitely,or if you can wait there is talk of the note 3 coming maybe in jan,feb,with a bigger 6.3 screen.I'm kind of disappointment, if I new the note 3 was going to come so soon,I would of waited.
I sold my original note for 360. I got the note 2 for 199. So basically a free upgrade. No regrets at all and battery life is 3 times better than og note.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Funny, saw a thread in the i-717 general discussion board the other day, and it was like a thread for people trying to convince themselves they weren't upset they couldn't upgrade to the Note II. Don't get me wrong, my original Note I was an amazing phone, but the Note II is definitely in another league as difficult as that seems. It's more portable, Jelly Bean/Project Butter/Nature UI makes a world of difference, better hardware internals, significantly better speakerphone, an actual multi-color LED notification light, better call quality, and a battery that is so vastly better there's no real metric to compare it to. Not to mention the better camera and list of extended photo-taking features the original Note doesn't have. And if you're someone who actually likes the S Pen, there's no comparison between the capabilities and build of the new S Pen, over the crappy one on the OG Note. All of this, and there's still a bucket of other enhanced features I've left out. I have no regrets making the upgrade, especially since it virtually cost me nothing.
The Note 2 is a huge upgrade. Battery life alone is the selling point. If you can get a deal GET IT!
I had my doubts upgrading from note but trust me. .. it feels like night and day and I had my note highly overclocked.
Do yourself a favor and waste no more time thinking about it and make the jump :thumbup:
Sent from the Mighty Note 2!
No regrets here...JB + quad-core + 2GB ram makes the device so smooth. Also no issues with blobs and such!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
The Note II is an entirely different league. The new S Pen itself is much easier to hold compared to the one included with the original Note, the battery lasts quite a bit longer, and the software actually takes full advantage of the S Pen instead of feeling like it's bolted on -- for example, features such as Quick Command, Air View, the new S Note app that replaced S Memo, etc.
Don't get me wrong, the original GALAXY Note was a great device, but at times it left things to be desired. With the Note II, the whole experience just feels better and more intuitive. It's definitely worthwhile upgrading in my opinion.
The other posters have said pretty much everything. I'm also a Note 1 to Note 2 convert. The Note 2 is a tremendous improvement over the original.
Prior to switching I wasn't keen on the form factor of the Note 2 (GSIII shape and home button vs the North American Note 1 w/o home button). What really attracted me to the Note 2 was what I had seen/heard/read of the speed, smoothness and battery life. All were true. What surprised me was how much better the Note 2 was in all of the above areas. What surprised me even more than that was how much I actually like the form factor, home button and all.
With my Note 1 I had two main complaints: speed/lag and battery life. I purchased a slightly higher capacity battery to address the first issue, but was waiting on the JellyBean update to see if that would improve the speed and smoothness (hopes weren't high on that one). I knew that the problem was with the number of things that I was running, but to me that was the point of having a 'superphone.' Battery life and speed were fine when the phone was used lightly, but if screen brightness was turned up, multiple pages full of widgets were set up, various Samsung enhancements were running, and LTE, WiFi and Bluetooth were on then performance was lackluster and the unit ate up the battery like there was no tomorrow.
I can use the Note 2 as advertised, without having to worry about turning off/disabling features in order to save the battery or eliminate lag. This phone spends its days with motion enhancements, Bluetooth, LTE, WiFi and sync (email, etc) on all the time and still gets me easily through the day. It's astonishing. It shouldn't be astonishing, but modern phones have us trained to think that it's not reasonable to expect a full day of 'full' use.
Long story short, the Note 2 is definitely worth the upgrade.
drop the $ and come on in...the water is fine! You'll never regret it!
zc1 said:
Prior to switching I wasn't keen on the form factor of the Note 2 (GSIII shape and home button vs the North American Note 1 w/o home button).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's funny that you mention that, because coming from both the GALAXY S II Skyrocket & the original GALAXY Note I thought the same thing about that "stupid little home button" (as I referred to it at the time). But after actually using the S III and the Note II, it's actually nice to have a physical button that you can press to return to the launcher, or even just turn the screen on really quick to glance at a notification (since capacitive buttons can act wonky sometimes.)
Note 2 no doubt. Most powerful phone out on the market with outstanding battery life. Feels great in hand, yet perfect aspect ratio. 64gb external storage. Quad core....
Holding off on the deal is just a loss of value on the 1. If you love the original, the only thing you will regret is that you didn't get the note 2 sooner.
Start tha new year off right.
I dont always talk online, but when I do I prefer xda premium.
Thank you all very much for taking the time to respond to my question. My XDA brothers have spoken and I read you loud and clear! I will be starting off the new year with a Note 2.

[Q] Note 2 or S4

Hi All
At the moment I am using HTC Sensation but am due for upgrade (3UK) Dont like HTc at the moment had lots of problems so thought I would give Samsung a try.
I have never had a Samsung phone so am undecided about which to go for. I like the screen size on the Note 2 and from what I have heard the battery is great (HTC Crap) I use it for internet a lot and email ,when i have my Tablet I would use it to tether if this is possible with the note. Watch some video nd use word documents.
I can get either the Note 2 or S4 as free upgrade so any advice would be appreciated as to which is best. My main requirement is battery, the HTC I had to carry two batteries to last the day...
Thanks all.
Battery - undoubtedly go for Note II. No second thoughts there. Hands down has the best battery life of all phones except Droid Razr (which lacks quite a few features of N2).
If you like the screen size, and battery life is your priority, it's a no brainer IMO.
tuxonhtc said:
Battery - undoubtedly go for Note II. No second thoughts there. Hands down has the best battery life of all phones except Droid Razr (which lacks quite a few features of N2).
If you like the screen size, and battery life is your priority, it's a no brainer IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
I've just had to make the sane decision as you. I'm also in 3 and I decided on the note 2 for screen and battery and after a week I made the right choice. After it being off charge since 7am this morning it's now 8 at night and I have 52% left.
I just made this decision, went with N2. It's already ready to go development wise and you don't have to worry about new phone hiccups or wait a long time for a proper portfolio of accessories. Plus the bigger screen, s pen, and most likely better battery make it worth it to me.
But if you're a stock ROM guy, really want 1080p res, or want the new CPU architecture, then S4's the way to go.
Buy a note 2...no contest here. Its got nice screen, big screen, big battery, s pen and just about all s4 software features are coming.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
kjt57 said:
Hi All
At the moment I am using HTC Sensation but am due for upgrade (3UK) Dont like HTc at the moment had lots of problems so thought I would give Samsung a try.
I have never had a Samsung phone so am undecided about which to go for. I like the screen size on the Note 2 and from what I have heard the battery is great (HTC Crap) I use it for internet a lot and email ,when i have my Tablet I would use it to tether if this is possible with the note. Watch some video nd use word documents.
I can get either the Note 2 or S4 as free upgrade so any advice would be appreciated as to which is best. My main requirement is battery, the HTC I had to carry two batteries to last the day...
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you miss my thread? The note 2 is all you need for 2013 and beyond till the note 3
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
I was also a HTC addict. But was really disappointed with their take on battery and storage. I was tempted by the s3, no s4 in January, but I wanted the big screen. Believe me every day I'm so glad I got the note 2. If I had to choose today between the s4 and the note 2 is still choose the note.
As long as you are happy with size pick the note.
Enjoy.
skyelm said:
Buy a note 2...no contest here. Its got nice screen, big screen, big battery, s pen and just about all s4 software features are coming.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I quote all
3vo3d said:
I was also a HTC addict. But was really disappointed with their take on battery and storage. I was tempted by the s3, no s4 in January, but I wanted the big screen. Believe me every day I'm so glad I got the note 2. If I had to choose today between the s4 and the note 2 is still choose the note.
As long as you are happy with size pick the note.
Enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My words exactly!
3 UK have now discontinued the Note 2 on their website........
I've had this same question roaming around my mind for a bit now. Since T-Mo is ending contrancts if you want to end and go on your own. My wife and I are eleigible for an upgrade in June.... not free but if we get a new phone T-Mo is making changes where we would be paying about $20 a month to pay off whatever phone we choose, and that will actually still be cheaper then our plan now. I was thinking about waiting it out for the note 3 but I honestly don't have the patience for that. Went in a T-Mo store yesterday and dude told me it won't be until November most likely until the Note 3 get dropped. I can't wait that long..... I'm getting the Note 2 over S4 and probably sell it in September or October and use that money to get the Note 3.
Notes are big, almost too big but from what I have read peeps love them. Probably take some time to get used to them but I'll learn
Yeah, the size was initially scaring me too, but I got used to it real quick and now would definately miss the screen estate on a smaller device.
Actually the S4 felt like a small toy when I tried it in a shop (also due to low weight).
I admit that it's slightly (again, slightly - and I've not got the biggest of hands either) awkward to hold at times, but the positives by far outweigh the cons for me. I'm a big time reader (mostly comics ) and watch movies on my device. My hands get tired like hell while using tablets and my eyes hurt while using the tiny sized devices - Note II hits the sweet spot for me And I don't have to camp near a recharge socket either.
Bought a s4 for my wife yesterday and played with for 30 min.
Just 1 thing: note2 is better believe me BUT s4 has a good camera tbh xD
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
WTF?!
These kinds of thread just won't die
Note 3.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
I do not love intermediate solutions, so I have the Note II to be complete everytime, but I need a small phone in my pocket, to be available, it is not possible with S4, S4 and Note II, so I have the Acer Liquid Gallant, not expensive and with acceptable performances for me...
Two is better than one, Note II, waiting for Note 3...
Note 2 no doubt.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Just 2 steps from buying the Galaxy Note 2...

Hi,
I was about to buy the GS4 but I thought of the Note II
I'm impressed with this phablet
Just 2 questions about the note 2 to make sure it's a good choice for me.
1- There is a huge difference in hardware (CPU & GPU) between note 2 and the S4
But I saw that people don't have any lag even in latest hardcore games
Can the note 2 be good for a while or maybe in the near future it will be and old device & can't handle new games??
I mean the S4 got about 28000 vs 18000 on the note 2 on ANTUTU Bench.
I this points difference is for nothing?
2- The camera of the note 2... If I try to capture a written text on the blackboard about 7~10 meters far away from me... can I really get the a good picture?? (I mean in the college )
Or should I get the 13MP of the S4??
Hi and welcome!
1. The difference between Note 2 hardware and GS4 hardware is not so important as long as Note 2's hardware can provide enough power. And it does. Plenty. If you look to benchmarks for answers, you'll be disappointed to know that the synthetic benchmarks don't reflect real life usage, so the scores are more or less an indicator. Not to mention that the newer phones like GS4 have some tweaks in order to get higher scores in benchmarks. You can safely buy Note 2 from this point of view, it's powerful enough to play any game out there, plus it does it on a big beautiful screen and not eating all your battery while doing it.
2. The camera can take good pictures, for what you say you need, it's perfect. You may get bigger pictures from the GS4 due to it's lager sensor, but unless you shoot very small text or you need to print a banner from it, you won't see the difference.
I had to make the same choice some time ago, and I went with the Note 2. I don't regret a second for doing so, especially when my GS4-using friends keep asking for chargers constantly cause their battery won't last them through a day.
Ruwin said:
Hi and welcome!
1. The difference between Note 2 hardware and GS4 hardware is not so important as long as Note 2's hardware can provide enough power. And it does. Plenty. If you look to benchmarks for answers, you'll be disappointed to know that the synthetic benchmarks don't reflect real life usage, so the scores are more or less an indicator. Not to mention that the newer phones like GS4 have some tweaks in order to get higher scores in benchmarks. You can safely buy Note 2 from this point of view, it's powerful enough to play any game out there, plus it does it on a big beautiful screen and not eating all your battery while doing it.
2. The camera can take good pictures, for what you say you need, it's perfect. You may get bigger pictures from the GS4 due to it's lager sensor, but unless you shoot very small text or you need to print a banner from it, you won't see the difference.
I had to make the same choice some time ago, and I went with the Note 2. I don't regret a second for doing so, especially when my GS4-using friends keep asking for chargers constantly cause their battery won't last them through a day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, you made my day :cyclops:
But I hope that other people ensure what you say cause I get confused after someone tells me that S4 is a better choice
Well, I wrote my opinion on this matter, others may have different preferences. It all comes up to what you need - big screen + big battery vs. fullHD + newer hardware - considering that if you put my Note 2 (and I say "my Note 2" because I'm talking about rooted + custom ROM) next to a GS4, you don't see any performance difference. Any.
Oh, yeah, and the pricing difference...
I agree with ruwin. However it all depends on what you want to use it for. I personally don't care to much for TouchWiz exclusive features which are now not so exclusive. For example, OmniRom have a note 2 custom ROM with android 4.3 with working multi window and there are now plenty of apps and mods which make good use of the s-pen. That being said and considering hardware differences to be neglible what makes the note 2 'better' in my opinion is the larger screen. I couldn't go back to a smaller screen now. And if your looking for the TW features, The 4.3 upgrade should be just around the corner and there are already fully functional note 3 features being ported. Don't be scared! Get the note 2
Sent from my 4.4 OmniRom GT-N7100
colsecomb said:
I agree with ruwin. However it all depends on what you want to use it for. I personally don't care to much for TouchWiz exclusive features which are now not so exclusive. For example, OmniRom have a note 2 custom ROM with android 4.3 with working multi window and there are now plenty of apps and mods which make good use of the s-pen. That being said and considering hardware differences to be neglible what makes the note 2 'better' in my opinion is the larger screen. I couldn't go back to a smaller screen now. And if your looking for the TW features, The 4.3 upgrade should be just around the corner and there are already fully functional note 3 features being ported. Don't be scared! Get the note 2
Sent from my 4.4 OmniRom GT-N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
waiting for other opinions
Well I've had my note 2 for a year. I was eagerly awaiting the 3 and was going to buy that.
However, my father got the s4 so I had to set it all up for him and whilst the screen is nice, its too small and the battery life is the same. For me the gimmicks it has are pointless and if I was asked to swap my 2 for the s4 I wouldn't.
I'm a big game player and the bigger screen and battery are a must for me but everyone is different.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
3vo3d said:
Well I've had my note 2 for a year. I was eagerly awaiting the 3 and was going to buy that.
However, my father got the s4 so I had to set it all up for him and whilst the screen is nice, its too small and the battery life is the same. For me the gimmicks it has are pointless and if I was asked to swap my 2 for the s4 I wouldn't.
I'm a big game player and the bigger screen and battery are a must for me but everyone is different.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point
if it has a bigger screen + better battery life + good performance vs brighter Full HD >>> THE NOTE II WINS
The Note 2 is a better choice as it has better battery and S Pen features. Also I heard many users having problems with the S4 such as heating, etc.
Will add that if want to take pictures if blackboard notes in college, why cant you snap them after class, or have the teacher hold on for 3 seconds so you can take the photo before erasing?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
PhxDroid86 said:
Will add that if want to take pictures if blackboard notes in college, why cant you snap them after class, or have the teacher hold on for 3 seconds so you can take the photo before erasing?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, some teachers don't allow us to take pictures (don't know why) so we take the photo while he is not looking
The BB also gets to be erased about 4-5 times every class, so simply I can't capture it after the class
AhmadLight said:
That's a good point
if it has a bigger screen + better battery life + good performance vs brighter Full HD >>> THE NOTE II WINS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah for me the bigger screen whilst playing is a must now. I know it seems hard to believe but I pick up my old phone and I couldn't believe how I used to play games on such a small screen.
For you I guess also price may be a factor? My dad wanted the note 2 but got a better deal on the s4.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
3vo3d said:
Yeah for me the bigger screen whilst playing is a must now. I know it seems hard to believe but I pick up my old phone and I couldn't believe how I used to play games on such a small screen.
For you I guess also price may be a factor? My dad wanted the note 2 but got a better deal on the s4.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, finally I'm getting the Note 3 instead if Allah wishes :fingers-crossed:
There is a 26% discount on its price, so it's about the same price as an S4
Thanks everyone for your help
It maybe helpful for anyone who is confused about the Note 2 and the S4

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