[Q] What to know before getting a Note 2 - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II

Hi,
I'm looking to pick-up a Bell Note 2 in the next few days(goodbye Atrix & Gingerbread!), and just wanted some tips from experienced owners.
(ie best cases, kind of official/unofficial support, known hardware defects to look out for, regrets/sastfactions).
Thanks

Note 3 in 3 weeks. Just chill. Thats my recommendation.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

Cryingmoose said:
Hi,
I'm looking to pick-up a Bell Note 2 in the next few days(goodbye Atrix & Gingerbread!), and just wanted some tips from experienced owners.
(ie best cases, kind of official/unofficial support, known hardware defects to look out for, regrets/sastfactions).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can grab a GN2 or a Note 3! But keep in mind that if you the Rom flashing type then you'll probably want to GN2. Because development is excellent for this device.. I must say. Lots of great devs working on the beast!:thumbup:
But for the NOTE3 development might now start right away until the bootloader gets unlocked. Kinda like on the S4 release...
Just my 2¢®
jindelic said:
Note 3 in 3 weeks. Just chill. Thats my recommendation.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't mean the bootloader is going to unlocked! So meaning development will be moving slow on that device! Because Sammy was talking about locking down they're bootloader's..
And personally it's not that big of an upgrade from the GN2 imho!!!!:what:
FYI
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4

jindelic said:
Note 3 in 3 weeks. Just chill. Thats my recommendation.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a quirk of my plan.
Only partially subsided phone, so the Note 2(or S3) are only $75 whereas this years models(HTC One/S4) are going to be over $300.

Any further advice? Case recommendations?

Well, I got my N2 about 8 months ago and couldn't be happier with the device itself or the custom community.
What I do think could be better is the selection of cases and accessories. In planning on getting a seido surface case and holster soon, it's the best way to keep the rig protected and easy to reach at the same time.
But, the note 3 is on the way, and yes, it's most likely going to be half the retail price on contract. That's the big question, get the note 2 while it's cheap or wait and get the note 3 at launch or shortly after.
Either way I think the note 2 is a great device and you really can't beat the Dev community that comes with it. The note 3 has new security and it's still to be seen if it'll be easy to crack it. And beyond a few hardware tweaks, it's not that big of a deal when you can get the note 2 for around a third the price on contract.
1] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • HellyBean • JellyBAM!
2] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • STOCK

Eun-Hjzjined said:
Well, I got my N2 about 8 months ago and couldn't be happier with the device itself or the custom community.
What I do think could be better is the selection of cases and accessories. In planning on getting a seido surface case and holster soon, it's the best way to keep the rig protected and easy to reach at the same time.
But, the note 3 is on the way, and yes, it's most likely going to be half the retail price on contract. That's the big question, get the note 2 while it's cheap or wait and get the note 3 at launch or shortly after.
Either way I think the note 2 is a great device and you really can't beat the Dev community that comes with it. The note 3 has new security and it's still to be seen if it'll be easy to crack it. And beyond a few hardware tweaks, it's not that big of a deal when you can get the note 2 for around a third the price on contract.
1] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • HellyBean • JellyBAM!
2] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • STOCK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This^^^^^^^^^ sums it up very well!
If your a hacker, flasher, techie guy, then go for the GN2. Big development section!!:thumbup:
If you're into latest new technology then grab the GN3...
Just my 2¢®
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4

Got my GN2 from Bell back in January. Couldn't be happier with it. Here are some things that come to mind:
Some of the features like Multi-window and S-Pen functionality are only available on Samsung-based (Touchwiz) ROM's. Some people don't care for the pen and flash AOSP ROM's like CM10.1, which have been in development for a while now and work quite well. Personally I find myself using the S-Pen and multiwindow a lot, so I stick with Touchwiz ROMs (you can always switch to Nova or another Launcher if you don't like the cartoonish look of Touchwiz).
If you'd like to stick to a Samsung based ROM, check out Miscom's N7105 Ultimate ROM in the Android Development section. He basically takes the Samsung ROM from the international LTE version (which gets updated more frequently) and adds in useful bits like extending the Multiwindow functionality to any app (its restricted to a few Google and Samsung apps on the stock ROM). Gives you a stock feel while being more optimized and feature packed.
I don't know if its been patched, but the LTE GS3 and GN2 models had a simple way to sim-unlock through some dialer-code settings. Multiple claims that it worked just like that. If its still around, it might be worth a shot.
By default, a double-tap of the home button is configured to launch S-Voice. Not only does S-Voice suck, but it also introduces a delay when you tap the home button once to go back to the homescreen. You can disable the double-tap option from S-Voice settings to get rid of the delay.
I'm not aware of any specific hardware defects. Some stock ROMs had glitchy apps but I've been using the modified stock ROM pretty much from the start.
I personally don't use a case, so I can't help you there.
If you plan on using a car charger, make sure you get a quality, high-output one. The Note 2 has a big battery and charging can be very slow on the usual flea-market chargers. I use a Motorola one that I got from Amazon. Its not as fast as the 2A wall-charger that the phone comes with, but its still decent. It can actually charge up the phone even while its being used for navigation/phonecalls etc. Most car chargers can only maintain the current charge level when in use.
If you need more storage, a 64GB microSD card is a good option and works without hassles. Bought one last year for ~$50 on Boxing Day. I listen to a lot of Lossless music (25+ MB per file) so the extra storage helps.
If you feel the need for it, the Smart Dock also works as advertised. HDMI output + three USB ports. I can confirm it detects keyboards, mice, USB flash drives and external hard drives just fine. Can easily playback 1080p video from external drives over HDMI.
Thats all I can think of at the moment You can't go wrong with the GN2. I am holding off on the Note 3 upgrade and the only thing I may miss is the higher resolution screen. In terms of performance and everyday use, I'm happy with my GN2.

Related

Note 2 vs nexus 4

So guys I'm in a dilemma here I have both phones right now sealed in the box I don't know which one to keep and which one to sell. I'm in Canada so lte works on the nexus 4. What do you guys suggest ? Thanks
One for work one for play ;p
sent from outside ur window
twanskys204 said:
One for work one for play ;p
sent from outside ur window
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same dilemma as well. If you don't mind the size, the Note 2 is the better choice. The Nexus 4 may get the faster updates but we're on xda anyway so pretty much any phone with a good community will get updates.
Personally, if I had a choice between those 2 phones, I would prefer the Note 2. I'm a bit biased because I've been with Samsung for so long and I don't trust any other brand other than them. LOL. But from an unbiased point, the Nexus 4 provides faster updates (as mentioned), the Krait processor, and it's Google. Note 2 has a bunch of useful features and now we have some very reputable and brilliant developers in our community which will jump start our development. There's even an Android 4.2 (WIP) coming for us!
offwiththeface said:
So guys I'm in a dilemma here I have both phones right now sealed in the box I don't know which one to keep and which one to sell. I'm in Canada so lte works on the nexus 4. What do you guys suggest ? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 2 hands down...more features and great dev support.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
I've used both and ended up sticking with the note 2 there's nothing out there right now that can compare to its specs not even goggles own baby
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
Did you ask this same question in the Nexus 4 section? lol...It's gonna be hard to get an unbiased opinion when you ask a question like that in a section specifically for one of the phones
Having said that, I had the LG Optimus G, and aside from the LG skin (which wasn't TOO horrible) it was a good phone, but I still promptly exchanged it for a Note 2 and don't regret it one bit. I have never had good experiences with LG phones. The display was beautiful though.
I have a note 2 and my buddy has a nexus 4. I thought the nexus 4 screen looks way better then note 2 screen hands down in my opinion. The build quality and feel of nexus 4 is also much better. However no removable battery no lte, and no sd card support are major deal breakers. 16gb is just not enough with games and apps installed. At least if they made a 32gb version.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
The nexus 4 has some attractive points. LTE maybe less of an issue if you in Canada. The screen is nice and it's a fast performer.
But for me the lack of MicroSD and non-removable is a no go for me. Not only is battery life on the Note 2 awesome, but I have a spare battery i can use if every needed. I also really like having the s pen and the 5.5" screen i greatly enjoy. The size of the note is not for everyone, I'm OK with it.
You have to decide how important each of these factors are to you. Once you do that I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice.
If note 2 was made by LG and nexus 4 by Samsung, I'd say go for nexus 4...
Personally I'm staying away from anything LG, I had enough gray hair with LG Nitro HD, thank you very much.
[email protected] said:
If note 2 was made by LG and nexus 4 by Samsung, I'd say go for nexus 4...
Personally I'm staying away from anything LG, I had enough gray hair with LG Nitro HD, thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're lucky you never tried the Thrill then...
I need more time before trying LG again. The guy at the AT&T store tried to get me to buy the Optimus G when the Note was not in stock yet. The nexus might be okay if LG isn't responsible for the software.
Sent from my Note ][
When you ask such question in Note 2 forum, my feeling is that you are going to get some bias answer.
I have both phones, and I think both phone are top notch in their own way. Here's what I think:
Nexus 4
- Very solid build, the construction is as solid as iPhone. Feels great in hand.
- The display does produce some relatively accurate colour compare to my IPS displays. I do a lot of photo editing/viewing. On the other hand, the sAMOLED does throw the colour off a bit by over saturated (nature of AMOLED), with the "natural" profile on Note2, it does become closer to real colour. Pixel density on the N4 is also better, but it's not critical as the Note 2 display is pretty sharp with the sAMOLED HD.
- AOSP, AOSP, AOSP! If you aren't a fan of Touchwiz, this is what you should keep. Not just the updates, as they don't come everyday. It's the user experience. Samsung does add a lot of neat feature that many can't live without, but in my honest opinion, AOSP does provide a nice layout and great feature out the box. I am also not a huge fan of Samsung's oversized UI, either.
- Believe it or not, the on screen button is a very important "feature" of N4 - You now have a place to put your thumb when you hold the phone, especially when passing the phone to people to show them stuff...without accidentally touching any of the buttons. However, also because of the on screen button, you do lose some screen estate.
- Buttery smooth, yes, smoother than the "more powerful" Note 2
- The price - You are indeed getting a lot of phone for the price that you are paying.
- Battery is medicore, partially due to bugs of 4.2 I believe. Dead locks are draining the battery.
- Lack of SD card might be a deal breaker for you. It isn't for me.
- Camera sucks.
Note 2
- Huge display, this is probably the max that you can carry with the borderline portability. The display is beneficial for reading stuff, browsing, sharing contents with friends
- The battery is ridiculous. The size, with the power management of the software makes it unreal. I get average 2 hours of light/moderate usage per 10%, on LTE.
- Touchwiz - To use the full features of the Note2, you probably don't want AOSP. The S-Pen works well with touchwiz, and I find touchwiz works well with large displays due to the oversized UI elements
- Size - It's pocketable, but it's not extremely comfortable. Taking in and out, using it in public, talking on it looks very awkward. No matter how big your hands are, how big of a person you are, this IS larger than your average phone by a lot
- One hand usability - Samsung does have some one hand accessibility but in general, reaching for places around the screen is a struggle with one hand
- Great sound - Speaker, and headphone jack.
- Strong vibrator
- S Pen - Unless you have a use for it, it's a gimmick. It's fun to fool around with it, but the hype tends to die off quickly
- FAST charging. Nexus 4 is fast, but Note 2 is even faster consider it's massive battery. This is a very important feature to me.
- Impressive camera, but not that it's any/much better than that of SGS3
- Oh, if you don't have a 7" tablet yet, this should fill that gap a bit.
As it stands, Note 2 has some very attractive points to me, such as the large display for reading and the insane battery life that makes me not to worry about being close to a charger. However, I don't feel comfortable using it on a daily basis due to the size. WIth that said, I am using a Note 2 now as I gave my Nexus 4 (8GB) to my other half. I have a 16GB coming in a month, and I will re-evaluate it again by then.
These two phones are pretty much Android in it's best form in today's market, and they are not substitutable for each other due to the different nature of them. The phone war has evolved to beyond to the specs-war just like computing world. The "better specs" of Note 2 doesn't necessary determine whether the phone is better or not, and with that said, Nexus 4 specs is pretty impressive too. You need to pick your own base on your need
Hope it helps a bit with your decision! Any more specific questions you have that can help with your decision, just ask. It's a tough one to make.
Awesome thanks for the input its a huge decision I think of will end up keeping the note
Sent from my SGH-T879 using xda app-developers app
The Nexus 4 ultimately had too many drawbacks for me to consider it. The thermal throttling issues with the S4Pro processor, the non-swapable battery with less than stellar battery life, the limited storage without microSD expansion, the glass back prone to cracking, and no LTE. And now we find out that the Nexus 4 cannot support USB-OTG, so all those who bought one thinking they could move files over to an external drive are SOL. No USB keyboards/mice/Dualshock etc. Not a big deal if you have bluetooth peripherals, but I want to have as many options as possible. The Note II is a superhero in that regard...
I have the Note 2 and personally love it, but if you don't need the size, then nexus 4 is a much better option. I love the vanilla 4.2 JB and the screen is much crispier, any build quality is top notch [I have both phones]
If note 2 had a 1080 display then, I would so Note 2 hands down.
Get a quality BT headphone and you won't have to worry about how you look to other people...personally I really could give a rats behind how others think...but hey that's just me...
Nexus vs Note II...to me it all comes down to do you want the biggest best phone or a smaller phone that doesn't offer as much.
S-pen is there if you need it...and it's always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
ASOP...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046616..it has a few minor glitches...but if this is your thing...then enjoy it.
Smoothness...drop this one in...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2028661 add Nova launcher and tweak it...and your golden...
Memory card...your going to want one...just to fill up with all of the videos you'll be watching and music you'll be rocking to...
My advice...prop them both up side by side and watch any video on it...browse the internet..then ask yourself...which offers you what you want/need to enjoy it with
Mac
Mac11700 said:
Get a quality BT headphone and you won't have to worry about how you look to other people...personally I really could give a rats behind how others think...but hey that's just me...
Nexus vs Note II...to me it all comes down to do you want the biggest best phone or a smaller phone that doesn't offer as much.
S-pen is there if you need it...and it's always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
ASOP...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046616..it has a few minor glitches...but if this is your thing...then enjoy it.
Smoothness...drop this one in...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2028661 add Nova launcher and tweak it...and your golden...
Memory card...your going to want one...just to fill up with all of the videos you'll be watching and music you'll be rocking to...
My advice...prop them both up side by side and watch any video on it...browse the internet..then ask yourself...which offers you what you want/need to enjoy it with
Mac
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Click to collapse
Mac,
No offense but I think your post is pretty bias.
- Yes, you can always bring a BT headset, but shouldn't you be able to hold a phone comfortably on your face instead of having to depend on a BT headset in order to not look silly? Also, how about the people that don't like bluetooth headset in general?
- S-Pen, yes, it's better to have but at what cost? Size of the phone?
- Touchwiz isn't without it's own glitches, whether AOSP or not is a pure preferences whether it has bugs or not. I actually find touchwiz works well with GN2, AOSP won't.
- Smoothness, sorry, Note 2 just isn't as smooth as a N4 no matter what launcher you put in. It could be due to settings, but out the box even with Nova, it's not there.
- Memory Card - why must he get one?
I do agree with Note 2 having better specs, but the cost is the size. If you can live with the size and Touchwiz, there isn't a reason not to get Note2....but only if you can live with the size.
Cheers.
cy88 said:
shouldn't you be able to hold a phone comfortably on your face instead of having to depend on a BT headset in order to not look silly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Caring about what other people think of you holding a phone to your face reeks of insecurity to me. "Looking Silly" is the last thing that would sway me from buying an excellent device.
Remember how small phones used to be ten years ago? It wasn't that long ago when people also thought 3.5" smartphones were huge.
cy88 said:
Mac,
No offense but I think your post is pretty bias.
- Yes, you can always bring a BT headset, but shouldn't you be able to hold a phone comfortably on your face instead of having to depend on a BT headset in order to not look silly? Also, how about the people that don't like bluetooth headset in general?
- S-Pen, yes, it's better to have but at what cost? Size of the phone?
- Touchwiz isn't without it's own glitches, whether AOSP or not is a pure preferences whether it has bugs or not. I actually find touchwiz works well with GN2, AOSP won't.
- Smoothness, sorry, Note 2 just isn't as smooth as a N4 no matter what launcher you put in. It could be due to settings, but out the box even with Nova, it's not there.
- Memory Card - why must he get one?
I do agree with Note 2 having better specs, but the cost is the size. If you can live with the size and Touchwiz, there isn't a reason not to get Note2....but only if you can live with the size.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cy8888, that's funny you said Mac's post was biased because that's exactly what I thought when I read your long post above.
Remember, the OP asked what people thought and the reply's have been, for the most part, just that. Almost every statement you made in your lengthy post was "your opinion", certainly not facts. For example, I use the S-Pen daily and love it's added benefit and it, in my opinion, is not a gimmick as you stated.
So, no need to call out another forum members post when he is doing the same as you...giving his opinion as requested by the OP.:angel:
andrawer said:
Cy8888, that's funny you said Mac's post was biased because that's exactly what I thought when I read your long post above.
Remember, the OP asked what people thought and the reply's have been, for the most part, just that. Almost every statement you made in your lengthy post was "your opinion", certainly not facts. For example, I use the S-Pen daily and love it's added benefit and it, in my opinion, is not a gimmick as you stated.
So, no need to call out another forum members post when he is doing the same as you...giving his opinion as requested by the OP.:angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was bias because I love/have the Note 2 so much but the size, right?
What I said: "S Pen -Unless you have a use for it, it's a gimmick." - You do, so it's not a gimmick for you for sure. I know a few people that do have a use for it and I am impressed with how they make use of it for work purposes.
Which other point of my post is pure bias? I simply listed out the things I from with using both devices, I never said one is better for another for everyone. However Mac did say that "you are GOING to want one", "BUGS with 4.2", etc etc to just praise the Note 2. OP is trying to make a decision, and words like that aren't going to make his choice easier is it?
UCLAKoolman said:
Caring about what other people think of you holding a phone to your face reeks of insecurity to me. "Looking Silly" is the last thing that would sway me from buying an excellent device.
Remember how small phones used to be ten years ago? It wasn't that long ago when people also thought 3.5" smartphones were huge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might have worded it wrong, but the fact that it's bigger than normal does draw attention. Yes, you can choose not to care about anyone thinks at all, but there are some actually "dont" want to draw that type of attention with a device. It is a fact that Note 2 is humongous, and that's ALSO it's selling point. Unless you have a need and can live with the size, otherwise you might want to look at other alternatives like SGS3 (which i have one sitting here also if you want comparison) that offers something in the middle.
I apologize if I've rubbed anyone the wrong way, wasn't the intention.
Cheers!

Would you buy a used GNex now?

Dear All,
TL&DR: How well has the Galaxy Nexus held up? Would you recommend one as a used purchase (now at $250 level) or should I look elsewhere?
I have been on Samsung Captivate since it came out. Now however, the phone is stating to have hardware issues and I am thinking of upgrading. The money is tight, and so I think I will need to pass on the Nexus4 (plus, I am hesitant about the glass back; I drop my phones).
So I have been looking around for a phone with a good enough following on XDA to have decent support and development. The Galaxy Nexus, of course being a Nexus should have great support from both XDA and Google.So as the GNex is inching down to $200 on the used market and at that price it is a very attractive option.
I guess I am not too worried about buying a year-old hardware, but I am worried about buying into new problems. So the major question is - how has the Galaxy Nexus held up? Would you buy one used? Should I look out for anything specific?
Next, how are the stock roms? Will I still be running to CM or other developments for more stable, better rounded ROMs? Part of the attractiveness of the Nexus line is that I could potentially no need to do that - but am I expecting too much from Google?
If not Gnex, what else in the 15 months old / last-year's mid-level generation would you recommend? ( i have considered the One S)
Thanks.
Put $100 with that $250 and get a Nexus4?
I would recommend it to anyone who likes rooting and flashing roms. It's plenty fast and great support.
dozyaustin said:
Dear All,
TL&DR: How well has the Galaxy Nexus held up? Would you recommend one as a used purchase (now at $250 level) or should I look elsewhere?
I have been on Samsung Captivate since it came out. Now however, the phone is stating to have hardware issues and I am thinking of upgrading. The money is tight, and so I think I will need to pass on the Nexus4 (plus, I am hesitant about the glass back; I drop my phones).
So I have been looking around for a phone with a good enough following on XDA to have decent support and development. The Galaxy Nexus, of course being a Nexus should have great support from both XDA and Google.So as the GNex is inching down to $200 on the used market and at that price it is a very attractive option.
I guess I am not too worried about buying a year-old hardware, but I am worried about buying into new problems. So the major question is - how has the Galaxy Nexus held up? Would you buy one used? Should I look out for anything specific?
Next, how are the stock roms? Will I still be running to CM or other developments for more stable, better rounded ROMs? Part of the attractiveness of the Nexus line is that I could potentially no need to do that - but am I expecting too much from Google?
If not Gnex, what else in the 15 months old / last-year's mid-level generation would you recommend? ( i have considered the One S)
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are really interested in buying the Gnex then I would highly recommend it if you're in the market for a great phone at $200, I bought mine in March of last month and so far it has held up fine, I've overclocked it like mad, used it until it got hot as a stove and its still running like a champ. As for anything specific, well make sure everything works like the buttons, volume rocker, speaker etc.
Since it's a Nexus, it will definitely get the next version of Android (Key Lime Pie) and POSSIBLY the one after that (unless Google just gives it two updates like they did with the Nexus S Gingerbread -> ICS -> Jelly Bean)...but even then you can probably count on CM and other ROM makers to port whatever OS comes out after Key Lime Pie so you should be good...in any case it's a much better buy than say some non-Nexus phone from HTC or Samsung where they gotta do a lot of hackery to make the latest ROMs run on there.
AW: Would you buy a used GNex now?
WiredPirate said:
Put $100 with that $250 and get a Nexus4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He you already said that he don't want to buy a nexus 4.
I would recommend you to buy a Galaxy s2. It has great development support and one of the biggest community.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
eqjunkie829 said:
I would recommend it to anyone who likes rooting and flashing roms. It's plenty fast and great support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ... Strangely one of the things I am hoping I can do with a Nexus is _not_ having to flash custom roms, but just run stock. I know it is the opposite of the purpose of nexus, but the Nexus is the best manufacturer-supported Android. And sometimes, I do not want to scan through 30 pages of XDA to figure out whether to update. It is one of the reasons I have recently stuck with CM-stable releases ... I know they will work.
I guess that is one of my questions: are the stock roms still lacking? Will I likely be back to flashing something like CM just to get stability and basic functions to work right? (I _am_ coming from AT&T + Samsung clusterf**k - so my expectations of stock roms are colored by that experience).
Culex316 said:
If you are really interested in buying the Gnex then I would highly recommend it if you're in the market for a great phone at $200, I bought mine in March of last month and so far it has held up fine, I've overclocked it like mad, used it until it got hot as a stove and its still running like a champ. As for anything specific, well make sure everything works like the buttons, volume rocker, speaker etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Grarak said:
He you already said that he don't want to buy a nexus 4.
I would recommend you to buy a Galaxy s2. It has great development support and one of the biggest community.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - Will look into SGSII - There seem to be so many version and the T-mobile version has a different CPU.. I eventually gave up trying to figure it all out. One of the bigger reasons I am thinking of retiring my Captivate is that it is a tri-band phone - it does not work well with half of T-Mobile's 3G spectrum, so I am on Edge a good deal of time - the pentaband GNex is certainly attractive.
I will give the SGSII a closer look, tho.
decisions - decisions.
Get the Galaxy Nexus. You won't be sorry.
You'll be fine with the latest stock ROM. I did.
The only reason i'm currently using customs is because my curiosity tells me to seek for more features like extra settings and UI enhancement.
You might wanna google about it's known problems such as:
- AMOLED's purple tint
- eMMC chip problem (August 2013 and up production) ~ causing slow write speed when memory low
And be sure to check this parts :
- Power button (as this parts is the most used button of all time)
- USB port (tend to be irresponsive over the time of usage)
Good luck!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
haidoz said:
Get the Galaxy Nexus. You won't be sorry.
You'll be fine with the latest stock ROM. I did.
The only reason i'm currently using customs is because my curiosity tells me to seek for more features like extra settings and UI enhancement.
You might wanna google about it's known problems such as:
- AMOLED's purple tint
- eMMC chip problem (August 2013 and up production) ~ causing slow write speed when memory low
And be sure to check this parts :
- Power button (as this parts is the most used button of all time)
- USB port (tend to be irresponsive over the time of usage)
Good luck!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm the eMMC chip having a slow write speed when memory is low (and it's annoying frankly), as for the power button, well I recommend installing PGM from the play store, which lets you wake up your phone by swiping the screen or double-tapping it...I got it primarily to save the power button some major wear and year.
I would only pay $100 for this phone because I kind of hate it. This VZW version has bad reception compared to the Motorola devices I've used on this network. For the use cases you've mentioned, I would NOT buy a nexus device. They are always behind in power and build quality. The only thing they have going for them is that they are reference devices.
The first Android phone I got was the Motorola Droid. I was spoiled by its reliability and lack of bloatware. My next device was the R2DR D2 and I was happy to get the Galaxy Nexus almost a year later. I will not buy another Nexus but I doubt that Google will make another VZW Nexus anyway. The only good things about this phone are its lack of bloatware and its ease of rooting and ROMing.
I really love my coworker's Galaxy S II but AT&T's OTA makes it freeze. She had to root it and put a new kernel on it.
I am all for being able to root, but HAVING to root really sucks.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Culex316 said:
I can confirm the eMMC chip having a slow write speed when memory is low (and it's annoying frankly), as for the power button, well I recommend installing PGM from the play store, which lets you wake up your phone by swiping the screen or double-tapping it...I got it primarily to save the power button some major wear and year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CMIIW, but i think they found the cure for that anyway. So wouldn't be worrying about it i guess (i don't have the disease on my Gnex though).
Yap, PGM is the most important app for me.
Wouldn't flash a custom kernel without the compatibility with it.
Even if the power button is super rugged, i would install it anyway as swiping / double tapping the screen to wake up is comfier than reaching for the power button.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
dozyaustin said:
Thanks ... Strangely one of the things I am hoping I can do with a Nexus is _not_ having to flash custom roms, but just run stock. I know it is the opposite of the purpose of nexus, but the Nexus is the best manufacturer-supported Android. And sometimes, I do not want to scan through 30 pages of XDA to figure out whether to update. It is one of the reasons I have recently stuck with CM-stable releases ... I know they will work.
I guess that is one of my questions: are the stock roms still lacking? Will I likely be back to flashing something like CM just to get stability and basic functions to work right? (I _am_ coming from AT&T + Samsung clusterf**k - so my expectations of stock roms are colored by that experience).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock ROM is perfectly good on a Nexus, and it will be your best bet for stability, as it is updated by Google directly. Your experience with "stock" AOSP-based ROMs for non-Nexus devices is not the same at all, since Google doesn't support those. There have been reports of random rebooting and Bluetooth issues on 4.2, but it's not that common. 4.1 is rock solid.
I see them super cheap nowadays in my local classifieds. $150-$200
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
plznote said:
I see them super cheap nowadays in my local classifieds. $150-$200
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see the VZW and Sprint variants go for $150 - the GSM variant is still about $250- $350.
I sold a nexus 4 and kept my galaxy.. The non removable battery and glass back was a no go for me.. Also got really hot. And in every day use I didn't see much improvement.. I don't game on my phone really. So I'd say the galaxy is great.. I'll rock it until the next nexus is available.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I'd still buy a galaxy nexus again. Mostly because I enjoy learning though. Definitely look for a lightly used one, as the power button and usb port use has been mentioned above. I would NOT even consider an sii, mostly because I've seen bad firmware OTA updates to them, as well as the chip vulnerability and lost imeis.
dozyaustin said:
I see the VZW and Sprint variants go for $150 - the GSM variant is still about $250- $350.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Canada, and theres only the GSM model. I dont even know why people sell it so cheap.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
This phone is great but I think used ones are too expensive. Get the nexus 4 if you can.
No because I own one now and if I broke my Gnex I would want the newest Nexus or the best consumer phone.
Don't get me wrong, this is a fine phone, but in the age of $300 Nexus phones, I would always buy the latest no matter what.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Coming from the SII, I just bought the G Nex a month ago and I couldn't be more happy. The SII was great but I found I can do much more on this device and if you have LTE as I do then this is a great device to get fairly cheap. I paid 180 on eBay and it is mint with case and screen protector.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Yeah ^ for $300 I would get the Nexus 4... May even leave Verizon since it has that rogue LTE chip (the N4) and T-Mo with its unlimited data is rolling out LTE.
Between the micro USB port breaking, the lousy battery life, lack of accessories actually available, no inductive charging, and *only* a 5MP shooter, I'd hop on the Nexus 4 wagon any day.
Though if the Nexus 4 didn't exist, I'd buy this phone again if only for all the development, Ubuntu, WebOS, always the latest Android available...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Other device and upgrading phone discussion

Please use this thread to discuss all other devices and comparisons.
Thank you
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
I'll go first. Staying with my note 2. Not giving up my stylus just yet. No other phone has impressed me enough to give up my GN2 just yet.
According to the commercials "The Next Big Thing is Already Here"....and I have it =D. I am totally content with my phone. I use the stylus daily, it is beyond convenient and productive. Contrary to what I suspected prior to buying my GN2, the size is just right for me. I have small hands but I do just fine with it; albeit I do get the occassional hand cramp from holding it; but that's because I rarely put it down I've been totally spoiled by the size, and couldn't imagine having a smaller screen. I was putting games on my Captivate for my lil one to play on, and I giggled...how did I live with that tiny screen. On the flip side I also couldn't imagine going any bigger, with that said I plan on keeping my Note 2 for a long time.
Im trying to decide between the S4 and the Note 3 whenever it comes out. I do love the larger screen size of the Note 2.
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
I don't think I can ever go back to a smaller screen, so I'll most likely be getting the note 3.
Sent from my GT-N7105
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
After you own a note 2,every other device looks so tiny. I'll just wait for the note 3.
Edit: WOW this thread is a sticky now,I think a sticky should be informative not a conversation.
Edit 2: no pun intended.
sent by,note 2 using liquidsmooth.
Glad this thread is here. When I had my One X, every other thread was a comparison thread. Just mucked up the forums honestly.
Good idea Mod!
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
z28tovette said:
After you own a note 2,every other device looks so tiny. I'll just wait for the note 3.
Edit: WOW this thread is a sticky now,I think a sticky should be informative not a conversation.
Edit 2: no pun intended.
Edit: some users don't bother looking at sticky threads. So you'll see more comparison threads.
sent by,note 2 using liquidsmooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sent by,note 2 using liquidsmooth.
The HTC One has my attention, but I'm just not sure that I'm willing to part with my GN2 yet. The only thing that hacks me off about Samsung is their insistence on the cheap plastic finish.
The fit and finish of the HTC One may lure me in...I'll decide when I see it in person.
I would never go to another phone, so either way I will wait for note3 or if something bad happens to me phone I will just buy a new note2.
MissyKoneko said:
I would never go to another phone, so either way I will wait for note3 or if something bad happens to me phone I will just buy a new note2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well hopefully the rumour about the note 3 having a LCD screen is false I rather have the AMOLED screen even if the reason for the LCD screen is better use of the S-pen.
MissyKoneko said:
I would never go to another phone, so either way I will wait for note3 or if something bad happens to me phone I will just buy a new note2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I love my Note 2 a lot, finally feel like I have a phone that is great and has what I want.
Just finished watching the first episode of the S IV launch event the new features seems really cool for it, but just as you said will wait to see what they do to the Note 3.
I think I'm sold on the S4, although I do love my Note 2. But... will a lot of the S4 features, software wise, is just a part of an updated OS or apps that we can use on the Note 2? That could potentially keep me here. But then again the 13mpx camera and 441dpi is very tempting.
ThaiM said:
I think I'm sold on the S4, although I do love my Note 2. But... will a lot of the S4 features, software wise, is just a part of an updated OS or apps that we can use on the Note 2? That could potentially keep me here. But then again the 13mpx camera and 441dpi is very tempting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well most of the features that are on the s4 will be coming to the note 2 so the rumor goes with the 4.22 update but we will probably get the update when the note 3 comes out and it will have all those features and then some.
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
I don't understand the "I hate the plastic' on the Samsung phone...
I ride a Triumph motorcycle that will do 150mph+ and it has a plastic body covering an awesome engine and frame and even better electronics ... JUST like my Samsung note 2 (or future galaxy 4)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
I'm Taking a pass on GS4 holding out for Note 3
andrawer said:
I don't understand the "I hate the plastic' on the Samsung phone...
I ride a Triumph motorcycle that will do 150mph+ and it has a plastic body covering an awesome engine and frame and even better electronics ... JUST like my Samsung note 2 (or future galaxy 4)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Speed Triple has plastic?
ThaiM said:
I think I'm sold on the S4, although I do love my Note 2. But... will a lot of the S4 features, software wise, is just a part of an updated OS or apps that we can use on the Note 2? That could potentially keep me here. But then again the 13mpx camera and 441dpi is very tempting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not in a million years. The S4 looks OK, but is in no way a replacement for the Note 2.
1 - I will never use any of those "features" on the S4. Like MKBHD mentioned on his S4 video, and I agree, the new features are attractive to people who are not very phone-literate. If you want to use different apps other than the standard ones, you'll lose them anyway, like the smart pause. I don't see myself using any of the new features they announced.
2 - The battery life is virtually guaranteed to suck when compared to the Note 2. If it's anything like the S3, which I owned and gladly sold within 2 months, there won't be ROMs or kernels good enough to make the battery last anywhere close to the Note 2. Unless you need the absolutely fastest phone in the world, you don't need an S4. The processor is gonna run your battery to the ground with very little use, I'm sure.
3 - Having been a completely satisfied Note 2 owner for about 3 months, I think the S4 is too small! Well, anything else is too small for that matter.
4 - No S-Pen = FAIL. The S-Pen is one of the highlights of the Note 2 and I now expect all phones to have it (OK, that's unrealistic, but it would be really nice!).
As many users here said, I don't think I'll ever buy anything other than Notes from now on. I'll wait for the Note 3 or 4 depending on how excited I get when they come out.
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
Main reason am gonna stick to Note2 is for Exynos processor.
I have used International version of S2 which had dual core exynos processor than S2lte with snapdragon and it sucked.
Then comes the North American S3 (big update in snapdragon processer), but still was behind in smoothness comparing international version of S3 having exynos quadcore porcesser.
And comes the beast Note2 with exynos processor and 2gb Ram as addon, nothing can beat smoothness of this phone.
Snapdragon qualcomm processer has got better, but for me are still behind in smoothness comparing to exynos.
Hoping Note3 to come with exynos like of Note2, orelse I will have to go with international version at cost of no LTE.
Sent from my SGH-I317M Samsung Galaxy Note2 LTE Rogers Canada using xda app-developers app
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
I just picked up a note 2 last week and really like it,havent even looked at my s3 since lol..i will buy the s4 as well though just to check it out..one can never have enough tech around :thumbup:
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium

Anyone coming from gnex (Samsung galaxy nexus)?

Hi there,
Anyone coming from gnex (Samsung galaxy nexus)?
Just need some feedback on software support, size handling and personal impression.
Thank you
The Note 2 is better at everything, screen, battery, and if you like aosp, there are a lot of those roms for you. The only thing we are missing from a nexus, as far as I can tell, is photoshpere. The devs for this phone are fantastic, so many roms to choose from. The size of the phone should not bother you. Oh yeah, the camera on the Note 2 blows away the Galaxy Nexus. I've had the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4, and the Note 2 when running an aosp rom is just as smooth as the Nexus 4, IMO.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Touchwiz is bearable on the gnote2 because most of the features are actually useful AND work. Great all around phone. Reception, form factor is great for its size, put your own launcher like nova to get the aosp launcher feel, volume is great on ear speaker and loudspeaker and the 720p screen is beautiful even when compared to 1080p. And the SD card slot and removable battery are bonus. Oh yeah, can't forget battery life. Battery just doesn't stop. Expect 6+ hours of screen time easily. Only the most demanding of games will put a hurt on it and even then it still does great. All that and you can get this phone for less than $550 currently and it should still hold nicely for at least another year and I wouldn't be surprised if it holds it down another 2. Don't forget to get a wireless receiver to put inside the battery compartment and a compatible wireless charger.
Sent from my GT-N7100
It's definitely worth upgrading. This phone is better in every respect - sure we only have Android 4.1 officially but unless you really need the multi user feature then you actually gain quite a bit from TouchWiz. The launcher itself blows but the rest is great - things like multi window and driving mode. I don't even run custom roms anymore it's that good - rooted stock is all you need on this bad boy.
Sent from the mighty Note II
lyall29 said:
The Note 2 is better at everything, screen, battery, and if you like aosp, there are a lot of those roms for you. The only thing we are missing from a nexus, as far as I can tell, is photoshpere. The devs for this phone are fantastic, so many roms to choose from. The size of the phone should not bother you. Oh yeah, the camera on the Note 2 blows away the Galaxy Nexus. I've had the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4, and the Note 2 when running an aosp rom is just as smooth as the Nexus 4, IMO.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what rom you are running ?
Bn Waheed said:
what rom you are running ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am what you would call a flashaholic. At the moment I'm running Hawkish rom with Perseus kernel. On the days I want aosp I either use Sentinel rom or ParanoidAndroid.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
My friend has a Gnex, He definitely likes the ability to change screentone but didn't feel huge difference between the two screens, He is quite happy with the gaming performance where he said even games like vector would sometimes have framedrop on the gnex, But he is soooo annoyed that we don't have 4.2 yet, he knows it's not an important update but the feeling that he actually needs to "wait" for the update is really annoying him, that alone is making him consider the Nexus 4
Hell Guardian said:
My friend has a Gnex, He definitely likes the ability to change screentone but didn't feel huge difference between the two screens, He is quite happy with the gaming performance where he said even games like vector would sometimes had framedrop on the gnex, But he is soooo annoyed that we don't have 4.2 yet, he knows it's not an important update but the feeling that he actually needs to "wait" for the update is really annoying him, that alone is making him considering the Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is my main fear! !
albsat said:
That is my main fear! !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz hurts my eyes but at least you have the "choice", my advice to you is to go for it at least you can install CM and switch back to TW,Just don't get it new, the Note 3 is on the horizon get a cheap note 2 for now, good luck buddy
Hell Guardian said:
Touchwiz hurts my eyes but at least you have the "choice", my advice to you is to go for it at least you can install CM and switch back to TW,Just don't get it new, the Note 3 is on the horizon get a cheap note 2 for now, good luck buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz isn't so bad on gnote2. Put nova launcher to get rid of the eyesore on the home screens and the rest is OK.
Sent from my GT-N7100
@rbiter said:
Touchwiz isn't so bad on gnote2. Put nova launcher to get rid of the eyesore on the home screens and the rest is OK.
Sent from my GT-N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coming from a Galaxy Nexus I personally couldn't stand Touchwiz for long. However AOSP roms are pretty much stable by now and almost everything is working correctly. That said the Note 2 is one of the best phones I've ever owned so I highly suggest it or waiting for the Note 3
albsat said:
That is my main fear! !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have no fear my friend. Like I said, I came from a nexus 4 running Paranoid Android. My note 2 running PA ROM is just as smooth and has every feature that the nexus 4 has minus photosphere. The devs that are working with the note 2 will most likely keep working on new ROMs for at least another year or 2, probably longer. You will not be dissatisfied with either the Nexus 4 or a Note 2. My personal opinion would be get the Note 2.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using xda premium
Have come over to Note 2 from galaxy nexus..I really liked the gnex but couldn't stand the horrible camera and battery life.
I would say the better camera and brilliant battery life on the Note2 should be reason enough. Plus there is some great development work for Note 2 . So no fears. Using the Project AOSP v1.4 ROM by modstorm .. And this makes the Note2 almost perfect.:laugh:
i came over from the gnex too and the battery was terrible. The note 2 is pretty much better in everything. Only thing i preferred on the gnex was the position of the led notification
We may not be on the cutting edge when it comes to Android versions but we do gain several enhancements over stock. Better camera software, driving mode, voice control of apps, and multi window are my favourites. Smart stay and motion gestures seem more gimmicky to me although others my get value from them. Also I prefer having my toggles at the top of the notification window rather than in a separate box.
Oh then there is the micro sd slot, battery life, removable battery, and s-pen.
I don't miss my Nexus 4 one bit.
Sent from the mighty Note II
my impressions after 1-2 weeks with note2 (vs gnex):
better:
- samsung-only (proprietary) features
- battery life
- reading PDFs in landscape possible at last (fonts at least for me in gnex were too small)
- FM radio!!! (last phone from sammy that supports this? such moron assumption that everybody now has/will have limitless data plans)
- much nicer for watching videos
- supernice camera, actually anything better than camera in gnex is supernice
- micro sd
- spen (sam ROM only, yeah i know about apps for aosp...still)
- removable battery (the same actually, just want to stress the fact it is there)
worse:
- samsung-only (proprietary) features, i.e they will never-ever be available for AOSP ROM (BIG ONE for me, means I have to stay on samsung ROM) or suffer tons of features in AOSP simply not there
- btw. camera because of this somehow reported to work a lot better in samsung ROM than AOSP
- touchwiz is a bit painful to use after AOSP, miss the flexibility/configurability of cyanogen...
- shape/size of gnex is ideal for my hand, this one is a bit too much, not a big deal though and apparently getting used to (BUT i will never use armor case, makes it simply far too big)
- unstable WIFI (lots of disconnects) in 4.1.2 by samsung, some fixes available currently testing one to revert 4.1.1 wifi stack (rooted phone needed)
- a bit more gimmicky rooting/custom recovery - not a big deal
- not worse but dont like: handwriting seems to work only with samsung keyboard app? sort of eliminates slide-it,swype etc... need to find some workaround...
- pockets: yeah defo a challenge to fit in shirt's pocket, barely fits in trousers' pockets
@yogi
Thanks man. This was exactly the necessary info needed before taking a decision.
albsat said:
@yogi
Thanks man. This was exactly the necessary info needed before taking a decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, happy to hear...actually I just noticed note2 has also non-AOSP custom ROMs, which after gnex is kind of new category for me. What this seems to mean I will have the chance to get the combined samsung ROM + AOSP-type extra customization, one example seems Hawkish mentioned earlier on this thread -> sounds interesting, I will give it a try in next 1-2 weeks and can report here if you are interested?

[Q] Note 2 still worth getting? (htc one owner)

Hey guys....
So today all the focus is on the note 3 - understandably so, really nice improvement over the note 2.
That said, I'm thinking about picking up a note 2 becuase the value they're going for on the used market seems REALLY good. I've currently been using an htc one since it came out and its really a nice device. I had it rooted running the play store pure google experience but that jacked my radio (lte/hspa connection) so I'm back to stock on 4.3. 2 months ago I dropped it while coming out of my car and the screen is cracked in the corner (luckily for me, it does not infringe onto the actual viewable area). I feel like I can sell my one and maybe pay $50-$75 and get a note 2 in excellent shape.
Part of me hates the small crack on the one I have, and I guess I just want to switch things up. Plus I've wanted to try the note 2 forever (I have a note 8 so I really enjoy the spen even though I don't use it too much).
The note 2 still seems to be a snappy device in today's world -and it has great battery life, very good camera still, etc etc.
Think its worth going for the note 2? Alternatively I'd get the nexus 5
THanks! :good:
If you like a bigger screen and find yourself using the.spen then absolutely. Never used the htc one my assumption is that it's a better phone since it's a year newer than the n2. Still the N2 is a beast. I love the spen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Probably should discuss here, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2192602
or use search to see what other have already said, thanks

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