Pros and Cons to the Note? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note I717

Hi all. I am taking my family back to AT&T at the end of the month after suffering through 2 years of Sprint. I am seriously considering the Note as my next device. I currently have the Samsung Epic 4G rooted and ROMed. I want to know from experienced users what the pros and cons are to this phone other than the physical size of the phone. My alternate device will be the Galaxy S3. Thanks in advance!
Eric S.

A lot of us will tell you it's the best device they've ever had. The screen draws you in, and if you want a multimedia powerhouse then the not is the way to go. Honestly I'm sick of answering all the pros and cons threads that get posted.

There isn't a better multi media device on the market period. I tried to get rid of it, I did and went right back to it. The size is an issue if you talk on the phone maybe a lot or work outside or something. But this is it for me.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app

Some people will say that the fact that it's last years hardware is a con, but devices are outdated by the time they're shipped anyway, so whatever. The only con I've experienced is that sometimes it's hard to operate one-handed, but then again I'm a tiny 5 foot tall girl with elf hands.

Test out the Note at the AT&T store when youre there and if you don't like it, get the S3.
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
[Lady]: "How do you carry that huge phone in your pocket?"
[Note User]: "I'm used to having huge stuff in my pants"

The screen size is one of the main reasons to get the note. The extra space allows me to leave my iPad at home, making the note the perfect convergence device.
I use Styletap to run an old palm app that I need. The s-pen has also been an added bonus.
One handed operation is difficult at times, but after a week of using it I was able to adjust to it. By the end of the second week, I no longer noticed.
After using the note for a few days, it's difficult to go back to a smaller screen. I find my wife's iPhone very difficult to use now!
Good luck with your decision.

Pros:
Huge Screen (obviously)
Amazingly fast
Lots of ROMs
Cons:
All the stupid comments you get on how big your phone is..lol

pro's....everything
cons...never being able to be happy with a smaller phone again!

Thanks guys! This is the type of info I was looking for. I did search and I didn't come up with much. I think I am going to pocket test it and if it fits I will go with the note.

flymacs said:
The screen size is one of the main reasons to get the note. The extra space allows me to leave my iPad at home, making the note the perfect convergence device.
I use Styletap to run an old palm app that I need. The s-pen has also been an added bonus.
One handed operation is difficult at times, but after a week of using it I was able to adjust to it. By the end of the second week, I no longer noticed.
After using the note for a few days, it's difficult to go back to a smaller screen. I find my wife's iPhone very difficult to use now!
Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holy crap, Styletap is still around?! I remember using that in the mid-2000s when I made the switch from Palms to PPCs.
And you're right- it's much harder to go back to a smaller screen after using this phone. I've only had mine for about 10 days but I've gotten used to the screen size & it seems normal to me now. When I first got my HD2 back in 2010 it was the biggest thing available but now it seems positively *tiny*, and my old GSII seems miniscule now too. My boyfriend has an iphone & I honestly don't know how he can stand it.

The thing I like best is it makes coffee and mows my lawn. I'm a little disappointed with the gas mileage though.

kabuk1 said:
Holy crap, Styletap is still around?! I remember using that in the mid-2000s when I made the switch from Palms to PPCs.
And you're right- it's much harder to go back to a smaller screen after using this phone. I've only had mine for about 10 days but I've gotten used to the screen size & it seems normal to me now. When I first got my HD2 back in 2010 it was the biggest thing available but now it seems positively *tiny*, and my old GSII seems miniscule now too. My boyfriend has an iphone & I honestly don't know how he can stand it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. They released an android version not long ago. It's blazing fast on the note and the s-pen makes navigating the palm ui really simple. But with the large screen i can get around pretty easy with just my finger. The note's large screen and fast processor is what makes all the difference.

Only con: Note 2
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

Related

Anyone returning the Note?

Hi, is anyone thinking of returning the Note because of it's BIG SIZE?
I can't get use to the SIZE.
samoevn said:
Hi, is anyone thinking of returning the Note because of it's BIG SIZE?
I can't get use to the SIZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long have you even had it?
My HD2 took about a week to really get used to.
...you got a device that you knew was bigger. why would anyone that actually researched this return it based on a static variable like size
not returning this baby.
drksilenc said:
...you got a device that you knew was bigger. why would anyone that actually researched this return it based on a static variable like size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, so true.
We all got this thing partly because it IS so big, it's like returning a GN because it runs ICS...
You got 30 days, I would use 29 of those before deciding
I'm actually using the next 27 days to decide whether or not I can get used to the size -- which also gives me a chance to see what new AT&T phones get announced at MWC... if any?
That said, my impressions so far: this phone is f'n gorgeous, it's fast/smooth as hell (especially overclocked to 1.8+), and I'm currently leaning toward keeping it regardless of what they show at MWC!
samoevn said:
Hi, is anyone thinking of returning the Note because of it's BIG SIZE?
I can't get use to the SIZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there are more owners here who bought it BECAUSE of its size.
There's a few annoyances and sometimes the size makes it hard to do some things one handed, but those are minor compared to the benefits. I have always used my smartphones as a mobile computing device first and a phone second, so for me I wanted the largest pocketable phone with the best display. The Note beats everything hands down in that way.
Yesterday I picked up my 4.3" HTC Inspire and it felt tiny in comparison. I can never go back to a smaller display now. Like I said, there are some trade-offs with a device this bug, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives as far as I'm concerned.
I got this phone yesturday and it's really really sweet. Its a keeper. Had a nexus 1 for a few years.
I would never think about returning it or getting used to my little gs2 again
Unless there is a super shocker of a Note 2 with beefed up hardware at MWC or something as big, I don't think anything could pull me away. Honestly, I would pick the size of this phone over the next small screen quad cores (for right now at least ).
back to the OP's question...sure i've thought about returning it samoevn. it is larger in my pockets than i had imagined, not the most practical in that respect. for me though the pro's are outweighing the impracticality of fitting it in my pockets comfortably. it is only uncomfortable when i kneel down to tie my shoes or work on someone's carpet in my carpet cleaning business, so several times a day it is an annoyance.
23 more days to decide
samoevn said:
Hi, is anyone thinking of returning the Note because of it's BIG SIZE?
I can't get use to the SIZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samoevn said:
Hi, is anyone thinking of returning the Note because of it's BIG SIZE?
I can't get use to the SIZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return it and wait for the GSIII if that's how you feel..
Thanx for the reply's guys
I definitely will return it, if we have the Note 5.7" out. Definitely
After having the international Galaxy SII I decided that it was the best phone out there, and I would not replace it until the SIII came out. LG and HTC phone just don't impress me. Then I read about the upcoming NOTE, and I thought wow, I'm getting that phone on launch day, and so I did. The screen size and resolution alone is why I bought my galaxy note. I'm keeping mine awhile.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note via: tapatalk
samoevn said:
Hi, is anyone thinking of returning the Note because of it's BIG SIZE?
I can't get use to the SIZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill trade a skyrocket for your note? Pretty much same phone just the note is bigger.
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ARTAQaf said:
back to the OP's question...sure i've thought about returning it samoevn. it is larger in my pockets than i had imagined, not the most practical in that respect. for me though the pro's are outweighing the impracticality of fitting it in my pockets comfortably. it is only uncomfortable when i kneel down to tie my shoes or work on someone's carpet in my carpet cleaning business, so several times a day it is an annoyance.
23 more days to decide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe because where I work I'm not allowed to have my cell phone but seeing people on their personal phones while working irritates the hell out of me. I understand if its a work phone but God damnit you have 8 hours or so that someone is paying you to work not play angry birds or words with friends.
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Mine was actually a given to me, so I don't really have to worry about taking it back within a specific time frame.
That being said, I still have my Skyrocket and I can always go back to that. Truth is, though, I can't imaging going back to a smaller device, even for the ability to one-hand text. And battery life is so much better on my Note than it was on my Skyrocket.

Holding a Samsung S2 and feel like holding a fake phone

After using the Note for a week. I took out my ATT 4.3" Galaxy S2 (used for 3 months before the Note) and BAMMMM, "what is this phone? Is it my phone before? I remembered it was big, Is it shrink? Am i holding a a toy phone? Tons of question just jump out. I seriously was shock for 5 seconds and i can believe in my eyes.
Just would like to share my thought. I was commit myself to go with Samsung S3->S4.... But now i think i have a new buddy: the Note
Ps: I got a small hand but this Note was amazing and has phone and tablet feature. I'm happy with my purchase.
I had the 4S for a month when it came out. now whenever I hold a friends it legit feels like a toy. I'm like how did I EVER use this small ass screen haha so I know where your coming from!
My skyrocket looks tiny now to me....lol
Same here. Went from the Atrix. Now when I hold the Atrix or even my classic IPod, I feel like I am holding a toothpick.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
After playing with a Note for about 15 minutes, my Infuse now seems so small and svelte. Playing with my buddy's iPhone 4 is ridiculous. I thought that the Infuse was awesome, and didn't think that any manufacturer would go much larger for a screen, so I figured that the Infuse's 4.5" screen was the biggest I was going to get, and I was only hoping for the 4.65" screen of the Galaxy Nexus to be on my next phone. Little did I know, the Note was on it's way, and its 5.3" screen is perfect for my hands, as I can reach all corners of the device one handed, although any bigger and it would start being a stretch. I feel like the Note was custom tailored to my hands, and I know that once I have it, it will be impossible to go any smaller for a device. My infuse just feels cramped now, and the screen seems so pixelated. Samsung already had my complete loyalty due to their Super AMOLED screens, and now that the Note is here, they will need to continue it as a line of devices in the future for me to ever be happy again with mobile devices. I really hope the Note turns into a parallel line to the Galaxy S series for Samsung, as the Galaxy S series is great, just not large enough anymore nw that the Note is out. I will be a Note user for life so long as they keep putting out new versions with the same size form factor.
I think my gn is huge already .
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
My girlfriend's SkyRocket seems small now. The iphone is like a toy.
-On another NOTE, Samsung goes 5.3"
Note is mainly for people with bigger hands or for people who use both their hands..
Sent using Tapatalk
Are you guys saying its possible to get used to this phone? I'm starting to feel like i may have made a big mistake. I may just swap my simply card back and forth between this and my cappy
dutchhome said:
Are you guys saying its possible to get used to this phone? I'm starting to feel like i may have made a big mistake. I may just swap my simply card back and forth between this and my cappy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether it's possible or not is ultimately up to you. You have 30 days to give it a trial from your purchase date, I suggest using your Note for most of that. I think that you will find that you can get used to it. You definitely won't have the one-handed ability that you find in your Cappy, but I think that the added utility and beastly specs will overtake that one advantage that the Cappy has.
Also, think abut it this way, and try using your phone accordingly:
When is a time where you truly need to use your device with one hand? Yes, it is convenient, but is it ever really a necessity? That text or email or phone call can wait a couple minutes until you have your hands free. Just use your phone when you have the time and ability to do so.
I see so many people trapped in their phones, trying to multitask, and failing horribly. We must remember that there is a world around us, and that if we can't devote full attention to the phone, you probably don't need to use it. Two hands may be necessary at times for this phone, so simply don't use it unless you have both hands, and enjoy the world around you. =]
Unfortunately, not everybody is blessed with hands as big as mine, where they can wield this weapon one-handed. =/
I find that I can hold this comfortably in one hand. Then use my other hand for Swyping. my inspire is definitely to small now. (I'm a girl with regular sized hands. Hold it and the bottom, buy the top 40% or so above my grip)
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um, whats a cappy?
and i was like the above samsung galaxy s2 user, i had the sprint version, so screen was even bigger (4.52"). I was content with that and thought manufacturers wouldnt go higher than that. The galaxy nexus did, but only by a lil bit. But the note takes the cake. 4.5" is really the biggest non-note phone out,but seems realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly small now, after only a week!!
I was just holding my skyrocket and omfg it felt so effing smal lol and when i first got it i was like this phones massive the note has changed me foreverl
It took me less then a day to not only get use to the size but realize that i will not be going to a smaller phone.
Bring on the Note 2!!
MrDSL said:
It took me less then a day to not only get use to the size but realize that i will not be going to a smaller phone.
Bring on the Note 2!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here.
i finally upgraded from my aria after spending around a month debating between the note or the nexus.
after around 3 hours i was completely used to the size of the note and i dont even notice it anymore except in the few cases where i may be unbalanced in one handed use.
I came from the Inspire too, it's now in my closet in case I "need" a backup phone. The Note truly fills the void between needing a phone and a tablet.
ashies7 said:
I find that I can hold this comfortably in one hand. Then use my other hand for Swyping. my inspire is definitely to small now. (I'm a girl with regular sized hands. Hold it and the bottom, buy the top 40% or so above my grip)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My day job is IT support so i have to support mobile devices. After a few days of having Note whenever I touch my coworker's gn feels weird.
The iphone 4Gs feels fake and laughable tiny. It's like using dual screen on my desktop I don't think I can ever going back to "regular size" phone anymore.
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SayWhat10 said:
um, whats a cappy?
and i was like the above samsung galaxy s2 user, i had the sprint version, so screen was even bigger (4.52"). I was content with that and thought manufacturers wouldnt go higher than that. The galaxy nexus did, but only by a lil bit. But the note takes the cake. 4.5" is really the biggest non-note phone out,but seems realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly small now, after only a week!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cappy = Captivate
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Theirs times I use my gf phone which is an iPhone 4...theirs just no words lol
this phone is what you get when an infuse makes babies with a galaxy tab - galaxy note!
hegemytouch said:
Theirs times I use my gf phone which is an iPhone 4...theirs just no words lol
this phone is what you get when an infuse makes babies with a galaxy tab - galaxy note!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the infuse but the note is identical to my skyrocket just bigger

Would you buy the Note again?

Thinking about dumping Verizon due to their amazingly crappy selection of phones. It also doesn't help that their network in the Seattle area is frequently the 1G network (works great elsewhere when I travel). Primarily I need a phone that has a minimum 48gb space (with SD card) and a large screen. Just wondering the satisfaction with this phone. Currently I'm using a Dinc 1 but it's getting old and the screen is nowhere near the size of the Note.
My gf has a dinc 1, there is no comparison between it and the note. Completely different league of device.
i had a captivate before the note, and even comparing that to the dinc, the dinc comes up short, but now that i have and am used to the note, they both feel like toys in my hand. Just Tiny.
If you want that much space, and a big screen, the note is the biggest screen around. I am really happy with it.
i have been super happy with the note. i would certainly buy it again. i dont regret picking it up on launch day at all.
+1 to studacris as well. everything else seems to tiny. i gave my son my skyrocket and even that 4.5 inch screen seems small. i couldnt not imagine those that have the 3.5 inch screen...cough cough damn fruits.
lol
great phone though
Yes. Screen size has become a much more meaningful spec to me these days. Hopefully they will have a new version (same screen size) out by the time I'm ready for an upgrade. Given Samsung's track record for new phones this seems highly likely. It will be hard to go to a smaller screen, no matter how many megapixels and cores they throw in these phones. When I had the Skyrocket I continued to stay abreast on the latest phones and was also thinking of buying the Nook Tab. Now that I have the GNote I'm not concerened anymore about the upcoming latest and greatest phone/tab. I'm about as satisfied as one can be.
10 char answer - YES!
Yes I would buy the note again without a doubt.
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Definitely would buy again. I am ruined from all other phones, they are just too small now.
The Note is a great phone. I carry my skyrocket while at work. I'm a crane operator so the Note is not practical for that environment and I mostly use my phone for music while working. After work its all Note, especially when I'm out running errands and handling business. I can make notes, schedule appts, make grocery list, create and track agendas etc, much easier and quicker with the Note than I can with my other phones. Reading an ebook in the bed is great on the Note. Also the S-Pen is very nice (Mr. Jobs clearly was wrong), can have a little lag, but I'm sure that will be ironed out in the future.
No question I would buy the Note again.
Awesome phone (one of if not THE best there is today) and I love the feature set as well as capabilities, but the longer I own it, I've got to admit, the more cumbersome it becomes.
I really do like the phone a lot, but I find that I do so in spite of its size. Sure, I love the screen size for the sake of what it "shows you", but form-factor wise from an overall hardware perspective, it's just proving over time to be too big IMHO, and I'm an avg sized guy w/avg to slightly larger-than-avg sized hands.
In short, I don't plan on selling it anytime soon (I'm under contract until Sept 2013, and I'm not a phone jockey who buys and sells these things on eBay like packs of tube socks), but I can't say with any amount of honesty that I'd buy a phone that even approaches this size again.
I'm sure someone's gonna flame me for this response, but I am hoping that the point of this thread is honest disclosure and not just for back-slapping among Note-owners.
-Ryan
YES!
Big time happy with the Note... came from an Infuse 4G and Blackberry Torch before that. No looking back!
No other phone currently on the market appeals to me. I would therefore happily buy the note again.
I would buy it again! Most definitely. The Note is coming to Sprint when they release their LTE. Not sure when or if Verizon is going to release it. The htc one x looks nice BUT I will definitely wait for a NOTE 2. I wont go back to a smaller screen.
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
I had the iPhone 4 before and the only thing I miss is the Retina Display,other than that, the Galaxy Note is the best phone I've ever had.
I would definitely buy it again.
ryandelman said:
Awesome phone (one of if not THE best there is today) and I love the feature set as well as capabilities, but the longer I own it, I've got to admit, the more cumbersome it becomes.
I really do like the phone a lot, but I find that I do so in spite of its size. Sure, I love the screen size for the sake of what it "shows you", but form-factor wise from an overall hardware perspective, it's just proving over time to be too big IMHO, and I'm an avg sized guy w/avg to slightly larger-than-avg sized hands.
In short, I don't plan on selling it anytime soon (I'm under contract until Sept 2013, and I'm not a phone jockey who buys and sells these things on eBay like packs of tube socks), but I can't say with any amount of honesty that I'd buy a phone that even approaches this size again.
I'm sure someone's gonna flame me for this response, but I am hoping that the point of this thread is honest disclosure and not just for back-slapping among Note-owners.
-Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound like a good honest opinion to me. I personally went for the note for the screen size as the number one factor. I'll probably stick with it until the note 2 comes out, but if I were like you and wanted something smaller I'd probably be looking closely at the sgs3 or asus padfone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
SG3 around the corner
The Note is a great phone the screen size is great for web browesing and watching hd videos (minus the Black crush/Clipping issues that hopefully will be fixed with ICS) But with the SG3 coming out next month with a 4.65 super amoled+ display with true RBG tiles 300+ ppi, quad core exynos LTE chip inside, ICS onboard at launch (still none of these specs are official just expected).If I were off contract I would have a hard time deciding get the Note or wait for the SG3 or wait longer til Nov for the Note2 with better specs than the SG3. It all depends on what you want out of it and if you want to wait. Personally I like to get a new phone at launch keep it for 20 or more months til the next launch of great phone so I guess I'll be waiting for the Note 3!
The negatives to know about...
The Note does not yet have NFC (Near Field Communication) but there is a custom software fix to enable it (requires root and CWM to install).
The screen also has 2 issues, what some have called black crush, and another completely separate issue called banding. The banding was my issue (I havent noticed any of the "black crush' issues people have been mentioning). I found a setting under the display options to disable saving screen power and it took a day or two and the banding began to disappear (it wasnt an immediate fix).
The last thing about the display is that it is a pentile display. Colours arent 100% accurate so if you are super sensitive to this, you'll notice. The display is a high contrast and slightly over saturated with colour as well so expect this.
The phone does not have the same high quality sound processor that the Captivate had. In fact, its quite lousy. I mean, it works but the experience will be very similar to a built in sound chip on a motherboard rather than having a dedicated sound card.
The phone also does not have a quadcore processor because ATTs LTE does not yet work with quadcores (dont ask me why).
Some have argued that the video chip on the Note is not as fast as Qualcomms.
The last over all issue is the size. Its huge. Its massive. It took nearly a week for me to get used to the size. The biggest problem with the size is that it will occasionally require two hands to reach certain screen locations. You should be aware of this if you occasionally need to do something with your phone and need one free hand (driving for example).
Touchwiz sucks.
On the dev side, things are moving rather slowly compared to other phones, primarily because we still dont have any source code yet (based on my understanding anyway). Once source code is floating around, most of the software issues will be resolved (like Touchwiz).
Now, it may seem like I just trashed the phone. Honestly, I believe in knowing all the negatives up front. Personally, I like my Note. Every phone has its own problems, not one of them is perfect.
Most of the display issues (which are the bulk of the problems) I personally am ok with but Im not super picky in this regard. The sound chip does bother me, Im more of a sound person as I am a musician. The phone having a dual core is fine considering I rarely utilize half of this phones processing power. NFC doesnt bother me because I simply dont have a use case for it.
Would I get a different phone? Probably not.
But if you are considering a different phone specifically due to size, take a look at the Galaxy S2 (the sky rocket on ATT but every carrier has their own branded version). The Galaxy S2 doesnt have most of the screen issues the Note has and is more manageable to people with smaller hands while still being a fantastically great phone (I have two Galaxy S2's).
I dont believe in looking to the future unless you are looking at most a month in the future. If you do, you'll never buy a new piece of hardware as there is always something better around the corner.
I believe the Galaxy S2 or the Note are both future proof thru the next 2 years. While there are better phones coming, these phones are getting to the point that 99% of users will never achieve more than 80% of these newer phones full potential. Processing power is more than enough for anything coming in the next couple of years. Hell, other than the screen size, my Samsung Captivate is more than capable of doing everything out right now and my Captivate is two years old.
For the time being, I would repurchase the Note. Even with ICS still being refined for the time being, it's the most 'future-proof' phone for the time being. It should have this status for at least the next year span (or at least for 6 months).
Considering that I went from the Streak to this, the next 'successor phone' has to be a phablet again....be it Samsung or whichever vendor steps up their game.
Like right now, the One X looks ok...but honestly looks like a GS2 replica basically. (I personally haven't tried it yet...but that's just from skimming online articles about it).
Buy it. You will not be disappointed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717
Yep without a doubt. Came from an iPhone4. Using one of those now the screen is tiny and it feels like a toy.
I have purchased the Note three times. My girlfriend has one, and I just went back to the Note after trying iPhone for two weeks.
Great phone with ICS installed.
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What is it about the Note 2 that keeps your interest?

So I'm curious. What about your Note 2 keeps your interest in it?
Size, software, hardware (including S-pen), choice of ROMs, etc..
For me its size. I love the size of the phone and the display alone enough for me to love it without considering anything else. But, I will of course.
This is strictly for curiosity and conversation. That's it.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4
I'd have to say it's also the size. I see every other phone my friends and family use and it always makes me laugh and til this day everyone always compliments it or always say something funny about its size.
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Same sentiments here. The size kept me coming back, and now I don't even look at other phones....I used to switch every week or two.
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Size and completeness, how everything works well
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It's how awesome porn looks on the screen.
The fact that my contract isn't up with Verizon and I don't have enough money to buy a new phone outright.
Honestly, I'm done with giant phones these days. The moto x will be my next phone when I more to t-mobile.
For me it's the size of the screen, the crisp display, and the performance.
I use my Note 2 more than I use my laptop.
Some friends and family members make fun of its size, but when I'm with them and they want to do something on the internet, they start on their phone then say "let me see your phone".
I don't understand how they can say they love the size of their phone then want to see mine to view the internet.
For the same reason my wife stays with me...
Seriously tho, this device has a great screen, battery life, and performance...Sure the S4 has better hardware specs, but at this point in time better hardware offers diminishing returns at best. The Note 3 will have to be a major imorovement before I consider upgrading or else I may hold off until the Note 4...thats right I said it.
The size is definitely the main attraction, but I also love the S-Pen and the battery life. I switched from the S3 to the Note 2, and now whenever I try to use the S3, it feels so damn tiny in comparison.
For me, it's because most of my friends with S3/S4's don't even know about the Note 2, so when they ask me what kind of phone I have I say the S4. Then I act really surprised when my phone is bigger than theirs and I tell them they must have gotten the mini.
joshm.1219 said:
For me, it's because most of my friends with S3/S4's don't even know about the Note 2, so when they ask me what kind of phone I have I say the S4. Then I act really surprised when my phone is bigger than theirs and I tell them they must have gotten the mini.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL that's awesome. I got mine the day it was released and people now are asking me if it's the S4. I may use your quip.
brentsten said:
LOL that's awesome. I got mine the day it was released and people now are asking me if it's the S4. I may use your quip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha they get angry too, a lot of S4 people are iPhone switchers that know nothing about Android, they really believe you.
joshm.1219 said:
For me, it's because most of my friends with S3/S4's don't even know about the Note 2, so when they ask me what kind of phone I have I say the S4. Then I act really surprised when my phone is bigger than theirs and I tell them they must have gotten the mini.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROFL....too funny!!
For me it's the screen size and the boat load of ROM choices to give me a different phone weekly, or daily if I choose.
I like the size but I wish it was the size of the note. I think I like it because its got the most functionality of any phone I've ever seen.
There's nothing you can't do with this thing.
I like to keep a smart dock plugged into my entertainment center. Then setting across the room I'll control it with my ps3 controller.
calling this a phone is kinda like calling your home computer an email checker. literally these are little computers that also text and make phone calls. I have hade a few phones I've been missing with phones since the first razor cam out. I've just never seen anything this versatile before.
Size & quality of the display is nice for my aging eyes and fat fingers.
Battery capacity...all day easily.
Ability to take an SD card for additional memory.
Android customizability (sp?)
All these make this phone more attractive to me than most of the current crop of similar size.
joshm.1219 said:
Haha they get angry too, a lot of S4 people are iPhone switchers that know nothing about Android, they really believe you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely people who shouldn't have an S4 in the first place then.
I have an S4, and my mom has the Note 2, but i frequently do 1 handed typing, and on the note its just a litle bit big for 1 hand to accurately type. I know the Note has the 1 handed option, but i'm not a big fan of that layout, and the 5 inch display on the S4 is perfect for me. I also like the colours and crispness more than on the note 2, and obviously the stronger hardware. I find even when i was doing work on my moms phone, i never really found any practical uses for the S-Pen that i would even consider it useful for me. It's all just personal preference though, but i laugh that i used to think the iPhone 4 was the perfect phone back in the day.
Its a very nice device though, and its nice to have the slightly larger screen for videos and games, but for me 5 inches is the sweet spot for the ultimate balance between functionality and ease of use.
Monkz said:
Most likely people who shouldn't have an S4 in the first place then.
I have an S4, and my mom has the Note 2, but i frequently do 1 handed typing, and on the note its just a litle bit big for 1 hand to accurately type. I know the Note has the 1 handed option, but i'm not a big fan of that layout, and the 5 inch display on the S4 is perfect for me. I also like the colours and crispness more than on the note 2, and obviously the stronger hardware. I find even when i was doing work on my moms phone, i never really found any practical uses for the S-Pen that i would even consider it useful for me. It's all just personal preference though, but i laugh that i used to think the iPhone 4 was the perfect phone back in the day.
Its a very nice device though, and its nice to have the slightly larger screen for videos and games, but for me 5 inches is the sweet spot for the ultimate balance between functionality and ease of use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the S4 is definitely the best size, but first thing I look at when getting a phone is the development for it, because we passed the point where hardware can make a difference in the performance of this relatively light OS (Android compared to Windows or Mac), so really the most powerful phone is now the one with the most capable software available for it. I wish my phone was the S4 size, but I don't think I can even use a ROM that doesn't haven't floating multiwindows at this point. I run every app in a window now.
joshm.1219 said:
I think the S4 is definitely the best size, but first thing I look at when getting a phone is the development for it, because we passed the point where hardware can make a difference in the performance of this relatively light OS (Android compared to Windows or Mac), so really the most powerful phone is now the one with the most capable software available for it. I wish my phone was the S4 size, but I don't think I can even use a ROM that doesn't haven't floating multiwindows at this point. I run every app in a window now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the floating multiwindow features will eventually come to the S4, that is Multitasking to the max, but there are still some alternatives and you can get a close to similar experience on the S4. And things like Nottach etc, bring the other functionalities such as the horizontal split messenger/contacts and all the other goodies that stock S4 users miss out on.
Monkz said:
I'm pretty sure the floating multiwindow features will eventually come to the S4, that is Multitasking to the max, but there are still some alternatives and you can get a close to similar experience on the S4. And things like Nottach etc, bring the other functionalities such as the horizontal split messenger/contacts and all the other goodies that stock S4 users miss out on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in sure it will eventually too assuming that borrower in unlocked, there's very little development for the vzw s4 because of it unfortunately.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2 since the money I spent on XDA Premium is now wasted with the update
Nefariouss said:
It's how awesome porn looks on the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was just drinking water when i read this.. laugh so hard water came out my mouth.. thanks needed to laugh:good:
droidstyle said:
For the same reason my wife stays with me...
Seriously tho, this device has a great screen, battery life, and performance...Sure the S4 has better hardware specs, but at this point in time better hardware offers diminishing returns at best. The Note 3 will have to be a major imorovement before I consider upgrading or else I may hold off until the Note 4...thats right I said it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^^^^+100000000000000 to exactly everything stated HERE ^^^^
joshm.1219 said:
For me, it's because most of my friends with S3/S4's don't even know about the Note 2, so when they ask me what kind of phone I have I say the S4. Then I act really surprised when my phone is bigger than theirs and I tell them they must have gotten the mini.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gonna have copy you on this one.. have many friends that have finally switched from an iphone and they have S3 or S4
My wife has the S4 and it does have alot of features and extra sensors etc... that are cool
but with my note 2 i dont need a charger at work or in the car anymore. I Sometimes i have to charge it when i go to sleep or every other day depending on how heavy i use it..
S4 pockets alot nicer but I dont wear girl jeans "cough" skinny jeans so the note 2 fits perfectly..
I dont use the pen as heavily as i thought i was going to but the times i have needed it, it has save me a headache and time which saves me money ..
playing games on it watching videos is alot better and easier on the eyes
Also im not worried about if i have to many things open at the same time it will slow down the phone..
Mult window is a big HELP as well.

Other device, comparisons to other devices, and upgrading phone discussion

Please use this thread to discuss devices other than and any comparisons with other devices on or about the Note III in this thread and any other off-topic issues that are not needing a new thread.
Post with respect, this is a helpful community, hope we all learn from this stuff in here.
I would like to see peoples opinion's on the note 3 compared to the LG G2. I am on the fence on the two. Im coming from the S3 so the note will be quite large. Being on Verizon we dont have the Nexus 5 option so it seems it is up to these two devices. My main hesitation on the Note is how locked down it is. We might not get customs roms on it at all. The LG G2 has Loki so we are good to go on that one. Both of the build qualities are lacking so thats a wash.
Joey, have you ever been in a... in a comaprison?
sorry title made me think of Airplane movie :fingers-crossed:
fletch33 said:
Joey, have you ever been in a... in a comaprison?
sorry title made me think of Airplane movie :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, THAT was one funny movie......
I'm on the fence about mine. I got in on the Verizon unlimited data glitch and have a Note 3 coming.
I have a Note 2 and if not for the glitch wouldn't have considered upgrading. The Note 3 just didn't excite me enough to spend the money. I HATE pentile matrix screens and I felt like the move to 5.7" wasn't enough. I want something in the 5.9" to 6.1" range.
With California taxes I'm in for about $385, and I figure I could sell the Note III for $700ish. Then in a couple months I could sell my Note II for around $300 and have a nice little fund for a new device. What I really want is the HTC One Max, but who knows if Verizon will ever get it?
I don't know what to do.
---------- Post added at 04:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------
eddie33081 said:
I would like to see peoples opinion's on the note 3 compared to the LG G2. I am on the fence on the two. Im coming from the S3 so the note will be quite large. Being on Verizon we dont have the Nexus 5 option so it seems it is up to these two devices. My main hesitation on the Note is how locked down it is. We might not get customs roms on it at all. The LG G2 has Loki so we are good to go on that one. Both of the build qualities are lacking so thats a wash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G2 is a really nice device. I hate the buttons on the back, but everything else about the physical form factor is great.
The screen is really nice, it's fast, excellent camera and battery life. I hate LG's skin, but with Nova you can cover up a lot, and now that it's Loki'd I figure it's only a matter of time before AOSP roms are available.
SeanPlunk said:
I'm on the fence about mine. I got in on the Verizon unlimited data glitch and have a Note 3 coming.
I have a Note 2 and if not for the glitch wouldn't have considered upgrading. The Note 3 just didn't excite me enough to spend the money. I HATE pentile matrix screens and I felt like the move to 5.7" wasn't enough. I want something in the 5.9" to 6.1" range.
With California taxes I'm in for about $385, and I figure I could sell the Note III for $700ish. Then in a couple months I could sell my Note II for around $300 and have a nice little fund for a new device. What I really want is the HTC One Max, but who knows if Verizon will ever get it?
I don't know what to do.
---------- Post added at 04:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------
The G2 is a really nice device. I hate the buttons on the back, but everything else about the physical form factor is great.
The screen is really nice, it's fast, excellent camera and battery life. I hate LG's skin, but with Nova you can cover up a lot, and now that it's Loki'd I figure it's only a matter of time before AOSP roms are available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the LG spectrum and it's a great phone except for cheap sensors. Before I ever buy lg again I will install android sensors or sensor box on the store demo first. Cheap sensors have a lower range and/or operate erratically. I.e. Magnetic sensor: og Droid 0-2000, gs3 0-20000 and LG Spectrum 0-200!
What's it mean? Compass apps not reliable or accurate, Google sky map to jittery to use, auto brightness works poorly, when on call screen takes longer to turn on for the keypad, etc. At first I thought I had a lemon but LG insisted it was the applications.
Sent from LG Spectrum using XDA app
contract up !!!! What to buy next?
My contract will be up soon. I am looking to replace Verizon samsung Galaxy Nexus which I loved. I was looking at the Note 3. I like the big screen.
I have a rooted phone and want to root this new phone. The main reason I root is for the hotspot feature. Anyone have any suggestions on what phone I should look at. I am using MIUI Android Rom right now. I would be open to even staying with original OS if it had everything I wanted.
Would also like a phone with a longer lasting battery.
Has the Note 2 had any problems I should be aware of?
Any help is appreciated.
I have time so I am willing to wait if there is a good recommendation. I also don't want a bigger screen. The note 3 size seems to be perfect.
susieq29 said:
My contract will be up soon. I am looking to replace Verizon samsung Galaxy Nexus which I loved. I was looking at the Note 3. I like the big screen.
I have a rooted phone and want to root this new phone. The main reason I root is for the hotspot feature. Anyone have any suggestions on what phone I should look at. I am using MIUI Android Rom right now. I would be open to even staying with original OS if it had everything I wanted.
Would also like a phone with a longer lasting battery.
Has the Note 2 had any problems I should be aware of?
Any help is appreciated.
I have time so I am willing to wait if there is a good recommendation. I also don't want a bigger screen. The note 3 size seems to be perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note 2, frankly... is incredible. I've had the verizon note 2 for a year now and i'm dying for the note 3. my note 2 is practically my best friend at this point. I know i sound like such a fanboy but i literally just smile when my friends complain about their phones, mine never has any of their stupid issues.
SeanPlunk said:
I HATE pentile matrix screens and I felt like the move to 5.7" wasn't enough..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I challenge you to take 2 1080p screens smaller than 6" and, without prior knowledge, tell anyone which is pentile and which is any other matrix with your naked eye.
susieq29 said:
Has the Note 2 had any problems I should be aware of?
Any help is appreciated.
I have time so I am willing to wait if there is a good recommendation. I also don't want a bigger screen. The note 3 size seems to be perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the Note2 for about six months... it is easily the best phone I've ever owned. Seriously, it absolutely blows the doors off the Galaxy Nexus, in performance, build quality, screen quality, battery, phone call quality... I wouldn't have upgraded to the Note3 if it wasn't for the Verizon glitch. ...that and my wife wanting my Note2!
Dan76 said:
I've had the Note2 for about six months... it is easily the best phone I've ever owned. Seriously, it absolutely blows the doors off the Galaxy Nexus, in performance, build quality, screen quality, battery, phone call quality... I wouldn't have upgraded to the Note3 if it wasn't for the Verizon glitch. ...that and my wife wanting my Note2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100 %.
The Note 2 is BY FAR the best phone I've ever owned and I have basically owned every high end phone ever made.
The N2 is the first phone I have ever owned that I was 100% totally satisfied with and haven't been impatiently waiting for the next phone to come out for an upgrade.
I will still probably buy the Note 3 at some point (I have a line I can use for an upgrade and keep my unlimited data), although I will wait and make sure it is at least rootable first as I just know I would never be totally happy with a 100% stock phone.
I'm intrigued by the HTC One Max. I don't use the s-pen or multi-window much and I do use the external speaker daily. I'm hoping for more information about the Max this week. Also, my eyes aren't what they used to be so the large screen may work. Then again the Note 3 is calling to me since I have loved my Note 2 since it's release.....we'll see
Oh_wow said:
I'm intrigued by the HTC One Max. I don't use the s-pen or multi-window much and I do use the external speaker daily. I'm hoping for more information about the Max this week. Also, my eyes aren't what they used to be so the large screen may work. Then again the Note 3 is calling to me since I have loved my Note 2 since it's release.....we'll see
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/07/verizon-htc-one-mac-fingerprint-scanner-removable-back/
Looks like an AWESOME phone to me, but I use the s-pen quite a bit.
This obviously is a question I can only answer myself but wanted some input from some people that have bathed themselves in note 3 info... lol and some likely coming from an s3.... I'm not eligible for a new phone until march 2014... however I'm sure I could call and call and eventually get an upgrade to edge anyway (done this before... it works.. just keep calling) edge obviously a bit of a rip off.. but i could kill a few other accounts i don't really use often to make up for the cost.... and obviously if i wanted to flip a phone i could do so in 12 months or so..... with that being said..
I do love the size.. and the bigger screen is preferable to me when it comes to videos.. and other things. The speed is obviously sweet and so is the size... however..
I use my phone to play general games.. not a huge gaming on phone person.. (less you could get league of legends on there lol)... i use my phone as a basic camera..... as well to surf the web... 75% of the time i have access to a desktop in which time i could use my phone as well... i do enjoy surfing whatever sitting on the couch obviously..... I'm really on the fence... I always get super hyped over a new phone (got s3 right away and it took several calls to Verizon to get it done) in which yes, its a nice phone with nice camera options... with that being said.. its still a phone... using it to call people is its basic purpose... i've started to utilize google calandar more and more as i have a disability that the meds hinders my short term memory..so that would be one nice thing.. the s pen is sweet.. looks so awesome.. but i don't see me using it much except to jot down phone numbers or addresses on the fly (which wouldn't be often.. i'm not a people person type of guy and my job doesn't require any use of cellphones) So i'm thinking a faster processor.. better camera..the faster processor and screen size would be the main reasons..... but do i really want to go for it? do i really want to get it now and go on the verizon edge program? I just feel like I may be jumping in and after a month regretting my decision... anyone coming from an S3 have an early opinion? ( i also am in an area where voice calling isn't that great... and i would hope it would be better with the s3 (its better on my wifes older galaxy nexus)... that would be something i suppose i would have to find out after the fact.. and use the 30day policy... to go or not to go..... been thinking about it A LOT for the past week.
Be careful... if you're on Sprint or Vzw, it's only a 14 day policy
loopers said:
This obviously is a question I can only answer myself but wanted some input from some people that have bathed themselves in note 3 info... lol and some likely coming from an s3.... I'm not eligible for a new phone until march 2014... however I'm sure I could call and call and eventually get an upgrade to edge anyway (done this before... it works.. just keep calling) edge obviously a bit of a rip off.. but i could kill a few other accounts i don't really use often to make up for the cost.... and obviously if i wanted to flip a phone i could do so in 12 months or so..... with that being said..
I do love the size.. and the bigger screen is preferable to me when it comes to videos.. and other things. The speed is obviously sweet and so is the size... however..
I use my phone to play general games.. not a huge gaming on phone person.. (less you could get league of legends on there lol)... i use my phone as a basic camera..... as well to surf the web... 75% of the time i have access to a desktop in which time i could use my phone as well... i do enjoy surfing whatever sitting on the couch obviously..... I'm really on the fence... I always get super hyped over a new phone (got s3 right away and it took several calls to Verizon to get it done) in which yes, its a nice phone with nice camera options... with that being said.. its still a phone... using it to call people is its basic purpose... i've started to utilize google calandar more and more as i have a disability that the meds hinders my short term memory..so that would be one nice thing.. the s pen is sweet.. looks so awesome.. but i don't see me using it much except to jot down phone numbers or addresses on the fly (which wouldn't be often.. i'm not a people person type of guy and my job doesn't require any use of cellphones) So i'm thinking a faster processor.. better camera..the faster processor and screen size would be the main reasons..... but do i really want to go for it? do i really want to get it now and go on the verizon edge program? I just feel like I may be jumping in and after a month regretting my decision... anyone coming from an S3 have an early opinion? ( i also am in an area where voice calling isn't that great... and i would hope it would be better with the s3 (its better on my wifes older galaxy nexus)... that would be something i suppose i would have to find out after the fact.. and use the 30day policy... to go or not to go..... been thinking about it A LOT for the past week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether or not you consider Edge to be a rip off, I prefer it to dropping $300 on the phone, plus paying my ETF for my old line. That is a total of roughly $310 +$50 for last bill + $300 + taxes for Note 3 = $660 on the lean side. With Edge I spent $102 with Priority Overnight shipping, screen protectors, first month of Edge, and taxes. Now when I sell my HTC One, I sell for around $400 after shipping and paypal fees, that leaves me with just enough to justify upgrading to Note 3. Now in 12 months, I will have paid $300 or so, and I can upgrade to the next Note 4 by then. I find this better.
Okay now on to your question: S3 is a good phone, but no Quad Core Processor, 2GB RAM is okay low compared to Note 3, but 1080p screen is a nice addition, makes watching 1080p movies so much better (based on my experience with 1080p on HTC One). No more scaling, or downsizing. Honestly if you can get the Note 3 at $299 or Edge it then do it. I recommend it.
N3 > LG2 because it has a micro sd slot and no annoying fixed nav bar taking up display space. What is the point of the bigger display if you end up having about the same space as a 5" display (if no nav bar)?
S3 and N3 seem IMO two different devices. I have medium hands and find the phablets too big for one hand operation and awkward (too big) to carry in a belt case compared to my S4. That said, if I did not have several tablets, I would choose the N3 as a true all-in-one device.
this. the htc one max has my attention but the biggest question is when will it come to verizon? remember the htc one? and if htc one max has removable sdcard i may have to buy it and have my note 3 and then decide which i like better. i love sense when it comes to htc phones but cant stand nonremovable battery and expandable storage so we will see. and i really like having an s pen if i dont use a whole lot when you need it, it comes in very handy but if the ppi is much higher and screen is better on one max i will be sure of that so it will be an interesting few weeks
oneandroidnut said:
this. the htc one max has my attention but the biggest question is when will it come to verizon? remember the htc one? and if htc one max has removable sdcard i may have to buy it and have my note 3 and then decide which i like better. i love sense when it comes to htc phones but cant stand nonremovable battery and expandable storage so we will see. and i really like having an s pen if i dont use a whole lot when you need it, it comes in very handy but if the ppi is much higher and screen is better on one max i will be sure of that so it will be an interesting few weeks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on this. Your signature shows that you have used several HTC devices. What's you overall opinion of them? thanx
oneandroidnut said:
this. the htc one max has my attention but the biggest question is when will it come to verizon? remember the htc one? and if htc one max has removable sdcard i may have to buy it and have my note 3 and then decide which i like better. i love sense when it comes to htc phones but cant stand nonremovable battery and expandable storage so we will see. and i really like having an s pen if i dont use a whole lot when you need it, it comes in very handy but if the ppi is much higher and screen is better on one max i will be sure of that so it will be an interesting few weeks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything I've read/seen shows a removable battery and 16-64GB on-board storage + Micro SD slot. Add this to the front speakers, S-Off having been developed for the VZ One variant, and the only shortcoming is the S-pen features that you won't get vs the N3. I've asked around recently to find out if any of that gets ported to ROMs, so if that's not available I think I finally know what I'm going to buy. I need a new phone immediately if not sooner, but just want to feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

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