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Hi guys, I need some honest advise. I'm thinking of trading my Rogers note for the international version. What do you folks recommend. Following are my reasons.
1. I believe the n7000 will get ics before the Rogers I717
2. I get 4 hours of battery and find it frustrating. I heard the battery performance is better on the international version.
3. I heard n7000 is a bit faster. I find i717 gets a bit choppy during screen transitions
4. I find I717 gets quite warm while using. A little uncomfortable.
5. I hardly get full lte to care about it. 4g is fine 6. Home button on the n7000 seems nice.
What do you thinks guys? Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
PS. I posted this thread in the n7000 board too.
do it.
10char
take a look.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=5627026
pkmoazzam said:
take a look.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=5627026
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
The international version will receive ICS long before the I-717. The adreno 220 GPU in the I-717 is better than the Mali400 in the N-7000; however the CPU in the N-7000 outpaces the I-717. Both devices suffer from black clipping.
So its a trade off for CPU performance or GPU performance, 3 button or 4 button and LTE vs hspa+.
My only advice for you is if your area doesn't have LTE. Yes do it. But if you in LTE area, No. The speed is a big different. I use ATT S2 and ATT Note so i know what the difference and its worth to keep.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note - please forgive if typos
+1 on if you have LTE. I've gotten spoiled to the speed. Personally I hate the look of the single physical button.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I switched from N700 to I717 due to LTE & don't regret one bit. I still have my N7000 so I can enjoy both worlds.
If you like to flash custom roms etc then go to the N7000, development is much more active there, N7000 has ICS both AOSP based roms and an unofficial leaked one!
If you have LTE in your area then it's up to you if you want it, I mean I'd rather use my wifi router as I don't get throttled and am not going to be downloading from my phone. Besides you know how much LTE is a battery sucker
I've used both and have to say that the N-7000 just performs better in real life use and in benchmarks.
wingman_214 said:
The international version will receive ICS long before the I-717. The adreno 220 GPU in the I-717 is better than the Mali400 in the N-7000; however the CPU in the N-7000 outpaces the I-717. Both devices suffer from black clipping.
So its a trade off for CPU performance or GPU performance, 3 button or 4 button and LTE vs hspa+.
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Click to collapse
Its the other way around, the GPU performance is better on the Exnyos due to the Mali GPU it's a multi core gpu. The CPU performance should be better on the Snapdragon processor and have better power management able to turn off one core. Lighter black levels is mainly due to gamma levels tweaking in mdnie settings. I believe supercurio is working on a new application.
ICS will be on the way there is already a leak for the skyrocket, so they are working on the snapdragon variants with lte.. Porting time is much more dependent on the galaxy note premium suite and how long it will take to integrate to the touchwiz ics framework, then Q&A.
Differences are NFC and LTE radio on the i717. I suppose you would want the to switch N7000 if your focus is on playing games that require 3d, rather than using it as a work phone/tablet. Or not interested or don't have a LTE plan. Performance is relatively the same if you overclock the I717 to the N7000.
There other ways to push performance like overclocking the gpu (when a usermode adjustment is available.) I'm guessing the Max for the Adreno 220 is in the ball park of 320 MHz. Saving aittle more battery by undervolting. Battery drain is also due to baseband and Rom optimization, which will get better in subsequent releases.
It just really depends if you plan foregoing LTE and Rogers is pretty congested at peak hours on their HSPA network compared to their LTE network. NFC is a big factor as well as more products and services will be utilizing it in the near future. I already use it for quick file transfer between my nfc enabled devices. So it depends really if you want these features or graphics performance is a priority for you. In the future the user experience is pretty much going to be the same on both models once ICS is available.
MarlowXim said:
Its the other way around, the GPU performance is better on the Exnyos due to the Mali GPU it's a multi core gpu. The CPU performance should be better on the Snapdragon processor and have better power management able to turn off one core. Lighter black levels is mainly due to gamma levels tweaking in mdnie settings. I believe supercurio is working on a new application.
ICS will be on the way there is already a leak for the skyrocket, so they are working on the snapdragon variants with lte.. Porting time is much more dependent on the galaxy note premium suite and how long it will take to integrate to the touchwiz ics framework, then Q&A.
Differences are NFC and LTE radio on the i717. I suppose you would want the to switch N7000 if your focus is on playing games that require 3d, rather than using it as a work phone/tablet. Or not interested or don't have a LTE plan. Performance is relatively the same if you overclock the I717 to the N7000.
There other ways to push performance like overclocking the gpu (when a usermode adjustment is available.) I'm guessing the Max for the Adreno 220 is in the ball park of 320 MHz. Saving aittle more battery by undervolting. Battery drain is also due to baseband and Rom optimization, which will get better in subsequent releases.
It just really depends if you plan foregoing LTE and Rogers is pretty congested at peak hours on their HSPA network compared to their LTE network. NFC is a big factor as well as more products and services will be utilizing it in the near future. I already use it for quick file transfer between my nfc enabled devices. So it depends really if you want these features or graphics performance is a priority for you. In the future the user experience is pretty much going to be the same on both models once ICS is available.
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http://10division.com/samsung-galaxy-s2-hd-lte-vs-samsung-galaxy-s2-the-unofficial-comparison-guide/
I based my opinion on this article and the anandtech article linked within. Both devices use exactly the same hardware as the N-7000 and I-717 other than the screen.
The Adreno 220 is roughly 2.2 times the GPU as the Mali 400. What made the real difference is the Note has 2.67 times the pixles of the SGS2 while using the same Mali 400 GPU. If the N-7000 shipped with the Exynos 4212 it would have the quad core Mali 400 mp4.
wingman_214 said:
The international version will receive ICS long before the I-717. The adreno 220 GPU in the I-717 is better than the Mali400 in the N-7000; however the CPU in the N-7000 outpaces the I-717. Both devices suffer from black clipping.
So its a trade off for CPU performance or GPU performance, 3 button or 4 button and LTE vs hspa+.
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Click to collapse
Err... Says who? Every single piece of benchmarks and every datasheets out there clearly show that the Adreno 220 is a piece if crap next to the MALI 400
Seriously why do people say things out of thin air as if it was an undeniable truth...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
My decision was easy for moving to the n7000 from i717:
Better Battery life+performance+bigger dev support= no brainer
Did i mention better battery life?
At least for me anyways.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
bkeaver said:
My decision was easy for moving to the n7000 from i717:
Better Battery life+performance+bigger dev support= no brainer
Did i mention better battery life?
At least for me anyways.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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do you still have att gs note i717? i see you have both n7000 and i717. probably thats why you told us your decision was easy for moving to the n7000 to i717 even you still have i717, but if you didn't have the i717 then it would be hard for you to make a decide. if you don't have present i717 then i am wrong.
sorry for my bad english.
Yeah you are correct i do still have the at&t version but i haven't touched it since getting the n7000 version. I have only had this version for a week but i have had the at&t version since pre sale release on February 17th and i just haven't had the chance to list it to sell it yet. So yeah it probably did make my decision much easier but that gives me the opportunity to pass that on that opinion on to someone in your situation and maybe help you decide.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I just wanted to add this. While NFC may see pretty lame right now, for those that are security conscious, that is going to change this summer. As long as you get it enabled by changing ROMs, you will be able to use YubiCo's new NFC enabled security tokens, which will be fully integrated with LastPass. Check those out.
bkeaver said:
Yeah you are correct i do still have the at&t version but i haven't touched it since getting the n7000 version. I have only had this version for a week but i have had the at&t version since pre sale release on February 17th and i just haven't had the chance to list it to sell it yet. So yeah it probably did make my decision much easier but that gives me the opportunity to pass that on that opinion on to someone in your situation and maybe help you decide.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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ah cool. so how speed is internet on n7000?
Probably the worst section for this kind of question , but not sure where to post it anyway. My friend wants to buy a SGS2 LTE , so I was wondering , what are the real advantages of that phone over the international SGS2 ( if any ). From what I can see it has a bit of beefed up specs, the hardware is really nice and everything , but what use of it, if there isn't a single custom rom for it ? I mean, me , I couldn't live without HydrogenICS ( thank you Paradoxxx!!! )...
So... just your opinions ... state them... SGS2 LTE. worth it ? or not ?
The Galaxy S2 LTE has a larger 4.5 screen and a LTE radio for theoretical faster mobile network speeds. The Galaxy S2 (international) has a 1.2 ghz Exynos CPU and Mali-400 GPU which is a superior chipset then the S3 chipset found in the Galaxy S2 LTE even though it is clocked higher at 1.5ghz. This translates in a more faster and fluid experience and better performance in gaming. However the difference is usually negligible.
Hello,
I was looking to buy the Samsung Galaxy S3 but i'm confused as to which model should I buy. The international model or the North American model.
I cannot upgrade through my carrier (Bell Mobility in Toronto, ON) and hence either one I buy, I'll have to buy from outside.
Is the processor (dual vs quad) along with the RAM the only difference in these two models? If yes, then which one should I go for? Maybe answer in terms on battery life, ROMS available, etc etc. Would the quad core be faster than the dual core with half the RAM?
I have a regular data plan and I won't be thinking about using LTE for now.
Usage wise, I'd say I'm a moderate user and don't play very heavy games, but maybe, occasionally I might play MC3, GTA III etc. Definitely be multitasking a lot and constant texting/facebooking/checking emails etc.
I'm thinking to get the International version! But if the North American version is better, I would go for that.
Thanks
If you aren't using LTE then international model wins hands down.
Faster CPU
Better GPU
Wolfson WM1811 DAC (may not be in US version.)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
It's not 1ghz and 2ghz but 1gb and 2gb of ram. I'm from Canada and I chose the int one because of dev support, better GPU, future quadcore optimization, I don't care about LTE since I have 2GB of data monthly and 3G+ is enough for me. Also audio as nodstuff said, earlier release and finally 1gb is enough, I'm doing heavy multitasking and I never reached the 1GB of ram, the redraw issue can be fixed by editing a file and I'm sure it will be the same for the US version. So yeah int version is the best for me, now you have to find out which one is the best for YOU.
IMO, LTE is not all it's cracked up to be, if you don't have unlimited data then it's not really worth it. I'm not going to sacrifice faster CPU/GPU for a 2GB cap LTE.
Needless to say I got international version.
S_Dot said:
IMO, LTE is not all it's cracked up to be, if you don't have unlimited data then it's not really worth it. I'm not going to sacrifice faster CPU/GPU for a 2GB cap LTE.
Needless to say I got international version.
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Click to collapse
+1 I also got the international version and I'm on AT&T
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
there already is such thread in the general section. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1683261
also there is no 2ghz vs 1ghz. there is 1gb ram vs 2 gb ram.
nodstuff said:
If you aren't using LTE then international model wins hands down.
Faster CPU
Better GPU
Wolfson WM1811 DAC (may not be in US version.)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Faster CPU? R u blind or something - Krait uses a highly modified A15s (which i believe what everyone wanted before Samsung decided to step back and stay on A9s for a bit more) and to be honest it is indeed faster in real life especially when it comes to opening apps (i had a chance to play with 2 devices).
2) GPU is faster on international thou but doubt u would be able to use even half of its power (i still have ipod touch 1gen and it can handle all games except Infinity Blade as long as OS allows on its weak PowerVR MBXLite)
3) Both have Wolfson DAC
4) NA Galaxy S3 has double RAM. If u are a multitasking freak (or use alot of ram hungry apps) then u would see a performance difference. Its also there to feed S4.
5) Krait is more power effecient than exynos when just using HSPA+
6) You have an option to use LTE (battery life will start draining faster however but highly dependent on your network)
With that said Exynos is indeed more optimized (no surprise) so the experience may be slower but ALWAYS fluid. However, nothing that the xda devs cant fix!!
Xdenwarrior said:
1) Faster CPU? R u blind or something - Krait uses a highly modified A15s (which i believe what everyone wanted before Samsung decided to step back and stay on A9s for a bit more) and to be honest it is indeed faster in real life especially when it comes to opening apps (i had a chance to play with 2 devices).
2) GPU is faster on international thou but doubt u would be able to use even half of its power (i still have ipod touch 1gen and it can handle all games except Infinity Blade as long as OS allows on its weak PowerVR MBXLite)
3) Both have Wolfson DAC
4) NA Galaxy S3 has double RAM. If u are a multitasking freak (or use alot of ram hungry apps) then u would see a performance difference. Its also there to feed S4.
5) Krait is more power effecient than exynos when just using HSPA+
6) You have an option to use LTE (battery life will start draining faster however but highly dependent on your network)
With that said Exynos is indeed more optimized (no surprise) so the experience may be slower but ALWAYS fluid. However, nothing that the xda devs cant fix!!
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Click to collapse
Optimised A-9's built on 32nm Fab. Process with HKMG.
Krait is not more energy efficient, research high k metal gate which is used in the exynos 4412.
As for wolfson DAC, what us your source for that information? Supercurio said that it didn't after he came back from a trip to wolfsons facility in Edinburgh where he went after being invited to share some ideas.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Xdenwarrior said:
1) Faster CPU? R u blind or something - Krait uses a highly modified A15s (which i believe what everyone wanted before Samsung decided to step back and stay on A9s for a bit more) and to be honest it is indeed faster in real life especially when it comes to opening apps (i had a chance to play with 2 devices).
2) GPU is faster on international thou but doubt u would be able to use even half of its power (i still have ipod touch 1gen and it can handle all games except Infinity Blade as long as OS allows on its weak PowerVR MBXLite)
3) Both have Wolfson DAC
4) NA Galaxy S3 has double RAM. If u are a multitasking freak (or use alot of ram hungry apps) then u would see a performance difference. Its also there to feed S4.
5) Krait is more power effecient than exynos when just using HSPA+
6) You have an option to use LTE (battery life will start draining faster however but highly dependent on your network)
With that said Exynos is indeed more optimized (no surprise) so the experience may be slower but ALWAYS fluid. However, nothing that the xda devs cant fix!!
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Click to collapse
Well I'm a multitasking freak and I never reached the 780mb alowed, the ram is managed really well, your argument is invalid.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Reviewers have already indicated that the NA SIII is indeed faster in regards to cpu and slightly better in battery life. It was also proven that the INT SIII has a significantly better gpu. Nonetheless, both versions are fantastic and have their tradeoffs.
I prefer the international phone. Fast and clean phone, unlimited for $10 with high speed enough for me. Love the battery, last for a long hard day.
Decision Made!!
Thanks for the responses guys!!
I finally got my hands on the International model and been playing with it heavily since today afternoon. They battery was at 54% when I first booted the device. Its been several hours of non-stop usage and the battery life seems to be good. Of course its too early to make any conclusion.
Overall, I'm loving it. Its so smooth!!
So glad I decided to sell my note to get this one. No doubt the note was/still is an excellent device. But I love S3 more!!! <3 :laugh:
roni2915 said:
Thanks for the responses guys!!
I finally got my hands on the International model and been playing with it heavily since today afternoon. They battery was at 54% when I first booted the device. Its been several hours of non-stop usage and the battery life seems to be good. Of course its too early to make any conclusion.
Overall, I'm loving it. Its so smooth!!
So glad I decided to sell my note to get this one. No doubt the note was/still is an excellent device. But I love S3 more!!! <3 :laugh:
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Congratz! I have this beast since monday and I'm using it everyday at work (web browsing, skype, steam, games, watching anime) auto brightness, power saving, 3g and sync always on and I get 13h with 6h30 on screen time when I get home with about 15% left! You can leave power saving even when gaming no lag no slow down, this phone is overpowered
Sent from my beautiful GS3 int unlocked, rooted and beloved.
What's the best data settings on AT&T?
I've had a bunch of data issues with the GS3 stalling out, I've changed from Auto Mode to CDMA and GSM, all don't do much.
I am running the standard APN and my current plan is a LTE unlimited plan since I also have an AT&T HTC One X.
Thanks
The North American S3 does NOT have a Wolfson DAC:
Qualcomm's S4 chipset uses Qualcomm's proprietary audio hub, the WCD9310. This chipset is found in the US versions of the One X, One S, and even Samsung's Galaxy S III (only the international Galaxy S III will have a Wolfson DAC, sorry guys).
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http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...ne-x-isnt-amazing-at-all-even-by-the-numbers/
(Scroll to below the diagram)
We already several of these threads...
That said, international version for all of the reasons previously mentioned.
Damn, for a moment I thought the US version was on par. The upgraded DAC would be nice.
What about gorilaglass2 ?!?!
There are a lot of videos and comments, about International version don't have Gorilaglass2, what is proven to be on US version!!!
Honestly if you are not going to us LTE then there should be no discussion about it. The international version is an amazing phone and I got it because I also don't care for LTE. If I did then I would look into the pros and cons for both versions. Since your not using LTE then looking at pros and cons is just invalid because overall international version is more optimized and even the largest multitasking user will reach MAX of 850MB... honestly. Hope it helped.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Marne Jr said:
There are a lot of videos and comments, about International version don't have Gorilaglass2, what is proven to be on US version!!!
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Click to collapse
That is incorrect, ALL variants have gorilla glass 2. Stop talking ****.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I just got the international version of the SIII. I was wondering if I should return it and get the AT&T version because some people say that it is faster graphics and memory wise, and that even though it's dual core it has a newer processor architecture (A9 vs A15). I want to know which one really has the better graphics performance and per-thread performance, just overall which one is more powerful in the end. I dont care about network speeds.
CAN YOU PLEASE USE THE DAMN SEARCH FUNCTION BEFORE POSTING?
*calms down*
because some people say that it is faster graphics and memory wise
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It has more memory (2GB vs 1GB) but a slower graphic engine. Note that slower is a relative term; the speed differences may be neglectable in most real-world applications, but synthetic benchmarks do show them.
it has a newer processor architecture (A9 vs A15).
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Yes. However none of the new features (such as Virtualization) are even used.
Note that an architecture doesn't say anything about the CPU itself since Samsung has heavily modified the ARM design.
Also note that the US-version is dualcore at ~1.5Ghz with the Exynos (international) is 4core clocked at 1.4Ghz.
The Exynos is also produced with a newer technology called High-K metal gate which allows higher clock speeds with less power consumption as compared to the old production technology used on the Dualcore version.
My best guess is that everything you'll want to do will just run fine on both versions, but the international one definitively has more horsepower.
The US-version with it's 2GB of RAM should be better for multitasking tough.
I got the international version and I think I made a good decision getting the international version.
Thanks so much. I looked around but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for there was always people saying the Snapdragon S4 was better, but i didn't know if they just meant battery/data wise or what. Thanks for the clarification though. So far I am loving my International version.
I don't know whether I should wait for the rn4 or go for the rn3. I'd really love the helio x20, but I don't think that would come to India cause of the lawsuit. Hypothetically, if it is launched, how would the software development be? Would it get many Roms? Cm especially? My second question is, if the rn4 comes with sd 652, it'll be like trading 3 mp of the rear camera in the rn3, for 2 cores in the rn4! Although, I'm not really into photography, that 16 mp cam does sound nice so do the 2 extra cores really make a difference, especially in gaming?
I've got the same question about the rom development for mediatek. I've used cm nearly for 2 years and I'll be switching to miui. It doesn't matter if there won't be cm for the rn4 mtk. Miui is good and I'm willing to do this change.
Being a photography amateur, i can tell you that mp doesn't do a difference. It's the sensor that counts. If the rn4 has a better image quality, go for it. Gaming depends on the gpu mostly and the adreno is more powerful than the mali. Will gaming be better with the 2 cores? I can't tell you.
Btw if that helps you, I'm buying the rn4 mtk insead of the rn3p.
Ankit Antony said:
I don't know whether I should wait for the rn4 or go for the rn3. I'd really love the helio x20, but I don't think that would come to India cause of the lawsuit. Hypothetically, if it is launched, how would the software development be? Would it get many Roms? Cm especially? My second question is, if the rn4 comes with sd 652, it'll be like trading 3 mp of the rear camera in the rn3, for 2 cores in the rn4! Although, I'm not really into photography, that 16 mp cam does sound nice so do the 2 extra cores really make a difference, especially in gaming?
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Check the Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek) development thread if you want to get an idea of the scope for development (in short, some but not much). There are reports that there won't be a Snapdragon version of the Redmi Note 4 and you might have to unofficially import it. The difference in camera performance is negligible. Real world performance is identical, but GeekBench states the Redmi Note 4 has about 20% better single core performance, 50% better multicore performance and 25% better graphics performance on average. Also, the Redmi Note 4 has 10 cores which is 4 more than the SD650 and it is based on the 14nm architecture vs the 28nm of the SD650 but batterylife remains the same between the two.
Basically, the Redmi Note 4 is a slightly better phone but won't have anywhere near the amount of development the Note 3 has seen thus far. It not get CyanogenMod, but I think it will.
As a photographer I can confirm that higher megapixels doesn't necessarily mean better. Although people were saying that there's not much improvement in the rn4 cam over the rn3. I'd still take the 4 over the 3 anytime tho because the design is much nicer
neilsp said:
I've got the same question about the rom development for mediatek. I've used cm nearly for 2 years and I'll be switching to miui. It doesn't matter if there won't be cm for the rn4 mtk. Miui is good and I'm willing to do this change.
Being a photography amateur, i can tell you that mp doesn't do a difference. It's the sensor that counts. If the rn4 has a better image quality, go for it. Gaming depends on the gpu mostly and the adreno is more powerful than the mali. Will gaming be better with the 2 cores? I can't tell you.
Btw if that helps you, I'm buying the rn4 mtk insead of the rn3p.
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So you're buying the rn4? Despite lesser development for mtk? Although MIUI is pretty great, many still do prefer cm and it being an mtk device, it reduces options for os change which I don't REALLY like... But according to notebookcheck.com the mtk GPU is better than the adrenochrome 510!! Which would've sold it for me, but mtk devices can't come to India because of a lawsuit with Ericsson and they're not planning on making a Qualcomm variant :'( also, when you get the phone, do tell me about it's camera performance!!
xdadevet said:
Check the Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek) development thread if you want to get an idea of the scope for development (in short, some but not much). There are reports that there won't be a Snapdragon version of the Redmi Note 4 and you might have to unofficially import it. The difference in camera performance is negligible. Real world performance is identical, but GeekBench states the Redmi Note 4 has about 20% better single core performance, 50% better multicore performance and 25% better graphics performance on average. Also, the Redmi Note 4 has 10 cores which is 4 more than the SD650 and it is based on the 14nm architecture vs the 28nm of the SD650 but batterylife remains the same between the two.
Basically, the Redmi Note 4 is a slightly better phone but won't have anywhere near the amount of development the Note 3 has seen thus far. It not get CyanogenMod, but I think it will.
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So the rn3 is still the better alternative, isn't it? Btw, the problem with unofficially importing it is that first off, it'll be in Chinese, so i have to fiddle around for the English version or flash English MIUI and then I don't know if I'll get warranty coverage, which I don't think I will... Lastly working with mtk devices scare me a bit, cause ive seen software like mtk flash tools, which I dont really understand! My mother has a Panasonic eluga turbo which is mtk and there isn't a single rom for that!!! (Literally)
Newbdroidd said:
As a photographer I can confirm that higher megapixels doesn't necessarily mean better. Although people were saying that there's not much improvement in the rn4 cam over the rn3. I'd still take the 4 over the 3 anytime tho because the design is much nicer
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You are NOT wrong!! The rn4 does look better! It's more squarish and well defined! The rn3 is a little curvy for my taste...
Ankit Antony said:
So the rn3 is still the better alternative, isn't it? Btw, the problem with unofficially importing it is that first off, it'll be in Chinese, so i have to fiddle around for the English version or flash English MIUI and then I don't know if I'll get warranty coverage, which I don't think I will... Lastly working with mtk devices scare me a bit, cause ive seen software like mtk flash tools, which I dont really understand! My mother has a Panasonic eluga turbo which is mtk and there isn't a single rom for that!!! (Literally)
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I'm on the fence on this one. I have a gut feeling that overall the Redmi Note 3 Pro might have better day-to-day performance because it's software is better optimised (X20 devices showed significant GPU lag in the beginning due to bad drivers, yet the Note 3 has open kernel sources and CAF builds). My heart says "Note 4" ("better" SOC, looks) yet my brain says "Note 3" (Awesome ROM support, cheaper). I hate the rounded plastic looking design of the Note 3 yet I think the Note 4 looks pretty good with its all metallic build and reflective chamfers (it just lacks a USB type C port for symmetry and reliability). On my Mi4c I stayed mostly on MIUI despite loving CM13 because of the better camera software (I am super-critical of camera performance, but I don't have high hopes for either of these in anything else but perfect conditions) so I think given the choice I would anyway have a MIUI running Note 3.
Usually, the reseller that you buy it from has a 1-2 year warranty, look out for those if it matters to you. I personally always do my own repairs, but we have a local reseller that repairs Xiaomi phones should I ever get stuck (I extrapolated it's the same where you come from). Generally speaking, Xiaomi is very tolerant when it comes to modifying devices, but you might have to read up more on that regarding your specific country.
I have flashed MIUI on a MediaTek Redmi Note 2 without any issue or difference from the Snapdragon versions. The Note 4 already has an English custom ROM available it's great, I've used it on 3 different Xiaomis before (Mi 4c, Redmi Note 2 and Mi 4). Here is the link: https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/6-9-15-19.34208/ . I haven't used flash tools on MediaTek devices but had to on several Snapdragon and Exynos devices. They're stupendously easy to use, you don't have to worry if it comes to that.