Samsung Galaxy Note II (GSM)
Phone Scoop Review
Oct 24, 2012 by Eric M. Zeman
The Galaxy Note II proves that sometimes the sequel surpasses the original. The Note II, with its larger screen, faster processor, and much-improved camera, is a real contender for king of the phablets. read review ›
User Reviews
Average Ratings
best phone ever
i have had iphone 4, samsung galaxy s2 and xperia s, and i have to say that this is by far the best phone i ever had.
PROs
battery is amazing
big screen
1.6 quadcore processor
screen resolution
sound
CONs
none
Love this Phone
I love this phone, it took me only a week to get used to the size (and it's huge make no mistake about it). But the camera is awesome, I got compliments on pictures I took and people asked me if I had a digital camera or a camera phone and when I told them a phone they were shocked. The phone is very speedy, and I never had issues with dropped calls. The information widgets are great (active applications, energy savers). The only things I don't like about the phone, which I heard has been addressed on the Note 2, is there is no push to talk button which is kind of a pain. The pen is awesome but I found I didn't use it as much as I thought, but those days when I didn't feel like typing my texts or email it came in handy. I love this phone and until I can get the Note 2 I will be loving using this one.
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Me, daily: "These guys have thought of everything!"
Carrier: AT&T
I am a design engineer, mostly telecom (not mobile). The only fault I can find with this phone is that I wish the screen were brighter. I am coming from the LG Nitro HD which has an IPS HD display that is probably the best I've seen.
Capability-wise, this device does everything, but what blows me away, is the level of integration: Pull out the pen while you're on a call- it pops up a notepad, then lets you send the notes to the caller at the end of the call, if you wish. Look at a picture, and tap, and press the S-Pen button, you can annotate right on front of it, or annotate on the "back". Swipe the side of your palm across the phone to take a screenshot anytime, if your pen is out, you can write on that.
I've had it for about a week, and every day I learn something(s) that make me realize the amount of thought these guys put into the device! (They weren't copying anyone.) You can activate a camera mode where a photo is snapped when you say "cheese" or "capture", great for low-light situations where tapping the button would cause blur, or for self-portraits without the timer.
Pros: It does everything I never thought of, but realize I'll use. Way too many to list
Con: The screen could be a brighter
You have to live with one for a little while. Download the user's Digest app, flip through it and watch the embedded tutorial videos. They thought of that too!
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SGH I-317
I recently, purchased this phone after my SGS III was lost during Sandy, I had private insurance and took the check and placed it towards the Note II.
Very impressed, while large, I found it quite easy to carry in my scrub pockets while at work, as well as jacket/coat while out.
Screen is bright, typical Galaxy S saturation, which one can hate or love, I'm the former. Phone is fast in use, never bothered running tests, its fast and with several open applications running or in the background. Battery life is far better then expected. Camera is good, haven't tried any videos, similar to my older sgs3. Not a big camera phone photography and it does what I need. Calls are loud and crisp and excellent hspa+ speeds. I will check out the LTE this coming week when I'm in Philadelphia.
OK, slightly but not overtly clumsy in the hands, do to size but really that is the only slight negative. Excellent product. I also wish iBolt made a car mount for it as they do with the SGS3.
Amazing Phablet ! ? !
As previous review, unit is almost unbelievable. Everything he mentioned is absolutely correct. The SPen needs additional praise alone. Its incredible the features & ability the SPen has & how much it interacts with multiple apps & enhances phablet's ability's. A little pricey, but no regrets. Takes a couple days to get use to it & I'm sure several weeks/months to learn the full use of it.
Dislike
I'm tired of the iPhone 5 and it's iOS.. Monday I purchased this monstrosity.. I liked the size of the screen, but hated how low the screen brightness is. I loved the Operating system, JB was very fluid.. Picture quality was less then adequate.. I was disappointed that I couldn't get desktop websites like I could with my iphone on skyfire. Consistently the note 2 pulled mobile sites instead of desk view.. Talking on the phone was a hassle, it was like holding a plate to your head..I returned it yesterday, and I'm waiting for the new galaxy S4..
