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8 Ways the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Beats the iPhone 5

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On October 24th, Samsung will finally debut its 5.5-inch phablet, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, in the United States. The successor to the original Galaxy Note is heading to all five major U.S. carriers this time around and it features some major upgrades over the original including a larger screen, a faster quad-core processor, an improved S-Pen, and a slimmer frame with a larger battery.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 U.S. Release Date Roundup.

When the Galaxy Note 2 is released in the United States, and it looks like October 25th might be the day at least on Sprint, it will be pitted against a number of high-end Android phones, upcoming Windows Phone 8 devices and of course, the iPhone 5, Apple’s new smartphone.

iPhone-5-vs-Galaxy-Note-2-575x351

We take a look at ways the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 beats the iPhone 5.

We already took a look at 8 Ways the iPhone 5 Beats the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and now it’s time to take a look at several ways that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is superior to the iPhone 5.

Neither device is perfect and there are definitely areas where the Galaxy Note 2 bests the iPhone 5 and vice-versa. Those that are considering both devices as their next smartphone will want to absorb these differences before deciding on one.

Here are eight ways the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 beats the iPhone 5.

Better Screen for Video

With the iPhone 5, Apple increased the size of the iPhone’s display to 4-inches. And while that’s a significant improvement, the size of the iPhone 5’s display still doesn’t beat watching content like movies, television shows and clips on a screen the size of the Galaxy Note 2’s.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 packs a 5.5-inch HD display that features a 16:9 aspect ratio, same as the iPhone 5. That means that it will support widescreen content, perfect for watching video while on-the-go.

galaxy-note-2-2-575x3831

The Galaxy Note 2 sports a massive display.

In fact, the Galaxy Note 2’s screen is so big that it can accommodate multiple people watching content at the same time.

The Galaxy Note 2, with its massive display, is also able to display more on-screen content which minimizes the amount of scrolling that you have to do to access the content that you want.

Powerful Multitasking

One of the unique features that is coming with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is the ability to do some very powerful multitasking. The phone features a mode called split screen multitasking which allows users to run multiple apps at the same time, a feature that is perfect for the Galaxy Note 2′s monstrous HD display.

That means that users can fire up a web browser on one side of the screen while using Facebook or Twitter on the other size. And better yet, the Galaxy Note 2 is able to handle it all beautifully thanks to its 2GB of RAM and quad-core processor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hOX3HYDwTCY

The iPhone 5 is unfortunately, not able to handle such a task.

In addition, the Galaxy Note 2 employs a feature called Popup Video which allows users to open a video, move it anywhere on the screen, and then open up other applications while the video floats on the screen, playing as usual.

Google Maps

With iOS 6, Apple got rid of Google Maps and replaced it with its own Maps application. The application was widely panned by critics and users alike and Apple has promised to fix things in the days ahead. Unfortunately, for iPhone 5 users, there is currently no standalone Google Maps application.

unnamed

The iPhone 5 no longer has Google Maps.

For Galaxy Note 2 owners, a powerful Google Maps application will be available right out of the box. One that brings a host of features including native public transit directions, bike routes, accurate turn by turn directions, beautiful 3D buildings, Street View and of course, detailed traffic for those rely on the map to commute.

Google is rumored to be working on a standalone Google Maps application for iOS but at this point, it remains unreleased and its features remain unclear.

NFC Support

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will come equipped with Near-Field Communication support, a feature widely termed as NFC. NFC will make the Galaxy Note 2 useful in two different arenas: sharing and paying for things.

The Galaxy Note 2 will come with a NFC-supported feature called S-Beam which allows users to simply tap their Galaxy Note 2 devices together to share larger files, S-Notes – notes taken with the Galaxy Note 2’s unique note taking app, and documents.

https://youtu.be/hLbmy4XQsMo

NFC will also allow users to use their Galaxy Note 2 to pay for items in supported locations using the service Google Wallet. At PayPass locations, you’ll simply be able to hold up your Galaxy Note 2 to a card reader and pay for goods.

As of yet, the NFC support does not come native to the iPhone, including the iPhone 5.

Up to 128 GB of Storage

With Samsung offering the Galaxy Note 2 in three storage sizes, combined with a microSD card slot, the Galaxy Note 2 will offer more storage space than the iPhone 5.

Apple’s iPhone 5 is offered with the same 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models as the Galaxy Note 2 but with microSD card support, the Galaxy Note 2 can be expanded to hold up to 128GB of content.

With app sizes becoming progressively larger and more and more content being made available for mobile, storage space is precious and the Galaxy Note 2 allows owners to really revel in storage luxury.

Home Screen

One of the benefits of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using Android 4.1 Jelly Bean right off the bat is that the home screen is better than ever. With widgets that automatically re-size themselves, smart built-in widgets for things like Gmal and YouTube, and amazingly useful expanded Notifications. What’s more is that Android 4.1 Jelly Bean makes home screen transitions smoother than ever.

The shear amount of customization that the Galaxy Note 2’s home screen trumps the more static iPhone 5 home screen which allows for little wiggle room as far as customization is concerned.

Keyboard Options

If you hate the iPhone 5’s virtual keyboard, too bad, you’re going to be stuck with it. That’s because there are no other virtual keyboard options available for the iPhone 5. So if the iOS 6 keyboard is not your cup of tea, you’re out of luck.

With the Galaxy Note 2, you’ll presumably have an assortment of options to choose from on the Google Play Store. Keyboards like SwiftKey 3 are available should the stock keyboard found in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean not be adequate.

gnote2_multitaskingS-Pen

Lastly, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 comes armed with an S-Pen that is much improved and features a number of different features that make the Galaxy Note 2 a productivity beast.

Featuring a new ergonomic design, the S-Pen allows Galaxy Note 2 users to draw and write directly on the screen. Sure, there are styli for the iPhone 5 but the iPhone 5 doesn’t feature software that fully harnesses the accessory.

The Galaxy Note 2 features an S-Pen holder where users can store their stylus. Once the stylus is pulled out, it opens up an S Pen menu automatically where users will find all of the useful Galaxy Note 2 S-Pen apps.

The new S-Pen allows you to do familiar things like crop images and text, but it also brings some powerful applications to the table including Air View which allows users to hover over things like calendar, email or images to get a preview without having to open them, Quick Command which allows users to easily activate services using custom S-Pen strokes and Idea Sketch which provides illustrations that match handwritten words.

156 Comments

156 Comments

  1. Lisa

    10/17/2012 at 3:29 pm

    I can only just fit the iPhone 5 in my hand
    So it’d be useless for people who want to use a phone with one hand

    • John

      10/17/2012 at 3:51 pm

      I can use the galaxy note with one hand

      • conix

        12/20/2012 at 6:27 am

        I have a big hand and I cannot use my Note 2 with one hand. Some features still work, but not all. It is true that if one hand operation is important (to many it is), Note 2 is not as convenient as iphone 5 or other smaller phones.

        • cable guy jc

          12/20/2012 at 10:20 am

          Hello…to those people never get the idea of the “phablet” then fine nobody is pushing u get one anyway! stop crying about it!!! Its just there for an option for those people have the need of that great idea of Samsung technology. Let me make it clear to you…Phablet is a phone with a tablet functions and size or a tablet with the phone capability either way you want to call it, its very clear, the name says it all.

    • Chris

      10/17/2012 at 4:12 pm

      I know! I only want to use one of my lungs to conserve energy and movement.

    • john

      10/29/2012 at 10:21 pm

      drink cool aid? you can adjust the Note 2 ,to right handed or left handed, one hand operations. Almost in every category Note 2 is rated higher. Enjoy you phone. It is really good for making calls.

    • dave

      11/14/2012 at 10:18 am

      My wife has small hands and she has no problem using her note2 with one hand. How about actually trying something before making false assumptions.

    • Rich

      11/27/2012 at 6:26 am

      After reading all these comments, it appears that the SG Note2 is the superior product. However, FaceTime seems to be better than Skype in terms of quality. So I’m still undecided between the IP5 & SGN2. for that reason alone. (all my friends & family use face time so I feel left out since I still have a Nexus S ). Any advice ?

      • jojo

        11/30/2012 at 11:19 am

        Bro, i think u better get ip5 coz it runs on ur fam. but if u want the best i would stay w droid equipments like SG note2 specially w verizon.

      • Tashe

        04/02/2013 at 1:23 pm

        The note 2 is a great phone. Try Tango for video calls. It works just as good as FaceTime.

    • Gabriel

      01/28/2013 at 10:12 pm

      Theres a one handed mode that the Galaxy Note 2 offeres, that moves your keyboard calculator contacts…etc to one side of the screen.

  2. brandnew234

    10/17/2012 at 3:39 pm

    I’d love to see someone try and argue against these points. Really, I would.
    The only thing I can see as being slightly debatable is the screen, because the Note 2 has a much lower ppi, and is dimmer. But come on, 5.55 inches is AWESOME compared to any 4 inch screen.

    • unknowntruthz

      10/17/2012 at 6:57 pm

      having a higher ppi doesn’t necessarily make it a better screen. for example the gs3 has 306 ppi yet all reviewers seem to agree that the note 2 has the better screen. the note 2 doesn’t use pentile. i think it uses RGB. so while its ppi is lower it actually has a much higher resolution. hence the amazing screen. as far as dimness im sure if the screen brightness was turned up it would be very bright. check youtube for videos that will show just how bright the screen can be.

      • brandnew234

        10/27/2012 at 7:41 pm

        Well yes, I know the Note II uses RGB (which increases the perceived PPI by about 1/3) but 267ppi is still visible; and that 400 nits is enough to see in direct sunlight. But for arguments sake, it’s not as good as 326ppi (RGB), and 550 nits of the iPhone 5. The Note II does have the best display for viewing though, out of any phone due to its size, true blacks, contrast, and improved color-balance (over the cold or green colors of PenTile matrix of AMOLED past).

    • ell ohh ell

      10/27/2012 at 7:08 am

      The only reason you want to see someone argue against these points is so you could pick them apart. I love when people use the term ‘I love’when referring to things they hate. Dumbass.

      • brandnew234

        10/27/2012 at 7:32 pm

        No, I wouldn’t. Because if they were important things that the Note II just doesn’t offer, that the iPhone 5 does, I would have no argument with that, but if someone posted something like “it’s faster!” or “it has more apps”, than I would inform them that they’re wrong, or the difference is impossible to tell. No reason to insult here.

        • Thericker

          10/30/2012 at 9:46 pm

          Brandon, please enjoy your small viewing area. I for one am ditching my d 3GS and iPhone 4 for the GN2. Benchmarks trump the 5 and no more inward crossed eyes from reading the web on my phone. It’s like a bad movie scene ala The Jerk.

      • Thericker

        10/30/2012 at 9:42 pm

        LOL!!!

    • societyofosiris75

      11/07/2012 at 1:01 pm

      You would be wrong to argue that point. The lower PPI has more to do with a re-arranged sub-pixel matrix which allows lower to be just as good as the higher iPhone 5 ppi. As for color accuracy, the iPhone 5’s lead here vaporizes with an adjustment to the display setting on the Galaxy Note 2. ENJOY: https://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-57540240-85/screens-test-part-2-galaxy-note-2-vs-apple-iphone-5/

    • steven

      01/11/2013 at 10:08 am

      I have a s3 free and the note 2 iphone 5 is very simular to iphone 4 and when it comes to layout same as iphone3gs plus insurance cost 100 to claim for iphone yet 50 pounds for other phones such as samsung nokia etc android apps are free as well end of the day its down to personal pref . Iphone 5 at the moment is 100pounds plus £36pcm im happy with my samsung s3 .

  3. darcy

    10/17/2012 at 3:42 pm

    great article. thanks

  4. brandnew234

    10/17/2012 at 3:45 pm

    @Lisa
    A lot of people can use a SGS3, and there are a few people (my self included) who can handle a 5.5″ screen, one handed. Then again, people who can handle the Note one handed are rare. My hand is 8 inches long.

    • current iphone user - until my Note II arrives on the 9th

      11/01/2012 at 9:16 am

      My hand is 9″ long. I win.

      • Jon

        11/13/2012 at 11:09 pm

        Ditto

  5. Steven

    10/17/2012 at 4:14 pm

    how about the battery life of the two devices ?

    • Mike

      10/30/2012 at 5:55 am

      I get 35 hours out of my note 2’s battery with moderate use! Yup, for a device of its size, that is freaking amazing! I love this thing! :P

    • Note Lover

      11/06/2012 at 5:38 am

      Yes this post is older but I was so amazed with the battery life! I have to purposely drain my battery in the evening so that I can charge it over night! Even then, it still has 20% left. I no longer have to worry about having to charge it during the day! It’s even gone into a second day and I am a moderate to heavy user since I use my phone for everything!

      • blaze

        02/07/2013 at 9:41 pm

        I agree I get about 20 hours Hev use on a slow day about 1d 8hrs.. the best phone too date.

    • steven

      01/11/2013 at 10:11 am

      My pref on the s3 as i have not opened my note 2 you can remove the battery unlike iphone so if phone crashies np

  6. pedro

    10/17/2012 at 4:19 pm

    remember is phoneblet,a combination of a phone and the tablet,great article.i just waiting patiently the t mobile release date.to go and get it

    • NOTE LOVER

      10/20/2012 at 10:57 am

      Same here, waiting patiently, come on T-Mobile!

    • Paul

      10/23/2012 at 8:05 pm

      Actually that would be a phablet, not a “phoneblet.” Do you know how stupid phoneblet sounds? No one besides you has ever called it that; where did you get that?

      • Note Lover

        11/06/2012 at 5:29 am

        LOL!

  7. uziswagger

    10/17/2012 at 5:20 pm

    this article was full of funny typos “software that fully harrasses the accesory” the s pen should file a harassment complaint lol

    • Note Lover

      11/06/2012 at 5:26 am

      LOL! Love typos and auto correct!

  8. themuterobot

    10/17/2012 at 6:01 pm

    This would be a great phone if I carried a purse.

    • current iphone user - until my Note II arrives on the 9th

      11/01/2012 at 9:18 am

      I dare you to go to a store and put one in your pocket. Stop trying to be witty when you don’t have a f**king clue what you’re talking about.

      • Jay

        11/05/2012 at 12:17 pm

        I tried. I didn’t fit.

        • Youhave Tinypants Haha

          04/10/2013 at 1:42 pm

          Take off your skinny jeans.

  9. mj

    10/17/2012 at 7:06 pm

    this will have better battery than i-p5. so does s3 havea better battery as tests show. one moe thing they forgot is it has a faster cpu than apples dual core 1000mhz. this has a quad core 1600mhz. the 2gb ram compare to i-p5 s 1gb is another pluss. removble battery and sd card are other pluss…. ops i forgot it can do certain thing on 4g lte i-p5 cant like hd voice or voice and data at the same time. but most important thing is you have the freedoom of open eco system and not tied down to apple and i-tunes… free to get your content from where ever you wish…

    • Nexus

      10/23/2012 at 8:45 pm

      Most apps suck on the Android open system and you are always need to worry about malware. Where do go to get the phone fixed if something goes wrong? Oh right, at my local Samsung store (in Korea!!) Specs don’t mean anything if you have a problem or if it gets stolen. How many news stories have you heard of an Android phone being recovered from theft? That’s right…zero. How about putting the GN2 in water?

      • Jimmy895

        10/24/2012 at 9:25 pm

        Ha, I just installed an app yesterday called Lookout. It’s a security app that will let you track your phone from another phone or a PC, remotely sound an alarm from a PC, etc. People have had their phones stolen, tracked it, called the cops, gave them the address, and sounded the alarm for them. There was actually a story of someone recovering their phone from theft in the reviews. I never have to worry about malware because I don’t download shady apps like “MP3z Fo’ FREEZE!” My apps are awesome and the entire OS is a lot more flexible then iOS. I can play any music file I want, including my FLAC collection! The same people who made the Lookout app made an app called Plan B, you can go to https://play.google.com/store and remotely download the app to your phone, even if it’s at the thief’s house, then you’ll be able to track it. Again, there was a success story in the reviews. I don’t believe you can remotely download apps to an iPhone.

        • Nexus

          10/24/2012 at 9:39 pm

          Let’s have a small test. If your boss asked you what smartphone to get what would you recommend to him/her? If you make the wrong choice and your boss hates what you recommended, you could potentially be unemployed up to a year. What would you recommend? 2nd test. If your mom asked you for a smartphone recommendation, what would say? If you make the wrong choice, you could potentially receive calls everyday. What would you recommend? Will your boss or mom really care about remotely installing an app is cool or not?

          • Angellius

            10/24/2012 at 10:06 pm

            I would recommend Iphone in both of the upper cases…. I even recommended Iphone to my gf… But I dont consider myself of that low usage lvl as any of the cases above, so I am definately going for GN2 – if you cant use smth more complex than the coffee machine and you even have problems installing new PC programs – GN2 or ANY Android phone simply isnt for you… Does Iphone looks beter – YES, is it times easier to hold, to use and to do a firmware upgrade – HELL YES. Is it the better phone if you actually want productivity and flexability – NO… And if you are fan of costumisation and your Knowledge is enough to allow you to make that good – Iphone isnt and will never be the phone for you… The bother to jailbreak every new update of iOS is definately more than to simply plug android phone in the PC – and you dont lose the service period too… And on top of apl – its all about POWER – and the new idiotic Iphone would be the device I would get… If it was released in year 2010…. Becouse thats how week it is under al the flashy ads about it.

          • brandnew234

            10/27/2012 at 7:47 pm

            I suggested the G Nex for my mom, she loves it. She says “how can you deal with a screen that small” now, when she sees my phone (3.7 inch screen).

          • current iphone user - until my Note II arrives on the 9th

            11/01/2012 at 9:41 am

            If I thought my boss and mom had the I.Q. of a 5-year-old with the learning capacity of a rock, I would recommend the iPhone. If I had confidence that they didn’t need to be babied and weren’t already brainwashed by the i-system, I would spend my own money and buy them the Note II.

      • Drew

        10/29/2012 at 4:24 pm

        Hey buddy, there is this thing out called Internet. You put in certain words and get back articles, reviews, video’s, ect. Maybe you should try using it before you post. There are a ton great apps that will track, alert, and even call the police. I even have an app where i can activate camera, (front or rear), microphone, can even turn the phone, gps, and network on if the phones been shut off, all from a thing called Internet.
        I like both apple and android platforms, I just chose android. What i dont like are idiots that try to make themselfs look good by thinking they know everything.

        Again check out that internet thing.

        • Sally

          10/30/2012 at 11:00 pm

          Drew, where can I find those apps you’re mentioning? I’m switching from iph4 to GN2, cause I’m tired of the screen size and some other issues and would love to know about those apps. Thanks in advance :-)

          • Drew

            10/31/2012 at 1:15 am

            Hi Sally. First, you are going to love your new phone. The two security apps I currently use are Lookout, and Tispy. Find them both in Google Play Store. To find Tispy look up the developers name Technovation. IMO Tispy is one of the best tool out.

        • Sally

          11/01/2012 at 8:57 pm

          Drew, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my message, I really appreciate that. I’m sure I will love my GN2. Can’t wait to recieve it on Nov. 9th. Take care!

        • blaze

          02/07/2013 at 9:46 pm

          Hi 5 !!

      • yabrown35

        10/30/2012 at 8:35 pm

        You can also download an app called Prey, it is very good to located stolen or lost phones and electronics

      • Tom Thumb

        10/30/2012 at 8:50 pm

        Na, I’ve been an apple iphone user for years (3gs & 4) and switched to Android. I will never go back. Most apps suck? you ruined your crediblilty with such an outlandish statement. My last io update was a joke, took me hours to fix. I never worry about malware because I don’t jail break, which if you jail break an iphone you can get malware too.

      • Ramone Braxton

        11/25/2012 at 9:06 pm

        Lmao!! Love it

    • Rick

      11/01/2012 at 11:28 am

      You forgot one key issue here. Inside the Samsung Note 2 battery compartment it says …. “Made in Korea by Samsung” …. and not Made in China by Foxconn, ZTE and Huawei and any other crap manufacturer of cheapest parts to maximise Apple’s profits !

  10. PY

    10/18/2012 at 8:17 am

    When I was in Hong Kong last week, I play with my friends’ Note 2 (Asia got note 2 earlier). The size is big but it only take few minutes to get use to it. The features are cools. This device is now selling crazy in Asia. I am waiting for the US version when it arrives.

  11. Nisthi

    10/18/2012 at 11:21 am

    Great phone.. I use this for all business notes too.. no other phone in the market can be compared with this

    • Nexus

      10/23/2012 at 8:39 pm

      Except for making phone calls

      • brandnew234

        10/28/2012 at 1:31 pm

        Quit trolling, you suck at it.

  12. otto

    10/18/2012 at 6:32 pm

    One way any iPhone beats the Galaxy Note II, regular OS bug fixes and predictable OS updates (Over the Air by the way, not requiring Samsung Kies through a buggy carrier interface). And before the Apple fanboy nonsense starts, I’m a Galaxy Note I owner who is chomping at the bit for the Note II. But facts are facts, dont expect OS updates with these phones like you can depend on with iOS.

    • Rick

      11/01/2012 at 11:38 am

      I didn’t have to use Kies with my Galaxy S2 in UK to upgrade it to ICS …. so I doubt that you will need to use the Kies to update the Note 2 from Jelly Bean 4.1.1 to 4.2. The Kies was something that Samsung had to use in US, probably because of the Samsung / Apple court case. The Note 2 is super as it is with 4.1.1 on board …. you will like it.

  13. muhammad usman

    10/18/2012 at 8:36 pm

    i think both are best phones

  14. J.R.

    10/19/2012 at 7:40 am

    So two of the main ways the iPhone 5 beats the Note 2 is that the iPhone is smaller – seriously? A comparison between these articles puts the Note 2 in a great light. If you’re really concerned about the quality of pictures/video you use a camera, not a smartphone – compare the iPhone 5’s photos to any of the latest compact cameras to see why. Bottom line, if you want the best phone with a big screen – get the Note 2. If you want a great phone with a (still) small screen get the iPhone 5. If you want the phone with the best camera, get the Lumia 920. As a matter of fact, the 920 seems like a great compromise b/w these two phones and it has a killer camera.

    • Crapple

      10/28/2012 at 12:48 pm

      The gn2 takes amazing pics, i would argue better than ip5.

      • Note Lover

        10/28/2012 at 1:34 pm

        The Note2 is hands down, the BEST Smartphone I have ever owned! I’ve had it for 48 hours and it’s completely customized to my liking and everything seamlessly transferred over from my HTC Sensation. I haven’t even unlocked the full potential of this phone or dug into the S-Pen features and Apps yet. So looking forward to it. Love the huge screen, which was the initial reason for wanting it.

        • sh

          11/04/2012 at 1:07 pm

          I am planning to bye one,should i go for it?

          • Note Lover

            11/06/2012 at 5:13 am

            If you don’t mind the screen size, then I’d recommend it! I have small hands and it’s just PERFECT! I can still do some things one handed, but I love the phone so much, I work around it. You can use Blue tooth, headphones for calls, set calculator, keypad and keyboard for left or right hand. That is only the beginning of things that this phone can do. I think you’ll like it.

  15. Count of Basie

    10/20/2012 at 1:34 am

    This is at least 7 ways (obviously there are more) why Android beats iOS. The things listed are Android features, not features specific to the GN2.

  16. NOTE LOVER

    10/20/2012 at 11:03 am

    Great article! Can’t wait to get my Note 2, come on T-Mobile! Only 4 more days until we hear the release dates!

  17. Sarah

    10/20/2012 at 11:27 am

    Hmmm… it’s just to each their own then. Anybody else thinking the word “DUH”? I have never been a fan of Apple for various reasons. I prefer a phone and OS that I can customize and tweak for my needs. I like the Note and N2 for various reasons but let’s face it. There’s no perfect phone that fits everybody’s needs. Just get the one that works best for you. I’m a fan of variety to choose from if nothing else. Happy phone/phablet hunting!

  18. Rohit

    10/20/2012 at 9:59 pm

    iphone 5 is the best smart phone..easy to handle..simple to use..

    • Jimmy895

      10/24/2012 at 9:37 pm

      …Android is very simple to use, especially after you tweak the very open customizable os to your liking. iPhone 5 is for the elderly and the technologically daft.
      From my lock screen I can open to my Camera, the Browser, my Music, and Texting. At any moment, by holding down on my soft keys(home,back,recent,menu) I can kill the open app, open the Browser, Texting, or my Music. By pressing in the soft key panel and swiping up I can go to my camera. I customized all of that, I can access the most important parts of my phone at any time with no delay. Also, the new Jelly Bean update is very smooth and it definitely looks a lot better than iOS 6

    • current iphone user - until my Note II arrives on the 9th

      11/01/2012 at 10:05 am

      …said the guy who has probably never daily driven an android, and definitely never daily driven the Note II

  19. Rick E. Schwartz

    10/20/2012 at 11:05 pm

    Overall good article, but I felt you missed some major Android software benefits including the following: https://mostly-tech.com/2012/09/30/3219/

    As far as specs go, the iPhone 5 doesn’t hold up well against the Note II and newest Android phones which have been announced: https://mostly-tech.com/2012/09/16/smartphone-of-the-year-2012/

  20. Tushar

    10/22/2012 at 12:28 pm

    Have been using both the phones . .but definitely you get hooked to note 2 after a while . .. O.S too old n boring

  21. Nexus

    10/23/2012 at 8:33 am

    Let’s see here. There’s no argument that the GNote2 is a nice gadget. But everyone fails to mention is how can you say that its the best phone when the service provide in the US is T-Mobile and AT&T? If you live in an area with good coverage, then there is not arguing with this post. But if you live in NYC, then there is no way you can say the GNote is best because the call quality is really terrible. Android flexibility is definitely a plus. However, another big negative is the amount of malware in the Android Play Store is really bad. So does “Awesome Gadget” + “Bad phone service” + “poor OS security” = best phone? I don’t think so. I will take a iphone5 or GSIII on Verizon anyday over the GNote2 as long as do business on the east coast.

    • Infrnl

      10/23/2012 at 9:45 am

      Your comment about service makes no sense. All carriers will have the note 2 so service will not be an issue

      • Nexus

        10/23/2012 at 12:05 pm

        really? goto verizonwireless.com, click on smartphones. do you see it? it is a rumor that Verizon will carry it the Galaxy Note 2. If they do, then I agree with the article. I don’t believe that is the case, that is the point of my post and opinion. Hopefully, I am wrong. However, Verizon already carries the LG Intuition (comes with free headset) that kind of competes with the Samsung Note.

    • NOTE LOVER

      10/23/2012 at 11:48 am

      Nexus, WTF are you talking about? So find a carrier in NYC, problem solved. What is this bull about Malware in the Android Play Store, I’ve never had a single issue with the apps and I have a lot of apps!

      • Nexus

        10/23/2012 at 12:15 pm

        I don’t think a Verizon will carry the Galaxy Note II (my opinion), so the problem is not solved because all other carriers stink. Concerning the issue about malware…just because you haven’t personally experienced theft recently or maybe you are not a network engineer that uses a packet sniffer to look at your Facebook logins or if you are not a programmer who understands SMS brokering/tagging doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Heck bluetooth hacking is fun to do. Try going to Google and search on keywords “android” and “malware” see what you find.

        • Bob

          10/27/2012 at 5:35 pm

          Verizon last night … are now taking preorders for Nov 27 release date.

    • Zift

      10/27/2012 at 11:24 am

      Dear god, do people really think US is the world?
      Have you ever travel around and got roaming bill?
      I use both iOS and Android. Unconnected iOS device is just phone. Flexibility of Android comes to full when not connected or as mostly in real life, when connected sporadically from time to time.
      How many of us are interested in USA coverage? What about wandering around Istanbul, Venice or Dubrovnik! Find your way around Southern Spain without selling kidneys to pay for map downloads!

    • Drew

      10/29/2012 at 6:30 pm

      Nexus, you just bashed android in everyone of your post’s. You said “However, another big negative is the amount of malware in the Android Play Store is really bad. So does “”Awesome Gadget” + “Bad phone service” + “poor OS security”” Then you say ” I will take a iphone5 or GSIII” So you bash android and want an android all in one post. Congratulations you just made dumbass of the year.

    • Rick

      11/01/2012 at 11:51 am

      If Verizon [part Vodafone] does GS3 in US, it will no dobt do the Note 2 as well. It is part of the same stable. The Note 2 has a faster processor than GS3 + 2 Gb or Ram … and it is capable of running at most 4G LTE networks. In UK, Vodafone sells both GS3 and Note 2 and there is a waiting list for Note 2 [took me 3 weeks to get two of them in charcoal grey]. By the way the Note 2 has the superior wi-fi reception to any Apple device.

  22. Infrnl

    10/23/2012 at 9:50 am

    The iphone5 has too many issues/bugs for my taste and they were stupid to keep the screen width the same, total failure IMO.

    I am not sure if there is a “best” phone but I plan to get the Note 2. 2 other choices would be razr maxx hd or gs3

  23. Steven

    10/25/2012 at 8:19 am

    All of you are nuts:) I going to TMobile now

    • NOTE LOVER

      10/25/2012 at 2:23 pm

      LOL You go Steven :D! I’ve got mine coming tomorrow!

  24. seojimjames

    10/26/2012 at 12:04 am

    the note 2 is spectacular – who gives a shit if you have to use both hands sometimes – it is a very high value device.

  25. Stephen

    10/27/2012 at 9:31 am

    iphone sucks if you wanna buy the iphone 5 and want the same operating system since 2007 go right ahead. i will be getting this phone for verizon and have already pre ordered it cant wait to get it in my hands

  26. Riqui

    10/27/2012 at 5:55 pm

    I got the iphone 5 for my wife, she likes it cuz its simple and it works. It’s a very nice, fast phone. However, I’m technologically advanced, so I’m waiting for my upgrade for the Note 2.

  27. supawest

    10/28/2012 at 12:04 am

    I used to be an iPhone fanboy…..then I seen the light -_- ….The iPhone is behind in terms of software innovation and capabilities. The dam thing STILL can’t support flash…God willing i can get my hands on this bad boy (Galaxy Note2) this week!!

  28. Aamir

    10/28/2012 at 9:36 am

    I love note II

  29. 66244270

    10/28/2012 at 11:04 pm

    note 2 rulezz iphone suckssssss

  30. allan

    10/29/2012 at 3:33 am

    For all apple fanboys this is the galaxy note 2 and its better than iphone 5. 8 ways+3 way more. the battery size+better cpu. and cheap price comparing with iphone 5. so if you can try them both just like i did. then you will know what i mean .and by the way you could use it in one hand by chosing your left hand or right hand keyboard so that is no problem anymore.

    • Drew

      10/29/2012 at 4:46 pm

      And to add to your post allen, android has skyvi. Who needs a keyboard. 1 bluetooth device in the ear. Phone in back pocket and your set.

  31. Bob

    10/29/2012 at 7:13 am

    The ONLY reason dumb apple fanboys say “You can hold and do the iPhone 5 in one hand” is because in the US, there is an Apple ad that claims just that. Apple might as well release a produce called the “iThingYouSUCK” and those dumb sheep will STILL buy it!

  32. peter Ioann

    10/29/2012 at 9:25 am

    A phone is a phone- you people really need to get a life FGS!! Nothing is better than anything- everything is personal choice. People are obsessed with speed and power!!

  33. Janus

    10/29/2012 at 11:20 am

    Wow, Samsung seems to be taking Us back when we had the ol’ Brick cellphones. Which was great for me, I find my I phone hard to use with one hand or thumb and tend to nearly drop it.I have big hands but small digets, I can see where this is heading, I’ll be able to plam it but will not be able to move a finger. I guess it’s back to single point finger typing days as wel, It’ll be worth it.

    • Drew

      10/29/2012 at 4:55 pm

      Janus, remember this is a Hybrid. And have you not learned how to swipe, or use voice txt? Just saying there has been altenates to typing for years..

  34. jay rich

    10/30/2012 at 2:46 pm

    You can’t go wrong with any phone. My fiance has the ip4s I have the gn2. I love my gn2.from using the pen to take notes, even the air view, im happy with my selection.

  35. basil

    10/31/2012 at 5:45 am

    the galaxy note 2 is nice who do you thing is better IPHONE 5 or SAMSUNG GALAXY

    NOT 2 I LIKE SAMSUNG smart phones.

  36. basil

    10/31/2012 at 5:51 am

    which is better SAMSUNG smart phones or APPLE SMART PHONES I thing SAMSUNG smart phones but apple is also is good all people have there best phones some people like NOKIA some SAMSUNG some likes APPLE so all people have there own best phones.

  37. basil

    10/31/2012 at 5:57 am

    which is best phones is best SAMSUNG smart phones or APPLE smart phones SAMSUNG SMART PHONES IS better but that does not APPLE is not good all people have there own best phones some likes SAMSUNG smart phones some likes APPLE SMART phones.

  38. Musa

    10/31/2012 at 10:46 am

    Does anyone know if the Note II will come out in white for at&t? If so, when? And where could I preorder it as well! I’m making the convert… goodbye iPhone!

    • Note Lover

      11/06/2012 at 4:48 am

      Yiu won’t be disappointed. I’ve got the White on T-Mobile and love it! AT&T should have White as well.

  39. Matt

    10/31/2012 at 11:29 pm

    Clearly, the biggest problem of all is putting a case on the GNII, i mean, i absolutely love Android phones, and i cant wait to get my hands on a Note2, but putting a case on it is a scary idea.

    • Rick

      11/01/2012 at 12:03 pm

      There are number of slip on leather cases for Galaxy Note 2 available on Amazon [for around £9.00 or $15.00. I got couple from Germany made in quality leather [choice of colours], slightly paded … and the fit is superb. Just pull on the strap and the Note 2 sldes out.

  40. Tim

    11/01/2012 at 3:56 pm

    iPhone = garbage.
    Just bought the Galaxy Note 2 today.
    Shittin on iPhone and any other phone.

  41. vanessa

    11/03/2012 at 4:33 am

    The intelligence of a person could be determined by asking him which one is better. For example: once I said to my supervisor that he probably likes iPhone more than Samsung and he got angry :) I didn’t know that he has S3

    • Ashu

      11/04/2012 at 10:07 am

      Switched to note2 frm iphone 4s. And I m loving it. Iphone is just a show off.

      • Note Lover

        11/06/2012 at 4:42 am

        Good move! The Note 2 is the best phone out right now

  42. Molan James

    11/04/2012 at 7:50 am

    The Galaxy Note II is a huge leap over the previous generation and if any one has galaxy note it would be wise to sell your oroginal asap for an upgrade. according to movaluate’s fair market appraisal https://www.movaluate.com/samsung/galaxy-note-16GB-unlocked , owener could still get $369.00 for his old Samsung Galaxy Note 16GB , which could help pay for the awesome new galaxy note II

  43. Jay

    11/05/2012 at 12:23 pm

    You guys are all idiots. Just buy whatever phone suits your needs. If you sit and watch tv all day, get a Note. If you want something a little less “look at me” get a smaller phone. If you like Apple iOS, get an iPhone.

    • Alejandra

      11/05/2012 at 11:26 pm

      ;-). You right man !!!!!!

  44. Alfred Myford

    11/06/2012 at 4:23 pm

    Paul, “phoneblet” is Spanish. Pedro slipped into his native tongue.

  45. Guitarist

    11/12/2012 at 2:48 pm

    Folks, let me finish the useless discussion here by saying that I have BOTH OF THEM and they are clearly different devices addressing different needs. Unless you have a big hand you cannot be comfortable with Galaxy note II period. As a first phone of choice iPhone with massive simplicity will appeal to masses.

    • Drew

      11/14/2012 at 2:00 pm

      I totally disagree with with you. I had bought my Note 2 in October and my wife liked and used it so much I bought a second Note for myself. Now my wife is 4’9 and maybe 105 lbs. And hands half the size of mine. And for simplicity, doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make phone calls. So let me finish the useless discussion here by saying.. I bet you wish you never got stuck in that over priced iPhone contract.

      • Note Lover

        11/14/2012 at 5:09 pm

        I agree with you Drew, this is the best phone I’ve ever owned! I have no problem using it and I have small hands. I could never go back to a smaller screen…

    • NOTE LOVER

      11/22/2012 at 11:40 am

      I disagree, I have small hands and I have no problem with the Note 2, it’s extremely comfortable. This is the best device I’ve ever owned! I would recommend it to anyone who wants quality, speed, etc., with an awesome screen. If you’re apprehensive about the size, try it out first..you get used to it very quickly.

  46. haha

    11/14/2012 at 4:52 pm

    It doesnt really matter if its big or small i think… i guess it depends on the person. But somehow i believe galaxynote 2 just devours ip5 for breakfast.. easily lol…

    • Note Lover

      11/14/2012 at 5:11 pm

      LOL, so true!

  47. Mark

    11/22/2012 at 8:57 am

    I wish my wife had small hands.

  48. zach

    11/22/2012 at 11:30 am

    Iphones are for idiots who like simple easy gadget. My 2 year old daughter can use it and my 80 year old grandmother has a iphone. Get off you apple high horse and get a phone that caters to the consumer and not the sellers wallet.

    • NOTE LOVER

      11/27/2012 at 10:05 am

      LOL, I agree!

  49. Sinister

    11/24/2012 at 1:35 pm

    One big problem, Android will always say this new phone has these great specs but the problem is it runs on the same shit android system.

  50. Davis

    11/26/2012 at 9:07 pm

    have someone take a pic of you while you make a call…. lol, hideous!!! itz still my fave tho. just wish we had more/better apps. like igarbage has. were beat there, period

  51. Sophia

    12/02/2012 at 10:52 am

    I really suck at choosing phones. Well, ive only actually ever had one, the htc, and I chose over the iPhone simply because all my frienss told me to, and the year i have spent with, has been the most horrid. I hate it. And my dads now letting me get a new phone and im stuck between the samsung note 2 and the iphone 5 and i dont know which one to choose. My dads always had iphones and i love them but then i saw the note and its so prettyyyyyyy! *_* (yes, thats wot it comes down to for me. The pretty thing. -.- and that nobody at school has it so it’d be so different and unique -_-) I dont care about the complexity of the functions, because i’ll eventually figure them out. the only thing I’m worried about is the reliability of the phone, like, ny friends say that samsung is really pretty and all but there’s always a glitch in the system eventually. And I don’t want to suffer from phone storage memories and all the other crap that my phone loves to torture me with. And if something goes wrong, my parents arrnt gonna get me a new phone before I finish university (and im still in my alevel) =/ my brain tells me to buy the iphone, but my heart wants the note. ='( what’s the best phone for a girly teenager who likes pretty things and does not want to get stuck with software problems? help please?

    • Former Kool-Aide drinker

      01/25/2013 at 9:24 am

      Sophia, read my post several below this one…I love my NOTE 2…. but if you have small hands, you may want to stick with older technology and go with the iphone 5.

  52. Will

    12/04/2012 at 10:47 am

    Galaxy s3 or note 2

  53. Will

    12/04/2012 at 10:49 am

    Iphone 5 is over rated

  54. Jae

    12/11/2012 at 3:52 pm

    My friend just got the note 2 so I was looking up a comparison, I’m a current iPhone 5 user and am unlikely to switch in the near future. The iPhone is a perfect size, the Note is a bit obnoxious and seems just too large to comfortably carry. That’s my personal opinion, you may love the size of it just fine. Although the Note may be “better” in certain areas, both phones do a fine job in pretty much everything so it comes down to personal preference.

  55. Kenneth Kaan

    12/15/2012 at 7:36 pm

    U really think the iPhone 5 is better its processor might be slower under its aspects but I it’s greatly better then Samsung note 2 It really take a while to get a response in its screen and or any button

  56. Ronnie o sullaivan

    01/21/2013 at 7:58 am

    Dudee , okay note2 is nt a phone its a tablet , oh shit m sorry a phablet !! While i phone 5 is a phone !! Which is any day mre convinient to use !! Dude u like to watch movies and shit , u cant afford for a pc o a tv ??? Why would u wann a note 2 ??? Anyday apple is the best !!

    • hitechguru

      01/21/2013 at 8:25 am

      Best on what???? Cant even get close to what note 2 has to offer . Jealous now! Hahaha! Note2 is the real “SMART PHONE” iphone is just a basic.

    • Note Lover

      01/21/2013 at 3:36 pm

      Does, the Note 2 make calls? Yes, I think it does, so that would make it a phone. Also, It is not convenient to walk around with a tv or pc, hence the Note 2! Galaxy Note 2 blows iPhone out of the water, no ifs, ands or buts about it! Accept it, embrace it and break down and spend a little more money on the better device!

  57. Former Kool-Aide drinker

    01/25/2013 at 9:16 am

    I was one of those people that drank the special Kool-Aide and carried an iphone for a few years. Was torn….do I continue the Apple legacy or try Android and Note 2…. Well decided on a Note 2 and WOW!!! All the people that are commenting that iphones are far behind – I thought it was just fanboy bashing – Not anymore…. Android especially with JB is so much better than IOS. I still carry my old iphone for my personal phone and every time I use it…I wonder how I ever made it for years on that thing. Just to let all know who is reading this… I am not a basher…I do not own one PC – went all Mac several years back. But when it comes to smart-phones, try the newer Androids and compare – I think that many of you will give up the Kool-Aide. My Note 2 blows away iphone.

  58. johana

    01/28/2013 at 3:29 pm

    Well I personal uses to love iphoneS, always buying iphone, but i do have eye problem wish i use glasses to read, thats y i got the samsung galaxy 2 and i tell you is the best think i did. I dont need a tablet because the note 2 has it all perfect for people WITH EYE CONDITION.

    • Note Lover

      03/03/2013 at 7:10 pm

      It is an awesome phone, can say it enough! Best device I’ve ever owned :)

  59. hitechguru

    03/03/2013 at 11:33 pm

    I have this GN2 for 4 mos now, im enjoying and loving lovin it

  60. A1rh3ad

    03/11/2013 at 1:16 pm

    Those are the good things now let me tell you the bad news. When they first released them there was a large amount of them with defective chips that would make the phone randomly brick.
    Theres also an increasing number of people including myself reporting that the phone randomly shuts off and wont turn back on until you take out the battery and put it back in. I had the phone replaced and this one also does it. I mainly had it replaced because the microphone on my first one wasnt working.
    S voice is a glitchy mess. I call it siris redarded cousin. You press the bluetooth button amd sometimes it wont come up until you restart the phone. Sometimes the voice just doesnt recognize. Sometes it comes up and just sits there loading amd doesnt do anything and sometimes it comes up again after it starts dialing.
    It loves to hang…
    The apps pre installed are also a glitchy mess. Chrome is glitchy. Sometimes when you go up to the top of the page for the address bar it doesnt load and you just see black up there. Email app, hell I can’t even get it to work and the people at the store are just as clueless as I.
    Framerate is horrendous. For such a powerful phone I never expected it to drop frames when I do something as simple as swipe to the next homepage. Games run choppy when compared to the iphone side by side. This is a problem with android because well, the os is a cutrate open source beta piece of garbage.

    • Note Lover

      03/11/2013 at 1:35 pm

      That’s a load of garbage! Everything single thing you just complained about, hasn’t happened to me (or a few other people I know that have this phone) at all! Maybe you just happened to get a couple of fluke devices. Out of all the devices I’ve owned, this is the best, top notch! I purchased it the day it was released, have had zero problems and I go through everything on my devices! I will never go back to another kind of Android phone, only Samsung from now on!

      • A1rh3ad

        03/11/2013 at 2:25 pm

        How long have you been using it? Have you ever owned an iphone? These are all common problems.

  61. A1rh3ad

    03/11/2013 at 1:33 pm

    Oh, and chrome sometimes doesnt respond to clicking checkboxes. I had to click the box 3 times just now to get a response
    Split screen only works with the apps included and when I say included I mean the few that are designed for it.

    • hitechguru

      03/11/2013 at 2:10 pm

      True, I experienced a problem on siri or voice command on a blutooth and a sudden sluggish on opening photos before. But I found that some bluetooth device and memory card was the problem. The phone itself has no problem, its the third party device problem. This is still the best smart phone I’ve ever had. I havent use my pc and tablet anymore, the dat 1 I have this gn2, I can do everything on this phablet. The battery is way better than my iphone before.

      • A1rh3ad

        03/11/2013 at 2:28 pm

        Im not usimg any third party devices except the bluetooth.

        • hitechguru

          03/11/2013 at 2:41 pm

          It’s a bluetooth problem I just happened to have 2 different brand of bluetooths one of them wont work perfectly. Ive used the iphone for 3yrs nothing wrong with iphone I love iphone, its really depends on what you need it for. My work now needs more devices to carry and I found the convinience of gn2 and has everything I need more than an iphone so I upgraded. Its really a personal preferences. Im a bit scarred when I gave up my iphone but its so far so great for me on gn2. I will stick to it until it fails me.

  62. Pastor Dameian Battle, MBA

    03/29/2013 at 8:47 pm

    The one suggesting I will make for the Note is a permanent backup battery so that when you do swap out batteries the phone doesn’t have to restart. This way I can charge a battery or two at home and just swap out the battery and never have any down time. Without this option I have to either switch the battery and be down a couple of minutes or charge it and be stuck to the charger for the next 30 minutes (both suck when you want to make a call and move at the sametime.)

    • hitechguru

      03/30/2013 at 10:53 pm

      Sorry no other phones can do what you wishing for until this moment but at the moment the note2 battery is stil better than any other phones in the market

      • Note Lover

        04/10/2013 at 3:02 pm

        Agreed, Note 2 has the best battery of any phone I’ve ever owned.

  63. jatin

    04/28/2013 at 7:59 am

    I agreed note is bigger then I phone 5

  64. Nadja Lopes

    07/15/2013 at 1:29 am

    Apple users are the worst users… IMO

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