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3 Things to Know Before Buying the Samsung Galaxy Note 2

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Despite the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 being the company’s flagships, the Samsung Galaxy Note series also has commanded quite a bit of attention, becoming one of the more popular smartphones on the market. With powerful hardware and software to boot, it’s not surprising to see many consumers with their eyes on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy Note 3. However, the Galaxy Note isn’t a typical smartphone and therefore, consumers should be cautious about buying one.

Shortly after the launch of the original Samsung Galaxy Note, there was quite a bit of skepticism about whether or not this new big-screen smartphone could succeed in light of the failures of other big screen smartphones like the Dell Streak. The device was absolutely massive compared to phones like the iPhone and utilized a stylus, a smart pen accessory that saw its use fade with the arrival of the touch screen. With so many other options, could a device like the Samsung Galaxy Note succeed?

Turns out, it could. The Samsung Galaxy Note, despite only launching on AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S., was one of the biggest surprises of 2011 and 2012 as it sold millions of units across the globe. Seems, people were alright with a smartphone that boasted a 5.3-inch display and a stylus that Samsung calls the S Pen.

The success of the Samsung Galaxy Note turned up the pressure on carriers other than AT&T and T-Mobile to offer the next version of the Galaxy Note, which they did. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon, all carriers of the Galaxy S3, launched the Galaxy Note 2 in late 2012. And like its predecessor, the Galaxy Note 2 has proven to be popular with consumers, even with the larger 5.5-inch display.

And while we’re only a few months into 2013, there are already rumors swirling about the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the successor to the Galaxy Note 2, and a device that is said to have an improved S Pen, Exynos 5 Octa processor and quite possibly, an unbreakable flexible display, all upgrades over the Galaxy Note 2 and the Galaxy Note.

For Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2 owners, the devices have been great purchases. Many future Galaxy Note 3 owners will likely love their device as well. However, before buying in, we want to caution consumers as there are a few reasons why they should think twice about buying the Samsung Galaxy Note whether it’s the Samsung Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2 or the Galaxy Note 3.

Why You Should Think Twice About Buying a Samsung Galaxy Note 2

There is a lot to like about the current Galaxy Note models and there will be a lot to like about the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. However, they aren’t for everyone. In fact, there are some things that should cause some consumers to think twice about buying, even if the hardware and the software are fantastic.

It’s a Monstrosity

Those that are unfamiliar with the Galaxy Note series will want to note that the Galaxy Note models are far away some of the biggest smartphones on the market. The Galaxy Note features a 5.3-inch display, the Galaxy Note 2 a 5.5-inch display. The size of these displays means that the form factor of the phone is massive as well.

To put the sheer size of the Galaxy Note 2 into perspective, take a look at a photo of it next to the iPad mini and the iPhone 5. It dwarfs the iPhone and it’s almost as big as Apple’s smallest tablet.

iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy Note 2 vs. iPad mini.

iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy Note 2 vs. iPad mini.

As we’ve noted, the size and weight of the Galaxy Note 2 makes it far less pocketable than other smaller devices, even the Galaxy S4, which has a display size of 5-inches. What’s more is that the phone is often difficult to use with just one hand. Personally, I have large hands and found it difficult to use the phone with my thumb, let alone my other fingers when clasping it in my hand.

For many people, this won’t be that big of a deal. However, for those with smaller hands, those that already own a tablet, and those that like to easily be able to grip their phone in one hand, the Galaxy Note series is a series to think twice about. It may be a good phone but it’s an absolutely massive phone and one that could prove difficult to deal with.

Longer Waits for Updates

Over the past few weeks, I’ve received emails from frustrated owners of the AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note. The emails have been in regards to the missing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update, an update that rolled out for the international model many weeks ago and one that will be bringing quite a bit new to the table in terms of features.

This of course isn’t the first time that I’ve received emails from angry AT&T Galaxy Note owners. The same thing happened with its Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update which rolled out months after the international model got its upgrade. Simply put, the process of upgrading the Galaxy Note with new versions of software is slow and it will likely continue to be slow.

Read: AT&T Galaxy Note Jelly Bean Release Date Now Total Mystery.

The Galaxy Note 2 is still stuck on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Galaxy Note on AT&T is still on Android 4.0.

The Galaxy Note 2 is still stuck on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Galaxy Note on AT&T is still on Android 4.0.

The Samsung Galaxy Note is a complicated device, in terms of software. It possesses Samsung’s TouchWiz software, which comes with many features, along with the device’s unique S Pen software. Samsung’s Galaxy S series only has TouchWiz and not the unique software as it doesn’t take advantage of a stylus.

While Samsung has never confirmed it, many believe it’s the testing of these features, along with the size of the display, that slows updates for the Galaxy Note. It’s not clear if that is the case but what is clear is that the Galaxy Note series is extremely slow to upgrades. Case in point. the Galaxy Note got Android 4.1 long after its initial arrival in July of last year.

Another example, the fact that the Galaxy Note 2 launched with Android 4.1 but still hasn’t been updated to Android 4.2. U.S. Galaxy Note 2 owners likely won’t get a major Android update within six months of buying the phone. The Samsung Galaxy S3? It got Android 4.1 Jelly Bean two months after Jelly Bean first landed.

So those that are looking for swift, speedy updates should be weary of the Galaxy Note as it typically faces long waits, particularly in the United States where carriers just can’t seem to get it together.

S Pen May Not Be Necessary

Make sure you will use the S Pen before buying.

Make sure you will use the S Pen before buying.

And finally, the S Pen. Consumers looking at new smartphones will want to consider, strongly, whether or not they need the S Pen as it not only adds to the overall price of the Samsung Galaxy Note but it’s also seen the Samsung Galaxy S4 take a little of its thunder.

The S Pen is the Galaxy Note’s unique stylus. It allows users to write and draw on the screen and also take advantage of some unique apps. Some of these are nice to have. S Note for example is a quick way of jotting down notes. Others though, like Idea Sketch, feel gimmicky. In the time I’ve spent with the Galaxy Note, I often forgot all about the stylus, probably because I’ve never been a stylus user. And even when I did remember it, it didn’t make things more efficient in my daily use.

The Galaxy Note 2 also has, or I should say had, a unique feature called Air View that allows owners to hover over content like email, with the S Pen, to get a preview. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has stolen that feature away and takes advantage of it without the need for an S Pen.

Surely, Samsung has some tricks up its sleeve when it comes to the S Pen and its apps on the Galaxy Note 3, but that doesn’t necessarily mean owners will need it or want to use it.

So before buying in, consumers will want to think about whether the S Pen will fit into daily use or if it will constantly be sitting inside of its dock. If the latter is the case, it might be worth checking out the Galaxy S4.

95 Comments

95 Comments

  1. Gary Johnson

    04/08/2013 at 1:49 pm

    ” It dwarfs the iPhone and it’s almost as big as Apple’s smallest tablet.”

    LOL

    Obvious Apple fanboy nonsense.

    The size comparison hyperbole is about the most ludicrous statement I’ve read in some time.

    • nick

      04/09/2013 at 10:27 am

      I know RIGHT…..I mean as I was reading this article I was trying to count in my head all the things I could do with a Galaxy Note 2, that I can not do with the IPhone 5 which I owned for a couple weeks before going back and paying restocking fee to get the Note 2. Mr. Mills you know as does everyone else, including the boys on wallstreet that Apple is being left behind in the smartphone industry; that’s why Apples stock has been dropping as of late, everyone knows Timmy doesnt have what it takes to run the house like Steve did, and continue to foster innovation in Cupertino. I mean just the other day a senior apple developer “let it slip” that Steve Jobs personally may have directly designed the 5S & 6!! Are you kidding me, I think that we all know that is bull$hit. Also lets not forget about apple having to become a patent troll. Fact is, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is the hottest selling phone in America, and when the S4 gets released, it will become the hottest phone in America. Steve Jobs once said he would never make a “big screen phone”, that the 3 1/2 inch IPhone is of perfect size. Well guess what THEY DID!! WHY?? Because they had to in order to compete, and guess what Mr. Mills I garuntee you that when apple releases the long awaited iPhone 6 it will release with a 4.5 inch screen or bigger, wonder what story you will write then sir? I am sure an article on how little your hands are you little bitch

      • Laugher

        04/18/2013 at 6:20 pm

        lol

      • psiddle

        07/13/2013 at 7:38 am

        ^^ Nick = an angry youngster whose self worth is determined by a cell phone. ^^

        • Gil

          07/13/2013 at 9:16 am

          “Nick = an angry youngster …” How do you know? Just because Nick actually had something substantive to say, he is called an angry youngster.

          Obviously you are an iPhone fan and if that works for you, more power to you. As for me the Note 2 is simply the best and most productive in the looonnggg line of hand held devices I have owned over the last 15 years (including the Apple Newton 2, which was a huge expensive disaster and put me off of Apple products for life),

          I have never used an iPhone but I have family who are avid supporters and my Note 2 (and Note 10.1) leaves them stunned for words. Only comment I got from them was … “Apple better come up with something really innovative or we are switching”.

          So come on psiddle, it must be obvious by now that 90% of the comments are in high praise of this amazing Samsung product.

  2. Roger Jones

    04/08/2013 at 2:11 pm

    It is NOT a monstrosity, you must have weak biceps and arm muscles.

    This article is an attempt to paint the biggest advantage of the Note 2 – the S-Pen – as a disadvantage to narrow the gap between it and the Deciduous Fruit Mini.

    The Note 8 is being launched at a premium price because it is premium compared to the Mini. Why, Because Note 2 and 8 users value the form because of the WORK it can do, it’s not a plaything.

  3. mlkaufman

    04/08/2013 at 2:21 pm

    Here’s a friendly piece of advice. If you are going to say, “It dwarfs the iPhone and it’s almost as big as Apple’s smallest tablet.”, then you probably shouldn’t post a picture of the three devices showing it to be much closer to the the size of the iPhone then the iPad Mini.

  4. Will

    04/08/2013 at 2:48 pm

    This article is hilarious

  5. C DEE

    04/08/2013 at 3:07 pm

    Weary should be replaced by “wary”…
    My 1st phone weighed 15 lbs with the extended life battery, the case and the antenna. In today’s world it would be considered a carry-on all by itself. My SNOTE2 is the best business tool I have ever had. Having owned and lived with SNOTE 1 & 2 I am just chomping at the bit to get my SNOTE 3. Long live SNOTEs.

  6. Steve Vincent

    04/08/2013 at 3:26 pm

    Adam Mills does not know how to use Samsung Galaxy Note 2. May be he doesn’t own one.

  7. Bob

    04/08/2013 at 3:29 pm

    What. Load of crap !! This is my second Note and I will NEVER go back to a tiny phone. Who needs an iphone and an ipad to lug around and sync all the time. Always haters.. p.s. fits in my pocket just fine. When you become a man your phone may fit in your pants too !

    This is what Steve Jobs should have made from day one.

    • Lang

      06/11/2013 at 4:35 am

      haha, he did! it is called a NEWTON!

    • Jay Krishnan

      08/03/2013 at 10:07 am

      The real reason why Iphones are small maybe because Apple want no cannibal competition to Ipad. The real reason why Apple sued Samsung maybe that Sam’s big phones have the potential to bridge that gap that Apple intended to keep to save a product line called Ipad. Having a galaxy s3 liberates me from having a tab / ipad. It can never be a laptop replacement, but yes i tend to use my laptop lesser. Im yearning for a pocket-able laptop replacement – Note 2 may do it

  8. Gil

    04/08/2013 at 4:44 pm

    I must say the author looks like he is trying to disuade people before they have a chance to decide for themselves.

    I have a Note 10.1 and loved it so much that I got the Note 2. I can transfer notes from my phone to my Tablet and visa versa and be fully compatable.

    The S Pen is a delight to use. The size is absolutely no problem. I can use it single handed, but my choice is to hold it in my left hand and use my finger or Spen.

    Writing a text message or emailing a hand written note is amazing. After using it for almost a month now, when I pick up my wife’s Galaxy S3, it feels puny.

    Big fan of the Note family. Can’t wait to see the Note3 in action.

    PS: The comparison with iPhone and iPad mini makes me wonder just how much of a threat the Note is to Apple.

    • Gil

      04/09/2013 at 6:51 am

      I wanted to add to my comments above, that this is the best phone I have ever owned. I had several versions of the earlier windows phones and handheld pc’s with styluses. Then came Android ans I loved my Droid Charge but missed the stylus. The S Pen takes a smart phone to a whole new level of functionality. ie: S Pen shortcuts and the many tips you can find on youtube. Amazing.

      Adam should have researched the Note 2 properly before trying to make it look inferior to an iPhone. I love apples. They are good to eat.

  9. Kurt Hektek

    04/08/2013 at 4:45 pm

    This is one of the most idiotic reviews ever! This is just propaganda for the i-fool faithful, the best features he tries to make into a liability also he needs to stop shopping at Baby Gap and get some. adult pants with real pockets, what a cry-baby!

  10. Mark

    04/08/2013 at 5:02 pm

    Gasp; its huge!! A monstrosity!! THAT’S WHY I BOUGHT IT. Duh…..

    • addie

      04/08/2013 at 5:33 pm

      Lol love your reply I feel the same way

      • Gary Johnson

        04/08/2013 at 7:31 pm

        I always laugh about the “might not be pocketable” issue. I’m 5’4″ (men’s small) and I can put the Note II in all my shirt and pants pockets just fine. If the author has a problem then he must still be in the lower grades. I hope he realizes that by the time he grows into boys 18 or 20 sizes, he should be just fine.

        • hameed

          11/03/2013 at 6:10 am

          I agree u

          • Nugu

            12/15/2013 at 5:01 am

            Whatever this guy is writting is mere nosense. If you have nothing to write mr Mill, buy your preferred outdated iphone and shutup. You are writting falsehoods that potrays your stupidity.

    • Christal

      04/08/2013 at 8:19 pm

      Lol. Thats funny. Duuhhh! Im thinking of waiting for note 3 to go bigger.

  11. u

    04/08/2013 at 7:27 pm

    Love my note 2 … Iphone sux its boring they keep comin out with the same thing … iphone5 : An xtra row of icons! Lol what a joke.

  12. pat

    04/08/2013 at 7:36 pm

    100 reasons to think about before to buy a iphone …just comparish it with a note 2

    • stinko

      05/08/2013 at 9:41 pm

      what?!?!?!?

  13. Tom S.

    04/08/2013 at 8:12 pm

    Exaggerate much? This is a ridiculous article!

  14. Travis

    04/08/2013 at 9:06 pm

    I enjoy my Note 2 immensely. And, yes, I could even go bigger. In fact my next phone set-up may be a simple flip phone and a 7 inch tablet combined. Guess I’ll need a pouch to carry them in.

  15. timi

    04/08/2013 at 9:06 pm

    I have read many reviews warning about the “pocketability” issue of note or note 2. But never heard a complain about it in real life. I don’t mean just note owners. Im talking about 10 to 15 iphone 5 owners I discussed with. Almost all discussions ended in the same way. We agreed that iphone 5 is a great phone and note 2 is a great “mini computer”. Nobody mentioned the pocketability. Those who bought it later never complained about what almost all reviewers are warning us.
    I’m not saying that note 2 is for everyone. Many people wold be satisfied with s3 size.
    Final thoughts. There is no pocketability problem with note 2. Just read the comments of the readers in every “POCKET MANIA” note 2 review. End of story.

    • pat

      04/08/2013 at 10:19 pm

      Yes you are right, note2 or s4,s3 ,but the consumers are able to chose .litle example;sinds september the i5 came out apple sold 3 times more 4s then i5 so i guess they think 3 times before buying.end/story.

  16. Lee

    04/08/2013 at 9:29 pm

    Adam, do you honestly think readers will respect your views after reading this article? You are pointing out its size and S-Pen as reasons not to buy… Are you serious? Those features are the primary reason people buy it. Btw – stating that the Note 2 is nearly the size of an ipad mini is way over exaggerated, you did look at the side by side picture right?

  17. Roger Jones

    04/08/2013 at 11:41 pm

    “Is that a Note 2 in your trousers or are you just glad to see me?”

    I have small hands/fingers and have no problems with using the Note 2. As Lee says, the S-Pen is one of the MAIN reasons why it is so popular. It strikes me Mr Mills has been briefed to destroy the MONSTROSITY that is the S-Pen, the Deciduous Fruit Company is running scared.

    Wait till the Note 8 arrives, it’s going to find a lot of new buyers who find it useful for taking notes and doing REAL WORK and the occasional movie.

    The Note 8 dimensions are almost exactly the same size is the medium/middle Moleskine notebook, easy to put into a jacket pocket or cargo/combat slacks. This could end up impacting Moleskine sales as well as the Mini for discerning buyers.

  18. wainevines

    04/09/2013 at 2:07 am

    If you think Phyllis`s story is unimaginable,, 2 weaks-ago my daughter in law basically also actually earnt $6640 just sitting there a fourty hour month at home and the’re neighbor’s mother-in-law`s neighbour done this for seven months and actually earnt more than $6640 in their spare time from a labtop. follow the advice at this website…….. https://m3mi.com/3551

  19. banjo

    04/09/2013 at 5:30 am

    Maybe Adam had a dead line to meet? He met it with a dead brain article. Totally rediculous statements and irrelevant, misleading information. I don’t think that I’ll be paying much attention to this fella again.

  20. Brian

    04/09/2013 at 7:02 am

    I bought this phone and I absolutely love it! Beware though. . The screen will crack very easily,… I dropped it from about 2 or 3 feet from ground and screen broke :-/

  21. wndrstrck

    04/09/2013 at 10:51 am

    Almost as big as an iPad mini is probably where most people should stop reading and question the validity of this article. The Note 2 measures around 18.8 inches square compared to the iPad at a whopping 41 inches square. Obviously someone failed in mathematics along with the ability to be objective :-)

  22. Andrea

    04/09/2013 at 11:08 am

    Don’t get me wrong. I have a ipod and ipad but for a smartphone I use for work and play, I want a decent sized screen and customization. Iphone doesn’t have that. It’s so simple it’s an upgraded Jitterbug.

  23. fkcku

    04/09/2013 at 11:17 am

    Misguided article..only 25% devices has 4.1 and we got leaks like may or june 4.2 update will be there. ..then how cum they can say slow in updates and if its carrier oriented they should not mentioned in common ways..waste of time reading this..

  24. xchaosxpunkx

    04/09/2013 at 11:30 am

    Well guys, as a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 user, we know what are the reasons of buying this superb phablet and for those who didn’t, they might not know why they should think more than once. Perhaps, being a super fan of one brand make him proud and feeling great already however he might forget that the brand he’s admiring is using more than a few parts by Samsung. Since the first iPhone till iPad, the technology used are actually created by Samsung and FYI, this is fact. So, pls think deeper before you start to write another review about our beloved phablet just because you are a puny iPhone5 lover. iPhone always want us to follow the thing they made however Android always give us a space to choose about what are the things we wanted. I believe he just lost one side of his brain. LOL. Viva La Notes and Android.

  25. Note2Lover

    04/09/2013 at 11:37 am

    Totally agreed with fkcku and xchaosxpunkx. Ignore him. He’s stupid. I’m thinking to eat another side of the brain he has now.

  26. kmword

    04/09/2013 at 11:55 am

    I think he needs to remind people how it makes texting by swiping very easy and yes im talking about the s pen.It really makes it eazy to text if you have big fingers plus the ability to jot down little notes so its very handy indeed.Maybe he should rethink his article.

  27. Big1011Guy

    04/09/2013 at 12:08 pm

    I am 6’2″ and 275lbs and I believe the Samsung Note 2 and it’s size – is the best device out there. Oh yea, and my eye sight sucks – so the big screen makes it easy to read emails, text, etc…
    Finally a company made a device for us big and blind old farts.
    Big1011Guy

  28. Mowl

    04/09/2013 at 12:21 pm

    Simple….. stupid…….. Lol

  29. Jeremy Rearnakedchoke Kreamer

    04/09/2013 at 12:51 pm

    Had my note 2 for a month now and would change for nothing that coming from the galaxy s3 so these folks who write there articles of there there opinions are only to them selfs…..!!!

  30. Randy

    04/09/2013 at 12:53 pm

    I find this article interesting. The author talks about updates being slow. I have both a Note 2 and an S3, well my wife has the S3. My Note 2 received an update to 4.1.2 right out of the box while my wife’s S3 is still running 4.1. AT&T does take a long time to role out updates no matter the phone especially the size of it . There are so many Android devices this author could have used to show the size, but using Apple products just shows that the author ads his bias opinion and would attack any Android phone that is in the lead position.

  31. eureka

    04/09/2013 at 1:03 pm

    Woman checking in with average sized hands for a female. I have no problems using the phone and I don’t even bother with switching to one hand operation. Love and use the S pen. The author should just suggest trying the phone out in a store. No reason for the scare tactic.

    • Randy

      04/09/2013 at 2:55 pm

      I completely agree. I love my Note II. I have medium sized hands and have no issues. I too do not use one hand operation on my Note II.

  32. Andy J

    04/09/2013 at 1:54 pm

    3 things to think about before reading an Adam Mills article.
    1. He apparently has extremely small hands.
    2. His maths is abysmal.
    3. His spelling isn’t brilliant.
    Oh – and he apparently knows very little about what he writes about.

  33. JD

    04/09/2013 at 2:48 pm

    This is a stupid review from someone who has not even bothered to get to know the phone at all. Really, it’s opinionated garbage.

  34. eddie

    04/09/2013 at 3:36 pm

    This guys is completely confused. What a waste of my eye balls reading that babble. If you dont like the pen, dont buy the phone. Ive written over 500 pages of notes on my phone and this guy says the pen is useless. Get in school, become a doctor, and see how useless writing notes is for you. Then having the ablility to send them to drop box and review them again next semester, priceless. Sorry we dont all just sit at our desk trying to regurgitate ideas to write about. Get another career cause this ones just not for you. Many people change careers in their life time. You should consider it or at least try not to post comparison pictures.

  35. nadia

    04/09/2013 at 6:28 pm

    Utter garbage… I tried a colleague i5 just last week.. and made me love my note 2 big ass even more..

  36. JC

    04/09/2013 at 6:56 pm

    Sorry Adam, but all the reviews have been spot on. Love my Note 2, and I got it because of the great big size of a screen which is bigger then my psp screen; love playing games on my Note 2, as well as the unforgettable s-pen. I just love the S-note functionality. As soon as I take out the s-pen my s-note appears and I can jot something down while on a call, or in a app, or on the Internet, and as soon as I put the s-pen back in its cradle the Note automatically saves and closes. There are so many other things you can do with the great and powerful Note 2, this is the best phone I’ve ever had by far; Because of all the fabulous reviews, the simplicity of a consumers decision on what phone they should now get is no where near problematic. Long live the NOTE 2…;-)

  37. ED

    04/09/2013 at 7:31 pm

    How much money did Apple pay you to write this garbage opinion? You obviously don’t know what you’re talking about.

    • Brandon

      04/11/2013 at 12:27 pm

      Amen my brother

  38. sean

    04/10/2013 at 4:04 am

    My only complaint of this phone is the SD card fiasco. I purchased an external sdcard but the software isn’t recognized because of some infighting between Samsung and some other company. As much as I enjoy this phone I will be rethinking buying anything from Samsung.

    • Roger Jones

      04/10/2013 at 5:13 am

      I have not had a SD card problem, inserted a micro 64Gb Sandisk.

      I’m working in Uganda and I just came back from yet another meeting where all three of us were using Note 2.

    • Gil

      04/10/2013 at 7:41 am

      My SD card works just fine. You may have bought the wrong type of SD card. It’s not just the storage capacity of the card that is important, but the speed. You should have at least a Class 6 but a Class 10 is recommended. Class 10 is currently the golden standard in Micro SD cards with minimum 10MB/s speeds. This allows you to shoot HD video while taking stills at the same time. Also many apps can run off of an SD card, allowing you to save storage on the phone, but you need a class 10 to function properly.

    • Gil

      04/10/2013 at 7:47 am

      The thought struck me that Adam may be getting just what Gottabemobile wants … VISITOR TRAFFIC. Look at the response he got to his article. We all reacted to his biased opinion, if he had given a glowing report, we would have smiled and agreed and gone on to another site.

      But all of us are getting emails daily and returning to the site to respond to or read others posts. What a great strategy to get lots of free traffic. Notice the Google ads and other carriers ads etc. These are all revenue producing. Maybe we have just been had. Adam has not come back to defend his opinion. Just a thought.

  39. Craig Boylstein

    04/10/2013 at 9:26 am

    I have had a Note 2 since early December 2012. It is the first smart phone I have had, but personally I didn’t want to have a smart phone and a tablet to carry around – it seemed redundant. Most smart phone screens aren’t large enough for me to personally enjoy the internet, TV, movies, Youtube, etc. – this phone does provide the best of both worlds. For people who want to look cool and fit in and carry around their iphone and ipad so be it. I’ll stick with my Note 2 for the time being. I do thank Samsung for at least pushing Apple to think about innovating further.

  40. big1011guy

    04/10/2013 at 9:54 am

    Apple Products are great products for those with an Ego and Must Keep Up With The Jones – While the Samsung Note 2 is for those Unique People that Have The Capability Of Thinkin’ Outside The Box – Nuff’ Said !!!!

  41. vyom sahu

    04/10/2013 at 11:06 am

    All nonsense article about note 2. I’m its owner from past 1 year and its the best phone I ever have.i can read better, s note and planner fantastic… awesome to browse and use keyboard. ..just play viedio and take photo notes as I have to do at site …its really replaced almost my laptop. ..useless article definitely apple fanboy

  42. James Miller

    04/10/2013 at 11:40 am

    not a good review. love my phablet. I would even consider the tab 8 if it has phone capabilities.

  43. Brandon

    04/11/2013 at 12:21 pm

    Wow Mr Mills I read your article and then the comments and the masses have spoken. Why don’t you release a article about the 100 reasons why you should get the galaxy note 2. It is bigger, stronger, has more memory, more features, and longer battery life than the iphone. I have a galaxy note and I would never swap it out for a iphone. Adress that…..sir

  44. ddfen dana

    04/12/2013 at 3:59 am

    Today samsung announced even larger lower powered phablet.I am waiting for the note 3 as soon as my ATT contract is up

  45. Tom Andersson

    04/12/2013 at 2:08 pm

    Just WOW. So much for this site having any credibility.
    Bye GBM, I don’t think I’ll be back anymore. There are too many reputable sites to bother with one that is so far out of touch with reality.

  46. yousseph

    04/13/2013 at 7:45 am

    wasted my time reading this article. I love the gakaxy note 2 and looking forward to buy the note 3. Useless article. And no the note 2 is not about the size of the ipad mini. What a shameful review.

  47. Junk Johnson

    04/24/2013 at 10:54 am

    I have had small phones and I always lose them lol. My note 2 comes tomorrow and I am glad that it is big, so maybe I can keep track of it.
    Apple users bye things just for the name, not for the quality.

  48. FocusA1

    04/27/2013 at 6:32 pm

    I was an iphone lover only. Protected it like I birthed it. I still have the very first version stored away in its original box . I decided to try the Galaxy Note11. I still stand by Apple But I have to say unless it is something very major gone wrong I will stay with the Galaxy Note 11/111/what ever . I love the size . it handles perfect. The S Pen is so easy to use. The pictures are beautiful. I cant even begin to tell you how many things that can be done with the Galaxy Note 11 that the iphone does not do.I am not electronically inclined, although I wish I was, but it is easy to manipulate from screen to screen and figure out what you want to do. It has so many APPS. I was told that I would not like the transition from the Iphone and would bring it back before my trial was up. Truth is I have loved it from the day I bought my Galaxy Note 1. The features are awesome.
    Thank you Samsung. Sorry Apple but I still like you.

    FocusA1

  49. kingsley

    04/27/2013 at 9:57 pm

    Iphone 4 and Snote 1&2 which one is preferable

    • Gil

      04/28/2013 at 1:01 pm

      Depends on your need. If you only need basics, ie: email, web, games, then either iPhone or note2 will work (Note 1 is old. ) But if taking notes, making annotions on photos, being able to work on 2 or 3 aps simultaneously, then Note 2 is the way to go. There are 24 plus apps that can be used in multitasking. You could open all 24 in cascade mode, but that would not be practical. The S Pen is invaluable and an amazing tool. You can even send hand written email and text messages.

      The size of the note2, makes viewing a web page or reading a book far more pleasant than on an iPhone. I have a note 2 and 10.1 and use them all day long. With Android 5.0 upgrade coming to the note 2 some time this year, this phone will be even better. Hope that helps you make a decision.

      • Roger J

        04/28/2013 at 1:21 pm

        I have had my Note 2 since December (replaced stolen S2) and have been keen on the Note 8.

        However, after using the Note 2 more and more with the S-Pen, I have also bought a Note 10.1 for note-taking at work, it’s just that much more space.

        So, out-and-about, it’s the Note 2. For work and meetings, the Note 10.1, For web surfing in the evenings, it’s the 10.1.

  50. Fred F (Not flintstone)

    05/04/2013 at 6:58 pm

    I’ve had my Note 2 for a few months, and I really like it. I think it depends on what person plans to use the device for. If it’s used work first and entertainment second the Note 2 (in my opinion) will always win. This device (it’s more than a phone) comes loaded with features other devices don’t have and must be added on as using an app. As for the size, we can adapt to that.

  51. Mahen

    05/05/2013 at 12:23 am

    when the first generation ipod touch landed I I wanted Apple to make an ipod touch double the size of itself…meaning toipod touches sitting one beside the other landscape fashion.I wanted to read pdf files and an ipod touch would have been amazing double the size of itself…I wrote to apple about it …no reply…I also went to the apple store in Regent Street , London…and spoke to one of the staff..who said apple researched rhe market and the ipod touch was the perfect size for the market they had in their vision….be that as it may…I used the ipod touch for a very long time to read files in the ibooks app and of course to listen to my music all the while wishing that someone in Apple would see sense and bring.out a larve screen gadget….NO SUCH LUCK…..
    GUESS WHAT SAMSUNG BROUGHT OUT NOTE1 AND THEN A NOTE 2…….GUESS WHAT ….I AM A VERY HAPPY OLD BOY…NOW I HAVE GREAT FUN READING FILES TO MY HEART’S CONTENT….THE LARGE SCREEN HAS ALL THE AMAZING QUALITIES OF A SMALL SCREEN PLUS MANY MANY MORE THAT A SMALL SCREEN DOES NOT AND WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO PROVIDE….
    MUCH POWER TO SAMSUNG TO CARRY ON PROVIDING THE WORLD WITH LARGE PHOBLETS(((((THAT IS MY WORD FOR PHABLETS)))).I am looking forward to the Galaxy Note 3.In the meantime I am using both ,my Note and Note 2.
    I forgot to say I am also happy to use the Note as a phone .
    Thanks

    • stinko

      05/08/2013 at 10:09 pm

      bluh bluh!! i am a vampire arrrrrghh!!

  52. David

    05/25/2013 at 10:43 am

    I have a problem with my galaxy note two n7100 when am playing a video keeps on restarting it’s self it seated when i was playing you tube that err came in i try ed soft ware update still some case.

    • emadul

      06/06/2013 at 10:05 am

      Hi.

      I bought a note 2 7100 from dubai. Now it does not start. It stucks showing model screen. Local Samsung service center can not help. Any suggestions

  53. L Gilland

    06/04/2013 at 3:20 pm

    I am extremely happy with my Note 2. I was once an iPhone user but had to go another direction due to poor reception. I changed to a phone with a uma chip to enable me to use my wifi for network connection. I wanted the Note 2 first, but tmobile didn’t carry it at the time of my change, so I opted for the galaxy s3. Loved it, but I really wanted the larger screen. I now have it since tmobile now carries it. It’s my most favorite phone thus far! The size has not been an issue. It fits fine in my back pockets, and the phone has settings that can allow one-handed typing by shifting the keyboard to either the far left, or far right of the screen. I do not, however, use the stylus. It’s a nice feature, but I personally, don’t need it. The only reason I would switch, would be if the Note 3 features are more intriguing to me, or if the Note 8 with network (phone) capabilities came to the United States. Then I wouldn’t carry a cell phone. I rarely use my phones calling feature, but text all the time. I have nothing against the iPhone. I actually love and own many Apple products. It’s just too bad Steve Jobs died. That, in my opinion, will be Apples Achilles Heel.

  54. mcarter634

    06/09/2013 at 8:48 pm

    I own both a Galaxy Note 2 and a Galaxy 10.1and I use them both equally all day long! The size of the Note 2 has never been a problem since playing with it in the store. In fact the large screen size and S Pen are what attracted me to the Phablet in the first place, as it does for many. Just recently, I was taking a photo with the Note 2, and a gentleman who happen to notice, asked me which phone it was, and how great he thought the phone looked! He told his wife that he had to have one!

    Don’t let an article like this dissuade you from this Smartphone, go into a store and try it out for yourself!

    • Roger J

      06/09/2013 at 10:51 pm

      My S2 was stolen in December last year by which time I had seen a colleague using the Note 1 and had already decided that I would look at the Note model when the time came to replace my S2 (PAYG, sim-free because I work abroad most of the time). So before Christmas I had already got my Note 2.

      I was going to get the Note 8 for taking handwritten notes at meetings, doing diagrams, sketches etc. However I decided to get the Note 10.1 which my wife brought out at the end of April when she joined me here in Uganda. It is great and now holds all my work notes, no more Moleskine or other notebooks for me (the Note 2 has replaced my Moleskine pocket book)

      As you say, it’s the S-Pen as an active digitiser that it is the KEY distinguishing feature and I am perplexed why most reviewers do not mention that early on in their reviews – some don’t mention at all!

      Jobs/Apple missed out badly by not having an active digitiser pen for the iPad (I got an iPad in April last year, grew disillusioned after six months and stopped using it the day I got my Note 2). They should have known better, the 2003 Windows tablets were using such a device.

      • Gil Browne

        06/10/2013 at 5:43 am

        Roger, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I bought the Note 10.1 in August 2012 and loved it from day one. The S Pen being the main feature that made me decide over the Asus TF300. It became even better when I got the Android Jellybean upgrade. Then the Note 2 arrived and I upgraded my smart phone. And also loved it from day one. The size is one of it’s most attractive features.

        And don’t be fooled by the nay sayers quoting iPhone’s retina screen resolution (made by Samsung FYI) The Note 2 screen rocks. My brother and his wife, both avid iPhone fans, kept remarking how beautiful the Note 2 screen was.

        These two pieces of equipment have been a boon and I use them all day long for everything. Even connecting to my laptop and using my video editing and web site software.

        I have nothing bad to say about both units. Quite frankly, the best and most useful electronics I have owned. Looking forward to the enhancements that will arrive with Android 5 – Key Lime Pie.

        • Roger J

          06/10/2013 at 6:34 am

          Hello Gil, great minds think alike, fools seldom . . . . . !!

          Is that Cape Town in the photo attached to your name/post? I lived in SA (Durban, PE and Joburg) from age 11 for 36 years, home now in uk, but last 16 years have been spent in A to Z, currently in Uganda for at least two years. My S2 was stolen in a sports bar in December in Zanzibar while watching rugby on TV!

          I want to look at using my Note 10.1 as a virtual whiteboard attached to monitor or even a TV screen. So far I have been using S-Note on my Note 2 for quick and dirty notes, and now on the 10.1 I am trying out Papyrus. I have not yet tried out handwriting recognition, may have a go later, main thing is to get stuff written down/captured.

          • Gil Browne

            06/10/2013 at 7:15 am

            Roger, Yes that is Cape Town. I was born in Joburg, and lived in PE for years. Now living in the US for the past 22 yrs. PE is a great city. I miss the beaches.

            The 10.1 hooked to a big screen TV via HDMI adapter works great. The hand writing recognition with sPen is phenominal. Handwriting a text is a so quick & easy. By the way, try your 10.1 Spen on your Note 2, it’s a lot smoother.

        • Roger J

          06/11/2013 at 9:03 pm

          Gil, I’d like to keep in touch without GBM as i can learn much from you re Notes, and also exchange memories of PE etc.

          I can be found on rhj1947 on an email service called gmail.com.

          BTW, my Note2 has a Zagg protective shield on the glass, This sometimes seems to lsow down writing, but at least it’s well-protected. I have another make of protector on the 10.1, working well.

          I will try the 10.1 pen on the Note 2.

          Cheers,

          Roger

  55. Chad

    06/11/2013 at 1:20 pm

    The Note 2 is just awesome There’s nothing eles , to Say!!

  56. Chad

    06/11/2013 at 1:23 pm

    IPhone has nothing on the Note 2, there not even in the Same. class or level SO hate on Something different k !!

  57. Nita Bolden

    06/13/2013 at 3:13 pm

    I had an I phone and it sucks ass having to keep plugin it up to the computer just to do the basic stuff I love my note 2 &waiting on note 3 im hook so say what you want bout it but you should really get 1 and try it be4 you talk shit bout it………

    • Kathy

      10/23/2013 at 11:21 am

      True. I sold my ipod then ipad 2. All I want do is just to transfer my photos to my Mac Pro. It really sucks with that Itune and synchronize function, it deleted my photos in my Mac. While in Android, it is such simple task, you can do whatever you like trasfering folders, downloading. I still like Apples design ,performance and reliability. But it was just so stubborn. Unless they change, never want go there. My Mac is ok, as I not use it much, mainly use it as wireless internet host, realiable and safe. And connect with my TV so can play video on my TV.

  58. Tarak

    06/14/2013 at 2:42 am

    It is over 1 year now i am a user of a original Galaxy Note and in one word i can say about the Galaxy note is it’s ” AWESOME ” and this article ‘ SUCKS”

  59. rahul

    06/18/2013 at 3:59 am

    LOL in which angle is note 2 looking as big as ipad mini???

    And note 2 is not making iphone dwarf…. iPhone IS dwarf :D

  60. Mary Wheeler

    06/29/2013 at 8:30 pm

    I’m looking to get out of an Iphone and am wondering why everyone is telling me that I wont be able to get my company email on a Galaxy Note. Can someone explain why one smart phone can and others supposedly cant?

  61. Danny

    07/28/2013 at 5:37 pm

    Well ive been using the iphone from the 1st Gen to the i5 l… and guess what I changed to SNote 2, and I love this phone so much… love the big screen size easy to see and watching drama movie, love it running fast, love the S-pen perfect to play Draw Something lol. In fact, the i5 so easy to crack the screen, I dropped my SNote 2 while running and there are just a lil bit scratches on the size and not even have any scratch on the screen. Moreover, the iphone is getting boring be cause they all look the same and nothing new. Btw Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 inches and S4 zoom will coming out soon… cant wait for it.
    Anyway, apple need to do some innovation to be a top selling phone again. You need to go BIG or you will go DOWN.

  62. Nischal

    08/22/2013 at 5:50 pm

    It gets heated up pretty fast…..other than that its a fantastic phone!!

  63. Jack

    09/18/2013 at 3:03 pm

    I think the size of the Note 2 is ok. The Galaxy Note 3 is bigger but very small when compared to the Galaxy Mega 6.3!

  64. Kathy

    10/23/2013 at 11:07 am

    The author view is true and reasonable, however the size of the phone is the main reason I went for note 2. What a use of a phone has so many function but the size is too small to play with. If there want portable to fit in pocket, just get a cheap phone not smart phone. Now I am thinking to get more bigger one. Samsung Galaxy note 8. 8 inch! Yes I hardly use S pen. But it doesnt hurt to have it. I definately will think to use it on Note 8. As currently it is too small to write on note 2.But I wish Samsung product quality more stable, as I heard in some area like in China have too many problems. Apple product is attractive in appearance but useless in heart. It is so confusing and difficult in transfer file by synchronize in Itune. As far as they keeping this way, I am not changing my heart no matter how good they appeared to be. As my phone is like my personal assistant, smart and friendly is the most important.

  65. faisal

    12/10/2013 at 3:17 am

    hi how to find samsung note 2 is it original or duplicate…in kuwait in the market china and viatnam both available…both models under original waranty one year plz let me know which one is original..

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