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Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Galaxy Note 3 or Galaxy Note 2 Right Now

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Those who aren’t sold on the S Pen and its features should seriously consider holding off on buying the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 right now.

In August of 2012, Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 2, an upgraded version of its Galaxy Note, a device that some call a “phablet” due to its size and its features. Last year, Samsung replaced the Galaxy Note 2 with a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 3, a device that utilizes a brand new design, an improved display, newer software, and more.

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the company’s current flagship Galaxy Note model and it will remain the flagship until the company unleashes the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Galaxy Note 4 rumors put the device’s release later in the year which means that the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 2 will be the Galaxy Note models that consumers encounter on their hunt for a new smartphone.

With big name smartphones on the horizon, we’re starting to hear questions about certain devices and whether they are smart buys at the moment. Two of the devices we’ve been asked about are the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, two solid smartphones that reside on a number of carriers in the United States.

For the moment, there are a good number of people that should avoid buying both the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 2. Those who absolutely must have the S Pen stylus for writing and drawing and for its unique applications are safe to buy, we recommend the Galaxy Note 3, but those who are on the fence would be wise to avoid both models for the foreseeable future and here’s why.

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The Samsung Galaxy S5 launch is imminent. Rumors point to a launch on February 24th in Barcelona, Spain at Mobile World Congress. It’s there that the company is expected to reveal the Galaxy S4 successor and a device that could very well land on shelves by the end of April. This is the first reason why these two should be avoided for the time being.

Premium flagship smartphones only come out once a year which means that right now is considered to be the calm before the storm. Not only is the Samsung Galaxy S5 launching in just a few short days but we also have a brand new HTC M8 that is set to arrive in March as well. These are sure to be two of the best Android smartphones of the year and prospective Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note 2 buyers would be wise to wait and see what they’re all about. The Galaxy S5 in particular.

Obviously, it’s going to come with some likeable, powerful features. Rumors point to a gorgeous display, sharper than the Galaxy S4’s. They also point to a 5.2-inch screen which is only .5-inches smaller than the Galaxy Note 3’s and .3-inches smaller than the Galaxy Note 2’s. It should also boast a camera that bests the cameras on the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 2.

The Galaxy S5 design is up in the air, but expect a lot of attention on the back cover.

The Galaxy S5 design is up in the air, but expect a lot of attention on the back cover.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 will most likely come with many of the features found on the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note 2. That includes the Multi-Window View function, that includes the fantastic camera application, and that includes Air View touch less gesture functionality that is said to be improved on the Galaxy S5.

The only software features that likely won’t come to the Galaxy S5 are some of the unique applications that are powered by the S Pen. Apps like S Note. Those who may be interested in the S Pen only need to wait a few more weeks before they can compare the Galaxy S5 software to the software found on Samsung’s Galaxy Note models. An informed decision is always the best decision.

What’s more is that a report claims that Samsung is at least entertaining the idea of a cheaper Samsung Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S4 arrived for $199.99, or $100 cheaper than the Galaxy Note 3, and it appears that the Galaxy S5 could be even cheaper than that, right from the start. We feel like that’s something worth waiting for as well.

There is also a very good chance that we could see carriers and retailers drop the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note 2 price tags to match up better with the Galaxy S5. It’s not guaranteed but we tend to see prices dip after big announcements and releases. This will benefit those that don’t fall in love with what the Galaxy S5 has to offer.

And yes, the Galaxy S5 is more than likely going to arrive on a number of carriers. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon are all rumored but more importantly, we should see regional carriers and pre-paid carriers offer the Galaxy S5 in the weeks to come. This is important because the Galaxy Note series simply is not available outside of the five major carriers.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 should offer those who don’t wish to go to a larger carrier the option of heading somewhere else. Having that choice would just be another perk of waiting for Samsung’s big announcement on Monday.

So here’s the deal. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 2 are both solid phones. The Galaxy Note 3 is a better phone thanks to its hardware and software upgrades and the fact that it’s a year younger. That means longer software support.

A high-resolution 2560 x 1440 resolution display could be a flagship feature.

A high-resolution 2560 x 1440 resolution display could be a flagship feature.

The thing is, neither of these devices is going anywhere. They will be around in the days, weeks and months after the Samsung Galaxy S5 arrives. By waiting a week for the Samsung Galaxy S5, prospective Galaxy Note buyers will open up at least one more option and one that could potentially blur the features of the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note and perhaps come with a large display and a cheaper price tag.

If you can wait a week or so, wait a week or so before buying a device. Who knows, the Galaxy S5 might just become your next smartphone. Perhaps not. Even if it isn’t what you’re looking for, least you can say that you waited, examined all of the facts, and made an extremely well informed decision before settling on your next device.

35 Comments

35 Comments

  1. Steph

    02/18/2014 at 3:04 pm

    Wish I’d seen this before I selected my new Galaxy Note 3 this weekend! :) I’m still happy with the choice – I kept my last phone, an HTC Inspire for 3 years, so as long as this one performs reliably (and (I don’t crack that gorgeous screen) it should keep me happy for a while.

    • danny

      12/01/2015 at 4:27 pm

      go to amazon and buy tempered glass screen protector

  2. Mike Ciebien

    02/18/2014 at 4:31 pm

    I’ve used the spen like twice. I bought this phone for the massive screen and powerful hardware. I’m sure the s5 will be awesome but most features will be the same so I’ll stick with the screen real estate

  3. marty

    02/18/2014 at 8:15 pm

    The S5 is another phone. Not a smarter or more practical phone. If you don’t buy the Note it won’t be because the S5 is better. It will be due to the fact that you don’t need the Note.

  4. bop

    02/19/2014 at 2:14 am

    This is true *thumbs up* ..i’ve had the Note 3 from day one aswell as the Note 2 and before that the S3 and S2 but would have to say im deffinetly stuck on the Note series for now. I want the biggest screen possible with the option of removavle battery and microSD plus the top shelf hardware that goes into the Note series. No other brand offers all this, FULL STOP! That is why I love the Note line :)

  5. Bloods (@codbloods)

    02/19/2014 at 2:17 am

    I don’t what this guy is on but none of the new phones out this year will beat the Note 3 for perfect screen size that I can still use one handed. Until the Note 4 comes out.

  6. James Heath

    02/19/2014 at 2:36 am

    Yet another stupid article….. I love my Note 3, and use the s-pen regular. I’ll never, ever go back to a small screen. And that’s what the Note is all about. Comparing the upcoming S5 and Note 3 is like comparing Chapagne and Cider! :)

  7. James Heath

    02/19/2014 at 2:38 am

    champagne and cider – damn predictive text !

  8. Anonymous

    02/19/2014 at 2:39 am

    Article about nothing

  9. marc damron

    02/19/2014 at 3:22 am

    Wow poorly written article. How many times did the author have to say don’t buy the note 2 or 3

  10. David Rudolph

    02/19/2014 at 3:39 am

    Nothing comes close to the note series. I have the note 3 and very happy with it. My next phone will come out in October and its called the note 4.

  11. Joe Newton (@jnewton3d)

    02/19/2014 at 3:56 am

    Agreed: poorly written article about nothing.

  12. Alan

    02/19/2014 at 4:18 am

    NOTE 3. Yes yes. Wouldn’t. Give it back for good world

  13. Bo Slater

    02/19/2014 at 5:05 am

    I am an IT Director and have access to any phone out there. I had the Note 2 for nine months and it was excellent. I have had the Note 3 for four months and it is spectacular.

    One of the few technological improvements worth waiting for in the next generation of smartphones are those equipped with chipsets that will support HD Quality audio, which is coming next year. Carriers supporting HD quality audio will finally be able to deliver landline audio quality to your mobile phone. But, current mobile devices without the required chipset will not support it.

    Otherwise, get the Note 3. It is truly a spectacular device in almost every way. As many others have said, you get used to the size very quickly and will never go back. The Note 3 has caused my iPad Air and Galaxy Note 10 2014 Edition to sit in the closet, hardly used.

  14. Tom

    02/19/2014 at 5:39 am

    What a stupid, pointless article. Of course newer release handsets are going to be loaded with better features. At the time of its release the note 3 was the most powerful consumer cell phone on the planet. And with its specifications like screen size, it’s CURRENT competitors of similar specs from other manufacturers are nowhere near as successful. It’s successor will be the Note 4. You may as well have written an article about buying the next iPhone instead of the Note 3… you turkey

  15. Moe

    02/19/2014 at 6:54 am

    Look at all the hate the author is getting for being reasonable.. He is absolutely correct in every point, I’m waiting for the s5 before deciding which to upgrade my note 2 to.

  16. Brian

    02/19/2014 at 7:07 am

    This guy is a moron. Unless he gets paid for nothing, then he’s working the system to his advantage. But that still makes him a lousy writer.

  17. immanuel west

    02/19/2014 at 11:36 am

    No matter what the S5 offers, it’s not an upgrade from any Note phone other than the S. The only upgrade will be another phone in the Note Series. No comparison. Not yet WILL tell us what we can look forward to but that’s it.

  18. AcemanX AcemanX

    02/19/2014 at 3:07 pm

    The note 3 has 24bit audio, UHQ, something few phones even have, I was there for day of note 2, I was there on launch day of note 3, and I will be there on launch day of the note 4 … But. .. Since I do have the best provider ever with the fastest lte, uncapped and unthrottled, I can JUMP to the S5, then in 6 months again, JUMP to the note 4 when it comes out in October, woot! Best of both worlds, I gotta have the bleeding edge, the note 3 is currently the most advanced, powerful, android, with 3 world firsts,(first phone ever to record in 4k, have 3GB ram, and sport micro USB 3.0) over 8 sensors, gorilla glass 3, 13mp shooter, it can even record in 120fps, I mean there’s so much stuff on this phone u could take all day talking about it, but what is the S5 going to bring??

    • Moe

      02/19/2014 at 3:16 pm

      I’m fully aware but this is samsung we’re talking about… Do you really think the s5 will come with no x factor? I’ll wait and then make my decision it’s just a few days anyway…

  19. Keith Wright

    02/19/2014 at 4:37 pm

    I get to ignore this. I bought my Note 3 as soon as it came out on T-Mobile. With Jump, I can simply upgrade. The S5 doesn’t warrant the upgrade in my opinion. I’ll probably wait for the Note 4.

  20. Joel Hilley

    02/19/2014 at 7:04 pm

    I also have a Note 3 and am very happy with it!! Whoever wrote the article is way off!! The Note 3 is the top dog and no matter what the S5 brings to the table it’s note gonna make the Note 3 feel like yesterday’s news!! Just not gonna happen!! It’s like when I got the S2 a couple of years ago and they came out with the S3 a month later I at first felt like I was behind in the cell market until my step son got his S3 and I saw it really wasn’t that much better!! It will be the next note if anything that just might be better but, that’s alittle bit off still and I personally will be happy with this phone for awhile!!!

  21. Motto

    02/19/2014 at 8:21 pm

    This is an indescript generic warning away from a quality product. From a self proclaimed iPhone fan. I would not put much stake in this article as it is mostly common sense jibberish anyhow.

  22. James Mitchell

    02/19/2014 at 8:34 pm

    Come on buddy give yer head a shake nothing beats the note 3 but the 4 it is superior to anything

  23. Nicholas B

    02/20/2014 at 1:31 am

    I read this when it popped up in my feed because I am getting my new Note 3 in the next day or so. I would have it already if it wasn’t for Verizon not being able to figure out my upgrade on my second line while I keep my unlimited data (Yeah I know if I depend on Verizon to figure things out I’ll be just in time for the Note 5….lol). The further I read the dumber it got, no matter what phone you get and whe n you get it there is always going to be a better, faster, bigger, smoother etc phone coming out 6 months later. If the author goes by his theory of wait to see then he is still rocking the Nokia 5110. Yeah… You know it was the bomb! I had all the face plates in custom colors and it was the original gamer phone with…. SNAKE!

    I have to say the comments section is the informative part of the article. My opinion is Emmanuel West above hit it dead on by saying the only upgrade to the Note 3 is another in the Note series. It’s like wanting to buy the new Dodge Ram 2500 4×4 Cummins turbo diesel but holding off because the new Viper is coming out (OK that example could be a bit extreme but illustrates the point well). Both are made by Chrysler and both have bleeding edge tech, but I need a truck to handle the work I do. No matter how cool the Viper is it doesn’t change the fact the Ram 2500 does what I want better. So I’m going to get my Note 3 and not worry about what’s going to come out (of course I’m gonna check out the S5 because it’s new and shiny…). And while I’m enjoying 5.7 inches of ridiculous HD screen and a processor that 10 years ago was unheard of in a desktop computer… The author can decide between his hot pink or neon green faceplate while waiting just a bit longer because the next “enter whatever phone brand here” is going to be better than the current one. Well I hope so, I need something to drool over for the next year until my other line upgrades.

  24. Lea South (Leasouth)

    02/20/2014 at 6:51 am

    This journo hasn’t got a clue. This Note 3 is awesome, would never go back to a phone without S pen or similar. The Note 3 is in a league way above the rest of the mobile market.

  25. Terry M

    02/20/2014 at 8:55 am

    This is the most pointless and devoid of information articles I’ve read in a while. Why Google suggested it, I’ll never know.

  26. Paul Michael Lizzi

    02/20/2014 at 11:37 am

    The Galaxy Note series of phones are the best on the market. Samsung was smart making these devices. Who cares if the spen is useless for some people. It’s about screen size and the ease of modifying. I never ran the Stock Samsung Android os on my Note II. I rooted and installed a custom Rom right from the start and on this device it is noob friendly. Not to mention that those garbage Apple iPhones fit inside the screen of the Note II. I’m an adult human with large thumbs..iPhones and other Android phones of that size are not designed for human adults. I would have gone to the Galaxy Mega phone if the hardware wasn’t lackluster.

  27. Bungee

    03/01/2014 at 5:38 am

    What a poorly written and utterly pointless article. Never going to read another post suggested by Google Now after this.

  28. Michael

    03/03/2014 at 6:58 pm

    He could have done some proof reading before publishing, just so he wouldn’t look completely stupid.

  29. my name

    03/08/2014 at 10:18 pm

    Lol at bungee… This came through in Google now for me too… pointless article. It was almost as if he had to fulfill a writing quota.

  30. Lex Slr

    03/17/2014 at 6:32 am

    I started with the galaxy y then moved on to the captivate glide. After that I graduated to my Note 3.
    it is true that a new wave of devices are on their way, but the fact of the matter is that this guy is a cray cray.
    Judging from my experience with android devices (my own and those belonging others), I can safely say that the only thing to boots out a Note 3 is really a Note 4.
    Even if LG or HTC comes out with phablets to best the Note 3, they won’t be winning by much, if they even win at all.

    What needs special mention though, is the comparison between the Note 3 and the S5. I mean, really; thats like comparing a motor cycle to a speed boat.

    #Note3rules
    #thatsallfolks

  31. Mpdayii

    03/23/2014 at 12:23 pm

    The author missed it completely….. Difference is….. More 3 is ONLY phone out with 3 gb ram which makes this beast of a device streak thru whatever you need of it… The s4 has 2gb, the s5 still (too!) only 2gb ram…. What silly new functions did the s5 bring?? Oh… Fingerprint scanner… So f’ing what!! The more 3 rocks and I’ll wait till note4 appears before I even think of an upgrade…. And screw kitkat4.4 too….. All I’ve read is bugs, bugs, and more bugs! I’ll keep my note 3 with beans rom and eclipse…… Safestrap approved

  32. michael

    06/16/2014 at 10:11 am

    Hard to go wrong with either phone, but being a note 2 user I have to say the S pen and extra screen area would make the note 3 the pick, even my note2 is still a ripping smart phone, I love my note 2………. a note3 or 4 will be my next next smart phone.
    Even if the S5 was $300 cheaper i would still get the note.

  33. Ronald Geiken

    07/22/2014 at 1:06 pm

    I have a Note 2 and am as happy as a pig in a Sty!!! I bought it within the last few months, and now it has Android 4.3 on it. I have Chromecast on it, and can project You Tube on my big screen TV. I have a cheap phone service with T-Mobile, but mainly bought it for it gigantic screen and Android 4.X on it. It is a great phone now and will probably be a great phone in several years when I move on. The main reason the most people probably buy a phone like this is for how great it looks on the Internet while still being portable. If you are buying an S3 or Note 2, you are likely buying it used on a place like e-bay. I got my Note 2 there for $249 and feel like I got a good deal.

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