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6 Ways the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Beats the Sony Xperia Z

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In the coming weeks, many big name smartphones of 2013 will hit shelves. Names like the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4 and quite possibly, the iPhone 5S will tempt shoppers and their wallets. However, those looking for a new device should also know that there are some tempting devices on shelves already. Two of those devices are the Sony Xperia Z and the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 which will be vying for the attention of consumers in the days and weeks to come.

Read: 6 Ways the Sony Xperia Z Beats the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

To many, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 probably already seems like an aging smartphone. It was launched in August of last year and since then, it has received a whirlwind of attention as it launched on all five of the largest carriers in the United States and has gone on to pass five million units sold around the world. It’s also an extremely solid smartphone.

The Galaxy Note 2 in between the iPhone 5 and iPad mini.

The Galaxy Note 2 in between the iPhone 5 and iPad mini.

However, the Galaxy Note 2 is not old. In fact, it’s relatively young. Samsung did not finish its U.S. Galaxy Note 2 launch until the end of November when Verizon rolled out the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 on November 29th. That means that the Galaxy Note 2, at least in the United States, is only a few months old. The Galaxy Note 2 isn’t rumored for much later in the year, presumably in August, and that means that the Galaxy Note 2 still a very viable option for those looking to snag a new device.

Of course, it’s not without competition. In addition to the phones that are coming in the weeks ahead, the Galaxy Note 2 is also going to have to deal with new, larger-screen smartphones like the Sony Xperia Z which arrived on shelves just a few weeks ago after launching at CES 2013 in Las Vegas.

Sony-Xperia-Z-award-2-575x3232

The Sony Xperia Z hit shelves just a short time ago.

The Sony Xperia Z represents Sony’s latest entry into the smartphone world and it will be the device that Sony promotes against the competition for a good portion of 2013.

One of the devices that it will be competing against is, of course, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Already, we have shown you some of the advantages that the Sony Xperia Z has over the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and now, it’s time to take a look at some of the ways that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 beats the Sony Xperia Z.

Bigger Screen for Travel

While the Sony Xperia Z display is large. It stands in at a statuesque 5-inches in size. It also features 1080p resolution and some smart features that make it one of the more intriguing displays on the market. However, those who want a bigger display for watching movies, browsing the web, or maybe doing work on-the-go will want to opt for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 may not feature insane screen resolution, a mind-blowing pixels-per-inch count or the smart features of the Xperia Z, but what it does have is size.

The Galaxy Note 2 features a massive display, perfect for travel.

The Galaxy Note 2 features a massive display, perfect for travel.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2 uses a 5.5-inch display which is much bigger than most smartphones on the market including the Sony Xperia Z’s. The shear size of the phone makes it a perfect companion for those that are constantly traveling, whether it’s for work, pleasure or just a plain old commute.

For example, the display size allows for two people to comfortably share the screen for a video on a long flight. It also allows those who may be taking the train home to comfortably pull up something to work on while on-the-go.

Those that need the extra .5-inches of space, and there will folks that do, will want to take a closer look at the Galaxy Note 2.

S-Pen

The Galaxy Note 2 S-Pen.

The Galaxy Note 2 S-Pen.

Besides the massive display, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 also possesses another unique property in the form of the S-Pen stylus, a bundled accessory that takes advantage of a number of applications that are unique to the Galaxy Note 2 as they were added by Samsung.

Samsung’s S-Pen stylus not only features a beautiful ergonomic design, but it also features a handful of applications that take the stylus beyond just a tool used for writing and drawing on the display.

The Galaxy Note 2 features a number of S-Pen related applications including one called S-Note which allows users to easily jot down information whether it’s in a meeting or a classroom. The app automatically opens up when pulling the S-Pen out of the device’s dock as well for easy access.

The stylus also allows owners to take advantage of a feature called Easy Clip which allows for users to simply use the stylus to crop and share photos from their content. Users can also utilize something called Photo Note which lets users write messages on the back of photos in order to keep memories.

This is just a sampling of the power of the S-Pen, an accessory that the Sony Xperia Z simply does not have in its arsenal.

Multitasking

Those looking for a powerful multitasking experience will find one with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

Samsung has outfitted the Galaxy Note 2 with a couple of features that are perfect for those that need to multitask on their smartphone.

For instance, a feature called Multi Window View divides up the display into two halves so that owners can run two separate apps at the same time. For instance, owners can check Facebook while looking at Twitter as well. This is just another advantage of having that extra space as far as the screen is concerned.

In addition, the device uses a feature called Pop Up Video which allows owners to open a video and simply move it out of the way, on screen, while doing something else. Due to the quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM on board the Galaxy Note 2, the device is able to handle these functions perfectly.

Those looking for them on the Sony Xperia Z will unfortunately not find them there.

Removable Battery

One of the perks of owning a Samsung smartphone is that it features microSD card support and maybe even more important, a removable battery.

The Galaxy Note 2 features a removable battery which means that owners will not only have an easy time replacing it if it starts to perform poorly but they can also attach an extended battery to the device if they need more juice. The battery on the Galaxy Note 2 is already massive but those power users who need more can potentially add more if they choose to.

The Galaxy Note 2 uses a removable battery.

The Galaxy Note 2 uses a removable battery.

The Sony Xperia Z does not have a removable battery. This of course means that owners are stuck with the stock battery and should a problem arise, it will be much more difficult to repair as it can be done simply by opening up the back of the Xperia Z.

LTE in U.S.

The Sony Xperia Z, while an LTE supported smartphone elsewhere in the world, is not compatible with the high-speed 4G LTE networks in the United States.

The Xperia Z does not lack a 4G LTE radio, instead, it lacks the proper LTE bands. The Xperia Z, even the unlocked model, features 4G LTE bands for 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20.

AT&T and T-Mobile, the GSM carriers in the United States that would be the carriers of choice for customers buying the Xperia Z, support LTE bands 4 and 17. That incompatibility means that users will be stuck on 3G or 4G speeds or worse, 2G EDGE.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 of course does not have that problem. It runs gracefully on five of the largest 4G LTE networks in the land, including Verizon’s 4G LTE network which boasts connectivity in over 400 markets across the United States.

Those who are looking to run LTE with a Sony Xperia Z will have to opt for the Sony Xperia ZL, a more compact version of the Xperia Z, which will be out at some point later on this year.

Carrier Selection

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 boasts a better carrier selection for those in the United States because the Sony Xperia Z is not officially available on any carriers in the United States.

Instead, users will have to pay a pretty penny to import the device, the Xperia ZL too, in order to get it up and running on an American carrier.

Turn the Galaxy Note 2 over to mute a call or pause music.

The Galaxy Note 2 is home on several U.S. carriers.

Those interested in the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will have a ton of options including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon. It also means that users will not only have the ability to buy the phone on a subsidy but that they will be graced with a full range of data plan options.

Those data plan and carrier options won’t be available those in the U.S. looking to get the Xperia Z.

21 Comments

21 Comments

  1. Phone

    03/06/2013 at 9:50 am

    “The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 may not feature insane screen resolution, a mind-blowing pixels-per-inch count or the smart features of the Xperia Z”

    Most informative part of the article.

  2. PhonesOwnUs

    03/06/2013 at 10:46 am

    No offense, but your diction and grammar are terrible. Regarding the article, the Note 2’s screen size is all that you seem to be glorifying. Next.

  3. alan

    03/06/2013 at 11:53 am

    just recieved my sony xperia z 3/3/13 replaceing a galaxy note 2
    the fact is the sony is better in every department, the main important ones
    1. build quality 2. screen quality 3.Camera 4. much faster.
    so i think your article is misleading

  4. Tuan

    03/06/2013 at 4:32 pm

    XPERIA Z model C6606 will be the model with United States LTE bands; specifically, bands 4 and 17. It has not been officially announced yet.

    Also, four days ago, the following was posted by the moderator of the official Sony XPERIA channel on Youtube (SonyXperia): “Since the Xperia Z will be available globally, [it] would be safe to say that there might be a version coming to the USA”. Biggest hint ever (^_^).

  5. Emily Hughes

    03/07/2013 at 2:07 am

    Great informative article. Just wanted to point out a couple errors for you to fix though. The following, “The Galaxy Note 2 isn’t rumored for much later in the year, presumably in August, and that means that the Galaxy Note 2 still a very viable option for those looking to snag a new device.” is incorrect. The first Galaxy Note 2 should be Galaxy Note 3. Also, the following sentence is also incorrect, “This of course means that owners are stuck with the stock battery and should a problem arise, it will be much more difficult to repair as it can be done simply by opening up the back of the Xperia Z.” The word “can” in the previous sentence should be “can’t”. I’m not knocking your article, just found a couple mistakes that I thought you might want to fix. Thanks for the information!

  6. Justin Cohen

    03/07/2013 at 8:10 am

    The removable battery and LTE compatibility were helpful points for me. Thanks!

  7. TechUpdater

    03/07/2013 at 11:14 pm

    I am using the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The phablet is really amazing. The S-Pen is truly amazing. Samsung design is excellent. The screen size is huge which doesn’t bother me as i love to have big screens. Browsing is really faster in the Galaxy Note 2.

    Sony can never ever beat Samsung Quality and Service.

  8. yaw aboagye

    03/08/2013 at 5:22 am

    with this points given i think note2 will be more preferable to others.thank you

  9. mablinks

    03/08/2013 at 11:37 am

    just had ma xperia z and its a lot better than the note 2

  10. Tommy

    03/09/2013 at 4:38 am

    note 2 lte is still the best!!!

  11. Satan

    03/09/2013 at 3:49 pm

    Xperia Z comes no way close when its compared to Samsung Galaxy Note 2. On testing the Xperia Z it failed miserably. The only thing where the Xperia Z is good is the look of the phone. It has a pathetic battery life and on top of that being a non removable battery you are stuck with the battery. With my usage it hardly lasted me 5 hours. I pity those who ended up with the Xperia Z.

  12. Thomas

    03/09/2013 at 6:11 pm

    I have Note 2! I had before Sony acro s…..

  13. Thomas

    03/09/2013 at 6:19 pm

    I bought OTTERBOX DEFENDER SERIES for my NOTE 2. Maybe Xperia Z have a good built quality and water resistant,but I think the otterbox will totally protect my note 2. THE BATTERY IS AMAAAAZING. I am using ”one power guard” application. It doubles my battery life on my note 2. It lasts my about 4 days with normal use. I had SONY ACRO S before. I think Xperia Z is almost the same as the acro s. Only bigger screen….and i dont care about the high ppi anymore cause my note 2 have better screen than acro s,and i think it is better than xperia z too…. NOTE 2 forever! I will buy NOTE 3 ofcourse…. Sony is good….but…but…but….buuut….samsung is way better now!!!

  14. akhil

    03/14/2013 at 7:22 am

    l have note 2 which is the Coolest gadget and there is a Big difference in note 2 and sony xeperia Z is the Spen and the life time of Battery Strength is awesome than xperia z

  15. dhaliwal

    03/15/2013 at 3:48 am

    note 2 is the coolest gadget than all other

  16. Ray Cliff

    03/15/2013 at 8:29 pm

    Removable battery, dual app multitasking, external sd card, biggest screen. Nothing more to say!

  17. hari

    03/15/2013 at 11:32 pm

    note 2 is far better than sony xperia z or iphone 5…. battery backup is awesome and its removeable too….more internal n expandable memory…nice n bigger super amoled screen which makes reading much easier….playin games n watchin movies is more fun in note2 than any other phon…much faster…with s pen you can also create notes with your own handwritin n its accurate n easy…..its simply more than a phon….

  18. jay j

    03/25/2013 at 1:53 am

    I had the xperia z swapped it 3 time because of battery issues being a sony fan I expected more the games in the dedicated a psn store are no good and the all all around xperiance of the phone is dull I now decided to go for the note 2 with insane battery life being removable aswell I can allso plug external hard drives into the note 2 and rather have the screen for evry thing over the xperi z and the ui is more attractive in al aspects

  19. shaurya

    03/25/2013 at 10:25 am

    Just Go For Galaxy Note 2 !!!

  20. Mohit

    04/01/2013 at 2:25 am

    I bought the Samsung galaxy note 2 GT – n7100 this January and I must say it is very amazing.. My dad got the new Sony Experia Z but still hes not happy with his gadget once he works on my note2.. Im quite sure it’ll be a long time till Sony gets a phablet like note2 in the market!! Galaxy note2 is theee best mobile at present and no other mobile seems to go ahead of it (over all) at present. .

  21. jia

    06/28/2013 at 9:14 pm

    Sony z is d best

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