Develop Bugs

Is it worth switching from an S3 to a note 2?

Basically I know it's a quad core but would I really see that huge of a difference to take a hit cost wise to upgrade?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Do you want the bigger screen? That is the only reason I'd think about switching.

I just got the s3 love it but I wanna know if I'm better of waiting for the note 2. And no screen size doesn't matter to me. Basically would it be a noticeable performance difference from my s4 chip to the quad? Would I actually notice a huge speed difference in games and in day to day use?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

If you do a lot of hardcore gaming on your phone probably but for day to day use not at all.

It all depends on your personal needs. S3 for my phone and an IPad for my tablet. My current wardrobe doesn't have enough pocket room for the note 2. No way in hell I'm going to put it in my back pocket either... CRUNCH! I'd also have to use a Bluetooth, holding that whopper phone to your face would be weird. The Quad core would be nice, however I will wait for the S4 for quad core. 1. Screen size 2. Quad core 3. How deep are your pockets
Sell your S3 on XDA or Amazon and buy it out right, forget going the contract route. Good luck and god bless!

Yeah it is a huge phone and I do already have a nexus 7. So maybe I am good with my current setup. Also am I correct in assuming the mod community is better with the s3 then with the note?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Note2 will be better for gaming because of GPU. And since it's international it will have more ROMs, devs, MODs etc.
Remember: there is always next big thing. SGS4 coming. Start saving. etc

So if you had to pick what would you go with?

The Note II's screen is not only bigger, but is much higher quality because it has the standard RGB subpixel layout as opposed to the PenTile layout on the SIII.
And the Note II's battery is a massive 3100 mAh, so it's like an SIII battery and a half.
But I've also heard that though the Exynos is faster, devs have had a hard time with it because of Samsung holding back information.
I mean it's really up to you to weigh the pros and cons. I personally wouldn't want to use a Note II as a primary phone; even with my big hands I feel it would be too much. I think the SIII is my upper limit for screen size.
bravomail said:
Remember: there is always next big thing. SGS4 coming. Start saving. etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol If you always wait for the next big thing you'll be waiting forever.

Okay thanks everyone for the help. I to agree that even for me the note seems big. I guess I was just looking to see as a first time android buyer that I made the right choice for a first phone.

Sg3 is a great choice. Ive been contimplating new note 2 also.if it releases for at&t before my 30days up, I might return sg3 and get new note. I like the bigger screen. Plus I hsve the note 10.1 tablet. So they would go great together.
Either choice would be good.

Im getting right when its released
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Yeah it just bought my s3 and also am still in the 30 day window. What will you do if it released after you return period?

Alaris said:
Basically I know it's a quad core but would I really see that huge of a difference to take a hit cost wise to upgrade?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
short answer: no.

I bought my S3 just as a holdover for the Note II (from the Note N7000). Personally the screen on the S3 is still too small for my taste. (Not saying I think its too small, its great, I just personally like bigger).
If you don't think you'll use the S-Pen, and you don't feel the need for a bigger screen, then swapping to the Note II is silly from an S3.

Yeah the only reason I was thinking about it was for the cpu. But from what I have ever been reading the s3 appears to be able to handle everything. Just want to make sure it will hold me over for at least a year (I upgrade at least once a year).

I was mulling upgrading my S3 to the Note2, but decided to hold out another year for the Note3, since it should be a bigger feature bump, with:
1) 1080p (720p hdmi output looks a little crappy upscaled to 1080p)
2) The new "unbreakable" flexible display tech
3) The new & faster samsung flashstorage, with 32/64/128GB internal as the new standard
4) 12MP camera
5) WiDi (wireless HDMI output so you don't need MHL)
6) A 5.65" display with a commensurate 0.1" reduction in bezel. (Made this one up )

zmore said:
I was mulling upgrading my S3 to the Note2, but decided to hold out another year for the Note3, since it should be a bigger feature bump, with:
1) 1080p (720p hdmi output looks a little crappy upscaled to 1080p)
2) The new "unbreakable" flexible display tech
3) The new & faster samsung flashstorage, with 32/64/128GB internal as the new standard
4) 12MP camera
5) WiDi (wireless HDMI output so you don't need MHL)
6) A 5.65" display with a commensurate 0.1" reduction in bezel. (Made this one up )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its a year away for a Note 3 - where are you getting this spec list?

G-Man. said:
If its a year away for a Note 3 - where are you getting this spec list?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My ass.
(But seriously, these are all mostly-expected features, except for #5 & #6)

zmore said:
My ass.
(But seriously, these are all mostly-expected features, except for #5 & #6)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just LOL'd - haha

This phone or the Galaxy S3?

It wont be long and my upgrade be here. So I was wondering if I should get this or the s3. I like this one and the fact that is a quad-core and samsung have the same build hardware on all of the note 2. But I also like all the gestures features from the s3

The note 2 has all the features of the s3 plus more. You cant go wrong with it
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

You will need a bigger pocket though....
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

I know I went to see the phone at the store it huge! I didnt know it have all the gestures features like the s3 because they were never announced. Like automatic calling somebody from text by just put your phone in the ear, Smartview. Screenshot by swiping your hand on the screen, etc etc. Those features really caught my eye. but wasnt sure if the note 2 have them. I guess I'll go with the note 2. Thanks guys

gypsy214 said:
I know I went to see the phone at the store it huge! I didnt know it have all the gestures features like the s3 because they were never announced. Like automatic calling somebody from text by just put your phone in the ear, Smartview. Screenshot by swiping your hand on the screen, etc etc. Those features really caught my eye. but wasnt sure if the note 2 have them. I guess I'll go with the note 2. Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill tell you what. after using it my s3 feels tiny . almost iphone 4 tiny ........ Btw get the note Trust me i have both

I hate to stir the pot, and I know that it hasnt been talked about yet, but if your upgrade is not here yet and u have some time to wait I would wait for the Galaxy S 4. Now wait! Let me explain! I am currently the very proud owner of the Note 2 with T mobile. This is the best phone on the market, with all of the great Hardware with excellent software to match. I mean the innovation and true attention to detail is unmatched. But I have read some rumors, yeah rumors, that the S4 will be a beast also in a smaller form. I love the huge screen of the Note 2, but you are trying to choose between the Note 2 and S3 so I take that to mean that you are on the fence and the extra screen size really isn't that important. Maybe the power is what u are seeking. Word on the street is that the S4 will bring in new tech, edge to edge screen, quad core, 1080p screen, 2gb ram, new software features, and new design. These things are not outside of the realm of reality and as we can all see Samsung is on a roll. I think this year they found their groove, and they can only get better from here. They are suppossed to announce this sometime end of January and into February. I say all this to say, if u are thinking Note 2 vs. S3. Don't do it as the S3 is so last year. The note 2 is basically the precursor to what we can expect for 2013. Think more like Note 2 vs. S4
Written from my Beast T Mobile Note 2

Also not that its much different but the S3 will NOT be getting LTE on tmobile from what I've heard and the Note will get LTE. Now as far as the Nexus 4, the biggest issue is that it's made by LG Booooo!

Sold my s3 for this phone. No regrets.
From the Best: Note 2

Yeah that is a dissapointed for me too Nexus 4 from LG gosh. I had the G2X and LG support sucks. Really guys I am a little nervous I have the S2 but it have a lot of problems with the noise reduction where other people hears an echo. And if you flash aosp rom or miui they say you sound like underwater and there is not a fix really. I really like how samsung did with their TW but I dont want another samsung and is going to have the same problem as my s2 with call quality. But The s3 and the note2 are really good phones!! The S4 announced in Jan or Feb? The s2 and s3 were announced late of year. I think its too soon for them to release the S4 and by the time i think it will I will have another upgrade lol. The big screen doesnt bother me. When I got my S2 it was big and at first it was wow. But then if I play with another phone like the Amaze It feels weird because of all the small icons. lol

gypsy214 said:
It wont be long and my upgrade be here. So I was wondering if I should get this or the s3. I like this one and the fact that is a quad-core and samsung have the same build hardware on all of the note 2. But I also like all the gestures features from the s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note 2 is a different level then the S3, has all the same features and more, and has a much better processor then the S3. It's just about whether the screen size is too big for you.
And I wouldn't worry about waiting for the S4 or Note 3. The S4 might be announced at MWC but I don't think that will happen so soon and the Note won't have a sequel till at least Oct-Nov of next year. Then it'll take at least 2-4 months before the first US carriers get them. So the Note 2 will be king of the hill for quite some time, barring HTC's Dlx when it comes out.
noted for future reference on my Note 2

Either you have been living under a rock, or... who knows. This video will answer your questions, and pretty much make up your mind for you. It's long, but thorough.
Colfustion's Review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2
And to the bloke who recommended waiting for the S 4... just stop. Recommending non existent hardware just makes you sound silly. It will have a processor similar to the Note 2, a smaller screen, no S-Pen... etc. Not a very good comparison.

I've got both.. and honestly can't make a decision - have to sell one - need the cash.
GOing back to the S3 from the Note, it feels positively TINY...
but, the Note really does feel big; and I've got pretty big hands... whether its too big or not, I guess its partly personal choice and partly ease of use - I don't think I can honestly say that the Note 2 is always easy to operate with a single hand -
Also, to be honest, the alternate rom scene, at least for the T-Mobile Note 2, is pretty limited - I'm not sure if there'll be any "original" android development for it as I guess to make use of the S-pen etc, a vanilla android rom just wouldn't have the features (I'm only guessing here). Most of the rom development would be those "de-bloated/de-odexed/zip aligned" versions of stock TouchWiz rom which claim to mysteriously give longer battery life. I'm currently on the Jedi Rom on my Note 2 and not really sure how different it is to the stock rom.
On my S3, I've got Task's Rom, and it truly made a huge difference to the battery life - to the point I'm comfortable returning to the standard Samsung battery form the extended Hyperion 4200 mAH one I had bough due to the horrible battery life the S3 has (on cellular internet) when on the stock rom - with Task's rom, there is a marked, appreciable improvement in battery life.
Right, coming back, I still can't figure out which one to keep and which one to sell - I'm pretty sure, whichever decision I take, I'll regret it cos both the S3 and Note 2 are really and truly excellent products!!!.

RizSher said:
I've got both.. and honestly can't make a decision - have to sell one - need the cash.
GOing back to the S3 from the Note, it feels positively TINY...
but, the Note really does feel too big. and I've got pretty big hands.
Also, to be honest, the alternate rom scene, at least for the T-Mobile Note 2, is pretty limited - I'm not sure if there'll be any "original" android development for it as I guess to make use of the S-pen etc, a vanilla android rom just wouldn't have the features (I'm only guessing here). Most of the rom development would be those "de-bloated/de-odexed/zip aligned" versions of stock TouchWiz rom which claim to mysteriously give longer battery life. I'm currently on the Jedi Rom on my Note 2 and not really sure how different it is to the stock rom.
On my S3, I've got Task's Rom, and it truly made a huge difference to the battery life - to the point I'm comfortable returning to the standard Samsung battery form the extended Hyperion 4200 mAH battery I had bough due to the horrible battery life the S3 has (on cellular internet) - with Task's rom, there is a marked, appreciable improvement in battery life.
Right, coming back, I still can't figure out which one to keep and which one to sell - I'm pretty sure, whichever decision I take, I'll regret it cos both the S3 and Note 2 are really and truly excellent products!!!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone has been out for less than a month in the US. I think the ROMs will come, in time. Plus, the battery in the Note 2 is amazing... ever try running the battery down to 5% on purpose? It's actually harder than I thought it would be! That's the beauty of the Note 2; the battery is big enough, by itself, that minimal changes are needed to constantly see 24+ hours on one charge. I have had both the S3 and now the Note 2, and I would never recommend an S3 over the Note. The S-Pen alone is > any wizbang S3 thing out there!

mdt73 said:
The phone has been out for less than a month in the US. I think the ROMs will come, in time. Plus, the battery in the Note 2 is amazing... ever try running the battery down to 5% on purpose? It's actually harder than I thought it would be! That's the beauty of the Note 2; the battery is big enough, by itself, that minimal changes are needed to constantly see 24+ hours on one charge. I have had both the S3 and now the Note 2, and I would never recommend an S3 over the Note. The S-Pen alone is > any wizbang S3 thing out there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't making a point about the Note's battery life - it really is pretty good - what I waas trying to say was, the S3 alternate ROM scene is very vibrant; the particular ROM I've got currently make a noticeable diff. in battery life; based on my guess work I'm not very sure if the same would happen for the Note.

Seems like all of the Note 2 series including the international one are the same hardware. Why not make it a worldwide phone with a universal radio. or Like on my Sensation? I may be wrong but in any case do like the tmobile version of the s2 and the skyrocket which are very similar phones

gypsy214 said:
It wont be long and my upgrade be here. So I was wondering if I should get this or the s3. I like this one and the fact that is a quad-core and samsung have the same build hardware on all of the note 2. But I also like all the gestures features from the s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The note 2 can do anything the S3 can but better.. and bigger.. and with a stylus

Which should i get? Note 2 or stay with S3?

i'm torn between keeping my S3 or getting the Note 2. can u guys help me with this?

xenine said:
i'm torn between keeping my S3 or getting the Note 2. can u guys help me with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Want a bigger screen and better battery life? If not, keep the S3.
I'm not sure what type of answer you want without knowing your preference.

initial_k said:
Want a bigger screen and better battery life? If not, keep the S3.
I'm not sure what type of answer you want without knowing your preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id wait for the note3 if u can

Had the S3 before the note 2. And the Note 2 is a lot faster then S3. But with the S4 coming in a month maybe you should hold off.

I love my note 2, I won't replace it until the note 3 comes out
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

N2
Sent from my GT-N7105 using XDA Premium HD app

I was in the same predicament. I have the original Galay S 4g and was wanting to upgrade as the phone was experiencing some problems. I debated whether to wait another 7-9 months for the Note 3, but ultimately decided I could keep this phone for at least 2-3 years before needing to upgrade (especially with all the ROM support that kept my old phone alive and will most certainly keep the N2 alive for years).
I believe the N3 will have a faster processor, better battery and slightly better battery but won't be 'revolutionary' (much like the Galaxy S4). IMO, it'll take at least another generation before the phone will be significantly upgraded to make waiting worth it.
The N4 will most likely have a smaller footprint, near indestructible glass and perhaps a flex screen/wraparound. To me, that'd be worth it. Until then, I'm waiting on my Note 2 to arrive and will enjoy it for the next couple of years. Plus, the fact you can pick one up for $550-$650 new doesn't hurt either compared to the suspected $899 price the N3 will come out for.

KurlyK said:
The N4 will most likely have a smaller footprint, near indestructible glass and perhaps a flex screen/wraparound. To me, that'd be worth it. Until then, I'm waiting on my Note 2 to arrive and will enjoy it for the next couple of years. Plus, the fact you can pick one up for $550-$650 new doesn't hurt either compared to the suspected $899 price the N3 will come out for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how cna u pick a Note 2 for $550 - 650? where they do that at?

xenine said:
how cna u pick a Note 2 for $550 - 650? where they do that at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive been watching prices on Ebay and Craigslist and have seen prices falling to at least these levels if not lower for some models (like the Sprint version) in the past couple of weeks.
Not uncommon to find one below 550 even if you are patient.

The main difference is size. If you like 1 handed use you will hate the note 2. Unless of course you have med to large hands then it my not be an issue.
Things I noticed. I don't use the stylus or multiview anymore.
When I go to the gym I take my s3 as its easier to use hen I'm listening to music.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

I don't use the stylus either and often times I think the phone is slightly too big. I like the size of my wife's S3 better. I got the Note2 (back in November 2012) to be future-proof. With LTE around the corner I'm glad I got the Note2. If I was in the market for a new phone now, I would wait for the S4.
Personally I think the north american S3 is more like a S2.5 with the dual core processor and no LTE. The S3 should've had the Note2's quad core processor and LTE modem (Note2 is the pseudo S3). Thus the S4 is more like a S3.5 since we'll probably get the quad core instead of the octo.

As an owner of both devices, I would stay with the the S3. It's a great phone, well built, awesome specs, and a good development for it. It fits more natural in the hand then the note 2.

HKSpeed said:
I don't use the stylus either and often times I think the phone is slightly too big. I like the size of my wife's S3 better. I got the Note2 (back in November 2012) to be future-proof. With LTE around the corner I'm glad I got the Note2. If I was in the market for a new phone now, I would wait for the S4.
Personally I think the north american S3 is more like a S2.5 with the dual core processor and no LTE. The S3 should've had the Note2's quad core processor and LTE modem (Note2 is the pseudo S3). Thus the S4 is more like a S3.5 since we'll probably get the quad core instead of the octo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point about LTE. I think once the s4 comes out I'm going to sell both my s3 and note 2 and buy the s4.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

HKSpeed said:
I don't use the stylus either and often times I think the phone is slightly too big. I like the size of my wife's S3 better. I got the Note2 (back in November 2012) to be future-proof. With LTE around the corner I'm glad I got the Note2. If I was in the market for a new phone now, I would wait for the S4.
Personally I think the north american S3 is more like a S2.5 with the dual core processor and no LTE. The S3 should've had the Note2's quad core processor and LTE modem (Note2 is the pseudo S3). Thus the S4 is more like a S3.5 since we'll probably get the quad core instead of the octo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do realize when the s3 released it was spanking phones with quad cores like nvidia 3 Samsung quad core.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

I have both
I have both right now I am using the s3 because I dropped my note 2 and cracked the screen. But trust me you want the note2. It is definitly superior to the s3. The battery life is fantastic compared to the s3. With my s3 I had to be rooted and pull out every trick in the book just to be able to deal with it. The note2 has the best battery life ever and thats right out of the box. It is way faster and they already activated the LTE modem in it with the latest update. The s3 will not get the lte modem activated for at least another few months. To me there is no comparison its note2 all the way. I even think the note2 will be better than the s4 or at least comparable. I think the int s4 is getinng a crazy processor I think I misunderstood but it looked like it will have 4 cores running at 1.9 and another 4 running at 1.6 like ours for a total of 8 but I am not too sure of that exactly. I do know that the us version will have the same processore we have now and they are listing the same reason as last time that the new processor isnt compatable with LTE. So I think that if they have a note3 in the works it will get the int s4 processor and that will be the new phone for us note 2 users to get next. Sorry for the long winded answer.

Andrew149 said:
You do realize when the s3 released it was spanking phones with quad cores like nvidia 3 Samsung quad core.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's because the North American dual core S3 has 2gb of ram while the international quad core S3 and int'l HTC One X (the other quad core phone that came out at the same time) have 1gb. I don't think the north american S3 spanked quad cores, rather it kept up. plus that was 8-9 months ago. My point is that the S3 isn't very future-proof.
Did the north american S3 get multiview from carriers? I know the international version got it and you can hack-add it to the north american S3.
this is a good video comparing the dual core vs quad core S3, but it was made in Summer 2012. I'm curious what the comparison would be like now with newer apps like the Samsung Premium Suite (mutliview, etc).
I worry the S4 will suffer a similar fate. By Christmas 2013 (if not by halloween) we'll see octo-core LTE phones, making the S4's king-of-the-hill status very short lived. imagine the apps that'll come out in 2014 that'll run better on a octo than a quad.

i would get the note 2. i actually just got mine. i was looking to trade my nexus 4 and cash for the note but i find alot of people were trying to screw me over so i just went to tmobile the other day and got it myself. anyways i love stock android and i said i would never had another samsung phone after i had the original galaxy s on sprint but so far i'm liking it. the battery life seems good so far but i'm wait after a week to comment because the battery needs to condition first. i love the multi screen view. i used it to get directions from maps and send them in a text. very handy to me. i wont use it everyday but its there when i need it. plus i wanted to get a sdcard capable phone. also i wanted to future proof myself since lte comes to my area. i get great tmobile service where i live. the S4 and note 3 will have 1080p screens and such and faster processors (only really matters if you do intense things on the phone. i have finally learned that) so taking this into account. i decided on not waiting and i got the note 2. we will never had the latest tech because its new one day and old the next in the tech world.

daniel2744 said:
i would get the note 2. i actually just got mine. i was looking to trade my nexus 4 and cash for the note but i find alot of people were trying to screw me over so i just went to tmobile the other day and got it myself. anyways i love stock android and i said i would never had another samsung phone after i had the original galaxy s on sprint but so far i'm liking it. the battery life seems good so far but i'm wait after a week to comment because the battery needs to condition first. i love the multi screen view. i used it to get directions from maps and send them in a text. very handy to me. i wont use it everyday but its there when i need it. plus i wanted to get a sdcard capable phone. also i wanted to future proof myself since lte comes to my area. i get great tmobile service where i live. the S4 and note 3 will have 1080p screens and such and faster processors (only really matters if you do intense things on the phone. i have finally learned that) so taking this into account. i decided on not waiting and i got the note 2. we will never had the latest tech because its new one day and old the next in the tech world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you get a new device you're always excited over it. I felt the same about my note 2 a few months ago and praised it. For me multi screen I thought was awesome til I realized it is cumbersome as it didnt launch an app in split view right away. I had to run one app first through multi view then run the other app so it can split. And multiview apps are limited in stock form. Spen was great too as I like to photoshop a lot and that I can write notes and even converts my writing to actual text. Now I don't really use it anymore as I type faster with swiftkey than writing and i dont photoshop as much. Most of the time I forget I have a stylus lol. All the hover stuff I like but thats gonna be in the s4 too which is only a month away so as far as waiting, it isn't too long from now. If we're talking several months then that's a different story IMO. I think the OP should wait it out....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

New to this forum, coming over from the Vibrant. Hello everyone!
I just got my note 2 from tmobile. Best upgrade price they could give me was $369, but by adding the phones to my plan rather than upgrading, I was able to get them for 199 each (after rebate.). Then I cancelled my old lines. New numbers, but who cares. That's what I paid for my vibes years ago, and they're running great still (on pacman 4.2.2).
I love this phone. About the only thing I don't like is the bloat, but it doesn't seem to affect it. Maybe I'll root it just to get rid of that, but honestly I don't think it needs it. Battery is awesome as it is.

HKSpeed said:
Did the north american S3 get multiview from carriers? I know the international version got it and you can hack-add it to the north american S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can u please post a link that enables mutliview in the S3 for USA tmobile?

[Q] Note 2 or S4

Hi All
At the moment I am using HTC Sensation but am due for upgrade (3UK) Dont like HTc at the moment had lots of problems so thought I would give Samsung a try.
I have never had a Samsung phone so am undecided about which to go for. I like the screen size on the Note 2 and from what I have heard the battery is great (HTC Crap) I use it for internet a lot and email ,when i have my Tablet I would use it to tether if this is possible with the note. Watch some video nd use word documents.
I can get either the Note 2 or S4 as free upgrade so any advice would be appreciated as to which is best. My main requirement is battery, the HTC I had to carry two batteries to last the day...
Thanks all.

Battery - undoubtedly go for Note II. No second thoughts there. Hands down has the best battery life of all phones except Droid Razr (which lacks quite a few features of N2).
If you like the screen size, and battery life is your priority, it's a no brainer IMO.

tuxonhtc said:
Battery - undoubtedly go for Note II. No second thoughts there. Hands down has the best battery life of all phones except Droid Razr (which lacks quite a few features of N2).
If you like the screen size, and battery life is your priority, it's a no brainer IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

I've just had to make the sane decision as you. I'm also in 3 and I decided on the note 2 for screen and battery and after a week I made the right choice. After it being off charge since 7am this morning it's now 8 at night and I have 52% left.

I just made this decision, went with N2. It's already ready to go development wise and you don't have to worry about new phone hiccups or wait a long time for a proper portfolio of accessories. Plus the bigger screen, s pen, and most likely better battery make it worth it to me.
But if you're a stock ROM guy, really want 1080p res, or want the new CPU architecture, then S4's the way to go.

Buy a note 2...no contest here. Its got nice screen, big screen, big battery, s pen and just about all s4 software features are coming.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

kjt57 said:
Hi All
At the moment I am using HTC Sensation but am due for upgrade (3UK) Dont like HTc at the moment had lots of problems so thought I would give Samsung a try.
I have never had a Samsung phone so am undecided about which to go for. I like the screen size on the Note 2 and from what I have heard the battery is great (HTC Crap) I use it for internet a lot and email ,when i have my Tablet I would use it to tether if this is possible with the note. Watch some video nd use word documents.
I can get either the Note 2 or S4 as free upgrade so any advice would be appreciated as to which is best. My main requirement is battery, the HTC I had to carry two batteries to last the day...
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you miss my thread? The note 2 is all you need for 2013 and beyond till the note 3
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

I was also a HTC addict. But was really disappointed with their take on battery and storage. I was tempted by the s3, no s4 in January, but I wanted the big screen. Believe me every day I'm so glad I got the note 2. If I had to choose today between the s4 and the note 2 is still choose the note.
As long as you are happy with size pick the note.
Enjoy.

skyelm said:
Buy a note 2...no contest here. Its got nice screen, big screen, big battery, s pen and just about all s4 software features are coming.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I quote all

3vo3d said:
I was also a HTC addict. But was really disappointed with their take on battery and storage. I was tempted by the s3, no s4 in January, but I wanted the big screen. Believe me every day I'm so glad I got the note 2. If I had to choose today between the s4 and the note 2 is still choose the note.
As long as you are happy with size pick the note.
Enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My words exactly!

3 UK have now discontinued the Note 2 on their website........

I've had this same question roaming around my mind for a bit now. Since T-Mo is ending contrancts if you want to end and go on your own. My wife and I are eleigible for an upgrade in June.... not free but if we get a new phone T-Mo is making changes where we would be paying about $20 a month to pay off whatever phone we choose, and that will actually still be cheaper then our plan now. I was thinking about waiting it out for the note 3 but I honestly don't have the patience for that. Went in a T-Mo store yesterday and dude told me it won't be until November most likely until the Note 3 get dropped. I can't wait that long..... I'm getting the Note 2 over S4 and probably sell it in September or October and use that money to get the Note 3.
Notes are big, almost too big but from what I have read peeps love them. Probably take some time to get used to them but I'll learn

Yeah, the size was initially scaring me too, but I got used to it real quick and now would definately miss the screen estate on a smaller device.
Actually the S4 felt like a small toy when I tried it in a shop (also due to low weight).

I admit that it's slightly (again, slightly - and I've not got the biggest of hands either) awkward to hold at times, but the positives by far outweigh the cons for me. I'm a big time reader (mostly comics ) and watch movies on my device. My hands get tired like hell while using tablets and my eyes hurt while using the tiny sized devices - Note II hits the sweet spot for me And I don't have to camp near a recharge socket either.

Bought a s4 for my wife yesterday and played with for 30 min.
Just 1 thing: note2 is better believe me BUT s4 has a good camera tbh xD
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

WTF?!
These kinds of thread just won't die

Note 3.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

I do not love intermediate solutions, so I have the Note II to be complete everytime, but I need a small phone in my pocket, to be available, it is not possible with S4, S4 and Note II, so I have the Acer Liquid Gallant, not expensive and with acceptable performances for me...
Two is better than one, Note II, waiting for Note 3...

Note 2 no doubt.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Just 2 steps from buying the Galaxy Note 2...

Hi,
I was about to buy the GS4 but I thought of the Note II
I'm impressed with this phablet
Just 2 questions about the note 2 to make sure it's a good choice for me.
1- There is a huge difference in hardware (CPU & GPU) between note 2 and the S4
But I saw that people don't have any lag even in latest hardcore games
Can the note 2 be good for a while or maybe in the near future it will be and old device & can't handle new games??
I mean the S4 got about 28000 vs 18000 on the note 2 on ANTUTU Bench.
I this points difference is for nothing?
2- The camera of the note 2... If I try to capture a written text on the blackboard about 7~10 meters far away from me... can I really get the a good picture?? (I mean in the college )
Or should I get the 13MP of the S4??

Hi and welcome!
1. The difference between Note 2 hardware and GS4 hardware is not so important as long as Note 2's hardware can provide enough power. And it does. Plenty. If you look to benchmarks for answers, you'll be disappointed to know that the synthetic benchmarks don't reflect real life usage, so the scores are more or less an indicator. Not to mention that the newer phones like GS4 have some tweaks in order to get higher scores in benchmarks. You can safely buy Note 2 from this point of view, it's powerful enough to play any game out there, plus it does it on a big beautiful screen and not eating all your battery while doing it.
2. The camera can take good pictures, for what you say you need, it's perfect. You may get bigger pictures from the GS4 due to it's lager sensor, but unless you shoot very small text or you need to print a banner from it, you won't see the difference.
I had to make the same choice some time ago, and I went with the Note 2. I don't regret a second for doing so, especially when my GS4-using friends keep asking for chargers constantly cause their battery won't last them through a day.

Ruwin said:
Hi and welcome!
1. The difference between Note 2 hardware and GS4 hardware is not so important as long as Note 2's hardware can provide enough power. And it does. Plenty. If you look to benchmarks for answers, you'll be disappointed to know that the synthetic benchmarks don't reflect real life usage, so the scores are more or less an indicator. Not to mention that the newer phones like GS4 have some tweaks in order to get higher scores in benchmarks. You can safely buy Note 2 from this point of view, it's powerful enough to play any game out there, plus it does it on a big beautiful screen and not eating all your battery while doing it.
2. The camera can take good pictures, for what you say you need, it's perfect. You may get bigger pictures from the GS4 due to it's lager sensor, but unless you shoot very small text or you need to print a banner from it, you won't see the difference.
I had to make the same choice some time ago, and I went with the Note 2. I don't regret a second for doing so, especially when my GS4-using friends keep asking for chargers constantly cause their battery won't last them through a day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, you made my day :cyclops:
But I hope that other people ensure what you say cause I get confused after someone tells me that S4 is a better choice

Well, I wrote my opinion on this matter, others may have different preferences. It all comes up to what you need - big screen + big battery vs. fullHD + newer hardware - considering that if you put my Note 2 (and I say "my Note 2" because I'm talking about rooted + custom ROM) next to a GS4, you don't see any performance difference. Any.
Oh, yeah, and the pricing difference...

I agree with ruwin. However it all depends on what you want to use it for. I personally don't care to much for TouchWiz exclusive features which are now not so exclusive. For example, OmniRom have a note 2 custom ROM with android 4.3 with working multi window and there are now plenty of apps and mods which make good use of the s-pen. That being said and considering hardware differences to be neglible what makes the note 2 'better' in my opinion is the larger screen. I couldn't go back to a smaller screen now. And if your looking for the TW features, The 4.3 upgrade should be just around the corner and there are already fully functional note 3 features being ported. Don't be scared! Get the note 2
Sent from my 4.4 OmniRom GT-N7100

colsecomb said:
I agree with ruwin. However it all depends on what you want to use it for. I personally don't care to much for TouchWiz exclusive features which are now not so exclusive. For example, OmniRom have a note 2 custom ROM with android 4.3 with working multi window and there are now plenty of apps and mods which make good use of the s-pen. That being said and considering hardware differences to be neglible what makes the note 2 'better' in my opinion is the larger screen. I couldn't go back to a smaller screen now. And if your looking for the TW features, The 4.3 upgrade should be just around the corner and there are already fully functional note 3 features being ported. Don't be scared! Get the note 2
Sent from my 4.4 OmniRom GT-N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
waiting for other opinions

Well I've had my note 2 for a year. I was eagerly awaiting the 3 and was going to buy that.
However, my father got the s4 so I had to set it all up for him and whilst the screen is nice, its too small and the battery life is the same. For me the gimmicks it has are pointless and if I was asked to swap my 2 for the s4 I wouldn't.
I'm a big game player and the bigger screen and battery are a must for me but everyone is different.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

3vo3d said:
Well I've had my note 2 for a year. I was eagerly awaiting the 3 and was going to buy that.
However, my father got the s4 so I had to set it all up for him and whilst the screen is nice, its too small and the battery life is the same. For me the gimmicks it has are pointless and if I was asked to swap my 2 for the s4 I wouldn't.
I'm a big game player and the bigger screen and battery are a must for me but everyone is different.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point
if it has a bigger screen + better battery life + good performance vs brighter Full HD >>> THE NOTE II WINS

The Note 2 is a better choice as it has better battery and S Pen features. Also I heard many users having problems with the S4 such as heating, etc.

Will add that if want to take pictures if blackboard notes in college, why cant you snap them after class, or have the teacher hold on for 3 seconds so you can take the photo before erasing?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

PhxDroid86 said:
Will add that if want to take pictures if blackboard notes in college, why cant you snap them after class, or have the teacher hold on for 3 seconds so you can take the photo before erasing?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, some teachers don't allow us to take pictures (don't know why) so we take the photo while he is not looking
The BB also gets to be erased about 4-5 times every class, so simply I can't capture it after the class

AhmadLight said:
That's a good point
if it has a bigger screen + better battery life + good performance vs brighter Full HD >>> THE NOTE II WINS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah for me the bigger screen whilst playing is a must now. I know it seems hard to believe but I pick up my old phone and I couldn't believe how I used to play games on such a small screen.
For you I guess also price may be a factor? My dad wanted the note 2 but got a better deal on the s4.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

3vo3d said:
Yeah for me the bigger screen whilst playing is a must now. I know it seems hard to believe but I pick up my old phone and I couldn't believe how I used to play games on such a small screen.
For you I guess also price may be a factor? My dad wanted the note 2 but got a better deal on the s4.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, finally I'm getting the Note 3 instead if Allah wishes :fingers-crossed:
There is a 26% discount on its price, so it's about the same price as an S4
Thanks everyone for your help
It maybe helpful for anyone who is confused about the Note 2 and the S4