Would you still buy this phone knowing what you know now?
I'm looking at getting this phone. I know all about the size and some people saying its too big and i've played with it in the store. Would you buy this phone again knowing what you know now?
The size thing is personal. I've got fairly big hands and I'm ok with how it fits in my hand.
I generally use mobile phones as data devices (internet, email, multimedia,...) and so this form factor is perfect for me. Almost a tablet and it fits in my pocket.
My previous phone was the Samsung Captivate, which I hated. Problems with gps, wifi, lag, etc. So I was concerned that choosing another Samsung phone would be a mistake. Glad I took the risk, as the Note has proved to be exactly what I was looking for.
Yes. I got the Note the day it came out, and other than the s-pen issue and the auto-correct headache (which all Galaxy S2 phones have) and is fixed by just turning that off in the sywpe menu, I have no issues with the phone, and for me that is a first, as I always find some issue by now with a phone
Would you drive the same car or bike that you drive now after knowing what you know now?
If you aren't convinced by holding the Note in store and drooling at the screen then it's probably not for you.
Actually for me, the car analogy doesn't work. A few days after purchasing my car I started noticing all the little "things" that I still don't like about it... cheap interior materials, not enough power, etc.
Somehow I didn't notice those things when I saw it all shiny and new in the showroom, and on the test drive!
For my Note, it doesn't seem as snappy as when it was new... probably jus got used to the speed, and any lag whatsoever is starting to be noticeable.
That said, there is nothing out there better for "me" right now... the size of the Note, and the s-pen are the reasons. So no regrets, and I would buy it again in a second if I lost it.
The Following User Says Thank You to johnb41 For This Useful Post:
I did buy it again. I first tried it for a week and decided I liked my iPhone 4 better so I returned the Note. After a couple weeks and seeing lots of commercials on TV I actually started to miss the Note and ended by buying it again and have not looked back, I like it more and more as I use it.
Device(s): Light Saber, nunchuks, rape whistle
Tablets: OG Transformer
Phone: Galaxy S III
Carrier: Verizon
Thanks: 27
Thanked 33 Times in 22 Posts
Yes i would buy it again in a heartbeat, with the only caveat being that since we are so close to the GS III reveal, i would wait to see what the GS III is going to look like, then decide which one to go with.
Yes i would buy it again in a heartbeat, with the only caveat being that since we are so close to the GS III reveal, i would wait to see what the GS III is going to look like, then decide which one to go with.
+1 to this, sort of.
I bought the Note on pre-order because I was due for an upgrade in February, but I didn't want to wait until June/July/Aug for the SGS3 to come out. So, I'd be lying if I said that (at this point) I'd instantly go out and buy the Note all over again.
In the end, all the Note will likely have on the SGS3 is the larger screen size and a wacom pen; both cool features, but not likely to fully counterbalance other advancements we'll see in the SGS3.
I guess what I'm saying is that while I acknowledge and appreciate that the Note is the best phone out now, it won't likely be so for very much longer in any way other than screen size, and for this reason, I would not likely rebuy.
Just my honest $.02
-Ryan
__________________
*Sent from my phone using my thumbs*
Last edited by ryandelman; April 24th, 2012 at 01:53 PM.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ryandelman For This Useful Post:
Yes i would buy it again in a heartbeat, with the only caveat being that since we are so close to the GS III reveal, i would wait to see what the GS III is going to look like, then decide which one to go with.
Device(s): Light Saber, nunchuks, rape whistle
Tablets: OG Transformer
Phone: Galaxy S III
Carrier: Verizon
Thanks: 27
Thanked 33 Times in 22 Posts
If the GS3 were to have a 5" display in a very compact form factor then i would definitely go for it hands down. But if it has a 4.6 or 4.7 screen then i would go with the Note. As the ladies say, size matters lol
The Following User Says Thank You to Fred G. Vader For This Useful Post:
The only thing that would sway me towards something like the S3 would be double battery life. I don't mean having a bigger battery but rather more savings so i don't need to worry about having to disable GPS and Wifi when trying to conserve power. I think battery life is actually one of the most important features of any phone. Without good battery life all the added bells and whistles just eat away power that is needed to actually make calls.
In my opinion the tech is far too outdated at this point. I mean, you can get the one xl for $50-$100 less in like a week. The note was an awesome device when the international version first came out last fall. Although, the screen still can't be beat by, well, anything.
I see people say stuff like this due to tech blogs chasing the newest rumors. The one x is coming to att with only 16gbs and no option to expand. That's not out yet and that feels dated.
Also no quad core lte chips are available yet and even when they are what's the difference for a phone. In fact its next to impossible to find quality apps that even use dual core yet. The quad core phones only score better in graphic benchmarks not real life performance.
BTW I have an infuse 4g that was "dated" a month after purchase. Guess what? The galaxy s2 phone still does exactly what my infuse does. The extra core doesn't make a difference.
Maybe I wont beat the nerd herd down at the gas and sip on Saturday night with the benchmark app. ...oh no.
The difference in processor performance is staggering and you can bet it will have an impact on how long the phone is supported with updates. There is nothing wrong with the note, I think it's a great phone, it's just older. I would wager that a "Note 2" or whatever they decide to call it will be announced before the end of this summer. For me 2 years is just too long to be stuck with year old tech.
The difference in processor performance is staggering and you can bet it will have an impact on how long the phone is supported with updates. There is nothing wrong with the note, I think it's a great phone, it's just older. I would wager that a "Note 2" or whatever they decide to call it will be announced before the end of this summer. For me 2 years is just too long to be stuck with year old tech.
I think what tmaxey1 was hinting at though is that Android OS doesn't really even fully or properly utilize dual core processors, so although Quad core sounds lovely, it wouldn't do a whole heck of a lot to improve the general UX, at least not in immediate future.
If I'm speaking out of turn here, sorry; just my interpretation.
The difference in processor performance is staggering.
So why not hold out for octa core processors since quad core technology itself is pretty dated.
I would bet they already have octa chip designs locked away in a vault but technology has to be released in stages for maximum profitability. And in another year they might have 64GB internal memory so maybe you should hold out for that.
I think what tmaxey1 was hinting at though is that Android OS doesn't really even fully or properly utilize dual core processors, so although Quad core sounds lovely, it wouldn't do a whole heck of a lot to improve the general UX, at least not in immediate future.
If I'm speaking out of turn here, sorry; just my interpretation.
-Ryan
I guess I thought we were comparing it to the one xl (dual core s4 Krait). I have no specific love for the marketing phenom that is "quad core". I'm talking CPU generations.
I guess I thought we were comparing it to the one xl (dual core s4 Krait). I have no specific love for the marketing phenom that is "quad core". I'm talking CPU generations.
The way I see this processor issue is this..... if I pick up and use the phone and I can't tell how many cores the processor has or what speed each core is running or if the phone has a campanion core running then I it doesn't matter enough to care.
I see your point about upgrades in the future for phones with less processor tech. However I don't see that as an issue for a while on a dual core phone. Especially the note. But even in this case I don't feel a newer version of android is needed to make my phone experience all that different. All the hype is around ICS. I do not see any major features that I would use that really matters that much. I may be in the minority here. And I use my phone often. I just don't see how having ICS would change my day to day phone experience.
Now screens...that's something I see and notice everyday. Screen tech does change my user experience.
The Following User Says Thank You to tmaxey1 For This Useful Post:
The way I see this processor issue is this..... if I pick up and use the phone and I can't tell how many cores the processor has or what speed each core is running or if the phone has a campanion core running then I it doesn't matter enough to care.
I see your point about upgrades in the future for phones with less processor tech. However I don't see that as an issue for a while on a dual core phone. Especially the note. But even in this case I don't feel a newer version of android is needed to make my phone experience all that different. All the hype is around ICS. I do not see any major features that I would use that really matters that much. I may be in the minority here. And I use my phone often. I just don't see how having ICS would change my day to day phone experience.
Now screens...that's something I see and notice everyday. Screen tech does change my user experience.
I'm with you. Plus, since the note doesn't have any major issues that need to be addressed, it wouldn't even really matter if Samsung did start neglecting it.
I voted no only because of the GS3 release hitting the horizon. In all honesty, I would have more than likey said 'maybe', but that's not a selection on the poll. I would do quite a bit of research regardless before I can make up my mind on what I would eventually settle with. Of course a minimum screen size of 5" is and will be the norm for me now (the GNote has spoiled me there). The s-pen is an added benefit for me too. I'm so used to stylus input over the years, it's still second nature to pull it out and work with it (or any pen in my hand for that matter).
I voted no only because of the GS3 release hitting the horizon... Of course a minimum screen size of 5" is and will be the norm for me now (the GNote has spoiled me there).
Uhhh... I thought the GS3 was 4.7". A lttle over a half inch difference is a BIG deal!
Uhhh... I thought the GS3 was 4.7". A lttle over a half inch difference is a BIG deal!
Yeah I've read about that too, but I'll wait and see for myself before passing judgement. My answer is more of a maybe right now. Who knows, even with a smaller screen, it still might impress me in another level.
Even is the Galaxy S3 is quad-core OMG amazing goodness...I'd still get the Note mainly because of teh 5.3" screen...i can't go any smaller anymore. Even my bro's Skyrocket seems "small" to me...and everyone's iPhone at work...LOL, they look very small to me now.
Last edited by El Presidente; May 21st, 2012 at 11:39 PM.
Reason: Banned word filter
Yes
As a older boomer the screen size and button size for dailing is a must have. Gps with this screen size is as big as my Garmin that got stolen from vehicle over night and works just as well.
I would not purchase if I know what I know now. I was expecting less than stellar battery life but this thing blows through a battery in no time and that is with screen brightness down, bluetooth and GPS off. That is also doing the most basic of things like playing a few turns of Draw Something with my daughter, checking email and loading a few webpages. I could use my iPhone 4S to a much greater extend like all of the above, control my hi-fi , listen to music, etc.. and not have to charge that day. I find myself charging the Note twice a day with minimal use.
The phone is slow. Everyone raves about multitasking in Android OS but really how practical is it ? Its not. Its not like your going to be compiling a video while doing A B and C. This thing gets so sluggish after a few background apps are running and are really not doing anything other than being present in the background. To much emphasis is being put on multitasking considering.
To many small quirks. "Connection Error" on default email program set up with yahoo mail. The mail sends and receives but "connection error" pops up all the time even when there is obviously no connection error. This started a few days after I had the Note for no apparent reason.
I will keep it until next upgrade but its definitely back to iPhone after this. Seems everyone attempts to make iPhone killers when in reality the only iPhone killer is the next iPhone.
The Following User Says Thank You to rz22g For This Useful Post:
I came from the iPhone 4 and would definitely buy this again. I love having a phone I can use as a Kindle and also play games without squinting. Once ICS comes out, I'm sure I'll like this phone even more (for one thing, I hate the way cut, copy and paste is with Gingerbread). Now, if they would just announce when ICS is coming out.
I came from the iPhone 4 and would definitely buy this again. I love having a phone I can use as a Kindle and also play games without squinting. Once ICS comes out, I'm sure I'll like this phone even more (for one thing, I hate the way cut, copy and paste is with Gingerbread). Now, if they would just announce when ICS is coming out.
The phone is slow. Everyone raves about multitasking in Android OS but really how practical is it ? Its not.
Multitasking is an OLD concept in the mobile world. Pocket PC and Windows Mobile allowed multitasking long before Android came to be. It IS practical for some people, like myself. To say it isn't is untrue.
Quote:
I will keep it until next upgrade but its definitely back to iPhone after this. Seems everyone attempts to make iPhone killers when in reality the only iPhone killer is the next iPhone.
Sorry, but from where I came from, iPhone was already dead. For my purposes, Windows Mobile (an older OS) was already killing it with stellar apps that can run rings around it in functionality (even stomping Android apps too). I'm just getting used to Android and seriously speaking, it's starting to suit my needs perfectly. Oh well, to each their own.
I'm in Canada, so I'm pretty excited. Only problem is when the carrier will allow the update.
I'm having trouble finding the link, but we've already received that press release here in the USA. I believe it was about a month ago, and we were told we'd receive it sometime in Q2.
In other words, it could be awhile for you in Canada.
I'm having trouble finding the link, but we've already received that press release here in the USA. I believe it was about a month ago, and we were told we'd receive it sometime in Q2.
In other words, it could be awhile for you in Canada.
From what I can see, this is an AT&T press release. Not from the manufacturer. It's also specific for the HTC. The announcement in Canada is straight from Samsung Canada. They have already started rolling out the update according to their official press release. The problem is if and when the carriers will play nice and allow their customers to upgrade to ICS.
Bought two Notes about 6 weeks ago, one for me and one for the wife. We BOTH are constantly amazed at how well they work! Mine has been dropped twiced on concrete AND soaked in an ice cooler full of water....I pulled it apart and let it dry over night and suprisingly, it RESTARTED the next morning!
I can't remember what life was like before the Note. I have a 64 gig card in now and it's doing everything I would want from it. All other phones look like toys to me now. This week I'll be going on a week long trip without my laptop for the first time.
Device(s): Galaxy Note LTE i717M White
Galaxy S2 i9100m White
Galaxy S i9000
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 12
Thanked 11 Times in 10 Posts
this phone is BIG, sleek and amazing!!!
For those saying that the battery life sucks, just get a second battery (something you can't do with the "I")
I can speak from experience, the only phone (correct me if I'm wrong) that has ever lasted more than 24 hours on a full charge was my Blackberry Bold 9700.
I have yet to encounter a smartphone that lasts me more than 9 hours...
I've used the "I" so many times and the battery is just the same.
8-9 hours is the most I get out of my phone, sometimes I can only get 6 hours out of it. But I don't complain...we all knew that having a 5.3 inch screen meant less battery life. Given the size and the slimness of the phone, its kind of difficult to fit an oversized battery and still keep its good looks.
Just to let you know how I use my phone:
3-4 hours of talk time (I'm a salesrep)
150 text messages
maps/gps always on
bluetooth and mp3 all day
web
since I am mostly in the car, a car charger is another option and very handy
So, would I buy this phone knowing what I know now???
Damn right I would!
I, like most people probably said "Damn, that thing is huge, I'm never going to get a phone that size, its just ridiculous!"
What did we do??? We picked it up! Did we regret it??? Hell NO!!!! (those who did, well just trade it and stop complaining )
__________________
Galaxy Note i717M LTE
Download: 26.00 Mbps
Upload: 14.47 Mbps
Ping: 24 ms
Bell Mobility Network
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Kyrotech For This Useful Post:
The first smart phone I owned was an iPhone 3GS. At the time, I was completely blown away by what it could do. I had never before seen anything like it, and was absolutely thrilled with it...for about 3 months. Then, I wanted to DO things with it. I wanted to link a picture to my homescreen so I could access it with one click (touch). I wanted to have a folder of specific contacts for different occasions. I wanted CUSTOMIZATION, and I was out of luck.
So at first opportunity, I bought my first Android phone...a Motorola Atrix 4G. The fingerprint scanner was AWESOME. I had security without a pin number. I finally was able to customize my phone experience the way I wanted. I set up widgets, direct dial shortcuts, you name it...I was sold on Android.
And then...I saw this beauty. 5.3 inches? Too big? NO WAY. This phone is a beast, in every good way imaginable. Is there lag? A little, sometimes, if I have a bunch of apps running in the background and widgets out the wazoo on the homescreen. Widgets...on the homescreen. And the s-pen? Whoever said that stylii were obsolete...move along. The pen makes this device.
So, in summary...I would buy this phone again, and I don't think I'll ever be able to go back to a "normal sized" phone again.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to triumvirant For This Useful Post:
I loved it at first but the size finally got to me. Its way too big. I loved it while surfing the Web at home but the second I left for work I just couldn't take it. I am current using a galaxy skyrocket and much happier.
I've had the phone for a week now and I still love it. At first it looked way to big for me but I got used to it and now everything else looks so small. I couldn't imagine using anything smaller now.
I also have to comment about the battery life with the note. My previous phone was the HTC Amaze which had a 1730 mah battery and a 4.3 screen sucked for battery life. I would use it for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes at first coffee break, 20 minutes at lunch, and 15 minutes at last coffee break and the battery would be about 15-20 percent by the end of the day. With the note I have around 65-70 percent at the end of the day. Huge improvement. So I really don't understand all the people complaining about the battery life with this phone.
I also have to comment about the battery life with the note. My previous phone was the HTC Amaze which had a 1730 mah battery and a 4.3 screen sucked for battery life. I would use it for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes at first coffee break, 20 minutes at lunch, and 15 minutes at last coffee break and the battery would be about 15-20 percent by the end of the day. With the note I have around 65-70 percent at the end of the day. Huge improvement. So I really don't understand all the people complaining about the battery life with this phone.
No question the Note offers some solid battery life in spite of its movie-theatre-sized screen, but for heavy users, it's still far from optimal.
Your description of personal daily usage is pretty vague, to be honest, but if what you're describing is truly all there is to how you use the phone (which seems to equate to roughly 60-70min screen-on time), then you are a VERY conservative user who ought to be getting the kind of battery life you're getting now, if not better.
However, most people who report battery life problems are those who may either be used to getting or expecting to see 4-5hrs of screen-on battery time out of their phone on a single charge. Some have figured out how to attain this, while others continue to struggle.
It just seems to me like you came from a device with god-awful battery life that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, so virtually ANY new device was going to make you happy in the battery department.
-Ryan
Last edited by ryandelman; May 15th, 2012 at 03:37 PM.
Device(s): LG Nexus 4, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Htc Evo 3D, Google Chrome Cr-48
Carrier: AT&T and T-Mobile (prepaid)
Thanks: 667
Thanked 320 Times in 254 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by landovr
I also have to comment about the battery life with the note. My previous phone was the HTC Amaze which had a 1730 mah battery and a 4.3 screen sucked for battery life. I would use it for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes at first coffee break, 20 minutes at lunch, and 15 minutes at last coffee break and the battery would be about 15-20 percent by the end of the day. With the note I have around 65-70 percent at the end of the day. Huge improvement. So I really don't understand all the people complaining about the battery life with this phone.
I use mine quite a bit more than you and am still very happy with my battery life. I love driving around with music playing from the Note with the screen set to stay on the entire time even with brightness all the way up and I still haven't had a day where the phone died.
No. I don't hate this phone, its just that the os is annoying. My old iP4s was simple and I liked it that way. Now I have to swipe here and clicked there before I can do what used to come effortlessly on the iphone. I made the switch because I liked what ics had to offer but where is that at? Plus, the battery life is horrible! I could go a day and a half without having to charge my iP4s. Now I have a charger in my car, at work and at home. Ok so its bigger so it uses more battery.ok but are they using the same battery from their smaller phones? I hope it gets better with ics but either way, I'm stuck here for the next 2yrs. Plus, judging by the way it feels in my hand and the locations of the buttons, I'm sure it Will be redesigned by then...
This is the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy Note. The only difference between the AT&T Galaxy Note and the international version is a different processors.
The AT&T version uses a dual-core Snapdragon for better 4G LTE capabilities... Read More
Would you still buy this phone knowing what you know now?
A few days after purchasing my car I started noticing all the little "things" that I still don't like about it... cheap interior materials, not enough power, etc. 
