Hi
Finally got the money to order a new Note 3 and getting it tomorrow...cant wait!
But would like peoples opinion on a few key things I will be using A LOT on this phone.
1 - What is it like web browsing/general internet use? I do not own a tablet etc so this will be my go to internet device.
2 - How does YouTube handle on the Note 3? I love watching videos of games/tv shows etc I want
3 - Camera? I have 2 kids and looking forward to seeing my pics on this lovely screen
4 - General phone usage/speed all good?
I have also got the Otterbox Commuter case in Glacier coming with the phone and don't use screen protectors as I like them "naked" on the front
I have lots to learn (like s-pen) but these will come over time.
Thanks for any replies
1) Internet browsing will vary, depending on what you're trying to do. My "go to" browser is Dolphin Browser because it can be set to always show Desktop Browser (whereas the stock and chrome browser have to be re-toggled every now and then). In addition to that, Dolphin allows for the side-loading of the last Flash apk (prior to Adobe abandoning flash on mobile). Flash is important for both my personal and work life. Another reason I chose Dolphin, over other flash supporting browsers, is due to its ability of loading up bookmarks from chrome browser. The Sync function doesn't quite work properly, but I found a method to load up the bookmarks I currently had (for chrome) onto Dolphin. If I need to do quick reference, then I'll use the stock or chrome browser, but the overall experience has been just fine for me using any of them, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. I never set a default for which browser I want to use.
2) The Youtube app has improved a lot, since a few years ago. Every now and then, I have issues with it connecting, but works fine (for the most part). Again, this will all depend on what you're trying to do. There are certain videos that are blocked from "mobile" viewing on the app, at which point, I just copy the URL and watch them on Dolphin (e.g. Flash is important for me).
3) Camera never used to be that important a consideration for me, but after having the Note 2 and now the Note 3, the cameras on both have been better than anything else I've ever used. If your kids are young, and you want to take pictures of them while taking a nap/sleeping, there are many of us that use an apk developed on XDA that silences the camera shutter. I have Spring, which doesn't allow for disabling of that sound, but have so many 1-3 year old nephews and nieces that just look too adorable while sleeping and feel the need to take pictures of them, without disturbing their nap/sleep time with a loud shutter sound. Picture quality is more than sufficient. I only shoot in 1080p and don't use the 4k. Since there's no need for me to have humongous pictures, the 1080p shooting is sufficient, but I can see how the 4k shooting for video could be important for some.
4) General phone usage/speed is comparable to the experience I had with the Note 2. I'd say the main difference I've noticed is having the 32gb internal vs. the old standard of 16gb, as well as the additional 1gb of RAM. Now that I've had the phone for almost 6 months, it's definitely better than my Note 2 was at the same point of reference. Strangely enough, I had a better battery life experience with the Note 2, than I've had with the Note 3. Even though the Note 3 only had a slight bump up in size, I still haven't managed to duplicate the battery life I experienced on my Note 2. But, for everyday purposes, it's perfectly fine...especially with strategized use of the power saving functions.
I'd highly recommend getting an ultra thin tempered glass protector. There are many products on the market, but I went the cheap route and purchased one from a top seller on ebay (roughly $7). Ever since I've gotten that, I will never use one of those plain screen protectors again! The one I purchased is smooth, like glass, easy to wipe off and clean, and I still haven't noticed any scratching. I have had insurance on most of my phones, but having the tempered glass protector gives me that added peace of mind, compared to past years relying on SGP (just due to it being the "closest" screen protector for the "glass" feeling). Tempered glass is the way to go, IMO. And never have any problems with the S-pen on the tempered glass.