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Considering a Note 2

Hi guys,

First time poster here and I'm considering a G Note 2 but have a few concerns as sometimes these branded versions of Android get in the way of the natural functions.

- Is there a capability to turn off animations? Mainly for opening a folders with multiple apps in there, I ask because on the Nexus it is instant and waiting for an animation even if for only a second is a bit anti productive. My HTC takes wayyyyy too long to open folders.

- When viewing online albums like in Picasa, my HTC restricts functions like using the picture to set as wallpaper for example where the Nexus would allow me, how about the Note 2?

- How is the volume for calls and notifications? Will I need to download Volume+ to make it clearer?

- Does the phone get hot after short periods of use? My Sensation XL gets hot very quickly after running an app or game for a very short period of time and in a hot country like Australia, I worry about the health of the phone.

- Does the Note 2 not utilize Jelly Bean features such as apps or widgets swapping places when being dragged?

- I also understand the screen resolution is not as high as the previous Note, does this show through in reality?

I know these are all small things but it bugs me greatly if these kind of things are restricted. Especially since I will be paying about $620 outright for this badboy as I'm only half way through my contract. The size really isn't a concern for me as every phone I've ever bought seemed too big at the time but then is fine after a week of use. I love the snap on cover too! Great way to protect the phone without ruining the lines or slimness of the phone!

Thanks!
 
Now I have only had the device for a day now, so definitely wait for a second opinion, but the phone is honestly amazing.

1. I am not aware of a way to turn off animations, however with the folders I have been using the animation is done before my finger reaches the spot.

2. I don't use picasa sorry.

3. Call volume is great! A lot clearer and crisper sound than my old Desire HD. I don't really know about notifications though as I never take my phones out of silent. I hate ringtones etc. Going off.

4. I have been using the phone a lot since I got it, and also live in Australia. The phone has been fine. Stays at room temperature mostly. Only time it got warm was when charging amd that was "warm" not Hot.

5. Yes.

6. My father has the original note and although the Note 2 has lower pixel density it is still a lot better than the original notes screen. And its not just me saying it cause I have a new phone, my dad agreed. The screen is a lot brighter and Samsungs Super Amoled display is crystal clear.
 
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1. In the developers menu, there is an option to turn off animations and stuff however I've never used it so i can't verify that. Mine are all currently turned off and the flow is quite smooth from opening/closing folders and such. Don't think you'll have to worry about this one.

2. As far as wallpapers go, I think you have to download the pic first prior to setting it as your wallpaper. I'm not a picasa user so you might be able to simply use whatever pic is in your album since it's already synced up with the phone.

3. I find no issues with the sound on this phone. At full blast, the ringing sound is quite loud, almost too loud. Same with the notifications sounds and all. Speaker phone is plenty loud as is the ear speaker.

4. I've played on my phone for hours and never had an issue with it getting hot/warm at all.

5. yes

6. I find the screen resolution to be excellent. if you're a pixel peeper then, yeah, you'll notice a difference between this one and the original Note however, for movie viewing or whatever, it's great and no issues with the resolution for me.
 
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Hi guys,

First time poster here and I'm considering a G Note 2 but have a few concerns as sometimes these branded versions of Android get in the way of the natural functions.

- Is there a capability to turn off animations? Mainly for opening a folders with multiple apps in there, I ask because on the Nexus it is instant and waiting for an animation even if for only a second is a bit anti productive. My HTC takes wayyyyy too long to open folders. You can turn off the animations. With the Note2 its fasts enough where you might not even need to.

- When viewing online albums like in Picasa, my HTC restricts functions like using the picture to set as wallpaper for example where the Nexus would allow me, how about the Note 2? Works just like the Nexus

- How is the volume for calls and notifications? Will I need to download Volume+ to make it clearer? I have never felt I needed to volume to be any higher, and if I did there is the extra volume icon when you're in a call.

- Does the phone get hot after short periods of use? My Sensation XL gets hot very quickly after running an app or game for a very short period of time and in a hot country like Australia, I worry about the health of the phone. My Note2 has never even really felt warm. And thats after 3-4 hours of gaming/movies.

- Does the Note 2 not utilize Jelly Bean features such as apps or widgets swapping places when being dragged? Yes.

- I also understand the screen resolution is not as high as the previous Note, does this show through in reality? I had the OG Note and I feel the screen is the same or better on the Note2.

I know these are all small things but it bugs me greatly if these kind of things are restricted. Especially since I will be paying about $620 outright for this badboy as I'm only half way through my contract. The size really isn't a concern for me as every phone I've ever bought seemed too big at the time but then is fine after a week of use. I love the snap on cover too! Great way to protect the phone without ruining the lines or slimness of the phone!

Thanks!

Hope I helped some!
 
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I would also like to add that I have not noticed this phone's temp to really change. My Droid X2 was really bad about this so I was surprised that during heavy use while also charging did not seem to raise the temp of the phone.

This is likely due to the material of the back of the phone as well as the case not directly touching the battery.
 
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I can confirm all the answers for the AT&T version are also true for Verizon. I have got the phone to get very slightly warm, but never hot like my HTC Rezound (very similar to the Sensation, which got hot even with the animations turned off). The GN2 is a great phone, well balanced and high performing...and I can read it without my glasses. Battery life is approximately 2X what the Rezound could do with an extended battery I paid full retail and it was worth every penny.
 
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