Note 3 users going to the Note 4

If you do Edge the Line Access fee for all of those phones will drop from $40 to $15/mo.

Unless the other 4 people are getting best of the best phones (phones that retail for over $600), the discount will come close to covering the monthly payment on the phone, and they'll be able to upgrade every year and even earlier if you pay the balance (60% of phone cost now, 50% for those of us who got in earlier) and trade the phone in.

Edge is great, IMO, for people who use Android phones. If I were an iPhone user, then I would not use Edge because those iPhones resale for too much cash - especially for someone like me who typically has mint-condition phones after 18 months of use.

Addendum: But we only have 2 lines on Edge, which makes it a huge value. 2 Line Edge with 10GB Data Bucket is the same price per month as 2 Line Edge with 4GB Data Bucket and less than 2 Line Edge with 6 or 8GB Data Bucket (due to a big discount kicking in at 10GB breakpoint).

If I were on a 4 Line Data plan, I'd probably have to see the numbers. I'm not exactly sure how that all measures up for you. I'd also see the average data usage of all lines on the account and see if I could save money by going down to a lower data bucket.

Other Line on my account is routinely below 2GB data usage. We only went up because the price was the same and the only way to save money was to go DOWN to 2GB, which obviously isn't feasible!

AnonGuy said:

Addendum: But we only have 2 lines on Edge, which makes it a huge value. 2 Line Edge with 10GB Data Bucket is the same price per month as 2 Line Edge with 4GB Data Bucket and less than 2 Line Edge with 6 or 8GB Data Bucket (due to a big discount kicking in at 10GB breakpoint).

If I were on a 4 Line Data plan, I'd probably have to see the numbers. I'm not exactly sure how that all measures up for you. I'd also see the average data usage of all lines on the account and see if I could save money by going down to a lower data bucket.

Other Line on my account is routinely below 2GB data usage. We only went up because the price was the same and the only way to save money was to go DOWN to 2GB, which obviously isn't feasible!

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info here and in the above post. I have 18gb data for my plan because that is what we get close to collectively often. I will have to look into things and crunch numbers for sure. But if I theoretically save $25 per line, that's $100 off my bill per month with the Edge program (If I am reading this correctly). But then I will have to pay $40 more total on my current bill to use the Edge program on all four lines, however I have not down payment (each phone is going to be at least $200, and in the case of the note 4 $300 if I can't get the Samsung rebate thing to work (which I don't think I can). So I will save between $800 and $1000 in down payments right now if I upgraded all 4 of my lines. That's somewhere between $67 and $84 per month (If divided by 12) in savings on the down payments, minus the extra $40 on my bill, I "should" save between $27 to $44 per month over a 12 month span.

Now the kicker would be - after 12 months how much am I going to have to kick in to upgrade the phones then?? Also - I like to keep my retired devices, for several reasons, and with the Edge plan I am assuming I would need to trade the current phone back in to get a new model. Yes?

Honestly, for everyone on my plan except me, they can get by just fine upgrading every two years. I could too, but since I am the one paying for the entire bill, I at least am going to take an upgrade every year. That means one of the lines will always be getting an older (1 yr old at least) hand me down phone to use.

Good info! I didn't know about the $25 a month discount for an edge phone on the share everything plan. I'm going to upgrade my droid dna to the lg g3 ($30 a month on edge,) so it will only be a $5 a month increase on my bill. The kicker is, I see they're offering a $100 bill credit for new edge customers, so that would pick up the tab for that $5 a month for the duration of the contract!

rivera02 said:

Good info! I didn't know about the $25 a month discount for an edge phone on the share everything plan. I'm going to upgrade my droid dna to the lg g3 ($30 a month on edge,) so it will only be a $5 a month increase on my bill. The kicker is, I see they're offering a $100 bill credit for new edge customers, so that would pick up the tab for that $5 a month for the duration of the contract!

Click to expand...

I knew nothing of this Edge program until I went home with a 128GB iPhone 6 on release day for no money down ($850 full retail, $42.49 a month). But I returned it because I encountered so many software bugs and I like the app selection on Android much better. After having a Note 2 and Note 3 I wanted a change to a smaller phone with stock firmware. So while I did preorder the Note 4 on one of my lines I'm still keeping my eyes and options open. I really don't want another Samsung phone 3 years straight with touchwiz but so far the Note 4 appears to be the best. With so many great Android phones now and coming out it's a hard decision. My list of phones are below.

Note 4
Droid Turbo
Moto X
LG G3

All these phones are pretty decent but the Note 4 and Droid Turbo are my top devices so far. That Gear VR accessory is really doing it for me. I want to like the Moto X but it needs more battery life and storage options but it's fast and cheap; the fastest Android phone I've used. The reviews on LG G3 have been inconsistent and I'm not sure about their updating history. Plus the LG is already a few months old.
It's a really good time to have so many choices. But with the Edge program it makes it easier to pick what you want. If Edge was not a factor I would pick the Moto X.

Yea the g3 is for my wife I can see it being the perfect phone for her needs. My brother is upgrading from the note 2 to the n4, I'm holding onto my note 3 until something worth an upgrade comes along.

I tested a Note 4 during lunch at BB and got the confirmed bad news: No off-contract for the $200 discount- boo!

1. Seems as fast as the Note 3, but both are demo bloated... Both were fast in spite of it. Impressive considering the Note 3 has surely been there a while.

2. I have a concern with free storage. There was less than 16GB free. The bloat appears to account for 4.5GB (Qhd content I guess) and stock apps. I can not bridge the difference and hope the stock rom does not take up over 4GB more than the Note 3 does. That would be insane.

3. Samsung, how hard is it for you to make a louder speaker??

4. Normal viewing distance I can not tell the difference, but if focusing on a web page or pictures, the Note 4 display is STUNNING. The Note 3 display is great, but the Note 4 display is STUNNING.

5. The Note 3 out of box has over 24GB free. The Note 4 appears to work out to about 20GB when subtracting the demo. Have Samsung stooped to new Evil levels of phone bloat? This would make me pass on the device. G3 has about 24GB out of box too and is Qhd. Yes, I double dipped the point from thought 2, but this is bugging me.

6. Good build and did not notice a gap that some report. Feels a little better in hand than the Note 3.

Seriously, if the Note 4 lost around 4GB more storage, I will not buy it. That is perverted bad IF pans out.

rushmore said:

5. The Note 3 out of box has over 24GB free. The Note 4 appears to work out to about 20GB when subtracting the demo. have Samsung stooped to new Evil levels of phone bloat? This would make me pass on the device. G3 has about 24GB out of box too and is Qhd. Yes, I double dipped the point from thought 2, but this is bugging me.

Click to expand...

There's an old thread, in the Note 3 forums, that was recently bumped by a troll. Nonetheless, it was discussing the same issue when someone saw a display model in a Best Buy location, wondering how much available space there would be on the release model.

It'd be a shame if Samsung took up almost 10gb of the internal storage, for bloat (but I wouldn't be surprised). I really wouldn't be too concerned, as the demo models have shown this controversy in the past. I'd just PM Mike (he's a member on here), since he already has the Note 4 and his videos running, much like he's done since the Note 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdneth_AKKA&list=UU9cbw1mHe71NbNE-21TLoug

Ooh, this doesn't sit well with me. The gap is a "feature"? Looks like it's either the 64gb Edge or no upgrade for me

Samsung explains Note 4 gap as a "necessary manufacturing feature"

Sounds like similar B.S. they spun, when the US Note II was only offered in 16gb, despite announcing a 32 and 64 option and releasing in Korea.

The demos at my local BB did not have a credit card edge thick gap. Seems more like a production issue with some units, IMO.

I think you would love the N4 if tested. The display is intoxicating

rushmore said:

The demos at my local BB did not have a credit card edge thick gap. Seems more like a production issue with some units, IMO.

I think you would love the N4 if tested. The display is intoxicating

Click to expand...

I'm sure I'd like it, but not sure I'd love it that much more than the Note 3. How does it feel in the hand, as compared to the Note 3? Is the slight reduction in width apparent or does it feel virtually identical? And does the additional height make it easier or more difficult to manage? Realistically, no matter how much "nicer" the screen looks, I already love the Note 3 display as is, so any upgrade from that screen wouldn't be that important to me. It'd be a no-brainer for me, if they offered a 64gb version.

Honestly, the only thing that is truly tempting me with upgrading to the Note 4, is the Best Buy deal. Although, turning around and selling it off contract is an idea that had crossed my mind. I'm already locked into another 2 years from the G3 upgrade, on my other line, so the contract extension doesn't really bother me. We'll see, as we get closer to the release date. I'm hoping that there's some indication on when the Note Edge will be available (prior to the Note 4 launch), so that I'll still have time to jump on the pre-order deal (if I decide to make the jump).

As of right now, everything is pointing towards me enjoying the Note 3 for another year.

drexappeal said:

I'm sure I'd like it, but not sure I'd love it that much more than the Note 3. How does it feel in the hand, as compared to the Note 3? Is the slight reduction in width apparent or does it feel virtually identical? And does the additional height make it easier or more difficult to manage? Realistically, no matter how much "nicer" the screen looks, I already love the Note 3 display as is, so any upgrade from that screen wouldn't be that important to me. It'd be a no-brainer for me, if they offered a 64gb version.

Honestly, the only thing that is truly tempting me with upgrading to the Note 4, is the Best Buy deal. Although, turning around and selling it off contract is an idea that had crossed my mind. I'm already locked into another 2 years from the G3 upgrade, on my other line, so the contract extension doesn't really bother me. We'll see, as we get closer to the release date. I'm hoping that there's some indication on when the Note Edge will be available (prior to the Note 4 launch), so that I'll still have time to jump on the pre-order deal (if I decide to make the jump).

As of right now, everything is pointing towards me enjoying the Note 3 for another year.

Click to expand...

-It is more tapered so does feel better to hold.

-The extra height is at the top, so not a display use impact.

-The display makes the G3 display seem very dated and looks bad when compared next to each other, IMO. Then again, I find the contrast poor on the G3.

Speaking of the G3, BB mobile staff told me they are getting returns of the G3 due to heat issues from the display. Freezes and resets.

Displaymate shows the N4 display to be twice as power efficient as the G3 display. I compared the G3 with the N4. The G3 display was very warm, but the N4 display was about room temperature. Seriously, if you compare them side by side the G3 does not favor well.

I notice the G3 display always seems very warm every time used, but I am sure some folks get used to it and do not notice after a while. Battery life does though

rushmore said:

-It is more tapered so does feel better to hold.

-The extra height is at the top, so not a display use impact.

-The display makes the G3 display seem very dated and looks bad when compared next to each other, IMO. Then again, I find the contrast poor on the G3.

Speaking of the G3, BB mobile staff told me they are getting returns of the G3 due to heat issues from the display. Freezes and resets.

Displaymate shows the N4 display to be twice as power efficient as the G3 display. I compared the G3 with the N4. The G3 display was very warm, but the N4 display was about room temperature. Seriously, if you compare them side by side the G3 does not favor well.

I notice the G3 display always seems very warm every time used, but I am sure some folks get used to it and do not notice after a while. Battery life does though

Click to expand...

I actually didn't mind the g3 at all, but once my mom saw it, no way I was keeping it and I have it to her. Perfect for her.

I might stop by best buy just to hold the display. Tough thing is, it is hard to get a grasp on the phone when it has the security connectors strapped to it.

rushmore said:

-It is more tapered so does feel better to hold.

-The extra height is at the top, so not a display use impact.

-The display makes the G3 display seem very dated and looks bad when compared next to each other, IMO. Then again, I find the contrast poor on the G3.

Speaking of the G3, BB mobile staff told me they are getting returns of the G3 due to heat issues from the display. Freezes and resets.

Displaymate shows the N4 display to be twice as power efficient as the G3 display. I compared the G3 with the N4. The G3 display was very warm, but the N4 display was about room temperature. Seriously, if you compare them side by side the G3 does not favor well.

I notice the G3 display always seems very warm every time used, but I am sure some folks get used to it and do not notice after a while. Battery life does though

Click to expand...

I decided to pass my note 3 to my wife and take the g3 for a spin when I updated my old droid DNA (my business phone) on the edge program. The note 3 was great, I just wanted something new to play with.

Honestly, after using the g3 for a few hours I just kept thinking to myself "this display sucks!" Miles behind the note 3 IMO. Viewing angles are terrible and it seems so dull even at 80% brightness. I haven't noticed it getting really hot, but it does stay noticeably warm near the top of the phone. Later, I'm going to do some emulator gaming (probably ppsspp,) so it'll be interesting to see how it handles that.

I should add though, data and voice connectivity is way better than the note 3 after the kitkat update, so that has been a really nice change of pace.

Alrighty, stopped by best buy and this is what I saw first



Looks like Note 4 will have around 22gb usable, if retail version ends up same as display (just add up miscellaneous files and used space + available)


Oddly enough, the Edge seems to have more usable, closer to Note 3


My thoughts about the Note 4. The slimness of the phone will likely make it slightly easier to manage. The added height seems like it would make it slightly more awkward as compared to the Note 3. I tested how I use the Note 3 one handed vs. How it would be on note 4. But, still not a huge issue. What would be an issue is that extra 3gb of used storage space for the os... And the fact that the Edge appears that it will have more available is somewhat odd to me.

The Edge is super cool looking in person, but not completely sold on it. The width concerned me, but holding it in person, it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. More comfortable than the original Note, but not as comfortable as the 2-4. And, the deal breaker for me, only the 32gb will be offered for the Edge.

Of the 2, the edge is definitely more of an eye catcher than the Note 4, but I might be biased since I have had the Note 2 and 3.

As for the screen... Yes, it is nice on both, but definitely not a huge factor for me. I wasn't as blown away as many people seemed to have been. It is very very nice, for sure, but not enough for me to leave my Note 3 in the dust. No 64gb was deal breaker, so if I were to upgrade, it would probably go on sale immediately after buying and dealing with selling is such a time hassle for me, so looks like I will be waiting on folding note next year!

Now, the only thing that would change my mind is if the Edge had a similar deal as the Note 4, but still a high possibility I would just sell it.

Samsung seems rudderless. Their own president stated last week the Edge is a concept device and not intended for mass production, yet they have one at BB?

Apparently the bendy part is proprietary, so likely only Samsung apps will leverage it.

The Note 4 still uses the aggressive smart stabilization to get any decent low light shots, and they aren't all that much better than the Note 3. Once you zoom in, all the details are smoothed out, etc.

So basically they slapped OIS and raised the megapixels on a semi-decent sensor upgrade and threw it in there complete with all the software faults people complained about in their other phones.

They need to take their software more seriously. Smart Stabilization is terrible. Get a clue, Samsung.

Addendum: that includes the same yellow casting and white balance issues. The camera still blows out highlights in daytime shots as well. Ugh...

I guess the OIS will be nice for 4K that I don't use. Digital works fine for everything else.

Will wait for an S808/810 device next year. They will be a bit more future proof and certainly will perform better for the things I tax my phone with.

I do not have much of a photography background, though I did a basic comparison of my n3 and the n4 at bb with some simple photos and the n4 definitely focussed better and the pics seemed sharper. I took a few photos of some package underneath the kiosk that the n4s were tethered to because there was less light there, though some of the n4 and n3 pics were blurry with less light. The camera is important to me so I plan to go back for more testing.

AnonGuy said:

The Note 4 still uses the aggressive smart stabilization to get any decent low light shots, and they aren't all that much better than the Note 3. Once you zoom in, all the details are smoothed out, etc.

So basically they slapped OIS and raised the megapixels on a semi-decent sensor upgrade and threw it in there complete with all the software faults people complained about in their other phones.

They need to take their software more seriously. Smart Stabilization is terrible. Get a clue, Samsung.

Click to expand...

They probably are a bit sharper, but to what extent? The Optics are improved overall. Anything that moves in low light blurs, the White Balance is way off, etc.

You can always turn smart stabilization off but then the pictures lean towards unusable dark. OIS probably helps the phone avoid blur due to camera hand shake, though not by much.

I wonder what the processing times are like, though.

Coach's Eye just launched on Windows Phone, so that is now an [very attractive] option for me. I may pick up a cheap 928 and play around with it before deciding hat route I want to take.

With the new 64 bit SoCs coming out, though, I'm inclined to wait another 6 months or so before actually getting a new phone.

Windows 10 [Phone], 64-Bit Android on 20nm SoCs, etc. have potential to shake things up a bit.

Had the note for a month or so then flogged it when I herd the 4 was coming out

I know this is the wrong place for this. I really want the Note 4, but can't justify full price right now. I'd like to get a Note 3 for 6-12 months, then upgrade to the 4 once the price drops....

Any of you Note 3 users who are upgrading want to sell your Note 3 once you get the Note 4? We'd have to find some sort of middle man, or something, but I just thought I'd ask. Already rooted would be awesome too.

I might troll Best Buy and get one of the two staff that have N3s sell me theirs. They are getting the S4 and the contract $200 offer.

Nah, if they can do the swap, I would have an N4 for less than a used N3.

Branndon said:

I know this is the wrong place for this. I really want the Note 4, but can't justify full price right now. I'd like to get a Note 3 for 6-12 months, then upgrade to the 4 once the price drops....

Any of you Note 3 users who are upgrading want to sell your Note 3 once you get the Note 4? We'd have to find some sort of middle man, or something, but I just thought I'd ask. Already rooted would be awesome too.

Click to expand...

I'll be selling my rooted Sprint Note 3 with several accessories, but of course you'd have to be on Sprint to use it.

rushmore said:

I might troll Best Buy and get one of the two staff that have N3s sell me theirs. They are getting the S4 and the contract $200 offer.

Nah, if they can do the swap, I would have an N4 for less than a used N3.

Click to expand...

I thought you preordered a N4 already. You were one of the first people to mention doing so on this forum.