Database Users

Changing from iphone4

Hey all
Looking to change from iphone4. Had every iPhone since launch and am just bored of em now
Looking at android phone and the sgs2 caught my eye
However have seen a lot of negativity about it in here and elsewhere
So do you think it's a good move or should I hang on for the HTC sensation (which sounds brilliant)

iPhone user here.
Apps are far better on iOS. You wont find some apps on Android that are on iOS. Thats my only dislike about Android but thats down to the developer. Im missing loads of apps, first direct, sky sports, bbc and so on. You can use the brower for all these wit Flash though
The SGS2 is by far the best Android phone. If your truely bored of iOS then get this, its worth it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

However have seen a lot of negativity about it in here and elsewhere
Loads on negativity about IPhone all over the net .
Point is that this forum is new and not yet representative of a large number of users .
Personally i thought the SGS 1 was as good as the IPhone 4 though some users preferred the HTc interface but i did not .
You really got to try them and read the reviews on al the phones .
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s2-930907/review
I am not missing any apps that i want .
Have Sky Sports news > BBC >
jje

Hello
I got bored too
I have just done the swap to a SGS2 from a iphone 4(well still have it)
Before the ip4 I was a long time winmo user
there are good and bad points to both phones
ios is slick on ip4 and does its job well...but also so limiting even with jailbreak
I f you love tweaking then get a droid phone thats why I have now bought 1
as for the negatives how many did the ip4 have @ the start

Tbh I think the ui on sgs is poor
Much prefer HTC sense (have messed about with mates)

Garfs said:
Tbh I think the ui on sgs is poor
Much prefer HTC sense (have messed about with mates)
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Click to collapse
Got the HTC desire for a while, and now I've got a SGS2, and I really prefer TouchWiz 4.0 over HTC sense. TouchWiz is really good on this phone. HTC Sense, never really liked it.

I've just received my Galaxy S2 today, a bit of an act of faith after the first one, which was IMO at first a very flawed device (a little digging and you can find my previous postings about this).
I've just come from an iPhone 4 myself, via an HTC Incredible S, so I think I can comment on here. To me, the Samsung clearly takes design cues from the iphone, in the design of the icons, the central home button and even the design and some of the features (like the screen shot - home + power)... to me, the SGS2 is like a bastard child of the best android phone and the iphone mixed into one....
IMO this is a good thing. I was bored silly with the iphone, and was sick of how restricted it was, even when Jailbreaked. The iphone 4 is a very nice phone for sure, but really boring to use in the long term (although some like it, and I can see why).
With the SGS2 you get a similar UI, but you also get androids superior functions as well (widgets, live wallpaper, notifications, google integration etc).
As for the SGS2 versus Sense, well TBH I was going to wait for the Sensation, and in the meantime, I made a profit from selling my ip4 and swapping for an Incredible S, and I did so so that I could get a taste of Sense UI. Now, I will say that Sense UI is quite nice, but if I'm being totally honest here, the only things I feel I will miss all that much are the weather and clock widget on Sense and the facebook integration. I do quite like the design of the interface on Sense... and obviously the Sensation is going to have a lot more eye candy again...
Having said all that, there are some things I am not so keen on with Sense. For example, it can at times feel a little "clunky" in places, I am not a fan of the keyboard (I know this can be changed) what with the arrow buttons underneath (not needed IMO), and I just got a feeling that it was slowing the phone down slightly.
Now, when I got the SGS2 I did feel as though I'd probably just dump TWLauncher straight away, but you know what, I think Samsung have really done quite a good job with TW4 to the point where I'm honestly not sure that I can say I prefer Sense any longer. It feels lighter and less bloated, it has some nice touches (task manager, power toggles in the notification, resizing widgets, deleting screens (which you STILL can't do in Sense), folders in the App drawer and so on). Now I'm still not a huge fan of some of the included widgets (but the new calendar widget is superb IMO), and I don't think I'll use the hubs much.
I'm not actually sure whether the Sensation will be able to compete in pure speed and performance terms with the SGS2 which frankly seems to go like a rocket. In fact, the SGS2 seems to fix much of what was wrong with the first phone. I really like it.... BUT... I haven't tested the GPS, yet!
As for the iphone 4 versus the SGS2, once you get over the fact the apps quality isn't quite up there (especially games), you won't look back. Although the iphone 4 feels and looks a more premium product, the Samsung is actually a nicer thing to handle, feels more comfortable in the hand... but other than that, seriously, there seems to be no competition here really, the SGS2 is MUCH better than the iphone 4 really... better camera, MUCH faster, far bigger screen (trust me the iphone 4 looks REALLY tiny compared) and far less restricted.
If this phone lives up to its early promise then I can tell you now that this is one fine phone, and Samsung may have finally delivered the kind of phone everyone knew they could if they put their mind to it... but time will tell

Garfs said:
Tbh I think the ui on sgs is poor
Much prefer HTC sense (have messed about with mates)
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Click to collapse
It's really a matter of taste, if you want a perfect Sense experience, then buying this phone wouldn't be a good choice I think
I've never really have experience on Sense (people around me use either iPhone 4 or BB!), but this Touchwiz isn't that bad except for one, no alphabetical sort in grid view on the apps drawer

I've been an iPhone user for 3 years and gone from the 3g to 3gs to the iPhone 4. I have also been an Android user for 1 year, I started with the Desire and upgraded to the SGS1. Despite liking Android a lot, I couldn't really make the switch to being a full time Android user. Mainly becasue I have bought a bunch of really specialized (medical) expensive apps on the iPhone. I dont't mind the iPhone having certain limitations as I have learnt to work around them. Also by also having an Android phone with me, they don't matter.
Like you I have grown tired of the iOS UI, especially the infamous Pop Up Notifications. As a geek I really like Android, trying out custom ROMs, not having any limitations in terms of what apps to install and being able to open web sites with flash are all part of the joy...
Currently I have sold my SGS1 and am waiting for the SGS2 to become available in Slovenia. I dont't think it will full replace my iPhone 4, but it seems it will at least keep me from buying an iPhone 5. A feat Desire couldn't manage to do!
As for the HTC vs Samsung debate. Sense is widely considered the premium Android experience, which I think it also is. But HTC is still using sub par components in its phones: the awful tiny speaker, the bad camera sensor and the worst mics for audio recording. It is for these reasons I won't be buying the Sensation but the SGS2.

Me i prefer Touchwiz and dont like sense .
jje

I'd probably pick Touchwiz over Sense too, also the first SGS imo was as good as the iPhone 4. SGSII is just so gooood....

bigmo7 said:
the first SGS imo was as good as the iPhone 4.
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It would have been if it hadn't been filled with bugs.

bigmo7 said:
I'd probably pick Touchwiz over Sense too, also the first SGS imo was as good as the iPhone 4. SGSII is just so gooood....
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Gotta disagree with you there mate
Mate has a galaxy s and it's not a patch on iphone4 I'm afraid

I'm not a fan of TW or Sense, I find them both to be very simple almost condesending, like they were built for kids or blind people to use. You cannot change the screen density with them so you have to stick with 240 which I personally dont find appealing.
I much prefer a stock android framework with ADW Ex.
I am really looking forward to some custom ROM's comming out for the SGS2.
I was a WinMo user right from 1.0 to 6.5 and loved every minute of it. After my HD2 I took a jump and tried out Android, and now I'm hooked! WP7 does look very nice, but it needs to be more open before I switch to it.
I have never owned an iphone. I had a gen1 ipod touch and couldn't stand Itunes so this put me off apple for good, plus I don't like their business model.

Garfs said:
Gotta disagree with you there mate
Mate has a galaxy s and it's not a patch on iphone4 I'm afraid
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Click to collapse
It's just personal opinion, my mate has a SGS and I have to say without the bugs it had I would easily choose it over the iP4 in terms of software that is, can't stand the way the SGS looks.

Garfs said:
Gotta disagree with you there mate
Mate has a galaxy s and it's not a patch on iphone4 I'm afraid
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Click to collapse
What is better on the Iphone ???+
I tested three a few weeks ago over three days .IOS4 SGS 1 not SGS2 and Win 7 on a HTC . Hardly any difference between them all down in my opinion to user choice .
jje

First post here so go easy guys -.-
Though coming from webOS 2 on the Pre 2, then to iPhone 4 with iOS 4, and now to SGSII I'd like to think I've experience the best of Mobile UI's.
And Like you, I was bored on iPhone4, the grid of Icons just didnt cut it out for me and seemed something more akin to fisher price, Loved webOS, though the sub-part hardware and lack of Apps killed it for me.
For me the SGSII is the best of both worlds, the screen is absolutely fantastic and has to be seen to believe, the Applications arent quite iPhone but nonetheless are excellent and I have found a suitable replacement for 95% of the ones I use.
I'm also picky when It comes to butter smooth UI's, and Samsung with the implementation of Touchwiz 4 has nailed It, I'm not sure about other Android phones (This being my first) but Samsung has definately implemented GPU Acceleration into the UI, and It's butter smooth, everywhere, browsing and all, It's what really sold this device to me.
I actually hate Sense, It just looks fugly in my opinion, but to each their own, I applaud Samsung, they've done a good job on Touchwiz, I wanted iPhone style Grid Icons and not the standard App Drawer so It was perfect for me, You'll feel right at home as well with the addition of folders, pages etc
My only real Gripes are the fact It's a tad on the big side, though I have small hands and that It's a dust magnet, either that or I'm OCD which I probably am (I wipe the **** out of my screens, make sure they're speckle free ^^)
SAMOLED Plus, 1.2 GHz Blazing fast Exynos CPU, Quad Core Mali GPU, 1080p Recording, 8MP Back 2MP Front, Gingerbread with Butter Smooth Awesome UI & Customization and It's not hard to see why It's possibly the best phone yet.

Chronicles404 said:
First post here so go easy guys -.-
Though coming from webOS 2 on the Pre 2, then to iPhone 4 with iOS 4, and now to SGSII I'd like to think I've experience the best of Mobile UI's.
And Like you, I was bored on iPhone4, the grid of Icons just didnt cut it out for me and seemed something more akin to fisher price, Loved webOS, though the sub-part hardware and lack of Apps killed it for me.
For me the SGSII is the best of both worlds, the screen is absolutely fantastic and has to be seen to believe, the Applications arent quite iPhone but nonetheless are excellent and I have found a suitable replacement for 95% of the ones I use.
I'm also picky when It comes to butter smooth UI's, and Samsung with the implementation of Touchwiz 4 has nailed It, I'm not sure about other Android phones (This being my first) but Samsung has definately implemented GPU Acceleration into the UI, and It's butter smooth, everywhere, browsing and all, It's what really sold this device to me.
I actually hate Sense, It just looks fugly in my opinion, but to each their own, I applaud Samsung, they've done a good job on Touchwiz, I wanted iPhone style Grid Icons and not the standard App Drawer so It was perfect for me, You'll feel right at home as well with the addition of folders, pages etc
My only real Gripes are the fact It's a tad on the big side, though I have small hands and that It's a dust magnet, either that or I'm OCD which I probably am (I wipe the **** out of my screens, make sure they're speckle free ^^)
SAMOLED Plus, 1.2 GHz Blazing fast Exynos CPU, Quad Core Mali GPU, 1080p Recording, 8MP Back 2MP Front, Gingerbread with Butter Smooth Awesome UI & Customization and It's not hard to see why It's possibly the best phone yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Best response yet. This may actually have sold this to me
May have to pop Into town and check one out

Garfs said:
Thank you. Best response yet. This may actually have sold this to me
May have to pop Into town and check one out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anytime, and trust me you owe It to yourself
There's quite a few Customizations I've made to the Lock and Home Screen If you don't prefer the actual stock widgets so bear that in Mind, It looks pretty awesome now, mate which still has an iPhone was pretty impressed considering.
Not forgetting there's also the HSPA+ radio, In some areas (And depending on network) expect 4MB+ easily, It's also the thinnest smartphone in Class though using a case makes It to normal thin Slab size, I can't really fault It, the only niggle Is battery Life but then again I've been using it 24/7 and I'm yet to properly cycle the battery though early reports suggest you'll easily get a day's worth.

One of the very big plus points for some users but not all users is the ability to customize Android .You do not have to stick with the defaults themes roms kernels etc etc as you like .
jje

thinking about getting a SGS2 need advice

Hi all, I know its down to personal preference, but, I have a SGS1 with 16GB internal memory running 2.3.3. stock, so getting a SGS2 would not improve any of that, do you think its worth getting the SGS2? what would you all do and what would be the improvement i would see?
Thanks for your thoughts

Been playing with one this weekend, they are very fast, have lots of memory and white ones look great.
The downside, everyone has one, sound is worse than SGS1, nexus prime out soon. I would personally get the nexus or wait for the SGS3 etc, surely you want something a bit different, the 2 is just a little bigger and a little faster
Sent using TCP/IP

kezgez said:
Hi all, I know its down to personal preference, but, I have a SGS1 with 16GB internal memory running 2.3.3. stock, so getting a SGS2 would not improve any of that, do you think its worth getting the SGS2? what would you all do and what would be the improvement i would see?
Thanks for your thoughts
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Click to collapse
16 GB and 2.3.3... nope, you're right. There would be no improvement whatsoever. (Seriously? )
gsw5700 said:
Been playing with one this weekend, they are very fast, have lots of memory and white ones look great.
The downside, everyone has one, sound is worse than SGS1, nexus prime out soon. I would personally get the nexus or wait for the SGS3 etc, surely you want something a bit different, the 2 is just a little bigger and a little faster
Sent using TCP/IP
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This, by far. +1

My wife picked one up a week ago, so I can truly compare mine to it side by side and I would say, I like it a lot.
1. Much, much faster.
2. There doesn't appear to be any Lag involved
3. Battery doesn't seem to last very long, but as I tested that part of it early on, it may need a few cycled charges to really say how good/bad it is.
4. GPS is way better than the SGS.
Now, having said all that, the phone is perfect for my wife (she bought the white one). She, having been a long-time blackberry user til her 9700 screen crapped out has been getting used to it, but she's starting to like this phone much better than her blackberry.
Like I said though.. its perfect for my wife. She doesn't know Gingerbread from Shortbread when it comes to this phone, and I intend to keep it that way. Yes this phone runs 2.3.3, but it doesn't seem to bad compared to my SGS with stock 2.3.3 as well. My phone is rooted, but I don't have intentions of rooting hers.
Long story short, its blazing fast, but I wouldn't buy one for myself. Samsung is just too slow on firmware updates to make it worth it for me. In fact any carrier specific phone would be. They are Androids, but they are kind of like Androids bastardized cousin. For me, my next phone is a nexus. I want it to grow as Android grows, and that only happens with Google.

Should wait for SGS 3, far better specs this phone will be awesom
http://phandroid.com/2011/10/10/is-...rther-details-leak-on-samsungs-next-flagship/

My Mrs has a black sgs2 and comparing it to my original sgs is tough.
On the plus side the screen and speed of the sgs2 are really nice. However for everyday use i find it just that little bit too big, also the handset doesn't feel as strong as the original. Im reasonably confident i could drop my phone and survive to tell the tale, but with the 2 i find myself being really careful.
Sound on the 2 really isn't anywhere near the standard of original, i like to hear my music, although I've not seen if supercurio has made much progress on the 2.
Sent From My Android Shizzle!

franklin01 said:
Should wait for SGS 3, far better specs this phone will be awesom
http://phandroid.com/2011/10/10/is-...rther-details-leak-on-samsungs-next-flagship/
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Click to collapse
I agree, those are awesome specs. But then again, so are the SGII's... definitely not comparable, but awesome nonetheless.
My whole point in this is, specs are just that... specs. The SGS II that my wife has is amazing specs wise. Its head over heals better specs wise than my SGS1.
Here's the problem though... aside from flashier graphics, a bigger screen, and a flash for the camera, its still 2.3.3. So its not a great leap for me to go to it.... its essentially the same phone if you think about it. Sure, the SGS2 will most likely get the upgrade to ICS, but when? After Jello or whatever 'J' is comes out?
The SGS3 will suffer the same fate. It will be up to Samsung to update it, not google.
The SGS3 will be a great phone, but you'll have to wait for a developer to harness its true power. Just like the SG2 and SGS1.
Whereas any nexus incarnation will have google behind it, and updated accordingly.

franklin01 said:
Should wait for SGS 3, far better specs this phone will be awesom
http://phandroid.com/2011/10/10/is-...rther-details-leak-on-samsungs-next-flagship/
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Click to collapse
1.8 GHz dual core, 2GB RAM and samoled plus HD (read: RGB, not pentile)...daaaamn. I'm dropping cash on that the day it comes out unless I get a Nexus Prime instead. The rounded shape makes it look pretty big though.
Could be total BS though, there are two mistakes on the slide: copying is spelt wrong and the SGS doesn't have exynos cpu it has hummingbird. It's also weird that the "copying or reproduction is not allowed" is located like that, usually it would be along the bottom of each slide in a presentation so as not to interfere with any of the content. The way it is kind of screams "single fake slide".

For the record, Samsung renamed all their SoC to Exynos xxxx, even humingbird. I find this stupid, but that's how it is.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium

ok, thanks guys, lots to think about.

greeced said:
My whole point in this is, specs are just that... specs. The SGS II that my wife has is amazing specs wise. Its head over heals better specs wise than my SGS1.
Here's the problem though... aside from flashier graphics, a bigger screen, and a flash for the camera, its still 2.3.3. So its not a great leap for me to go to it.... its essentially the same phone if you think about it. Sure, the SGS2 will most likely get the upgrade to ICS, but when? After Jello or whatever 'J' is comes out?
The SGS3 will suffer the same fate. It will be up to Samsung to update it, not google.
The SGS3 will be a great phone, but you'll have to wait for a developer to harness its true power. Just like the SG2 and SGS1.
Whereas any nexus incarnation will have google behind it, and updated accordingly.
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Click to collapse
I have no problem running stock AOSP Android on any SGS, so what exactly are you waiting for? You say we have to wait for Samsung, then we have to wait for a developer... but in reality, ICS will be on the SGS2 with practically no wait at all.

Please wait a few months to nexus prime. You wont regret!
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

seen the specs for the galaxy nexus think the SGS II looks better

upichie said:
I have no problem running stock AOSP Android on any SGS, so what exactly are you waiting for? You say we have to wait for Samsung, then we have to wait for a developer... but in reality, ICS will be on the SGS2 with practically no wait at all.
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Click to collapse
"Official Samsung Firmwares" are never instantaneous, at least not here in Canada they aren't.
I mean think about it. The original SGS was the flagship phone, and we had to wait a long to go to Froyo when it first came out to the rest of the world... then while the rest of the world was enjoying bug fixes inside 2.2.1, we in Canada never received a 2.2.1 update at all.
Then go over to Gingerbread. Took forever for Canada to yet again see 2.3.3. But that is where Canada is at right now.. INCLUDING THE CURRENT FLAGSHIP SGS2. The rest of the world is either enjoying 2.3.4 or 2.3.5 or 2.3.6.
Lets not even mention the blatant, "reproduceable for anyone" bugs that are in 2.3.3 but not 2.3.4 for our I9000M's... namely swype speech button not working at all on the SGS.
AOSP? You'd have to fill me in on where you're getting your roms that don't void warranty for using them. Thats not a point I care about, but many others out there do.
The SGS2 (My wifes) was released AFTER 2.3.4 came out... yet they put 2.3.3 on it. That make any sense to anyone?
Sure it makes sense.. Carrier branded or "Locked" phones get in the way of quick releases for obvious reasons, and beyond that, samsung has 10 billion different incarnations of the same device that may need tweaking here or there to the rom. Hence slowdowns.
Having said all this, Google Phones don't have that problem.... The Nexus Prime will be what? the 3rd or 4th phone released under the Nexus name? Easy to code for, find bugs and release an update.
All these specs we are seeing for the SGS 3 may or may not be real. Same goes for the Nexus Prime. We'll have to wait and see.... but to me, quick support and updates mean everything.

please correct me if im wrong but the galaxy nexus is made by samsung so wont we have the same software update waits that we get with the SGS1 and 2

No the nexus s is also Samsung but nexus phones get software straight from google.

I have had a Galaxy S for 6 months and I upgraded to a Galaxy S2 a couple of weeks ago.
On the SG1 sound over the earphones is better, battery lasts longer and... that's all.
Everything else is better on the SG2 but the true big reason to upgrade, for me, was the SG2'S 1Gb RAM. I multitask a lot and even with bigmem firmwares and GalaxyTuner task-killer tuning I had apps having to reload almost every time I switched back to them (especially when one of the ones open in the background was the browser, which was very often).
That's the big single reason to upgrade, for me, and I am VERY happy with the SG2 in this regard. This phone is a multitasking king.
Having said all of that, unless you have similar needs I wouldn't advise upgrading. Everything is better on the SG2 but not enough, IMO, to make the upgrade worth it. Wait for something which is a bigger improvement over the SG1, like the Note (not for everyone, I know, but going to be my next smartphone in 6 months or so) or the SG3.
BTW, I see the Galaxy Nexus mentioned a lot, to me it's inferior to my SG2 (NO SD CARD SLOT!?!) apart obviously from ICS, which the SG2 is going to get.

I had a play around on an SGS2, had the opportunity to upgrade from my i9000 relatively cheaply and even though I thought it was great, would have appreciated the additional RAM and more powerful CPU I didn't go for it. The audio quality was just crap compared to my SGS and half the time I listen to music on it whilst working or on the bus or whatever so music's important to me and in that sense it would have been a downgrade.
Also as a matter of personal taste I thought it was a little too big. You could get used to it but the way I see it even with my giant head and giant hands I just about get away with a 4 inch handset (which I find the ideal sort of size) and anything larger just seems a little ostentatious. Unfortunately there currently seems to be a trend towards giant phones which I'm hoping will die out soon because when I do get round to upgrading I don't want to feel like I have to walk around with some Trigger Happy TVesque giant.
Anyways, like the bloke above I think the RAM would be the biggest upgrade, multitasking and all that. I don't really see anything that really needs the dual core processor and GPU wise the SGX540 in the SGS is alright, and seeing as we don't currently get the games you do on iOS it's not like it's really getting pushed that much anyway.
Bottomline I'd say if music is important to you, stick to the SGS. If not and you're a multitasking fiend it's probably worth the upgrade if you can get a good deal.

I love my galaxy note.

Its the best phone i've ever had and it really fits me.
I love everypart of it. From the big screen to the pen.
Just wanted post it, since it seems this forum is filled with complaints or whining posts. Galaxa note is realy just the perfect phone for me so far.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

I love my too lol especially with the custom roms I've flashed.
Sent from my Galaxy Note N7000 using tapatalk

+9999 even with stock rom, it rocks... With ics it probably can fly ;:
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium App

I think Samsung could have done a better job with the ROM. The SGS II Roms are great and very stable.
Memory Management, Optimization are a few things Samsung needs to improve with the Note. Once thats there, I dont see why this device cant rock even more just out of the box.

I am very curious if ICS will bring our Notes really to a higher level
I love the note too!
The big screen is very handy for surfing and remote PC.
The speed?..... Blazing fast, boot also! (I came from a Galaxy S I9000).

dhruvmalik said:
I think Samsung could have done a better job with the ROM. The SGS II Roms are great and very stable.
Memory Management, Optimization are a few things Samsung needs to improve with the Note. Once thats there, I dont see why this device cant rock even more just out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the record: i love my Note! It's not fair comparing it to gs2 seeing as those ROMs have had a year of polishing and optimizing. Get back to me when note ROMs are as mature and we'll talk.
Sent from my superior GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

and with ics it will be another story

Just trying the alpha ics has been amazing and very difficult to go back to gingerbread. When ics does finally get leaked for us it will open up the true capabilities I think. It just brings a level of performance that is near impossible to reach with any amount of tweaking on gingerbread.

that's right... i mean that ics will be better for the battery duration .... with a good ram managment the battery life can be longer

Yeah.. I love my Gnote too.. Captains perogative..

TxDLoaD said:
Its the best phone i've ever had and it really fits me.
I love everypart of it. From the big screen to the pen.
Just wanted post it, since it seems this forum is filled with complaints or whining posts. Galaxa note is realy just the perfect phone for me so far.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I love it too!! I just have two things to say. First, people who pay 700+ for a phone with problrms have every right to complain about it and instead of being mean to them I feel that we could read the parts we like and ignore the rest. After all, hope boring life would be if everyone had the same opinion.... good god, we would all end up liking some like whoopi goldberg or george bush (dumbya)...
Second (not directed to u). I have ICS on my son's samsung Nexus and the settings actually look like a big step backwards instead of a leap forward. Im actually thinking of leaving 2.3.6 once ICS ever makes it to the Note.
My two cents.

2 things I wished the Note had...
1. More ram...1.5gb would rock.
2. 32gb internal storage..
but it still rocks.

More RAM would be nice, and better battery management. I have rooted and installed a firewall and autorun (to prevent pesky apps popping up whenever they feel like eating some of my battery ), and it now lasts the day. I should not have to root and configure just for a full day's battery IMO, but that is Android all over.
Other than that, it is pretty much the very best phone I have ever used and beats all my previous desires (and creates new ones, of course). Prior to that it was my i-mate Jas Jar with 640x480 screen and full qwerty keyboard. Windows was pants, however, and "inactive sync" finally made me give it up.
My note with a custom noreve case (ordered) and my slim Think Outside full size folding BT keyboard (and mouse if I ever find it again) makes the very best of any smartphone that exists today, IMO!

I came from imate jas jar to HTC hd2 and now the Note. I'm absolutely loving it
I'm just wondering how long I can go before the bug gets to me and I start flashing new roms. I used to flash my HD2 almost every week.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

BeamMeUpStreaky said:
I love it too!! I just have two things to say. First, people who pay 700+ for a phone with problrms have every right to complain about it and instead of being mean to them I feel that we could read the parts we like and ignore the rest. After all, hope boring life would be if everyone had the same opinion.... good god, we would all end up liking some like whoopi goldberg or george bush (dumbya)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. Though to be fair, mostly people have been arguing with the people who start complaining that this is a bad phone or pretending that the display sucks (in general, not of a particular defective piece).

Like everyone here I love my note a lot too and I'm not complaining mine, m previous phone was a nokia N97mini and it was a disaster, apart from the really sexy yet sofisticated look the entire phone was a mess. Paint coming off every where, tons of random crashes lack of updates and don't get me started about the OS. Just like that the list goes on and on and I don't wanna waste anyone's time but basically I didn't know what I was missing in mobile technology till I got my iPod that's when I realize 'this phone really sucks'. So coming from a very rudimentary phone I can't complain much but I will not deny there is room for improvement like the brightness, I wish I could decrease further than using a different app to decrease it which I realised also cause lack in color quality. I'm really looking forward to ICS hoping it will answer all my prayers
#ICSBETARAWK
Composed on my Samsung Galaxy Note using XDA Premium app

Got my note a few days ago and loving it, too. I was a bit disappointed with the stock software, but after flashing Cassie's XtraLiteRom v8 and JKays mod it performs like it should and is nice to use.
Android could certainly take a few hints from MeeGo on how to build a user-friendly UI, though.

I loooove mine too! but like someone else said it really needs ics, since i come from a gnex(still have it) it's hard to swallow. But the big screen and lte data speed i easily forget about gingerbread!
Sent from my iPad 3G

luv u too my note..

I love mine too, however for a few days had battery life issues, but got them fixed. d

Is Samsung is turning to Apple with Galaxy S 3?

Hi, with all this hype for GS3 and this little update to the hardware? Look at LG already with 2GB ram Optimus LTE2.
So Samsung is not even trying to push the hardware. we all seen the HD screen already on other phones and the zero lag camera (software).
What you guy's think. Are we seeing another Apple like updates?
Dont make a war. Just real opinions.

In some way i kinda agree with you. You are getting in all the threads now and forums fanboys running around having a go at each other on whos phone is better than the others..Its like who has the biggest one and not
Phone is good top notch handset. But still not the kind that would of wowed me. Great innovative apps and the phone has some nice features but also my phone has that to. So you will get people coming from the s2 who will buy this phone anyway. No matter what specs it has just because it has the Galaxy brand on it and it is the newest in town people will buy it no matter what specially after all the secrecy surrounded the phone.
So kinda in a way the samsung guys are like the new sheep and sammy is turning into apple..but at least with this turn of events you get the freedom of android and you can do what you want with your phone instead of being accustomed to one thing with the iphone

What's wrong with the 1Gig of RAM on the GS3?
And let me ask this would you really want an LG phone just because it has more RAM? Raw specs alone don't make a phone or LG would be doing great right now. You have to marry the hardware and software to get a great experience and Samsung has the ability to make it happen, the GS3 will be a great device no need to worry about it.
*Get Chance and Luck*

Captain_Nero said:
What's wrong with the 1Gig of RAM on the GS3?
And let me ask this would you really want an LG phone just because it has more RAM? Raw specs alone don't make a phone or LG would be doing great right now. You have to marry the hardware and software to get a great experience and Samsung has the ability to make it happen, the GS3 will be a great device no need to worry about it.
*Get Chance and Luck*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not worrying about anything mate. just thought with all the rumors we been hearing and reading that the s3 would of been at least kinda 1.5GB or 2gb. either way like i said the handset is a major upgrade from the s2 but not the big one i expected. nonetheless still a great phone

NoobTerminator said:
not worrying about anything mate. just thought with all the rumors we been hearing and reading that the s3 would of been at least kinda 1.5GB or 2gb. either way like i said the handset is a major upgrade from the s2 but not the big one i expected. nonetheless still a great phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do people need 1.5 GB of RAM on a phone yet? I know things are moving really fast in the mobile world and it's better to have and not need then need and not have but do S2 owners run low on RAM? It's an honest question as I don't have one and wouldn't know.
*Get Chance and Luck*

Captain_Nero said:
Do people need 1.5 GB of RAM on a phone yet? I know things are moving really fast in the mobile world and it's better to have and not need then need and not have but do S2 owners run low on RAM? It's an honest question as I don't have one and wouldn't know.
*Get Chance and Luck*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no of course there is no need for more RAM. But as you said technology is moving fast and i was kinda expecting it to have the tad minor upgrade in RAM. Still though 1GB is more than good enough. But like i said being the new flagship and all i kinda half expected it to be more..

samomamo said:
Hi, with all this hype for GS3 and this little update to the hardware? Look at LG already with 2GB ram Optimus LTE2.
So Samsung is not even trying to push the hardware. we all seen the HD screen already on other phones and the zero lag camera (software).
What you guy's think. Are we seeing another Apple like updates?
Dont make a war. Just real opinions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are definitely trying to play the hype game now and it's working. Hardware wise, I don't think so. If you compare the S1 to the S2, the differences didn't seem that impressive at the time either. Same resolution screen, slightly larger. At least not to me. They have to make a phone that is both cutting edge and affordable, and I think they are doing that with this phone. But I guess we will see when it really hits the market.

Ics takes lots of ram. I have thw Galaxy note and the s2 i have 100 something free all the time and I always close whichever app im using and removed all the bloatware

It's an interesting direction by Samsung, the new features look interesting, will have to see if they're actually useful. I can't imagine me using that health app though! Hardware wise I'm in the camp where pentile doesn't matter when its 720p. Can't comment on the RAM though, but more doesn't hurt but god damn they could have stopped using glossy plastic. For all their talks about 'natural design', I have not seen a single pebble that looks as shiny/plasticky as this.

samomamo said:
Ics takes lots of ram. I have thw Galaxy note and the s2 i have 100 something free all the time and I always close whichever app im using and removed all the bloatware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im using gnote with ics too... without killing any task , i have 2XX mb ram and after task killing , i get 40X mb... why is ur device taking so much ram ? i guess this is user problem ?

more ram is just a marketing gimmick, nothing more.

Agreeed!!!!
We have plenty
sent from a Android device
I'm always on!

Samsung's focusing on user experience now by improving the software
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

2 GB would have been idea to run VMware in a Quad core
no point having a Quad core when you can't even run multiple OS virtually

I believe that the main focus of the newly released Samsung phone is the softwares enhancing the user experiance, nothing really fancy about the hardware, if the softwares/addons works as expected then it will be really a milestone for samsung, if not then it will be a fiasco !

hamade said:
I believe that the main focus of the newly released Samsung phone is the softwares enhancing the user experiance, nothing really fancy about the hardware, if the softwares/addons works as expected then it will be really a milestone for samsung, if not then it will be a fiasco !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's definitely what it is
the best part is.... all those Apps, they can be back ported to SGS1 and SGS2
only via XDA

While LG has a great new phone, I don't think it will be beating the GS3 in any real practical category. Sammy has one beast of a phone with the new GS3 and just wait for the reviews to flow in.
Seriously, this is Samsung we're talking about the same guys who brought us GS1 and GS2. This phone already blows everything out tha water including the One X. Even with the same performance i woulda picked Samsung cause of their superior R&D and those new real practical features such as eye tracking.

LG software is crap. So is Huawei's sw even though they claim to have the fastest phone. Samsung has really improved their software from SGS1 days. Im still impressed about the web browser in the SGS2. Only thing id like to have is completely redesigned Touchwiz, Samsung does not need to look like iPhone anymore.

I have latest ICS on S2 with about 260mb of ram mostly free. No tasks killer. Samsung would sure know if they needed more than 1gb ram.i personally so not think it is needed. More than 300 apps installed btw on my phone.The new beast has been well thought through.have a second look.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

hamade said:
I believe that the main focus of the newly released Samsung phone is the softwares enhancing the user experiance, nothing really fancy about the hardware, if the softwares/addons works as expected then it will be really a milestone for samsung, if not then it will be a fiasco !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Battery life (more than 20% improvement just with the new exonus, plus higher battery rating). Samsung is claiming 2 days. Now, even a whole day it's sufficient.
-64gb micro sd can be used by default.
-zero shutter lag, 24 pictures in 3 secs.
-gorilla glass 2.
-etc
That's not just software improvements.they are major.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

I decided not to buy Note 2.

I will not buy a Note 2 and proceed with a Nexus device.
Be it from LG, HTC or Samsung.
The Original Note has already frustrated me to a point I can't bear no longer.
Let me explain why before you Note 2 worshippers come and attack me.
Original Note Frustrations:
1. ICS Update for GT-N7000
- Gingerbread theme on an ICS based ROM. I mean comeon how lazy are you Samsung really?
- Even the Gallery is not updated. It's stock Gallery from Gingerbread (Fixed in latest half-assed S3 lookalike update)
2. Midway ICS transition to JB Update for GT-N7000
- Improves the situation abit but still very gingerbread-ish.
- Finally the launcher lags no more. I mean after 10 months after launch? SERIOUSLY SAMSUNG?!
- New Gallery from Note 2. I applaud this. A great improvement from your Gingerbread Gallery.
3. Waiting for Updates.
4. S-Pen, no matter how much you worship this Samsung innovation, it does not feel native to the core OS.
5. Super AMOLED HD is a pain in the ass.
- Screen degrades too quickly. It takes 6 months only for the whites in my Note to go YELLOW. 6 freaking months.
- Try to view a full screen white image when you are using your S-AMOLED HD phone. Its completely uneven.
- I mean, really? Left is pure white. Right is yellow? What sorcery is this?!
- Pentile but solved in Note 2 but quick degration is probably still present.
- I swear the Note 1 which has higher pixel density is more blurr-ish than my iPad 3 which has a lower pixel density.
- Black Clipping. A serious problem still not solved from Day 1. Frustrating.
6. Aspect Ratio.
- To me is a downgrade. Less resolution.
- 16:10 allows me to have wider portrait viewing.
7. Samsung Exynos
- A real benchmarking powerhouse but still sucks anyway.
- Why it sucks? Documentation and source support. We Note 1 owners still don't get no Project Butter thanks to Samsung.
8. Samsung TouchWiz
- TouchWiz is clunky and unfinished. (They almost solved it in TouchWiz Nature)
- Too many gimmicks unless I mention are useful ones.
- Direct Call is useful.
- AllShare sucks compared to AirPlay. I can't AllShare my YouTube. But I can AirPlay my YouTube on iPad.
- Same thing for Pop Up Video. Why can't I Pop Up my YouTube? As I explained earlier, not built into Core OS.
- AirView (Note 2 specific feature) Completely unrealistic. Apple developed a way superior "pinch-a-little" to view photos. Who the hell wants to take out the S-Pen just so you can preview some photos which might not be photos you want to see even. Might as well click the album and view all right? AirView on Video Player is the same thing. You can just hold the seekbar right? Why use a pen?
But these are things I love about the original Note.
1. Battery is huge. I mean can really last two days long!
2. Screen size. I swear its perfect for my hands.
3. Video support is amazing!
I know Note 2 solved many of this problems but you know what. The future is still bleak with its Exynos processor.
The brick bug? Comeon. Samsung seriously? You still haven't fix it in months?!
Imagine another Project like Project Ultra Mega Buttery Smooth in Android 5.0 and then devs realised drivers are incompatible
with Note 2 and must wait for Samsung to release the drivers which could take months!
Note 2 is a good phone if only you don't see its flaws.
I learnt the hard way that hardware is not everything.
Software is important too with the dev support.
Note forums is practically dead until Samsung releases JB sources for the OG Note.
I expect a half-assed update whatever the next version of Android is when S4 comes out for Note 2. Trust me on that.
Your future with the Note 2 will be bleak with frustrations.
Ask any dev using Note 1 including me.
Frustration awaits.
Have a good day.
Yours truly
OG Note user from Launch Day.

I still want it. Anyone else still going to get it?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Cool. Will read again.

Oh, good luck with lg. They are so reliable with software updates
Sent from my GT-P3100 using xda premium

Avatar said:
I still want it. Anyone else still going to get it?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got it. in one word this phablet is 'marvellous' it outshines other recent phones in every department from speed to display. no matter what the hardware is, but this giant is fast.

Anyone else think that this thread is unnecessary?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 06:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:15 PM ----------
schiwa said:
got it. in one word this phablet is 'marvellous' it outshines other recent phones in every department from speed to display. no matter what the hardware is, but this giant is fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet it does. Can't wait till it comes out for sprint. Nothing can beat this beast.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Ok thank you for letting us know, this is a very useful thread.
Also, every phone is a good phone if you don't see their flaws, what's your point?

stoney73 said:
Oh, good luck with lg. They are so reliable with software updates
Sent from my GT-P3100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point of Nexus is Google handles the updates.

Livebyte said:
The point of Nexus is Google handles the updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why the Verizon galaxy nexus got its Jelly Bean update so quickly then I guess.

D3_ said:
That's why the Verizon galaxy nexus got its Jelly Bean update so quickly then I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have to worry about that. I don't come from the West. All the devices here on contract or not is unlocked by law.

Avatar said:
Anyone else think that this thread is unnecessary? I
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was refreshing this page waiting for reply exactly like this lol..

Livebyte said:
After all the frustrations with the Note 1.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32144030&postcount=117
Funny how you were saying how you were so glad to have switched to the OG Note less than 2 weeks ago....
And didn't you supposedly have an N7105 too?

You're entitled to your opinion and I'm not trying to take that away. But being an owner of a Note 2 for about 4+ days now, I couldn't disagree with you more with virtually every bullet point.
Jelly Bean and S-Pen apps are revolutionary upgrade over the Note 1. Pull out the pen, and the device unlocks locks automatically and you're ready to write. Push it back in, and you're back to the home screen. The AirView works amazing, and it adds a whole new level of useful UI that is similar to hovering with a mouse but maybe even better. It is a feature that I am sure Apple is falling over themselves running to the conference room to see how they can get something like AirView. S-Pen functionally is heavily baked into the OS. And it feels refined. They seriously put a lot of focus here, so I am surprised that you say that anything is half baked.
I agree with you that TouchWiz for Gingerbread and ICS is seriously ugly. The Note 2 comes with TouchWiz UX (heavily modified for S-Pen), and it is a beautiful UI, better than any launcher available on the market (just my opinion. Some of TW UX is only clunky because they had to remove UI improvements due to Apple patent infringements. Minor annoyances really.
TouchWiz was made ugly on purpose by Samsung because they are in the business of controlling OS updates to sell more phones. And no, just because it is Exynos, it doesn't have anything to do with not getting OS updates. You're not going to do any better with updates with a Samsung that has a Snapdragon processor. If the Note 1 ever gets Jelly Bean, it will be TouchWiz again and uglified. So why are you sticking with the Note 1 again?
I agree that the new RGB screen is not anything special. It is pretty much performs identical to the Galaxy S3 screen except when examined under the microscope. It is not any brighter, at least mine is not.
You sound like you enjoy watching videos on the Note. Most HD videos are in 16:9 ratios these days, so that on a 16:10 screen, you get black bars on top and bottom. Thus you are only using 5.15" of your 5.3" screen on the Note 1. And the Galaxy Note having a 5.55" screen means you get a .4" upgrade from the Note. Whether you think an extra .4" for video is up to you.
Note 2 has a great battery. If you probably leave it alone and not use it, it would probably go for much longer than 2 days. It is that no one with a Note 2 has been letting it sit there for days and monitoring the battery just yet. It will happen, and the numbers can only be great. I was on it pretty heavily today tethering it, streaming videos, putting it through stress tests, speed tests, benchmarks, and I managed to go nearly 18 hours.
I guess what I'm saying is, in my opinion, your perspective on the Note 2 is completely off. And the reason I say that is what you are saying is polar opposite compared to all the people that have owned it for a few days and have reviewed it (myself included).
But hey, you're entitled to your opinion.

+1 to all that written above..
And 2 updates in 2 weeks..!!!
Samsung is really stepped on the pedal & its not gonna get any better then this on any OEM..
And good luck with the boring aosp experience..
Now someone close the thread..
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

foxmeister said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32144030&postcount=117
Funny how you were saying how you were so glad to have switched to the OG Note less than 2 weeks ago....
And didn't you supposedly have an N7105 too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Liarbytes post:
Livebyte said:
A complete joke I know. I will never buy a HTC device again. I'm glad I made the switch to the OG Note from Sensation.
Oooo. Running TouchWiz 5 now stock on Note! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont let the door hit your ass on the way out.

someone's just upset that the phone is beyond amazing and they can't handle it haha

Lucidmike said:
You're entitled to your opinion and I'm not trying to take that away. But being an owner of a Note 2 for about 4+ days now, I couldn't disagree with you more with virtually every bullet point.
Jelly Bean and S-Pen apps are revolutionary upgrade over the Note 1. Pull out the pen, and the device unlocks locks automatically and you're ready to write. Push it back in, and you're back to the home screen. The AirView works amazing, and it adds a whole new level of useful UI that is similar to hovering with a mouse but maybe even better. It is a feature that I am sure Apple is falling over themselves running to the conference room to see how they can get something like AirView. S-Pen functionally is heavily baked into the OS. And it feels refined. They seriously put a lot of focus here, so I am surprised that you say that anything is half baked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but S-Pen as I said will never feel native in the OS. But the minor improvements are definitely welcome.
AirView is useful to a certain extent. I don't imagine anyone wants to take out the S-Pen to view a preview of their photos or videos.
when they can just tap and see the actual image or video. Plus for AirView in Gallery, Apple did a much smarter way. Pinching a little to see a preview. That's smarter than taking out a pen to view.
I wasn't saying about Note 2. I was saying about how Note 1 is completely half-baked. I've tried Note 2. Its an improvement but not a major one.
One more time, I will say it again. It won't feel native to the OS.
I agree with you that TouchWiz for Gingerbread and ICS is seriously ugly. The Note 2 comes with TouchWiz UX (heavily modified for S-Pen), and it is a beautiful UI, better than any launcher available on the market (just my opinion. Some of TW UX is only clunky because they had to remove UI improvements due to Apple patent infringements. Minor annoyances really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A major improvement I agree, but this causes the update dilemma. A serious problem no matter how much you love TouchWiz.
I love TouchWiz but I would give anything for a better update schedule near the iOS level.
TouchWiz was made ugly on purpose by Samsung because they are in the business of controlling OS updates to sell more phones. And no, just because it is Exynos, it doesn't have anything to do with not getting OS updates. You're not going to do any better with updates with a Samsung that has a Snapdragon processor. If the Note 1 ever gets Jelly Bean, it will be TouchWiz again and uglified. So why are you sticking with the Note 1 again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the main reason Note 1 is still stuck with an unfinished JB is because of Exynos.
Not essentially true, I recall Exynos 4210 devices are the only powerhouses left that doesn't have hwcomposer fixed properly yet.
I agree that the new RGB screen is not anything special. It is pretty much performs identical to the Galaxy S3 screen except when examined under the microscope. It is not any brighter, at least mine is not.
You sound like you enjoy watching videos on the Note. Most HD videos are in 16:9 ratios these days, so that on a 16:10 screen, you get black bars on top and bottom. Thus you are only using 5.15" of your 5.3" screen on the Note 1. And the Galaxy Note having a 5.55" screen means you get a .4" upgrade from the Note. Whether you think an extra .4" for video is up to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AMOLED screens degrade very quickly. Brightness is not that important if the screens degrade so quickly compared to an LCD.
Note 2 has a great battery. If you probably leave it alone and not use it, it would probably go for much longer than 2 days. It is that no one with a Note 2 has been letting it sit there for days and monitoring the battery just yet. It will happen, and the numbers can only be great. I was on it pretty heavily today tethering it, streaming videos, putting it through stress tests, speed tests, benchmarks, and I managed to go nearly 18 hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree with you.
I guess what I'm saying is, in my opinion, your perspective on the Note 2 is completely off. And the reason I say that is what you are saying is polar opposite compared to all the people that have owned it for a few days and have reviewed it (myself included).
But hey, you're entitled to your opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say much about Note 2. I was saying alot of the original Note.
A frustration but nonetheless an excellent device.
Well I'm just here to give an opinion.
Note 2 is amazing device. If you can live with the flaws, it's the best phone yet.
Galaxy Nexus and OG Note came out near the same time.
And now, the Nexus is way much superior to the Note because of the software.
I hope you get my point. I'm talking about the future here.
Not the current state of the device now which is amazing.

Livebyte said:
After all the frustrations with the Note 1.
- Half-assed ICS update. I mean comeon a gingerbread theme in ICS? Really?
- Then they decided to update halfway to half-baked S3 UI and still looks clunky.
- Tired of waiting for updates.
- S-Pen no matter what you think of it, doesn't feel native as in baked into the Android subsystem.
- S-AMOLED. I don't like it. The screen degrades too quickly. Now my whites are super yellow. Its frustrating! Best part the notification bar area is whiter then the other areas with a distinctive line. Disappointing.
- Pentile. (But they solved it with Note 2!) My eyes are never the same after seeing iPad 3's screen and looking at Note 1 is just blurry. Best part is iPad 3 has a lower pixel density than Note 1.
- Change of aspect ratio. I bought Note 1 because of 16:10. And it's gone. Don't tell me about the advantages about 16:9 because I like 16:10.
- Samsung source support. Seriously? Note 1 still doesn't have buttery smooth JB. Unbelievable. I will never buy an Exynos device ever again.
- TouchWiz. I love some aspects of it but I hate most of it. It's seriously ugly but somewhat useful in some ways. The newest iteration seems just fine, but not sparkling.
But these are things I love about the original Note.
- Battery is huge. I mean can really last two days long!
- Screen size. I swear its perfect for my hands.
- Video support is amazing!
I know Note 2 solved many of this problems but you know what. The future is still bleak with its Exynos processor.
The brick bug? Comeon. Samsung seriously? You still haven't fix it in months?!
Imagine another Project like Project Ultra Mega Buttery Smooth in Android 5.0 and then devs realised drivers are incompatible
with Note 2 and must wait for Samsung to release the drivers which could take months!
Note 2 is a good phone if only you don't see its flaws.
I learnt the hard way that hardware is not everything.
Software is important too with the dev support.
Note forums is practically dead until Samsung releases JB sources for the OG Note.
After seeing the LG Nexus, I don't feel like buying Note 2 even though I had an eye for Note 2 even before it came out.
I expect a half-assed update whatever the next version of Android is when S4 comes out for Note 2. Trust me on that.
Good day to all Note 2 current and future owners.
Your future with the Note 2 will be bleak with frustrations.
Have a good day.
Yours truly
OG Note user from Launch Day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You clearly prefer stock firmware/updates. In which case, why are you even here? Most users on xda prefer their devices rooted and running custom firmware, or at the very least, stock but processed (rooted, deodexed, zipaligned, the works...).
2. Don't like your UI? You don't even necessarily need root. There are plenty of launchers on play store alone to allow some sort of customization (Apex launcher is my personal favourite for example). If you want more than that, you'll most likely need to root.
3. I don't know what kind of miracles you expect doing with the S-Pen, but it IS in fact integrated to Samsung's firmware. Be it code, or simply drivers.
4. I have no clue what's wrong with your screen, but mine is crystal clear. Beautiful colours and very smooth.
5. True, no official Jellybean update as of yet. But, that's why we have a community of amazing devs here that bring it to us, whether it's in the form of a leak, or cyanogen based ports. Either way, they work on it hard to give us as stable releases as possible. Hence the name of this website, if you haven't noticed... xda-DEVELOPERS.
6. The Exynos processor on the GT-I9100 (Galaxy SII), still even now, pulls some of the best benchmarks on the market.
7. If the device is ugly, in your opinion, why bother even getting one in the first place?
8. Although I do agree the Note forums aren't as lively as other devices, there are some seriously stable rom options there, with MANY cool features.
9. "Note 2 is a good phone if only you don't see its flaws"?! This makes no sense. No general consumer market tech is flawless out of the box. I owned 2 LG devices.... Never again. You just cant compare the build quality between Samsung and LG.
Bottom line, if you don't know how to use your device properly, or to its fullest potential, don't complain about it.
This thread should be locked in my opinion.
Can't believe I wasted my time commenting about this. I just had to... LOL

Well I did buy the Note 2 and have been using it for 5 days now. But I can say one of the main reasons I bought it was that there were not really any acceptable alternatives for me. I was using an S3 and actually waited until the IPhone 5 was released to take a look but it was still too small.
I have a couple of complaints similar to the op's, and the first one is Amoled. The sad fact is that for the most part if you use a Samsung phone these days you have to deal with an unrealistic color representation and other display issues. If someone could make a 5 inch phone with the IPad 3 display quality they could have all my money. Now the Note 2 has maybe the best Amoled I have seen, but it is still not quite ready.
The other things are the various little problems with design. And here is an example that has me pissed off: If you are using your phone as a music player and used the long press on the headphone button to adjust volume well that will not work any more with 4.1.1. Instead it brings up the ridiculous Google voice search. So if you want to adjust the volume you have to take the phone out of your pocket and hit the button. And this is 2012. I have to wonder if the engineers who design these things actually use them. Did they ever take them home for a weekend or try to use them in day to day life? Usability problems like this make me nuts, and are why I nearly went back to the IPhone after using 3 different Samsung phones.

AlonB. said:
1. You clearly prefer stock firmware/updates. In which case, why are you even here? Most users on xda prefer their devices rooted and running custom firmware, or at the very least, stock but processed (rooted, deodexed, zipaligned, the works...).
2. Don't like your UI? You don't even necessarily need root. There are plenty of launchers on play store alone to allow some sort of customization (Apex launcher is my personal favourite for example). If you want more than that, you'll most likely need to root.
3. I don't know what kind of miracles you expect doing with the S-Pen, but it IS in fact integrated to Samsung's firmware. Be it code, or simply drivers.
4. I have no clue what's wrong with your screen, but mine is crystal clear. Beautiful colours and very smooth.
5. True, no official Jellybean update as of yet. But, that's why we have a community of amazing devs here that bring it to us, whether it's in the form of a leak, or cyanogen based ports. Either way, they work on it hard to give us as stable releases as possible. Hence the name of this website, if you haven't noticed... xda-DEVELOPERS.
6. The Exynos processor on the GT-I9100 (Galaxy SII), still even now, pulls some of the best benchmarks on the market.
7. If the device is ugly, in your opinion, why bother even getting one in the first place?
8. Although I do agree the Note forums aren't as lively as other devices, there are some seriously stable rom options there, with MANY cool features.
9. "Note 2 is a good phone if only you don't see its flaws"?! This makes no sense. No general consumer market tech is flawless out of the box. I owned 2 LG devices.... Never again. You just cant compare the build quality between Samsung and LG.
Bottom line, if you don't know how to use your device properly, or to its fullest potential, don't complain about it.
This thread should be locked in my opinion.
Can't believe I wasted my time commenting about this. I just had to... LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't read what I said. Do I have to repeat again? OMG.
Root or not, with dev or no dev.
It's nearly impossible to provide a STABLE JB-based ROM with hwcomposer working (aka Project Butter component) if the manufacturer doesn't provide the drivers for JB.
Yeah for now the screen is amazing, wait just maybe 6 months.
Enjoy your pathetic yellowish degraded screen.
I never even said the device is ugly. Seriously? Do you even read?
Pulls the best benchmarks with no stable JB hooray
while a TI-based phone which produces lower benchmarks has stable JB. I'm so happy.
I agree with you on the last point.
It's a wait and see approach. But the original Note is going to be my last Samsung device ever. Too many flaws.