Database Users

Atrix \ Galaxy S2 Comparison

I have prepared this thread to help myself and others compare and contrast the different phones and hopefully come to a decision here. If anyone has anything to add to the comparison that I have missed, please list it and we can get it all chocked up.
For the record. I have only listed something as a "Disadvantage" if I believe that the category is below what we would expect of the average Android.
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Advantages:
ATRIX
Battery Life - This is a big thing for me. I can make my vibrant last through a 14 hour day by crippling every single possible feature. But people here are saying that the Atrix runs solid though 30 hour periods. This is a huge plus for me.
Higher Resolution (even if its fake) - Even though this resolution is fake and can actually cause text to blur, I can say first-hand that I saw the screen in action at a local wal-mart and found it to be acceptable by my standards. I think it may help overall with browsing. The GS2 has a larger screen size, and no pentile matrix display, which could possibly be considered better. This is one that may work out to be a tie.
Tegra 2 - I list this as an advantage not because it is faster, the various benchmarks for either processor seem to be inconclusive at this point. I am listing it as an advantage because it has its own series of games optimized specifically for it, and because Google has chosen to build their framework around tegra 2.
Webtop - I am initially hesitant to even mention this. The phone has a webtop environment, it is most likely Debian Linux and it is said to also be very sluggish. If, in the future, devs gain access to this environment and find ways to optimize it and add in worthy apps such as Chrome and open office, then this will be a massive advantage, but right now it is pretty much just a gimmick.
The webtop interface retains its session when you disconnect it. So you can plug the phone back into another dock and go right back to what you were doing. This is one of the good things about webtop.
Laptop Dock - We all know it is hideously overpriced right now and maybe in the future a cheaper solution will be available. But regardless of how you get the dock, it is an advantage to run your apps in full screen, even if you don't use the sluggish webtop interface and firefox.
The dock charges your phone, but plays sound through your atrix speakers, it has no speakers of it's own, you can answer calls by removing the phone, picking it up on bluetooth or by just yelling at it from behind the laptop. The phone retains its session when you remove it and there is no special unmounting procedure, you just grab it and run.
GALAXY S2
Screen - Bright beautiful and extremely rich. Those who have seen the screen firsthand have claimed that there is nothing like it at all and that it is miles above even the old Super Amoled display. The 4.3 inch size is also a bonus for those of us with large hands. This is probably the best overall feature of the Galaxy S2.
Camera - 8 Megapixels, and 2 megapixel front facing camera. People say that megapixels don't really matter in the long run but the Atrix camera is also said to have a purple wash to it and that the video can be splotchy in certain situations.
Design - Even though it looks way too much like the iPhone, this phone actually looks exceptionally nice. I like the three button design much better than the 4, the search button is pretty useless overall. The thinness of this phone is also amazing if you are into that sort of thing. Naturally it may come down to the US carriers to ruin the design, but by it will likely be summer before that happens.
32GB internal storage - Expect to pay for it, but it is there, you get 64 gigs total with this phone.
Gingerbread - The Atrix won't likely get gingerbread until at least this summer, this phone will have it much sooner if you get the international version coming sometime this quarter.
Gyroscope - This phone has it, do any apps support it? Not sure, but it is there.
NFC - In the off chance that any stores upgrade to NFC this year, you will have the ability to use it. NFC may have other uses that we haven't envisioned yet. It is a protocol, so it can be applied to just about anything. You could potentially set it up to unlock your home, cars could start with it, whatever.
So it has a lot of potential use other than having your money stolen from you.
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Disadvantages:
ATRIX
Bootloader - To sum it up for those not familiar, the phone can be rooted, a custom ROM can be flashed, but the kernel cannot be altered at all. (someone will likely correct me here) but if part or all of the webtop code is contained in the kernel somehow it will be difficult to alter it to add new software or make it run more efficiently. This would be a terrible shame.
I can tell you that Team Whiskey has made my Vibrant browse faster than I have seen in Atrix videos, with half the memory and a single core processor. It is scary to think of what this phone could actually accomplish if Moto decided to allow it.
Motoblur - I read that this requires you to sign up for an account before you can even use the phone. I find it alarming that Motorola has decided to help themselves to all this information and it makes me wonder just exactly what they really have access to and why.
Crippled FM radio - WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY. All of these phones have both transmitters and receivers for FM. So can someone tell me why in god's name anyone would disable them? FM radio has many more uses than just listening to local stations and why again should I have to burn my limited data on
internet radio when there is a receiver right in my phone?
GALAXY S2
Heat - My current Galaxy S runs very hot already, if the screen is active while the phone is being charged it will heat up to what seems to be a very dangerous temperature. The pre-release Galaxy S2 was said to be scorching hot after running with the screen on and the charger active.
Fail File System, Hideous and crippling lag - Update: the galaxy S2 is said to not use RFS. Chock one up for Samsung.
Updates - Samsung has a horrible reputation for updates when working with US carriers, even for new phones. If it was not for this community I would have likely given up on Android and Samsung altogether. Although I know that part of the update delay has been t-mobile, it is also in Samsung's interests to ship out new phones instead of updating their old ones.
Battery Life I have a feeling that Samsung tried to push the limits to get their phone to be as thin as possible and I am worried that they have done so at the expense of battery life. We won't know for sure until it gets in people's hands but I expect the battery life to be subpar.
NO HID Bluetooth Support (possibly) - I have had a black wiimote sitting here for 6 months waiting to connect to my Vibrant. I love emulated classics but action games are near impossible to play with the on-screen kb. So if you want this feature, I would make sure that the GS2 has it first, because it is not likely that it will.
Availability - What it really comes down to now. Unless you want to shell out over 1000 for the phone, you will probably need to wait 5 months from now for any kind of US availability this summer. And don't doubt that those versions will become crippled and even more bloated in the process. But again there is no locked bootloader here.
Ok I think that covers it. Having written all this down, I think I am really leaning more toward the Atrix. There just doesn't seem to be anything else out there now that will be able to match it at the moment. And as you can see, our experience with Samsung has not been exceptional.

Good comparison there. I am also looking at the exact 2 models and thank you very much, looks like Atrix will too be my choice.
I guess I'll get the atrix laptop dock too and prays for the devs here to make it all better. Otherwise, I think its still a good piece of hardware I don't mind owning.

""Samsung's dual-core, Gingerbread-powered Galaxy S II has appeared on Play.co.uk alongside a tentative SIM-free price and release date. According to Play, which is currently taking pre-orders for the phone, it'll ship Mar. 31 for £599.99 (~$960). Pre-release prices are never guaranteed to be accurate and are always subject to change, but £599 seams like a realistic price point for the Galaxy S II, as it's slightly higher than current single-core offerings from other manufacturers.""
Just published at androidcentral. £599.99 (~$960)?? Get a grip..

Not bad, just a couple of things to note that I thought of while reading. First, the screen resolution can be arguable considering the Pentile screen that the Atrix uses. That gives the SGS2 more sub pixels, but then it's a bigger screen, so less (I believe) pixel density still... it's really kind of a toss up, but I think they will both look great. I think the lower resolution and bigger screen on the SGS2 will look just fine with the full 3 subpixels per pixel.
Also, the SGS2 looks nothing like an iPhone. I wish people would stop saying that about every phone that comes out. Apparently every square black phone with a screen is an iPhone now.
And also it's been reported that the SGS2 does not use RFS.

The Galaxy S2 looks like a great phone, but even as much as I hate Motorola's implementation of the lockdown...I can't *STAND* Samsung for updates. They've promised up and down that they would release updates for every phone since Android came out, and they've delivered on about 3 of those promises...out of probably 20. They are *HORRIBLE* at updating devices and they don't even apologize when they cancel. I would *never* buy a Samsung on the hopes that it would get an updated OS.
As for the screens, I don't really notice much of a difference. I'm a pretty severe audiophile and videophile and although I can tell a difference it's absolutely not enough to make me go with one phone over another. I'm coming from an iPhone 4 which has the best screen to date on a mobile phone...and even between that and my Atrix I barely see a difference. They're both fantastic screens.

hotleadsingerguy said:
The Galaxy S2 looks like a great phone, but even as much as I hate Motorola's implementation of the lockdown...I can't *STAND* Samsung for updates. They've promised up and down that they would release updates for every phone since Android came out, and they've delivered on about 3 of those promises...out of probably 20. They are *HORRIBLE* at updating devices and they don't even apologize when they cancel. I would *never* buy a Samsung on the hopes that it would get an updated OS.
As for the screens, I don't really notice much of a difference. I'm a pretty severe audiophile and videophile and although I can tell a difference it's absolutely not enough to make me go with one phone over another. I'm coming from an iPhone 4 which has the best screen to date on a mobile phone...and even between that and my Atrix I barely see a difference. They're both fantastic screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The updates aren't really an issue for people who visit sites like this. I would never rely on Samsung to update my phone. My Captivate has been running 2.2 for ages while they just released the update for everyone else. Yes, Samsung sucks at updating, but the hacking community will always get it done regardless.

I must be the only one, but i use the search hotkey absolutely all the time. I love it and I realize that you can hold menu for the same effect on the SGS2, but i'd prefer to have the 4th hotkey than their ugly stupid home button. It is not an iPhone, embrace uniqueness samsung.

eallan said:
I must be the only one, but i use the search hotkey absolutely all the time. I love it and I realize that you can hold menu for the same effect on the SGS2, but i'd prefer to have the 4th hotkey than their ugly stupid home button. It is not an iPhone, embrace uniqueness samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really miss the hardware home key! The orientation of the 4 buttons makes it a bit awkward to thumb navigate since its so close to the bottom. Its actually one of the things about the sgs2 that is making me think twice about my atrix. Despite how much I love it.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Man_of_Leisure said:
I really miss the hardware home key! The orientation of the 4 buttons makes it a bit awkward to thumb navigate since its so close to the bottom. Its actually one of the things about the sgs2 that is making me think twice about my atrix. Despite how much I love it.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't mind if the buttons were hardware, thats another debate. I just want all four of them!
The back button is beyond crucial. Maybe back and home should be two hardware with the other capacitive? For symmetry, obviously a concern for samsung .

I definitely want the new Galaxy S 2. I've heard that the Atrix was a huge let down. I used to own a Captivate and I loved everything about it except the ****ty build quality and lack of flash for the camera. It was so smooth with voodoo and custom roms. The Galaxy S 2 will have an amazing screen and I think it will do average on battery consumption. Just my 2 cents
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

King Shady said:
I definitely want the new Galaxy S 2. I've heard that the Atrix was a huge let down. I used to own a Captivate and I loved everything about it except the ****ty build quality and lack of flash for the camera. It was so smooth with voodoo and custom roms. The Galaxy S 2 will have an amazing screen and I think it will do average on battery consumption. Just my 2 cents
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
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Click to collapse
****ty build quality? Like hardware wise? I personally think the Captivate is the nicest of all of the Galaxy S phones. The hardware itself has been absolutely wonderful for me. The software quality leaves a lot to be desired from a stock standpoint though.

AJerman said:
****ty build quality? Like hardware wise? I personally think the Captivate is the nicest of all of the Galaxy S phones. The hardware itself has been absolutely wonderful for me. The software quality leaves a lot to be desired from a stock standpoint though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The plastic build was a huge downgrade for me, especially coming from a beautiful iPhone 4. I'm much happier with the Inspire 4G now though. HTC Sense is amazing and super smooth, and HTC build quality is great. The phone feels ultra solid.

SGS2 is apparently RFS-free. Also, some versions will have Tegra2 instead of Exynos - hope this includes us.
People knock Samsung's plastic designs, but they're actually a lot harder to break than the "well-built" iPhone 4.

Very good write up man, these are the posts that I like to see.
By looking at my signature, you can see that I just got the Atrix as well, and I love the phone. Amazingly fast, awesome screen (love the higher density and the effect itbhas on the overall experience), and the battery is pretty good too.
I'm seriously thinking about buying the laptop dock, but I don't know how well that will perform, and I haven't seen any live videos of it.
I really like the design and specs of the GS 2, but there are a lot of possible problems holding me back....
Rooted/ROM Captivate (For Sale)
Rooted Atrix

FLAC Vest said:
Very good write up man, these are the posts that I like to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, bro.
I am no engineer and I can't build tools. But I can put a few thoughts together and provide someone with some information.
This is an amazing community and what people do here is outstanding, I just want to do what I can to add to that.

King Shady said:
The plastic build was a huge downgrade for me, especially coming from a beautiful iPhone 4. I'm much happier with the Inspire 4G now though. HTC Sense is amazing and super smooth, and HTC build quality is great. The phone feels ultra solid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S2 looks like meizu m9

I have both and a Galaxy S 2 on order
Why? I really liked the Captivate. My plan was to use both but the Atrix is so much more fun to use I'm selling the Captivate. Well, maybe. Maybe not.
Yesterday after I removed the SIM card and replaced it, the Atrix went bonkers with freezes and instability issues. After numerous soft resets, two factory resets and replacing the SIM card, SD card and battery a couple of times it seems to be back to normal. I suspect I had reinserted the SIM card incorrectly but maybe there was another issue.
So why would I pay $1000 for the Galaxy S 2? The Captivate was that much fun. Although I'm sure we will be able to do more custom rom's shortly on the Atrix, the Galaxy S 2 sounds like an even bigger blast than either. And boy oh boy does that LG 3D look interesting. But you have to draw the line somewhere.
Here is what the Atrix has that the Captivate does not:
1-better graphics and screen quality, dynamic and vivid visuals, a joy to read and watch (text as well as video quality is sharp and crisp, very clear)
2-more interactive features with outside devices (i.e. computers)
3-interacts more efficiently with e mail, voice and text programs (really like the way it handles multiple incoming calls especially when you are already on one-notification, instructions and directions for handling)(I can now actually use Excel spreadsheets and Word documents) (works well with contacts)
4-updated browser can handle more types of video content and pop up windows better
5-it feels better when you hold and talk or watch or do most anything with it (I did make one call and even though I could hear the other party clearly they could not hear me-I do not what happened.)
My friends all tell me I should get an iphone. I had one for years and the Androids are far more fun. I'll never return. I don't think. LG 3D anyone?

I think Tegra2 is actually a disadvantage for Atrix 4G.
As a new generation dualcore processor, it's early, but not strong.
It's video playback ability of H.264 is limited, but H.264 is currently the most frequently played format.
It has no neon support, big loss on processing power.
Till now Tegra2 has not proven itself in Graphics power. In benchmarks it's no superior to Hummingbird.
However the performance of Mali400MP on GS2 is also questionable, so just wait and see...

hotleadsingerguy said:
The Galaxy S2 looks like a great phone, but even as much as I hate Motorola's implementation of the lockdown...I can't *STAND* Samsung for updates. They've promised up and down that they would release updates for every phone since Android came out, and they've delivered on about 3 of those promises...out of probably 20. They are *HORRIBLE* at updating devices and they don't even apologize when they cancel. I would *never* buy a Samsung on the hopes that it would get an updated OS.
As for the screens, I don't really notice much of a difference. I'm a pretty severe audiophile and videophile and although I can tell a difference it's absolutely not enough to make me go with one phone over another. I'm coming from an iPhone 4 which has the best screen to date on a mobile phone...and even between that and my Atrix I barely see a difference. They're both fantastic screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 great post!

King Shady said:
The plastic build was a huge downgrade for me, especially coming from a beautiful iPhone 4. I'm much happier with the Inspire 4G now though. HTC Sense is amazing and super smooth, and HTC build quality is great. The phone feels ultra solid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See, I don't understand that. There is far less plastic on the Captivate than the majority of the phones out there. The front is all glass, and the back is mostly metal. It's only the top and bottom on the back that are plastic, and they have both felt very solid to me since I got the phone on launch day. I came from an iPhone 4 as well, and granted nothing compares to the iPhone 4 in build quality, the Captivate definitely doesn't seem bad at all to me.
As long as you're happy with what you have now though, that's what matters. I just think the Inspire is a bit of a waste of money considering it's lack of power compared to all the other phones coming out now. It feels like it's last generation still. I did play with it a little at the AT&T store though, and it seemed nice. If it had come out last summer with the Captivate (even if it didn't have 4G), I might have gotten it. Now I'm going to wait until a dual core offering I like though.

Just got a S3 yesterday - my views vs the Note

Well what happened yesterday wasn't planned but I was out shopping with my wife, and I happened to see that the Carphonewarehouse had a white Samsung Galaxy S3 on show. Both my wife and I agreed the S3 was gorgeous to look at. And then I succumbed and bought one sim free. CPW also bought my Note which was a surprise. They also had a range of cases, so I bought one and a Zagg Invisible Shield screen protector which they fitted and guaranteed for 25 years. A good deal and service.
Below are some early opinions vs the Note -
1. The S3 feels more like a phone. Being honest it is far more manageable to use. It is incredibly thin and light and looks amazing.
2. Speed. This things flies compared to the Note. It reads the media on my SD card like a bullet.
3. Touchwiz. The version on here is much better. Then again every piece of software is far more advanced than the Note. Sorry to say this, but Samsung have clearly gone overboard with the S3. Example. The lock screen displays 4 apps for quick launching, weather, and news ticker if you want. Also, can use motion control on the lock screen to launch camera from lock screen. Volume hard keys adjusts ringtone volume, but also has a settings icon. Tap this and then the 3 volumes are available to adjust. In fact as you explore all the software and options there are improvements everywhere.
4. Camera. Rips the Note apart. There is no contest. The S3 is the best camera. It is better than the iPhone 4S too. The quality of the shots is amazing.
5. Audio. Use a wolfram DAC. Therefore after listening to some music, can confirm sound quality is superb.
6. The S3 has a front notification light. Very useful.
As this wasn't planned as such, I have many cases all good ones available. Plus a spare battery and the Samsung battery charger/stand. I will make a list so if anyone wants them, just make me an offer.
If anyone want to know anything specific ask away.

How much did they buy your note for?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

1. How is the battery life compared with the Note?
2. After you launched the Calculator, how is the lag when switching between
landscape and portrait modes. The lag on the Note is about 4 seconds.
Did not really measure.

Its all about the battery
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

Pretty interesting! I might end up buying this one for my wife

I got mine yesterday too. Not had it long enough to comment on battery life, but it seems to be really good. Tried draining it so I could do a full charge cycle on it. But I gave up after two hours, it was just taking too long to drain the battery.
Calculator takes 1 second to switch from portrait to landscape
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Many of the software improvements are also ICS improvements, like the volume control pop-up.
Sent from my Epic Touch (Blazer ROM) using XDA

gavinfabl said:
4. Camera. Rips the Note apart. There is no contest. The S3 is the best camera. It is better than the iPhone 4S too. The quality of the shots is amazing.
If anyone want to know anything specific ask away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you're referring to the main camera. What about the front camera? That's one thing that drives me crazy about the Note -- poor front camera quality compared to the iPhone 4.

I think I'm going to buy it as my 3rd handphone
My main would be Note, 2nd iPhone 4s (company gave me one as part of my job scope).

avocco said:
How much did they buy your note for?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I certainly don't want to trade my Note, at least until the Note 10.1 is out but was curious so valued my phone on their website. It offered £205.

The reason I got the note was very simply the bigger the screen you have the better the experience where it counts - web browsing, games, movies.
Therefore personally there is no way the S3 can compete with the note, all of the things you mention are nice to have compared to the must have of the much larger screen.
I suspect from your comments about size and handling you probably weren't suited for the Note, not being funny but it seriously isn't for everyone

real comparison between Note & S3
this ll help all of u to make a decision between galaxy note and S3
http://geekaphone.com/compare/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-vs-Samsung-GALAXY-Note
i love my GNote specially after ICS
n1 at this site
http://geekaphone.com/recommend

Always best to write a review on a phone after using it for a good week or so, using it as much as possible, i'm sure once its been on XDA for a while it will have as many issues as the next phone.
I tried one for 10 mins in the phone shop. So can only comment on very instant issues.
First thoughts too much like the ONE X, too small now I have used the NOTE, would miss the S-PEN,
nice phone it will sell similar to the S2 I'm sure, I guarantee buy one now at full price your loose way over a £100 by this time next month, wait a month until Samsung leak another super phone they going to release and the price will have dropped.
but that's me being a cynical ole tosser

hajime_android said:
1. How is the battery life compared with the Note?
2. After you launched the Calculator, how is the lag when switching between
landscape and portrait modes. The lag on the Note is about 4 seconds.
Did not really measure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure it takes four seconds to do that flip? Mine (running on stock LPF) almost flip instantly.

Answering all your questions.
The calculator switch is fast like under a sec. Yes I got about £200 but I only gave them the handset. I still have the headphones and charger. eBay would fetch £300 but after ebay takes it fees I would be left with £250 approx. I was happy to take the hit to avoid the hassle and have an instant solution.
I had told my friends that I would keep the Note for at least 2 years. But after seeing and actually holding the Note I was blown away. It is so good looking and it's light thin profile is far more manageable. So yes, from a size point of view I can agree the Note was not for me, even though I had been happy with its size.
However, remember the S3 is only half and inch less screen. Doesn't make a massive difference, but the Note still has the edge.
The link to the comparisons are inaccurate. The S3 has wolfram DAC for audio. There is no contest in that the S3 sounds better. There is a thread in the S3 section all about this.
Camera. The quality of the camera is better. I have taken several photos yesterday. The S3 HDR mode is better than the HDR mode on the iPhone 4S.
Some of the features I like are ICS based but it's the combined effort that makes this phones so good. I have read the comments on the S3 threads, words like epic performance appear, and these are from Note users.
Don't get me wrong, the Note is still a unique product. It's also old now so a new released device should in theory always be better.
I don't regret owning the Note. It caused many conversations with people, like what is that. Any I enjoyed it.

The battery life is epic. Waiting still for it to run flat. It was at 60% out of the box yesterday at around 1pm. It's 40% next day at 7.50am and I have been tweaking it a lot.

THUDUK said:
Always best to write a review on a phone after using it for a good week or so, using it as much as possible, i'm sure once its been on XDA for a while it will have as many issues as the next phone.
I tried one for 10 mins in the phone shop. So can only comment on very instant issues.
First thoughts too much like the ONE X, too small now I have used the NOTE, would miss the S-PEN,
nice phone it will sell similar to the S2 I'm sure, I guarantee buy one now at full price your loose way over a £100 by this time next month, wait a month until Samsung leak another super phone they going to release and the price will have dropped.
but that's me being a cynical ole tosser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I'm afraid of I'm getting too used to the big screen, S-Pen, and larger keyboard. If I were to get the S3 in a few months down the line the Note 2 had everything S3 has including that Wolfson DAC I would've wasted my money on the S3. So while the urge to get the latest and greatest tugs at me, I will have to put it off until more information is released on the possible Note 2.
The Wolfson DAC is really the only thing that would make me jump early. Everything else I could live without for now.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

That's technology for you. I'm sure the Note 2 will be marvellous. But I reckon that's months away still as all production will be focused on the S3.
At the end of the day both devices do the same thing lol

stephencwl said:
Are you sure it takes four seconds to do that flip? Mine (running on stock LPF) almost flip instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just under a second for my Note, running ICS LPY.

Are you comparing the S3 to the note with Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich?
Most of your comments seem software based - and all my speed/software issues with the Note seemed to be solved with ICS (apart from the bugs!).
I wouldn't touch Touchwiz after using the alternative launchers and only use the camera for happy snaps (The DSLR comes out for anything serious!). And now too used to my stylus!
Would love the notification light tho!

[Q] best phone currently for T-mobile

So I bit early last week on a N4 16gb when they first went available again, and since then it seems like the people who are receiving the last batch of the initial stock are posting reviews and Impressions of the device and aren't totally smitten. Whether it be rattling, the glass back, overheating, buzzing in earpiece and non-optimization of 4.2 it was scaring me a little.
What i was wondering, was which phones people felt were the best option for T-mobile. The keys i was taking into account were:
•strong processor (min. Dual core)
•decent to big battery
•high res. Screen (and at least 4.3")
•good video/gaming playback
•decent volume (doesn't feel tiny on headphones on high)
•should be semi safe with updates for next 2 years.
I am in the middle of a mobile contract with a Htc Radar 4g, and its just not enough for me and leave me wanting. So am looking for a phone that could potentially survive at least another 2 years. I was thinking of options like the note II, gsIII, HTC one international (w/ non-gba card), gnex. The only thing i will rule out is the iPhone because i have a PC, no offense to iPhone users.
So tell me your opinions and views.....if this thread should be moved elsewhere i allow the moderators to move it otlr let me know and let me know how to move it.
Thanks in advance

I would say note II but then again im on att ^^
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

exaybachay01 said:
Whether it be rattling, the glass back, overheating, buzzing in earpiece and non-optimization of 4.2 it was scaring me a little.
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Click to collapse
I think you should think about whether you actually care about these things.
Rattling - basically non-existant, you can't even hear it unless you litterally shake your phone right next to your ear repeatedly.
Glass Back - This is user preference
overheating - pretty sure this only occurs during benchmarking?
buzzing in earpiece - I dunno about this
non-optimization of 4.2 - i'm sure all phones are getting 4.2 eventually so this part might not even apply specifically to the Nexus 4.

I've now lived with a 16gb N4 for about five days and I think it's the best phone on Tmo by a country mile.
Like you, I upgraded from an HTC Radar (actually liked that phone quite a bit), but I carefully tested all of the contenders currently available on Tmo and available unlocked. I opted for the N4 from Google Play.
I guess there may be a rattle but I honestly didn't notice it until I read about it (and I'm still not sure I hear it like some hear it). I've been shocked at how fast and buttery smooth Jelly Bean is. It really is awesome.
Hardware feels more elegant than other Android devices I've felt... Screen is beautiful and battery life has been fine for me (lasts a full day of moderate use).
I dunno. Maybe it's still honeymoon but I'm happy with it!

N4 rocks for me on T-Mobile!

galaxys said:
N4 rocks for me on T-Mobile!
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Click to collapse
+1 on this, coming from Sprint epic.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

exaybachay01 said:
So I bit early last week on a N4 16gb when they first went available again, and since then it seems like the people who are receiving the last batch of the initial stock are posting reviews and Impressions of the device and aren't totally smitten. Whether it be rattling, the glass back, overheating, buzzing in earpiece and non-optimization of 4.2 it was scaring me a little.
What i was wondering, was which phones people felt were the best option for T-mobile. The keys i was taking into account were:
•strong processor (min. Dual core)
•decent to big battery
•high res. Screen (and at least 4.3")
•good video/gaming playback
•decent volume (doesn't feel tiny on headphones on high)
•should be semi safe with updates for next 2 years.
I am in the middle of a mobile contract with a Htc Radar 4g, and its just not enough for me and leave me wanting. So am looking for a phone that could potentially survive at least another 2 years. I was thinking of options like the note II, gsIII, HTC one international (w/ non-gba card), gnex. The only thing i will rule out is the iPhone because i have a PC, no offense to iPhone users.
So tell me your opinions and views.....if this thread should be moved elsewhere i allow the moderators to move it otlr let me know and let me know how to move it.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just came from the HTC Radar and the Nexus 4 is an amazing update, not even looking back

I agree with the rest of them. N4 is the best, and I came from an International Galaxy SIII (i9300).
N4 had two updates in the first week I got it. Guess how many OFFICIAL updates my Galaxy SIII has had in 6 months? 1.

N4 by far thanks to Tmo's 3G network, on ATT it is a little less desirable (~3Mbps download is downright average) but I would NEVER consider getting a phablet like the note and I prefer stock android to any skinned version.

I'd rock an N4
Tweet people Tweet
#WhereismyNexus4

I went from a One S to GSIII to a Nexus 4 and I love it. Not regretting the purchase at all and I will have this for the next 2 years no question.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

The n4 is all of those things you are asking for.
To address your gripes:
Rattling: it's the auto focus mechanism. Many phones do this, is meant to happen. You probably won't notice it unless you are looking for it.
Buzzing: I've heard about this, my phone doesn't have the issue.
Glass back: personal preference
Overheating: I have been playing games, no heat issues to report.
The only thing that has been happening, which was also happening on my GNex with 4.2 is a rare soft boot crash. The X pops up out of nowhere. I would imagine an ota will fix it.

Glad to get home from work (posted this while on break) and to see that there have been several replies, and without any infighting at that. Good for this thread, pat yourselves on the back ladies and gents.
To follow up on a few things, I loved my Radar when I first got it, HTC makes excellent phones, and many people (not super high end phone people) were surprised by how nice the screen was, just dismayed by the side...the unfortunate drifting island that is windows 7.5 is what made me start looking for a replacement. As well as the ability to easily recoup the money that I would spend on an N4.
To those of those that touted how much they liked the N4, have you had any issues at all. I know some touched on not having the same issues that i mentioned. The yellow tinted screen is something else I have seen mentioned. Of those who have the phone how many are from THE 1ST BATCH of sales. Am curious to see if there is a chance that most of the problems were with the 1st batch, or possibly foreign made batches.
It looks like it is going to to be a good match, but still want to hear more and from people who haven't posted.
For those that came from the sIII, note or gnex, what do you like more about the N4 through your use already.....and any suggestion on cases?

Your in the Nexus 4 forum asking about the best phone for tmobile. I wander how this will play out...

The only main issue that you need to debate if you can handle it with the nexus is the buzzing/ crackling noise from earpeice. Some say it's doesn't matter, because they can't hear it, but some phone have it worse then other. I have two nexus 4 here and one is not noticeable, while the other is quite loud. Also Yellowing spot on the phone when it gets warm which happen when you play game or watch a hd movie for a bit. The yellow spot is most likely a hardware issue, it's not the same as a yellow tint which you may also get.

svengalis said:
Your in the Nexus 4 forum asking about the best phone for tmobile. I wander how this will play out...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked here for honest opinions, people who have the N4 and are getting replacements or are having to deal with the issues and stomach it would be open to stating if they love the phone or feel regret.
Tenji7 said:
The only main issue that you need to debate if you can handle it with the nexus is the buzzing/ crackling noise from earpeice. Some say it's doesn't matter, because they can't hear it, but some phone have it worse then other. I have two nexus 4 here and one is not noticeable, while the other is quite loud. Also Yellowing spot on the phone when it gets warm which happen when you play game or watch a hd movie for a bit. The yellow spot is most likely a hardware issue, it's not the same as a yellow tint which you may also get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems from reading that you either get the the yellow spots or the yellow tint, if anyone is getting the yellow tint, is it consistent or off and on, and do you think they will call for a recall due to any of these issues?

Note 2 IS THE BEST at the moment in terms of specs
But N4 is still a good choice, more budget friendly AND it may lose in specs on paper, but it has yet to crash and is SILKY SMOOTH.
also not to bash on note 2, but my friend just got it and i had a few minutes to play with it....but after using pure android (came from sg2), note 2 felt VERY bloated and sometimes slow (note this is on stock)
BTW i have no issues with my phone, but other have said that you can always do a rma thru google. and ofc tmobile honors factory defects as well.

ugotproblemz said:
Note 2 IS THE BEST at the moment in terms of specs
But N4 is still a good choice, more budget friendly AND it may lose in specs on paper, but it has yet to crash and is SILKY SMOOTH.
also not to bash on note 2, but my friend just got it and i had a few minutes to play with it....but after using pure android (came from sg2), note 2 felt VERY bloated and sometimes slow (note this is on stock)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stat wise? Note 2 is the best? (laughs hard and sharts in pants) Show me where the Note 2 is beating the Nexus 4 in stats. Please do. Screen size doesn't count wither there bud.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Freshly_Snipes said:
Stat wise? Note 2 is the best? (laughs hard and sharts in pants) Show me where the Note 2 is beating the Nexus 4 in stats. Please do. Screen size doesn't count wither there bud.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 2 has better camera front and back also has a micro sd slot also note 2 has the best battery life.
Sent from my HTC One X+ using Tapatalk 2

Andrew149 said:
Note 2 has better camera front and back also has a micro sd slot also note 2 has the best battery life.
Sent from my HTC One X+ using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Also although we(n4) have the same CPUs and GPU as the LG optimus G, when the Optimus G is compared with the note 2 they were basically a even match with the note 2 slightly ahead in some of the benchmarks. Now we know the optimus G is one hell of a phone and we should also too right? But with the currently thermal throttling/overheating, we arent even up to the optimus G level yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSF6zFc6pV0
i know benchmarks dont mean sh1t but same with specs looks good on paper but it doesnt reflect its daily usage.
That's why i said in terms of specs its better. i didnt say that its the best overall.

Nexus 6 Thoughts and Review from a former Note II User

I have noticed quite a few Galaxy Note II users online that are close to pulling the trigger on a new phone. I have been in that camp for a few months and finally did. I really don't have and major complaints about the Galaxy Note II but rather small quibbles about the device. So you have a basic idea of where I am coming from I'll let you know what I like and dislike about the Galaxy Note II.
GNOTE II Pros:
Good Specs - The phone has specs that are still considered above mid level and should still be a viable phone for at least a couple more years if properly updated...if.
Camera - I get pretty fair image clarity from the phone and when I need something better I'll break out a DSLR or my Galaxy Camera.
Voice - Very clear and loud.
S-Pen - Oh how I'll miss thee.
Capacitive Buttons/Physical Buttons - Well thought out for one-handed use.
Weight Its a bit heavy but I actually like the weight of this phone and could probably use it as a throwing-star analog to get the drop on somebody if I hit them square in the temple. But that really is not a concern for most people.
Hardware - Its well made and very resistant to drops with a simple TPU case.
GNOTE II Cons:
Updates - I'm on T-Mobile which has taken any chance it has to kill the possibility of future updates. Occasionally an errant voice on a messageboard out of T-Mobile Customer Support stating they have seen this in the works wafts across my screen but I have yet to see it come to fruition.
Samsung Ideology - Samsung products are good for a year then they release a new one as if you really need a new product from them. Samsung makes great products but rarely do they fix glaringly obvious mistakes after a year past its original creation. I currently am working on a Samsung monitor with a color calibration issue that has been reported and known by the company for years but never fixed but they fixed it on the new model of this monitor. My Galaxy Camera, while nice, suffers from insane Touchwiz lag and could use an update on fixing that but we won't see it because they released the Galaxy Camera 2. I am in the game for technology to last a minimum of 3 years running well. I realize the market is bleeding edge but the edge has gotten far less bloody than the G1 days. I shop for phones like I do TV's or computers now.
S-Pen Manufacturing - I've been through four S-Pens. I use it a lot for taking notes throughout the day as it feels more natural than typing on a computer screen. The S-Pen tends to randomly stop working without provocation. Then if you order a "100% OEM Samsung Factory S-Pen" most likely its a Chinese knock-off. I can't find true S-pens anymore which is a concern for owning a new Note.
Lack of Stable ROMS - Nearly everything I have tried causes issues with NFC or Bluetooth. I use bluetooth all the time for music to various speakers, headphones, or my car.
Knox - It does its stinking job too well. SU can run but it can't hide. I have lost SU so many times on this stupid phone it is ridiculous. Let alone the every 10 minutes my phone lets me know that Triangle Away is being activated. I don't do a lot of coding or tinkering but I do like finding ROM's with good utilitarian purposes. I remember swapcache back in the G1 days and enjoyed finding the next cool thing to do with my phone! We are past that time now, honestly, but if it isn't Samsung branded then Samsung doesn't want you to do it.
Samsung Services - "You have started S-Voice" NO I DIDN'T. "Saving contact to Samsung Contacts" Bad Samsung, stop it! I insanely dislike...nay..HATE how Samsung will not let you get rid of its version of things. My contact list was a thing of beauty running in the 100's with every person I needed to work with (I'm a teacher that does coordination work and administrative work for a school of 600+), their room numbers, email addresses, and everything you could think of until I bought a Samsung product. I have some names with 20 duplicates due to the way this beast handles contacts. I eventually just had executive function overload and decided to give up on being organized. I might bring that back to life soon.
Now that you have an idea of where I'm coming from this is what I think of the Nexus 6....
I like it!
The first thing I really enjoyed about this phone was the speed. I'm running it Stock, Rooted, and Encrypted (for now...maybe forever...I work at a school where my kids know how to build robots and get linux running on projectors so I wouldn't mind encryption on my devices) and loving the heck out of it. I was so impressed by simple things at first such as animations from opening folders as soon as my finger touched the screen whereas my Note II would lag for a good time without animations. In fact, turning on the device is so overwhelmingly stupidly simple to turn on. I can check the time by just pulling it out of my pocket without touching buttons where if I wanted to check the time on my Note I would have to wait 5 - 10 seconds after pressing the power button while pondering the ever present question, "Did I press that button?" which inevitably leads to "#$&(*, I pressed it again and turned it off!"
The next thing I noticed was the size and weight. It is a bit harder to use than my Galaxy Note II with one hand. I think if they reversed the capacitive Back button it would be a lot easier to use for us right handers. I may look in to figuring that out. Honestly, I almost feel like this thing is too thin and light. It feels well built and solid. Even with the SUPCASE I bought it still feels a little odd in my hands but that may be due to the weight being very centered in the deep area of the curve opposed to being consistently weighted. As a personal aside this is the first phone I have ever put a screen protector on WITHOUT BUBBLES....I..AM...A ....GOD!!! Well..maybe demigod. Needless to say, Spigen makes a fine screen protector.
Unlocking and rooting this thing was a breeze. Once I get paid in a couple of weeks I plan on donating to @WugFresh for at least a case of beer for his amazing Toolkit that will even walk you through setting up Windows 8 drivers! You can find that at http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/toolkit-wugs-nexus-root-toolkit-v1-9-8-t2947452
The camera is better than my Note II by simply being clearer which I'm assuming is to the better camera sensor. I haven't messed with it that much.
The screen and adaptive lighting are by far my favorite thing on this phone. I am probably in the minority on this but adaptive lighting is brilliant. I have seen a lot of people talking about how AMOLED is causing the reddish/purple/yellowish hues to blacks and grays at low light levels. I do not believe that is the fact. It seems like they are using some sort of blue light filtering for this in low light. As an insomniac I tend to send the wee hours of morning which I consider night perusing XDA, Twitter, and various other odds and ends of the internets and am so happy the screen actually gets dark. My Gnote II on the lowest setting was annoyingly bright. I thought I was a genius one day when I thought to use a blue screen filter and made it darker but lo and behold the backlit capacitive buttons attached directly to the stinking hardware on the Gnote II. Its like having someone flash their brights at you when you use one of those programs on the Note. Its annoying. The Nexus 6 takes no part in this and I would 100% recommend it for fellow insomniacs. It has helped me to get sleep a little bit quicker over the last couple days which is a nice benefit. Lets see if that keeps up though. I'm pretty immune to sleep.
Also the screen is really nice quality and reproduces blacks amazingly well. I'm an art teacher and art history buff so I usually check out different high quality images on my phone to see how good it looks. It seems to work very well at recreating the color and light of some of the paintings. My favorite to use for this test is Van Gogh's Starry Night Over Rhone. Eventually my phone gets used in the classroom when a student needs to look up an image and put on an easel (or kickstand case but haven't seen one I like yet) to display when my tablet or laptop is in use.
Battery life and charger! Its great. 'Nuff said.
I think the biggest negative so far is the volume of calls. My wife said I sound quieter than usual. I also can't hear people as loudly as I used to. The speakerphone does not travel as far as the Note when it absolutely should seeing as the speakers are fairly decent for a cell phone. I could see someone fixing this pretty easily in a ROM.
The other negative is the lack of some multitasking programs that Samsung had and of course the lack of S-Pen. I use a Huion H610 Pro at home for digital art and graphic design so I loved the fact that Samsung phones used similar tech but I absolutely abhor using capacitive styluses (styli?). I'll have to figure out something I can carry with me that will work like that with a similar feel.
Anyway, as of right now I'm extremely happy with this phone. I have had no issues as of yet and luckily no burn in however I do not like my phone to cause sunspots when I look away from it so I'm not expecting to have a huge problem with it. If you have some similar issues with the Galaxy Note II (which T-Mobile amplifies) then I would suggest jumping ship especially if you have crackflashing tendencies because there is no Samsung product without a Nexus name attached to it that will be as easy to deal with as this.
-Travis

Let me go ahead and apologize for the poor grammar and lengthy sentences. I'm sitting home from work sick today (XDA fun time does not happen between the hours of 7am to 5pm at work normally) with bronchitis. The medicine(s) I'm on must really like run-on sentences after I re-read that wall of text. I hope it helps someone after deciphering it, haha.

From one educator to another (I'm a school administrator and former classroom teacher), let me say 'well done!'. Before the Nexus 6, I was a proud Note owner for the last three years - Note 1 and Note 3 to be exact. After finding out that the Note 4 would be even more locked down than the 3, and deciding that I was getting really really tired of TouchWiz and truly loved what Lollipop's UI brought to the table, I made the jump. And I am just as pleased with my choice as you are. No more crazy contacts lists or S-Voice intrusions, amen. ......I do miss my old S-Pen though....

I'm using the Note 2 atm and I "really want" the Nexus 6 (64gb infact, hard to come by in Australia otherwise I probably would have one by now).
Using SlimKat now because the stock ROM was absolutely dreadful!! (Laaag!) The S-pen does not work out of the box on the current rom and I'm not missing it either... I'm ready for the Nexus and looking forward to using "modern speakers" on a phone.

PerthSGS2 said:
I'm using the Note 2 atm and I "really want" the Nexus 6 (64gb infact, hard to come by in Australia otherwise I probably would have one by now).
Using SlimKat now because the stock ROM was absolutely dreadful!! (Laaag!) The S-pen does not work out of the box on the current rom and I'm not missing it either... I'm ready for the Nexus and looking forward to using "modern speakers" on a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also came from the note2 on tmobile and like the OP said, there was a lack of ROMs for the phone.
i ended up pulling the trigger on a white 32gb nexus 6 (i was looking for a 64gb but they were hard to find) the other day and like it very much. I think i rooted and unlocked the bootloader within 30mins of having the phone.
just trying to enable tethering on it right now is the only obstacle for me.

simplyTravis said:
Let me go ahead and apologize for the poor grammar and lengthy sentences. I'm sitting home from work sick today (XDA fun time does not happen between the hours of 7am to 5pm at work normally) with bronchitis. The medicine(s) I'm on must really like run-on sentences after I re-read that wall of text. I hope it helps someone after deciphering it, haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a Note 4 from T-Mobile for a few days and I didn't care for it at all & I was coming from a S4 before getting the Note 4, So I decided to return it and got the Nexus 6 which is way better. I'll also be paying less then I would of been with the Note 4.

How does the screen brightness compare between the two?

How's the focusing speed compared to the note 2?
I'm trying to decide between this and the HTC m8. I have small kids so I need something with a quick focus and overall good durability. (I'm not really concerned with megapixel count.)
Thanks!

lschuman said:
From one educator to another (I'm a school administrator and former classroom teacher), let me say 'well done!'. Before the Nexus 6, I was a proud Note owner for the last three years - Note 1 and Note 3 to be exact. After finding out that the Note 4 would be even more locked down than the 3, and deciding that I was getting really really tired of TouchWiz and truly loved what Lollipop's UI brought to the table, I made the jump. And I am just as pleased with my choice as you are. No more crazy contacts lists or S-Voice intrusions, amen. ......I do miss my old S-Pen though....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I plan on getting things back to normal now thankfully. My contacts are so much easier to get through now. Right now I'm in the midst of dealing with starting up after school programs for our school and will be editing Google Docs with this thing next week so I'll get a real test of how it works. I work at a charter school (part of the biggest charter school system in Texas: Harmony Public Schools) and since we don't have a bus system our after school clubs tend to be in the hundreds daily. I run around circles making sure everything is going right and people are in the right place so its helpful to be able to pull up a list on a decent size screen to find information on the go. Our school has been around 7 years and I've been there 6 years of that with only 2 people there longer than me so I tend to be the guy to ask about anything.
Tubgirl said:
How does the screen brightness compare between the two?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With adaptive brightness off the Nexus 6 is noticeably brighter with better black levels and a warmer tone (not yellowish.) I keep it on most of the time and haven't had any problems seeing things. It has been raining here in South East Texas since I've owned the phone so if it ever clears up I'll let you know how it compares outside but I'm assuming it will be a bit better than the Note II.
anrkee said:
How's the focusing speed compared to the note 2?
I'm trying to decide between this and the HTC m8. I have small kids so I need something with a quick focus and overall good durability. (I'm not really concerned with megapixel count.)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I did a couple of tests. First from picking it up off of a black countertop and letting it autofocus on its own in a decently lit room. The Nexus 6 won by like less than half a second to a second.
The next test was when I would tap the screen to set white balance and autofocus in a decently lit room. From the tap the Note II won by less than half a second.
The last test was in a dark room looking then picking it up to focus on a computer screen to test white balance setting and autofocus. The Nexus 6 won this hands down by a bit over a second. I think it simply achieves much quicker white balance but autofocus is slightly slower. I'll try to do some comparison shots tomorrow when I get home from work if you want.

Thanks for that. No need for test shots. You answered my question perfectly.

Totally off-topic from the Nexus 6: if you enjoy the extra duties in addition to your classroom, please consider administration! Keep up the good work for our kids.

OVERALL: Your Love for the Note5

Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Note5, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Note5 is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

I used nexus 6 before, everything was normal until the day I dropped my nexus 6 in the water and they couldn't fix my phone so I move to another new phone SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 5, really before I never liked Samsung cause it is made from plastic, but when the note 5 was launched I like it a lot and I want to buy it and I did, I love it, I love the screen, the camera and the finger print LOL.

Having used note 1,2,4, this is the best note ive ever Used. Its freaking fast and gorgeous. Screen，battery，pen，build quality and on and on.

Thanks for inviting me @svetius
So my first impressions of the phone was "WOW!!!" This was my first Note series phone and Samsung device since I had a Galaxy S4 for a short amount of time. I've always wanted a Note phone since the Note 2 but never made the jump to it because I figured it was just a fad or it had to be for someone that needed it's uses, such as the S-Pen, for their job maybe. I stuck with my Galaxy S2 which I used to ROM the hell out of! I never got board of it due to me changing ROMs every 5 seconds.
I really do love this phone! I purchased a case for it,https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VN6NIQI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1, and I am ALWAYS tempted to remove it just cause how the phone looks and feels without it. I purchases a new case,https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010R8CFG6/ref=ya_st_dp_summary, which arrives later today because I just want to feel like I'm holding the phone itself. It's not cause I feel like the phone is too big or anything like that, I actually like the bulk my current case adds. It's kind of a love-hate thing. Love the case, but want something where it feels like I do think have a case. I might even consider just opting to go for a skin from either Dbrand or SlickWraps.
Am I sad that there isn't an SD card slot, a little, but that's why I opted for the 64GB version. I feel it more than enough space for me. Removable battery? Not sad at all. I didn't care for them as much as some others do. Now about the S-Pen, I found that I actually do use it, much more than I thought I would. I use it to play drawing games, organize my files, and take screenshots and draw on them. I'm a visual person so sometimes it's easier for me to explain something by drawing it out. I've read that others don't actually even touch the S-Pen. I thought I was going to be one of those guys.
This phone is just awesome! Is it perfect? No, but no phone will ever be perfect. This just comes close to it.
Love this phone and I'm not even sure if I'll go back to a smaller phone ever. Might stick with the Note series or other phablets.
Thanks for reading. I almost turned it into a big review, had other things to say, but I gotta keep it short.

leo9891 said:
Thanks for inviting me @svetius
So my first impressions of the phone was "WOW!!!" This was my first Note series phone and Samsung device since I had a Galaxy S4 for a short amount of time. I've always wanted a Note phone since the Note 2 but never made the jump to it because I figured it was just a fad or it had to be for someone that needed it's uses, such as the S-Pen, for their job maybe. I stuck with my Galaxy S2 which I used to ROM the hell out of! I never got board of it due to me changing ROMs every 5 seconds.
I really do love this phone! I purchased a case for it,https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VN6NIQI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1, and I am ALWAYS tempted to remove it just cause how the phone looks and feels without it. I purchases a new case,https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010R8CFG6/ref=ya_st_dp_summary, which arrives later today because I just want to feel like I'm holding the phone itself. It's not cause I feel like the phone is too big or anything like that, I actually like the bulk my current case adds. It's kind of a love-hate thing. Love the case, but want something where it feels like I do think have a case. I might even consider just opting to go for a skin from either Dbrand or SlickWraps.
Am I sad that there isn't an SD card slot, a little, but that's why I opted for the 64GB version. I feel it more than enough space for me. Removable battery? Not sad at all. I didn't care for them as much as some others do. Now about the S-Pen, I found that I actually do use it, much more than I thought I would. I use it to play drawing games, organize my files, and take screenshots and draw on them. I'm a visual person so sometimes it's easier for me to explain something by drawing it out. I've read that others don't actually even touch the S-Pen. I thought I was going to be one of those guys.
This phone is just awesome! Is it perfect? No, but no phone will ever be perfect. This just comes close to it.
Love this phone and I'm not even sure if I'll go back to a smaller phone ever. Might stick with the Note series or other phablets.
Thanks for reading. I almost turned it into a big review, had other things to say, but I gotta keep it short.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That first Verus case you posted a link to is that plastic or metal? Hoping it's plastic
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

bkeaver said:
That first Verus case you posted a link to is that plastic or metal? Hoping it's plastic
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's plastic. The case looks good with the White Note 5, which is the one I have. If you have the Blue Sapphire one, I would definitely go for the Black TPU over the transparent one.
I am pretty pleased with the Verus case, it reminds me of the Spigen Neo Hybrid, but I opted for this one cause it was slightly cheaper and it came in clear with a bumper that looks very similar to the metal banding on the Note 5. It's pretty thin, but not as thin as the case in that second link I posted.

No micro SD, no removable battery, fingerprint grease ball, multi-tasking like its 2009... 1 step forward, 4 steps back.

Karly Johnston said:
No micro SD, no removable battery, fingerprint grease ball, multi-tasking like its 2009... 1 step forward, 4 steps back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, and add to that no IR blaster and no MHL support. Mine arrived yesterday and it is going back. Literally at least 4 steps backward.

robroy90 said:
Yep, and add to that no IR blaster and no MHL support. Mine arrived yesterday and it is going back. Literally at least 4 steps backward.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't count how many times I used the IR Blaster and MHL.
IR Blaster was great to change channels at the bar. MHL was replaced by chromecast and smart TVs (all have miracast now)...
The phone is amazingly fast due to lack of micro sd. This would not be a problem if it had a 128Version.. I bought a microsd pendrive... at least photos and movies I'll keep with my keys and is easier to show on TV and share with friends PCs.
but battery.. that's my worst complain.. one day of medium usage... I'm getting a power case...
could be a great evolution, but it's a revolution not all for best... but its fast.. yes it is

I went from a Note 4 (SD) to an S6 and then to a Note4 (Exynos) ultimately to end my quest with the Note 5 (white N9208 duosim).
Always in search for the best combination in terms of looks, speed, screen quality, cam quality, features....I really think I have found my match (well...so far at least). The S6 was too small and the Note 4 just a bit too slow (in comparison with the S6).
Looks : the Note 5 is just the most beautiful phone I have ever seen...period. :good:
Screen quality : simply incredible! Remember I already has the S6 and Note 4...but the Note 5 even tops those.
Speed : it possitively flies! The additional 1GB RAM helps with multitasking (TW still isn't perfect though).
Cam quality : we already know how good the camera of the S6 is...this is just more of the same...in all departments it shines!
Features : it's a Note...enough said! :laugh:
Do I shed a tear for the non-removable battery and non-expandable storage space? Nah...not really. The IR blaster would have been nice to have, but also no biggie imo.
Just an awesome beast of a phone!!!

I have used the whole note series from 1 to edge and now the note 5, its just amazing. Great looks awesome design,speed, performance.
Just love it

I was dead against Samsung phones before this one. I have a close friend here at work that let me use his for a couple days when my last phone (OPO) was out of commission from a bad flash. He let me restore it and make it mine for the entire 3 days I had it. Once I put the google now launcher on it and removed all the bloat it was an amazing phone. I went out the last night I had his and got my own. I love it, truly the best Android device to date.

Acill said:
I was dead against Samsung phones before this one. I have a close friend here at work that let me use his for a couple days when my last phone (OPO) was out of commission from a bad flash. He let me restore it and make it mine for the entire 3 days I had it. Once I put the google now launcher on it and removed all the bloat it was an amazing phone. I went out the last night I had his and got my own. I love it, truly the best Android device to date.
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I wish i have your friend.... so i can enjoy note 5 for 3 days... i cant buy one at this moment cause its to expensive. maybe ill wait 6 months and check if i can afford by then.

I've switched from jb'd iPhone 5S to the Note 5, and I'm completely happy. I've had prior rooted devices, and slow Android devices as well, so I know about memory management (which the Note handles just fine with what I do) so I have nothing to complain about yet. Well except for when my iPhone friends send me videos they come in compressed/crappy looking. Not sure why...

Awesome Phone! had the Oppo FIND 7 before and this one beats it by far! in every aspect.

Even after having it for a week now I still love it. I have found a couple things that bother me, though I am learning to live with them. The one that stands out most is the duplicate apps Samsung uses and wont allow you to disable. Calendar stands out most. Google's version is FAR better in every way. Samsung version looks like the one from early Android. If you try to turn it off it will turn ALL calendar apps off. If your force disable it, it messes with calendar event syncing. For now I just ignore it. Does anyone have advice on this?

Acill said:
Even after having it for a week now I still love it. I have found a couple things that bother me, though I am learning to live with them. The one that stands out most is the duplicate apps Samsung uses and wont allow you to disable. Calendar stands out most. Google's version is FAR better in every way. Samsung version looks like the one from early Android. If you try to turn it off it will turn ALL calendar apps off. If your force disable it, it messes with calendar event syncing. For now I just ignore it. Does anyone have advice on this?
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For debloating your Note 5 check this thread :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/general/guide-bloating-touchwizzing-note-5-t3184563
You can practially disable everything with the package disabler app. It's great!

daffie said:
For debloating your Note 5 check this thread :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/general/guide-bloating-touchwizzing-note-5-t3184563
You can practially disable everything with the package disabler app. It's great!
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Using it, only did it to a few of the service though. It makes me nervous with some of the stuff that basic xml file has listed. I dont want to lose some of the functionality or risk stability. I did move to this because of being tired of the constant flashing and updating my past phones, lol.

Acill said:
Using it, only did it to a few of the service though. It makes me nervous with some of the stuff that basic xml file has listed. I dont want to lose some of the functionality or risk stability. I did move to this because of being tired of the constant flashing and updating my past phones, lol.
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I use the Basic list and even added some of my own to block. So far everything is still working great and I have had no problems whatsever. So you may try the Basic list if you like. I think it's a rather save list to start of with.
I'm still awaiting a safe root option for my N9208 because I would like to use adblock, titanium backup and have the option to edit build.prop (for better multitasking).
Looking forward to custom roms, but somehow I have a feeling there won't be many available (esp. for my duosim version).

Came from iPhone, s3, Note 2, Note 3, LG G4 and now the Note 5. IMO, it has the best screen, best camera of any phone regardless of platform. Super snappy. In the few months I've owned the phone had only one app force close itself. With my Note 3 after 18 months it was frustrating to use. I couldn't go a day without the phone freezing up, app force closing etc.
I'm optimistic my GNote5 will last me a year and stay fast until my next upgrade.
Very very satisfied.