Database Users

Nexus 4 or Note 2 and why?

Im currently looking at both and just want to hear pros and cons like signal and any other issues all comments are much appreciated.

I own a Note 2, and just ordered the N4 for my wife, so I cant comment on the N4 yet. However, I believe it boils down to a handful of differences between them. They are both very, very smooth, very fast phones, so take that out of the equation.
1) Bigger vs smaller screen. I like the Note 2's ginormous screen.
2) Touchwiz vs JB as Google intended. I personally dont mind TW, and can always throw Nova on it if I get tired of it.
3) Updates. Samsung will take way longer obviously than Google. If you MUST have the newest right now, its a no brainer.
4) If using TMo, the Note 2 allows for WIFI calling. May be helpful to you.
5) S-Pen. A bit of a novelty, but kind of useful.

You missed the most important point: tablet-class battery. To borrow a car analogy, there's no replacement for displacement.

TerryMathews said:
You missed the most important point: tablet-class battery. To borrow a car analogy, there's no replacement for displacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, forgot about that. I can abuse the hell out of it and get 4+ screen time. Use it gingerly and approach 8.

I've owned both phones and honestly the Note 2 is great choice if you don't mind touchwiz and the larger size.
Note Pros:
It's gets more than double the battery life of the Nexus 4.
Beautiful, larger screen.
Touchwiz extras (wifi calling, multi-window mode, spen, gestures, etc)
Note Cons:
Slower rom development.
A bit too big to use one handed comfortably.
More expensive.
Bloated.
Nexus Pros:
WAY sexier and feels WAY better in hand.
Better development.
Half the price (unlocked)
No carrier bloat.
Nexus Cons:
Battery life not great compared to the note 2.
Speaker not as good.

The stock android on the N4 is nice and the screen size of the note is awesome. I think im leaning to the Nexus because of the Dev support keeps a phone new. Hows the call quality of both?

i'm in the same boat...i already have the n4 but i'm underwhelmed by it coming from the galaxy nexus. i know with the nexus you get the updates but custom roms like cm10 will come along for the note2. another big advantage for the note2 is the expandable storage. otg doesn't even work for the n4

I prefer the N4 as a PHONE, but as a more media-consumption-driven device, the Note 2 would beat it. The N4 is easier in-pocket and in-hand. The Note 2 would be better for reading, video, content creation.
Obviously, I chose the N4 over a Note 2. I prefer the smaller screen (and it's by no means small IMO), the pure or easily customizable Android (I had a Samsung phone before, TouchWiz can eat it), and the ability to jump to essentially any GSM network.

I have both. Initially i preferred my note 2 but now im used to the n4 screen, i much prefer it. To me, the note 2 screen doesnt seem as crisp as n4 & whilst the note w is fast, the n4 seems alot snappier in everyday use for myself.
Obviously watching youtube etc is great on the note 2 due to the real estate of the screen & i find the s pen relly handy & samsung did a cracking job of touchwiz on this device but ive grown to prefer the n4 as my daily driver & the note 2 is going on ebay this weekend!
Hope it helps.

Arguably the two best phones on the market right now. Its always a personal choice cause we all like different things on our phones but major pros of both phones are:
For nexus 4,
PRICE!!!! Pentaband, pure android, no bloatware and you get updates soon as its available. On top of that development is always great on nexus devices. Also more "portable" than note 2, and better screen. Both perform well without any lag so performance is pretty much even.
For Note 2,
INCREDIBLE BATTERY LIFE! I can't emphasize it enough, it truly is something else, ive never seen a smartphone perform so well in that area. More features, S pen has amazing things like air view, more storage, bigger screen means better for media consumption (movies, games blah blah) but size can be a con for some however when you go purchase the note 2 the size is obvious so there's no excuse to complain about it when its so obvious.
Bottom line is both phones are great, but honestly in a long run, a Nexus ALWAYS has the edge because of the support it gets. If you're like me, that does not matter a bit cause I switch smart phones more often than I go to the movies (and its not a joke ).
The galaxy nexus is still relevant to this day, it just received android 4.2.1 while for example, the galaxy s 2 is slowly becoming a retired phone.
Sent from my Mako Nexus quattro using Tapatalk!

WVFAN1 said:
Im currently looking at both and just want to hear pros and cons like signal and any other issues all comments are much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
imho the Note is not a phone, I have had the first model just to use it as a digital block notes, and it's cool for that, but please don't think to use it as a phone becouse is heavy and huge, you could use it for some Emergency call, but not as a everyday phone...
...imho

I still on the fence on this i had the 1st note and the galaxy nexus both were great. I dont have LTE in my area with AT&T yet so thats not really an issue so can i use the N4 as a dumb phone on at&t.

atomo37 said:
imho the Note is not a phone, I have had the first model just to use it as a digital block notes, and it's cool for that, but please don't think to use it as a phone becouse is heavy and huge, you could use it for some Emergency call, but not as a everyday phone...
...imho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only dweebs and squares use cell phones for calls.
---------- Post added at 01:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 AM ----------
atomo37 said:
imho the Note is not a phone, I have had the first model just to use it as a digital block notes, and it's cool for that, but please don't think to use it as a phone becouse is heavy and huge, you could use it for some Emergency call, but not as a everyday phone...
...imho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only dweebs and squares use cell phones for calls.

N4 has a better CPU/GPU and can be operated 1 handed plus it's pure google and has on screen buttons.
but the note 2 has cool touchwhiz features but it's bloated and too big for 1 handed use.

I have an S3, but have considered switching to the N4, I just cant find the motivation though... will the Quad Core give me that much of a real world NOTICEABLE speed difference? and why does the N4 appear to have a yellow tint to its screen? I also worry about potential quality issues.

Shenkoa said:
I have an S3, but have considered switching to the N4, I just cant find the motivation though... will the Quad Core give me that much of a real world NOTICEABLE speed difference? and why does the N4 appear to have a yellow tint to its screen? I also worry about potential quality issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i believe that is temporary...just the glue drying - will go away in a week or so.

I came from an S3 and couldn't be happier. The phone does feel a bit faster than my S3 did. Battery life is about the same, the S3 might have been a little better. The only thing I miss about the S3 is the SD card slot, but Google music has me covered.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

jnewman1991 said:
I came from an S3 and couldn't be happier. The phone does feel a bit faster than my S3 did. Battery life is about the same, the S3 might have been a little better. The only thing I miss about the S3 is the SD card slot, but Google music has me covered.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the screen size difference? is it real noticeable? and does Netflix, Youtube and videos in general Full Screen?
Is the Yellow Tint really just glue drying? that doesn't make much sense to me.

Between the 2 the Note 2 is easily a better phone. Being a media hog my self I love the huge screen and its beautiful. Also love the design.

Anybody having issues using the N4 on att non-smartphone plan can att tell the difference i really like not having to pay for another smartphone on my family plan.

Nexus 5 or Note 2?

Nexus 5 released a day back and the specs are not that bad if we see. Now this has given rise to a hunger of having an official google product in me. I use my note 2 like crazy and love it too but I want to see how it feels having a nexus device.
Storage is one thing that still makes me think of retaining my Note 2. I dont use SPen much either. Nexus 5 looks strong on paper and its tempting me. Is it advisable to sell my Note 2 off and get a Nexus 5?

I am in same situation but specs are really a boost from note 2 but major flaws of nexus 5 are storage and battery life....though I really want to see the display comparison....is the nexus 5 display better than note 2's...I know its 1080p compared to 720p but I really saw some 1080p display looking worse than 720p's like xperia z1....
I will wait for some reviews and then will decide is it worth to upgrade..

The Nexus 5 compared to Note 2 , looks like cheep, plastic, smaller and non Spen device.
Next Move will bring us to Note 4.
And the answer is no way to abandon my Note 2.

Performance on the Nexus 5 will be superior. That Snapdragon 800 screams.
The main issue is battery life. A petty 2300mha battery for a 5 inch 1080p display... It's going to suck.

Screen is slightly smaller with more pixels. But it won't be as jumping with colors as it's an LCD type screen vs our AMOLED screens which pop with colors.
The performance will be much better on the Nexus 5. Better processor. Same RAM. Better GPU. More FREE ram at boot.
Now, if I didn't have the Note 2 and I were to buy a new device, I'd get the Nexus 5. But I think the Note 2 is superior FOR MY USAGE. The SPen helps a lot, and the extra screen is great. The screen is plenty packed with pixels for my usage, too. The 2GB ram is great. In fact, the Note 3 having 3GB isn't an upgrade as you have LESS FREE RAM AT BOOT than the Note 2! WTF Samsung! haha. Anyways, RAM is taken care of by the Android OS. But Samsung takes up too much ram to begin with.
With Nexus devices you won't have that issue, as there is nothing at boot extra. It's only Android processes. So it should run much more smoothly. My Note 2 does stutter or lag a little every once in a while, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest.
I don't know... Battery life on both devices are different. Smaller with updated processors vs bigger battery with less efficient display & processor? I don't know... Wait for some battery tests? Regardless, I've never killed my Note 2 in 18 hours except for my vacation days where I'm on a bus or train for 5-6 hours then I get it down a nice amount.

i was also thinking into a change to a nexus but the battery definitely make me consider having my note a year more. i bought the note for screen and battery and mexus doesn't win at any. moreover i dt know any game yet that doesn't run smoothly in the note and the screen difference is not that noticeable since my cousin has a 1080p screen and mine seems to be better also for him.
my 2 cents
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

of course Nexus 5. Note 2 will get its last update with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. But you will have many updates with Nexus 5. If you are not a traveller person, don't think about battery life. Buy 32 gb model and live your days good.

nidhish91 said:
Nexus 5 released a day back and the specs are not that bad if we see. Now this has given rise to a hunger of having an official google product in me. I use my note 2 like crazy and love it too but I want to see how it feels having a nexus device.
Storage is one thing that still makes me think of retaining my Note 2. I dont use SPen much either. Nexus 5 looks strong on paper and its tempting me. Is it advisable to sell my Note 2 off and get a Nexus 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Non removable battery (instant deal killer right there for me), small and non expandable storage (32GB vs the 80GB total on my Note II), small display (even smaller than its 5" since part of that space is taken up by the virtual buttons), no S-Pen, no Samsung SW features like MultiWindow = for a poweruser they don't even play in the same league.
Samsung is doing something very stupid with the Region Lock and something less stupid but that is pissing powerusers and geeks off with the Knox warranty status but the (sad) truth is that the Note III is the ONLY smartphone out there today which I would replace my Note II with. ANYTHING else is INFERIOR to my Note II.

I gass you have very big hands to use note 3 like phone lol
Ive got note 2 yesterday and one nexus 4
Sorry but that clean android isnt for me. I prefer samsung and htc devices....not nexus
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

I will get a Nexus 5 for sure to replace my backup phone HTC HD2, and will also keep my Note II forever!! unless otherwise Samsung smoehow try to screw it up with an dubious update,(yes I don't trust them anymore),I've played with a Note 3 at the store but didn't find it much an upgrade to my existing Note II.

I`d go with nexus 5..coming from note 2 user!!

julzz said:
The Nexus 5 compared to Note 2 , looks like cheep, plastic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea lol my Note 2's high quality aluminum construction looks so much better
/s

I've bought n5 and my only worry is battery. I'll tell you in a few days.
I'm happy with N2 but love nexus flavor.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

Well, If I were to buy a new phone and the Playstore sold hardware in my country, I'd seriously consider the Nexus 5.
But as an upgrade to Note 2? No way. Sure, it will run circles around the Note in the performance department... but I find that for my use, the Note's performance is sufficient (even though it lags now and then). Even for games, the lower res mens that pretty much everything runs smooth so far. And the lower res doesn't really bother me, as I find the screen of the Note 2 absolutely fantastic... better then that of HTC One, IMVHO. Xperias just can't compare. Sure some text zoomed out can be a tad sharper on 1080p, but otherwise the screen on the Note 2 is just gorgeous.
The S-Pen is usefull... especially for extending menus while browsing the web. That's one unique functionality that only a handfull of phones has and means that some webpages can only be browsed with these devices. Other tricks like video or gallery highlight thumbs are neat as well. And it's good for Excel editing too, especially during a meeting (otherwise it's quite difficult in a zoomed out view - only view in which you actually see a reasonable amount of data).
Storage? For me 16+64 GB is barely enough. Actually scratch that, 16GB internal is definately NOT enough (a bit more than 10 GB available...). I hope an update can allow me to use the external memory for apps. My memory card is almost full as well. So 32 GB altogether? No thanks (even with less bloat).
Battery? It's decent on the Note 2, but I wouldn't call it a stellar performer. So here we have a battery that's smaller by almost a third? And not removable too? I'll pass, thank you.
Plus, does the Nexus 5 even have the USB OTG capability? I remember there were some issues with the earlier models. I like to output video via MHL... love connecting an external USB drive or additional memory card via a card reader and it can be nice to connect external controllers via USB. Is Nexus 5 able to do this all?
Other stuff, primarily Multiwindow and Popup Browser are neat also. Hopefully even Pen Window will be possible on the Note 2.

duskdiyebiri said:
of course Nexus 5. Note 2 will get its last update with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. But you will have many updates with Nexus 5. If you are not a traveller person, don't think about battery life. Buy 32 gb model and live your days good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not correct. Note 2 will get Kitkat update next year
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

Think of it this way. Only for a few minor hardware boosts and a new Launcher would you really want to upgrade ?
Note 2 still stands as a power house when compared. And if you like the idea of talking to your phone start using Google Now the experience will be no diff.
On the other thoughts I would love to upgrade to Moto X if ever get an opportunity
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

darkchazz said:
Yea lol my Note 2's high quality aluminum construction looks so much better
/s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do let me know.
Posted from Macbook running on Windows 98

After reading all your views I completely feel I'll have that itch with the nexus 5 when it comes to battery and storage Coz both things matter to me. I think my note 2 will stay in my pocket for comparatively good time
Posted from Macbook running on Windows 98

I am running the Ditto note 3 rom. .. With 4.3... Note 3 apps and installed the 4.4 kit kat apps on top of it. .
I also have the nexus 7_2013.. which will get 4.4 and is similar to nexus 5.. But I rarely use it. .
I use my note 8 and note 2 more
Why would I need the nexus 5 ?... Note 2 is good enough. .
Will bother about a new phone next year
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

C'mon!
Oh God! I think it makes no sense at all! Galaxy Note II is a pretty much older device which can still be compared to other TOP devices. Plus, the Note II has got touchwiz, and lots of Samsung applications which are pretty usefule. Nexus devices are a little too poor to me. I think that if you want to try out a Nexus device, you should try the Nexus 7 2013! I think that rocks. Got such a cool display, so incredibly fast and pure Google style. Plus: updates and other Nexus stuff.

confused in choosing smartphone

hey guys its nearly end of 2013 and i want to buy a new smart phone.
but i am confused between samsung galaxy note 3 and htc one.
so guys plz help me with the selection that what should i do , which of above phone should i buy or wait for some new release in 2014

shivamtarzan said:
hey guys its nearly end of 2013 and i want to buy a new smart phone.
but i am confused between samsung galaxy note 3 and htc one.
so guys plz help me with the selection that what should i do , which of above phone should i buy or wait for some new release in 2014
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends what you want in a phone.
I switched from the HTC One to the Note3 for one reason only. Screen size.
HTC One is 4.7inches
Note 3 is 5.7
Note has fancy eye tracking software, air gestures, S Pen etc.. The HTC doesn't.
No one can make the choice for you. Go get some hands on time with each and decide which you want.

Dollar for dollar, IMO, there's probably no better value for the money than the LG Optimus G Pro. You can get them unlocked for around $300 and they have:
5.5 inch 1080P IPS display
32GB
Micro SD expansion slot
3140 mAh battery (removable)
Metal frame (not plastic)
Built-in Wireless charging out of the box
13 MP camera that has a manual focus control (which I think is a brilliant feature) In most situations, the camera produces less over-processed images than the Note 3
I had one and sold it before moving to the Note 3, and I still think it was a bad move on my part, overall.

shivamtarzan said:
hey guys its nearly end of 2013 and i want to buy a new smart phone.
but i am confused between samsung galaxy note 3 and htc one.
so guys plz help me with the selection that what should i do , which of above phone should i buy or wait for some new release in 2014
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HTC One is definitely nice.
I love the solid metal frame and the forward facing speakers.
But no expandable SD slot and the sealed battery is a deal killer for me.
Plus, the screen size of the note is just amazing!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app

I came from HTC one too. Now that phone is using my girlfriend. HTC was good device but note 3 is better. Better camera and battery and of course big and nice a sreen. I am very happy.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I have htc one and thinking of buying a Note 3 as I primarily do more reading on phone, the screen is too small for me. If you buying a htc one, make sure you are easily accessible to a repair service, like not buying from oversea. In case you have purple tint camera problem. I had it on mine and got replaced.

Note 3 is the worst note model but there's no better phone out there, got it?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

I would also still choose the Note 3 if I had to choose again,
since the note 3 is much more powerful.
And also what's already said here before, I really like the idea of changing or pulling out the battery.
So far I'm still very happy with my Note 3, despite the KNOX thing.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Note definitely. The screen is just amazing.

+1
Definitely the note 3.
Best amazing beautiful 5.7 screen.
Best qualcomm SOC quad core.
Max 3gb RAM
Best S-PEN.
Etc.
Btw, knox is really a waste... But you can live with it
Sent from my NOTE 3 monster

I own both and love them for different reasons. The build quality/design of the note and it's horrible software are it's biggest drawbacks. The One performs better in almost every way with general use i.e. the apps load in the blink of an eye, including the camera.
The Note has way too much of delay when doing simple things like loading the phone or messages apps, and the software design is ugly, sluggish and very dated i.e. no gestures or consideration for size of the phone in terms of menu options appearing at the very top of the screen. Also a lack of real estate due to the default dpi used by Samsung.
The camera quality is debateable. Outdoors in good lighting conditions, the Note wins hands down. But honestly, how often are we outdoors in optimal lighting? The One takes images in the blink of an eye, has OIS and great FOV which captures more in the frame. It is a much better all rounder with the best low light shots of any phone I've had.
The one only really falls short in two areas for me.
1) The battery is good but the Note absolutely kills it! Charge time is also a lot slower than the Note even though it's much smaller.
2) The screen is amazing on the Note. The One is fantastic as well but the Notes size is hard to let go of once you're used to it. It's such a great middle size that eliminated the need for a phone AND a tablet, in most cases. I also love the the contrast, saturation and deep blacks, it's very appealing to look at.
Overall, I think that the One is the better phone due to its superior software, build quality which rivals Apple, excellent everyday-use camera, stereo speakers and snappy UI and performance. But the Note isn't far behind. I would be able forgive it's build quality and rank it as the better overall phone if it weren't for Samsung's dated Touchwiz UI and crappy software. They really need to work on this in their next major release as it has put me off buying Samsung ever again.
At the end of the day, they're both great choices and I find myself switching between the two as I miss different things about each one. I'm definitely excited to see what the new flagships will be like in the coming months.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Note 2 vs Note 3: Camera Factor

Hey guys, you might have seen my grumpy threads lately. I have a Note 3 that I really like but it has come o my knowledge that the camera on this thing is horrendous at low light. I have tried playing around with settings and while there are sligth improvements, I cant say I am fully satisfied
I was wondering for those of y'all hthat have had a Note 2 (I never did), is the camera better and worth it enough to return the Note 3 and get a 2 off of eBay. With all the new features of the Note 3, does it outweigh the features of the Note 2.
Buying a 2 off of eBay would mean having unlocked AT&T one cause I've heard the Tmobile Note 2s earlier batch have no LTE ...using an AT&T Note 2 on a T mob network might mean no 4.3 updates for me?
What does the Note 3 have going for it that make it despite the camera a better phone than the Note 2 and would y'all go back to a Note 2 despite camera?
I'm not too much a power user but I appreciate multitasking and takign NOTES and doodling which is why I splurged on the Note 3. It has made a huge difference in my life already.

edo101 said:
Hey guys, you might have seen my grumpy threads lately. I have a Note 3 that I really like but it has come o my knowledge that the camera on this thing is horrendous at low light. I have tried playing around with settings and while there are sligth improvements, I cant say I am fully satisfied
I was wondering for those of y'all hthat have had a Note 2 (I never did), is the camera better and worth it enough to return the Note 3 and get a 2 off of eBay. With all the new features of the Note 3, does it outweigh the features of the Note 2.
Buying a 2 off of eBay would mean having unlocked AT&T one cause I've heard the Tmobile Note 2s earlier batch have no LTE ...using an AT&T Note 2 on a T mob network might mean no 4.3 updates for me?
What does the Note 3 have going for it that make it despite the camera a better phone than the Note 2 and would y'all go back to a Note 2 despite camera?
I'm not too much a power user but I appreciate multitasking and takign NOTES and doodling which is why I splurged on the Note 3. It has made a huge difference in my life already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note 3 is better than Note 2 in every sense possible. CPU, GPU, Camera, Screen, RAM, Sensors, S-Pen, design, some might argue battery. But personally, I just up to 9hrs screen on time. So I'll add battery to the list too. Bottom line, DO NOT go back to Note 2. If you want a low light performer, htc one is the way to go. Cheers.

stanley08 said:
The Note 3 is better than Note 2 in every sense possible. CPU, GPU, Camera, Screen, RAM, Sensors, S-Pen, design, some might argue battery. But personally, I just up to 9hrs screen on time. So I'll add battery to the list too. Bottom line, DO NOT go back to Note 2. If you want a low light performer, htc one is the way to go. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I returned the Note 3 and I am trying the Note 2. Gonna experiment heavily for the next couple of days and if I don't see a big difference then it's back to Note 3. I'm already missing the native Action Memo and improved S pen.
I don't agree on the camera part yet. And it has to be a Note device because I cannot go back to using a bunch of paper for notes. I'm too disorganized for that

@stanley08
I agree with everything you said except for the camera and design.
Camera
More megapixels doesn't make a camera better. And if your priorities are low light, more MP can actually be a bad thing. I haven't been too thrilled with the camera on my note 3, but I think my expectations have become a little high. So if I was solely going for a good camera, I wouldn't choose the note 3 over the note 2.
Design
I definitely think the note 3's design looks a lot better than than the note 2's! no contest for me.
But as far as usability goes I think I'll give the nod to the note 2. The bigger bezels, the rounded corners and pebble shape all felt more comfortable in the hand than the note 3's sexier shape with thinner bezels.
@edo101
I myself was in a similar position albeit before I upgraded from my ancient 3gs.?
I had the note 2 in my sights for a while and by the time I'd saved the cash needed, the note 3 was out. Luckily I had the cash for either but didn't want to buy the note 3 just because it was the latest and greatest.
It was the look that tipped the scales for me(quite ironic, considering what I wrote above), the IR blaster, Air Command (this has been ported over, if you do get a note 2, search for: note 3 apps for note 2 thread) and scrapbooker(which I thought I'd use all the time to bookmark things of interest. But I still just take screen shots lol).
My Reasons to keep the Note 3 would be; The screen, IR Blaster, Battery Life, more guts (better internals), 4G & newer OS and more future support from Samsung (which might not necessarily be a good thing).
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

denski101 said:
@stanley08
I agree with everything you said except for the camera and design.
Camera
More megapixels doesn't make a camera better. And if your priorities are low light, more MP can actually be a bad thing. I haven't been too thrilled with the camera on my note 3, but I think my expectations have become a little high. So if I was solely going for a good camera, I wouldn't choose the note 3 over the note 2.
Design
I definitely think the note 3's design looks a lot better than than the note 2's! no contest for me.
But as far as usability goes I think I'll give the nod to the note 2. The bigger bezels, the rounded corners and pebble shape all felt more comfortable in the hand than the note 3's sexier shape with thinner bezels.
@edo101
I myself was in a similar position albeit before I upgraded from my ancient 3gs.?
I had the note 2 in my sights for a while and by the time I'd saved the cash needed, the note 3 was out. Luckily I had the cash for either but didn't want to buy the note 3 just because it was the latest and greatest.
It was the look that tipped the scales for me(quite ironic, considering what I wrote above), the IR blaster, Air Command (this has been ported over, if you do get a note 2, search for: note 3 apps for note 2 thread) and scrapbooker(which I thought I'd use all the time to bookmark things of interest. But I still just take screen shots lol).
My Reasons to keep the Note 3 would be; The screen, IR Blaster, Battery Life, more guts (better internals), 4G & newer OS and more future support from Samsung (which might not necessarily be a good thing).
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I needed to update my post. I am trying the Note 2. I really shoudl go and buy the note 3 from that store since i can afford to and try both simultaneously. I don't know why and i didn't expect it but the Note 3 camera has really turned me off. In the past I have never had to worry about having steady hands and constantly fidgeting with settings to get a decent indoor shot.
I do like the UI of Note 3 but I can already tell the Note 2 has a better camera. I SINCERELY MISS Air Command so I'm gonna have to look at a way to make it available on my note 2.
Now I bought the ntoe 2 locally for 460 tax included but I'm thinking of returning it if I am satisfied and getting one of off ebay for 350 max save a little money and not feel as bad. (I'd root it and hopefully get the Air command) then wait it out for a better camera on Note 4 I hope. does that sound like a good plan?
Oh and any insight on which version of Note 2 I should get, AT&T or Tmbile version. I am currently on MetroPCS which runs off of TMobile
The Note 2 has 4G LTE, I just miss the Note 3's UI (the screen I can manage lol) and the UI (especially camera UI) and AIR COMMAND

Everyone entitled to his own opinion I guess
But for me Note 3 is generally ALOT better than Note 2. However, I change my phones every 5 to 6 months and would be getting the next best thing soon so I don't really dwell on phones.
It's important to get what works better for u.

stanley08 said:
Everyone entitled to his own opinion I guess
But for me Note 3 is generally ALOT better than Note 2. However, I change my phones every 5 to 6 months and would be getting the next best thing soon so I don't really dwell on phones.
It's important to get what works better for u.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't do that without contract lol. And Sammy has spoiled me with the pen. Its made life soo much easier for a disorganized mess like me so I am sticking with Note line until someone makes an alternative (hopefully from nexus line for obvious reasons).
But man the Note 3 as perfect (especially that lovely pen and screen) but that friggin camera man.

I had the note 2 and found the camera better. But I also found the battety life and wifi better on my note 2.plus I get random reboots on note 3 .
Sent from my SM-N900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

The only thing in note 2 camera that i like, is the capture field, is more wider. The note 3 camera is more narrow, so to capture more field in note 3 you need to step back more than note 2.

cereal86 said:
The only thing in note 2 camera that i like, is the capture field, is more wider. The note 3 camera is more narrow, so to capture more field in note 3 you need to step back more than note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what did you find out when it comes to low light situations? I am missing the Note 3's screen and pen though
I'm sure there are ROMs I can get here to get Air command without going through Samsung's 4.3 glitchy KNOX edition

edo101 said:
I can't do that without contract lol. And Sammy has spoiled me with the pen. Its made life soo much easier for a disorganized mess like me so I am sticking with Note line until someone makes an alternative (hopefully from nexus line for obvious reasons).
But man the Note 3 as perfect (especially that lovely pen and screen) but that friggin camera man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I know the reason(but not exactly sure) why note3 got weird slow camera behaviour because the same problem actually appeared on gs4 as well. I've PMed you and asked for some questions, please check it out.

I had the note 2 and now I have the note 3. I miss the fireworks and night mode. At nightime the note 2 was way better in my opinion. Plus on note 3 less battery life and loads more crapware. And poor wifi.
Sent from my SM-N900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I have seen so many posts related to poor wifi on the n9005. I just dont understand it.. surely people are getting faulty units? My wifi is better than my i9100.. and i used to think that was good!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I had the note 2 before, and I have to say that the 2 typical hardware problems remained:
Camera is crap on low light
low wifi and hsdpa signal
I think thats really sad on a phone like that.... if i want to make pictures at a party with barely light, i sometimes wish my old iphone 4 back with iOS you can't do so much, but the things you can do, you can do in perfection.... who needs 12MP on a blurry picture?
it's really not that difficult to look for a camera modul that is appropriate to a 800$ phone, instead of developing more and more additional funtions that no one uses until it's a complete sw-chaos

My N2 for a Nexus 5

My brother bought a Nexus 5 and he doesn´t like it. He said if I want we can change (my note 2 for his Nexus 5) and despite the bovious prices difference what you do in my place? I am very satisfied with my Samsung and will put a new rom to give a extra live (it has official 4.4.2).
Thanks and sorry for my bad english

taavaar said:
My brother bought a Nexus 5 and he doesn´t like it. He said if I want we can change (my note 2 for his Nexus 5) and despite the bovious prices difference what you do in my place? I am very satisfied with my Samsung and will put a new rom to give a extra live (it has official 4.4.2).
Thanks and sorry for my bad english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can compromise with battery life and screen size then go for it. Snapdragon 800 will blow your mind. Camera is also not that great in N5 but it'll do the job just right.
I say go for it.

I don't know if that is a good idea, I'd keep the Note. You can't really compare these 2 devices in terms of Performance. N5 runs stock, N2 runs TouchWiz. Stock Android is and will always be buttery smooth. TouchWiz can also be quite smooth and that stuff but yeah, it is a skin of Android which might be not so smooth and fast all the time but with KitKat, it's pretty fast.
N5 has a really small battery and the Note 2s battery blows the N5 out of the way. N5s display is LCD and the N2 has a SAMOLED Display but lower PPI but anyways, think twice, seriously. I had the Nexus 4 for 2 months and I missed my Note 2 so much, the Nexus 4 was really crap compared to the Note.
Just my 2 cents.
Gesendet von meinem GT-N7100 mit Tapatalk

Never ever, cause Nexus may be fast, smooth and other pleasant things, but in fact and from my point of view: BORING
You can have pure Android experience on Note 2 too (AOSP-roms), but you'll never feel the flexibility of having S5, Note 3 features or even Note 2 S-Pen on a Nexus.
If someone would donate me a Nexus I would sell it to even get a second N2.

Thanx for the answers; it´s really hard to decide and the phones can´t be compared. The only way to both be satisfied that I can think now is, I change with him, sell the nexus and buy a note 3... Here in Souht America the prices are very different (almost twice the price for a nexus 5 new to one used N2).

Ok i own a galaxy nexus right now, about nexus devices being boring is a fact they are, but when that happens u just swap your rom, this week i will have my note 2 back, however i will not sell galaxy nexus for now
The advantages
galaxy nexus
always updated,
butter smooth,
a lot of customization,
The disadvantages
no memory card,
recovery problems, cause of internal storage(once i ve done a full wipe and i had no rom on it, a big mess)
note 2
big screen (major advantage)
battery
sdcard
disadvantages
serious software problems(SDS)
my final veredict is, if you are a flashoolic and u just love custom roms, go for a nexus(of course you will have to say goodbye to battery and screen) if u just dont like to flash roms that much and u seek more for watch moovies or play hd games stick with the note,
keep also in mind that u can sell the nexus and buy a note 3 with some more money

hackerse7en said:
big screen (major advantage)
battery
sdcard
disadvantages
serious software problems(SDS)
my final veredict is, if you are a flashoolic and u just love custom roms, go for a nexus(of course you will have to say goodbye to battery and screen) if u just dont like to flash roms that much and u seek more for watch moovies or play hd games stick with the note,
keep also in mind that u can sell the nexus and buy a note 3 with some more money
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kindly disagreed:
SDS is mostly a myth and overrated (whenever phone freezes, people start crying about SDS)
I can port nearly every device on Note 2 but no Touchwiz rom on a nexus (just take a look around Dev forum and my signature).
So, for flashoholics like me there is only Note. :angel:

Androidwizzard said:
Kindly disagreed:
SDS is mostly a myth and overrated (whenever phone freezes, people start crying about SDS)
I can port nearly every device on Note 2 but no Touchwiz rom on a nexus (just take a look around Dev forum and my signature).
So, for flashoholics like me there is only Note. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Respectfully disagreed,
I am a regular follower of XDA and some sites and flash many things just even to try sometimes. I also get bored easily with regular software and like to try new ways of using the phone.
If you like to use Note 2 "as is" then it is still a great phone (even greater than some newer phones). However trying new things with that phone is not about discovering what's new on the developers' world, instead it is mostly about "trying a new cure"..
I recently updated my Note 2 to 4.4.2 and then broke my warranty out of curiosity. TW KitKat is really good for people who are looking for a good phone. But then I went for Paranoid Android. The next thing I was looking for to flash was a camera cure because of the problematic camera. After that got solved, now my WiFi is not turning on without a restart and there is not even one person who mentions it on the main topic (I will, but...). In addition to that there is very low volume problem of the sound recording (whether it be a video or just voice) and there is no solution to this either.
I had bought a Nexus 4 and given my Note 2 to my sister. After 5 months she wanted my Nexus and offered my Note 2 back. I couldn't say no cause she really wanted it. Now I have two data coming from two different persons, one is a flashocolic and the other is just a user who likes iPhones etc. The one thing in common is that they both prefer the Nexus.
Because there is really a solution to everything on the Nexus world, software-wise. But here, on Note 2's world, it's like yesterday that the devs were reprehending people with complaints by saying "do it yourself if you can!!!" out of the anger to Samsung not sharing sources.
There is solution to Nexus battery problems too (you could call that a problem only after a Note). Just buy a power bank and you'll get even more battery time than a Note.
On the camera wise, Note 2 is really good. I believe that is the only thing without a solution for a Nexus device. A Nexus sometimes can match with Note 2's camera but never outdo it.
For every other thing you want or you might wanna have in the future, a Nexus is a better and more open possibility..
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Free mobile app

Androidwizzard said:
Kindly disagreed:
SDS is mostly a myth and overrated (whenever phone freezes, people start crying about SDS)
I can port nearly every device on Note 2 but no Touchwiz rom on a nexus (just take a look around Dev forum and my signature).
So, for flashoholics like me there is only Note. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i ask you how many notes2 have u had?
well i had 2 and both died in the night, i couldnt do nothing, `
so please dont tell me that sds doesn't exist, "i had nightmeers about it ahah"
now im getting my note 2 after a Motherboard replacement.
and whats this and this

I do not want to convince anybody. It is only my point of view at the beginning of developing own roms and the possibilities with this ancient device are still outstanding. Certainly better is the Note 3 and the upcoming Note 4.
My dream is Xperia Z2 on Note 2 with S-Pen features and hopefully soon...... :fingers-crossed:
---------- Post added at 03:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:09 PM ----------
hackerse7en said:
Can i ask you how many notes2 have u had?
well i had 2 and both died in the night, i couldnt do nothing, `
so please dont tell me that sds doesn't exist, "i had nightmeers about it ahah"
now im getting my note 2 after a Motherboard replacement.
and whats this and this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am supporting on several forums and in many languages and I have seen SDS in realty.
BUT and that is also true: If thousand users ask, if they maybe have SDS cause device seems to die, always freezes, bootloops aso. there is not even one who really suffers from that issue.
And at last your links to Sammy roms on Nexus: You can't be serious to compare that kind of stuff with the abilities of S-Pen.
Kind regards

Androidwizzard said:
I do not want to convince anybody. It is only my point of view at the beginning of developing own roms and the possibilities with this ancient device are still outstanding. Certainly better is the Note 3 and the upcoming Note 4.
My dream is Xperia Z2 on Note 2 with S-Pen features and hopefully soon...... :fingers-crossed:
---------- Post added at 03:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:09 PM ----------
I am supporting on several forums and in many languages and I have seen SDS in realty.
BUT and that is also true: If thousand users ask, if they maybe have SDS cause device seems to die, always freezes, bootloops aso. there is not even one who really suffers from that issue.
And at last your links to Sammy roms on Nexus: You can't be serious to compare that kind of stuff with the abilities of S-Pen.
Kind regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
REALLY!?!?
THIS IS A DEVICE FROM 2011 with these specs
can u tell me what was the first device receiving a port on htc sense 6?
well let's see if note 2 gets first android L than galaxy nexus?
i'm not triyng to convince anybody either, i'm just seiing things as they are, and note 1,2 and 3 are devices with remarcable specs on hardware, but in therms of updates and customization u know who rules.

I have my N2 for about a year and half, and never ever been in trouble with it: good battery life, specs and apps, but to tell the truth I use the s-pen just a few days... It´s like new in this moment as I recently installed the DN3 (awesome rom).
Please, who has the Nexus 5, what is the estimated time of battery (use my N2 without bluetooth disbled only and supports a entire day) and what can be done to enhance it?

hackerse7en said:
REALLY!?!?
THIS IS A DEVICE FROM 2011 with these specs
can u tell me what was the first device receiving a port on htc sense 6?
well let's see if note 2 gets first android L than galaxy nexus?
i'm not triyng to convince anybody either, i'm just seiing things as they are, and note 1,2 and 3 are devices with remarcable specs on hardware, but in therms of updates and customization u know who rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No doubt about that last statement :good:
Note 2 will never get Android L. for sure, BUT developers will port it to N2 anyway and anyhow in the near future :highfive:

Androidwizzard said:
No doubt about that last statement :good:
Note 2 will never get Android L. for sure, BUT developers will port it to N2 anyway and anyhow in the near future :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lets hope so, i will get mine this week :angel:

That´s right, the community of N2 is strong and with no doubt we will have the Android L... Well, let´s study about this negociation N2 x N5...

I guess I am losing some arguements here..
For those who believe S Pen is on top of the "advantages list", that 1024 different pressure senser is only functioning for some of the Samsung built-in apps and an all called Papyrus (as far as I know). Besides, as a person who losev to draw/sketch (and take notes with hand writing) I have now 2 options; a Nexus 7 with bigger screen and a good touch-pen (which can be bouth seperately from anywhere) or my Note 2 with a special pen but also with a smaller screen. I ca nassure you, bigger screen has the advantage here so IF you are into professioanal drawing with all the bells and whisles of that pen either buy a pen and touch-mat set for your laptop or get a Note 10.1. Note 2 (or any 5.x " sized place ) is only suitable for small sketches and hand writing notes which gives nothing to the pressure differentiation. So, basicly it's a feature and it's there. Of course I am note taking it as an disadvantage, but it's not a choice changer.
For those who picks the battery life as a winner; that is definetely true. If you want all your time in one housing any Note phone is a way to go. But if we are calculating the total volume, than a regular phone with an external battery or powerbank would be almost same.
For those who enjoy the big screen and out ir on top of the list; now that's unique. however it's hard to write with one hand -say, on the bus- no matter how big your hands are. And when you are confortable to use the dervice in any way you like, only than the screen size comes as an advantage. But -like in the pen situation- if yo reallty want a bigger screen, this is just a big phone, not a tablet.
One more thing with the screen, it's one of the best screens Samsung has ever made. But today every brand is giving bigger screens to their devices and the colors are much better on most of other phones. Please don't tell me AMOLED is the future with it's super blacks of infinite contrasts etc. Any Xperia screen, or any of he last 2 Nexuses have better screens and much more accurate color reproduction. Even though Samsung has given us 4 scenerios to choose, there is no "true" color choice there. And there is no true whites on that screen. So, black is just one color (which Samsung also fails to give us, look carefully and most of you'll notice that blacks are not same everywhere on the screen) to brag, but all the other colors are unrealistic.
For those who wants to give the credit to the Wolfson sound chip, now that's correct Nothing to say here. Quallcomm is just getting warmt with their new SoCs on the music busniess and we all know HTC's afforts are mostly for advertising.
And also the camera, maybe the best of it's time. Sadly it is bought from Sony but all the camera software and HAL is completely re-written by Samsung and not shared to the public. So any AOSP ROM lovers has to deal with problems on the camera (I believe, the devs that made to this far created a miracle, not thanks to SAmsung of course)
And about ROM porting; IF TouchWiz is so good why need for porting frıom other ROMs? AOSP is so "empty" for some people so they port other ROMs to Nexus phones or they create AOSP for other phones so they can be clean and open. But why port Xperie and Sense ROMs to a TouchWiz based and un-shared device? I guess deep down we all know, no matter how much goodness it contains inside, TouchWiz will make everyone bored and feel unprofessional?
And the Samsung build quality, I wish there was a way to ignore this.
Please don't misunderstand me. I love my Note 2. It would be an incredebly better and longer lifed device if Samsung shared more about it. But I don't see ant of its features as unique and irreplacable. And Nexus 5 has a bigger family with an easier life for an average XDA follower (or for just a curious person)

Probably will change the devices until wednesday and return to post my impressions. As my brother wish a lot since I buy the N2 and the difference in prices here I can´t say no. In last scenary I´ll sell or change the N5 for another phablet... thanks to everyone who asked and post comments.

I'll take N5 if I were you because I prefer stock!:good:

take the N5, sell it, buy another N2, keep the profit.

dude i have both nexus 5 and note 2(both active usage) with kitkat
FOR ME ,i love the nexus 5
nexus 5 is more compact,light ,performance beast,nice and fast ui,quick updates,high res screen without oversaturated tones,nice camera(with hdr+)
BUT
if battery life is really what you need then go for note2 ..i get about 22hrs-23hrs of usage with a bit less than 3hrs screen ontime with nexus 5
with note 2 i get just a bit less than 2 days with the same usage
but nexus 5 has heating issues
note 2 has expandable memory which might be a big deal for some people(me),and much louder speaker,big screen size
...go with n5 but if u need battery,expandable storage,and s-pen..and lag then go for note2