Note: This Samsung Galaxy Note II review is a guest post written by Anna Quinn
Samsung Galaxy Note II Review – Fresh off their enticing check out “the next big thing” campaign and U.S. launch in New York on October 24, I was more than eager to take the Samsung Galaxy Note II for T-Mobile out for a spin to see if it was indeed all it was cracked up to be.
Before you ask, I know this device is the same Samsung Galaxy Note II offered by Verizon, Sprint and AT&T, however, I chose the T-Mobile model because T-Mobile is my current carrier and I wanted to have full range to play with my own model at home. And, because my current carrier will be the first to offer future proof LTE support in 2013—while others continue operation on a 4G LTE network. Those 2 factors aside, cosmetically-speaking, there is little difference between the T-Mobile model and other branded models.
My palms were literally twitching with anticipation as I unwrapped my very New Galaxy Note from T-Mobile yesterday to take it for a test drive! With all the build-up and buzz surrounding the Galaxy Note II, I was expecting a reaction about as lukewarm as screening ‘The Amazing Spider Man’. No offense to Andrew Garfield, I loved him in The Social Network. But I find it’s hard to live up to the hype built around a flagship device smart phone like this one that also doubles as a tablet!
First, let’s take a look at the positive features…
1. Samsung Galaxy Note II has incredibly fast quad-core processor
Android has become known for its quick speed, quality camera, and impressive set of features and this newest version lives up to the reputation established by all succeeding devices. So really when it comes to speed, I found the Note II and the N7100 pretty much equal.
2. Samsung Galaxy Note II ‘s Frame size
I expected the 5.5-inch frame to be bulky, and I warn that you will either love it or hate it (size is both a pro and con in this review). I happen to love it because I found I was able to cradle the device quite comfortably in my hand due to its narrow size. Plus, the grip-able, pebble-design (passed down from the Galaxy S III) actually trims the frame another few notches and creates a textured surface.
I have small hands (I’m only 5’4 and 112 pounds) and I was able to use the Note II one-handed if I stretched my fingers a bit. Also noteworthy, after hours of use, the frame stayed cool to the touch.
3. Samsung Galaxy Note II has a huge display
Samsung crams a load of pixels (1,280 x 720) into a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED screen space with a slightly upgraded non-striped BGR layout. That’s all geek to the typical consumer, but what it means is the darks are darker and the colors are more saturated, making viewing ideal for nighttime movies on the massive, high-def screen.
During daylight, all snuggled in on a sunny Sunday with an e-book in my bay window, I found that even with the brightness cranked, daylight reading was fine for hours without straining my eyes. The screen also offers easy typing in both portrait and landscape modes—and you don’t have to switch the keyboard mode to enter in digits, you get an extra row of number keys!
4. Samsung Galaxy Note II features
You’ll find the much-buzzed about stylus pen housed in a slot along the right bottom edge of the device in its very own holster. The S pen is more than just arm candy—yeah, I had my doubts too—but it was a welcome feature when my hands needed a break…there when I wanted it, but tucked away when I didn’t.
In addition, T-Mobile’s Note II model, is the only version to offer the LTE (as noted above), a standard AWS radio and DC-HSPA+ 42 Mbps, and standard Wi-Fi calling that ensures impeccable reception regardless of your location (the network taps into alternate available hotspots when cellular signals are low). I took it from my basement to my attic study and even outside on the back porch to test the reception and calls remained crystal clear.
OK, now before you run and get your credit card, I had one rather major concern with this device…
1. Samsung Galaxy Note II’s Size
Why the negative rating after the positive notes? Even though I didn’t suffer hand-cramping due to the screen size—thanks to the S pen—some will find the device difficult to keep hold of one-handed. When it slipped from my grip onto my hardwood floor, the faux-metal chrome sides and a polycarbonate back cover saved the day.
Samsung does offer toggles in Settings to encourage one-handed operation, but many will find that just plain annoying.
Note: This guest post was written by Anna Quinn, a staff writer for AndGeeks. A woman who admits she’s addicted to her smart phone, video gaming, and really any new and neat consumer electronic, Anna decided to put her passion to pen and earn a living writing about technology and consumer electronic reviews to help the average person make a smart purchase. When she’s not obsessed with a new gadget, Anna likes to balance her type A personality with a little hot yoga.
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