iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 2

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Krishant007

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#112952 29-Dec-2012 10:34

I am considering one of these two phones. I am sure there have been people who were in the same boat.

Which one did you choose and why?

Any other advice would be handy to have.

I am currently using a Samsung Galaxy Nexus so I do know android system quite well. And I have an iPod touch and iPad so I am also in the Apple ecosystem. So this is not a classy Android vs Apple question, but more of a which high end phone to get.

Thanks everyone

johnr

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#738249 29-Dec-2012 10:57

Which Galaxy note II?

blair003

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#738254 29-Dec-2012 11:06

I used a work note 2 for some testing a couple of weeks back while waiting for my nexus 4. I really liked the bigger screen and there is no way I could have gone back to my galaxy s2 afterwards.

The note 2 had really good battery life and the stylus gives it another dimension. While I didn't find it overly useful in day to day use (not that I gave it much of a chance) it meant even non tech types could do some pretty cool stuff with the s-pen apps and drawing.

But I haven't owned an iphone since my 3gs, so I can't really help versus the iphone 5. I would have thought that as far as choices between phones go, this particular choice ip5 vs note 2 would almost entirely come down to form factor.

One thing to note if you do get a note 2, some (most?) of the imported ones I have seen don't do dual carrier HSPA.

johnr

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#738256 29-Dec-2012 11:11

If you get a note II make sure it's the model that supports Dual carrier

Paulthagerous

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#738264 29-Dec-2012 11:30

I have had a variety of devices over the last few years through work, mainly Androids but some others in there too.

I recently got given an iPhone 4S, and absolutely hated it. The screen was too small for my liking (both watching videos and typing), it was slow, and it had a number of software faults/quirks (seemed to be fine after the 3rd factory reset, but shouldn't be needed for a fresh Apple refurb phone.) I realise the 5 has a slightly bigger screen but still not big enough in my opinion. So I sold it, and bought the Note II.

Loving the phone so far. Screen is so big and bright it is a joy to use, it runs really smoothly and no software issues so far (2 weeks I have had it now). The size is something some people take issue with, but I have no problems weilding it and it fits in all my pockets perfectly fine. I also find for games in particular the S pen can be really useful, as with some games fingers are just too clumsy. I do a lot of web browsing and video watching so it really is the perfect device for me. I used to use my netbook once a day, but have only needed to use it once in the last 2 weeks (and that was just to do an initial media transfer).

So I definitely would recommend you the Note II over the iPhone 5. Especially if you like the Android ecosystem already.

nakedmolerat

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#738269 29-Dec-2012 11:57

What about windows phone?

Krishant007

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#738299 29-Dec-2012 12:35

nakedmolerat: What about windows phone?

I am not too keen on the Windows system. I am invested in the android and the iOS environments and investing in a 3rd ecosystem would not be a great move. I did consider the HTC 8X (and the 8S to trial out) but then its better for me to save that money and get one good long term phone.

Thanks for the heads up on the DC bit on the Note 2. I will make sure its DC before buying it.

Great advice guys.

Also, just a last question about the size of Note II. Do you feel its too big sometimes? Which phone did you have before the Note II?

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sidders80

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#738303 29-Dec-2012 12:43

Krishant007:
nakedmolerat: What about windows phone?

I am not too keen on the Windows system. I am invested in the android and the iOS environments and investing in a 3rd ecosystem would not be a great move. I did consider the HTC 8X (and the 8S to trial out) but then its better for me to save that money and get one good long term phone.

Thanks for the heads up on the DC bit on the Note 2. I will make sure its DC before buying it.

Great advice guys.

Also, just a last question about the size of Note II. Do you feel its too big sometimes? Which phone did you have before the Note II?

I am using a DC note 2 and I absolutely love it.

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#738304 29-Dec-2012 12:53

Ive had steady progression in size, IPhone 3 to galaxy S2 to galaxy S3 to Note 2 so I don't find the note 2 to be big and find it fits in my pockets fine but I do cop a bit of flak from my mates about the size of it (but they are always asking to have a play on it).

But if you are coming from a smaller smart phone you will find it big at first.

My opinions are purely my own and are not at all those of my employer 2degrees.

Paulthagerous

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#738306 29-Dec-2012 12:57

Also, just a last question about the size of Note II. Do you feel its too big sometimes? Which phone did you have before the Note II?

Not once have I found it too big. It doesn't feel heavy in the hand at all for me. My previous devices were not as big, but some were close in weight.

Most recent devices first (this year only):
Iphone 4S for 1 week
Lumia 710 for 1 month
Lumia 800 for 2 months
HTC Sensation for 6 months
Motorolla Milestone for 2 months

Have you had some hands on time with the two devices? If you see them side by side you will laugh at the size of the iPhones screen :)

Krishant007

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#738310 29-Dec-2012 13:04

Paulthagerous:

Also, just a last question about the size of Note II. Do you feel its too big sometimes? Which phone did you have before the Note II?

Not once have I found it too big. It doesn't feel heavy in the hand at all for me. My previous devices were not as big, but some were close in weight.

Most recent devices first (this year only):
Iphone 4S for 1 week
Lumia 710 for 1 month
Lumia 800 for 2 months
HTC Sensation for 6 months
Motorolla Milestone for 2 months

Have you had some hands on time with the two devices? If you see them side by side you will laugh at the size of the iPhones screen :)

I havent had much hands on time with either of the devices - except playing with it in the stores for about 5-10 minutes. I am using a Galaxy Nexus which is pretty much in the middle of both the devices. I have also been playing with my iPod and trying to see how it would be if i was to get an iPhone 5 (since its the same width, its a good measure). But I haven't had anything near the size of the Note 2.

I dont think the weight would be much of an issue - I mean light phones are great but weight is just a number :).

I considered the HTC One X+ as well, but that phone doesnt have as good battery as these two so that was that.

I just went in store today to get a feel of the Note 2. It is big. But I can easily hold it in one hand. I dont think I will be able to use it with one hand though.

corksta

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#738311 29-Dec-2012 13:09

Go for the Note II.

I was in a smilar boat to others here. Started off with the iPhone, loved it, but after the iPhone 4 I started getting bored of iOS and the tiny phone. I switched to the Samsung Galaxy S III when it came out and now I could never go back to the tiny iPhone. Even the new one still feels tiny, and when I use my wife's 4S I feel like a need a magnifying glass.

I don't find the Note II too big at all, and having had it for a month or so now, I don't even notice the size anymore - even the S III feels small in comparison.

The S Pen is actually useful and not a gimmick, and the big bright display is great for photos, video, and web browsing.

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nakedmolerat

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#738319 29-Dec-2012 13:50

Prior to using Lumia 920, I have been using the original Note. In order to use with one hand, I bought case-mate tough. The case improved my hand 'grip' and in case if I dropped it, that should stop from causing major damage. After 3-4 days, I can conveniently txting with one hand.

thegeekboy

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#739279 2-Jan-2013 01:03

Good question.
I currently use the original Note. I've been using it for about 7 months now I think.
It took a while to get used to - previously used iPhone 4 - but after a week or two I'd gotten used to the size.

Now that I'm familiar with Android - and got the update to Jellybean, I quite like it. It's really unique and is great for web-browsing. The stylus IS a gimmick - I've used it to draw and take notes now and then - but barely use it now.

I'm actually being drawn back to the iPhone 5 now.
I have an iPad mini - so that's covered. Even though the DC version of the Note II sounds tempting - iPhone 5 is DC as well. There are a few things I've found on the Note that aren't done as well as iOS does them - and they really grate me. (The Data Usage limit is really good in Android - and the notification system.)

It's all down to how you use your phone. If you like the big screen - get the DC Note II. If you still have a leaning towards iOS, go with the iPhone.