Buying Advice: S4 or Note2

Forums › Android › Buying Advice: S4 or Note2

Willuknight

146 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#119603 7-Jun-2013 10:45

Hi Folks, long time reader here.

I currently have a note1 which I love, i bought it with a cracked screen for $200 and it's been really wonderful to use and I love the screen size, however I'm now in a job where I would prefer to have a more professional appearance and having a phone with a smashed screen detracts from that.

I can afford the top of the line phone, however I'm finding it hard to be objective about spending that much money, as I'm kind of stingy by nature and I've yet to buy a brand new phone (in the many many different smartphones I've had) - however I'm trying to put that aside and get something that looks and feels amazing.

So atm I'm tossing up between the note2 and the S4. I love the screen size of the note2, however when putting the phones together, as well as my note, the S4 isn't noticeably smaller except during direct comparison, and the increased resolution sort of makes up for it.

I like the concept of the Spen, but I lost my note1's pen early on and have pretty much never used it (or missed it). I love the idea of a IR blaster as it's a feature I had on my first pda (palm m500) and it was awesome, so having that again would be cool.

I mainly use my phone to read on, and as a portable laptop (emails, internet etc.).

I was hoping someone might be able to suggest some considerations I hadn't thought of, or offer a reason why they choose between the two.

Atm I'll probably buy it off Expert Infotech - or 2nd hand off trademe.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

tldr: Have a note1, can't decide to upgrade between s4 or note2!

Cheers!

Paulthagerous

698 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#832142 7-Jun-2013 11:12

Well here's my view.

I bought my Note 2 back in December last year. Have used a huge number of Androids over the years (through work) and this is by far the best one I have ever owned. Given you have a Note 1 I don't need to convince you :)

Recently I had to decide between keeping the Note 2 or swapping it for an S4 (friend won one, I had quite a few accessories to add in and he wanted a straight trade). While the S4 is clearly the newer and more powerful device, I opted to keep the Note 2.

The simple reason is that for what I use it for, the size is better. Reading emails, watching videos, playing games, are just nicer on the bigger screen. Seems similar to what you use your phone for. The fact that it isn't quite as powerful doesn't worry me as I will undoubtedly upgrade before that becomes too much of an issue. I have no problems with lag or anything like that. I don't use the S pen very often, but when playing certain games it is a HUGE asset as fingers can be quite clumsy and inaccurate.

I also personally find (and I know this is not the same as the majority of people) that the resolution of the screen is better on the Note 2. Yes it is lower resolution with lower pixel density, but I find it less of a strain on my eyes. And as it is the clarity is still really nice. So for my crappy eyes, this positive of the S4 is actually a negative.

So my advice is: if you like the size of the Note 2 then go for it, as that screen is just a joy to look at. If you don't see much of a difference then the S4 is the better option long term as it is more powerful.

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#832143 7-Jun-2013 11:16

Or hold out till September for the Note 3

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#832149 7-Jun-2013 11:18

Wait for Note 3

Willuknight

146 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#832151 7-Jun-2013 11:20

Thanks for the reply Paul!

Interesting to see that your friend also prefered the note to the s4.

Yeah, you've hit the nail on the head in terms of my usage. I have exactly two games on my phone that I regularly play, a blackjack and a poker app, so nothing demanding. I guess I just want to make sure I'm not missing out on s4 features by getting the note 2. Anyone here use the irblaster or the near field stuff yet?

Paulthagerous

698 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#832164 7-Jun-2013 11:25

Willuknight: Thanks for the reply Paul!

Anyone here use the irblaster or the near field stuff yet?

My Note 2 has NFC. I think they all do, never seen one that doesn't.

Not really sure what good IR blaster is except for changing TV channel...

If you can wait for Note 3 that could be a good option.

Dratsab

3946 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#832206 7-Jun-2013 11:50

Firstly - welcome to Geekzone!

I went from an S2 to a Note 2 (N7105) and am loving it. I would've hung out for the Note 3 but the S2 was was experiencing problems and just becoming too much of a pain.

I'd suggest going into a store and having a play with both if you can. At the end of the day it's going to come down to YOU deciding what is bets for YOUR needs. You say you read a lot - the Note series has a bigger screen and makes reading easier.

I find the s-pen functionality is a bit of bonus but I don't use it much. I've drawn a few diagrams for landscaping ideas around the property and for scribbling down notes while out and about (easier than using a keyboard) but not much else.

Both the S4 and the Note 2 N7105 are LTE and NFC capable. The Note 2 N7100 is not LTE capable. There's a couple of suggestions to wait for the Note 3 - bang on if you can wait ~4 months.

Krishant007

1403 posts

Uber Geek

#832260 7-Jun-2013 12:37

Note 2 is a great phone indeed. if you have the note and like the size of it, you will surely like the note 2..

with the s4, dont worry about the features cz i think note 2 should be getting all of those features in a software update in the future. The only thing the s4 has going for it would be the awesome screen and the processing power. thats about it.

and ya, if you can wait for the note3, go ahead and wait. Samsung usually have their unpacked event for that near the end of the year, sept/oct and they have a november release.. but again, you will be paying 1k+ at release for the phone..

so if you think its better to pay 760 bucks and get the note 2, and use it for about 5 months...i reckon do that..

but dont need to go with s4 just because of the software features

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

neoprint

136 posts

Master Geek

#832266 7-Jun-2013 12:43

Hey Will, long time no see.

I'd be waiting too. One of the worst feeling I've found with phone's is buying something awesome, then the replacement model coming out just after...

Also the Note 3 is meant to have Optical zoom, could be useful if you use the camera. At all.

How cracked is the screen? Can you hold out for a bit?

Willuknight

146 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#832272 7-Jun-2013 12:58

Thanks for all the replies and comments!

I think I have been reassured about choosing the Note!

I will start trying to get one - not keen on waiting for the note 3 (or paying the price premium).

Thanks!

Paulthagerous

698 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#832277 7-Jun-2013 13:05

Willuknight: Thanks for all the replies and comments!

I think I have been reassured about choosing the Note!

I will start trying to get one - not keen on waiting for the note 3 (or paying the price premium).

Thanks!

You won't be disappointed!

graemeh

2078 posts

Uber Geek

#832301 7-Jun-2013 14:15

I went from a Note to an S4 and I'm loving it.

The S4's smaller size just makes it easier to put in my pocket.

The pen is not something I ever really used.

I've got reasonably good eyes though so the smaller screen doesn't bother me. The battery life is much better than I was getting on the Note.

muppet

2568 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#832333 7-Jun-2013 15:50

I had an S3 and I upgraded to a Note II. The main reasons for that, 2G RAM, bigger screen and S-Pen, LTE (Got the 7105) but mostly for the extra battery life.

I've had a play with the S4 in the stores and, while the screen is much nicer, the screen on the Note 2 isn't all that bad! No matter what you get, there'll be a cooler model out in 6 months time...

Willuknight

146 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#832351 7-Jun-2013 17:07

neoprint: Hey Will, long time no see.

I'd be waiting too. One of the worst feeling I've found with phone's is buying something awesome, then the replacement model coming out just after...

Also the Note 3 is meant to have Optical zoom, could be useful if you use the camera. At all.

How cracked is the screen? Can you hold out for a bit?

Hey Neo, I thought i'd bump into someone from the old crowd ;)

My current phone works mostly fine (small calling issue) - the cracked screen doesn't really affect anything but the appearance of the phone. I can hold out - but I kinda feel I won't feel like spending the full $1100 when the note 3 does come out anyway - though I guess it will make the note 2's cheaper.

Optical zoom sounds cool though XD

HiTM4N

256 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#833270 9-Jun-2013 21:59

Reading here I have to agree with a lot of the comments that have been made.

I'm not a very common user here on geekzone but I am a heavy android user, I've owned majority of the galaxy range ( s1/2/3 Note 2) and developed roms for them all, as well as owning an htc one x and sensation, a nexus 4 and nexus 7.

The device I always find myself coming back to however it the Note 2, it's size and battery life are just 2 things I can't get away from. The combination allows for easy web browsing without having to worry about chewing up all my battery before the day is done.
I have multiple exchange accounts syncing for work, I use google currents to keep up to date with engadget and the verge, I use the web browser and tapatalk apps heavily and can survive two whole days, nothing comes close to that.

And again, the screen size, when comparing to my other phones, it really does make all the difference especially for browsing.

The s4, while has some merits, unless you have lost the ability to push the pause button when looking away from your videos or have a need for the IR blaster and temperature sensors, I don't think you'll miss anything if you get the note 2.

Hands down still the best samsung mobile available general use i believe :)