Samsung Galaxy Note 2 user reviews

Pros durable, speaker, games, texting, ease of use, camera/video, Wi-Fi capable, wi-fi direct, nfc, enterprise ready

Cons battery life, power management

Summary "The answer is all of the above!

I can tell you that this device does it all by adding S Pen/WACOM and USB OTG functionality while boasting improvements to both hardware and software over the original Galaxy Note. The battery life under heavy usage will now last an entire work day!

PHONE: Used mainly as a speaker phone with note taking capabilities or multi-tasking of any other kind including the ability to view and join contacts to the current call or text a quick message based on your current call. Bluetooth enabled for privacy and hands-free with exceptional range and voice-command options. Large dialer perfect for driving or the visually impaired.

TABLET: With the Quad-Core and 2GB of RAM; enhanced video playback, gaming and photo editing is smooth and full featured. The ease-of-use for web browsing and navigation is increased with the enhanced S Pen which also acts like a mouse. The keyboard is large and easy to navigate with a number of input options already pre-loaded including improved handwriting recognition.

PC: When coupled with an OTG cable and AllShare Hub, your device acts as both PC and a WACOM Tablet. You can then connect a USB/BT wireless mouse and keyboard, external hard drive, card reader and even a DVD R/W. (Requires a powered USB hub). If you own a Samsung Smart TV, you can enable All Share and simply broadcast your phone's screen to the TV in HD without requiring an AllShare hub.

Pros - Battery life! (~3x iPhone)
- Display!
- Call quality!
- Speaker sound!
- Android Jelly Bean rocks!
- Google Now, Google Maps, Google Navigator...all awesome!
- microSD = 64GB extra storage about $60!

Cons - Charges slow as iPad due to huge battery
- Screen resolution could be higher
- Power (on/off) button on side is awkward

Summary Switched from iPhone 4 to the Galaxy Note 2 after waiting long enough for the "next great iPhone evolution". The 4S didn't tempt me, and the 5 is just a 1/2" taller 4S (albeit lighter) with inferior maps and a different connector. Sad because I'd invested a lot of time in building my "Apple ecosystem" and even learned to program for iOS, but then I saw Android Jelly Bean and knew I'd been had. So much freedom to change my UI with widgets, live (i.e. moving) wallpapers, myriad security locks...and my favorite...I can download apps without having to enter an iTunes password EVERY TIME! Oh I was tired of typing that in over and over.

The Gorilla Glass display is durable and feels solid. The plastic back cover makes NO DIFFERENCE to me since I have always used a phone case...even with the iPhone! I've seen enough of those glass backs shattered to be thankful this one is plastic and can be replaced for PENNIES! The $6 case I found for the Note 2 on Amazon is perfect...and even includes a kickstand. Also makes it a bit less likely you'll press the on/off button accidentally...another bonus!

The phone size may be a bit much for some users, but if you tote both a phone and a tablet or notebook around then perhaps you will find this phone useful. My iPad stays at home most days now, as I now have plenty of screen real-estate in my pocket.

Google Now seems at least as useful as Siri. Check out examples on YouTube...it can do A LOT of things all by voice. Google Maps/Navigation is outstanding...voice guidance, real-time traffic, updated maps...and on this phone the display is easy to see and the directions are easy to hear! Get a phone mount for your car (~$20 on Amazon) and you won't need any other navigation device.

I could go on for days talking about all the little feature improvements over the iPhone...LED indicators, proximity sensor, microUSB connector, removable battery, microSD memory slot, etc. If the iPhone isn't exciting you, try this phone, or if it's too big for try the Galaxy S3 (or even better wait for the S4). Fabulous!

Pros 1. Big screen. The iphone has the same apps but they are much more usable on the note 2 due to the large screen.
2. Unbelievably long battery life. It lasts two full days with moderate use.
3. Superfast processor. Web pages open fast.

Cons The android system has improved by leaps and bounds but it is not as smooth as the iOS. But there is nothing specifically that I find lacking for my needs.

Summary I need to see ECGs when I am called in for an emergency. The big high resolution screen is fantastic because i dont have to zoom the image and move it around to see each corner. Makes my life so much easier. Now I am not bound to a fax machine and I can have the ECG texted to me anywhere I go.
I edit powerpoint word and excel files on the note 2. This was almost impossible to do on the iphone with the tiny screen. I can view my daily schedule and calendar easily and my life is more organized now.
With my old i-phone I had to charge it at least twice daily. This battery is a beast. With moderate use it lasts two full days. Truly amazing.

The note 2 is definitely way way better than the iphone 5. No comparison at all. People who call the big 5.5 inch screen a drawback are obviously blind to great user experience this large screen affords. Every single app can be used to its fullest potential.

Merely having a phone that can fit inside your palm or be used with one hand does not make it a great phone. If the iphone5 had a 5 inch screen, then it may have stood a chance against the note 2.

Pros Screen size and battery life.
Super super fast!

Cons I could do without Samsung's TouchWiz interface.

Summary This is the best phone I think I've owned yet. Coming off an iPhone 4. I wanted something with a larger screen for reading books and web surfing. This is way better on the eyes!
The battery life is fantastic! I get almost two whole days with heavy use.
At first I didn't think I'd use the S Pen much but I find that I use it a lot now. It's a great cross between a smart phone and tablet. It does take a few days to get used to though. But once you do you won't go back to a small phone again!