BTW, even though I "betrayed" Apple to the Note II. I still love Apple's products. I just bought my son an iPad Mini for x'mas (he doesn't know about it yet). I looked at other tablets (Nexus 7, Kindle HD, Galaxy Tab 7, etc) but none of them were as nice as the Mini iPad. I know it is overpriced, but I just liked it so much. I think if the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.7 is out, I might have considered that, but the Note 10.1 is just too big for my kid.
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Note 2 vs iPhone 5
- Thread starter Shurple
- Start date
ne0lyfeism
Android Enthusiast
IMHO, the Android OS has come a LONG way. I was all set to pick up an iPhone when it first came out (still had my trusty Palm Treo 650!) because it broke all conventions and provided a real unified mobile experience. I talked it up so much my bro-in-law ended up buying it before I had planned to. After playing with it, I wasn't as impressed. Multiple iterations later, I didn't see any major changes with the iPhone - it was more incremental than game changing. I went from the Treo to the Blackberry Storm (worst 16 months of my life!), to the OG Droid, to the Droid RAZR, to the Note 2.
To say I'm happy with the Note 2 is an understatement. My wife has the iPhone 4S and while it has things it does well, there were things my OG Droid was STILL doing better. My biggest gripe has been battery life - in today's world, I shouldn't have to limit how I use my phone because of a sub-par battery. I shouldn't have to be tethered to a charger or have multiple charging options available to me because my phone can't handle normal usage. The Note 2 is leaps and bounds superior from a battery life perspective compared to every other phone I've used. I have yet to worry about plugging this thing into a charger because I'm pushing it too hard.
From the bigger screen (it's amazing how quickly everything becomes smaller when you start using a 5.5" screen), to the rock solid specs (I initially wanted a GS3 because it was wicked quick too), to the very polished OS - yes, the Jelly Bean iteration of Android is what the OS should have been. It simply works and works just as smoothly as iOS. Not only that, but the sheer amount of control and customization available to you on this device is unparalleled for a smartphone.
I could go on and on about this phone, but suffice it to say that you will not be disappointed coming from an iPhone to this device. It easily sets the bar for what smartphones should be.
To say I'm happy with the Note 2 is an understatement. My wife has the iPhone 4S and while it has things it does well, there were things my OG Droid was STILL doing better. My biggest gripe has been battery life - in today's world, I shouldn't have to limit how I use my phone because of a sub-par battery. I shouldn't have to be tethered to a charger or have multiple charging options available to me because my phone can't handle normal usage. The Note 2 is leaps and bounds superior from a battery life perspective compared to every other phone I've used. I have yet to worry about plugging this thing into a charger because I'm pushing it too hard.
From the bigger screen (it's amazing how quickly everything becomes smaller when you start using a 5.5" screen), to the rock solid specs (I initially wanted a GS3 because it was wicked quick too), to the very polished OS - yes, the Jelly Bean iteration of Android is what the OS should have been. It simply works and works just as smoothly as iOS. Not only that, but the sheer amount of control and customization available to you on this device is unparalleled for a smartphone.
I could go on and on about this phone, but suffice it to say that you will not be disappointed coming from an iPhone to this device. It easily sets the bar for what smartphones should be.
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
I returned my Note 2.
With the size of the phone I know i would drop it at some point and there seem to be very few cases (other than monsters like the Otterbox, which would just make this phone too big for me) that will actually protect the phone when it comes to drops. I was going to buy the Samsung case along with the Extra battery + dock but I read that someone had that case on it and still cracked the screen from a 1 1/2 foot drop.
I can still go and re-buy the phone again if I feel I miss it too much but considering I upgraded a different line to the iPhone 5 just about a month ago and spent the $100 on Apple Care+ for it, I would have had an iPhone 5 that is fully covered against drops and everything just sitting in a drawer doing nothing. If I kept the note that would have been another upgrade used about a month apart from the iPhone upgrade, $300 more cash spent and another $10 a month for the Best Buy insurance. I also would have spent about another $100 on accessories for the Note 2 had i kept it. That's another $640 and an upgrade spent just to have the Note 2.
With all that being said though, I absolutely loved the Note 2 and I think in most cases it is FAR better than the iPhone 5. I enjoyed the phone and I just wish it was a little more durable than it is. If I had not already got the iPhone 5 and Apple Care+ I would still own the Note 2 and just paid the $170 or so that best buy charges for their insurance if you buy the full 2 years up front.
With the size of the phone I know i would drop it at some point and there seem to be very few cases (other than monsters like the Otterbox, which would just make this phone too big for me) that will actually protect the phone when it comes to drops. I was going to buy the Samsung case along with the Extra battery + dock but I read that someone had that case on it and still cracked the screen from a 1 1/2 foot drop.
I can still go and re-buy the phone again if I feel I miss it too much but considering I upgraded a different line to the iPhone 5 just about a month ago and spent the $100 on Apple Care+ for it, I would have had an iPhone 5 that is fully covered against drops and everything just sitting in a drawer doing nothing. If I kept the note that would have been another upgrade used about a month apart from the iPhone upgrade, $300 more cash spent and another $10 a month for the Best Buy insurance. I also would have spent about another $100 on accessories for the Note 2 had i kept it. That's another $640 and an upgrade spent just to have the Note 2.
With all that being said though, I absolutely loved the Note 2 and I think in most cases it is FAR better than the iPhone 5. I enjoyed the phone and I just wish it was a little more durable than it is. If I had not already got the iPhone 5 and Apple Care+ I would still own the Note 2 and just paid the $170 or so that best buy charges for their insurance if you buy the full 2 years up front.
Shurple
Android Enthusiast
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok first I see "I returned the Note 2"
Then i read on and almost fell of my chair laughing. I'm glad the reason isn't because it was bad, but because you're a klutz... (you have to admit that is quite funny).
Well that definitely is cause for concern... dropping it. And the cost of accessories to protect it. I just have to say thank you for posting hopefully the ONLY reason to return it.:ciao:
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
LOL yeah the phone is great otherwise. It's not that I'm a Klutz, just the size of the phone and the fact I like to use it one handed increased the chances of dropping it lol.
Every other phone I've had has been in perfect condition but they were also easier to grip and use one handed. Even the 4" elongated screen on the iPhone 5 is driving me nuts after using that behemoth 5.5" screen.
h1r0ll3r
Well-Known Member
I am an Apple fan (MacBook Pro, iPad, 2 iPods, AppleTV, etc). I was eagerly anticipating the iPhone 5 assuming that would be the phone I would get. After watcing the keynote for it, I was thoroughly disappointed with it. I was expecting Apple to bring out the big guns for the iPhone 5 but, instead, we got the iPhone 4S XL.
As far as the Note 2 goes, biggest thing for me was the screen size. Only thing that came close was the LG Intuition and that was pure FAIL. I also wanted something new/different to use. iOS is in DESPERATE need of a tune up but Apple being Apple, they seem to think it's OK as is. The other specs of the Note 2, 2GB RAM, quad core, etc, was also appealing as well. I think, as of now, the Note 2 is the most advanced phone on the market. The S-Pen integration may take a little getting used to but it's quite a useful device. If you can get past the size of the device, I can't really think of anything negative to say about it. Since day 1 of ownership, I've been quite surprised at how well this phone performs. Also, having had this phone for awhile now, every other phone on the market looks like a childs toy in comparison.
As far as the Note 2 goes, biggest thing for me was the screen size. Only thing that came close was the LG Intuition and that was pure FAIL. I also wanted something new/different to use. iOS is in DESPERATE need of a tune up but Apple being Apple, they seem to think it's OK as is. The other specs of the Note 2, 2GB RAM, quad core, etc, was also appealing as well. I think, as of now, the Note 2 is the most advanced phone on the market. The S-Pen integration may take a little getting used to but it's quite a useful device. If you can get past the size of the device, I can't really think of anything negative to say about it. Since day 1 of ownership, I've been quite surprised at how well this phone performs. Also, having had this phone for awhile now, every other phone on the market looks like a childs toy in comparison.
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
I agree that the iPhone 5 keynote really disappointed me. Especially when I saw they made the screen bigger but they only made it taller but not wider. If I switch to a 4s or 4 I can't even tell the difference in the screen other than having an extra row of icons (woohoo).
My biggest reason for looking Into android was that iOS is the SAME EXACT THING as it was in 2007. It has just got minor features and updates added to it. Because of this I wasn't even excited when Verizon told me my shiny new iPhone 5 shipped out. It was more like "Cool ill finally have LTE".
Only a little over 12 hours and I'm already missing my Note 2 and thinking of going back to buy it again lol.
Shurple
Android Enthusiast
Exactly.... When the ip5 came out I thought they'd make it wider and longer. No they just made it longer. (insert confuzzled face with a snarl). What a let down!
Ok so then my boyfriend got it and when Hurricane Sandy hit and we had no power for a week, his phone out-shined my old ip4 with battery, speed, and camera (I cannot take photos in the dark - he can even without flash). His battery life is better, charges faster, and I love the panoramic camera. But that's it. But because of my horrible experiences with Android, I had my heart set on it.
Well till recently... and now I can't find a negative thing about the Note 2.... it's wider, taller, faster, customizable, S Pen, reliable, INSANE battery life.... everything I WANTED in the ip5 and didn't get.
Well you didn't ask for negatives on the Note II vs iPhone 5 in the original post, I didn't post them. But there are some:
1) Even though battery life is better than iPhone, it takes a lot longer to charge the Note II even with the included 2A power adapter. You will never be able to charge the phone on a PC USB port again. You could plug it in, but all it will do is charge about 1% every 5 minute. I charge mine overnight so it doesn't really affect me.
2) Wait until your friends and family found out you lost iMessage. Some of them may start to exclude you on group messages (to save money). I am not saying it will definitely happen to you; it is possible that I have cheap friends.
3) You will miss some of the standard features that came with iPhone. Even after I installed a bunch of apps to get back those features, I am still missing some of them. Eventually I don't miss them as much.
4) While the Google Play store has a ton of apps, it is still way behind Apple's. For example, I am Amazon Prime, but there is no app for it to watch Amazon instant video on Android. There is one on iOS device. I could try to install the one for Kindle from a dump, or install flash on the browser, but still it seems too much work to get it working. I am sure eventually it will come out on Android OS. Also iTune store is far superior in filtering and searching for apps.
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
So what's the hold up?
I read your other post about why you were returning the Note 2.
Are you now feeling you made the wrong choice?
Lol kinda yeah. I am just trying to weigh out if I should go get it again or not.
Heh. You could keep the iPhone, and when the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.x comes out, get that instead! Setup your iPhone as WiFi hotspot for the tablet and now you have an extra large Note II for about $300!
Shurple
Android Enthusiast
Well you didn't ask for negatives on the Note II vs iPhone 5 in the original post, I didn't post them. But there are some:
1) Even though battery life is better than iPhone, it takes a lot longer to charge the Note II even with the included 2A power adapter. You will never be able to charge the phone on a PC USB port again. You could plug it in, but all it will do is charge about 1% every 5 minute. I charge mine overnight so it doesn't really affect me.
2) Wait until your friends and family found out you lost iMessage. Some of them may start to exclude you on group messages (to save money). I am not saying it will definitely happen to you; it is possible that I have cheap friends.
3) You will miss some of the standard features that came with iPhone. Even after I installed a bunch of apps to get back those features, I am still missing some of them. Eventually I don't miss them as much.
4) While the Google Play store has a ton of apps, it is still way behind Apple's. For example, I am Amazon Prime, but there is no app for it to watch Amazon instant video on Android. There is one on iOS device. I could try to install the one for Kindle from a dump, or install flash on the browser, but still it seems too much work to get it working. I am sure eventually it will come out on Android OS. Also iTune store is far superior in filtering and searching for apps.
If these are the "negatives" I am even more excited to get it! None of these are deal breakers
I'll touch on each point though:
1. When I had my Samsung Droid Charge and Droid 3 I had the same USB in the PC charging problem. I always kept an extra wall charger here... BUT I always charge phones overnight as well. If the Note 2 battery is that good, I'll never need to charge it at work
2. ALL of my friends are on Verizon and have / or the one or two that might be on AT&T have unlimited texting. Most didn't even know about iMessage. LOL.
3. I will miss the App Store... that I know for sure. But that's something I'm willing to part with to have a far superior phone.
Thanks for the updated post though... If anyone has ANY negatives to say, by all means please do... I still can't find anything to break the deal
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the updated post though... If anyone has ANY negatives to say, by all means please do... I still can't find anything to break the deal
One of the negatives is the fact you will lose apple support. Apple support is some of the best and with Apple Care+ they will replace your phone with brand new phones every time something is wrong, not refurbs, and you will get your replacement that same day. Android you have to have some kind of insurance that usually charge a deductible and give you a refurb after you pay that deductible and will take up to a week or more to get your replacement. Best Buy is the exception to the deductible but they will still give you a refurbished phone and it can still take up to a week or longer to get your replacement.
Another thing I noticed is LTE speeds are much faster on the iPhone 5. Sitting in the same exact spot the iPhone 5 gets around 39mbps down and 16mbps up and the Note 2 would get something around 15-20mbps down and 18mbps up. Deal Breaker? No, because its rare you would need more than 15-20mbps download speed but I figured its worth a mention.
Trust me I have been sitting here trying to think of how else the iPhone 5 might be better and I can't really think of anything else that wasn't already mentioned.
Shurple
Android Enthusiast
Beyond the first 30 days I never had Apple Support. Never paid for it lol!
Interesting about the LTE speeds... I'll look into that more. I wonder why... you're right not a deal breaker either.. but GOOD to know!
I think AppleCare charges $49 per iPhone replacement and you can only do it 2 times max for the 2 years. But you do get new phone which is still great.
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
Yeah they charge $50 per phone replacement IF it was accidental damage like dropping your phone and cracking the screen and can only do it twice in 2 years. You have no limit on normal stuff like battery or hardware problems though and those replacements won't cost you a thing. They will also be new phones as replacements.
Maybe I should have gotten it, then I would've gotten a new phone when my son dropped it into the toilet... Don't ask! Lets just say I lost the phone and a perfectly good bag of rice...
Go and get it!
Shurple
Android Enthusiast
Oh i thought apple care was $99... which i said "forget it" lol!!!
Shurple
Android Enthusiast
in my area the iphone 5 gets 16 down and 18 up
MiXoLoGiSt
Well-Known Member
Maybe I should have gotten it, then I would've gotten a new phone when my son dropped it into the toilet... Don't ask! Lets just say I lost the phone and a perfectly good bag of rice...
Yeah would have definitely been worth it.
Yeah Apple Care+ costs $99 and extends the warranty from 1 year to 2 years as well as phone tech support from 90 days to 2 years. With Apple Care+ you get coverage for up to 2 accidental damage claims (each subject to a $50 fee).
The other option was the Asurion insurance from Verizon which is like $15/month for iPhones if I remember right plus a $150 deductible if you need to get the phone replaced.
The reason I went Apple Care+ is because there's an Apple Store like 30 miles away so I can drive down there and get my phone replaced in a timely manner, and its not a refurbished phone. Apple Care+ was the cheaper and more logical option to me.
Get the Note II.
It has set the bar for what a smartphone should be.
I will never go back to the iPhone (and I was a user for 6 years) until they make phones that don't look like toys that you have to squint at and can only customize through a jailbreak.
The Note II is the best phone out there right now. Don't hesitate to buy it.
It has set the bar for what a smartphone should be.
I will never go back to the iPhone (and I was a user for 6 years) until they make phones that don't look like toys that you have to squint at and can only customize through a jailbreak.
The Note II is the best phone out there right now. Don't hesitate to buy it.
syntrix
Android Expert
Don't fall into the hype of "huge phone", I was on the fence for a while, even since the note 2 came out at first on other carriers.
Back and forth back and forth back and forth.
I got it, and I'm very pleased with it, it's not a huge phone, it's just what all phones strive to be now. quad cores, excellent screen, and EXCELLENT battery life which includes EXCELLENT screen on-time!
I'm sold, and I should have bought it when it was first released! It feels great in my hand and I can even still 1 hand the screen, but 2 are preferred.
However, if you only have 1 hand, I would personally recommend a different tiny phone
Back and forth back and forth back and forth.
I got it, and I'm very pleased with it, it's not a huge phone, it's just what all phones strive to be now. quad cores, excellent screen, and EXCELLENT battery life which includes EXCELLENT screen on-time!
I'm sold, and I should have bought it when it was first released! It feels great in my hand and I can even still 1 hand the screen, but 2 are preferred.
However, if you only have 1 hand, I would personally recommend a different tiny phone