Galaxy Note 2 Phone: A Comprehensive Review

The Galaxy Note 2 phone is a powerhouse of a device, with a massive 5.5-inch screen that's perfect for watching movies or browsing the web.

It's powered by a 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, which provides lightning-fast performance and seamless multitasking.

With 16 GB of internal storage, you'll have plenty of room for your favorite apps, photos, and music.

This device is also equipped with a long-lasting 3100 mAh battery, which can easily last a day and a half with normal use.

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The Galaxy Note 2 phone has a sleek and durable design, with a 5.5-inch screen that's perfect for watching movies or browsing the web on the go.

Its 1.6 GHz quad-core processor ensures seamless multitasking, making it easy to switch between apps without any lag or delay. This powerful processor also enables smooth performance, even when running demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.

The Galaxy Note 2's 8MP camera takes high-quality photos and videos, with features like autofocus and LED flash for better low-light shots.

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The Galaxy Note 2's split-screen feature allows you to show two applications at the same time with flexible width on the screen.

This feature is incredibly useful for multitasking, and I can attest to its convenience. However, support of this feature varies per app, so not all apps will work with the split-screen feature.

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 2's mobile device is a powerhouse. It's equipped to handle creating and consuming media with ease.

The Note 2's S-Pen is a game-changer. With its new generation of software enhancements, it feels more like a standard No.2 pencil and has a fine new collection of features to go with it.

You can use the S-Pen to take a screenshot with a tap and hold on your display, and then write on it and share it at will. This feature is super helpful on a daily basis.

The S-Pen also works now with Quick Command drawn-commands, allowing you to write out commands with S-Voice. However, this feature is a bit less intuitive.

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The Note 2's call quality is impressive. I've tested it on both AT&T's Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in San Francisco and on the unlocked phone using an AT&T SIM card, and in both cases, the callers' vocal warmth and richness came through.

The Note 2's mobile device is designed to be user-friendly. The comfort with which you can use the S-Pen has far increased over the previous generation Galaxy Note, reaching now for the same highly-tuned size of the pen included with the Galaxy Note 10.1.

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The Galaxy Note 2 is a hacker's dream device, with its international version being just as easy to hack as any other Samsung smartphone.

Rooting the device is a straightforward process that involves flashing the right files across in ODIN mode, making it accessible to users who want to customize their experience.

The hardware similarities between the Note 2 and Galaxy S3 will foster a diverse custom ROM community, with ClockworkMod recovery already being worked on for the device.

Expect the custom ROM community to pick up significantly once the Note 2 launches in the U.S. later in the year, so patience is advised for now.

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The Galaxy Note 2's performance is incredibly smooth, thanks to its 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor and 2GB of RAM. This combination makes it a powerhouse of a device.

The device's internal storage is also impressive, with up to 64GB of storage available, plus a microSD card slot that can add another 64GB. This means you can store a ton of apps, photos, and music without running out of space.

Benchmark tests show that the Galaxy Note 2 holds its own against other top devices, including the LG Optimus G, which uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro. The Note 2's performance is on par with the Optimus G, making it a serious contender in the Android market.

The Samsung Galaxy Note II is a powerhouse of a device, with a 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor that delivers buttery-smooth performance.

This processor is complemented by 2GB of RAM, which ensures that the device can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.

The Note II also boasts a generous 64GB of storage, which can be further expanded by up to 64GB via a microSD card.

In addition to its impressive internal specs, the Note II also features a range of connectivity options, including NFC, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0.

The device is also compatible with GPS and GLONASS, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who needs to stay connected on the go.

The Note II's data and power port can even act as a USB 2.0 host, allowing you to connect external devices and transfer data with ease.

In terms of display, the Note II features a stunning 5.5-inch screen that's perfect for watching movies, browsing the web, or simply enjoying your favorite apps.

The device is available in both LTE and HSPA+ variants, with the latter maxing out at 21Mbps of theoretical mobile bandwidth.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is a device that's packed with impressive hardware specs and features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and feature-rich smartphone.

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The Galaxy Note II is a clear and unequivocal upgrade over its predecessor, boasting more power, longer battery life, and the best software Samsung has put on an Android device.

Its larger screen size, at nearly 5 inches, makes it a bit too big for comfortable one-handed use, but it's a trade-off for the added capabilities.

The S Pen has matured and improved in subtle but significant ways, making it a more useful tool for the discerning user.

The Galaxy Note II feels more like a supersized Galaxy S III, but that's not a bad thing – it's a good thing, in fact, as the GS III formula has been upgraded with a larger battery and a more generous screen size.

The lack of LTE on T-Mobile's version of the Galaxy Note II is a drawback, but it's a trade-off for excellent battery life.

The S-Pen ecosystem is still nascent, but it's edging up to a place where it could be genuinely useful for stylus aficionados.

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The Galaxy Note 2 has a massive 3100mAh battery that's perfect for heavy users. This battery life is a significant improvement over its predecessor, and you can expect to get two days of regular use on a single charge.

The display is the most power-hungry component of the device, but you can save battery life by placing it on "auto" mode. This will help you get more out of your battery.

You can also use Samsung's Power Saving mode, which works wonders in conjunction with the auto brightness setting on your display. This will give you more than enough power for a day at a time.

If you're an extreme user, you'll appreciate the fact that the battery is removable, allowing you to swap in a spare if needed.

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The Galaxy Note II has outstanding battery endurance, with two days of regular use being a perfectly reasonable expectation. Its 3100mAh battery can last for up to 30 hours with moderate use.

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The device's battery life is particularly impressive considering its wireless connectivity options and ability to replace a phone outright. You can expect to get through a full day on a single charge, even with heavy use.

I had no reception issues while reviewing the Galaxy Note II, and it kept connected to my network reliably. It never dropped a call, even in areas where other phones have struggled.

The Galaxy Note II's call quality is clear and reliable, making it a great option for phone calls. However, it's still a large device to hold up against your face, so using a headset is a good idea.

The device's loudspeaker is average, but it's not a deal-breaker. What's more impressive is the audio quality when using good earphones, such as Klipsch's Image S4i and Bowers & Wilkins' C5.

The Galaxy Note II's display has a resolution of 1280 x 720, which is a slight downgrade from the original Note's 1280 x 800 resolution.

The display still offers a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is a common and preferred aspect ratio for many users.

Samsung has moved away from Pentile technology, but the new display still uses a variation of it, which can be considered a "Pentile lite".

The AMOLED panel used in the Note II has a blue tinge to the images displayed, which can be a bit of a drawback.

On the other hand, the display is very bright and vibrant, and it offers excellent viewing angles.

The screen can reach high levels of color saturation, which is a nice feature, and Samsung lets you adjust the screen mode to your liking.

The integrated Wacom digitizer and S Pen stylus are the real stars of the display show, making it a great choice for users who want to use their device for creative tasks or note-taking.

Wireless Charging is a convenient feature that allows you to charge your device without the hassle of cables. Some Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100) units have two optional charging pins on the back side of the device that can be used for wireless charging with the dedicated wireless charging back cover variant.

These pins are located just right of the battery holder, and they can be used to charge your device wirelessly. If you have a Galaxy Note II, you might notice a notification message built in the firmware when it is charged wirelessly.

The SCH-L900 does not have these pins, so wireless charging is not an option for this model. However, the SGH-T889 has the pins, but they are disabled, which means you won't be able to use wireless charging even if you have the back cover.

The camera on the Galaxy Note 2 is a powerhouse, featuring an 8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, along with a 1.9MP front-facer.

Both cameras use BSI (backside illuminated) sensors to improve low-light performance, making it easier to capture great photos in dimly lit environments.

The rear camera performs much the same as the Galaxy S3's camera, producing excellent image quality, particularly for macro shots.

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However, the dynamic range offered by the Galaxy Note 2's camera wasn't the best we've seen, with a tendency towards overexposure on bright shots.

Despite this, shots were clear and vibrant, and the Note 2 offers near-instant shutter speed, as well as the increasingly standard "machinegun" burst-firing mode, which shoots a series of snaps in quick succession.

The standard platter of photo and video features is also offered on the Galaxy Note 2, including image stabilization, options for controlling white balance, ISO and metering, as well as timer controls.

Additional extras include a few basic photo filters, including sepia, black and white and negative modes, as well as a dedicated HDR mode and the usual assortment of filters and shooting modes.

Video recording on the Galaxy Note 2 is also top-notch, spitting out picture-perfect 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second, regardless of lighting conditions.

The Galaxy Note 2 offers a range of storage options, including 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB variants, with the ability to expand up to an additional 64 GB with a microSD card. However, as of January 2013, the 64 GB version was not available.

In terms of performance, the Note 2 is powered by Samsung's Exynos processor and Google's Android 4.1 update, resulting in a smooth and responsive user experience. This is evident in the device's fluid animations and fast performance, which is comparable to the HTC One X.

The Note 2's performance is also reflected in its benchmark scores, which include Quadrant (5,867), Vellamo (2,442), GLB 2.1 Egypt (720p) (115fps), and AnTuTu (13,527).

The Galaxy Note II's software is a major highlight of the device. The fluidity and smoothness of the home screen animations are truly impressive, even compared to the HTC One X I use regularly.

The combination of Samsung's Exynos processor and Google's Android 4.1 update is the key to this seamless experience. Project Butter, a feature of the Jelly Bean upgrade, optimizes and smooths animations throughout the Android user interface.

Benchmark records were obliterated by the Exynos chip, and its processing and graphical capabilities are evident from the moment you pick up the Galaxy Note II. This is reflected in the device's performance in various benchmarks, such as Quadrant and AnTuTu.

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Here's a comparison of the Galaxy Note II's performance in different benchmarks:

The Galaxy Note II's responsiveness extends to every aspect of the device, from scrolling through contact lists to swiping between Gmail messages. It's really difficult to trip this device up and force it to produce lag of any sort.

However, there is one area where the Galaxy Note II falls short: waking the device from sleep. You'll consistently have to wait over a second between pressing the power button and seeing the screen come to life.

The Galaxy Note II offers a range of storage options to suit different needs.

You can choose from 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB storage capacity variants, but unfortunately, the 64 GB version has not been released yet.

If you opt for the 16 GB or 32 GB version, you can expand your storage by up to an additional 64 GB with a microSD card.

This means you can increase your storage capacity to a maximum of 80 GB with the 16 GB version or 96 GB with the 32 GB version.

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is available in several case colors, including Titanium Grey, Marble White, Martian Pink, Amber Brown, and Ruby Wine.

You can choose from these colors when purchasing the phone, but some features may vary depending on your carrier. For example, FM/TV tuner, charging pins, and Multiple-SIM card support may not be included.

Some models of the Galaxy Note 2, manufactured after July 2013, have a regional lockout system that requires the first SIM card used to be from a carrier in the same region. This is to prevent grey market reselling.

The Galaxy Note II comes in a variety of colors, including Titanium Grey, Marble White, Martian Pink, Amber Brown, and Ruby Wine.

Some features were removed from the Galaxy Note II, and these vary depending on the carrier. These removed features include an FM/TV tuner, charging pins, and Multiple-SIM card support.

Models of the Galaxy Note II manufactured after July 2013 have a regional lockout system in certain regions, requiring the first SIM card used to be from a carrier in that region.

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The T-Mobile variant of the Galaxy Note II is a faithful adaptation of the original formula, leaving Samsung's pen computing approach intact. It's a large device that's more at home in the small tablet category.

The S-Pen ecosystem is still in its early stages, but it's making progress and could be genuinely useful for stylus enthusiasts. You'll find it's a definite upgrade over the original Note, which was released just a few months prior.

The lack of LTE on the T-Mobile variant is a drawback, but it does result in excellent battery life. This makes it a good option for those who prioritize battery life over the latest connectivity features.

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is available in the UK now, with SIM-free prices sitting at around £530.

On-contract prices in the UK start at around £41 per month for a free Galaxy Note 2.

EE will offer the 4G LTE version of the Galaxy Note 2 in the UK from mid-October.

North American availability remains uncertain, with more information likely to be revealed following Samsung's event in New York City on October 24.

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The Galaxy Note 2 phone has a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.

This display is perfect for watching videos or browsing the web on the go. The phone's large screen makes it easy to multitask and get work done.

The Galaxy Note 2 is powered by a 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, which provides fast and efficient performance.

The Galaxy Note 2's camera is a powerhouse, with an 8MP rear camera and 1.9MP front-facer that deliver excellent image quality.

Both cameras use BSI sensors to improve low-light performance, which is a game-changer for nighttime shots.

The rear camera performs similarly to the Galaxy S3's camera, which is no surprise given that they might be identical modules.

The Note 2's camera excels at macro shots, producing clear and vibrant images.

Its dynamic range could be better, as it tends to overexpose on bright shots, but overall, the images are great.

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The Note 2 offers near-instant shutter speed and a "machinegun" burst-firing mode for rapid-fire shots.

You'll also find a range of photo and video features, including image stabilization, white balance control, and timer controls.

The camera app also includes a few basic photo filters, such as sepia, black and white, and negative modes.

A dedicated HDR mode is available, which helps capture more detail in high-contrast scenes.

The panorama mode is also a highlight, producing seamless and detailed shots.

Video recording is equally impressive, with 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second, even in low light conditions.

The design of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is not drastically different from its predecessor, the Galaxy S3. It has round corners, high-gloss surfaces, and a bubbled-out screen.

If you've seen the Galaxy S3, then the Galaxy Note 2 holds few surprises in terms of design. The Note 2 is simply a larger version of the Galaxy S3.

The Galaxy Note 2 has a stylus slot, which is a notable addition. However, it's not a game-changer, especially considering the device's large size.

The high-gloss surfaces of the Galaxy Note 2 can be a fingerprint magnet, making it difficult to keep the device clean.

The Galaxy Note 2 is a game-changer in the smartphone market, especially when it comes to large screens. It's the best device available in its category, leaving competitors like LG's Optimus Vu and Intuition far behind.

The Note 2 boasts a gorgeous screen, a camera that matches high-end competition, and performance that's nothing short of buttery-smooth. Its solid build quality and surprisingly competent ergonomics make it a joy to hold and use.

One of the Note 2's standout features is its S Pen, which has become more useful and usable in this iteration. It's still not a required tool in everyday use, but it's definitely a nice addition to the phone's arsenal.

The Note 2 also brings the latest version of Android and Samsung's TouchWiz UI, which offers a staggering number of features. While TouchWiz may not be the most visually appealing interface, its functionality is hard to beat.

Full-screen multitasking is a particularly significant milestone, and it's something that sets the Note 2 apart from other smartphones. This feature alone makes the Note 2 an even more powerful device than the Galaxy S3.