It took a while but we finally was able to get our hands on with the Samsung Galaxy Note exclusively for AT&T. The Note definitely gained a lot of attention with its screen size. I remember when the Dell Streak (5inch tablet/phone w/ no stylus) was released and it was deemed too big for consumers. They were ahead of their time. Once upon a time HTC released the HD2, where a 4.3inch device was considered massive. At the current climate, the screen standard is around the 4.6 or 4.7inch size so the 5.3inch display isn’t that far-fetched. Even though it is wide 5.3inch rather a more narrow approach.
Other than the big display and the new S Pen stylus, the Note’s internals read like the Galaxy S II. Armed with a 1.5GHz dual-core S3 Qualcomm processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and dual cameras (2MP in front & 8Mp in the rear) capable of HD video. And like the last Galaxy, it is running Android 2.3 w/ Samsung’s TouchWiz UI as well. Let’s delve into the good and bad points, shall we?
“Super AMOLED goes HD and at 5.3inches, it is nice.”
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The Note’s 5.3inch screen marks Samsung’s first non-tablet to offer Samsung’s HD Super AMOLED technology display. Sporting a 1280 x 800 resolution as opposed to the 800 x 480 display on the Galaxy S II. Those with bigger-than-normal digits can appreciate the extra screen space. The Note offers bright, warm colors with deep blacks to cover all of your visual needs. Super AMOLED goes HD and at 5.3inches, it is nice.
The S Pen is the feature that makes the Note different from any other Galaxy device from Samsung thus far. The S Pen is Samsung’s pressure-sensitive stylus that is built on Wacom’s notable software technology. The S Pen works great for creative beings who need to sketch or doodle designs or ideas that makes this a standout feature. It also hides in a nicely hidden compartment on the rear bottom of the Note so hopefully you won’t misplace it.
Other than the typical hiccups, the S3 processor blasts through any task/process that you can throw at it. Like any other device we tested with this chipset, it runs well and doesn’t abuse the battery life too much. And speaking of which, the Note has a 2500 mAh battery which will suffice for most consumers. Heavy usage of browsing, tweeting, phone calls, and emails while using Spotify got me just over 7 hours of juice. Normal usage will offer you around over 12 hours. Nothing wrong with a smartphone battery that is hard to kill (no Steven Seagal).
“Using the S Pen to hand write text messages can be frustrating.”
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Everything about the Note and the S Pen isn’t perfect of course. For starters if any Android device needed ICS, this should be at the top of the list. Gingerbread Android devices should be outlawed in 2012 as the latest software is definitely their best in regards to performance & looks. Dealing with any Android device you get used to the its stutters but with ICS, they become a minimal at the most and would be welcomed here.
The actual writing aspect of the S Pen could be improved as there is slight delay in play that you will have to adjust to. Using the S Pen to hand write text messages can be frustrating. Especially when you have the option on the Note to actually write a text message, email, etc instead of using the keyboard software. Samsung’s handwriting software need some serious attention as it is no where near accurate. I hope this gets fixed with ICS and Samsung’s premium apps that are supposed to come with the update.
“While it is not perfect, the Note easily does exactly what it is advertised to do and does it well.”
TG 2 Cents
Samsung wanted to start of 2012 by stepping outside of their comfort zone with the Galaxy Note. They went where no smartphone has gone before in screen size along with attempting to resurrecting the stylus for the modern smartphone and does it successfully in our books. While it is not perfect, the Note easily does exactly what it is advertised to do and does it well. The S Pen does offer other benefits like better gaming experiences with titles like Fruit Ninja and Draw Something. The rest of the phone uses the specs from the Galaxy S II with a great 8MP camera, fast S3 processor, great battery life, and good performance. Other than holding this thing up to your ear, the Note is a great size for all of your drawing, gaming, & media-viewing needs. Some consumer maybe turned off by the Note’s size, while other may embrace it.
To Buy Or Not To Buy?
Since there is no other smartphone in the market now to compete with the Galaxy Note the real question is whether or not, is this device for you or not. Is there a need in your life to write down ideas or draw designs on your device? Are just someone with big hands and can appreciate the bigger display? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, the Note is right for you. With a $199.99 price tag for an Android-powered LTE device for AT&T, the Note is a great all-around device with the stylus that will cater to certain niche consumers.
