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Samsung Galaxy Note II review

8.4/10 AVG.
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Samsung Galaxy Note II
Samsung Galaxy Note II
Samsung Galaxy Note II
Samsung Galaxy Note II
Samsung Galaxy Note II
...


8.4/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Note II currently has an Informr score of 8.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 65 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What ever happened to smartphones that were comfortably pocketable? Don’t ask Samsung, as it’s still too busy raking in the profits off its Galaxy Note range of mini-tablet-sized handsets. Phablets, as most people call them, have risen to dominance in world smartphone market. So it’s no surprise that, after its first phablet offering became wildly successful, Samsung saw it fit to release a follow-up: the Samsung Galaxy Note II. It’s bigger, faster, and more powerful than the original. And it runs the latest version of Google’s Android software.

With the Galaxy Note II, Samsung seems to have crammed in as many high-end features as possible on a handheld device. It features a fast and powerful quad-core Exynos processor, 2GB of RAM, at least 16GB of internal storage, a 5.5-inch 1280x720 HD touchscreen display, an 8-megapixel camera, and a 3,100mAh battery. Other hardware features include a microUSB port, HDMI-out, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s even built-in stylus support, and an actual stylus lies hidden at the back of the phone when it’s not in use.

The default OS of the Note II is Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. As such, it can be used to run thousands upon thousands of apps that are available for download through Google Play. Imagine playing your favorite 3D games and running your most-used apps on a huge high-res screen. It’s every bit as awesome as that. And don’t forget, it’s also a phone. It works with quad-band GSM and tri-band UMTS networks, and supports HSDPA as well as HSPA+ data. Web browsing is immensely enjoyable on it not only because of its large screen but also because of fast browsing speeds.

As feature-rich as the Galaxy Note II is, though, it certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s slim but it’s undeniably bulky and far too large to pocket. And some people just don’t like using styluses to make their way around touchscreen applications.

Need to Know: Samsung Galaxy Note II

1. Has a 5.5-inch HD touchscreen display. (The Good)

2. Default operating system is Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. (The Good)

3. Lacks 4G LTE connectivity. (The Bad)

4. Camera performance could be better. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.6 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.6 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
3100 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile

The Galaxy Note 2 features a large 5.5-inch display that offers more flexibility than the iPad mini by offering up a multi-view feature that lets users use two apps at the same time. This makes it possible to reference something while I am writing on part of the screen. Not every app will work with...

- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobile
Androinica
Androinica

I love this phone. The Galaxy Note 2 is the best phone I have ever used. Anyone that gasps about the size is correct, it’s a really big phone that isn’t seen very often. But, you’re hand(s) become accustomed to it, and eventually a smaller phone just doesn’t cut it for pictures, movies, and Redditin...

- Ben Crawford, Androinica
What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi

The Galaxy Note 2’s size will no doubt be the, well, biggest aspect for most people to think about. But you can rest assured that if you do want that big screen, everything else this smartphone offers is more than up to scratch.

- Ced Yuen, What Hi-Fi
Daily Mobile
Daily Mobile

The Note II is much improved from the original Note, in terms of processing power, user experience, screen size and OS. It is a refined version of the original Note and worth the upgrade. If you love lots of real estate on your devices and Android is your OS the Note II is worth the money. Sans a fe...

- Kevin Everett, Daily Mobile
Gadget Review
Gadget Review

Every single aspect of the Galaxy Note 2 is praiseworthy. After testing it, I’m equally conflicted considering my upcoming iPhone 5 review, which I won’t spoil but makes some bold claims regarding the device. The Galaxy Note 2 is an incredible device, one that I’m not only glad to see people purchas...

- James Pikover, Gadget Review


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy Note II user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Galaxy Note II with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy Note II has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5.5"

The Samsung Galaxy Note II's screen size is 5.5 inches with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.6 GHz

There is a Exynos Quad-core 1.6 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4 KitKat) operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3100mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3100 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 900 minutes, 528 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Note II Specs

Overview
Release Date October 25, 2012
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4 KitKat)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Exynos Quad-core 1.6 GHz
Internal Storage No
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.45 W/kg
Body: 1.16 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSPA+
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, FLV
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Pixel Density 265 pixels
Size 5.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3100 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 687 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 528 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 900 minutes
Standby Time Up to 12.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Marble White, Titanium Gray, Amber Brown, Ruby Wine
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.1 x 8 x 0.9 cm (5.9 x 3.2 x 0.4 in)
Weight 180 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
ROM: 16GB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
TV Out Info: HDMI
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AAC+, AMR, eAAC+, MIDI, MP3, OGG, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, DivX, FLV, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: XLS, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX
Games: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SGH-T889
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Note II Reviews
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