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)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobileThe 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...
- Ben Crawford, AndroinicaI 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...
- Ced Yuen, What Hi-FiThe 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.
- Kevin Everett, Daily MobileThe 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...
- James Pikover, Gadget ReviewEvery 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...
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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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