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Samsung Galaxy Note review

7.9/10 AVG.
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Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung Galaxy Note
...


7.9/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Note currently has an Informr score of 7.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 59 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Samsung Galaxy Note is much like the Samsung Galaxy S II, but is much larger. It is by far the largest smartphone on the market today and features a huge high-resolution Super AMOLED display. The screen can display full webpages in all their glory and makes it easier to navigate the phone's menus. While it is not as large as a tablet, it feels more like a Samsung Galaxy Tab than a Galaxy S II phone. While the phone is very large, it still will fit in most people's front pocket.

The Galaxy Note runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and is powered by the extremely fast 1.5GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos processor. This makes the phone one of the fastest available. The camera used in the Galaxy Note is the same one that is used in the Galaxy S II. Image quality is excellent and rivals the iPhone 4S. Video quality is very good as well.

The phone also introduces S Pen, which is Samsung's version of a stylus. Several unique apps which take advantage of the S Pen are also included on the phone. Taking quick notes is fast and easy, and there are even some art apps which are great time killers when you have a few minutes to waste. The system works well, but would be better if the phone ran on Android Ice Cream Sandwich instead of Gingerbread.

Battery life is nothing short of amazing. The phone's large size allows for a 2500mAh battery to be used, which will easily power the phone for a whole day without needing to be charged, even with heavy use.

Need to Know: Samsung Galaxy Note

1. 1.5GHz dual-core processor makes the Note one of the fastest phones on the market. (The Good)

2. Battery life is among the best around. (The Good)

3. Runs the superior Ice Cream Sandwich. (The Good)

4. The huge size of the phone is a turn-off for some. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
5.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.3"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
2500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TelecomTiger
TelecomTiger

With a large number of excellent features and functions, Samsung Galaxy Note has set a benchmark for its close competitors. The only advantage other smartphones has is Galaxy Note’s screen size. Its 1.5 Dual Core ARM cortex A9 processor and 1 GB RAM has worked well with Note. With its forceful promo...

- TT Gadget Editor, TelecomTiger
GSMArena
GSMArena

This may be out of many people's comfort zone. Way out. The Samsung Galaxy Note believes in bigger is better. In many ways it is. The WXGA Super AMOLED is more than any smartphone can offer and the powerful Exynos adds brains to beauty.Far from perfect at this point, the S Pen certainly adds value t...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Let’s be real here folks, the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note is a wonderful device on so many levels, but taking into account its late arrival onto the scene, it no longer has the same appeal and allure when it first arrived. Unless you desperately love its large display and ideal note taking capabili...

- John V., PhoneArena
Engadget
Engadget

We're more than a little disappointed that Samsung didn't take the opportunity to update the Galaxy Note with modern internals ahead of its debut on T-Mobile. What was once a premiere superphone is now beginning to show its age. As such, T-Mobile customers who insist on top-notch performance are lef...

- Zachary Lutz, Engadget
IntoMobile
IntoMobile

So, the Galaxy Note is finally about to land on T-Mobile after a long time of rumors, and we've got to say that we still like the device a lot. That said, the Note isn't for everyone, as most people don't need a 5.3 inch display in their pockets. Still, the Galaxy Note is great for watching movies o...

- Blake Stimac, IntoMobile


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your Galaxy Note 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
5.3"

The Samsung Galaxy Note's screen size is 5.3 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a ARM APQ8060 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

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

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2500 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 10 days standby time, 1560 minutes, 215 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Note Specs

Overview
Release Date October 8, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor ARM APQ8060 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.15 W/kg
Body: 0.67 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA 14.4, HSUPA, HSPA+ 21.1
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 5.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, 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 2500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 505 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 215 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1560 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Ceramic White, Carbon Blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.7 x 8.3 x 1.0 cm (5.8 x 3.3 x 0.4 in)
Weight 178 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
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: OTA
TV Out Info: HDMI
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, OGG
Video Playback Formats: H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
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
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SGH-T879

2 GB microSD included
S Pen stylus
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Note Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Note
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