I’ve been waiting eagerly for the Samsung Galaxy Note II to arrive at my door ever since I decided that I might be okay with a larger primary mobile device like the ASUS Nexus 7. However, after posting that opinion, I got quite a few suggestions to check out the Galaxy Note II, since the device is something of a hybrid between tablet and phone. I’ve only had the device for a few hours, but I already know this is going to be an interesting review to write. I’m not sure how I feel about the Note II just yet, but what follows is an unboxing so that you can get a good look at the device and its packaging, with more coverage to come soon.
I’m getting a bit tired of saying this, but just like every other smartphone I’ve opened for quite a while, the Galaxy Note II sits prominently at the top of the box, above all the accessories. Naturally, the box opens with a simple lid, is of reasonable quality, and looks good. But that’s enough about the box.
The packing of the accessories is also quite standard, as they are found under a flap beneath the actual Note’s cradle. A USB cable, AC adapter, and start guide are included, the standard fare for most smartphones. In the past, Samsung has been one of the few manufacturers to include headphones with their devices, but they too seem to be abandoning this practice, along with most other manufacturers.
Here is all the important stuff found in the box without all the packaging. If the USB cable provides any sort of perspective, it should be clear that the Note II is quite large. It isn’t exactly cumbersome, but it feels quite different from a standard smartphone, even one with a 4.7-inch display, in hand. Also, the inclusion of the Verizon checkmark logo on the home button is possibly the ugliest design decision I have ever seen on a smartphone of this caliber.
On the back, the Note II reminds me quite a bit of the Galaxy S III. It has the same smooth plastic, camera placement, button setup, and removable back cover as its smaller sibling. In fact, it almost feels as if Samsung simply took the design of the S III and stretched it out with a bigger display. The device is very light, but also seems a bit thicker than other Samsung devices I have used.
So far, I’m not quite sure how I feel about the Galaxy Note II. It has a massive display, an interesting and potentially useful pen accessory, and there are so far no glaring problems. However, it seems like Samsung simply stretched out the Galaxy S III to get this device, interface and all, which I think makes it a bit less effective than it could potentially be. I’ll have to collect my final thoughts for the upcoming review, but feel free to ask any questions you may have about the device in the comments.
I’m glad you are giving the note a chance. I upgraded from the EVO 3D to the Note 2 about a month ago. I’m surprised at how quickly I became accustomed to the large size. Anything else now seems like a toy.
Note- My Sprint version doesn’t even have a Sprint logo on the back and DID come with headphones, so maybe that’s just a Verizon difference?
I was sad to leave the EVO family but I’ve grown too dependent on swapping out batteries since, as a nurse, I’m on the go for up to 24 hours at a time. The EVO LTE’s internal battery became a dealbreaker.
I’m hoping that the love you guys have for the EVO will spread to the Note and create the same indepth reporting and tips that I’ve come to depend on. Maybe you can teach me what to do with the pen, I’ve been playing with all the other good stuff I haven’t had time to figure out how to use the pen to its full potential.
I still don’t really know what to do with the pen. So far I haven’t found a good use for it, but I’m still looking. It just may not be my thing, though. As far as long term coverage goes, I don’t think that the Note II will become my primary device, I have the Nexus 4 right now as well, and it will likely win. However, Bryan also has a Note II, and he will more than likely be doing in depth coverage for quite a while.
*Random side comment on unboxing* Ever since my first iPod came in a clear plastic box I have called these things coffins cause you wake them from the dead they take drain your life like a vampire and when they’re done I normally put them back in the box when I dispose of them through any means (selling, trading, etc)
But I was either thinking of moving from the evo 3d to a note 2 or windows phone when sprint gets them and I have an upgrade or maybe even move to Verizon I’m not sure yet
No lte in orange county Ca can’t give up my 4g Wimax on my evo
I switched to Verizon sadly to say. But had to with no 4g lte coming to Long Island NY with sprint any time soon. I must say I am very happy about the switch and love my Note 2 on Verizon! Verizon did tag up the Note 2 but I found ways to hide their logo from every part of the phone. When I first got this I had to get a case and no one had anything yet. So I bought a flip case and hated it with passion. I bought a slim case for it 2 weeks ago from amazon the brand is called Elago I like how slim it is. Waiting for tomorrow I asked Santa for the Otterbox Defender series case for it, I’m hoping its not that bulky for it. My sister has an s3 with an otterbox and it didn’t really change thickness that bad.
I actually really want this phone. Over the course of a year, I maybe make 30 calls – it wouldn’t bother me too much to look ‘stupid’ while holding it to my ear, especially since it’s usually just family i’m communicating with and I’m in the privacy of my own home.
I don’t want to invest in a tablet, but the PPI of the Note 2 is what has really stopped me from buying it. I have shaky hands, so the more accurate the screen I’m using the better.
If I was on Verizon, I’d consider the DNA with an add-on stylus, but hopefully when my upgrade rolls around the Note 3 will be available with at least a 1080 5.5″