Android and "future-proof" don't quite go together. Nexus One is only 2 1/2 years old, where is it now?

@flopjoke

You're comment isn't correct.
I own an N900 and a NOTE. The NOTE is definitely wide and long, however it is also very thin. It's also not too wide, it fits into all my jeans pockets.

No, it doesn't look rediculous when making a phone call. And it can be used with one hand. The NOTE isn't a tablet or a "phablet". It's an oversized smartphone with a pen, and it strikes the perfect dimensions for me. In fact, the N900 feels more bulky in my jeans because of its thickness, so go figure.

But yes, definitely try before you buy. See if "the BEAST" is for you.

It runs some stripped down Linux distros.
It has every* version of Android on it (2.1, 2.1.1, 2.2, 2.21, 2.3, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5, 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.0.3, 4.0.4, 4.1, 4.1.1). It has all the popular Android builds on it (CMod, AOKP, MIUI, etc). It has many chroot applications.

For a 2.5 year old device, its working particularly well.
Compare it to the iPhone 3GS, and you begin to acknowledge how limited iOS is.
And what about the HTC HD2, that came with WinMo6. It runs everything from Android to MeeGo.

@Threadstarter
If you don't like the look of the S3, why do you like the Note2? it looks exactly like an S3 increased in size by 15%.
If I had known that the Note2 will be slightly smaller than the Note I would have waited for it instead buying an S3.
I don't think youll regret buying a Note2

@Kangal
2x the Ram
2 more Cores at 30% higher Clock
1024 instead of 256 pressure levels SPen
Hugely improved Software for S-Pen (see engadget)
Super Amoled with completely new pixel layout
I hardly call this a slight improvement, more like MASSIVE.
But your reaction is typical for owners of soon to be outdated devices. I often feel the same way

I'll prolly buy a Note2 next year when it's under €500

@Kangal it's wide but it's not wide? It's not ridiculous but it's over-sized? You contradict yourself.

Compared to what a typical smartphone should be like, it is a bit on the extreme side. Also, my comment is correct, because I said it's a personal choice. If you like it, good.. if you don't then it's ok, there are other phones.

@flop
No, you didn't comprehend it. The SGS3 is considered a big phone, and the Note is both wider and longer than it. However, its actually not too wide that it doesn't fit into pockets. I use a cover and it still fits into every pocket I have because I don't dress like a metro with skinnies.
Your comment makes it sound like the Note doesn't fit into the average pocket, or the average head which is not true. Though you can argue it doesn't fit to average hands.

2GB RAM does nothing 1GB RAM can't do. Its not a bottleneck.
The GPUs are equal.
Most of the time the Quadcores are shut, so most of the time performance will be equal.
1.6GHz is faster than 1.4GHz... and mines over locked to 1.6GHz and barely needs to run full throttle. So even at top speed theyre equal.
The screen is much better, but it isn't RGB so don't celebrate early.

= there's just no way around it, they perform equal in many circumstances. Its a refinement, not a major upgrade. The advantage of Note2 is that its future proof. While the Note1 will get stuck on 1.7GHz and Jelly Bean, the Note2 can go better like 1.9GHz and KeyLimePie.

If you think I'm biased because I feel ripped off from my Note1 then you are mistaken. I'm completely objective on the matter. In fact I've had my OG for a year now, so I was eagerly waiting to upgrade, if anything I'm biased against the Note1 which has so much untapped potential.

Openion differs.
This is the only comparision I have with Galaxy Note-2 and S3 and you can see the clear difference. Note-2 looks much better than S3. S3 looks totally messed up specially from side as if it has got an irregular shape and then Note-2 looks only marginally larger than S3 but it has very less bazel

I'd still say use it, use it, use it a LOT.. Try out everything.. Before buying it. Whether it's average or not, whether the pics do it justice.. Whoever wants to buy it, read all info here.. Then go Use it and create your own opinion. That way, you'll know exactly what you're paying for.

unless it's N9. Then it's always the best phone

That is the problem bro. You can't use it before buying, thats why I created this thread. Everything about Galaxy S3 is uneven. Not only its corners but its top edge its side edge, everything is uneven. It looks like someone designed something with clay. But the look and feel of Note-2 is thousand times better than S3. The design of Galaxy S2 is marvalous (Although apple cliams that it copied the design from iPhone 4)

I was once considering to buy a note, because I'm a big fan of stylus input. I eventually decided against it because:
- Wacom+Capacitive is not the same as a resistive screen. You get the worst from capacitive (too sensitive) and the worst from Wacom (non-uniform sensitivity in the borders), and you still can't use the screen with nails or any other objects. So if you are looking for a replacement of a resistive screen -- it won't do for you.
- Android sucks. Even totally broken WP looks better to me. If you're coming from a N900 you will surely miss multitasking.
- Battery life reviews putting it worse than N900.
- Too thin (very very fragile-looking, enough to get me stressed about the idea of putting in my pockets).
- Price.
(I eventually bought a N9).

By the way, the Note 2 does look like another iPhone to me.... I ponder when will they stop using butt ugly Apple-like rounded corners.

TC, if you want to buy an Android phone and experience the true Android to its fullest (plus having the new updates first) then go straight to Galaxy Nexus.

imo