The Galaxy Note 2 is the newest Android phone from Samsung. It features a 5.5 inch screen (1,280x720 pixel resolution) that is bigger than the original Note's 5.3 inch display. The big screen can make it hard to hold and carry as an everyday device. The size of the phone grows on you quickly to where you don't even notice it anymore, there are still times it's awkward to hold. As with anything in life, if it feels awkward or not, will change from person to person. It features Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS with Samsung's Touch Wiz interface on top, a speedy quad-core processor, an extra-large battery, and an 8 megapixel camera.
The new S Pen stylus is more comfortable, natural, and sensitive. It has a smarter software that reveals a more evolved device then before. Pricing on the Note 2, sits between $300 to $370 depending on your phone carrier. To buy it unlocked it will set you back around $700, that's one costly phone.
The difference between the S3 and Note 2 will surprise you. The S3 has round corners, high gloss surfaces,scant bezels, and bubbled-out screen. Blow the size of that screen up and add a stylus slot and you have yourself a Note 2. The highly reflective surfaces look good but can cause problems at times, it can cause back light to bounce in distracting ways.
If you are planning on getting the Note 2, then you will also be wanting to invest in a Blue tooth headset for answering calls. The large size of the phone makes it look comically large up to your ear. The front facing camera, and light and proximity sensor are hardware buttons you will find helpful. The power button is on the right spine, volume rocker is on the left, and the charging port (micro USB) is on the bottom. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top. On the back of the phone you will find a 8.0 megapixel camera lens with LED flash. At the bottom of the back panel is where your S Pen Stylus slot is located.
The micro SD card slot is behind the back cover, and can hold up to 64 GB in external memory. The S Pen Stylus is an integral part of the complete Note 2 experience, but all you really need to control the phone is your fingers. There are seven fully customizable home screens, and Samsung even gives you th option of booting up in easy mode, which drops in widgets of most used apps, settings, and contact on the home screen.
The conclude this review, the Note 2 isn't exactly your normal phone, nor will it replace that 7 inch tablet you so dearly love. If you are going to get the phone, you are going to get it. If you don't like the phone, then you won't get it. It is all personal opinion.