Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (2012)

I always buy Samsung – The more I buy Samsung the more disillusioned I get. Yes the Note 2 is older but when you are older you need a phone you can see and I was not going going down the Note 7 road. Size, the phone is perfect. Features are also good however that is where this review ends. The phone constantly overheats, closes down or just turns off. Freezes, runs… Read more

out of battery very quickly.b

I purchased 2 from ebay and am now seriously looking at other brands that are not Samsung or IPhone

Great phone , large screen ,has lasted 3 years so far – Bought this when they were on special. Good size screen (5.7) good for reading Kindle books and .pdfs on train. Has been dropped so many times and survived. Specs on the phone are good enough for standard ROM I run a customized ROM Cyangenmod which makes the phone zippier to use. Only downside is the size , sometimes I need two hands to swipe.

Great Phone. I love it – I recently purchased Galaxy N7100 from local market. This phone is awesome. Its touch screen and speed is very Good. I had HTC One before. Which was very slow and the battery go down in just 3-4 hours. Happy with Samsung as my battery life is about 16 hours. If I use it too often

Best phone I ever had. Love it! – Samsung Note 2. Huge screen, processor, Comparability with all the apps available, Price......& specially the 'S pen' function impressive! never disappointed me. Recently Upgraded to 32G memory card. what else do you need from a phablet......!

Huge — not really pocketable. If you can put up with that its decent – Considering the large size of the Samsung Galaxy Note, careful consideration is required in order to determine if it’s the right smartphone for your needs. I found the big screen to be more of a draw than the actual S Pen stylus, but I would be less likely to buy it because I need something highly pocketable, not something that I would have to… Read more

carry in a purse or gear bag.

The stylus is a unique addition, but of limited utility for anyone who is already comfortable using a touchscreen and/or a virtual keyboard to enter text. It’s fun to use for drawings and such, maybe a quick grocery list, but digital artists and hardcore notetakers would likely be happier with either a larger tablet or a Bluetooth keyboard.

If you’re willing to make the commitment, however, the Galaxy Note is a powerful device and a good performer.

I bought mine unlocked

Very pleased! – I love this phone. I was initially reluctant to commit to a phone larger than I was used to, but I've been thrilled with it. The large screen is perfect for looking at websites without needing to bother with zooming, and it's great for looking at photos, too. My husband didn't think that a "phablet" would fit in his pocket, but shortly after I got mine, he got one for himself. Large screen is great for looking at websites and photos. None.

better than most – Purchased 2 galaxy note 2 g7105t batteries and although they work well they seem to be used or reconditioned batteries as they perform about 70 compared to the original batteries that came with the phone. Also batteries came without any packaging which makes me think they could be used or reconditioned batteries price and service doesn't perform like brand new original batteries 75% and no original packaging

It was a really good choice. Maybe I should have stayed with it – I really enjoyed my Samsung Note 2. Fast, Reliable, Beautiful and not that expensive. I just gave up of him because my "sister" borrowed it from me. I really liked it. After this I had a Galaxy S4 Zoom - a really peace of a garbage. It is difficult that the same company can make 2 so opposite products in terms of quality. Fast, Reliable, Beautiful, Not that expensive.

Excellent! – Switched from old iphone to galaxy note 2. My first android phone. I love it. Coupled with telstra prepaid, I can buy games and apps using my telstra credit. Never have to expose my credit card. Love it! Love it! Love it! Bright screen. Beautiful colour. Cheaper than iphone. Big screen. I can play all day!! Beautiful screen, bright colours. Not… Read more

expensive like iphone! Storage is a problem to manage. Maybe I will go back to iphone if this doesnt get solved.Looking at iphone 6!

Got to love the Phablet – I switched from an iPhone to Note 2 because my iPhone crapped out and I need a larger screen - I didn't want to put my glasses on everytime I wanted to read my phone. I also liked the idea of the S-Pen. I won't enter the Apple- android debate, suffice to say I like them both and would have brought another iPhone if they had a larger screen, I do a… Read more

lot of work on my phone so the larger screen is essential. Having said that I am very happy with Android and feel like I have gained features over the iOS rather than lost them.

The Note 2 is great, does everything I want and the S-Pen is terrific. The obvious thing to comment about is the size - while I really enjoy the larger size it is a touch too big for carrying and navigating the screen. I'd probably get the S4 next time although the Note 3 may have improved the size. superb screen size, S-Pen Not as good as iPhone in bright daylight. Power and volume buttons are exposed on the side and the power button frequently gets knocked. Replacement screens are expensive I'm told.

The future of mobile phone technology – This is well and truly a superb mobile phone. Specs and featured second to none. This phone has all the features of every other phone on the market, and then some. The inclusion of the stylus is unique to this device only and demonstrates just how far ahead it is of the competition. Great performance May be a little big for some

Excellent 'Phablet' – Had my phone since it was launched. Very quick, I think twice it's frozen up (easy fix, remove battery, restart!!) which was my fault for operating too many aps. Big screen great for GPS, movies, web browsing. Sturdy build. Good speaker sound. Samsung since owning this phone had made syncing and file management a breeze. I added large SD card,… Read more

loads of storage for Spotify music, pics, videos and so on. Best of all I love the scribe, have mine set to open SNote as soon as I grab it out, good when the boss catches you out for a quick add to the 'to do' list! Well priced now the bigger version is out (NoteIII), which IMO is too big. I'm in line of sight to a Telstra 4G tower, get 65Mbs. Fast!!

On another Note (haha), I wasn't offered the best service from the Telstra store, but hey, that's no surprise right? Great phone though.

*EDIT* the phone is now dead, wouldn't turn on. 6 years of life it provided me, with many drops and long hours talking and using the screen (videos, social media). Pity current Samsung is rubbish, as this was excellent. Now I have a Motorola and it's amazing. Large screen, scribe, fast 4G, looks clean and neat Sometimes too big for one hand operation

So far the best phones I have owned – I will not bother you with geeky information as to how capable and good this phablet is. You must have already done your research and by now now as much as the developers / designers of the phone! :) I will share my user experence. So here it goes. 1- Battery life is almost perfect for a phone of this size. I have circa 400 apps, all grouped… Read more

nicely and yes almost all are being used constantly. At any given time 10 or more apps are running on the background and it will get me through one and a half days no problems. IF I am cautious and just keep data running and occasional GPS (when exercising) and WiFi (when I am at home for app updates) it goes on for 3 days easily.

2- I stopped using my laptop at home unless I am doing some archiving and/or office work. Screen is so good and capable you wont look back! Social networking, media streaming is a joy

3- Camera is the most surprising experience for me. Daylight performance is incredible.

4- Did not experience any problems with WiFi, reception (data or otherwise). I am on Telstra network and am having no issues whatsoever.

5- Storage is good and expandable.Got an additional 64 GB microSD card hassle free. Also the phone came with 50 GB of free drop box space. Free for the first year I suppose but it is very handy.

6- As another reviewer suggests because of the size protective casing is highly recommended. Not that it is fragile or anything. I dropped it from a chest height and not even a scratch. The back cover is a bit flimsy but I think that was the intention in the first place. It is indestructible!

7-As with any Android device it will be what you make of it. IF you need a straightforward no nonsense phablet, perfect. But if you would like some customization to suit your expectations, EVEN BETTER! :)

The prices started going down on this because Note 3 is coming out. I could not stress enough how good a value for money this device is.

Thanks for reading and comments questions always welcome as usual!

Cheers,

I am not mentioning about shopping experience because this is a review of the device not the retailer. If any, I will review them under online retailers category. Battery Life, Quality of screen, speed, Android matches the hardware perfect Nothing, size is mentioned but with the introduction of term phablet, you should be ready for something not so tiny!

well, like it but do find few problems with keyboard – 1.multi window button is right next to character "a" - have to be very very careful not to press it by mistake. 2.why r comma and question mark on next page? I had HTC and although it is much smaller, it has these two most commly used symbols on page one, imagine every time u finish one sentence, u have to press additional 3 keys just for a… Read more

comma...HTC is much more user-friendly in keyboard. (Do Koreans use comma or question mark??) 3. I dont normally browse web, mainly for messages, battery gone really fast, takes 5-7 hours to charge in full....

Easy to use as phone despite its size – Large bright AMOLED screen is easy to read and type on. Easily readable beyond arm's length, so as a car GPS or when used as a source of music, there's no need to pull it closer and squint. Despite the screen size, it's relatively light and fits in all the pockets I've tried so far - even jeans. Camera may not be quite as high spec as some newer… Read more ·  1

models, but with such small lenses on cellphone cameras, it hardly matters. This one gives excellent results rivalling my 5 year old Samsung digital camera and the 'flash' lamp can be used as a quite adequate torch using an on-screen widget.

Battery endurance is very good - easily lasts a long day working interstate with several phone calls and everything running in the background - GPS, data, emails, etc. The Samsung wall charger is excellent - recharges the Note 2 very quickly. The quad core CPU means there's little lag in accomplishing a task. The handy S pen tucks away so unobtrusively, that I forget it's even there. Apart from being very useful when hands are wet or gloved, it also offers improved screen accuracy for tasks usually assigned to tablets or PCs. And the stylus pen is hard to lose - it beeps if you walk away without it!

Being Android, there's many apps to choose from and also other possibly nicer ROMs if you're willing to experiment. Much more flexible than a Apple iOS device - don't have to put up with Apple Maps! Large bright screen, but still pocket sized. Good phone, GPS, wifi and data reception (Telstra 4G). Good battery and quad CPU. Android freedom. Probably not suitable for smaller hands. On/off button gets pressed while simply holding it. Smooth casing drop risk - cover advisable. No FM radio built-in.

The best thing I ever bought – Functional, stylish, just does what it should. The best phone I have ever bought. The screen is the most outstanding feature it is large, clear, and bright. The battery has a good capacity, and the phone call quality is excellent. Applications run quickly and smoothly with absolutely zero delay. The interface is intuitive and well designed. Everything Nothing

THE Best – Never been so happy with a product i have bought before as i am with this what makes it even better was the quality of service i received and the time taken for delivery from a product coming in from overseas. Well done unique mobiles. Next purchase will be with you guys for sure. GREAT PRICE, FAST DELIVERY, FRIENDLY SERVICE.

Galaxy Note 2 – After purchasing this phone from Kogan was at first a pleasure but during the first weeks of ownership I discovered that it works fine on mobile internet but on the home wifi its awful using it right next to the router it constantly say no internet connection After searching many forums as kogan was hopeless I inevitably sent it back to kogan… Read more

they said 1 to 2 weeks a month and half later they sent it back after I emailed them continuously to which there answer was nothing wrong with the phone they didn't even send it to Samsung

I spoke to Samsung and Samsung had no record of the phone ever being there for service

The phone has difficulty connecting to the Samsung kies program sometimes its there sometimes its not in the end my computer couldn't even find the phone after multiple hard resets still a problem got it back from kogan seems to work okay but does some stupid things

When I use it as a phone the screen goes blank so I cant just hang up the call I have to pull it away activate the screen and end the call minor but never had that one before had phones since the late 80's also if its to close to your head I.E. touching the people on the other end of the line cant hear you seems even though the screen is blank its still doing something maybe its trying to read my mind

Whenever you activate it it goes somewhere else always having to push the back button because its doing something I didn't ask it to do sometimes I actually want to make a call and not search google most of this is due to Bloatware but as the phone is under warranty for 2 years I don't want to remove anything that might void warranty The phone has some good features I.E. size and ease of use easy to read screen good resolution I was tossing up to get an Iphone or android as I was stepping up from a Nokia N8 which was a true piece of rubbish In general its not a bad phone just a bit dumb in some features and the wifi problem is painful I will have my laptop right next to it and instant connection to wifi but the note 2 constantly says no connection and I don't see why if I have an unlimited wifi connection I should be using mobile internet the volume button is in a weird place also on off button if you have big hands seems you are always turning up the volume or down or cancelling calls or something because of the silly position of the on off button. Size easy to use if you have big hands great resolution like the stylus feels nice in your hand bad service rubbish wifi connection lots af rubbish bloatware heavy on battery if you dont contantly check to see if apps are running in the background it will drain the battery pretty quickly also ver slow to charge have had to buy a bigger output charger as the standard one is very slow not enough amperage to charge such a power hungry device

This really makes my day! – After switching over from Vodafone (Vodafail) to Optus, I did a great deal of research including online videos on three short-listed phones. The first was the Sony Xperia Z, the second the HTC One, and lastly the Samsung Note 2. Having to have owned the Samsung Nexus S, which was reviewed and great at the time; but had a great deal of problems… Read more

over the almost 2 years of ownership.

The Note 2, in white, just as I experienced with the Nexus S; though sleeker, thinner, as well as bigger. It looked like something that crossed between a smart phone that I also previously owned such as the Dopod D810 (White), Samsung Omnia and a Palm Pilot; which all have a built-in Stylus. Being as a Quad Core processor on the Note 2, this thing absolutely flies, it does not take that long to power on or off.

All of my contacts on the previous phone were synced using Google Gmail; I didn't really need to re-enter my phone contacts. As soon as the registered email credentials were entered into this phone. It automatically restored my contact list. And what's more, any Play Store application that I installed including those that I bought; were listed in the history tab. Easily I was able to reinstall the applications again, even the ones that I didn't remember, it was all there.

Samsung's hand gesture features as part of the smart sense that appears in just about every single Samsung product other than just mobile phones, also in Televisions. It takes a bit of time to memorise these features, but if you're a Samsung fan or have many of its product range; it won't take you long at all. But if you get stuck, every feature has a demonstration to allow the user to grasp onto its fanciful features.

After reinstalling my purchased GPS software... well, not that I really need it, as I already have GPS in the car. The software "Sygic Navigation" works flawlessly, picking up the satellites and has not crashed at all (touch wood). I use it, as it picks up the speed cameras...lol; whereas my onboard GPS in the car doesn't.

Watching Internet videos and stored videos plus music on this device is an interesting experience.

There are however two things I am not a real fan of. The first is the sheer size of the thing. I've got small to medium sized hands, and the one-touch operation is barely achievable for me. The second, is the limited storage, as the internal storage capacity is only 10 gigabytes. However it redeems itself with an expandable storage port.

The battery life is very impressive, lasting between 3 to 4 days on moderate (medium) usage.

I have yet to fully utilise the phone, but I am more than sure it is highly capable. Its by far the best phone I've ever owned so far. Big Screen & Crystal Clear, Audio Experience, Samsung Smart Gesture features, Quad Core, Very Capable phone / tablet Limited Storage (need to buy a Micro SD for expandable storage), Big for people with small to medium hands (difficult to do one-handed functions)

Beautiful Smartphone – The name "phablet" lives up to its name. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was a quick purchase for me. The size, features and the S Pen pretty much sums it up what a perfect phone should be. Most people may turn away from its gigantic screen size but the phone still fits snugly in my pockets. The screen is perfect for website viewing. Unlike the… Read more

iPhone, I would always have to constantly zoom in.

Since buying it on day one, I still have yet to discover everything. The phone is very customizable and can be pushed even further with specific apps that can be purchased from the android store.

However, I noticed the phone is a battery killer as I would have to charge the phone every night. I don't know if its the users fault from all the applications it's running or something else.

Also the phone has been lagging a lot lately from messaging. It could be possibly the amount of messages saved but it needs to be clearer to me if that is the problem. Size, looks, specs. Perfect! Constant lagging. Battery killer

Love it – Tossed up this phone & HTC ONE (not yet released) but had looked at tablet also and figured this was the better way to go. Still learning to fly it, but enjoy it more each day, no tablet required now. I am a small person but size is no problems when using as phone and you will appreciate the screen size using the pen and other applications. … Read more

Learning to use SPen a little trickier than I thought but thank god for all the online tutorials. processing super quick, screen is excellent, camera excellent, love all the short cuts voice & S pen was expensive specially when adding in the extra warranty that I felt a phone at this price range required and the fact Samsung customer service doesn't have a great rep.

product came in good timing – I was looking to purchase a galaxy note 2 and searched online for a great deal. Kogan came out on top for the best price and delivery cost. The phone didn't take long to arrive. They are also quick to respond to all your queries. Will be shopping there again. John. phone has so much features specially the spen a little rough handling box was dented a little

A convert from Apple – This "phablet" comes a large and useful suite of applications, with thousands more on the various web sites. Very easy to use with the pen being far more useful than I expected. The Jellybean Android operating system was very easy to learn and the ability to run two applications at the same time was something I thought I would not use, but now… Read more ·  1

can not do without. Usability, speed of applications, compatability with other devices I own had a small screen issue that was quickly dealt with

Best Phone I Have Ever Owned – I got this phone in January and was at first, a little worried about the size. Now, I absolutely love it! It is fantastic for Internet, emails and has a great inbuilt app for notes (something I use so often). Very easy to customise, I love having a phone that is different and suits me! Great Battery Life too Also, has a 'one handed operation'… Read more ·  2

feature. As it is quite large I was worried about texting and calling with one hand but looks like Samsung already thought about this...and everything else! Size, Screen Clarity, Speed, Customisable, Battery Life Needed to learn new shortcuts, not too hard though

Good phone (only from review from the net) – Good mobile phone. The internet calls this phone a phablet. Why? because it is small enough to be a mobile phone and big enough to be a tablet. I have only relied on reviews from cnet.com and plenty of other websites that speak of this phone. I want one, I think that it is a good phone. but i cant say too much because I like the Samsung brand over… Read more

every other brands. From Wahing machines, Mobile phones, tablets you name it, I find that Samsung is a strong brand. I had a flip-top mobile phone about 3 years ago and I threw it from one side of my back-yard to the other it had just one small scrach on the front of it, from then I fell inlove with the Samsung brand and so far have never looked back. Just ensure that it is protected by a case as the plastic that it is made from it quite.... "pathetic" it brakes easily. love the screen very sharp colours, fast. flimsy, little over priced.