[Q] Life expectancy of smart phones - Galaxy Note GT-N7000 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Back in the day of plain ole mobile phones, Nokia's business model anticipated that a customer would replace his mobile phone every two and half years. How often do people replace thier smart phones?
I have had my note n7000 for about 1.5 years. The Note II is out and was a significant upgrade and the III will be out soon and I anticipate it too will be a significant improvement. I consider myself a regular user of the phone and that includes the abuse that goes with constant handling of the device.
I am not sure how much longer my note will survive -- nobody does -- but I am curious about people's opinion about the lifetime of Note.
Got any ideas, please share.

i would say around 3 years with medium care though if you are higly csreful and don't use it too much 4years are possible 2 though it might need battery replacement because it doesn't do good after a long while like that

I've had mine since release so 2 years, without cover or screen protector, use it in the bath, flash custom roms, drop it loads and it's fine. Only thing I've replaced is the battery about 6 months ago. If you were to keep it on gb as was intended there's no reason it wouldn't last for 5 years or so I reckon, but it doesn't really have the ram or processor for jb.
I've still got an HTC universal from 2005 I think and it still works fine, use it for emergencies, great phone, first true smartphone IMHO.
Ps... Questions should be in q&a.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Thanks
SpyderTracks said:
I've had mine since release so 2 years, without cover or screen protector, use it in the bath, flash custom roms, drop it loads and it's fine. Only thing I've replaced is the battery about 6 months ago. If you were to keep it on gb as was intended there's no reason it wouldn't last for 5 years or so I reckon, but it doesn't really have the ram or processor for jb.
I've still got an HTC universal from 2005 I think and it still works fine, use it for emergencies, great phone, first true smartphone IMHO.
Ps... Questions should be in q&a.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just this morning I dropped it on the bathroom floor and it ferll out of my hand and hit the hardwood floor when I fell asleep last. I often carry in my pocket with my keys and change. It does have one small scrach of the screen but the thing is nearly inscrutable. The thing that concerns me are the buttons, They get an enormous amount of use. I'll hold off on the batteries until I decide on the III
Thanks for your response.

For a good keeper its 3 years even more. But before 3 years ppl feel their devices are obsolete and they change them prior to its max life.
I have my note with me for about one year and 8 months now. But whike note3 is near to its release i am planning ro upgrade.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app

Yeah, I have been using my Note for nearly 2 years now. Flashed roms, no screen protector, no cover too.
To date... *touchwood... its been doing good. Wasnt even tempted to change when Note 2 was out, but am looking at Note 3 to see if I want to change it.
My current Note is really been my fav phone till now, and i believe it will continue to work well for another 1-2 years (ok, the worst thing i can think of is a replacement of battery).

sofes said:
Yeah, I have been using my Note for nearly 2 years now. Flashed roms, no screen protector, no cover too.
To date... *touchwood... its been doing good. Wasnt even tempted to change when Note 2 was out, but am looking at Note 3 to see if I want to change it.
My current Note is really been my fav phone till now, and i believe it will continue to work well for another 1-2 years (ok, the worst thing i can think of is a replacement of battery).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 years *at most*
and I'm not a destroyer of devices.. i look after mine pretty well.

Related

still worth buying?

Hi!
I want to upgrade my DHD, and I'm looking on all the options.
So I want to check about the Note.
Is it still worth buying? I don't want to buy and after 2 month there will be Note 2 and this one will get old.
Do you recommend buying this device in two month? (I'm not talking at the device as it is, I did all that research. I'm talking only on the fact it's 7 month old... in two month it will be 9 month old)
Thanks!
Will there be a Note 2 ????? Me thinks it was one off test the waters so to speak. What would make the note better is what I ask. Apart from the latest 4.04 yeah perhaps a fast quad core proc but this thing blazes through everything as is. Only thing really different is the software look at the S3 what's the major diff is the software. (ignore quad and screen size) its the apps.
Buy the Note.
Ps just brought my note last week instead of the S3 and sold my S2
you will get used to the 5,3' screen and you will not want a phone that is smaller than the Note!
I also have HTC One X, quad core Tegra 3, 4,7' screen, but I use Note (of course on CM9) it's simply better to me
I don't want the new software, I'm only afraid there will be no more support here on XDA, as on my DHD. There are no roms coming out!
More people?
We have official cm9 support and a custom kernel..What more could you ask for?
Buy this phone now!
Sadly I can't buy it now... only in 2 month. Will it still worth buying? The device will be almost 1 year!
No need to think over it.I had bought it just 3 days ago and i love it
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Why no need? If i will buy it the beginning of Aug, it will be 1 year for the announcement. You don't think they will release a new one a bit after?
I know there are lots of great phones coming out, note 2 won't be out until fall at least if at all since they're releasing the true 10 inch tablet version next. This phone is all about the screen, aside from excellent hardware. IMO you'll have a phone that'll easily last another year before you start getting jealous. It's awesome, there's nothing like it.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
so you all thinks roms will still be developed?
i think i will buy it, the low price got me.
It's got some real old school devs for this device as well as the infamous cm9 as mentioned previously. Once we get stable Ics kernels there's no stopping us!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Just got mine two days ago. Definitely worth buying now, it will be a while before the 2 is released. If it is. This phone is amazing, now other phones look puny not to mention the amazing display. I thought I was looking at an old nokia when I was on my wife's iPhone 4 earlier lol
Development wise it's still very early days and already progress is being made although I am holding off root as it still seems too risky at the moment. Waiting for it to be as straightforward as the Desire was even without unrevoked.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
SpyderTracks said:
It's got some real old school devs for this device as well as the infamous cm9 as mentioned previously. Once we get stable Ics kernels there's no stopping us!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
+1
We have CM9 nightlies which should only get better once ICS Kernel sources are out.
Also, the note has exceptional demand, this surprised everyone - even Samsung.
I am sure there will be another 5.1-5.5" Note 2 in about 6 months.
Samsung hit a sweet spot with the note size that appeals to people who like large screen and the ability to make calls.
Personally I am getting the S3, and when Note2 comes, I'll just switch to it.
Guys I'm thinking of buying one cause of this great price http://www.ebay.com/itm/36045880681...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_11855wt_922
Question is will this work on T-mobile?
to the OP...stop contemplating about what may happen tomorrow, get the Note today and enjoy. Life is too short. Technology will change and if you wait now, you will wait again because you will worry that a better technology will come out later.
get the Note.......and be happy with it.
im sure the note 2 wont be the best for long, but i just to want to buy and after 2 month there will be a new one and developers will stop the develop.
in the other side, the note 2's price will be much higher.
more opinions?
DubelBoom said:
im sure the note 2 wont be the best for long, but i just to want to buy and after 2 month there will be a new one and developers will stop the develop.
in the other side, the note 2's price will be much higher.
more opinions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Development will stop?! How new are you to xda?! Go look at two threads, the Desire and hd2. As long as there are users there will be devs don't you worry about that!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
i have the desire hd, and now there are no developers
once in a month there is an update for some of the roms, that includes only new apps and update of apps (as play store, g+ etc.).
Once you buy it, you would never wanna go back. It is the best out there. As far as tech goes, it keeps on evolving at a rapid pace. And GN is nothing like the iPhones where the older version seems outdated the moment newer version is launched. What we see in GS III should essentialy be in the Note II or whatever they call it. I bet it would be the same (maybe a bit tweaked) as on GS III, quad core (A15 dual core might be better than quad but it won't hit the normal, non geeky consumer. General belief: Quad > Dual, More MPs ~ better camera), maybe the same 8MP as on S3 again and such stuff. I hope the design is more in line with Note than a hybrid of S2 and GNex.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
im almost sure it will be lighter, and thinner and a screen with a higher resolution, but i dont care about all this, because there will always be a newer and better device.

Initial 24 hour review

I first want to say that over the years i've had the resource of XDA to let me get the most out of my phones and really appreciate everyone on the site. I'm a huge phone nerd and have owned the following to give some perspective.
HTC EVO 4g
HTC EVO 3D
Samsung Galaxy 2 (Epic 4g Touch)
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
HTC EVO 4g LTE
Samsung Galaxy S3
Apple Iphone 5
and so Ive been on both sides of the HTC v. Samsung war and even tried the iphone(2 weeks and couldnt stand it)each time I try a HTC I come rushing back to the galaxy series. Now that I have the S4 and decided not to even try the One. I decided to write a quick review after the inital 24 hour period.
Got the phone at BB simply due to the amount they were giving me for the S3($250), got the phone and right out of the gate did a factory reset, set the phone up and disabled/removed all the bloatware I could(granted not that much). The build quality is something that is not given its fair due because it still is plastic, but it is a solid high quality phone and rivals any phone ive held.
The screen is hands down the best ive seen including the LCD used in the HTC's and the Iphone. With all the new features and sensors the phone does almost anything you can think of like waking up when the sensors realize you are reaching for the phone! Also another cool thing is controlling my Direct TV or TV with my phone!
The sound quality is much improved over the S3 and I bring this up mainly in terms of bluetooth streaming, bringing back all the gestures the music player is VERY nice.
The 4.2.2 menus do take a little to get used to and this is coming from a touchwiz user for years, but make the experience much more streamlined once you get familiar.
Nothing I have thrown at the phone yet has even slowed it down, from syncing all of my accounts, playing music and browsing the phone all at the same time the phone just keeps chugging along. Which even makes the S3 look slow.
Now on to what has reall impressed me so far and thats the battery life, I charged the phone fully while powered off once i got the phone and trying to run the battery down to allow me to do another full charge has proved to be a chore. With HEAVY wifi, screen time and app use and standby overnight im still at 36% battery!!
All in all i know its only the first day of owning the phone, but i couldnt be any happier or impressed. The hard part is waiting for accesories to come out.
But for anyone on the fence or not sure I would say take the plunge you won't be disappointed, and you will have the best phone out!
Good stuff. Yes, I agree. Some of the gesture features are actually quite awesome....and I've never been a big fan of gestures. But the wake up by reaching towards the phone feature is awesome. I used it twice (unfortunately) last night when I woke up in the middle of the night and wanted to know what time it was.
And yes, the battery life is fantastic. On the first couple of charges, I averaged about 4 hours of screen on time and that's also accounting for me being in a weak 3g area and leaving my mobile data on (for testing purposes).
I also want to add(it won't let me edit my original post) is that i usually always HAVE TERRIBLE service at work and since ive had this phone can actually make and receive calls and texts. And while around town data has been MUCH improved, streaming pandora is no longer something I could only dream of but a reality(with the high quality audio enabled). Browsing the web has been much quicker.
If anyone has questions feel free to ask.
i dont have the phone yet...im still debating if its much of an upgrade frkm the s3....but i do wanna know if it has the feature where u can be on the phone and can browse the net at the same time (s3 has this feature)...tia...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the review. I have the note 2 so I'm debating to get the s4 or wait for note 3. Any dislikes on the s4?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
musclehead84 said:
Thanks for the review. I have the note 2 so I'm debating to get the s4 or wait for note 3. Any dislikes on the s4?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing yet, though I'm coming from the E4GT so of course it seems a lot better.
It does not have this for 3g, but i have been able to do so while on wifi and have read it is capable while on LTE.
The s3 did do this while on 3g, this might be the only thing ive noticed that the s3 has the ability to do but not the s4.
No i have no dislikes so far for the s4, i think the 5in screen on the s4 is perfect. Ive messed around with the note2 and just not my cup of tea...but in regards to the s4 it has better specs than the note2 while still having a big screen.
musclehead84 said:
Thanks for the review. I have the note 2 so I'm debating to get the s4 or wait for note 3. Any dislikes on the s4?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok.....I'll bite.
#1 --> Price is too high. Note 2 premiered at this price but is larger and has a digitizer (Phablet). Way overpriced in my opinion compared to other new devices (at least on Sprint).
Coming from the S3, I find the build for the S4 very cheap feeling. It has a bit of a "hollow" sound to it. Also do not like the body style compared to the S3. It is boxier, more like the iphone5 with the chrome ring around it, and doesn't feel as good in my hand. When putting it to my ear it digs in a bit and not comfortable. I would rather see the power button back on top and not stick out so much. Last thing for now is how the camera sticks out (unlike the S3) and the phone sits right down on it.
Once I get a good case for it a lot of these gripes will disappear for me. However, for the cost of the device I was hoping for more.
There are far more positives than negatives but you didn't ask for those.
Do I think it is a worthwhile upgrade from the S3? Only if you have an upgrade to burn or upgrade every time a new phone comes out. Otherwise, an S3 with the right custom rom and tweaks gives a pretty good experience.
My $0.02.
Op.. you said that BB gave you $250 for the S3? How does that work if you don't mind me asking. Do they offer some type of trade in deal or was your contact up? I still have a year to go but the HTC one and the S4 seem very interesting
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
musclehead84 said:
Thanks for the review. I have the note 2 so I'm debating to get the s4 or wait for note 3. Any dislikes on the s4?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
My only dislike is how slippery the battery cover is. Coming from the E4GT I got used to the textured battery cover. Its nothing a good case wouldn't fix
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
http://www.bestbuytradein.com/bb/QuoteCalculator.cfm?category=mobile-phones
Find your phone on there and print the value off(just in case they try to hassel you) but take the phone in with the charger and anything you have like box or anything(just to ensure you get the highest value)
if you are not out of contract you might want to swap an old phone on your line so the One is not tied to the account. but my S3 was on my line and I didnt have an issue, but they put the value of the phone on a giftcard and then use that gift card towards the s4.
They buy back alot of stuff, i had a couple ps3 games and what not, but just find the value and go to a store.

Upgrade from Note 3

Hi I have a Note 3 with me and I got a Note 4 during Cyber monday and I also have a T-Mobile gc for 100 off. Also T-Mobile is buying back my Note 3 for 325. So my cost for the Note 4 is 325 (650-325 Trade in credit) I am confused now as is it worth it to spend the extra money now. Can people who have upgraded from Note 3 to Note 4 comment on this.
A couple of things about me.
Wife has a iphone 6 plus and we take pics with the 6 plus so I can live without a not so gr8 camers.
I dont game at all.
I love the Spen and take notes also browse the web a lot o my phone.
I went from the 3 to 4. The s pen on the 4 is better. I draw etc and it works so much nicer. I also like the upgraded software for the pen.
sent from my GN4 N910T 4.4.4 stock rooted
That's good to know, I don't draw but I like to write with the pen. other than that how is the rest. The writing is really nice on the Note 3 also. Overall how is tue performance of Note 4 805 processor?
Another thing is we are also going to get 64 bit processor Soon- And the Note 5 next year will definitely have 64 bit processor. So I am really confused is it worth while to wait or upgrade and more over my Note 3 is in good condition.
Well all I can say is everything I do feels faster. Chromecast video play better. I do a mix of reading, watching videos, games, drawing, writing and replaced my PC with the note line. The Note 4 only has 2 things I don't like. I don't need QHD, it makes on screen elements a little to small in Ingress. The other is they didn't keep the temperature sensor. Other then those two minor issues I can't find issue with it.
I can't wait to see some custom ROMs over the next few months. I have owned a lot of phones and tablets and by far the Note 4 is my favorite. I do use Nova launcher since I can't stand the limits in TW.
sent from my GN4 N910T 4.4.4 stock rooted
Well I know the s6 was supposed to cone with new chip set but they stopped that. Nobody knows what note 5 will come with. 32 works great so is 64 gonna be better. Who knows. Samsung don't even know yet. They still have no real idea till they fix issues with s6 and then maybe focus on 5.0 for note 4 then get back to building note 5
BAD ASS NOTE 4
It's probably an unpopular opinion to have in this forum, but i'm a little disappointed I spent the money to upgrade. It's not to say the Note 4 isn't a great phone, out of anything out there right now it's an easy pick for me, but it is in no way a significant upgrade from the 3. There are some very slight improvements, the screen for one. The screen on the 3 was already stellar, so it's hard to achieve a major upgrade here. The camera gets slightly more detail, although the photos are noisier and have more sharpening added to them (possibly the reason for the added noise?). The battery life is worse, not by a significant amount, but it is still worse for me. I notice no speed difference at all, if one exists it's too slight for my level of perception. The speaker is worse, maybe not in quality, but in placement. The build is nicer, definitely feels higher quality, but this is perception too, the Note 3 was already proven to be quite tough. I keep my phone in a case, so that's ultimately not much of a benefit to me either. The fingerprint scanner I don't use, tried it and it often required multiple swipes, seems easier to just enter a code. The new white/cyan color scheme is atrocious, and I don't know what the hell they were thinking doing this on a phone with an AMOLED screen. Black backgrounds make MUCH more sense, not just to take advantage of high AMOLED contrast, but to conserve battery power also.
All in all, I regret spending $400 to upgrade, but the Note 4 is still an awesome phone. If I had been upgrading from an S4 or a Note 2, something along those lines, I think I would have a lot less regret about the money spent. Ultimately it depends on how much you want the slight improvements.
I came from an s4. Not a note 3.
But, I can tell you this phone is awesome. It's the "it" phone. And, will be for a long time.
Take the money for the note 3 and take the plunge.
My path has been g1and a wing, g2, s2, s3, s4, note 4.
I wouldn't have considered a note up until now because of the lack of development.
But, now. It's awesome. And, we are so lucky it's not locked down like the other carriers.
PS
We won't hate you because you admitted you have an iPhone.
Android_Monsters said:
I came from an s4. Not a note 3.
But, I can tell you this phone is awesome. It's the "it" phone. And, will be for a long time.
Take the money for the note 3 and take the plunge.
My path has been g1and a wing, g2, s2, s3, s4, note 4.
I wouldn't have considered a note up until now because of the lack of development.
But, now. It's awesome. And, we are so lucky it's not locked down like the other carriers.
PS
We won't hate you because you admitted you have an iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have the iPhone and there are some things which the iPhone is better, but again per me it all depends on what you do with the phone..
T mobile offered you 325 for your note 3? Last time I checked it was 190.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
T mobile offered you 325 for your note 3? Last time I checked it was 190.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believe it is still there and also sprint offers the same you may match the trade in value with them.
kgbeezr1 said:
It's probably an unpopular opinion to have in this forum, but i'm a little disappointed I spent the money to upgrade. It's not to say the Note 4 isn't a great phone, out of anything out there right now it's an easy pick for me, but it is in no way a significant upgrade from the 3. There are some very slight improvements, the screen for one. The screen on the 3 was already stellar, so it's hard to achieve a major upgrade here. The camera gets slightly more detail, although the photos are noisier and have more sharpening added to them (possibly the reason for the added noise?). The battery life is worse, not by a significant amount, but it is still worse for me. I notice no speed difference at all, if one exists it's too slight for my level of perception. The speaker is worse, maybe not in quality, but in placement. The build is nicer, definitely feels higher quality, but this is perception too, the Note 3 was already proven to be quite tough. I keep my phone in a case, so that's ultimately not much of a benefit to me either. The fingerprint scanner I don't use, tried it and it often required multiple swipes, seems easier to just enter a code. The new white/cyan color scheme is atrocious, and I don't know what the hell they were thinking doing this on a phone with an AMOLED screen. Black backgrounds make MUCH more sense, not just to take advantage of high AMOLED contrast, but to conserve battery power also.
All in all, I regret spending $400 to upgrade, but the Note 4 is still an awesome phone. If I had been upgrading from an S4 or a Note 2, something along those lines, I think I would have a lot less regret about the money spent. Ultimately it depends on how much you want the slight improvements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking time to explain it. I do feel same but I also think by upgrading we will have a newer device and also the warranty is now extended to one more year. Look at this this way say if we were to sell our note 3 end of 2015 we would hardly get anything out of it but by selling note 4 at least we get 300 so our upgrade might be only 25..... That is where I have the whole confusion.
My Note 3 battery barely makes it to the end of the day. I am not rooted and don't want to as I use a lot of soft card for cash back. I definitely don't want to loose that.
steve_togo said:
Yes I believe it is still there and also sprint offers the same you may match the trade in value with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh right this must be for folks that are not existing t mobile customers .
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
Oh right this must be for folks that are not existing t mobile customers .
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope I am an existing customer. Did you check online.. What device do you have.
steve_togo said:
Nope I am an existing customer. Did you check online.. What device do you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had checked. I upgraded from a note 3 to a note 4 a few weeks back actually. That's why I sold mine on craigs list for funnily enough $325 as T Mobile were offering peanuts.
By the way well worth the upgrade. Think of it a refinement at its best.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
I had checked. I upgraded from a note 3 to a note 4 a few weeks back actually. That's why I sold mine on craigs list for funnily enough $325 as T Mobile were offering peanuts.
By the way well worth the upgrade. Think of it a refinement at its best.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much did you pay and how many days has it been.
steve_togo said:
How much did you pay and how many days has it been.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
11/13 I beleive it was bought usual price whatever it was. I think 750 plus tax.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
T mobile offered you 325 for your note 3? Last time I checked it was 190.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my friend just got a good deal I think is was a little bit less but I guessing phone still sells
BAD ASS NOTE 4
steve_togo said:
Thanks for taking time to explain it. I do feel same but I also think by upgrading we will have a newer device and also the warranty is now extended to one more year. Look at this this way say if we were to sell our note 3 end of 2015 we would hardly get anything out of it but by selling note 4 at least we get 300 so our upgrade might be only 25..... That is where I have the whole confusion.
My Note 3 battery barely makes it to the end of the day. I am not rooted and don't want to as I use a lot of soft card for cash back. I definitely don't want to loose that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good points, resale and warranty are valid reasons to trade up. My comments really focused on the complaints that I have with the phone as most other people have covered the high points, and of course there are many. It's subjective, obviously, but I don't think anything else out there at the moment surpasses it as a complete package.
I never owned a note 3 before. But I do own a 2012 Note 10.1 which I love very much. This Note 4 is even faster than my tablet and it really is impressive with everything I can do with it.
From Dante's Inferno via XDA Premium HD

Am I too poor to be excited about the Note 4?

OK, I guess if I had infinite money, then I'd just go out and buy a new smartphone every year, but unfortunately I'm not. Though I will spend money on tech that I think are important, eg I bought a little xmas prezzie for myself in the form of a 51 inch plasma telly.
It's just that I already have a Note 2. I'd be paying a fair bit of money over 24 months to get a Note 4 and I just don't feel as excited by this piece of new tech as I "should be"? The screen isn't much bigger than the Note 2, which 2 years on still actually does everything I need it to do, though it has inexplicable slowed down a little than it used to be (maybe memory too full).
It just doesn't seem that revolutionary from the Note 2. My last 3 phones were Nokia N86, Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy Note 2. And going to the Note 4 just doesn't as seem as revolutionary as the previous jumps?
I have mucho respect for you! I wish I could make a full 2 year run on a smartphone. I haven't found one that either didn't crash, smash, or just frustrate me to hell and back (or I fried rooting it). I actually liked my LG G2 and wouldn't have upgraded, but it hit the 6 month mark and the digitizer went haywire. 6 months. That's the least time any phone has lasted me. A year is average. So far, I'm not impressed with my Note 4, and may return it within the 14-day period. The battery life is truly unimpressive, the camera has focus problems, it lags all over the place, the interface is so...2010...the only thing that I really do like about it: SAMOLED. The Samsung displays are beautiful, and it doesn't hurt my head at all. My G2 gave me headaches. I may 'downgrade' or just try another device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
I pulled the triger and after 2 years I switched from Note 2. You right, it is not a big jump like before ( originally switched from HTC G2 to Note 2 ) but there is not coming back to 720p screen for me. This one is a beast.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
I had the note 2 for a full year right when it came out. I sold it after a year to get the g2. After a year with the g2, I'm so glad to be back to the note family, specifically the note 4. This phone is a beast, I can easily see myself keeping this one for a full 2 years!! It's definitely an upgrade over the note 2 by leaps and bound.
keithfrombm said:
i have mucho respect for you! I wish i could make a full 2 year run on a smartphone. I haven't found one that either didn't crash, smash, or just frustrate me to hell and back (or i fried rooting it). I actually liked my lg g2 and wouldn't have upgraded, but it hit the 6 month mark and the digitizer went haywire. 6 months. That's the least time any phone has lasted me. A year is average. So far, i'm not impressed with my note 4, and may return it within the 14-day period. The battery life is truly unimpressive, the camera has focus problems, it lags all over the place, the interface is so...2010...the only thing that i really do like about it: Samoled. The samsung displays are beautiful, and it doesn't hurt my head at all. My g2 gave me headaches. I may 'downgrade' or just try another device.
Sent from my samsung-sm-n910a using xda free mobile app
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i am sorry to say this but you are lying! Troll alert!
I bought the note 2 when it came out and loved it but was getting some usb charge board issues about a month before the note 4 came out, i decided to pre order the note 4 and got it on release day and it's a superb phone the best I've ever owned and a good upgrade from the note 2 I think personally.
The screen alone is amazing.
@Rudy:
What specifically is he lying about?
Some people have reported battery issues, and it is a known fact that TouchWiz is somewhat laggy compared to other launchers/themes. Although it has been getting a lot better in recent versions and IME, I have almost no lag on my phone. Also if you check around quite a few people have been having an issue with their camera and focus issues.
His personal experiences with various phones are his own. Unless you were there to witness his usage of the phones.
Calling someone a troll and a liar without backing it up with verifiable facts from credible industry sources is in very poor form and very un-cool.
So either provide some backup with verifiable links to industry sources to prove him/her wrong, or quietly go on with your life and leave others be.
i upgrade on a 5 yr cycle. went to the note 4 910u from a nokia n8.
camera is slightly better (16mpx ois vs 12mpx), software is much better compared to symbian, storage is more (160GB vs 40GB), wireless charging and bluetooth and screen are better, lag is gone once i enabled dev mode with animations off.
i would not upgrade on less than a 4yr or 5yr cycle. thats the best ROI. if you have a note 2 stay with it until 2017/18.
Lol I cant stay on one phone more than 5 months
Sent from my SM-N910G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
keithfrombm said:
I have mucho respect for you! I wish I could make a full 2 year run on a smartphone. I haven't found one that either didn't crash, smash, or just frustrate me to hell and back (or I fried rooting it). I actually liked my LG G2 and wouldn't have upgraded, but it hit the 6 month mark and the digitizer went haywire. 6 months. That's the least time any phone has lasted me. A year is average. So far, I'm not impressed with my Note 4, and may return it within the 14-day period. The battery life is truly unimpressive, the camera has focus problems, it lags all over the place, the interface is so...2010...the only thing that I really do like about it: SAMOLED. The Samsung displays are beautiful, and it doesn't hurt my head at all. My G2 gave me headaches. I may 'downgrade' or just try another device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Well it isn't the same for everyone. For me battery is awesome on this phone 6h non stop heavy usage, over 2 days on moderate - this is double comparing to my previous phone which was Nexus 5. Touchwiz is s#*@= comparing to Google launcher tough, went straight to nova. Basically my opinion is: brilliant piece of hardware and very, very bad software. I hope someday we will get pure android rom.
jeanclaudevandamme said:
OK, I guess if I had infinite money, then I'd just go out and buy a new smartphone every year, but unfortunately I'm not. Though I will spend money on tech that I think are important, eg I bought a little xmas prezzie for myself in the form of a 51 inch plasma telly.
It's just that I already have a Note 2. I'd be paying a fair bit of money over 24 months to get a Note 4 and I just don't feel as excited by this piece of new tech as I "should be"? The screen isn't much bigger than the Note 2, which 2 years on still actually does everything I need it to do, though it has inexplicable slowed down a little than it used to be (maybe memory too full).
It just doesn't seem that revolutionary from the Note 2. My last 3 phones were Nokia N86, Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy Note 2. And going to the Note 4 just doesn't as seem as revolutionary as the previous jumps?
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Click to collapse
The simple reason is because you are not fully utilising the Note 2 and hitting the boundaries of the phone itself. If you were hitting the edges you would notice that the extra performance from the Note 4 would be awesome.
I change my phone every few months and the boundary i had was lack of wireless charging on my previous phone (sony z2 32gb 3gb). The Samsung S4 and S5 had terrible camera and the lack of the additional 1GB really hurt.
It took me 3 weeks to open my note 4 box and start using it because i was putting off transferring the data. All i have really got from S5/Z2 to Note 4 is the wireless charging.
A|ex said:
The simple reason is because you are not fully utilising the Note 2 and hitting the boundaries of the phone itself. If you were hitting the edges you would notice that the extra performance from the Note 4 would be awesome.
I change my phone every few months and the boundary i had was lack of wireless charging on my previous phone (sony z2 32gb 3gb). The Samsung S4 and S5 had terrible camera and the lack of the additional 1GB really hurt.
It took me 3 weeks to open my note 4 box and start using it because i was putting off transferring the data. All i have really got from S5/Z2 to Note 4 is the wireless charging.
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Click to collapse
I would say that his approach is way more sensible than yours. You could have easily incorporate wireless charging to both xperia z2 and galaxy s5 for much less money than note 4 cost. If that was the only edge you were looking for you simply wasted your money.
torquadon said:
I would say that his approach is way more sensible than yours. You could have easily incorporate wireless charging to both xperia z2 and galaxy s5 for much less money than note 4 cost. If that was the only edge you were looking for you simply wasted your money.
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Click to collapse
Sony Z2 has no wireless charging at all only the Z3 has but it does have 3GB
Galaxy S5 only has 2GB not 3GB (not enough)
actually from looking at some rumours about upcoming phones, I'd be interested in the next-gen Sony Xperia Z Ultra, the so rumoured Z4 ultra, with 6.4" screen and 1440p and stylus support. but that's just vapourware atm, CES will tell.
funnily enough, i just want a bigger screen in a new phone, like that is literally the top priority. the current z ultra is a year old so its processors/res etc rules it out. though it's not too expensive to buy outright now on ebay.
I've upgraded from a note 2 and the difference is significant. The upgrade in these camera alone was worth it.
I started saving money when i bought the note 2, so the note 4 was paid off as soon as it came out.
I am writing this message from my note 2,as it's a nice device to mess around with now, and I'm currently running Lollipop ?
EP2008 said:
I've upgraded from a note 2 and the difference is significant. The upgrade in these camera alone was worth it.
I started saving money when i bought the note 2, so the note 4 was paid off as soon as it came out.
I am writing this message from my note 2,as it's a nice device to mess around with now, and I'm currently running Lollipop ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollipop on your note 2? Can you provide a link?
A|ex said:
Sony Z2 has no wireless charging at all only the Z3 has but it does have 3GB
Galaxy S5 only has 2GB not 3GB (not enough)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't check it for long time and didn't know that Sony resigned from wireless charging cover. My bad.
I'm not sure you understood his post. He didn't say that there is no difference, neither I did. All I am saying is, I believe his approach is more sensible. According to you 1gb ram and wireless charger is worth 600GBP, and for me it is not. Amount of people who will need that extra ram is relatively small, I updated from nexus 5 only because I could, not because it was by any means necessary. Both phones are more then capable of running any app from Google play smoothly, many of them would work better on nexus for that simple reason that Samsung apps use huge amount of ram/cpu and unless u root there is no way to disable them.
I was on the Note 3 and didn't had any plans to get the Note 4 as I thought it wasn't worth upgrading to.
But I haven't regret it a second! The quality of the phone is amazing! Better screen and better battery life. Love it!
/CK
I upgrade every two years. My previous phone was the note 2 and I'm thoroughly impressed. Everything, other than battery life, is a dramatic improvement. What really make this phone revolutionary upgrade from any other devise is gear vr. Think of all the advancements ever brought to the smartphone market and realize that nothing compares to gear vr.
Bruce lee roy said:
I upgrade every two years. My previous phone was the note 2 and I'm thoroughly impressed. Everything, other than battery life, is a dramatic improvement. What really make this phone revolutionary upgrade from any other devise is gear vr. Think of all the advancements ever brought to the smartphone market and realize that nothing compares to gear vr.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This plus imagine Note 4 + Gear VR + Gear S! Although Gear VR will not allow you to call or text when the user is wearing it, with Gear S, you could do that by talking to S-Voice! I have not tried this out personally - because I am poor, but it should work... right? :S That and advanced s-pen :3
But for the whole upgrading thing: If I were to upgrade my phone today - or within the year, I would go with the Note 4. If I were patient enough to wait a few more months, well, then clearly I wouldn't get the note 4 S: The way I see it though, technology has been upgrading crazy fast so it's no big deal if you're out of the loop lol
edit: I am biased though since I already own the note 4 + VR

Considering upgrade to Note 4

I've had my Note 2 for 3.5 years now and I still like it but have recently been trying to decide whether it's time to move on and get something newer.
I think the only phone that I'd really consider is the Note 4 (the 5 isn't available in the UK ). I'd probably be looking at paying the same for an 18 month old phone as I did when I got my N2 (£30/m) and I got that the same month it was released.
Is it much of an upgrade over the Note 2 and does it still hold its own against newer phones released? I like the S Pen and screen size otherwise I might consider something else. Or I could just keep my N2 for another year.
Chrissssssss said:
I've had my Note 2 for 3.5 years now and I still like it but have recently been trying to decide whether it's time to move on and get something newer.
I think the only phone that I'd really consider is the Note 4 (the 5 isn't available in the UK ). I'd probably be looking at paying the same for an 18 month old phone as I did when I got my N2 (£30/m) and I got that the same month it was released.
Is it much of an upgrade over the Note 2 and does it still hold its own against newer phones released? I like the S Pen and screen size otherwise I might consider something else. Or I could just keep my N2 for another year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
note 4 is a great phone, but if i were u i would wait or consider upgrading to s7 edge
From Note 2? Its a HUGE upgrade dude. For almost everything. Just compare the specs in GSMA, and its easy. Some things though can't be reflected on specs, and even in those areas its a huge upgrade. Just go for it.
I went from Note 2 to Note 4, and it was almost everything I hoped. Custom roms aren't as previlent, is the only downside, but cm13 is coming along nicely.
It's a huge upgrade
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
If software and half ass fingerprint reader isn't a problem, Note 4 is perfect and can still go toe to toe with current flagships.
whshkhalid said:
note 4 is a great phone, but if i were u i would wait or consider upgrading to s7 edge
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Click to collapse
Wait for what? The S7 edge is a silly price and I don't really see much use for the edge display. And I'd use a case that would cover it up anyway.
ithehappy said:
From Note 2? Its a HUGE upgrade dude. For almost everything. Just compare the specs in GSMA, and its easy. Some things though can't be reflected on specs, and even in those areas its a huge upgrade. Just go for it.
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Click to collapse
Thanks. If it lasts as long as my Note 2 has I'll be happy. I think I'll go for it
Last September did the same,had my note 2 for about 2,5 years. Gave note 2 to my wife and then compared with my note 4. Note 4 is much pretier and with better feel on the hand, the screen is a big difference,when we put side by side the qHD beats the hell out of the HD. Note 4 is of course faster,the camera is awesome. The only downside its the fingerprint reader,it fails me 4 out of 10. I rooted and wear lots of custom roms on the note 2. When oassed to my wife went with a note 4 port rom,but now on note 4 haven't felt the need to root,i like the stock and abilities of spen and stuff,that's why i bought the note series,so why would i change. I advise you to buy it. You will notice the change. I will only upgrade from note 4 when we have a newer note with foldable display or something really new,otherwise not worth it,they just make some tiny spec upgrade.
GPS is a let down on note 4 my only gripe
Had my note 4 for almost 2 years, use is as Sat Nav for almost all my journeys. battery is great and just got better with software update. I had one issue with my simcard reader but samsung sent someone to collect my phone and i had it back all working in a new housing with new battery and usb cable within a week. My next upgrade is hopefully going to be the note 6 if it has SD card support, if not then ill stick with my trusty note 4
sutty86 said:
GPS is a let down on note 4 my only gripe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here works fone and fast
The only thing I really miss from Note 2 is the FM radio receiver. There is also a question of size (the Note 4 is a bit taller and it shows when in pocket), durability (the plastic Note 2 held better the few dints and scratches than the metal Note 4) and the access to microSD card (blame Lollipop).
That said, it is a huge upgrade on most areas and a fantastic handset with both removable battery (I keep a spare always charged for a 2-minute 0% to 100%) and microSD card (to keep all those beautiful photos and videos it can capture and record, while also keeping a ton of media). The screen is beautiful and the quick charging ability is also of notice (for when you forget to bring the spare battery). The speaker is almost as week as the Note 2's, but it has great sound when coupled with decent headphones. For gaming, the Game Tuner app helps getting the balance between a good visual experience, frame rates and battery life (you just need to manually adjust the parameters). The S-Pen suite is also improved and the pen itself is leaps and bounds better (it comes with two spare tips as hard as the ones on Note 2 if you really want it).
Just go for it if you can't wait for Note 6 next September and are a Note fan.
Thanks everyone.
I hope I don't get GPS issues with the Note 4 and I do use that quite a lot on my Note 2. Is that something that shows up straight away if there's a problem or goes wrong after time?
I probably could wait 6 months but I'd have to wait 6 more after that as I'd probably renue my SIM only deal for another year if I kept the N2. Think I'll make the jump now. Very surprised there's nothing really catching my eye after 3.5 years.
Interestingly (maybe) EE don't actually sell the Note 4 directly anymore but loads of online places sell it with an EE contract.
I rarely use the FM radio on my phone so don't think I'll miss that. Is the SD card access the same as on a Lollipop CM ROM on this phone? And is Marshmallow out for the N4?
And spare tips for the pen sounds good. My daughter bit the end off my pen so I had to buy a new one
So The Note 4, it's excellent, the Camera rocks and removable battery and sdCard.
The s7 edge? From a Note? Don't do it - I did The s6edge+ fantastic, kept The Note.
You'll love it. Or wait for this years Note6 of that's an option.
The Note4 remains a fabulous phone.
Sent from my LG-H818 using XDA Premium HD app
Chrissssssss said:
And spare tips for the pen sounds good. My daughter bit the end off my pen so I had to buy a new one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont have any gps issues,marsmallow already came out for spring variant so ours should have it soon. And mine came with 3 black tips and 2 white ones and a small plier to exchange it. And again believe in me i also changed N2 for N4 and i never regretted or felt disappointed
Chrissssssss said:
Thanks everyone.
I hope I don't get GPS issues with the Note 4 and I do use that quite a lot on my Note 2. Is that something that shows up straight away if there's a problem or goes wrong after time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get the GPS issues on my phone either. Although GLONASS accessibility is an exclusively available thing in India. But if I remember right, Note 2 indeed was faster to have sat locks, I mean I don't remember much, cause its 3 years since I have used the Note 2 but it was almost instant outside and even in indoor it was 30 seconds if not less. This Note 4 on other hand takes around 30-60 seconds for outside lock sometimes for me (especially when my data is off), and in indoor in takes around a couple of minutes (again, if Data or WiFi is off). What I gather from these new phones is that they depend on your A-GPS setting quite a lot, which I don't think was the case with Note 2. In any case its no deal breaker at all. Just a little more waiting time, that's all. Accuracy is immaculate, far better than Note 2 anyway
In any case if problem should happen then there's an app called TopNTP, do install that, it made my otherwise half dead GPS response of my Note 3, somewhat half-awake. They keep some special NTP servers or something. Nifty app.
Chrissssssss said:
And is Marshmallow out for the N4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, for ONE carrier, in ONE country, Sprint or something. But I am sure the international release will happen soon.
Well my Note 4 has now been ordered. Got an email asking me to ring to give them some extra info or something but they're shut now.
Excited now No other phones I want, Note 5 not available over here (and no SD card ), Note 6 (if it does come to the UK) will probably be silly price, and I'm sure I'll be happy with the Note 4.
Thanks everyone
I got a note 4 off my brother and love it. It's quick, reliable and good battery life considering its nearly 2 years old.
Should you consider it is another question.
Pros:
Screen on par with most new phones, enough power and battery life is good enough considering the screen size and remember this was one of the first with qhd. Has everything the new Samsung phones have.
Cons - it's not 64bit and marshmallow update will probably be the last official update. There are only few custom roms which are up to date although you do have cm13 roms out there is you decide to give up on the spen features. If you looking to future proof yourself I would probably get a note 6 or find a note 5 on ebay. At least that way you'll get android n and more chances of newer custom roms.
If you not all interested in the updates you should definitely consider a note 4(there are note 5 ports which make your feel newer and echoerom online is excellent). Looks good and performance is as good as you can get out there. Plus it's a lot better than the note 2.

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