Samsung Galaxy Note II Review | Pocketnow

"Is it a phone? Is it a tablet? It's Galaxy Note!"

So read the quote that kicked off the ad campaign surrounding the original Galaxy Note, the 5.3-inch hybrid device Samsung unveiled last year. Like many Samsung ad slogans, this one was a tad inaccessible, but at least the first two-thirds of it accurately stated the question a lot of us were asking: was the product a smartphone or was it a tablet? And furthermore, what place did it have in the market? What exactly did "it's Galaxy Note" mean?

To the surprise of some -and the delight of Samsung, no doubt- those questions didn't keep the original Galaxy Note from skyrocketing to success. As of August, Samsung had sold 10 million units worldwide, proving that "phablets" did indeed have a place in consumers' hearts and pockets. Before long, the company had single-handedly carved out a new category in mobile computing devices, and went on to expand the Note brand to include devices in other categories as well. A follow-on phablet seemed assured.

The Galaxy Note II is that device. We first got our hands on it at this year's IFA, and we've just wrapped up a solid week of testing our own review unit here in the States. We've editorialized on its hybrid nature, waxed poetic in video demos of its features, and even podcasted at length about this new kid on the phablet block. So, does the new smartphone/tablet live up to the high bar set by its predecessor? Grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up, and watch to find out.

to read the full review

Stay tuned for more, and thanks for watching.

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Pocketnow has been a key source of mobile technology news and reviews since its establishment in 2000. With offices on three continents, Pocketnow offers round-the-clock coverage of the mobile technology landscape, from smartphones to tablets to wearables. We aim to be your number-one source for mobile tech news, reviews, comparisons, and commentary. If you love mobile as much as we do, be sure to subscribe!

Samsung Galaxy Note II Review | Pocketnow

PocketNow

[ryehigh]

Your reviews are amazing. Really to the point and well organized.

[reallyryan_]

I miss this era of phones, back when devices were simple sure the build quality wasn't great but watching this in 2022 gives me such nostalgic vibes, my friend had this phone i had a HTC sensation XE with beats audio at the time. I didn't get into the phablet game until 2013 with the Galaxy note 3 all devices are kinda boring in 2022 exceptions from the Foldable/Z flips of the modern world.

[MilleniumSlickRick]

This is truly one of the best phone reviews I've ever seen.

[fletcha]

Just want to say thanks for making QUALITY videos!! Can really appreciate what you do after seeing some of the other reviews out there in Youtubeland!

[dmvuzi]

great review very well organized, best thing was that he didnt jus go over the same stuff that everyone else has already talk about a dozen time i learned some new stuff i didnt know about

[servel]

I miss when +pocketnow used to give actual ratings to phones during reviews.

[rodolfoortega]

Welcome at last Mr. Mobile!!! Enjoying your Note's reviews.. All of them.. Very nice walkaround and flashbacks... Pop up window is old man! hahahahha, 9 out of 10, love the index at the upper left corner... Captain2phones... nice... 10 / 10 still this review!!

[MexedAvian]

I have a note 2 and its awesome. Absolutely no complaints

[macleod]

Great review as usual. I just bought one of these things and totally agree with your conclusions. If you can handle the size (and price tag) this is the best Android phone on Verizon right now IMO.

[JosephBrown]

Great review, I'm getting my Note II delivered on Monday (01/07/13) can't wait! I especially liked the in depth video about the S-Pen, VERY helpful! Thanks!

[akamanonthemoon]

Very thorough review! You hit on many things I wanted to know about. I will be getting this phone!!!

[KanishQQuotes]

The phone runs fine on kitkat

Grey

My father uses it now

[Johnnyrebox]

Really like your reviews! This is how a review video should be.

[eval_is_evil]

I agree... The S3 makes the best pictures I ever saw on a mobile phone

[marion]

Can't wait for the "After the buzz" segment on the SGN II.

=)

[bxsteez]

Ok the light saber sound was totally AWESOME!!! lol

[dcfabrice]

Thank you Mr. Tony Stark. I'm still waiting for the super computers you used in the Ironman 2. Those were AWESOME.

[lcrazyl]

Hah! Amazing touch adding that light saber sound for the s pen, love it.

[RonRose]

Ever since buying a Note II it has become my favorite phone. I enjoyed the S line, but after holding this elegant monster in my hands there is no way I can go back to smaller phones.

[backdoorman]

this dude's reviews are epic. Like a boss