Is Note 2 still usable?

[heading4tomorrow]

With it's software limitation (lack of upgrade) is Note 2 still usable in terms of daily driver?
I am looking for a large screen Android device to test for couple of weeks and I thought Note 2 might be a good fit since it's affordable now if I can get one used.

Or should I just go with something else with more recent software?
Or just pay up and get Note 3?

 

[Ed Briggs]

Sure it's usable. Why not? It's not the fastest any more, but still good enough to get stuff done. There are people out there using much older phones still.

Let me add that I would put a custom rom on it to get the latest android. It'll be much better that way.

 

[wk123]

Still using it on stock 4.4. What are your other options?

 

[heading4tomorrow]

Sure it's usable. Why not? It's not the fastest any more, but still good enough to get stuff done. There are people out there using much older phones still.

Let me add that I would put a custom rom on it to get the latest android. It'll be much better that way.

What makes it not so fast anymore? Do these devices suffer from hardware degeneration over time? Considering it was pretty fast and fluid when it was released, does 4.4 make it run slower than it should? I am not considering custom rom because I want to retain all Samsung goodies (or annoyances, depending on who you ask) and I don't have hours to modify and try different roms.

I just wanted to know if, given it's processing speed, and somewhat low resolution for 5.5" screen, what would it compared to in today's standards?

Still using it on stock 4.4. What are your other options?

Galaxy S4, LG G2, Moto G 2nd Gen.
But to be honest, with 5.5", I don't think there are many other options. I actually want to use a larger device since it will mainly used for communication/email.

 

[wk123]

I was thinking about G2 but really wanted a removable battery.

 

[wk123]

I run into lag at times but Greenify helps

 

[Ed Briggs]

But to be honest, with 5.5", I don't think there are many other options. I actually want to use a larger device since it will mainly used for communication/email.

If that's gonna be your main usage, then there are A LOT of phones that will suffice. Pick one and go for it.

 

[heading4tomorrow]

If that's gonna be your main usage, then there are A LOT of phones that will suffice. Pick one and go for it.

Yes, but not at 5.5".
Maybe I can go for Galaxy S4, that one should be more recent and relatively faster & more flexible, what do you think.
Although I do like that pen on Note 2. Has the Pen improved a lot from Note 2 to Note 3 and 4? Or pen should not be a deciding factor and I should just consider S4 as well..?

Because once I go down to 5" that opens up a whole lot of possibilities, then I wouldn't really want to pay $200 for 5" device (used), since Moto G costs $180 brand new, but without LTE. Also, I kind of like the option of being able to use Micro-Sim so I can swap easily.

 

[Ed Briggs]

since Moto G costs $180 brand new, but without LTE. Also, I kind of like the option of being able to use Micro-Sim so I can swap easily.

They make a moto g lte edition for $20 more.

 

[heading4tomorrow]

They make a moto g lte edition for $20 more.

Really? Where can I buy that one? I didn't think that existed.
Unless you are referring to older version 4.5 with LTE?
I don't think there is 5" Moto G with LTE.

 

[Ed Briggs]

Really? Where can I buy that one? I didn't think that existed.
Unless you are referring to older version 4.5 with LTE?
I don't think there is 5" Moto G with LTE.

Sorry, apparently it's coming out soon. New Moto G model pops up sporting LTE and larger battery | Android Central

But, the current moto G is capable of HSPA+ (think 3g+) which is pretty fast. Not fast enough for you?

 

[tube517]

Note 2 is still a good phone. I don't plan on upgrading for a while but I rooted mine.

Are you considering rooting?

 

[tube517]

Note 2 is still a good phone. I don't plan on upgrading for a while but I rooted mine.

Are you considering rooting?

 

[heading4tomorrow]

Sorry, apparently it's coming out soon. New Moto G model pops up sporting LTE and larger battery | Android Central

But, the current moto G is capable of HSPA+ (think 3g+) which is pretty fast. Not fast enough for you?

AT&T's HSPA+ coverage is not great, speeds are really bad compared to their LTE speeds.
It's also not about being enough or not enough, it's just the capability of the device with different carriers.

 

[heading4tomorrow]

Note 2 is still a good phone. I don't plan on upgrading for a while but I rooted mine.

Are you considering rooting?

Rooting, very likely but I wouldn't run unofficial roms because most of those limit the functionality of the Note 2 since most of those don't come with Samsung's add-ons.

 

[tube517]

Rooting, very likely but I wouldn't run unofficial roms because most of those limit the functionality of the Note 2 since most of those don't come with Samsung's add-ons.

Actually, there are rooted versions of the stock ROM with all the Samsung apps intact. That Moto G LTE version sounds good.

 

[tube517]

Rooting, very likely but I wouldn't run unofficial roms because most of those limit the functionality of the Note 2 since most of those don't come with Samsung's add-ons.

Actually, there are rooted versions of the stock ROM with all the Samsung apps intact. That Moto G LTE version sounds good.

 

[heading4tomorrow]

Actually, there are rooted versions of the stock ROM with all the Samsung apps intact. That Moto G LTE version sounds good.

Thanks, so there is 4.4.2 for Note 2 currently and it runs smoothly with all Galaxy goodies intact?
I don't know if I should spend that much money on Note 2 or just save a bit more money and get S5 or S6, but I like the idea of Pen, I can't really spend $400+ for Note 3 or $600+ for Note 3. So for someone who just wants to try a new device and experience pen input, etc.. Note 2 should be fine, right? (except low res).

 

[coldspring22]

using Note 2 and S7 side by side as daily driver. I still prefer Note 2 over S7 except for two things - S7 has better camera and ultra power savings mode. That's it. Everything else, Note 2 is better.