Galaxy Note 2 vs S3 vs iPhone 5 - Bang for your buck

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Mister Celery

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I got some good news! I have a relative who wants to upgrade to the iPhone in which I have it and I can use their upgrade for the note II

question now is Note II vs iPhone 5!





Hey guys I was wondering which phone is the best bang for the buck

I have the chance to get the
Galaxy Note 2 for 457 after taxes
Galaxy S3 for 352 after taxes
iPhone 5 for 400 after taxes

These prices are in USD and for me to use on tmobile's network
 
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Iphone will hold it's value better, and if you already have a ton of paid apps and/or prefer IOS, it is likely the best choice for you.
The S3 is a great phone with pretty impressive specs, including a rather large screen. But it will not hold it's value as well as an Iphone. If you prefer Android and/or have a large number of paid Android apps it is likely the better choice.
Gnote 2 is basically an S3 with a bigger screen, a great stylus, and massive battery life. If you can handle the size, and like the battery life and stylus, it may be the phone for you.
 
Are these tmobile subsidized phones? I'm pretty sure some of the other carrier's note 2 don't support the right frequencies, id have to check on iphones too.
 
GORANKAR said:
Iphone will hold it's value better, and if you already have a ton of paid apps and/or prefer IOS, it is likely the best choice for you.
The S3 is a great phone with pretty impressive specs, including a rather large screen. But it will not hold it's value as well as an Iphone. If you prefer Android and/or have a large number of paid Android apps it is likely the better choice.
Gnote 2 is basically an S3 with a bigger screen, a great stylus, and massive battery life. If you can handle the size, and like the battery life and stylus, it may be the phone for you.
Click to expand...

You leave out that the screen on the N2 is far better than the s3 in image quality... And the far superior other system specs... Calling it an enlarged s3 ignores all the salient hardware differences
 
GORANKAR said:
Iphone will hold it's value better, and if you already have a ton of paid apps and/or prefer IOS, it is likely the best choice for you.
The S3 is a great phone with pretty impressive specs, including a rather large screen. But it will not hold it's value as well as an Iphone. If you prefer Android and/or have a large number of paid Android apps it is likely the better choice.
Gnote 2 is basically an S3 with a bigger screen, a great stylus, and massive battery life. If you can handle the size, and like the battery life and stylus, it may be the phone for you.
Click to expand...


I see...hmm well im not invested in either operating system... I'm coming from a dumb phone so either ecosystem works good for me. I'm just trying to find the best deal.

Trimlock said:
Are these tmobile subsidized phones? I'm pretty sure some of the other carrier's note 2 don't support the right frequencies, id have to check on iphones too.
Click to expand...

The note and s3 is somewhat subsidized im on the value plan + I got a discount on phones to get the price.

The iphone 5 is what I already have

the note2 and s3 will come from tmobile
iphone 5 works on tmobile but at edge speed since my area hasnt refarmed to 1900 mhz yet
 
Id go with the note 2, trying it out myself and im 100% buying it after the new year (for tmobile). I'm not a fan of ios either but I'm a great admirer of what they provide.

Id say I had mix feelings with the s3 after a free trial with the phone. Don't get me wrong, it was a fine piece of hardware just the note 2 was that more awesome.

Oh you can also sell that iphone for much more then what the others will go for now. Pocket some change is always nice.
 
Trimlock said:
Id go with the note 2, trying it out myself and im 100% buying it after the new year (for tmobile). I'm not a fan of ios either but I'm a great admirer of what they provide.

Id say I had mix feelings with the s3 after a free trial with the phone. Don't get me wrong, it was a fine piece of hardware just the note 2 was that more awesome.

Oh you can also sell that iphone for much more then what the others will go for now. Pocket some change is always nice.
Click to expand...

I see... The prices are what I factored in if I sold the iPhone 5 for a bare minimum of $500 (I know it goes for more but I wanted to calculate worse case scenario) basically all those phones would be + $100

Galaxy Note 2 = 557 after taxes - $100 profit from selling the iphone 5 = $457
Galaxy S3 = 452 - $100 profit from selling= $352
and well the iPhone I bought with a slick deal @ $400.


I'm just wondering what phone is best for the money. I do value battery life in which the note 2 is #1, iphone 5 is #2, and gs3 is #3 but i have to look at the overall features and offerings of the phone to make an informed decision
 
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 beats both the SGS3 and the Apple iPhone 5.

Why?

Because of the big screen. I've held it myself and compared it to the SGS3 and iPhone 5 and I don't see how anyone can go back to a smaller screen.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has a beautiful Super AMOLED screen and uses an RGB pixel matrix, not PenTile. Many people say that the SGN2's display is better than the SGS3's display. Super AMOLED technology has more vibrant colors and infinite contrast and hence having the deepest black levels.

The SGS3 is still a great choice. Optimized software, no lag and buttery smooth web browsing, UI and excellent camera software options. The only beef is the PenTile pixel matrix but the Super AMOLED screen still has the best contrast levels and hence the deepest black levels.

The Apple iPhone 5 is a great choice for those who want simplicity. Be warned though, the tiny screen is rather disappointing because everything including text is so tiny. The display and backlighting technology behind it is excellent but still doesn't beat the HTC One X's SLCD 2 display. Reading text was annoying coming from a phone with a bigger screen.

If I was in your position, I would get the SGN2.
 
Really it depends on what you want.

Media: iPhone is best (media uses less power, it's better organized, it syncs from PC to iPhone over WiFi automatically, you can stream easily using AirVideo and it ties in with AppleTV and AirPlay Audio devices seamlessly), then Note (because of it's massive screen), and S3 is last

Number Crunching/Productivity: the iPhone boasts the best scores on benchmarks, but from a user-standpoint, I find Android to fare a lot better. so I'd rate the Note2 first due to screen, then the S3, then the iPhone

Battery Life: This is a tough call, after using both iPhone and Note2 and seeing an average of only 10-12% battery drain, I'd call it even, but the note gets bonus points for have a swappable battery (and extended battery avalible), so I'd say Note, iPhone, S3

Customization: both the note and S3 run android which is extremely customizable out of the box and even more so when rooted. the iPhone5 allows you to set the "desktop" and "lockscreen" images and... well that's about it. Without a Jailbreak there is almost no personalization (and even with one, I'd still rank an android device above iOS) so Note/S3 (Tie) and iPhone a distant second...
 
I absolutely hate iTunes. I find it to be really buggy and annoying to use. Syncing is sometimes buggy.

Although I hate Samsung Kies, it's not buggy. It gets the job done. Media is very well organized on Jellybean 4.1.2.

I would say the SGN2 and the SGS3 beat the iPhone 5 in terms of media.
 
ItaliaFerrari said:
I absolutely hate iTunes. I find it to be really buggy and annoying to use. Syncing is sometimes buggy.

Although I hate Samsung Kies, it's not buggy. It gets the job done. Media is very well organized on Jellybean 4.1.2.

I would say the SGN2 and the SGS3 beat the iPhone 5 in terms of media.
Click to expand...

To be fair, on a Mac iTunes works a shitton better (I agree, I hate it too, but when you have 5 apple devices, that auto-sync is wonderful and my iPhone and iPad both randomly disappear and reappear in iTunes, but within 24 hours it always syncs...)

I've not had much time to play with media on my Note2 yet, keep in mind the majority of my media experience was on Froyo(?), GB, and HC with a little on ICS. I did notice that the new music app can actually read the ID3 tags properly now (even if it STILL gets the album art wrong 3/4 of the time)

I still give iPhone the crown for 2 reasons: INSANE battery life when using it as an MP3 player (I think I clocked 7% drain after 4 hours) and Airplay/AirVideo ---- yes, I know there are android options but last I checked they were a lot more cumbersome than apple's software and crashed a lot more.
 
Galaxy Note 2 (SG3 aswell but without the pen input and better battery etc)

Beautiful Large Screen and higher res than iphone 5 (movies look and play better on a native hd resolution, iphone 5 would have to downscale 720p movies) Big screen gaming and easier on the eyes.
Amazing Battery life
Swappable Battery
NFC (not on iphone 5)
Pen Input (youll use this more than you think. Not on Iphone 5)
Can buy the dock and use it as a desktop ie output to hd monitor and use mouse and keyboard.
File Manager
Expandble Storage (currently my Note 2 has 80gb, 16gb built in plus 64 gig sd card, which is not possible on any iphone)
Splitscreen Multitasking on Note 2 for easier use and consumption ie have a tv program playing on one half whilst youre messaging/emailing someone or surfing on the other half.
Better free Apps on Android. Yes not as many polished but more flexible apps on android.
More freebies on android like massive amounts of online storage free (upload 20000 songs to google music for free) and drive handles bigger file sizes compared to icloud.
Better File Playback The note 2 plays all sorts of movie files natively.
 
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Have you considered the Nexus 4, if you don't need more than 16GB of storage?
 
Skripka said:
You leave out that the screen on the N2 is far better than the s3 in image quality... And the far superior other system specs... Calling it an enlarged s3 ignores all the salient hardware differences
Click to expand...

It really is an just an enlarged S3, with a small overclock, a bigger screen, bigger battery, and stylus hardware/software. I really like my Gnote2, but I am not going to pretend it is a world different than the S3. Our opinions may just differ.
 
GORANKAR said:
It really is an just an enlarged S3, with a small overclock, a bigger screen, bigger battery, and stylus hardware/software. I really like my Gnote2, but I am not going to pretend it is a world different than the S3. Our opinions may just differ.
Click to expand...

Try taking your CDMA s3 to Europe, or try using your GSM s3 on CDMA networks...and see how well it works. ;)

*Of course you could settle for the international version of the s3...which has a gimped RAM chip in it compared to the carrier locked version.
 
Skripka said:
Try taking your CDMA s3 to Europe, or try using your GSM s3 on CDMA networks...and see how well it works. ;)

*Of course you could settle for the international version of the s3...which has a gimped RAM chip in it compared to the carrier locked version.
Click to expand...

Hardly salient to the OP's stated needs for a T-Mobile compatible phone don't you think? :)
 
Mister Celery said:
Hey guys I was wondering which phone is the best bang for the buck

I have the chance to get the
Galaxy Note 2 for 457 after taxes
Galaxy S3 for 352 after taxes
iPhone 5 for 400 after taxes

These prices are in USD and for me to use on tmobile's network
Click to expand...

May I ask what type of user you are? That is, do you like customizing your phone or prefer something that just works straight out of the box? Do you need the larger screens of the Note 2/S3?
 
lawlz_xd said:
May I ask what type of user you are? That is, do you like customizing your phone or prefer something that just works straight out of the box? Do you need the larger screens of the Note 2/S3?
Click to expand...

I think "works out of the box" doesn't really apply here (unless it's refering to iphone for something I'm not aware of); gf's SGS3 hasn't had any glaring issues out of the box (two weeks heavy phone/text/media/internet use), but she's been using it mostly post-JB update.
 
After reading this thread. I think I'll stick to the iPhone. At the price I bought it for and the lower depreciation rate. If i do ever decide to switch phones the iPhone should hold it's value more.

Thanks everyone!
 
Among these choices the iPhone 5 has the fastest hardware, the longest battery life for both wifi and LTE browsing, the best app market, and the highest resale value.

If you want a big screen then the Note 2 is the way to go. I have a hard time recommending the GS3 over the Note 2 because despite its more reasonable size, I really dislike its Pentile display and the way it makes text and fine details look.
 
Serpico said:
Among these choices the iPhone 5 has the fastest hardware, the longest battery life for both wifi and LTE browsing, the best app market, and the highest resale value.
Click to expand...

You forgot to mention it has the worst maps app and faulty navigation. Also the purple haze camera problem where photos taken in daylight are tinted in purple.

Also tiny screen.
 
Google Maps is available for iOS again, so maps isn't an issue anymore.
 
Tyler-Durden said:
All I need now to upgrade to the 5 is an untethered jailbreak... ain't holding my breath, tho.
Click to expand...

Given what I've read from the top JB hackers, I jumped ship. I'm back on Android and my policy is now "dont buy a phone expecting an unreleased feature" (Remember the 5 was "Jailbroken" on release day and was going to be "the fastest ever JB of iOS")

Also, I've used Apple's iOS6 maps and personally have had zero problems... I think it depends on location more than anything else - I live just a short drive from Atlanta, I'm betting someone in boondocks-utah would have a lot more trouble.
 
Ashton said:
Given what I've read from the top JB hackers, I jumped ship. I'm back on Android and my policy is now "dont buy a phone expecting an unreleased feature" (Remember the 5 was "Jailbroken" on release day and was going to be "the fastest ever JB of iOS")

Also, I've used Apple's iOS6 maps and personally have had zero problems... I think it depends on location more than anything else - I live just a short drive from Atlanta, I'm betting someone in boondocks-utah would have a lot more trouble.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I certainly remember all the JB hype for the 5. Never believed it. Been waiting impatiently, but I've read what you've read and have my doubts that we'll ever see it.

I'm near Atlanta, too. What Android phone did you get? I tried the Note 2, but it's awfully big. The HTC DNA's poor battery life and no expandable storage kills it. I hear interesting rumors about the GS4, but we all know the folly of trusting rumors.
 
Pylon said:
Google Maps is available for iOS again, so maps isn't an issue anymore.
Click to expand...

Although its about time ios got google navigation It is an issue for a lot of people. Its still missing big features like offline maps, biking navigaton, voice guided walking and real time traffic.
 
ItaliaFerrari said:
You forgot to mention it has the worst maps app and faulty navigation. Also the purple haze camera problem where photos taken in daylight are tinted in purple.

Also tiny screen.
Click to expand...

As was mentioned, Google Maps is there and largely fixes the navigation issue (I suspect the missing features mostly reflect Google's rush to get the app out in 2012).

When it comes to the camera, you're not really accurate. The purple haze appears when there's a bright light source just outside of the view that interacts with the camera in a certain way. You only very seldomly see it, and I've seen the issue appear with other phones -- Galaxy S III / Note II included.

That's not to excuse Apple from inadvertently introducing a hiccup that shouldn't be there, but I'd take the iPhone 5's camera over Samsung's. It loses burst shots, but it has a wider dynamic range and performs better in low light.
 
Aurelius said:
As was mentioned, Google Maps is there and largely fixes the navigation issue (I suspect the missing features mostly reflect Google's rush to get the app out in 2012).

When it comes to the camera, you're not really accurate. The purple haze appears when there's a bright light source just outside of the view that interacts with the camera in a certain way. You only very seldomly see it, and I've seen the issue appear with other phones -- Galaxy S III / Note II included.

That's not to excuse Apple from inadvertently introducing a hiccup that shouldn't be there, but I'd take the iPhone 5's camera over Samsung's. It loses burst shots, but it has a wider dynamic range and performs better in low light.
Click to expand...

Never had the purple haze problem happen on my sister's SGS3.
 
Personally, I'd go for the Note 2.

After soft-bricking my GS3 yesterday, I figured I'd have to go out and get a new one/try a warranty replacement despite its bricking being from a bad CyanogenMod flash. (Read the release notes when going off-brand, as every once in a while, you'll get something that says "data is broken"). It took a long time, but I was able to get it back running the stock OS, fixed the modem, re-rooted, cleared the custom boot flag which went from 0 to 7 while trying to fix things, and in the end switched to LiquidSmooth so I'd have 4.2 instead of 4.1.

The Note 2 has a better screen, better CPU. If you can handle the phablet size, it's a great phone. If I had to replace the GS3, or start anew, that's what I'd go for. The only thing it doesn't have is Nexus status...which will likely be what I do for all my future phones.

iPhone isn't even on my shortlist for consideration, because I simply prefer the Android ecosystem. I've been very disappointed in my work iPhones.
 
ItaliaFerrari said:
Never had the purple haze problem happen on my sister's SGS3.
Click to expand...

I've not had it on my iPhone 5 and I take lots of pictures. I think it's a very rare occurance on _any_ device

burritoincognito said:
The Note 2 has a better screen, better CPU. If you can handle the phablet size, it's a great phone.
Click to expand...

Actually the iPhone's CPU outperformed the Note2's CPU in standarized benchmarks (as per HoFo's official review - not really looked elsewhere, could be a fluke)

I do agree with the screen, I just watched a movie on mine today and the screen is amazing, not to mention iirc it's actual 720p HD (though by that same token, it is HUGE which is a turnoff for a lot of buyers who arent big on media --- it doesnt fit well in my pocket and every time I lean forward I can clearly feel the edge, ordered a belt holster today for this reason)
 
I got some good news! I have a relative who wants to upgrade to the iPhone in which I have it and I can use their upgrade for the note II

question now is Note II vs iPhone 5!
 
The iPhone doesn't do anything the Galaxy Note II can't. However, the same statement doesn't apply vice-versa.
 
Go to a store and try out both. That would be my advice. A 5.5" device and a 4" device feel really different in your hand.
 
Ashton said:
Actually the iPhone's CPU outperformed the Note2's CPU in standarized benchmarks (as per HoFo's official review - not really looked elsewhere, could be a fluke)
Click to expand...


I was comparing the Note 2 with the GS3, not the iPhone, actually. iOS/Android are too different in environment...I feel you either want to go Android where choices matter, or you get an iPhone 5.
 
officer921 said:
Note II is far and away the best phone ever created.
Click to expand...

lawlz_xd said:
The iPhone doesn't do anything the Galaxy Note II can't. However, the same statement doesn't apply vice-versa.
Click to expand...

Pylon said:
Go to a store and try out both. That would be my advice. A 5.5" device and a 4" device feel really different in your hand.
Click to expand...

lawlz_xd said:
4" is simply too small for me after having 3 phones that had 4.5"+ displays.
Click to expand...

burritoincognito said:
I was comparing the Note 2 with the GS3, not the iPhone, actually. iOS/Android are too different in environment...I feel you either want to go Android where choices matter, or you get an iPhone 5.
Click to expand...


I actually have played with both phones. I don't feel like the size on the Note II is a problem... actually I kind of feel like the iPhone is small. I'm not sure if its placebo or anything but when I text on the iphone my thumbs get a certain level "cramped/weird discomfort" but on the Note II it is less

I like Android OS because of the ability to customize to my liking. My past few weeks with my iphone has been a tad bit disappointing but I haven't been able to test drive an Android OS device for a few weeks either so I don't want to be further disappointed...

I value the following things:
1. Battery Life
2. Durability
3. Ability to Make Clear Phone Calls (I heard the Note II has a better radio for cellular reception? Can anyone clarify?)
4. Ability to customize my phone (Android is native but jailbreak is required on the iphone)
 
lawlz_xd said:
The iPhone doesn't do anything the Galaxy Note II can't. However, the same statement doesn't apply vice-versa.
Click to expand...

Nah, that's just not true, and that's coming from someone who uses both platforms frequently.

The iPhone is still a better device for media junkies, especially if they have locally stored content on their PCs (say what you will about iTunes, it's a lot faster and deeper for local sync). The camera is consistently better. There are more high-quality apps -- not just games -- and they tend to arrive first or exclusively for iOS.

Also, a rather important point: the iPhone 5 can be used in one hand. I love the Note II, but it very clearly requires dedicating both hands. Anyone who has tried to text a friend while carrying a shopping bag knows why one-handed use shouldn't be overlooked. And only one of these phones is small enough that I'd go running with it...
 
Aurelius said:
There are more high-quality apps -- not just games -- and they tend to arrive first or exclusively for iOS.
Click to expand...
It's hard to imagine this continuing indefinitely, as Android's market share lead keeps pulling away. I realize that programming for one device is a lot easier than programming for hundreds of devices, which makes iOS development an easier proposition, all else equal. Still, developers will have to get over it eventually; more and more of the world is coming online with smartphones every day, and the vast majority run Android.
 
Aurelius said:
Also, a rather important point: the iPhone 5 can be used in one hand. I love the Note II, but it very clearly requires dedicating both hands. Anyone who has tried to text a friend while carrying a shopping bag knows why one-handed use shouldn't be overlooked. And only one of these phones is small enough that I'd go running with it...
Click to expand...

My SO is 5'3", and has no issue one handing the Gnote 2, One hand useability is greatly improved from the first Gnote. Lowering the lock button, and including the below keyboard option stock, has made it useable one handed for most people.

2012-12-24-08-00-29_zpse8941061.png
 
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