39 replies to this topic

[nik louch]

Hi

I'm in the market for a new phone. I was considering:
* iPhone 5
* Galaxy S3
* Galaxy Note 2

With the dull release of the iPhone5 and a few other reasons, I am now just focussing on staying with Android, and either the GS3 or Note 2.

In pretty much every single way, I find myself drawn towards the Note 2. It outclasses the S3 in a few areas, and I can quite hapilly deal with it's increased form factor - I see it as a plus for me.

HOWEVER...

The Galaxy S3 features a technology called MirrorLink - it allows certain smartphones (Android and WP7/8) to mirror their screen on in-car touch-screens. I have such a car stereo. Samsung apply this both via hardware as well as an app called DriveLink.

There is no word as to whether the Note 2 supports this also. Samsung state "it is on the S3 and will be on other handsets soon"...

Hmmmm, I have tried to email Samsung to ask, but no joy.

I don't suppose there is any other way to find out?

[Intrinsica]

I'm not sure about the MirrorLink question, but I have the S3 and a work colleague bought the Note a couple of days later (in an attempt to cast a shadow over my nice new toy). Sure enough, a couple of days after that he handed it back to the shop, he found it too large to be considered a useful phone.

Anyway, I'm throwing a vote to the S3. And you can be sure that the MirrorLink technology will be there.

[nik louch]

Note 2, not the original Note. I am happy with my size

[still1]

Both are pretty much same but Note 2 are customized for note taking features.

It comes down to what size you want now.

[+Chris123NT]

I would say go with the S3, the note is a little too big to be useful as a phone, especially if you keep it in your pocket most of the time.

[SteelToast]

I say go for the S3, as it a really good all-round phone, however, if you can wait a little longer, the Lumia 920 is right around the corner.

[zivan56]

I would go to the Note II. I have the Note I and the size is not an issue after the first couple of days. In fact, its becomes an advantage in terms of typing speed/accuracy as soon as you get used to it compared to a smaller phone.

[dtytfyiutiufg]

If you can I would say hold off getting a new phone for a little while longer. We have the new WP8 phones coming out soon plus the new Galaxy Nexus

[nik louch]

Cheers for the replies...

Anyone saying "Get the S3, it's great" - yes I know it is, but the Note 2 is faster - just a bigger faster S3. But My question remains, can I support Mirrorlink - I can't work out how to find out!

No desire to switch to WP8 (I kinda like WP8 but I do not like it enough to switch. Also why must people always advocate their 3rd option out of the two clear choices given).

[nik louch]

OK, to follow this up. Yes it does support MirrorLink, and I love my note 2

[SinghKing]

Does the note 2 have the same features like the s3 such as smart stay eye tracking and records video and takes pictures at the same time?

[CronicHazel]

Note 2 should have that same nifty stylus that the original Note has, something the GS3 is lacking.

If you value that, you should go for the note!

A little too large for my tastes, but it's definitely great if you are fine with the size.

[nik louch]

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Does the note 2 have the same features like the s3 such as smart stay eye tracking and records video and takes pictures at the same time?

Yes it does, and more. The dual screen isn't amazingly intuitive, but there's a few times already that it's been really handy.

Quote

Note 2 should have that same nifty stylus that the original Note has, something the GS3 is lacking.

It does, and I use it A LOT.

Quote

A little too large for my tastes, but it's definitely great if you are fine with the size.

I got used to it within about a day Now my GS2 feels tiny!

[Astra.Xtreme]

I think you made a good choice going with the Note 2. While the GS3 is indeed fast, the screen quality is terrible and the chassis is very cheaply made. I have one laying at home and I was very unimpressed with it. I haven't played with the Note 2 yet, but it wouldn't take much to beat the S3.

[nik louch]

I'd not be surprised if the screen and build of the S3 are on-par with the note 2. But I'm happy with both. It lives in a case so...