[Galaxy Note II General] BarryH_GEG:
Here are my thoughts; maybe they'll help others deciding whether to leave the N2 for the N3. First, the N2’s been the best phone I’ve ever owned. Its combination of features and performance make it a great all-around device. I’m one of the few that actually use S Pen, S Note, multiview, the Pop up browser, Samsung Link, KiesAir and quite a few of Samsung’s other s/w features. I’m going to get a N3 as soon as I can, probably the Octa/Mali version. If the S-800 international version supports global LTE than I may get it instead. I have no interest in a U.S. carrier version of the N3.

Here are my main reasons for switching:

Performance – While the N2’s no slouch more is always better; especially from the GPU. I’m sure that the N3 having twice the pixel count of the N2 is going to offset some of that performance but it should still be a noticeably smoother device. That’s in spite of the boat load of additional s/w “tricks” that will most likely be included which is why I’m betting Samsung’s upped the RAM to 3GB (which in retrospect they should have done with the SGS4). The RAM on the N3 is also supposed to be faster than the SGS4.

32GB of Storage – Even though I’m sure we’ll be paying for it via a higher MSRP I’m thrilled that the N3 will start at 32GB (assuming the rumor’s true). It’s great that Samsung created an A2SD feature starting with the SGS4 but it does you know good on certain DRM protected apps that won’t/don’t recognize external storage.

The Camera – 13MP with OIS and potentially a Xenon flash sounds terrific. It’ll most likely be the Exmor RS sensor from Sony which has gotten great reviews from i9500 users (the i9505 uses the older Exmor R sensor).

Battery – A 3,450mAh battery is kick-ass and, based on Octa/S-600 in the SGS4, should deliver 25% better battery life over the N2 in spite of all Samsung’s additional sensors and the extra pixels from the 1080P display. Pack a spare battery and you could be away from an outlet for two days easy with a N3.

Software – I like Samsung’s gimmicks. Some are incredibly useful while others are cool “just because you can.” The N3 will have all the S4’s new s/w and then some. The N3 will keep me entertained for hours just playing with it. Samsung also registered a new URL (samsungpenup.com) that could mean they are finally investing in S Note and potentially making it multi-platform so you can open and edit S Notes on non-Samsung windows PCs.

Here are some reasons I wouldn’t switch:

720P vs. 1080P – At 12-15” away the human eye can’t resolve the detail between the two. With the N2’s large display I find I typically hold it further away anyway. I’m sure the N3’s display will be an upgrade in image reproduction but the additional pixels alone don’t sway me. The N2’s got a great non-PenTile display and I have no complaints with it.

5.5” vs. 5.68” – The bump in size may seem larger in everyday use but it’s not big enough (at least to me) to justify replacing the N2 for it. If Samsung plays with the DPI so that you can get more on the display (5 rows of icons vs. 4) that would be interesting. A higher quality larger display with more on it is more attractive than a fractional bump in size. I also don’t think anything over 5.68” is necessary to ink and view multiple apps and am glad Samsung didn’t throw the N3 in to the “colossus wars” like Sony, LG, and HTC have.

Design/Size – Unless Samsung’s got some surprises in store I’d bet the N3 will follow in the SGS4’s footsteps – more stuff, bigger display, smaller and/or lighter package. That’s cool to have but I’m fine with both the N2’s size and design.

Here’s why I wouldn’t leave Samsung for HTC, Sony, Motorola or LG:

Samsung’s Mass – Developers of mass market apps launch stuff for Samsung devices first and best. Samsung devices represent the largest audiences available and they tend to be more thorough in their testing for it. Here’s an example. My cable company has a “watch live TV app.” It works on iOS and one Android device; Samsung’s Note-series so I have it on my N2 and Note 10.1.

They Make Cool Stuff – WatchOn’s brilliant if you have a Samsung SmartTV. Not only can you use WatchOn to find stuff easily and control the TV their newer TV’s have AllShare Cast built-in as well as Samsung Link and the ability (on higher-end models) to watch content (including DRM protected) on your Samsung mobile device.

Samsung Link is life changing. It’s your own personal network that allows all your devices to be accessible to each other all the time. For mobile devices that includes over 3/4G. For example, if I’m on 3G with my Note 10.1 and want to pull a Word document off my home server all I need to do is access it via Samsung link. Same goes if I want to move pics taken on my phone to my tablet.

All the above is of course a YMMV. I love Samsung’s s/w and there are tons of people that couldn’t live without AOSP and the “pureness” of whatever Google’s serving up. Also a ton of people bought the N2 because of the size of its display and could care less about inking and Samsung's additional features. For them there will be a ton of additional giant phone choices this year. For people like me the only reason I have a giant phone is because of things like S Note/S Pen so there really isn't another choice; at least not based on what's been announced/leaked so far.

Happy decision making and enjoy whatever your choice may be.