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Conclusion: Pass on it

For an unreasonably sized phone, we do like the way the Galaxy Note has implemented pen input. And hey, it does work pretty well as a small tablet. But we don't expect too many people will actually want to use this to make their calls, and it would be nice to see AT&T offer it with a tablet-style data-only plan, instead of treating it as just another phone. Bottom line: if you're one of the small number of people who might actually want a small tablet as your phone, the Note isn't half bad. If you just want a phone, look elsewhere.

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Critic reviews

7.8
6 reviews
  • Reception and call quality
    8.0
  • Display
    9.2
  • Battery life
    8.8
  • Camera
    8.0
  • Ease of use
    7.5
  • Design and form factor
    6.4
  • Portability (size / weight)
    6.0
  • Media support
    8.0
  • Durability
    8.0
  • Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.)
    7.3

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User reviews

9.1
57 reviews

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8.0
Engadget Feb 15, 2012

It is, in fact, one of the best phones to hit the market since another Samsung powerhouse -- the Galaxy Nexus. It's a device with a lot to love and is the kind of phone that would make almost every Android aficionado swoon.

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8.0
PC World Feb 14, 2012

With its large display and stylus-like pen, the Samsung Galaxy Note is a refreshing departure from the smartphone pack, but its design won't please everyone. Additionally, not enough apps support the pen right now.

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8.0
CNET Feb 13, 2012

With its huge screen and throwback stylus, the Samsung Galaxy Note is a polarizing smartphone that winks at tablet territory. Those who like their screens XL will find a top-notch device that lets multimedia shine. The S Pen adds some artistic potential, but for some, the phone will just simply be...

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7.0
TechCrunch Feb 14, 2012

Unfortunately, you might look a little crazy with that huge thing up to your face. I found that it was really difficult to get comfortable with the device, never feeling like I had complete control over it as I would with a smaller phone.

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8.0
Consumer Reports Jan 12, 2012

Some knock the Note for being an inconveniently big smart phone and an inadequately-sized tablet. ... But for some people, including those for whom Web surfing and gaming are phone priorities, I think the Note might offer a welcome size niche.

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7.0
USA Today Feb 15, 2012

Galaxy Note grows on you as you get accustomed to its size (and that pen). I suspect, though, it will have a polarizing effect: Some will deem it gimmicky; others will happily take Note.

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10
peterosb

This phone is for people with larger than average hands who don't wear skinnyjeans. It's a big phone, but still a phone. It's also a tablet, but a small one. Perfect if you ask me. This is what I had wished the Dell Streak 5 to be, but Dell utterly failed. Samsung did it right. Now I don't...

10
chicosy

At first the size is very intimidating. it takes a while for your hand to get used to the width. Let me get this out of the way by saying if you have BIG hands, then this phone will be a joy to use. If not, then this will feel more like a tablet than a phone. Feature wise, my complaint is the...

9.0
monkeyboy

I use my Note primarily for internet and reading books, magazines and newspapers. It is perfect for this and means that I no longer have to carry around both an iphone and an ipad. Battery life is as to be expected and certainly no worse than my iphone, which means I tend to charge when in the...

9.0
Saad

The Samsung GALAXY Note is a marvel in phone design, a new category in mobile electronics and a breath of fresh air with all the look-a-like phones out there. Our phones define what we do, they are our everyday tool and our every hour object, The time you leave your desktops and laptops behind,...

9.0
ohcapital

This is a great phone if you're okay with the size. If not, go with a standard SGII or the SkyRocket (actually just wait for the SkyRocket HD). That being said, if you're excited about the prospect of all that you could do with a bigger screen then this is a great device. If you've got a 4-inch...

10
plikestechno

Have black (or carbon blue or whatever they call it) SGH-i717. Phablets aren't for everyone but they are for me. This is what I've been waiting years for. Everything including a fantastic media player in one unit. I actually almost bought an iPad when they first came out because I thought that...

8.0
patelhemals

Quickly Summarizing the Samsung Galaxy Note - 1] 5.3" Large AMOLED Screen 2] Best of the Best Screen to watch pictures & movies 3] Much better to read and reply emails or browse 4] Faster Processor and really fast 5] Latest OS and expected ICS 6] Pen support and good apps for it (haven't used...

9.0
newpop1

I was skeptical about the large screen on this device. I moved from an iPhone to a Moto Droid 1, then a Droid 3, then to a Samsung Focus S (WP7). It was hard to leave the Windows Phone 7 and move back to Android. Fortunately this cell phone has been solid since the beginning. If you are...

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