76

Conclusion: We're mixed

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.

Buy It:

$415.00

90-Day Price History

now
high
$499
low
$410

Critic reviews

7.6
7 reviews
  • Reception and call quality
    7.6
  • Display
    9.0
  • Battery life
    8.5
  • Camera
    9.1
  • Ease of use
    7.5
  • Design and form factor
    6.3
  • Portability (size / weight)
    6.0
  • Media support
    8.0
  • Durability
    8.0
  • Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.)
    7.3

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User reviews

8.9
82 reviews
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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7.0
Engadget Jul 30, 2012

We're more than a little disappointed that Samsung didn't take the opportunity to update the Galaxy Note with modern internals ahead of its debut on T-Mobile. What was once a premiere superphone is now beginning to show its age.

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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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9.0
WiseMax WiseMax

Wifi reception is not very good, but 3G is Ok. The display is phenomenal, both in size (that's the reason why I bought it!) and in pixel resolution. Ignore the uninformed that depreciate its usability as a phone - there's nothing wrong with using it for calls, and it's light weight is a very good...

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10
darrylschmidt darrylschmidt

The only thing that could be seen as a negative to this phone is that you think you look like a dork holding it to your head. In actuality, I make phone calls all the time and DON'T feel like a dork. This is not a big phone, all other phones are just too small.

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9.0
MezJr MezJr

It's a big phone, but much like a truck or SUV you know what you're getting, and to compare it to smaller/sports cars in terms of size is unfair. To an extent you either want it for the size or dislike it for that same reason. The phone is more than the sum of its parts. The pen is something I...

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9.0
mbrazle mbrazle

I wanted this phone since I first saw it. I've always had a thing for tablets. I've used several tablet PCs (even as far back as Windows 2000). So the stylus feature really attracted me to the Note. The size is great too. It only took me one day to get used to it. It doesn't feel big to me now at...

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