Nexus 7 to Note 8.0. Thoughts after switching... - Galaxy Note 8.0 (Tablet) General

I like to consider myself objective when it comes to reviewing electronics. I am a fan of the Nexus line because I like the immediate updates, and I constantly flash new ROMS. I still own my Nexus 4 and have been extremely happy with it. As far as the differences between the N7 and the Note 8.0 they are almost two completely different devices. At work I use my tablet for looking up manuals (PDFs), navigating while flying and as a daily planner. At home I use it to surf the web, read the news and watch Netflix. I DO use the s-pen on a daily basis. I am not a big gamer on my tablet. Here are my thoughts between the two devices.
Screen:
The screen on the Note 8.0 is unique in that the specs are lower than the Nexus 7, but it performs outstanding. It is noticeably wider than the N7. It is much easier to view web pages and also use as a GPS with my flight maps. I do think you can notice the pixels slightly more when reading text but not even close to the extent of that on the Note 10.1 (I have used one a few times). I thought the 10.1 was completely unacceptable. It is almost like putting a matte screen protector on a Nexus 7, it adds a slight pixelation. The odd part is the despite the decrease in pixels from the N7, movies are so much clearer on the Note 8.0. Samsung does a fantastic job rendering videos and HD content looks fantastic. I am sure the colors make a difference, but content is fluid, fast, bright and crystal clear.
Color:
Colors are outstanding on the Note 8.0 compared to any other device I have used. Overall brightness is higher and the colors pop (without the burn in possibility of a Super Amoled Plus). The screens runs on the cooler side with whites, but that is how I prefer them. The tablet comes with a "reading mode" that makes whites more on the warm side. Samsung states that this is to reduce the strain on your eyes and it truly helps. I think this mode allowed Samsung to keep whites on the cooler side without risking people not buying the tablet for reading books.
Sound:
Sound on the note 8.0 as well as the Nexus 7 could be better. It is fine for YouTube however music Lacks dynamic range. This is fairly standard across the mid-sized tablet line-up. The Note 8.0 speakers are slightly louder and clearer than the nexus 7. One key difference is the Location of the speakers. The Nexus 7 speakers face aft where as the Note 8.0 faces the side. This makes the Note 8.0's speakers better for movies and YouTube. I have not really noticed an issue with the lack of sterio speakers. In execution the sound just appears to come from the location of the screen and not one side or the other.
Battery:
I get 7-8 hours on screen time consistently. It is slightly less than my Nexus 7 with on screen time. The Note 8.0 is much better than the Nexus 7 with battery drain with the screen off though. I average a drain only 1% per hour with the screen off.
Apps:
I use the ANote HD application for my daily planning. It has some flaws, but helps me stay organized. What I do not like is that Samsung packs a ton of additional apps that can not be uninstalled by the owner. This includes the app store, peel etc. All they do it take up space. Additionally you can not transfer apps to the SD card at this time. The S4 just got an update allowing it and I hope Samsung will update the Note 8.0 to allow this.
Camera:
I did not think I would use a camera on a tablet, but I have found a purpose for the camera on the Note 8.0. I use an application called "camscanner" and this allows me to take pictures of test flight cards, memorandums, business cards and organize them as PDFs. I can also attached the scanned pics into my ANote HD app. It works extremely well.
Conclusion:
The one thing I really miss is NFC. I used it between my Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 to share pictures when WIFI was not available. I loved my Nexus 7 and only talked myself into getting rid of it for the s-pen, ANote HD app, and the price of $325 plus $25 Play Credit didn't hurt. After getting the tablet (my first Samsung product) I can say that I have NEVER liked an electronic this much. It works so well I did not even find the need to unlock it, which is good because development is still a little slow. If you think you will use the s-pen and can get a good deal like I did I would switch. I also decided to pull the trigger before the new Nexus 7 dropped so that I could still sell mine for a decent price. I Sold it for $250 with my Otterbox case so not bad.
Hopes this helps anyone considering the two tablets. Don't forget to hit the "thanks" button if it did. Please feel free to ask specific questions.

I like my note as well, got it for 4 days. Although it does freeze randomly (while trying to text, the screen is unresponsive) but its really not that bad. I got it from best buy and they priced match with staples($350). I have about 10 days now to return and I'm hoping to hear more info on the new nexus 7. I plan on switching because I think 7 is a better size but this note is pretty nice (with the s_pen of course). I've disabled certain system apps so hopefully its a bit faster. I am running stock, and after my 15 days are up, I'm going to root ;P so they better release info on that new nexus!
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app

Thanks!
I found your article extremely helpful in making a final decision on my new device. I came from a pre-owned Nook Tablet that I rooted sometime last year, so I can't say my standards were very high to begin with, but I had my heart set on a brand new device. This was to be the 1st brand new tablet I've ever owned, so I was torn between affordability & performance. Alas, thanks to your experience, I believe I've made the right choice. I couldn't help rooting & loading custom recovery the same day I received my Note 8.0 though. After removing the phone apk, I found battery life in sleep state to be amazing! Left my tablet alone for an 11 hour work day, and it was still at the same level as when I had left it (86% btw). Sorry for getting kinda "rambly" there, I did mean this to be a short thank you for sharing your experience. Hope someone else out there comes by your post and makes the right, albeit expensive, decision.

Majin101 said:
I like my note as well, got it for 4 days. Although it does freeze randomly (while trying to text, the screen is unresponsive) but its really not that bad.
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Click to collapse
Same problem in n5100 stock firmware, seems a samsung bug in all note 8 models. Solved with n51XX Civato's kernels and custom rom. No more random freezes. now is the best tablet
Inviato dal mio GT-N5100 con Tapatalk 2

I really appreciated your post because you discuss real world use of the devices and not whether they are made of "cheap plastic" have technical specs 2 ppi difference, etc. Thanks for a really useful review.
Bruce

I use my Nexus 7 now as my Kindle Reader. I've got one of the older Kindles and the screen just seems too dull for me. The 8 has replaced the N7 and it is a worthy upgrade.
Sent from my hookah via hash cloud.

I just added a section for sound. I thought it was an important difference to include.
- sent from my Note 8.0 using XDA Developers App

Thanks for this useful post. I am really attached to the Nexus 7 so replacing it with another tablet was always going to be hard. I had the option of a mobile phone upgrade with a 'free' Note 8.0 and now I do feel confident that this will be an ideal replacement.
I was slightly disappointed that you didn't rate the sound from the speakers. The Nexus has pretty poor audio output, I was hoping the Note was going to be much better.

apprentice said:
Thanks for this useful post. I am really attached to the Nexus 7 so replacing it with another tablet was always going to be hard. I had the option of a mobile phone upgrade with a 'free' Note 8.0 and now I do feel confident that this will be an ideal replacement.
I was slightly disappointed that you didn't rate the sound from the speakers. The Nexus has pretty poor audio output, I was hoping the Note was going to be much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated with sound.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

soloilmeglio said:
Same problem in n5100 stock firmware, seems a samsung bug in all note 8 models. Solved with n51XX Civato's kernels and custom rom. No more random freezes. now is the best tablet
Inviato dal mio GT-N5100 con Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm on my 5110 that Civato's kernel solved the intermittent pause issue. Still running stock ROM.
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danlo said:
I can confirm on my 5110 that Civato's kernel solved the intermittent pause issue. Still running stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to quote myself, but it is important to note that from what I've read so far, if you go with *anything* custom (root, ROM, kernel, recovery) , Allshare *will not work*. I found out the hard way so I can't use my Miracast adapter with it.

appointed hwastedf
Thanks for this, I have been looking at the Note 8 for a while now.
I had the Nexus 10, but the clock kept slipping so I sent it back to Google.
Had the Nexus 7, but I found the screen to thin for reading on.
Might give this a go now.
Thanks :cyclops:

wow nice, have u rooted ur note 8?

Generic Question
Just a very dumb question, does this thing come with jellybean 4.1 or 4.2

draftbeer89 said:
Just a very dumb question, does this thing come with jellybean 4.1 or 4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a dumb question at all. It comes with 4.1.2 but a leaked 4.2.2 package is now available, which is what I'm running (rooted) with no trouble.

As a quick update I have noticed that using the power saving feature significantly increases the screen in time. In power save I average 7-8 hours on screen time surfing the web. Turning off power save mode decreases the battery by about an hour.
- sent from my Note 8.0 using XDA Developers App

Uh60m Pilot said:
As a quick update I have noticed that using the power saving feature significantly increases the screen in time. In power save I average 7-8 hours on screen time surfing the web. Turning off power save mode decreases the battery by about an hour.
- sent from my Note 8.0 using XDA Developers App
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Click to collapse
What settings were you using in power saving mode. Did you only have screen power saving on only? if so, thats impressive. if you had cpu power saving on as well, then i would expect to see a good 10% additional battery life under continual use as the CPU is limited to 1100MHz rather than the usual 1600MHz.

Still scouring for news on n7 refresh. Although the main thing why I like to get this note 8 is the s pen future. Any other devices offering similar feautures ? Or as add one? Review on note 8 with s pen is very few and even after trying many-many time at the shop I am not convinced that this is the best solution
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk HD

hertsjoatmon said:
What settings were you using in power saving mode. Did you only have screen power saving on only? if so, thats impressive. if you had cpu power saving on as well, then i would expect to see a good 10% additional battery life under continual use as the CPU is limited to 1100MHz rather than the usual 1600MHz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I use power save mode on I almost always have all 3 settings selected. I have not noticed a decrease in performance. The only time I run with the full processor is when I am multitasking or using photo shop and trying to check XDA etc. I am also running stock.

I, too, switched from a Nexus 7 to a Note 8.0. I have the AT&T model with LTE (got the promotion price at $199 on contract). I can honestly say that, other than the immediate updates that you get with a Google-built ROM on a Nexus, I don't miss the N7 at all. The Note 8.0 is a definite upgrade in terms of hardware. It's fast, Touchwiz is easily the best Android skin (and there are a number of things I'd love to see Google implement into the stock UI), and I love having LTE on the tablet.
Overall I'm a happy camper.

Uh60m Pilot said:
When I use power save mode on I almost always have all 3 settings selected. I have not noticed a decrease in performance. The only time I run with the full processor is when I am multitasking or using photo shop and trying to check XDA etc. I am also running stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im pretty much the same. I only take it off power saving if i know im playing high requirement games (real racing, horn, modern combat etc etc).
I would turn it off for drawing apps as well as i imagine that once you have built up a few layers and have used a few different pens it would start to takes its toll and id like my lines to be drawn as fast as possible with no lag. saying that, ive not had a chance to draw all month as ive been camping, had my girlfriends mums birhtday, my girlfriends birthday and this weekend, my mums birthday and have been out pretty much every day.

Related

Nexus 4 or Note 2 and why?

Im currently looking at both and just want to hear pros and cons like signal and any other issues all comments are much appreciated.
I own a Note 2, and just ordered the N4 for my wife, so I cant comment on the N4 yet. However, I believe it boils down to a handful of differences between them. They are both very, very smooth, very fast phones, so take that out of the equation.
1) Bigger vs smaller screen. I like the Note 2's ginormous screen.
2) Touchwiz vs JB as Google intended. I personally dont mind TW, and can always throw Nova on it if I get tired of it.
3) Updates. Samsung will take way longer obviously than Google. If you MUST have the newest right now, its a no brainer.
4) If using TMo, the Note 2 allows for WIFI calling. May be helpful to you.
5) S-Pen. A bit of a novelty, but kind of useful.
You missed the most important point: tablet-class battery. To borrow a car analogy, there's no replacement for displacement.
TerryMathews said:
You missed the most important point: tablet-class battery. To borrow a car analogy, there's no replacement for displacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, forgot about that. I can abuse the hell out of it and get 4+ screen time. Use it gingerly and approach 8.
I've owned both phones and honestly the Note 2 is great choice if you don't mind touchwiz and the larger size.
Note Pros:
It's gets more than double the battery life of the Nexus 4.
Beautiful, larger screen.
Touchwiz extras (wifi calling, multi-window mode, spen, gestures, etc)
Note Cons:
Slower rom development.
A bit too big to use one handed comfortably.
More expensive.
Bloated.
Nexus Pros:
WAY sexier and feels WAY better in hand.
Better development.
Half the price (unlocked)
No carrier bloat.
Nexus Cons:
Battery life not great compared to the note 2.
Speaker not as good.
The stock android on the N4 is nice and the screen size of the note is awesome. I think im leaning to the Nexus because of the Dev support keeps a phone new. Hows the call quality of both?
i'm in the same boat...i already have the n4 but i'm underwhelmed by it coming from the galaxy nexus. i know with the nexus you get the updates but custom roms like cm10 will come along for the note2. another big advantage for the note2 is the expandable storage. otg doesn't even work for the n4
I prefer the N4 as a PHONE, but as a more media-consumption-driven device, the Note 2 would beat it. The N4 is easier in-pocket and in-hand. The Note 2 would be better for reading, video, content creation.
Obviously, I chose the N4 over a Note 2. I prefer the smaller screen (and it's by no means small IMO), the pure or easily customizable Android (I had a Samsung phone before, TouchWiz can eat it), and the ability to jump to essentially any GSM network.
I have both. Initially i preferred my note 2 but now im used to the n4 screen, i much prefer it. To me, the note 2 screen doesnt seem as crisp as n4 & whilst the note w is fast, the n4 seems alot snappier in everyday use for myself.
Obviously watching youtube etc is great on the note 2 due to the real estate of the screen & i find the s pen relly handy & samsung did a cracking job of touchwiz on this device but ive grown to prefer the n4 as my daily driver & the note 2 is going on ebay this weekend!
Hope it helps.
Arguably the two best phones on the market right now. Its always a personal choice cause we all like different things on our phones but major pros of both phones are:
For nexus 4,
PRICE!!!! Pentaband, pure android, no bloatware and you get updates soon as its available. On top of that development is always great on nexus devices. Also more "portable" than note 2, and better screen. Both perform well without any lag so performance is pretty much even.
For Note 2,
INCREDIBLE BATTERY LIFE! I can't emphasize it enough, it truly is something else, ive never seen a smartphone perform so well in that area. More features, S pen has amazing things like air view, more storage, bigger screen means better for media consumption (movies, games blah blah) but size can be a con for some however when you go purchase the note 2 the size is obvious so there's no excuse to complain about it when its so obvious.
Bottom line is both phones are great, but honestly in a long run, a Nexus ALWAYS has the edge because of the support it gets. If you're like me, that does not matter a bit cause I switch smart phones more often than I go to the movies (and its not a joke ).
The galaxy nexus is still relevant to this day, it just received android 4.2.1 while for example, the galaxy s 2 is slowly becoming a retired phone.
Sent from my Mako Nexus quattro using Tapatalk!
WVFAN1 said:
Im currently looking at both and just want to hear pros and cons like signal and any other issues all comments are much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
imho the Note is not a phone, I have had the first model just to use it as a digital block notes, and it's cool for that, but please don't think to use it as a phone becouse is heavy and huge, you could use it for some Emergency call, but not as a everyday phone...
...imho
I still on the fence on this i had the 1st note and the galaxy nexus both were great. I dont have LTE in my area with AT&T yet so thats not really an issue so can i use the N4 as a dumb phone on at&t.
atomo37 said:
imho the Note is not a phone, I have had the first model just to use it as a digital block notes, and it's cool for that, but please don't think to use it as a phone becouse is heavy and huge, you could use it for some Emergency call, but not as a everyday phone...
...imho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only dweebs and squares use cell phones for calls.
---------- Post added at 01:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 AM ----------
atomo37 said:
imho the Note is not a phone, I have had the first model just to use it as a digital block notes, and it's cool for that, but please don't think to use it as a phone becouse is heavy and huge, you could use it for some Emergency call, but not as a everyday phone...
...imho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only dweebs and squares use cell phones for calls.
N4 has a better CPU/GPU and can be operated 1 handed plus it's pure google and has on screen buttons.
but the note 2 has cool touchwhiz features but it's bloated and too big for 1 handed use.
I have an S3, but have considered switching to the N4, I just cant find the motivation though... will the Quad Core give me that much of a real world NOTICEABLE speed difference? and why does the N4 appear to have a yellow tint to its screen? I also worry about potential quality issues.
Shenkoa said:
I have an S3, but have considered switching to the N4, I just cant find the motivation though... will the Quad Core give me that much of a real world NOTICEABLE speed difference? and why does the N4 appear to have a yellow tint to its screen? I also worry about potential quality issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i believe that is temporary...just the glue drying - will go away in a week or so.
I came from an S3 and couldn't be happier. The phone does feel a bit faster than my S3 did. Battery life is about the same, the S3 might have been a little better. The only thing I miss about the S3 is the SD card slot, but Google music has me covered.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
jnewman1991 said:
I came from an S3 and couldn't be happier. The phone does feel a bit faster than my S3 did. Battery life is about the same, the S3 might have been a little better. The only thing I miss about the S3 is the SD card slot, but Google music has me covered.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the screen size difference? is it real noticeable? and does Netflix, Youtube and videos in general Full Screen?
Is the Yellow Tint really just glue drying? that doesn't make much sense to me.
Between the 2 the Note 2 is easily a better phone. Being a media hog my self I love the huge screen and its beautiful. Also love the design.
Anybody having issues using the N4 on att non-smartphone plan can att tell the difference i really like not having to pay for another smartphone on my family plan.

Please help me decide between Nexus 10 and Galaxy note 8

I am having a lot of trouble deciding between these two devices, particularly because the nexus 10 is not available to try out at any physical store in my area so I'd be going on just online feedback alone. I made myself a little pro/con list. I am hoping that by seeing what I see, maybe someone can help me tip the scales in one direction or the other!
Galaxy note 8 (not considering ipad mini, i like the note better)
Pros
-I am a physician, the size is perfect for carrying around the hospital in my white coat. As a former owner of an ipad 3, carrying that around was annoying.
-Colors look bright
-S-pen. I don't use it a whole lot on my note 2 phone, but i also dont take notes on my phone. I hope to be able to use my tablet for reading pdfs, highlighting and even following along in lectures. This provides that opportunity.
Cons
-Price, very difficult pill to swallow the price for half the resolution and processing power.
-Lack of XDA support (can this tablet even be rooted? Huge concern for me if not), I'm sort of a flashaholic.
-Havent had a chance to watch an HD movie yet.. can someone comment on what I might expect to see quality wise compared to my old ipad 3 and even the nexus 10?
Google Nexus 10
Pros
-Easily the most beautiful display available, I am a techie who wants the best and brightest
-Always updated by google blah blah, stock android
-Amazing developer community
Cons
-Size, I do like that tablet to fit in my whitecoat and not be cumbersome in the hospital all day
-I'd be buying blind, I have never seen a galaxy 10 tablet in person (ive seen the 7 but i know theyre very different)
Personally id go for the Nexus 7. I dont know how big your lab coat is but it can fit into a suit jacket snugly. I dont think you will see a big size difference between a Nexus 10 and a Note 8, and like you mentioned they are charging an arm and a leg for a vastly underequipped device because it is a "Note"
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
altimax98 said:
Personally id go for the Nexus 7. I dont know how big your lab coat is but it can fit into a suit jacket snugly. I dont think you will see a big size difference between a Nexus 10 and a Note 8, and like you mentioned they are charging an arm and a leg for a vastly underequipped device because it is a "Note"
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought about the nexus 7 but i found that extra inch pretty clutch for doing practice exam questions and viewing imaging. The 8" also would fit perfectly in the pocket (obviously 7" would too)
Nexus 10 On the Way
I recently purchased the $139 refurb deal on the Nexus 7 and while it's a nice tablet I found that the screen size was too small. I already have a Note 2 as my phone and found that the Nexus 7 didn't offer enough to justify using it over my Note 2. I ended up giving it to my kids to use. I next considered the Note 8 and the Nexus 10 just like you. I ultimately decided that I probably wouldn't be happy with the 8" screen size either. The reduced size Android tablets are designed mainly for vertical orientation and so make you feel like you are just using a scaled up phone, which doesn't appeal to me. I also think the Note 8 is over-priced. If Samsung made a Note 10 with a high-res display I would definitely get it, but they don't. I just can't see dropping money on a tablet that uses a 1280 resolution display. So I decided to go for the refurb deal on the Nexus 10 in the 32gb model. Like you I haven't ever seen one but like the idea of the high-res display and the Nexus brand (get updates right from Google). At $429 with free shipping I figure its worth ordering just to try out. Mine should be arriving tomorrow. Here is where I ordered from:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330899402811
I bought the Note 8. I also have / had the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Nexus 7, and iPad 3.
The Note 8 is for people who need to use it to write handwritten notes. None of the other tablets I've used come close to the Note 8 if that is what you need. The size is perfect for note taking. It can take the same amount and size notes on its smaller screen as the iPad can in zoomed mode. However if you do not need the note taking aspect of this tablet, you would be right to think it's over priced. I liked the Nexus 7 size better, it was just more comfortable to hold. The original Samsung 10.1 tablet is slow and the screen is not that great, but it is still my preferred device for videos, mostly because it can display them on the largest screen due to its aspect ratio. The iPad has a beautiful screen which made it a pleasure to use, and I didn't mind its weight at work, but I rarely use it at home because it's too big and heavy. The old 10.1 Android got more use, though now that I have the Note 8 it probably won't be used much any more. My recommendation would be to buy the Nexus 10 for home, and the Note 8 for work if you need it for note taking, but if you don't need the s pen, I would wait a month and see what the next Nexus 7 or 7.7 or 8 will be. It should be announced at Google IO.
my sugestion its that stay out of nexus 10 regarding its multiply issues with build quality until you are not testing the device to the blood before buying.
good luck
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
My opinion is get Nexus 10.We don't know how Note 8 exactly perform but Nexus 10 performs well at the moment.
nexus usually it s a device with alot of problems . this is what we know for shure . it a fact
bad quality control - worst device ever at this capitol
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
samwheat said:
nexus usually it s a device with alot of problems . this is what we know for shure . it a fact
bad quality control - worst device ever at this capitol
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to any tablet on XDA and you will see just as many horror stories people returning their device 6 or 7 times due to some QC problem... Some people are just never happy. There are some legit problems but a lot of what you see is from people who get their jollys off complaining about a product they bought...
The only problem the nexus 10 has that others don't is a software issue... The thermal throttling is WAY too conservative... This can be easily fixed with a custom kernel... And as this guy says he is a flashaholic a custom kernel shouldn't be a problem...
All tablets with LCD screens have light bleed issues... If they has put an Ambled screen on this bad boy it would have raised the cost and people would have complained...
The one thing I wish is that they stuck to a 1080p res screen... There really is no reason to go above that... 1080p looks AMAZING on my 42" lcd(which by the way also has huge light bleed lol) it would look awesome on my nexus 10 especially since they probable could have gone with an AMoled screen at that res for the same price
As far as the OP goes, I I'd pick the nexus 10 lol
PS sorry for the rant lol
I just got the Note 8 today (attempting to making the switch from the Nexus 10). Both are great devices, but I just needed the S Pen feature work, so I went with the Note 8. It's too early to know which one I'll like better at the end.
I can tell you that I love the screen resolution on the Nexus 10. The Note 8 has no comparison when it comes to that department.
gqkevyn said:
I just got the Note 8 today (attempting to making the switch from the Nexus 10). Both are great devices, but I just needed the S Pen feature work, so I went with the Note 8. It's too early to know which one I'll like better at the end.
I can tell you that I love the screen resolution on the Nexus 10. The Note 8 has no comparison when it comes to that department.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And its developments too.. Good luck.
I ended up buying both tablets today since I can return either in 15 days. SO far I'm undecided, but I am bummed out that there is no root option for the note 8.
On the flipside.. the nexus 10 is already seeming like a pain in the ass to carry around. Also, whoever designed the note 8 deserves a swift kick in the nuts for making the camera stick out on the back.
I picked uo the Galaxy note 8, 2 days ago. I am using it while on the road for work while at the hotel on the network I am watching the wifi signal strength drop ever time I cover thetop right back side of the tablet with my hand. I mean just the corner of it could any of you guys that have it check. I can post a a video if needed. You can not miss it.
Another issue is the battery life, it just goes too quick. Maybe I am not giving it enough time. If all I am going to get is 5 hours on this battery. I will take this tablet back.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2229782&highlight=note+8+root
Root is available for Note 8. I used this and I can verify it works.
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Ravanous said:
I picked uo the Galaxy note 8, 2 days ago. I am using it while on the road for work while at the hotel on the network I am watching the wifi signal strength drop ever time I cover thetop right back side of the tablet with my hand. I mean just the corner of it could any of you guys that have it check. I can post a a video if needed. You can not miss it.
Another issue is the battery life, it just goes too quick. Maybe I am not giving it enough time. If all I am going to get is 5 hours on this battery. I will take this tablet back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any wifi issue with mine. I just tried to reproduce it, but I see no change in signal strength or Internet speed regardless of how I hold it. Check at another wifi location to rule out the hotel being the problem instead. Exchange it if it still does it.
I agree the battery could be better. It gets me through a work day, but needs to be plugged in before I'm ready to put it down for the night. The iPad does do much better with battery life. I'm not sure whether my other Android tablets are better though. Possibly, but it hasn't been noticeable to me.
kisrita said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2229782&highlight=note+8+root
Root is available for Note 8. I used this and I can verify it works.
---------- Post added at 09:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:06 PM ----------
I don't have any wifi issue with mine. I just tried to reproduce it, but I see no change in signal strength or Internet speed regardless of how I hold it. Check at another wifi location to rule out the hotel being the problem instead. Exchange it if it still does it.
I agree the battery could be better. It gets me through a work day, but needs to be plugged in before I'm ready to put it down for the night. The iPad does do much better with battery life. I'm not sure whether my other Android tablets are better though. Possibly, but it hasn't been noticeable to me.
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Cool! very interesting.. but i assume even after root, theres no custom roms or kernels available for overclocking?
altimax98 said:
Personally id go for the Nexus 7.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
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If a Nexus 7 should even be considered you need to at least wait until next month when official specs are released for the new model update that comes out in a few months.
theraker007 said:
Cool! very interesting.. but i assume even after root, theres no custom roms or kernels available for overclocking?
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If root is available this quick, those will follow soon enough even if there are none now.
Ravanous said:
I picked uo the Galaxy note 8, 2 days ago. I am using it while on the road for work while at the hotel on the network I am watching the wifi signal strength drop ever time I cover thetop right back side of the tablet with my hand. I mean just the corner of it.
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So your saying that signal levels drop when you place a highly signal absorbent object over the antenna? That's so crazy, I would never have thought this would be the case. [/donebeingadick]
samwheat said:
nexus usually it s a device with alot of problems . this is what we know for shure . it a fact
bad quality control - worst device ever at this capitol
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
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Just because your single device had issues doesn't mean everyone elses does My Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 arrived just fine without any huge glaring issues (only "minor" issue my N7 had was screen lift, which was common during early models; none on the later model I bought).
If my device has problems that means that the quality control its bad . if a single device has problems it could havebeen yours , others and others . It could probably happen to you in the future also .
don t you think?
i think 50% of the nexus 10 units has problems from the number of complains onthe forums .
I want a clean product , like my money are . I need the perfect quality control from google and samsung togheder because i dont pay half money when I do .
Dont worry Ravanous ... nexus 10 has also 5 6 hours of battery. Buy note 8 or wait for ipad mini 2 if you can eat IOS.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
I have a Nexus 10 but I have it on ebay at the moment and waiting to replace it with a Note 8 3G (whenever they are available here in the UK!).I love the screen on the N10 but that's about it, I find the size awkward and rarely use it as a result. I see myself getting more use out of Note 8. I always thought that 8" is the sweetspot in terms of size.
samwheat said:
i think 50% of the nexus 10 units has problems from the number of complains on the forums .
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There are thousands of Nexus 10 owners on these forums, which we can see from ROM and kernel downloads. Of those, there is at best only 10% of owners who actually post here. Of those 10%, only 2-3% have problems with their tablet. 2-3% of product that has issues is on the upper end of "acceptable" for most companies these days.

My Opinion: Note 8.0 GT-N5110

I won't make this too in depth, but I'd actually like to address some of the development doubts I've seen for the 8.0 and share my fair opinion of the device so far. First off I'd like to compare it from my own personal experience to other tablets I've owned and used a fair bit.
First off I'd like to compare it to a Nexus 10. I spent roughly a week playing with a Nexus 10 and settled on returning it. This is going to sound a little strange being that I'm comparing such a close price point but the Nexus 10 to me was not worth the premium. Not only that but honestly with a 10" tablet I feel I may as well be using my 13" Lenovo Ideapad Yoga- BUT that is a personal preference and by no means a fair reference point. What did I experience with the Nexus 10? I did like the build quality, however the user experience was strangely underwhelming even after installing some custom ROMs. I'm quite aware this paragraph isn't too relevant, however I've found the Note 8.0 a fair bit easier to use in every day situations than any 10" tablet I've owned.
Comparing it to a Nexus 7 is another matter. I do own a Nexus 7, I've actually given it to my significant other's 12 year old girl to learn and play with. Originally though I do love the device far more so than it's 10" counterpart. The only problem is well, it's just slightly too small for some uses. The form factor I found to be slightly frustrating. Whenever I used it I felt I may as well just settle and use my Galaxy Note II. That said however the feel of it and the quality for the price point was obviously fantastic. It just seems that there is a sweet spot in my opinion on tablet size and I think that lies somewhere around 8 inches. It gives you plenty of room for web browsing, it's actually a decent amount more function to type on than even a Nexus 7 given the extra screen real estate, and it still works beautifully as an ebook reader/news source.
The biggest advantages really I've found is that the Note 8.0 while not having an entirely great screen resolution seems to have a better picture quality than a LOT of tablets I've played with. There is something slightly more sharp about the screen than even my experience with the Nexus 10, but let me make this clear. I'm not saying the screen is technically superior.
The other large advantage I've really noticed is how snappy even with the vanilla samsung ROM the note 8.0 is. Side by side it's by far the snappiest, quickest responding tablet in it's class for general use, save for mayhap using the home button. Yes, I don't necessarily like the hardware keys but they don't cripple the device in my own opinion. To be honest since I use a Note II for my phone it's helped the transition familiarity wise and I do think this was intentional more so than just developer laziness.
I would like to make a note I do own a 10.1 note also and I still do prefer my 8.0 at this point to it's use. Yes, I do wish Samsung would up build quality as of casing for these devices, but they are by far hindered by this. To be totally honest the plastic casing on my Note II and 10.1 has held up tremendously well to some nasty drops and spills, far better in fact than anything I've had with a more premium styled enclosure. That being said I do dislike the plastic creekyness which is very much noticeable with my 10.1.
The Note 8.0 strikes me as this, a great medium. It's not quite a full blown 10" media tablet and at the same time it's not quite so cramped as those 7" tablets available. As of the S-Pen functionality I honestly just think it's a plus. Even without it I would prefer these devices to most of the other comparable android devices in the US market at the moment.
When it comes to ROM development I would just say be patient. It's a new device with a definite premium price. It might take awhile but the forum on XDA just now really appeared within the last 24 hours and it might just take some time to get things going. That being said I would imagine the similarities to the Note II may speed up development once we have a recovery and such.
As a footnote, I've ordered this keyboard case which is due to arrive Tuesday and I will try give it a proper in depth review ASAP.
I apologize for this post being somewhat disordered and all over the place. I'm tired but I wanted to post something and participate in the forum. It's been ages since I have. Thanks everyone and have a good night!
I can agree with your post. I have a Note 8 and 10.1, Note 2, Nexus 7, amd GS3. The Note 8 is good in every way size, function, battery, software, and decent screen. The only issue is the captive buttons. They interfer with the usability at times, so if im watching hulu and holding the device one might hit the back arrow and stop the movie. How annoying. Other than that its my go to device
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
Well said! I've owned the GS3 and own the Note 2, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Evo 4g LTE, and Nexus 4 and believe me the Note 8.0 is one of the top devices out there. Even though Im not a big fan of the plastic build quality I will say that it does hold up and it feels at least like expensive plastic lol. This device is quality and though Im not purchasing the GS4 simply because I want a change from Samsung the biggest reason is waiting for the Note 3. Development will pick up its only been available for a little while peeps. If your on the fence and want a Apple like quality tablet with Android the Note series of tablets are definitely what you are looking for. Also the amount of software additions in this tablet is rediculous.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
I will also be buying the Note 8 and think that it might turn out to be a great device (escpecially since here in europe it will also sport phone functionatlity), but nonetheless this thread smells like marketing directly paid by samsung (3 posts by OP and then this?). Sorry OP if untrue; i know that i might be completely wrong ("in dubio pro rero" etc.) but still my gut feelings tell me otherwise.
i sincereley hope the Note 8 will be a great device and have owned more or less every single one of the latest samsung smartphone / tablet gadgets, but being sensitized / aware of the latest news regarding samsungs marketing tatics to pay people to write positive comments in forums like this i am extremely pissed of by this pracise. apart of being unethical (in whatever holistic sense i am not able to properly articulate in english) this is simply not necessary, because most of the samsung devices i own / have owned are great, but the smell of being produced by such a kind of manufacturer spoils the joy. stop this an let (your very good, indeed) products speak for themselves.
Oxytoxine said:
I will also be buying the Note 8 and think that it might turn out to be a great device (escpecially since here in europe it will also sport phone functionatlity), but nonetheless this thread smells like marketing directly paid by samsung (3 posts by OP and then this?). Sorry OP if untrue; i know that i might be completely wrong ("in dubio pro rero" etc.) but still my gut feelings tell me otherwise.
i sincereley hope the Note 8 will be a great device and have owned more or less every single one of the latest samsung smartphone / tablet gadgets, but being sensitized / aware of the latest news regarding samsungs marketing tatics to pay people to write positive comments in forums like this i am extremely pissed of by this pracise. apart of being unethical (in whatever holistic sense i am not able to properly articulate in english) this is simply not necessary, because most of the samsung devices i own / have owned are great, but the smell of being produced by such a kind of manufacturer spoils the joy. stop this an let (your very good, indeed) products speak for themselves.
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I can assure you I'm not affiliated with samsung lol. I'm a court officer in Midwest City Oklahoma. I wish I was a Samsung rep though, I'd bet the pay is better than what I'm doing now xD
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app
I agree on the screen size thing.
The nexus 7 with a 16:9 screen at 7 inches sort of feels like a super large smartphone with insignificant space to pinch and zoom while on landscape.
My current 7.9 inch with a 4:3 screen ratio feels just right with significant space to pinch and zoom on landscape while making web pages somewhat more spacious for a desktop like experience.
Only draw back in the black bars but once again I am still using a old school 4:3 monitor at home
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
I am sorry for my unnecessarily rude writing of yesterday; please accept my apologies.
I just came from reading the articels on arstechnica and our local newspaper on the mentioned (presumed) practice of samsung in korea and england before coming here in order to research about my new / future "baby" (Note 8). The first post I've read was yours, and I was like "oh my god, I can't believe it, it's indeed happening!" so I couldn't resist... (<--- I know, this doesn't make my rude behaviour better, just maybe a bit more understandable.)
LOL, do you think they pay that much? then I might also consider to enhance my meager daytime income (scientist now becoming a teacher) ...
again: sorry from my side and back on topic - good to hear that the Note serves you well I am a bit hesitating to order it due to the screen resolution; I tried to replace an Ipad (retina) with the Note 10.1, but couldn't stand the fuzziness of the screen, although I like the overall android tablet experience much more than the iOS thing.
UsagiMimi said:
I can assure you I'm not affiliated with samsung lol. I'm a court officer in Midwest City Oklahoma. I wish I was a Samsung rep though, I'd bet the pay is better than what I'm doing now xD
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app
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Thanks for your review and thoughts on this. I am going to check it out in person this weekend and give it a go, I had the GN 10.1 for a few days but felt it just wan't a good fit for the resolution of a large device. Still I prefer Android over anything else and looking at ditching my current tab and finally be rid of the last Apple product in my house
Thats true
Oxytoxine said:
again: sorry from my side and back on topic - good to hear that the Note serves you well I am a bit hesitating to order it due to the screen resolution; I tried to replace an Ipad (retina) with the Note 10.1, but couldn't stand the fuzziness of the screen, although I like the overall android tablet experience much more than the iOS thing.
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This is the only thing bugging me about it so far. Wonderful In the hand and love the SNote (Note 2 is my phone) but if you're used to high resolution screens the fuzziness is apparent when reading text. Not sure I can take it yet. I just picked up a Nexus 10 and am only going to keep one. The resolution is jarring between them. Going to wait it out a bit more and see. I need to be able to read books on my tablet.
my 2 cents
I have to agree about 8" being the sweet spot. I have had 7" & 10" tabs (and while 7" is more pocketable I like the 8" better) I have been a Note user since the GN I & II, we have some Note 10.1's at work and I really don't care for them. (the s-pen is nice to have for precise input) i was literally using a G Tab 2 7.0 and the GN 8.0 side by side for a day and decided on the Note 8.0 for my daily driver. Allot of i-devices at work but not my preference.
Cheers
BR
I got the 3G version, but I use this with tethered wifi with my Note II for internet. The wifi version isn't available in my region.
This is the most decent thread I've read about comparing the Note 8 with other tablets. This is my frst ever tablet, and I find it a relief to do stuff with a bigger screen when I need it like spreadsheets. I used to take attendance with my Note II. Sketching is quite easier too. I found the Note 10.1 too heavy as a portable Cintique stand-in. The Note 8 is lighter and easier to handle.
I can't see any point in getting anything without a Wacom sytlus after getting the first Galaxy Note more than a year and a half ago. I do detailed digital art as a hobby, and I'm weilding the Autodesk Sketchbook and Photoshop Touch to do photo-realistic art. The S Pen is such a useful addition!
I have my Note II as my main, but for times I need a bigger screen, the Note 8 is what I take out. I just wished with had a changeable battery. 8 hours of actual screen on time isn't enough for me. I do hate plugging in to an outlet or portable power to maintain a charge, unlike what I'm doing with my Note II with 12 hours of heavy usage at about 6 to 7 hours of screen time. I usually change battery late afternoon. I can't do that with the Note 8 - I'm guessing that the Samsung team did this for our dependency for the smartphones.
Bottom line for the Note 8 for me is it's what I do need. I don't complain of its plastic exterior. I appreciate it's more powerful than the other tablets for my digital art hobby with the Wacom digitizer onboard. The screen is crisp enough and I don't see the point of having this in full HD (more power consumption) and the 720p resolution it has is sufficient. Do you honestly see the pixels? I just wished it was a Super AMOLED and it could have given the Note 8 better power efficiency. Currently, the screen consumes 80% of the battery life.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using XDA Premium HD app
RE: Removable battery
I have had very good luck thus far using the Note 8 the entire day. I also use it in conjunction with the Note II and at this point, I feel I have the Nirvana of tech combos. Pretty happy all around here. I dont tether mine to my phone though, as I have a little prepaid hotspot to use out and about. For extended periods where I know I'll be away, like my backpacking trips on weekends, I bring a 10000mah portable battery and keep it in my pack/bag. I have only had to use it once, and that was to charge the Note 2
Yes, there are bigger, yes there are "better" specced devices, but honestly the SPen and a device I can literally use as a notepad replacement has changed my life as a network admin. I can't fathom going back to paper and pen.
I have to agree with the positive opinions expressed here. I love my 5110, especially after I rooted it. The lesser screen resolution doesn't bother me much, my eyes aren't that good anyway. The system's responsiveness and smoothness are a real joy.
What I DON'T love is the way available storage memory shrinks with each new generation of device from Samsung. 16 GB is small enough, but when half of that is taken up by the system, it borders on false advertising.
We need to start a letter-writing campaign to Samsung to get them to (a) change their firmware to allow apks to be stored and run from the external SD card, and OTA it to us as soon as possible, and (b) make 32GB the absolute minimum for internal storage on any future devices. Having to use workarounds is ridiculous.
Who's with me?
mudge
iCurmudgeon said:
I have to agree with the positive opinions expressed here. I love my 5110, especially after I rooted it. The lesser screen resolution doesn't bother me much, my eyes aren't that good anyway. The system's responsiveness and smoothness are a real joy.
What I DON'T love is the way available storage memory shrinks with each new generation of device from Samsung. 16 GB is small enough, but when half of that is taken up by the system, it borders on false advertising.
We need to start a letter-writing campaign to Samsung to get them to (a) change their firmware to allow apks to be stored and run from the external SD card, and OTA it to us as soon as possible, and (b) make 32GB the absolute minimum for internal storage on any future devices. Having to use workarounds is ridiculous.
Who's with me?
mudge
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I'm with you on B. A is harder insofar as I understand it the changes were in AOSP so it's really Google and not Samsung to blame for not being able to transfer apps to sd. It's getting silly now paticularly with the s4 which has about 7.8gb of usable storage. 9gb is closer to 8gb than 16 gb so it's kind of deceptive to call it 16gb. Many consumers who don't do enough research before buying will be quite disappointed.
Flash memory is actually pretty cheap now and Samsung manufacture it. It's time to stop being so tight Samsung.
Sent from the mighty Note II
l purchased it without seeing it and I am very satisfied with it. would definitely recommend
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk HD

Can't decide between new Nexus 7 and Note 8.0

I've owned a N7 2012 for about a year, and I have a buyer for my old one, so I'm looking at upgrading. I haven't used a stylus device in years, but I used to love them: precision text editing, sketches to supplement an explanation, and unambiguous link clicking in the browser.
I expect longevity from my devices, and my previous experience has been that the charging connector breaks first on every mobile device I've had. This gives the N7 the serious advantage with the Qi inductive charging.
OTOH, the Note's performance is more future-proof: a 96GB Note (thanks SD-card expansion) will stay useful longer with a 32GB N7, and the benchmarks also come out clearly in favour of the Note: (Slashgear Note 6900 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/quadrant_gnote8_attwtmk.jpg vs N7 5600 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...enshot_2013-07-25-13-17-52-google-nexus-7.jpg ).
But the performance doesn't count for all that much, since my main use for my current N7 has been reading: PDFs, e-books and websites. I use it mostly around the house, and my phone when I'm out and about.
Can anyone suggest something I haven't considered that may be relevant? The price isn't going to sway me much one way or the other.
Thanks
I prefer note 8 due to larger size and I won't mind carrying a slightly bigger one. Was coming from 7.7. I would have taken if it's nexus 8.
Happy user of note 8.
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
I don't know what I can add except my reason for buying a Note 8.0--the pen. I bought my Note for school to replace everything in my bookbag--no more notebooks, no more laptop, no more text books. So far I'm very happy with my decision. I was also considering the new Nexus but because I wanted the ability to take notes, the lack of a wacom pen was off-putting. The Note was well worth the extra money for me.
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
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why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available
I had the nexus 7.2 for a week and a half, the 16Gb version and it had a very nice screen fast processor but returned it due to frequent reboots, apparently it only happens on the 16Gb version. Got the note 8 instead. Am very satisfied with it.
I'd recommend you get the Nexus 7.2 first use it for a week then return and get the Note 8, that way you can see the strength and weakness of both and then decide which one is more useful to you. I am glad I did that, the Nexus 7.2 was how to say this not to hurt anyones feelings -plain vanilla- which is not bad, but you can't really compare the two because of the S pen feature on the Note 8. The Note 8 screen is not bad at all, but the 7.2 beats it, and I find that I do use the S pen more often than I thought I would. Also I'm a long time Samsung user and I like their products. I gave the Nexus 7.2 a try but am more comfortable with the Note 8, also love the S pen, for that alone it was worth it to me.
So as I mentioned get one use it as is for a week or two then return it and get the other one. Test both, but in my opinion you can't really pin the two tablets against each other. They are both good just depends what you are going to use it for, if you're a big game player get the Nexus, if you going to use the tablet for other things get the Note 8
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
hertsjoatmon said:
why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available
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I've owned more than a few Samsung devices, I currently own a two SGS 3, AT&T and Sprint. Neither are on 4.2.2, which is why i'm on CM10.1.2. I'd be pretty happy with a TouchWiz 4.3, but I know Samsung is pretty lame at updates that's why I made that statement, if the Note does get the 4.2.2 update, that's great, but I don't think they will go past that.
Hopefully Samsung is doing an overhaul on TouchWiz all together, I may stick with Samsung devices, otherwise my next device will be a Nexus. I've given up hope for the skin based phones and updates.
It really comes down to how much you value the s-pen....i thought I'd get much more use out of it (i do a lot of handwritten note taking, but at meetings i typically type in notepad) and never did so I just put my Note8 up for sale because the extra $100 wasn't worth it because it was still faster/easier for me to jot something quick on a post it than to take out the spen, launch the note app, scribbe something, save it....
however when I was in school the ability to take down quick notes and write on-screen on pdfs/ppt was *very critical* and I loved my W7 tablet with ntrig (this is all pre-tablets so it just depends on your use case
With OTG usb, you can still use microsd on the Nexus7, althought it's a bit more work and takes up the charging port..not sure if the new N7 has that yet (you had to be rooted on the old N7 to use it)
screenwise, the new N7 quality is much better, but I find the slightly larger note 8 to actually be easier to read on and use
I'm close to making my final decision because I refuse to keep the Note 8.0 and the N7 (2013) that I currently have.
The N7 is super nice. The display keeps drawing me back over and over. I like the fact that I can watch Netflix on it and not accidentally press the back button like I tend to do on the Note 8.0. I love the crisp text in my ebooks. And who doesn't love stock?
The Note 8.0 is better from a productivity standpoint for me, and it's why it currently leads. Outside of holding it in landscape and pressing buttons accidentally, I actually prefer the feel of the Note 8.0 more than the new N7. The display isn't nearly as bad as some would have you believe either. Sure if you have it side by side the N7, you'll see it, but in my opinion it looks real good.
Also a sidenote for comic book readers. I use Comixology, and I'm not a fan of the panel to panel view unless I'm forced to use it due to something being very small. It's easier for me to read comics on the Note 8.0 compared to the N7. Probably because of the extra inch of real estate.
Probably the reason I still go back and forth is because I know I can expect updates and a vibrant dev community on the N7, but probably not so much with the Note 8.0. Heck, I have the AT&T LTE variant, and I sadly can't even root that yet. Good luck with your decision.
I went ahead and ordered the 32GB Nexus 7.2. I figure I can always sell it for about what I paid for it if I decide not to keep it.
I got the previous Nexus 7 as a gift, but actually ended up selling it (and keeping the more lowly spec'd Tab 2 7" I already had) because the Nexus was just so flaky. Apparently it was a great device prior to 4.1, but I only got onboard after that. Plus the speakers were PATHETIC (unacceptable for a device that screams multimedia consumption.) I'm hoping those are better this go-round as I use mine for backgound music/video quite a bit.
There's pros to being on the bleeding edge of updates I guess. But I almost view it like you're being an unofficial beta tester. Samsung may not always have the latest official Android version on all its flagship devices, but all my experiences with them to-date have been outstanding. There's a reason (beyond just marketing) that they're the most dominant OEM in the Android world.
If the primary purpose is reading as OP has posted, I would suggest note 8 to be better choice.
My primary reason for buying note 8.0 was reading (PDF's as well as comics) and considering that almost 38 GB of my external 64 Gig card is occupied by books i would say i am more than pleased by my choice.
The extra screen size does matter here though both share similar 16:10 aspect ratio , which is quite ok,
another surprise feature, the reading mode that samsung built into this is amazing (though it might appear strange at first) but now I just can't imagine reading without that , it's easier on eyes,less stress and for me makes for much better concentration. add a good reader app (I absolutely love the free perfect viewer app for pdf and comics)
The secondary thing for me was the s-pen. since i have been using wacom tablets on pc since late 90's I found this quite adequate. My N-5100 costed me around $530 USD) which is surely definitely on the costlier side of things however I would still consider it worth that extra dough.
I also primarily use this at home and mine is still unrooted (haven't found a need or reason to root it yet).
Gotta decide what's your most important feature.
For me tablets can have two distinct purposes, media consumption device or productivity device. As a media consumption device there isn't much use to me for a tablet because honestly, most things are just more convenient to do on my phone since I always have it, and it has a data connection.
Now as a productivity device, there are a couple things the note 8 excels at. PDF and textbook portability/editing, handwritten notes, and remote desktop control. The spen takes this device to a higher level of productivity because there is no device with a comparable stylus. But for anything else like word document editing, media production, music/picture editing, tablets in general fall short because laptops/desktops are just better.
So if you want a media consumption device, the new Nexus 7 is probably better or even the iPad for that matter. But for productivity the spen will make up for the other shortcomings like lower screen pixel density, less frequent operating system updates, etc.
MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.
It took me ages to decide between the N7 and note 8, and I decided on the note 8. But now I realise, that as I'm going university next year, I'll probably need a laptop, and I'm confused all over again
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
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4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
TC93 said:
MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.
htinaung said:
4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it compared to 4.1?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Grogck said:
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any complaints about the Note 8.0 speakers either.
xT4Z1N4TRx said:
How is it compared to 4.1?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe more smooth
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
I own the original nexus 7...
I currently own an ipad 4 (so I'm used to looking at retina display), I've had the note 10.1, nexus 10, etc....
Honestly I think 8" is the sweet spot. I want to love thenew nexus 7 so bad but I feel like 7" is just a tad too small. The extra screen area from an 8" tablet seems sooo much larger and more usable when browsing websites. Am I crazy? I feel like I keep reading about screen clarity vs spen vs whatever ... but to me the real battle is do you prefer 7" vs 8" - I'm probably going to get both and then return the one I dont' like. As I said, I'm used to the retina screen as well as the beautiful screen on my htc one; however just playing around with the note in the store, the screen honestly isn't that bad and colors are quite quite good.
That said, the nexus 7 screen is by far superior BUT I still think the larger size provides so much better screen real estate and thus ease of use.
Anyone not get the nexus 7 simply because they don't like a 7" tablet?

[Q] Hard to decide between Note 3 and Nexus 5

Hi guys,
I am having some serious thoughts on what to get... Basically I am a software developer and I have a Galaxy Nexus, a Galaxy S1 some ond Xperia and a Nexus 7. It is time for me to switch to a new device as my daily driver. The options I have are Galaxy Nexus 5 and the Note 3. The Note 3 is more expensive with around 150$ in my country, considering the type of contract I am getting. The phone will be used for at least one year.
Nexus 5: well, no review yet. Price is reasonable in my country and has the new 4.4. The new android version doesn't impress me. To be honest I find the google experience pretty boring but I have to admit I liked receiving fast updates on my Nexus.
Note 3: I have been reading around the forum for the last days. I saw that many have problems with the home button, the battery life, the screen issues. I like the s-pen features but I am not sure how much I'll use them.
What advice do you give me ? What should I get ?
alinescoo said:
Hi guys,
I am having some serious thoughts on what to get... Basically I am a software developer and I have a Galaxy Nexus, a Galaxy S1 some ond Xperia and a Nexus 7. It is time for me to switch to a new device as my daily driver. The options I have are Galaxy Nexus 5 and the Note 3. The Note 3 is more expensive with around 150$ in my country, considering the type of contract I am getting. The phone will be used for at least one year.
Nexus 5: well, no review yet. Price is reasonable in my country and has the new 4.4. The new android version doesn't impress me. To be honest I find the google experience pretty boring but I have to admit I liked receiving fast updates on my Nexus.
Note 3: I have been reading around the forum for the last days. I saw that many have problems with the home button, the battery life, the screen issues. I like the s-pen features but I am not sure how much I'll use them.
What advice do you give me ? What should I get ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have galaxy note 3 but if i time returns i will choose nexus 5
Please mention your reasons. It would help me a lot. Thanks
I'm using note 3 at the moment and my nexus 5 is on its way to me, will give more accurate impression once received.
Features I prefer nexus 5 over note 3
Design look and feel (massive improvement)
No TW bloatware (another massive factor)
Easier to carry around
More regular software updates kat 4.4
No lag freezing (hopefully)
Features I will miss coming from note 3
camera not impressed at all (will miss that the most)
4k video recording
Battery life
S-pen (just a little)
Multi screens (what a feature)
Large screen
Ext memory
Have you encountered any problems with the Note 3 ? Does it lag ? Do you have that effect on low brightness for dark borders ? How does TW bloatware affect you ?
Battery wise note has 50%more juice. Home button issues - do you mean the button moving around? It is not a problem, people are too much complaining about tiny tiny things they should never find unless they read about it.
Camera - i think nexus5 is way better than n3. Its not the pixels that matter, or software options. Nexus 5 camera is next level, focus is about 10 times faster.
Bloatware yes, samsung puts 700mb of bloatware that you dont receive on nexus. Not sure if anything of that is usable. But cyanogenmod should arrive soon!
I wish note3 had the new camera and with optical stabilization, then it would be perfect!
As for 4.4 - its just a number. There will definitely arrive new android versions fast on the n3, just that you have to flash it yourself and void the warranty.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
I like Nexus because:
- The design of the device and the appearance of the UI is more appealing to me. I like to keep things on my phone looking pretty "minimalistic" with few colors and lots and lots of black. I absolutely hate the Touchwiz cartoony look and I always change everything about it, the process starts immediately on first boot of the phone. Everything about Touchwiz looks awful - the icons, the menus, the choices in colors, those horrible big green quick settings toggles in the notification bar. Stock Android is much much better when it comes to looks. The Nexus 5 and its software looks like it's been designed by a design team made up of adults who actually make cohesive decisions together. Touchwiz looks to me like the school project of a pre-school class where everyone can add their favorite color and everyone gets to participate and add their touch to the design. Little Johnny wants a big blue, round icon there - OK let's put it right next to Jenny's rectangular pink icon there and add Lisa's green toggles! Fun for everybody.
I like Note 2/3 because:
- The battery is bigger. I've never been this satisfied with battery life.
- The screen is bigger. Honestly after using the Note 2, I cringe every time I use my iPhone 4 (I keep it as my spare phone) or my wife's Galaxy S III. The displays are so tiny, I don't think I could go back. Not even to a 5" display.
- I don't like the on screen nav buttons of stock Android. I want the physical menu, home and back buttons.
- The S-Pen. I'm not a heavy S-Pen user but it has really nice features on the Note 3. I use it much more with my Note 3 than I did with my Note 2.
- Memory card slot. Seriously. I could not live without one.
- Removable battery - not a big reason but nonetheless it is nice.
I hate the Note 2/3 because:
- I get to a point where I'm never satisfied with the ROM I use. New stuff is released on XDA and I feel this pressing need to try other ROMs. All the time. Sometimes it seems all I do with my phone is restoring backups. With the Nexus I think that I would be more easily able to just stick with one ROM.. Maybe even the stock ROM, just rooting it.
Don't listen to them
I just bought Note 3 after using Note 2 for couple of months
And go for Note 3 believe me this is the beast .. Note 3 Snap dragon
I am in the same boat as op.
I have a s2 now for 3 years and looking for an upgrade.
Minimum 5 inch screen, preferably a tad bigger.
Key feature should be office workability, due to a upcoming promotion as a project manager.
So I need info from all sorts of documents on the fly. Including excel.
Does the note provide this?
For free time I love playing games and viewing movies.
Help appreciated.
EJ
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
U may have to wait for few weeks to get the full hands on review about this. Nexus 5. The specs r good. But we don't know about battery life, camera performance, and heating issues. Note 3 is good in these areas.
Sent from my SM-N9005
I am planning on using the Note 3 with stock firmware from Samsung... because of warranty issues of knox trigger. This would also help on trying to reproduce bugs that appear on TouchWiz platform easier. So, having stock on Note3 sucks performance wise ?
efjbdejong said:
I am in the same boat as op.
I have a s2 now for 3 years and looking for an upgrade.
Minimum 5 inch screen, preferably a tad bigger.
Key feature should be office workability, due to a upcoming promotion as a project manager.
So I need info from all sorts of documents on the fly. Including excel.
Does the note provide this?
For free time I love playing games and viewing movies.
Help appreciated.
EJ
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps wait for nokia lumia 1520.
That's ideal for such mundane tasks. Lol
---------- Post added at 02:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 PM ----------
alleshi said:
Don't listen to them
I just bought Note 3 after using Note 2 for couple of months
And go for Note 3 believe me this is the beast .. Note 3 Snap dragon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 3 is far better then note 2 for sure but is it the best ow no. It's a beast but not the best.
If i didn't have the Note 3 already i would be pretty tempted to buy the Nexus 5. It's half the price, here, with great hardware, Kit Kat, Google updates, etc. But those touch buttons (why?) on the screen are a no no for me.
Thank you all for replies. After doing a lot of reading on the Buyers remorse thread I see that most of note3 users are happy. The only notable problems are: very weak audio output because of the small speaker, the pink effect around black edges on low brightness settings and the wobbly home button. Also I see that the battery isn't so great.
I am really thinking what to get, as I said, the difference would be around 150$ in price.
If I didn't have N3 already I would have the N5. I had N4 previously.
N3 has plus and minus points.
+ points
Battery Life - best I ever had
SD Card - installed 64GB,some users have install 128GB.
Big Screen - I like the screen some don't like AMOLED colors.
Fastest CPU & 3GB RAM
Multi Window & Pen Window
IrDA port - can control devices from my phone.
- points
Design - not very stylish
Build quality - my back cover already creaks only 1 month old. Others have experienced Home button and screen/multi touch issues
External Speakers - embarrassing from Samsung.
Samsung bloatware - unnecessary
Wireless Charging - not built in but @ extra cost
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Costum ROM
why wouldn't you just wait on xda to get pure 4.4 android and install that ROM on your note 3 ?
Hi,
the Google Nexus 5 is indeed a very good phone. Having switched from Nexus 4 to Galaxy Note 3 I can basically give you good explanations.
The Galaxy Note 3 has plenty more features than the Google Nexus 4 abd 5 which is great.
I would say the Note 3 wins everywhere against the Nexus unless you tell me you prefer smaller screen. In my case, the screen size was the reasob why I moved.
On the otherside, yes there are a lot of Samsung apps and that sucks to me. The Galaxy Note 3 can be rooted easily, so you can easy remove those bloatwares which make me feel more confortable that way.
On the other hand, I do prefer the PURE Androis that the Google Nexus has to the TouchWiz by Samsung because it uses way less resources.
The perfect phone for me would be a Note 3 with a AOSP Rom. (CyanogenMod or Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) because it would give the pure android feeling which means higher battery life, no bloatwares, faster updates.
Ok guys, some N5 reviews have appeared and to be honest, things don't look that good in battery and camera departments. Actually that was kinda expected considering the 2300 mAh battery and 1080p screen.
Now back to note 3, all the small things that bothered me (wobbly home button, pinkish black borders, bloatware) are not important anymore. The things that worries me most is the screen burn in. I saw some reviews where this is mentioned (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3mbkoXCMhs&feature=em-uploademail from 19 minute). I have own so far a Galaxy S1 and a Galaxy Nexus both having amoled screens. On my GNex sometimes I can see the keyboard shadow after using it, but I haven't really noticed any permanent retention as it goes off after a few seconds. I just did a quick check with blue color all over the screen and I can see a very faint shadow of the top bar, but nothing really noticeable. BUT, I use the phone on auto brightness and considering that Note 3 has the most bright amoled display built, I am afraid that it will suffer from permanent burn in because of blue pixels. Could anyone tell me if they have burn in ? This is a major drawback for me and might be the point which may convince me to give up on note3 in favor of N5.
Thanks all for your help. I really appreciate it.
For me it's so simple. They don't even belong to the same category.
Do you need/like the S-Pen features (and do you actually use them)? Do you need the bigger screen and the amazing Full HD @60fps video (let alone the 4K)?
If not then the Nexus 5 is a no brainer at this price point. Plain and simple.
Apps and bloatware are of no importance to me. I always remove them to my preference, to me flashing ROMs is an integral part of a smartphone like Note 3.
I agree with you, but if the screen has issues than all the other features are pointless, considering that the screen is the thing we see most.
It would be really great if owners could do some screen tests and return with the result.

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