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So shortly after the GS2 came out I bought it to upgrade my Atrix. Loved the phone, the speed, screen..etc...
Then the SR came out and being that I live in an LTE area, although on the fringe, I exchanged my GS2 for a SR. Loved the extra screen size of the SR, didn't notice any of the pixelation other people mentioned. LTE was fast when in a good coverage area, SMS and MMS even sent noticably faster. At first I didn't notice any lag on the SR, but after having it a week I started to noticed a little bit here and there.
But although I really loved the SR, there are a few things that killed it for me.
The biggest reason was all the APN issues people are having, which I was as well. Randomly whether on LTE or HSPA I would get web sites which didn't load, or even some of my apps which use data wouldn't be able to make a connection. Of course WiFi worked just fine, but the data issues over the network is what in the end made me take it back. I know it will eventually get corrected, being as I am sure it is just a routing issue on the APN which just needs to be sorted out on AT&T's end. But I just didn't want to deal with it for however long it was going to take for them to fix it. I also didn't really feel like being a beta tester for AT&T's experiments at this time.
Also I spend more time in non-LTE areas than I do in LTE coverage, and when at home which is LTE I am always on my WiFi.
The other issue is the lack of accessories for it. There just aren't any good cases out yet that I like for it, and I suspect you will see much more stuff for the GS2.
My original opinion on getting the SR was to be more future proof being as it's newer and LTE, but AT&T will probably drag their feet updating LTE coverage and by the time it is more wide spread, the GS3 or 4 will probably be out. I'll also be moving next year to an area which isn't even HSPA yet, so I'm sure it will be awhile before that area gets LTE.
So I ended up returning the SR and going back to the GS2. I do really miss the bigger screen though. .2 of an inch doesn't sound like a lot, but to me it was. The GS2 screen just "seems" much smaller. That's pretty much all I miss I guess, it just the bigger screen.
Anyone else in the similar boat or contemplating it? Chime in.
Hello all!
I've been reading through this forum and wanted to ask you all a few questions.
First, let me start by saying I have been to a local ATT store and played with the Note. I found it to be a perfect fit in my hand. The screen size and resolution is flat out amazing. I also looked at the specs and found them to be on par with most devices these days. However, I have read that the processor in the ATT version is a Snapdragon with an okay GPU chip...any thoughts? The internal storage is 16GB and up to 32GB external (although in this forum, I have seen it as high as 64GB)...good to go as well. No default notification indicator...boo, but not a deal breaker and an app can fix that. I also have read that the camera is okay, but can be tweaked to make it better.
Next, I am not new to tweaking my devices...actually, I love too! I read, read, read everything and usually don't have any problems. I am definitely a power/advanced user and do much more then text and check email. I use devices to fullest extent as possible.
I am not asking you all to tell me to buy this device or switch networks, but instead I'm asking you all for real world answers. So here are my questions.
1. Looking through the forums, I saw about 3 solid custom ROMs and several stock rooted ROMs. My question is, do you all have a solid base for development? I also saw that there is no AOSP CM7 ROM for this device either...is that correct? With ICS expected on this device soon, will there be development (the international version has ICS already I believe)? I'm rocking the OG HTC EVO 4G and development is rock solid...even with the device about to turn 2yrs old (6/4/12)...so development is a huge deal for me.
2. Okay, Sprint doesn't have the best network and 4G/WiMax is a total joke. When I was at the local ATT store, I ran several speed tests on the display Note (using ATT's LTE) and was floored by the down/up speeds! My question is how is battery life with it connected to LTE all the time AND using the crap out of it. I ask this, because with my EVO, I very rarely use 4G/WiMax. We can turn it on/off at will thru settings or a widget. Also, I always connect to my WiFi at home. It looks like on the Note via a custom ROM, turning LTE on/off is controlled through the build.prop...is this correct? I keep chargers around, but just curious.
3. I don't use this feature that often, but it's always good to have...tethering. With my EVO, most if not all custom ROMs have the ability to tether (USB or wireless) baked in. So what are the options with the Note? I have never paid for this feature and don't intend to either.
4. I haven't peeked into the theme section yet, but I'm sure there are themes for this device...right?
Edit- Late addition question...kernels. I use OC/UV/SBC kernels on my EVO...so what is the current state of kernels with this device?
Before I end this dissertation, I want to say this forum seems to be more mature...always a good thing. Also, I have several device choices to consider, but I am strongly considering getting away from CDMA carriers and join the rest of the world on GSM...not TMo, been there done that. I'm on the fence with getting this device or waiting for the HTC One X version or the GNex coming to ATT and Sprint (if I decide to stay). I'm just doing some research to make a very good decision.
Oh and thanks for posting the price from Fryers...$199 is much better than $299 !
Thanks in advance to all that answer and Android rocks!!
I owned the Evo 4G before moving to the Evo 3D and after that the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon.
If the size of the screen is not that attractive enough for you to sway you from the One X or the Galaxy Nexus then I would advise you wait for the Galaxy S3. The S3 (rumors of course) is shaping out to be superior to any of those devices.
As for your actual first question, yes the ATT and the International version of the Note have two different processors. At the time, Samsung's Exynos cpu in the Int Note did not have a LTE chip compatible with our LTE spectrum here in the states. So they switched to the Snapdragon chip for ATT. Yes the snapdragon performs less than the Int counterpart but chances are you will see no difference in real world use.
1. Development for this phone is still in its early stages. Coming from the EVO I can tell you development like that is the exception, not the rule. There are tons of the phones and only the most popular phones get the same attention. The phone came out a little over a month ago.
Also this phone will never be at the same level of popularity as some of the other ATT phones (S2 for example). CM9 is being worked on now for the Note. Maybe we might have a taste of it a month or so.
2. ATT has a better network compared to Sprint. HSPA+ is more than enough to beat Sprint's 3G and WiMax to the floor. One of the advantages is the fact you can talk on the phone while surfing the web or look up directions ect. Battery life is actually superior in respect to CDMA LTE devices. Since all radios are on the same chip you save battery life. You can turn off LTE when not in a LTE area but there are no noticeable impacts on battery life.
3. If you would like to use tethering all you have to do is freeze and apk (tethering manager I believe) and that's it. You can tether as you please.
4. There are a couple of themes for the different roms that exist. Also themes are proportional to the number of roms. Keep in mind themes are different for Samsung phones. There are no themes in apk form. All themes must be flashed.
Huge thanks for taking the time to respond. I played with the Note again today and I was able to one hand text and navigate around with ease. I'm sure I will end up switching to ATT for a GSM device. I was at Best Buy and they would not honor Fry's price...I plan to check with a local ATT store next.
I plan on buying a new device after 5/3 (my contract with Sprint ends), so I plan on watching for the S3 as well. If anyone else wants to chime in, please feel free. Again, thanks for your well written response!
How do you turn off LTE?
So it looks like you can not surf the web wiles on a call with the note!?
There any way to change this. I bereaved my streak and i know my iphone would let you
So what up with he note?
"Unofficial Cooler Blue I717"
What are talking about? I browse the web while on phone calls any time i want. Was helping my brother over the phone getting his VZW android phone setup and forgot that VZW doesn't support this, so we were at a loss and thought his phone was defective. Had a big palm to the fore head moment when i remembered who his carrier was.
So long as you are on at&t you will be to do both at the same time.
Sent from a Galaxy far, far away!
I did fg it out. Have to hit the home bottom to get out of the call screen
Sorry and thanks
"Unofficial Cooler Blue I717"
While you can browse and talk, the Note knocks your web speed down to a crawl. In many cases to Edge speeds even though you are still on the 3G network. There was another thread around here a few weeks ago where multiple people confirmed this. My old phone had no problem maintaining full speed while on a call so this is some kind of software throttle, not network.
I like Verizon, the coverage is great but sometimes I wonder if the grass is greener. I like to try all the different phones out there and T-Mobile and AT&T have the most open networks for switching out phones. I think T-Mobile is not going to work because the coverage is just not there. I used to be an At&T customer and only left really for Android (Original Droid). Now that Android is spread to al the carriers I wonder if I might like AT&T better just because I can switch out phones so much easier. Anyone have any input, maybe someone that has switched from Verizon to AT&T?
Character Zero said:
I like Verizon, the coverage is great but sometimes I wonder if the grass is greener. I like to try all the different phones out there and T-Mobile and AT&T have the most open networks for switching out phones. I think T-Mobile is not going to work because the coverage is just not there. I used to be an At&T customer and only left really for Android (Original Droid). Now that Android is spread to al the carriers I wonder if I might like AT&T better just because I can switch out phones so much easier. Anyone have any input, maybe someone that has switched from Verizon to AT&T?
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I'd love to provide some input as a user who has been a Verizon customer for a few years and is switching to AT&T. I previously used the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon and then switched to the iPhone 5 last year. I am still on an unlimited data plan. However, I have grown increasingly frustrated at Verizon because of their lack of phone variety, slow updates, locked bootloaders, Verizon customizations (persistent WIFI notifications, for example), etc.
So I bought an HTC One on AT&T the other day and am currently evaluating it. Right now I still have my Verizon iPhone 5 with unlimited data. But I also have the HTC One with the 5GB data plan (I have a 25% business discount).
SO is the grass greener? Yes and No. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Verizon has better overall coverage, but AT&T is faster. In my area, LTE on AT&T just went live, and while speeds are comparable, AT&T has better penetration already into the buildings I've been in. In my workplace, for example, I can get 4G LTE on AT&T but only 3G on Verizon unless I am close to the windows. It's nice having HSPA+ as a drop down from LTE as opposed to Verizon's very slow 3G network IMO. Can't deny Verizon's coverage is second to none, but AT&T is good in my area so this is probably the primary consideration (how is AT&T in your main area you'll be in???)
- It would be very hard to give up my Unlimited Data plan on Verizon. It's nice not having to worry about data caps. However, in actual use, I rarely go over 3-4GB per month and only occasionally reach 5GB. I don't think 3GB would be enough as I'd be constantly worrying about going over, plus I'd have to workaround tethering. For now, I'm keeping my Verizon line until I am absolutely sure.
- Phones! GMS > CDMA if only for the flexibility the former has for phones. The floodgates are open on AT&T and T-Mobile, but Verizon takes longer to get phones, has less variety, and has complete control over them. I hate everything about what Verizon is doing, and it's clear they don't have geeks in mind that like to tinker and switch phones often. I change phones every 9-12 months usually, and AT&T is going to provide a better environment than Verizon for that. Not perfect, mind you. They still lock bootloaders, and have some draconian policies and practices, but by the nature of their GMS network, there is more flexibility.
- HTC One. I bought the One on AT&T before it was officially confirmed that Verizon would be getting it. So there is a part of me that thinks I should just return the AT&T version and wait for the Verizon version. However, I am not at all confident that Verizon won't screw it up or prevent HTC from allowing us to unlock the bootloader. And like I said, I'm just really tired of Verizon and their meddling. I may just end up keep both plans for a while, but right now I'm leaning towards keeping the AT&T version despite my unlimited data plan on Verizon.
Hope that helps.
Yes that was a great help. I am really torn because Verizon's coverage is so great. I know that ATT LTE went live here a little bit ago and I think the coverage is pretty good. Ironically I left ATT for the Droid on Verizon because of the lack of variety on ATT at the time. Thanks for your input.
honestly i would move to verizon right now if i could, in my area better coverage + better speeds
Character Zero said:
Yes that was a great help. I am really torn because Verizon's coverage is so great. I know that ATT LTE went live here a little bit ago and I think the coverage is pretty good. Ironically I left ATT for the Droid on Verizon because of the lack of variety on ATT at the time. Thanks for your input.
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No problem. I know what you mean, I had AT&T a long time ago too and moved to Verizon when they changed their unlimited data policy. So it's ironic that I am now switching back. AT&T has done a good job of courting Android phone makers, and Verizon seems to be in the honeymoon phase of having the iPhone now. It's weird how things have flip-flopped! AT&T also has a few more consumer-friendly policies such as not forcing customers into a Share Everything data plan if you aren't already grandfathered in. They have rollover minutes (which I know isn't a big deal these day with people using voice less). And they have Mobile to ANY Mobile rather than just Mobile to Mobile, which is a small advantage I know.
But yeah, the primary consideration is how each carrier performs in your area. If both are good (like in my area), you have more options.
xnknown said:
honestly i would move to verizon right now if i could, in my area better coverage + better speeds
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Yes, if one carrier has better coverage and speeds in your area, then it makes sense to use that carrier. In my area, Verizon's LTE has been around for almost two years now and I rarely get more than 10 Mbps downloads. Usually it hovers around 5-9 Mbps, which is not even much better than AT&T's HSPA+, let alone LTE. And when my phones on Verizon drop down to 3G, it feels like dialup speeds. So far, AT&T is noticeable better for speeds between my HTC One and iPhone 5.
But again, YMMV and this is just a subjective observation on my part. To the OP, you could always give AT&T a shot for 14 days and compare the networks. If it doesn't work out, you can cancel and just pay the restocking fee. Just use the new phone with a new number, so you don't have to port and cancel your old line yet.
It all depends on your location really. I live near philly and the service has actually been a bit better on att then verizon from when i had them a few years ago. The speeds are also better on att thanks to it not being cdma but rather hspa. Overall I would never go back to verizon due to their prices and slower speeds unless I moved somewhere where they had clearly better service than all other companies.
So what about dropped calls. I barely have any on Verizon, but I remember having them on AT&T. Does being on LTE fix that or is it still a problem?
I went from Verizon (been a customer for 10 years) to At&t recently because my wife's office only gets At&t reception and we wanted to be on a Mobile Share plan instead of having two separate accounts (saves us around 40 a month). I've had an At&t line over the years for work, so I know the coverage isn't NEARLY as good as Verizon, especially LTE coverage in my area (At&t just went live on a few towers in my neck of the woods), but the savings is worth the sacrifice at this time.
Plus, as you said, being able to use most GSM phones on the network is a HUGE plus. Being able to run the Google Edition on my HTC One will be fantastic and I don't think Verizon is going to make it easy to run that software. Plus, as another guy mentioned above, that persistent Wifi thing Verizon does is sooooooo annoying. Almost as bad as At&t putting their name in the notification bar of the GS3/GS4. At least it goes away after a few seconds on the HTC One.
I haven't had many dropped calls on At&t, but calls are not what I do the most of, so I'm a bad barometer for that. I know the wife drops a bunch but I just attributed it to being the Nexus 4 and not a tried and true, tested, At&t phone. She has a GS4 now, so we'll see if that improves.
Anyway, in short, I did it for strictly monetary reasons, but the plus sides of At&t are numerous so it's not as bad as thought it would be.
dbdynsty25 said:
I went from Verizon (been a customer for 10 years) to At&t recently because my wife's office only gets At&t reception and we wanted to be on a Mobile Share plan instead of having two separate accounts (saves us around 40 a month). I've had an At&t line over the years for work, so I know the coverage isn't NEARLY as good as Verizon, especially LTE coverage in my area (At&t just went live on a few towers in my neck of the woods), but the savings is worth the sacrifice at this time.
Plus, as you said, being able to use most GSM phones on the network is a HUGE plus. Being able to run the Google Edition on my HTC One will be fantastic and I don't think Verizon is going to make it easy to run that software. Plus, as another guy mentioned above, that persistent Wifi thing Verizon does is sooooooo annoying. Almost as bad as At&t putting their name in the notification bar of the GS3/GS4. At least it goes away after a few seconds on the HTC One.
I haven't had many dropped calls on At&t, but calls are not what I do the most of, so I'm a bad barometer for that. I know the wife drops a bunch but I just attributed it to being the Nexus 4 and not a tried and true, tested, At&t phone. She has a GS4 now, so we'll see if that improves.
Anyway, in short, I did it for strictly monetary reasons, but the plus sides of At&t are numerous so it's not as bad as thought it would be.
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Thats what I am afraid of. My wife values the voice and I value the data. So dropped calls don't bother me as much, but it would really bother my wife. Especially coming from Verizon with very few dropped calls.
I dropped Verizon last year for AT&T and, despite the few rough patches everyone else has mentioned, it was worth it. No one can beat Verizon's LTE network coverage at this point, but I was so fed up with their other BS on updates and pretty scanty selection of phones that I did what you did and suspended my service for a month to see what happened. At first they weren't perfect, but I was fine with them and loved that I could go from a US SGS3 to an international One X without a hitch. Also, AT&T's coverage (both 3G and LTE) has expanded greatly in quality and quantity over the last 6 months where I'm at for work and everyday life. So now I've finally convinced my wife to drop them also and thus ending our 12 year run with Verizon and their devolution into Apple-like "It's our way or you don't need it" business model.
Will I ever go back? Not until I can buy a new phone from anywhere I want and activate it on their network. And I believe it'll be a cold day in heck before that is ever allowed to happen!
I am getting ready to make the jump from Verizon to AT&T and I am taking my DNA with me. I have done the research and I know that the DNA does not have AT&T's LTE bands, but does support HSPA. I know many of you are happy with your DNA on ATT, but I am curious to know about your general experience when you switched over to ATT, especially in areas like signal strength. For me, the HSPA network in my area uses much higher frequencies than Verizon's 700mhz LTE, so I am concerned about the propagation of the signals since towers in my area tend to be farther apart. Any thoughts, comments, and observations are appreciated! Thanks.
seeingwhite said:
I am getting ready to make the jump from Verizon to AT&T and I am taking my DNA with me. I have done the research and I know that the DNA does not have AT&T's LTE bands, but does support HSPA. I know many of you are happy with your DNA on ATT, but I am curious to know about your general experience when you switched over to ATT, especially in areas like signal strength. For me, the HSPA network in my area uses much higher frequencies than Verizon's 700mhz LTE, so I am concerned about the propagation of the signals since towers in my area tend to be farther apart. Any thoughts, comments, and observations are appreciated! Thanks.
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May I first ask why are you switching from the best phone carrier around>?
thayl0 said:
May I first ask why are you switching from the best phone carrier around>?
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Thats a good question, and there are a lot of reasons. We just got a Nexus 5 for my wife, and with my corp discount, that puts us at $115 for two smart phones w/10GBs of data. That is with AT&T's new shared value plans and no contract, and Verizon has chosen not to be competitive and semi-open like AT&T. I have only used Verizon because of their superior network, but have never liked the company or their poor CS. AT&T has been improving their network a lot in my area and is now competitive with Verizon here. I also like the apparent industry trend toward elimination of subsidized phones on contract. I am looking forward to watching the free-market kick in as the manufacturers duke it out to see who can deliver the best device for the most reasonable price. Anyway, kinda off-topic, but I hope that at least partially answers your question.:highfive:
you wont get OTA updates,thats about the only negative i can think of besides no LTE.
i used my DNA on att for a while but with no data($10 add-on line),I did pop in an att sim that had data and tested the speed with the speedtest.net app,it was around 8-9mb down which isnt bad for the area im in (NE Ohio).
PassingThruLife said:
you wont get OTA updates,thats about the only negative i can think of besides no LTE.
i used my DNA on att for a while but with no data($10 add-on line),I did pop in an att sim that had data and tested the speed with the speedtest.net app,it was around 8-9mb down which isnt bad for the area im in (NE Ohio).
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Thanks. How was the call quality/clarity?
Wondering if ever 100% working APN's were ever found to use the DNA on AT&T. I just searched again and found some settings old older threads but none worked quite right. Calls are fine, texts are fine, just MMS only ever gives a download box that never works. I tried several APN's I found.
I moved on from the DNA a while back (missed it), but got another recently from Craigslist to keep as a backup phone. It's a bit beat up, this poor phone is scratched up, small crack on glass in upper right corner. Previous owner didn't treat it well but is completely bone stock (and plan to keep it that way).
Just in case you wonder, I am switching over to Verizon from AT&T. Still have two lines on AT&T under contract till early/mid 2015. I want the DNA to serve as a backup in case any other phones I use with normal service (either AT&T or Verizon) get broken, lost, or otherwise not working. Yeah it's a shame to relegate the DNA to that duty as I love the size of the phone and it was my first 1080p screen on a phone.
Tersanyus said:
Wondering if ever 100% working APN's were ever found to use the DNA on AT&T. I just searched again and found some settings old older threads but none worked quite right. Calls are fine, texts are fine, just MMS only ever gives a download box that never works. I tried several APN's I found.
I moved on from the DNA a while back (missed it), but got another recently from Craigslist to keep as a backup phone. It's a bit beat up, this poor phone is scratched up, small crack on glass in upper right corner. Previous owner didn't treat it well but is completely bone stock (and plan to keep it that way).
Just in case you wonder, I am switching over to Verizon from AT&T. Still have two lines on AT&T under contract till early/mid 2015. I want the DNA to serve as a backup in case any other phones I use with normal service (either AT&T or Verizon) get broken, lost, or otherwise not working. Yeah it's a shame to relegate the DNA to that duty as I love the size of the phone and it was my first 1080p screen on a phone.
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Thanks for the reply. Are you switching to Verizon for cell coverage reasons?
seeingwhite said:
Thanks for the reply. Are you switching to Verizon for cell coverage reasons?
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Yes, Verizon has LTE coverage nearly everywhere. If you go into one of their stores just look at that map comparing LTE coverage between them and the other 3 carriers.
Found out the APN setting for MMS may only work on 3rd party MMS clients. On the main phone I use now on Verizon, a G2, I use Google Hangouts for all SMS/MMS, going to try that with the APN settings listed for the DNA on AT&T
Tersanyus said:
Found out the APN setting for MMS may only work on 3rd party MMS clients. On the main phone I use now on Verizon, a G2, I use Google Hangouts for all SMS/MMS, going to try that with the APN settings listed for the DNA on AT&T
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I use Hangouts as well, let me know!
No real luck getting Hangouts to work for MMS either. Put like 4 different MMS settings into either the DNA settings itself or the Hangouts apps settings for MMS. Just gives me a cannot download type message. I gave up on it.
Only other oddity is the signal type indicators change often. The H and 3G keep flipping back and forth. It'll be on H for 5 seconds, move to 3G for 4-6 seconds then go back. Sometimes it stays on one for a bit longer.
seeingwhite said:
I use Hangouts as well, let me know!
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seeingwhite said:
Thanks. How was the call quality/clarity?
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perfect,never had an issue with that or dropped calls at all.
Tersanyus said:
No real luck getting Hangouts to work for MMS either. Put like 4 different MMS settings into either the DNA settings itself or the Hangouts apps settings for MMS. Just gives me a cannot download type message. I gave up on it.
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@Tersanyus, have you seen this post? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=37819301&postcount=20
Also you could try this post as well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38357094&postcount=3
Hopefully one of those two solutions will work for you. I also read that with some roms, MMS just wont work. Viper was one of the ones mentioned, but that was an older version.