I was really excited to get this phone as my little Christmas present to myself. I played around with the Note 3 in Samsung stores several times, and was awed by the plethora of features that were fit into its package.
The Note has great performance capabilities and serious power for such a (relative) small package. It has the ability to keep several high-demand background processes running at the same time with no lag from the processor. Of course, the battery will suffer as a result, but even under constant use whether it be music or video streaming or apps which use a large amount of the phone's RAM, the battery still tends to last more than my previous phone, the Samsung Infuse. A+ for sheer power; matches some computers.
Battery is a respectable B. It is worth mentioning that that charging cord is expensive and not compatible with any other phones, or vice versa. An extra housing has been added to the typical micro-USB adapter, so if part of the wiring breaks, be prepared to splice the wiring or buy a new one altogether.
The phone is also beautiful; its design, display, and graphical capabilities are delightful to the eye. The resolution is sharp and crisp and incredibly detailed. When viewing movies on a personal level while lounging across the bed or over the couch, it's about as good as watching them on a laptop or TV. A+ here, especially with a case that has a kick stand.
The features of this phone are mind boggling. There are so many things that have been incorporated with the new generation and the digital stylus that I can't even begin to go into it all. Two weeks later and I'm still learning new things that I can do - several times a day. The Note 3 is a joy for tech lovers, but a true hassle for anyone who favors simplicity. However, the intuitiveness is good; the voice recognition is not nearly as buggy and Swype seems to have received an upgrade. The ability to add your own words from your everyday vernacular into the phone's dictionary is also pretty cool. Another plus is the ability to edit pictures, video, and web pages with the stylus, and lends itself to all sorts of useful applications. A+ for sheer ability and capability; B- for learning curve.
The camera is a definite selling point to this, especially when paired with the phone's other features. The quality is fantastic, rivaling that of hand-held digital cameras. The Note's ability to take panoramic and spherical shots, plus its ability to touch up cosmetic imperfections, eliminate photo bombers, etc, make this a great sell. Solid A.
The note's audio quality is modest. B+ here. The speakers have quality that's pretty good and can reach a high volume without being garbled, but it doesn't match what the HTC One can deliver.
The size and weight are limiting. I'm a tall guy with big hands so it was natural for me to gravitate toward the Note, but if you are smaller, it will be frustrating to handle, especially with one hand. Moreover, its weight forces me to notch my belt a little tighter, or else my pants will seriously sag. For guys, I recommend a case that can be attached to a belt clip, especially since the phone is bulky and does not easily fit into some pockets. I do not encourage people of small stature and small hands to get the note; it's just too big. However, if you are looking for a fusion of smartphone and tablet with a large, impressive screen, this fits the bill perfectly. C+ for handling and size; B if you have large hands and good balance.
The Samsung Note will, in the end, blow away many of its rivals, despite its shortcomings. Its power, functionality, and bevy of features are seriously mouthwatering. It is a delight for tech lovers and is a great pick for someone seeking something to fill their need for both smartphone and tablet. Its cost is its main limiting factor. Weigh serious thought on your purchase; make sure this is the phone that you want, and the phone you can afford, before you jump in.
OVERALL:
Solid A
9/10