Launch report · Samsung
Galaxy Note II: The phablet sequel that turned a ridiculed idea into a runaway hit.
SpecEagle Editorial·Sep 2012·$700·Score 54/100
Galaxy Note II took the once-mocked phablet concept and made it a blockbuster — a refined S Pen, quad-core power and a big removable battery. It sold tens of millions and confirmed that big-screen phones with a stylus were a category, not a gimmick.
Key specs at launch
Display
5.5" HD SAMOLED
Chipset
Exynos 4412
Memory
2 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
8 MP
Battery
3,100 mAh
Weight
180 g
What stands out
- Improved S Pen with Air View and gestures.
- Quad-core Exynos and 2 GB RAM.
- Big 3,100 mAh removable battery.
- microSD + jack.
What to watch
- 720p on a 5.5" panel.
- TouchWiz felt heavy.
- Still large for one-handed use.
- Mono speaker.
The phone it has to beat
Nexus 5 (LG)
$349 · score 84/100