Having Note 2 and considering iPhone 5S

[damianmb]

Hello all,

I have a Note 2 since more than a year now, it's not in it's best condition because of the plastic let's say and the home button is not as responsive now, I don't know if it's because of sw but anyhow I started to get bored of it.

I've invested in Apple ecosystem I have now:
- Macbook Pro
- Apple TV
- Time Capsule
- iPad (old 3rd generation, there is nothing new in this front yet to make me consider to upgrade, only the new port)

So in the search of a new phone I wondered if going to apple will give me any benefits...

- Note 3: I don't like it, I don't see anything worthy of the upgrade and the bezel looks cheaper than the note 2. On the UI department nothing changed much so again I don't really see the point.

- LG G2: I wasn't considering it but I saw it yesterday and the sales guy showed me the features. I really liked it. Only the plastic is a let down, but they have some nice UI features and also IR to control TV and other devices.

- Nexus 5. Here it's more expensive than G2 so I think it's not worth it, although I like the feeling in hand better.

- iPhone 5S. I like the build quality and fingerprint thing, that means no more unlocking with ******** pin. But the screen seems so small... and I've read so many complains about battery, I can make one day in my N2 I don't really want to go less than that with an 5S.

Now, again if I haven't a macbook and apple tv maybe I wouldn't consider the iphone... how better will be my experience overall having an iphone 5S?

I have my doubts because one thing I wanted to do is to transfer some files from the phone to the computer and viceversa, I thought AirDrop would work but I've just read it's not possible... keeps me wondering what is my gain buying an iPhone... otherwise the LG G2 looks great.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Hello all,

I have a Note 2 since more than a year now, it's not in it's best condition because of the plastic let's say and the home button is not as responsive now, I don't know if it's because of sw but anyhow I started to get bored of it.

I've invested in Apple ecosystem I have now:
- Macbook Pro
- Apple TV
- Time Capsule
- iPad (old 3rd generation, there is nothing new in this front yet to make me consider to upgrade, only the new port)

So in the search of a new phone I wondered if going to apple will give me any benefits...

- Note 3: I don't like it, I don't see anything worthy of the upgrade and the bezel looks cheaper than the note 2. On the UI department nothing changed much so again I don't really see the point.

- LG G2: I wasn't considering it but I saw it yesterday and the sales guy showed me the features. I really liked it. Only the plastic is a let down, but they have some nice UI features and also IR to control TV and other devices.

- Nexus 5. Here it's more expensive than G2 so I think it's not worth it, although I like the feeling in hand better.

- iPhone 5S. I like the build quality and fingerprint thing, that means no more unlocking with ******** pin. But the screen seems so small... and I've read so many complains about battery, I can make one day in my N2 I don't really want to go less than that with an 5S.

Now, again if I haven't a macbook and apple tv maybe I wouldn't consider the iphone... how better will be my experience overall having an iphone 5S?

I have my doubts because one thing I wanted to do is to transfer some files from the phone to the computer and viceversa, I thought AirDrop would work but I've just read it's not possible... keeps me wondering what is my gain buying an iPhone... otherwise the LG G2 looks great.

Thanks for reading.

The note 3 has an IR blaster.

I bought a note 3 2 weeks ago. I'm really enjoying it so far. I had an original note for a year and a half, then used the s4 for 4 months and then the iPhone 5S for 28 days. I have a lot of gadgets (Android and iOS) and like you thought that having the 5S would be a good move and simplify my set up as I own an ipad mini, Apple TV and iPod touch. I agree with what you've said. The iPhone looks beautiful. I had the gold one. However apart from its looks I started to realise that it was lacking in quite a few areas. After having the note and S4 I'd become used to having a larger, higher resolution, amoled screen so found it really difficult to adjust. Also I think I was used to managing my media via drag and drop and using a proper filling system. I find it frustrating to use iTunes. I found notifications and sharing options severely lacking in comparison to what I was used to with Android. I also missed customising my phone.

It's funny because I've owned iPhones before and had been using my ipad mini and iPod touch so I knew the limitations. However I think when I started to use the iPhone as my daily driver that's when I realised that it couldn't work for me.

So I sold my 5S and bought the note 3. I did briefly consider the the LG G2 but the lack of expandable memory and removable battery ruled it out. I've given my S4 to my boyfriend and didn't want to buy another. I'd been really happy with my original note and I only upgraded because it was having software problems. I'd also quite liked the look of the note 3 since it launched so decided to go with that. As I came from the original note its quite a big upgrade and I was also familiar with it as I've been using the S4.

 

[damianmb]

The note 3 has an IR blaster.

I bought a note 3 2 weeks ago. I'm really enjoying it so far. I had an original note for a year and a half, then used the s4 for 4 months and then the iPhone 5S for 28 days. I have a lot of gadgets (Android and iOS) and like you thought that having the 5S would be a good move and simplify my set up as I own an ipad mini, Apple TV and iPod touch. I agree with what you've said. The iPhone looks beautiful. I had the gold one. However apart from its looks I started to realise that it was lacking in quite a few areas. After having the note and S4 I'd become used to having a larger, higher resolution, amoled screen so found it really difficult to adjust. Also I think I was used to managing my media via drag and drop and using a proper filling system. I find it frustrating to use iTunes. I found notifications and sharing options severely lacking in comparison to what I was used to with Android. I also missed customising my phone.

It's funny because I've owned iPhones before and had been using my ipad mini and iPod touch so I knew the limitations. However I think when I started to use the iPhone as my daily driver that's when I realised that it couldn't work for me.

So I sold my 5S and bought the note 3. I did briefly consider the the LG G2 but the lack of expandable memory and removable battery ruled it out. I've given my S4 to my boyfriend and didn't want to buy another. I'd been really happy with my original note and I only upgraded because it was having software problems. I'd also quite liked the look of the note 3 since it launched so decided to go with that. As I came from the original note its quite a big upgrade and I was also familiar with it as I've been using the S4.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

As for removable battery and micro sd, I was always looking for the same since I had the original Galaxy S. In reality after 3 years, I never changed micro sd and never changed the battery.

I just got bored about the notifications and some other stuff. Also sometimes battery is being annihilated without reason :S.

I'm looking for something with good build quality, and I hold the Note 3 and for me after having the note 2 I don't see much of an upgrade.

Some good things I see about iPhone are:
- Fingerprint.. again, if only using my finger unlocks it, it's a big improvement over using the pin AND pressing OK. The OK part is idiotic and seems all android phones are sticking with it.
- Search on main screen. If you swipe down then the search box appears. In all androids I need to either enter google now (delay till you enter) or go to the app drawer and then click on search. There are a couple of launchers that embrace this idea, but again you have to deal with 3rd party.
- Quality of apps, example Bloomberg it's totally different on Android, a complete crap.

My concerns about apple ecosystem is that is not that well connected. For apple TV I cannot manage it with my mac or ipad or anything.. I need to use the apple remote or some bluetooth keyboard. Airdrop the same... so not everything is really well integrated.

I'm quite confused to be honest, paying more than 750 USD for an iphone 32GB and still lacking features..

 

[Robster3]

Hello all,

I have a Note 2 since more than a year now, it's not in it's best condition because of the plastic let's say and the home button is not as responsive now, I don't know if it's because of sw but anyhow I started to get bored of it.

I've invested in Apple ecosystem I have now:
- Macbook Pro
- Apple TV
- Time Capsule
- iPad (old 3rd generation, there is nothing new in this front yet to make me consider to upgrade, only the new port)

So in the search of a new phone I wondered if going to apple will give me any benefits...

- Note 3: I don't like it, I don't see anything worthy of the upgrade and the bezel looks cheaper than the note 2. On the UI department nothing changed much so again I don't really see the point.

- LG G2: I wasn't considering it but I saw it yesterday and the sales guy showed me the features. I really liked it. Only the plastic is a let down, but they have some nice UI features and also IR to control TV and other devices.

- Nexus 5. Here it's more expensive than G2 so I think it's not worth it, although I like the feeling in hand better.

- iPhone 5S. I like the build quality and fingerprint thing, that means no more unlocking with ******** pin. But the screen seems so small... and I've read so many complains about battery, I can make one day in my N2 I don't really want to go less than that with an 5S.

Now, again if I haven't a macbook and apple tv maybe I wouldn't consider the iphone... how better will be my experience overall having an iphone 5S?

I have my doubts because one thing I wanted to do is to transfer some files from the phone to the computer and viceversa, I thought AirDrop would work but I've just read it's not possible... keeps me wondering what is my gain buying an iPhone... otherwise the LG G2 looks great.

Thanks for reading.

How does the Note 2 sync with your macbook, if the answer is it doesn't? get a 5S it will love your mac,iPad,and apple tv

 

[Shanghaichica]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

As for removable battery and micro sd, I was always looking for the same since I had the original Galaxy S. In reality after 3 years, I never changed micro sd and never changed the battery.

I just got bored about the notifications and some other stuff. Also sometimes battery is being annihilated without reason :S.

I'm looking for something with good build quality, and I hold the Note 3 and for me after having the note 2 I don't see much of an upgrade.

Some good things I see about iPhone are:
- Fingerprint.. again, if only using my finger unlocks it, it's a big improvement over using the pin AND pressing OK. The OK part is idiotic and seems all android phones are sticking with it.
- Search on main screen. If you swipe down then the search box appears. In all androids I need to either enter google now (delay till you enter) or go to the app drawer and then click on search. There are a couple of launchers that embrace this idea, but again you have to deal with 3rd party.
- Quality of apps, example Bloomberg it's totally different on Android, a complete crap.

My concerns about apple ecosystem is that is not that well connected. For apple TV I cannot manage it with my mac or ipad or anything.. I need to use the apple remote or some bluetooth keyboard. Airdrop the same... so not everything is really well integrated.

I'm quite confused to be honest, paying more than 750 USD for an iphone 32GB and still lacking features..

You can get an app on the iPhone/ipad to control the Apple TV. I also agree that the app quality is better on iOS overall.

I think if you want to try the iPhone go for it. Also the resale value of the iPhone is very good. If you buy the iPhone and then decide that you want an android phone you can just sell your iPhone and get whatever Android device you want. When I sold my 5S I had enough to buy my note 3 outright, and a £50 case and I still had a bit of money left. I had that at the back of my mind when I got the iPhone that I could sell it if I didn't like it. If you go for the Android device first, the resale value won't be as high so you would lose money if you wanted to switch to the iPhone later on.

In the end I also thought like you that the iPhone just wasn't worth the money when it was lacking in features when compared to other Android phones.

 

[damianmb]

How does the Note 2 sync with your macbook, if the answer is it doesn't? get a 5S it will love your mac,iPad,and apple tv

Well what is synced is also a good question... it's always a mess to first import things into iTunes and then from there transfer to iOS. I'm talking about PDFs for example. Music I'm still having a hard time getting it organised as it seems there are not quite the tools I find on windows in mac.

 

[Oohara]

Well what is synced is also a good question... it's always a mess to first import things into iTunes and then from there transfer to iOS. I'm talking about PDFs for example. Music I'm still having a hard time getting it organised as it seems there are not quite the tools I find on windows in mac.

When it comes to transfering files between computer and phone, Android just can't be beat IMO. I use WiFi File Transfer for my Note 2 -I have a widget set up on my homescreen so that it activates with one click, then i just open Chrome and transfer away.

Same goes for sending and receiving text messages through the browser - Mighty Text does this beautifully.

Both work equally well on Mac and PC, all you need is Chrome.

 

[damianmb]

I don't see anything really convincing as a new phone really.. other than try iPhone but as I have an iPad I know what I'm expecting..

Maybe I'll wait till next week when the MWC starts showing some new models. I'm not convinced by Apple neither Android

I'm only sure I don't want a Windows phone.

 

[Oohara]

I don't see anything really convincing as a new phone really.. other than try iPhone but as I have an iPad I know what I'm expecting..

Maybe I'll wait till next week when the MWC starts showing some new models. I'm not convinced by Apple neither Android

I'm only sure I don't want a Windows phone.

 

[TacticalDesire]

I don't see anything really convincing as a new phone really.. other than try iPhone but as I have an iPad I know what I'm expecting..

Maybe I'll wait till next week when the MWC starts showing some new models. I'm not convinced by Apple neither Android

I'm only sure I don't want a Windows phone.

If I had a Note 2 I wouldn't really be compelled by anything either. I'd wait and see what gets announced this spring and summer.

 

[tbayrgs]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

As for removable battery and micro sd, I was always looking for the same since I had the original Galaxy S. In reality after 3 years, I never changed micro sd and never changed the battery.

I just got bored about the notifications and some other stuff. Also sometimes battery is being annihilated without reason :S.

I'm looking for something with good build quality, and I hold the Note 3 and for me after having the note 2 I don't see much of an upgrade.

Some good things I see about iPhone are:
- Fingerprint.. again, if only using my finger unlocks it, it's a big improvement over using the pin AND pressing OK. The OK part is idiotic and seems all android phones are sticking with it.
- Search on main screen. If you swipe down then the search box appears. In all androids I need to either enter google now (delay till you enter) or go to the app drawer and then click on search. There are a couple of launchers that embrace this idea, but again you have to deal with 3rd party.
- Quality of apps, example Bloomberg it's totally different on Android, a complete crap.

My concerns about apple ecosystem is that is not that well connected. For apple TV I cannot manage it with my mac or ipad or anything.. I need to use the apple remote or some bluetooth keyboard. Airdrop the same... so not everything is really well integrated.

I'm quite confused to be honest, paying more than 750 USD for an iphone 32GB and still lacking features..

Well, I'm not going to try to convince you that the iPhone is better at many things vs. Android because, frankly, much functionality is simply better on Android (i.e. transferring files, sharing between apps, setting different default apps, etc). I did want to clarify your statement that I've highlighted.

Not sure why you think the Apple ecosystem is not well connected. This may hold true when working with multiple platforms but it's actually quite the opposite when using Apple devices. As mentioned, there's a Remote app for either the iPad or iPhone actually from Apple that works beautifully with the Apple TV. Also, I can send anything from iTunes directly to an Apple TV using my Mac. In fact, if you plan to stick with the Apple TV, going outside the Apple ecosystem severely limits your options (control, AirPlay).

And yes, AirDrop is limited to iOS devices but there are third party options that work just fine for sharing/transferring files. I personally use Dropbox to share files and photos with all of my devices, Apple or otherwise.

I also live largely with the Apple ecosystem and right now prefer my iPhone primarily for that reason. I happen to prefer a smaller phone so the iPhone hits the mark here as well. That being said, I also understand that in the grand scope of things (translation--outside the Apple world), the iPhone is generally less capable. And if you prefer a larger display, you'll probably get frustrated using an iPhone pretty quickly. If this aspect of a phone carries a lot of weight in your preferences, I'd suggest waiting until this fall until the next gen iPhone is released. If you cannot wait until then and are dealing with mobile contracts, I'd suggest trying to pick up something used to hold you over for the next 9-10 months rather than spending that much.

 

[The Game 161]

I could never imagine going from the size of the note 2 to the 5S...iphone just feel so tiny for me now.

 

[damianmb]

Well, I'm not going to try to convince you that the iPhone ister at many things vs. Android because, frankly, much functionality is simply better on Android (i.e. transferring files, sharing between apps, setting different default apps, etc). I did want to clarify your statement that I've highlighted.

Not sure why you think the Apple ecosystem is not well connected. This may hold true when working with multiple platforms but it's actually quite the opposite when using Apple devices. As mentioned, there's a Remote app for either the iPad or iPhone actually from Apple that works beautifully with the Apple TV. Also, I can send anything from iTunes directly to an Apple TV using my Mac. In fact, if you plan to stick with the Apple TV, going outside the Apple ecosystem severely limits your options (control, AirPlay).

And yes, AirDrop is limited to iOS devices but there are third party options that work just fine for sharing/transferring files. I personally use Dropbox to share files and photos with all of my devices, Apple or otherwise.

I also live largely with the Apple ecosystem and right now prefer my iPhone primarily for that reason. I happen to prefer a smaller phone so the iPhone hits the mark here as well. That being said, I also understand that in the grand scope of things (translation--outside the Apple world), the iPhone is generally less capable. And if you prefer a larger display, you'll probably get frustrated using an iPhone pretty quickly. If this aspect of a phone carries a lot of weight in your preferences, I'd suggest waiting until this fall until the next gen iPhone is released. If you cannot wait until then and are dealing with mobile contracts, I'd suggest trying to pick up something used to hold you over for the next 9-10 months rather than spending that much.

In my ipad the remote control app doesn't work, it doesn't see the apple tv. My mac works without problems.

As for Dropbox due to work and on the go you cannot always use it. Wifi direct never worked with android and I have no idea how to use it neither.

I just feel with apple that besides quality sometimes there is a lot of features missing and at some point is like Microsoft was/is behaving. And the whole proprietary things like lighting that happens to have same speed as USB 2.0 so not really an improvement. Ohh if I start... like the obsolete connector in my ipad only 6 months after.

What I don't really get is what happened after iPhone 4. Nothing changed much and looking at the upcoming iOS 7.1 features seems like a joke. Most of the changes are buttons' shape...

The only way to select a wifi is going first into settings while in android I just hold the wifi icon in the notification panel. Also I tried opening the calendar in the 5s from the notifications and was not possible. Ipad since retina is pretty much unchanged unless you are a hardcore gamer or think a couple of grams lighter could make you happier.

I really want something that just works and is the best thing ever but unless this year they come up with something great. .. Android is pretty strong.

Don't get me wrong I have more apple products than others and I wish I could stay with one system and simplify my life. I bought a note 2 for the sole reason of great battery life... which many times is not great and god knows why.

 

[Deliro]

I've owned iPhones since the 3G. What iOS still has over Android is the quality of the apps. And really that is what the experience is about, right? I now have a JB'd iphone 5 for personal and a 5S for work.

I also have a Nexus 7, great device. But app quality vs iPad is just not there and app updates are way behind iOS.

With that said, app quality is catching up to iOS and the screen size + functionality for Android has me really considering having an Android phone and a iOS tablet. I'm awaiting the iPhone 6 before making a swap.

So my advice, keep your Note, don't buy a 5S. Wait to see what Apple has in store for the iPhone 6. Apple really needs to up the screen size. I understand their early design thoughts about 1 handed usage in the past, but the market has changed.

 

[animalx]

I've owned iPhones since the 3G. What iOS still has over Android is the quality of the apps. And really that is what the experience is about, right? I now have a JB'd iphone 5 for personal and a 5S for work.

I also have a Nexus 7, great device. But app quality vs iPad is just not there and app updates are way behind iOS.

With that said, app quality is catching up to iOS and the screen size + functionality for Android has me really considering having an Android phone and a iOS tablet. I'm awaiting the iPhone 6 before making a swap.

So my advice, keep your Note, don't buy a 5S. Wait to see what Apple has in store for the iPhone 6. Apple really needs to up the screen size. I understand their early design thoughts about 1 handed usage in the past, but the market has changed.

I think Apple definitely needs to update their archaic design. Phones like the Moto X really show how poorly engineered the iPhone is. Though they are almost the same size overall, the Moto X has a much larger display than the iPhone. For some reason, Apple seems to be in love with big bezels. Just take a look at where they sit as far as bezel is concerned. It's clear they have lots of room for improvement.

 

[AppleRobert]

I could never imagine going from the size of the note 2 to the 5S...iphone just feel so tiny for me now.

5s is my phone, Note 3 is my tablet and I'll probably never buy another tablet again. The Note 3 suffices for me and is so portable even more so than my Nexus 7.

Productivity wise, I will just use my Mac.

 

[atticus27]

I switched back from the nexus 5 to a 5s. Minus a few features small screen(takes a few days to get used to, then it doesn't bother me) and the crappy keyboard it's a huge upgrade for me. iOS is much more fluid and syncs with my macs better. I missed iCloud I had a bunch of 3rd party apps to back pictures and other files up, but iCloud is easier.

apple does need to open up there API's and let dev's make alternative keyboards. the swift key notes app, even without flow is way better than the default keyboard. that's really the only drawback of iOS for me.

 

[hovscorpion12]

make note that going from a 5.5" screen to a 4.0" screen will be extremely difficult. I have both iPhone 5S and Note II and writing/typing on the iPhone 5S is nearly 5 minutes to put a sentence, when on my note II, I pull out my S-pen and write a whole sentence in less then 3 minutes. watching videos are not enjoyable, reading emails, calendar. hurts the eye. Once you go big, there's no going back (no pun intended) I would need the Note III or the Zperia Ultra 6.4" HAHA.

 

[damianmb]

make note that going from a 5.5" screen to a 4.0" screen will be extremely difficult. I have both iPhone 5S and Note II and writing/typing on the iPhone 5S is nearly 5 minutes to put a sentence, when on my note II, I pull out my S-pen and write a whole sentence in less then 3 minutes. watching videos are not enjoyable, reading emails, calendar. hurts the eye. Once you go big, there's no going back (no pun intended) I would need the Note III or the Zperia Ultra 6.4" HAHA.

Well my experience with the S Pen is not that good... usually the S Pen is only used if I'm in the mood of taking notes. I'm not even inclined to use it that much. In really I use my phone for:

1- WhatsApp
2- Facebook and Messenger
3- Reading web
4- I started liking google now with the suggestions
5- Take pictures to send in 1 and 2
6- Occasionally listening to music as I'm most of the time in my car/work/home
7- Major concern was always battery life and that's why I went with the note 2
8- Google maps/navigation