Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Note 1 – Comparison

Samsung recently unveiled the next beast, Galaxy Note 2 recently in an event at IFA. It features a larger display (yes, larger than previous Note), a new improved S-Pen and better performance.

People who used the first Note phablet (let’s call it Note 1), were really impressed by the device. On the other hand, it also faced serious criticism from some of the tech geeks and gadget gurus from all around the world. Nonetheless, the one of its kind phablet not only managed to survive the criticism, but also got enough consumer response that lead to the inception of Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

The first thing to be noted about the device is, it has a bigger display. The 5.5-inch screen with 1280 x 720 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio does not add much to compare with its predecessor, but S-Pen does. It comes with a new S-Pen, with greater functionality. As soon as the S-Pen slide out of the device, it shows a S-Pen specific menu. Plus, there is a new hover feature. With the new S-Pen using the hover feature, you can do a lot more stuff. It can show image previews of photos in a photo album, and while watching a video you can now see a static preview at a specific time span (just like YouTube video player on desktop computers). Check the video by Engadget, to see how the new S-Pen works.

Basically, it’s a redesigned mouse. The only thing missing from touch screen devices was hover. You were able to tap something, double-tap or tap-and-hold to get a menu right there – but there was nothing to initiate the “mouse-over” event. Now let me ask you this, how many times have you left your device’s stylus somewhere and forgot it? Happens a lot, right? Not anymore! If you leave the new S-Pen somewhere and try to walk away without it, the Galaxy Note 2 will remind you to pick it up. Nice, huh?

It has some other significant improvements too, as compared to its predecessor. Note 1 has 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, which is replaced by a massive 1.6 GHz quad-core processor in Note 2. 2 GB RAM is another improvement, which is exactly double from the previous one. A new 3,100 mAh Li-ion battery is packed inside to provide a better backup. If you see the figures, it’s thinner and has less width than Note 1.

Let’s talk about the UI. To be precise, you’ll get Jelly Bean right out of the box with all the features you liked in the previous Galaxy Note and some features from Samsung Galaxy S III. Galaxy S3′s pop-up play is there with the ability to resize the video player. For people obsessed with figures, here’s a tabular presentation.

What are your views about the new Galaxy Note 2? Would you sell your Note 1 and buy this one? Tell us in your comments, and stay tuned for more updates.