Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Unboxing — Galaxy Note 2 FTW!

Unboxed: The Samsung Galaxy Note 2

When the first Galaxy Note launched it was met with a lot of skepticism due to the unconventional screen size. At that time the 3.5-inch iPhone 4 was the king of the hill and it made no sense whatsoever for consumers to pick up the 5.3-inch Galaxy Note. However it sold incredibly well and together with the Galaxy S2, paved the way for Samsung to be the leading smartphone manufacturer in the world today. It comes as no surprise that the Korean tech juggernaut would release an update for their highly successful “phablet” (phone + tablet). Enter the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. We’ve had a unit for a few days now and man is this thing a beast of a machine!

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Spec Sheet

1.6GHz quad-core Exynos Processor
2GB RAM
16 / 32 / 64GB Internal Storage, expandable via micro SD
5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD Display, 1,280 x 720 pixels (~267ppi)
8-megapixel Camera, LED Flash, 1080p Video Recording
HSPA+ and LTE
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
3,100mAh Battery
S Pen
New S Pen Features and Applications

As you can see from the specs, the Note 2 definitely packs quite a punch. Those numbers aren’t high for anything though and we’ll get to that when we do the full review later this week. Anyway let’s jump right into the unboxing!

Packaging

Samsung is pretty much consistent when it comes to their packaging of their products. Just like the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy S2, and even the first Galaxy Note, the Galaxy Note 2 comes in a carton flip-type box. There’s a sezzy product photo at the front which highlights the S Pen (and what looks like Air View and the Multi-tasking) and you’ll find the usual product information at the back. To open just remove the circular adhesive tapes at the sides and then flip the box upwards from the bottom.

It’s thinner, longer, and lighter

When we picked up the Galaxy Note 2 from the box we immediately could tell the difference compared to the original Galaxy Note. Not only is it thinner and lighter but it’s also easier to hold in one hand. This is because they actually made the width of the device smaller. The additional 0.2-inches was actually put vertically (it’s slightly longer than the original note).

note 2 vs note — Note 2 on top of the first generation Note. Notice that it’s slightly taller but thinner. Coolness right?

The over-all result? It’s much more manageable to use which is fantastic. First-generation Galaxy Note owners will love the Galaxy Note 2 because of this development! To get an idea of how big the Galaxy Note 2 is compared to other handsets, here’s a side-by-side photo of the Note 2 and the iPhone 5:

For the button and port placements, it’s pretty much the usual fare. Volume rocker is on the left side, power button (sleep/wake) is at the right side, headphone jack at the top, and the mini-USB port (charging and data) at the bottom. There’s a physical home button just below the display and the 8-megapixel camera with the LED flash is at the back. Just like other Samsung devices, the back plate is removable.

Packed with so many extra features and innovations

Samsung also went a little wild on the software side. They could afford to do it this time around since the device is powered by a monstrous 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor and a gluttonous serving of 2GB RAM. We haven’t gone through all the features yet but we’ve used Multi-Tasking a lot as well as Air View. These two features make the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 the ultimate portable media player!

Full Review Coming Soon

We’re going to put the Galaxy Note 2 through the paces in the next few days but so far we’re pretty impressed by this device. I can already say as early as now that this is one of the best Android handsets out there but it’s probably not for everyone due to the form factor. Those who can handle and appreciate it though will passionately love it!