Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100 Comprehensive Specs Prices & Review

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100

The Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100, released in 2012, was a revolutionary device that helped establish the "phablet" category. This device was the successor to the original Galaxy Note, and it brought with it numerous improvements and new features that appealed to tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Below, we delve into the key specifications and features of the Galaxy Note II, exploring each aspect in detail.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100 boasts a sleek design that measures 151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm, making it a substantial device yet relatively slim for its size. Weighing 183 grams, it has a solid presence in the hand without being overly heavy. The device features a glass front complemented by a plastic back and frame, providing a durable yet elegant exterior. A micro-SIM slot is integrated, a standard for devices at that time. Users had multiple color options to choose from, including Titanium Gray, Marble White, Amber Brown, Ruby Wine, Pink, and Blue, allowing for personalization to match individual styles.

Display

The Galaxy Note II is equipped with a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep contrasts. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.6%, the display offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, translating to a density of about 267 pixels per inch (ppi). This setup ensures a sharp and clear viewing experience, especially useful for media consumption, browsing, and note-taking.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy Note II is powered by the Exynos 4412 Quad chipset, built on the 32 nm process technology. The CPU features a quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, ensuring smooth operation across various applications. The Mali-400MP4 GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks, providing a satisfactory gaming experience. With 2GB of RAM, multitasking on this device is efficient, allowing users to switch between apps with minimal lag.

Storage

The device was available in three storage variants: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Additionally, it supported expandable storage via a microSDXC card, providing users with flexibility and ample space to store media and apps. This expandable storage feature was especially beneficial at a time when cloud storage options were not as prevalent as they are today.

Camera

The Galaxy Note II features an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.6 aperture and autofocus capabilities, accompanied by an LED flash. This setup enables users to capture clear and detailed images in various lighting conditions. The rear camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second. On the front, a 1.9 MP camera is available for selfies and video calls, meeting the basic needs of most users.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 3100 mAh battery, the Galaxy Note II provides commendable battery life. The device promises up to 980 hours on standby (2G) and up to 890 hours (3G). Talk time extends up to 35 hours on 2G networks and 16 hours on 3G networks. These figures reflect the robust battery performance that minimizes the frequency of recharges, an important consideration for heavy users.

Software and Features

The Galaxy Note II was initially launched with Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean) and could be upgraded to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat). It runs Samsung's TouchWiz UI, which offers additional customization options and user-friendly features. The device includes a variety of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, enabling sophisticated navigation and measurement capabilities. Additionally, it includes NFC support, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS functionality with A-GPS and GLONASS support.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring broad compatibility with global carriers. It includes multiple frequency bands for each network type: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G, HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 for 3G, and LTE bands 3, 7, 8, 20 for 4G in the N7105 variant. Supported network speeds include HSPA 42.2/21.1Mbps in HSPA and 100/50 Mbps in LTE Cat3 capabilities. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi a/b/g/n with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, as well as microUSB 2.0 with MHL TV-out and OTG support.

Audio and Sound

The Galaxy Note II is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to connect standard headphones. The device's audio quality is commendable, with voice clarity reaching 70dB, noise at 66dB, and ringtones at 80dB levels. It offers Stereo FM radio with RDS on the N7100 model, meeting entertainment needs for music and radio enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100 stands out as a pioneering device that set a benchmark for future phablets. Its robust performance, impressive display, and comprehensive features made it a preferred choice among users who required more from their smartphones. Despite being discontinued, the Galaxy Note II remains a memorable part of Samsung's innovation legacy, celebrated for its contribution to mobile technology advancements and popularizing large-screen devices.