Screen Sizes

Around the third quarter last year, the largest screen size for smart phones was 4.3” and for tablets, around 10”.  In September 2011, HTC launched the HTC Titan (Titan) with a 4.7” screen size and in October 2011, Samsung released the Galaxy Note (Note) with a screen size of 5.3” in Germany.  
The launch of the Galaxy Note was timely. Around that same time I was also looking for a smartphone that has a screen size larger than my HTC HD7 which has a screen size of 4.3”. The Note was launched in Singapore on 19 November 2011 at the three Telcos. I was one of those first few to join the queue at SingTel Comcentre that morning.  The queue was not that long, with a few of those in front of me actually queuing up for iPads, iPhones and of course the Note.

OS and Physical Size

The Note was running on Android’s Gingerbread OS (Ice Cream Sandwich update was released last week) with a screen size of 5.3”. It is kind of a hybrid between a mobile phone and a tablet where some had even called it a “phablet”.  I have read that Samsung had designed the Note with the ladies in mind, as it can easily fit into the ladies’ handbags.  So what about the guys?  Even though it does not fit nicely into my shirt pocket, it could easily fit into my trousers’ side and back pockets. 

Screen Size and Quality

I have friends and colleagues laughing at me when they saw me placing the Note to my ear to answer calls but when I started using it to read emails, send SMS, browse the internet and use the other applications (apps), they were impressed and envious.  The 1280 x 800 HD Super AMOLED screen makes the Note a joy to use.  Though the screen size is slightly smaller than a 7” tablet, the high resolution screen actually makes the display sharper. Thus fonts appear bigger and easier to read.  The built-in GPS functionality, big screen size and quality screen makes it a very good device for those who do not own a standalone GPS device.

Stylus

The Note comes with a stylus which Samsung calls the “S Pen”. It uses a Wacom digitiser system which gives an accurate pressure-sensitive input.  Coupled with the S-Memo app, you can sketch, draw and  more.  I found it very useful when I was at U-Town looking for suitable rooms as venues for an event.  It can also be used to do screen captures.

Samsung Ignited the Interest of Others

Dell had previously launched a 5” mobile device called the Streak but it did not seem to gain much popularity among the users. I had the opportunity to try it for a short while  but I did not like it. The Streak spotted a resolution of 800 x 400.  In March 2012, LG launched the 5” Optimus Vu (Vu) which has a resolution of 1024 x 768.  The Note’s resolution is a whopping 1280 x 720, which equates to a much sharper image.  Interestingly, the Vu has the 4:3 form factor while the Note is 16:10.  The Note is about an equal size as the Streak, but the Vu is nearly half an inch wider than the Streak. The disadvantage of the wider width is it is difficult to hold.  I tend to prefer the 16:10 form factor (the same as most notebooks today) which makes viewing widescreen content just right and of course, easier to hold when making calls.

LG Optmus Vu                                 Dell Streak

Does the Note suit you?

Am I trying to influence you to get the Note or am I rooting for the Note?  No.  I am writing about it as I see the birth of a new segment of mobile phone or “phablet”.  LG has launched the Vu in Korea, and I would not be surprised if HTC, Motorola and Sony might be next.  I see more and more people using the Note, young and old, male and female. 

I have done the easy part and I am leaving you with the difficult part, that is to decide if you want to get the Note or even consider the next “phablet “.  I believe that users of the Note will agree with me that it is easier to carry one device instead of two (a smartphone and a tablet) and it is easy on the pocket too.

Drop me an email or give me a call at (6516 2592) if you are interested to find out more.

YouTube Videos for your viewing pleasure

Samsung Galaxy Note: Official Video, The Ultimate Social Mobile Device

LG Optimus Vu: Woman User Scene, Man User Scene

Dell Streak 5: Promo Video, Dell Streak Rendezvous Commercial