Help! choosing between L2 and Note 3.

[Binarycow]

I am in the process of upgrading my phone with T-Mobile and it basically comes down to one of these two phones.
Assuming the difference in price is not a problem, which of the two would you pick and why?

I like the camera on the L2 a lot, one of the best phone cameras right now. On the other hand, Note 3 has bigger screen and will be more likely to receive faster update(s) in the future given LG's updating record so far.

 

[Red Storm]

I would pick the Note 3 because of the stylus and the mSD slot. Also I don't trust LG on the software side.

 

[drbrock]

Yeah Samsung products in general are going to be more supported. I wish they would make a note with the stock experience. I like touchwiz but it is annoying to be so far behind on 4.1. I have the Note 2 and so far it has been the best phone I have ever used. Def better than an iphone with os6. Have not tried OS7 yet.

 

[Maximus96]

don't forget Note 3 comes with 4.3...i got my pre-order in for the ATT version...

 

[dawheat]

Frankly the 2 phones aren't really direct competitors due to screen size. Sure it's only .5" but it's signifcantly different in hand and in pocket. The G2 is a direct S4 competitor and IMO generally trumps it.

Size and stylus are the big differentiator. Othwerwise simliar SOC and such. The camera on the N3 is reported to be better than the S4 in (software improvements?) even if they are very simliar hardware wise.

 

[Red Storm]

I just had the same dilemma and went with the LG G2. I think a stylus in a phone sized object is a bit gimmicky.

I also really like the multi window support on the LG and the general speed and slickness of the OS. Also the Note 3 is just THAT much harder to put in your pocket. I drop my phone, so I make sure it has a reasonably protective case. Add that to a Note 3 and you basically have an ipad mini sized unit.

Exaggerate much?

OP your best bet is to compare them both in a store, see how you like them. Think about the specific features each has and which ones you'd put to more use.

 

[Binarycow]

Exaggerate much?

OP your best bet is to compare them both in a store, see how you like them. Think about the specific features each has and which ones you'd put to more use.

yea, I am kind of a gadget freak it is an expensive hobby sometimes.
I already ordered the Note 3, 200 bucks down and 20 something a month for the next 2 years. My wife just cannot understand why I need with me all the time a Haswell notebook, an iPad 3, a Nexus 7 (2013), an HTC One S, and now a Note 3

 

[Phobic9]

I'm having the same dilemma with these 2 phones. I'm actually tempted to go get a G2 today and keep it until the Note 3 is released and compare them then. Why can't I just wait until the Note 3 is released? Because... I have a problem.

 

[Red Storm]

I'm having the same dilemma with these 2 phones. I'm actually tempted to go get a G2 today and keep it until the Note 3 is released and compare them then. Why can't I just wait until the Note 3 is released? Because... I have a problem.

Me too.

But I am holding out for the Note 3!

 

[you2]

I think I prefer the form factor of the LG phone (I currently have a note 2) but wished it had an sd slot which is great for camera/video so I'm torn. In the end if I update the note 2 it will probably be the note 3 but I have to check it out first; if the LG had an sd slot then I think I woudl go that route; as I prefer something a wee bit smaller (thinner) and some fo the features (like knock on/power button not on the side) and I don't use the stylus that often.

 

[s44]

A lot of people have been wowed by the hardware, but the G2's software looks significantly more annoying than (even) Touchwiz. Having software buttons just to stick a menu button down there (and no multitask!) is insane.

I guess it depends how much hacking you're up for.

 

[Ottertail]

Why not wait for the Nexus 5 ??? Like the LG G2 but with Google Android.

 

[Red Storm]

A lot of people have been wowed by the hardware, but the G2's software looks significantly more annoying than (even) Touchwiz. Having software buttons just to stick a menu button down there (and no multitask!) is insane.

I guess it depends how much hacking you're up for.

Um, how is it insane? That's a bit much. Some people would prefer to have a menu button over multitask which can be more easily emulated with other shortcuts (i.e. long press Home). I like Samsung's button layout, but I don't like their decision to use hardware buttons. LG's layout is the optimal choice to me.

 

[Binarycow]

Why not wait for the Nexus 5 ??? Like the LG G2 but with Google Android.

I thought about that too but people reported that the camera on it might not be the same one (not as good) as the one on the G2.

 

[lopri]

The Nexus 5 will be $350+ in all likelihood. The G2 can be had for $200 if you're on contract. Said that, I have to give a nod to the Note 3 if the comparison is between the two. The G2 is a fantastic hardware but its software department has some maturing to do, it seems. And the Note 3's specs are even better than the G2 in any case, except for the slightly thicker side bezels.

I have not seen either of them in person yet, though. My opinion is based on some YouTube videos I watched.

 

[you2]

It is configurable - they have like 8 options in the settings.

A lot of people have been wowed by the hardware, but the G2's software looks significantly more annoying than (even) Touchwiz. Having software buttons just to stick a menu button down there (and no multitask!) is insane.

I guess it depends how much hacking you're up for.

 

[dawheat]

Have people been able to remove the qslide toggles from the notification window without rooting? I found it pretty annoying that they take up all that real estate every time I swipe down.

 

[s44]

It is configurable - they have like 8 options in the settings.

8 cosmetic options... none have the multitask button.

Have people been able to remove the qslide toggles from the notification window without rooting?

Yep.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/1munmi/allow_me_tell_you_a_few_things_about_the_lgg2/

 

[antef]

Just buy the Nexus 5 - it will be nearly the same size and features as the G2. Then use it with T-Mobile's $30 monthly plan since you already use them. For anyone else wanting to do this and wanting greater coverage, pair it with Straight Talk AT&T w/LTE for $45/month instead.

Given these prepaid options I can't imagine why you would pick up a phone on contract just to save $100 upfront when the bill is going to be $100+/month. Unless you are really dead set on the Note 3 for its pen in which case the upfront cost will be much more.

 

[antef]

Um, how is it insane? That's a bit much. Some people would prefer to have a menu button over multitask which can be more easily emulated with other shortcuts (i.e. long press Home). I like Samsung's button layout, but I don't like their decision to use hardware buttons. LG's layout is the optimal choice to me.

It's insane because a persistent menu button is a fallacy in UI design. It's always there even when an app doesn't need it. Pressing it may do nothing. It's unpredictable and violates all sound design rules. This is why Google abolished it and companies like Samsung and LG are too inept at software to understand why.

"Easier to reach" isn't a good excuse either - you already have to reach up top for most everything else, including the primary items in the action bar.