Note 4 (now $200 rebate with any $10+ trade-in!)

[rcpratt]

I'm looking into a wireless charge setup for my wife's iPhone 5 (that'll work with the iPhone 6 when she upgrades) but I'm totally confused by the ones I've seen. They seem so clunky, compared to being absolutely seamless with my Note 3.

After I got my Qi setup for my Note, the lady and her iPhone 6 became quite jealous. But yeah, none of the current designs are functional whatsoever. Either a lightning connector add-on that is bulky and permanently occupies the lightning connector, or a very small selection of ugly and somewhat bulky cases. Score another point for removable back covers, etc.

The Qi receiver that I got for my Note Edge managed to arrive from China in less than two weeks. It matches well with the charger that I got. It'll charge in any orientation and maxes out at about 800 mA when aligned properly. Overall very happy -- it does what I wanted. Going to order a second charger soon.

But the receiver isn't quite as low profile as I had hoped. I use my Edge with no case, and the receiver bump is slightly noticeable. The phone no longer sits totally flat on its back and can rock a bit. Also, since the top of the receiver is so close to the heart rate sensor, the back cover is lifted probably a millimeter off of the sensor. It still works for selfie mode, but I can't get it to read my heart rate in S Health. Fortunately, I don't care, but I can see this being a no go for many.

 

[dawheat]

Got my pre-order rebate check today for $185 from Prizelogic. Took a while but it finally showed up.

 

[Zaap]

After I got my Qi setup for my Note, the lady and her iPhone 6 became quite jealous. But yeah, none of the current designs are functional whatsoever. Either a lightning connector add-on that is bulky and permanently occupies the lightning connector, or a very small selection of ugly and somewhat bulky cases. Score another point for removable back covers, etc.

The Qi receiver that I got for my Note Edge managed to arrive from China in less than two weeks. It matches well with the charger that I got. It'll charge in any orientation and maxes out at about 800 mA when aligned properly. Overall very happy -- it does what I wanted. Going to order a second charger soon.

But the receiver isn't quite as low profile as I had hoped. I use my Edge with no case, and the receiver bump is slightly noticeable. The phone no longer sits totally flat on its back and can rock a bit. Also, since the top of the receiver is so close to the heart rate sensor, the back cover is lifted probably a millimeter off of the sensor. It still works for selfie mode, but I can't get it to read my heart rate in S Health. Fortunately, I don't care, but I can see this being a no go for many.

Note Edge? Sweet. You're litterally the first person I've seen (online and in life) that has one. I'm disapointed I haven't seen one in the wild. Note 4's everywhere though, even among former iPhone owners at work.

I spent some time tracking down a charge plate for the N3 that had the most reviews saying it had virtually no bulge. With the stock back on my Note 3 I notice a slight bulge, but I use third-party backs that are slightly better materials and notice only that I can slightly feel it's there, but not notice it on sight. Doesn't affect the Note sitting flat in any way beyond what the raised camera already does. I can see how a heart rate sensor would be a different story though.

It's a safe bet I'll ever own a removable back phone without the wireless charging plate ever again- it's just too much of a no-brainer. I haven't even thought about charing my phone since I went wireless- haven't even connected a charge cable.

 

[ControlD]

It's a safe bet I'll ever own a removable back phone without the wireless charging plate ever again- it's just too much of a no-brainer. I haven't even thought about charing my phone since I went wireless- haven't even connected a charge cable.

Wireless charging is the only thing I wish my Note 2 had, and the main reason I have been contemplating an upgrade recently.

 

[you2]

When I was looking at the note 4; I also looked at the note edge (best buy had them both on display during hte note 4 pre-order period) and quite frankly it didn't feel very good in my hand so I went witht he note 4.

 

[rcpratt]

When I was looking at the note 4; I also looked at the note edge (best buy had them both on display during hte note 4 pre-order period) and quite frankly it didn't feel very good in my hand so I went witht he note 4.

Wow, I can't believe you actually found one on display. I couldn't find one anywhere (back before VZW had it).

I like it a lot. I find it manageable to hold and use, basically the same as a Note 4. The edge certainly isn't anything revolutionary, but it is useful and I think the pros are more than the cons, for me.

 

[isekii]

Wow, I can't believe you actually found one on display. I couldn't find one anywhere (back before VZW had it).

I like it a lot. I find it manageable to hold and use, basically the same as a Note 4. The edge certainly isn't anything revolutionary, but it is useful and I think the pros are more than the cons, for me.

I felt it was very gimmicky and prefer the standard note 4

 

[Zaap]

Wireless charging is the only thing I wish my Note 2 had, and the main reason I have been contemplating an upgrade recently.

http://www.amazon.com/PowerBot®-PB11...dp/B00HFTM10G/
Can't you just use one of these?

 

[ControlD]

http://www.amazon.com/PowerBot®-PB11...dp/B00HFTM10G/
Can't you just use one of these?

The Verizon version of the Note 2 has the Qi charging connectors removed. They didn't want the Note (or any other phone probably) competing with the Droid branded phones.

 

[Zaap]

eesh. Yet another way Verizon sucks.

 

[Apex]

Got my pre-order rebate check today for $185 from Prizelogic. Took a while but it finally showed up.

We got our checks yesterday as well.

 

[lopri]

OK. So I have two S-View covers for the Note 4. I bought them thinking I would gift a Note 4 to someone last December. S-View covers were not available on Amazon at that time so I ordered them very early on the eBay. I thought they would be a nice surprise next to a brand new Note 4.

Long story short, the gift plan did not work out and I completely forgot about these S-View covers, which I found and remembered yesterday. They are charcoal black and pinkish (champagne?) gold.

If anyone wants them PM me.

 

[VashHT]

Anyone have a recommendation for a screen protector? I bought a glass one but it has a gap around the edge that dust and lint are already getting caught under. I was thinking about getting one of the wet application protectors since they're pretty flexible and could probably actually cover the curved part of the glass but it'd be nice to know what other people are using.

 

[dawheat]

Anyone have a recommendation for a screen protector? I bought a glass one but it has a gap around the edge that dust and lint are already getting caught under. I was thinking about getting one of the wet application protectors since they're pretty flexible and could probably actually cover the curved part of the glass but it'd be nice to know what other people are using.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57829294&postcount=1823

My post regarding the iloome Flexible Glass. All the other ones I tried had bad halo. Not perfect, but IMO the best you can do with the 2.5D glass on the Note 4.
As with all of these, make sure your screen is perfectly dry/clean, use the hinge technique to get it right on the first drop, let it set and push out any air bubbles.

Personally I can't stand the plastic ones, but I believe they are the only ones that go truly edge to edge.

 

[Sweepr]

Apparently the Lollipop update was delayed because of Gear VR:

www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note_4_lollipop_delay_is_because_on_gear_vr-news-11003.php

 

[VashHT]

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57829294&postcount=1823

My post regarding the iloome Flexible Glass. All the other ones I tried had bad halo. Not perfect, but IMO the best you can do with the 2.5D glass on the Note 4.
As with all of these, make sure your screen is perfectly dry/clean, use the hinge technique to get it right on the first drop, let it set and push out any air bubbles.

Personally I can't stand the plastic ones, but I believe they are the only ones that go truly edge to edge.

Thanks, that certainly looks a lot better than mine, the protector I got has a halo like 3-4mm around the edge. It doesn't bother me too much but I'm worried about the dust under the protector scratching up the actual screen. I also don't really like how plastic protectors feel so I'll probably give this a shot.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I got a black Note 4 yesterday. I was going to skip this because I have a Note 3 and iPhone 6 Plus. But I'm weak and caved.

So far I'm pretty impressed. Hardware is defect free, which is impressive these days (had to exchange my Note 3 three times). Buttons are firm and tactile, display looks great, no weird gaps in the seams.

My biggest surprise is how much better TouchWiz looks now. Part of why I wanted to upgrade is TouchWiz on my Note 3 looks so ugly, especially after using Android 5 on my Nexus 5. Note 4 still has Android 4.4.4 (think same as my Note 3). But the TouchWiz on the Note 4 looks much more clean and modern. Settings especially I love because it feels more stock and I can now find stuff. I also like how Windows works on the Note 4, no more ugly tab on the side of the screen (which I turned off for that reason on the Note 3).

The fingerprint scanner is about what I thought it would be. Kinda hit or miss. I seem to have a 33% success rate unlocking my phone one handed. Maybe that will improve with practice.

I'm really hoping the Note 4 gets Android 5.0 soon. I love it on my Nexus 5 and figure Note 3 will probably take much longer to get Android 5.0.

Now I need to find a slim case with good buttons.

 

[lopri]

Well, if you want an S-View cover I will send one to you. No one has bit my generous offer yet. Maybe I should have made clear it's "free of charge." ^^

If no one wants them I will list them on eBay.

 

[skriefal]

Very nice offer lopri. I have an Urban Armor Gear case that I like, otherwise I'd take you up on your offer.

 

[dawheat]

Well, if you want an S-View cover I will send one to you. No one has bit my generous offer yet. Maybe I should have made clear it's "free of charge." ^^

If no one wants them I will list them on eBay.

Lorpi - I'll take the black one if you're still offering. I can PayPal the shipping cost. I'll PM you. TIA

For slim cases, I use the Ringke Slim which is the absolute thinnest but I know will give little protection in a drop. But it looks great.

For slim cases with some protection, the Samsung one is popular as well as a couple of the Spigen cases.

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/EF-PN910BSESTA

Remember to register your phone on the Samsung site and they'll send you a 50% off accessories code.

 

[you2]

The offer is generous I guess but I personally never have and (probably) never will use a case on my phone.... makes them too large

 

[dawheat]

Well, if you want an S-View cover I will send one to you. No one has bit my generous offer yet. Maybe I should have made clear it's "free of charge." ^^

If no one wants them I will list them on eBay.

Thanks lopri - just got it today. I'll try to pay it forward when the chance comes up.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Got mine as well. Thank you so much Lopri. It's actually thinner than expected, I love this case!

 

[lopri]

@dawheat & Ravynmagi: Enjoy. ^^ I am hoping later this year I will get my first Note phone.

 

[happy medium]

My pop just bought one from the Samsung outlet store. he picked a gold version. For 715$ it might be made of gold.
http://sam.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/57203/Bronze-Gold.html

I think I might like his Note 4 phone more than my Lumia 1520, but nothing beats how my laptop, tablet, main rig, and Lumia phone interconnect with each other through windows 8.1 .