Samsung Galaxy Note II

Samsung Galaxy Note II

Company type	Smartphone
Industry	Consumer electronics
Predecessor	Samsung Galaxy Note
Founded	August 29, 2012 (2012-08-29)
Founder	Samsung Electronics
Fate	Discontinued
Successor	Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Headquarters	Suwon , South Korea
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Samsung Galaxy Note II smartphone
Owner	Samsung Electronics
Parent	Samsung Electronics
Website	www.samsung.com

Samsung Galaxy Note II

The Samsung Galaxy Note II—sometimes informally referred to as the Samsung Galaxy Note 2—is an Android-based phablet smartphone. It was officially introduced on August 29, 2012, and became available to consumers in October 2012. Serving as the follow-up to the original Galaxy Note, this model features enhanced S Pen capabilities, a larger 5.5-inch (140 mm) display, and a refreshed design for both hardware and casing inspired by the Galaxy S III.

Upon release, the Note II garnered favorable reviews for its advancements relative to its predecessor and achieved sales exceeding five million units within just two months. Samsung later revealed the next generation, the Galaxy Note 3, on September 4, 2013.

History

The Galaxy Note II was introduced at the IFA Berlin event on August 29, 2012, and became available in several regions by early October of the same year. Within just 37 days, Samsung reported sales exceeding 3 million units. Furthermore, the device surpassed the milestone of 5 million units sold within two months following its launch.

Software versions

Starting in December 2012, Samsung began distributing an update to Android 4.1.2 "Jelly Bean" for the Galaxy Note II. Later, in April 2014, the company initiated the rollout of an upgrade to Android 4.4.2 KitKat for this model. Official communications from Samsung offices in Denmark, Norway, and Gulf countries indicated on multiple occasions that both the 3G and 4G variants would receive the Lollipop update; however, the device ultimately did not obtain this version of Android.

Features

Technology

GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch	Announcement Date	August 2012. Market Release September 2012
	Current Status	No longer in production

Body	Dimensions	151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm (5.95 x 3.17 x 0.37 inches)
	Weight	183 grams (6.46 ounces)
	Construction	Glass front panel, plastic rear cover, plastic frame
	SIM Type	Micro-SIM card
		Stylus Included

Display	Panel Type	Super AMOLED technology
	Screen Size	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~68.6% screen-to-body ratio)
	Resolution Details	720 x 1280 pixels, aspect ratio 16:9 (~267 pixels per inch)

Platform	Operating System	Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean), upgradeable to 4.4.2 (KitKat), with TouchWiz interface
	Processor Chipset	Exynos 4412 Quad-core (32 nm)
	CPU Specifications	Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 processor
	Graphics Processor	Mali-400MP4 GPU

Memory	Expandable Storage	Dedicated microSDXC slot available
	Internal Storage Options	16GB with 2GB RAM, 32GB with 2GB RAM, and 64GB with 2GB RAM variants

Main Camera	Camera Type	8 MP sensor, f/2.6 aperture, autofocus enabled
	Additional Features	LED flash included
	Video Recording Capability	Full HD 1080p at 30 frames per second

Front Camera	Camera Type	1.9 MP sensor for selfies and video calls

Audio	Speakers	Built-in loudspeaker present
	Headphone Jack	3.5mm audio jack supported

Connectivity	Wireless LAN Support	Wi-Fi standards 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot functionality included
	Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE support
	Location Services	GPS, assisted GPS (A-GPS), GLONASS enabled
	Near Field Communication	NFC capability available
	Radio Receiver	Stereo FM radio with RDS feature (exclusive to N7100 model)
	USB Interface	microUSB 2.0 with MHL TV-out support and OTG compatibility

Additional Features	Sensors Included	Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
	ANT+ support and S-Voice natural language commands with dictation functionality

Battery Specifications	Battery Type	Removable Lithium-Ion battery with a capacity of 3100 mAh
	Standby Time	maximum up to 980 hours on 2G / up to 890 hours on 3G networks
	Talk Time	maximum up to 35 hours on 2G / up to 16 hours on 3G networks

Miscellaneous Details	Available Colors Titanium Gray, Marble White, Amber Brown, Ruby Wine, Pink, Blue
	Model Numbers GT-N7100, GT-N7105, SHV-E250S, SHV-E250K, SGH-I317M, SHV-E250L, SGH-T889
	Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) 0.23 W/kg (head), 0.95 W/kg (body)
	SAR Rating in EU 0.17 W/kg (head)
	Approximate Price Around €300

Performance Tests	Display Contrast Ratio 402:1 nominal / up to 2307:1 under sunlight conditions
	Camera Performance Photo and video tested
	Speaker Loudness Levels Voice at 70dB / Background noise at 66dB / Ringtone at 80dB
	Audio Quality Measurements Noise level at -90.2dB / Crosstalk at -90.7dB
	Battery Endurance (aged) Rated for approximately 69 hours of use

Split-screen

The Galaxy Note II supports running two applications simultaneously on the display with adjustable screen proportions through its split-screen functionality. It is important to note that this capability depends on individual app compatibility and may not be universally supported across all software.

Specifications

File:Samsung Galaxy Note 2 subpixels.jpg

An image displaying the Galaxy Note II's S-Stripe RGB subpixel arrangement (non-PenTile)

General

The Galaxy Note II comes equipped with a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display featuring an S-Stripe RGB configuration (three subpixels per pixel) that is distinct from the PenTile design, offering a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels. It is powered by a 1.6 GHz quad-core Cortex-A9 processor, supported by 2 GB of RAM. Photography capabilities include an 8 MP rear camera and a 1.9 MP front-facing camera, while battery capacity stands at 3,100 mAh. Compared to its predecessor, this model is marginally slimmer at 9.4 mm (0.37 inches) but slightly heavier by 2 grams (0.071 oz). Connectivity options vary with the specific version, providing HSPA+ speeds up to 21 Mbit/s and 4G LTE support with DC-HSPA+ speeds reaching 42.2 Mbit/s for the LTE-enabled variant. The device incorporates the Broadcom BCM4334 chipset, enabling dual-band IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi operation at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, with maximum throughput up to 150 Mbit/s. Additional features include an FM radio tuner and support for Bluetooth 4.0 + HS.

Storage

Initially, the Galaxy Note II was intended to be offered in storage capacities of 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB, each expandable through a microSD card slot supporting up to an extra 64 GB. However, as of January 8, 2013, only the 16 GB and 32 GB variants remain available on the market, with no confirmed release date or announcements regarding a 64 GB model.

S Pen

The pressure-sensitive S Pen stylus included with the smartphone is slightly thicker compared to that of the original Galaxy Note. A feature known as Air View enables users to preview content simply by hovering the pen above it—functionality similar to mouse hover effects on desktop systems—such as viewing thumbnails in the gallery, previewing tooltips on video playback timelines, zooming within Samsung's S Browser, and facilitating scrolling. Another functionality called Quick Command allows users to access a list of commands quickly by swiping the S Pen.

With its enhanced sensitivity offering 1,024 distinct pressure levels, the S Pen delivers markedly improved accuracy and finer control compared to the original Note’s stylus, which supported only 256 levels.

Camera

The front and rear cameras utilize the identical hardware found in the Galaxy S3, featuring an eight-megapixel (3264×2448) sensor on the back and a 1.9-megapixel sensor facing forward.

The rear camera records video at a resolution of 1080p with a frame rate of 30 frames per second, while the front camera captures 720p footage at the same frame rate.

During 1080p video recording at 30fps, the Galaxy Note II can simultaneously take 6-megapixel (3264×1836) still images. This resolution corresponds to the maximum 16:9 aspect ratio supported by the camera's 4:3 sensor, aligning with the video’s aspect ratio.

Although the camera interface closely mirrors that of the Galaxy S3, a new slow motion mode has been introduced, capable of shooting 720×480 videos at 120 frames per second. However, these slow-motion clips do not include sound.

The burst shot feature enables capturing up to twenty full-resolution photos consecutively at approximately six frames per second.

Variants

Available in Titanium Grey, Marble White, Martian Pink, Amber Brown, and Ruby Wine, the Galaxy Note II comes in multiple color options. Certain features may be omitted depending on carrier customizations; these can include FM/TV tuners, charging pins, and support for multiple SIM cards. To curb grey market sales, models produced after July 2013—including other devices like the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy Note III, and Galaxy S III—have implemented a regional lockout mechanism in select markets. This system requires that the first SIM card inserted into European and North American models be from a local carrier. Samsung indicated that this lock is lifted once a valid regional SIM card is detected.

Communication processor

The GT-N7100 model is equipped with an Intel Wireless PMB9811X Gold Baseband processor as its communication chipset. Meanwhile, variants such as SGH-T889, SHV-E250K, and SHV-E250S utilize the Qualcomm Gobi MDM9215 baseband chipset. The SHV-E250L version employs the Qualcomm Gobi MDM9615M chipset to support EVDO revision B connectivity.

Network connectivity

The majority of the models provide support for GSM/GPRS/EDGE across the 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, and 1.9 GHz frequency bands, as well as UMTS/HSPA+21 on 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.9 GHz, and 2.1 GHz bands.

AWS phones

The SGH-T889 and SGH-T889V variants are compatible with AWS-1 for HSPA networks, enabling data transmission over the Advanced Wireless Services band in HSPA mode. These devices operate on carriers such as T-Mobile US, and in Canada, with providers including Wind Mobile, Mobilicity, and Vidéotron.

CDMA/EV-DO phones

Models SCH-R950, SHV-E250L, SCH-i605, SPH-L900, and SCH-N719 support connectivity to cdmaOne, CDMA 1xRTT, and EV-DO rev 0/A/B networks. Except for the SCH-R950, all these variants also offer GSM compatibility. Notably, the SPH-L900 supports only WCDMA/GSM services when roaming internationally due to its embedded SIM design.

TD-SCDMA phone

The GT-N7108 model is designed to operate on TD-SCDMA networks within the 1.9 GHz and 2.0 GHz bands, while also supporting GSM/GPRS/EDGE at the 1.9 GHz frequency.

Dual-cell HSPA phone

The SGH-T889 variant is recognized for its capability to support dual-cell HSPA+ with speeds reaching up to 42.2 Mbit/s.

LTE phones

• The GT-N7105 is an LTE-enabled version that connects to LTE bands 3, 7, 8, and 20, also offering 42.2 Mbit/s DC-HSPA+.
• SCH-i605 supports LTE band 13, utilized by Verizon Wireless.
• Devices such as SCH-R950, SGH-i317[M], SGH-T889[V], SPH-L900, SC-02E (SGH-N025), and SHV-E250[K,L,S] can access LTE bands corresponding to their respective carriers as well as those of other operators for roaming purposes.
• The GT-N7108D model resembles the GT-N7108 but includes LTE-TDD compatibility and incorporates a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC.

FM radio, digital TV tuner

Only select Galaxy Note II models are equipped with an integrated FM radio tuner. For instance, certain US and Canadian versions (SGH-i317, SGH-i317M) and the international LTE model (N7105) do not include FM radio functionality. The Japan-specific SC-02E variant features a 1seg digital-TV tuner along with an antenna. Korean editions are outfitted with a T-DMB tuner and a concealed T-DMB antenna embedded within the device chassis.

Size and Mass

Variants designed for the Korean market that include the T-DMB tuner along with the T-DMB antenna weigh approximately 3 g (0.11 oz) more than other versions. The SC-02E model tailored for NTT DoCoMo, which features a 1seg TV tuner, is about 5 g (0.18 oz) heavier and has an increased thickness of roughly 0.3 mm (0.012 in).

Wireless Charging Capability

Certain Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100) models come equipped with two optional charging contacts located on the rear, adjacent to the battery compartment, enabling wireless charging functionality when paired with a compatible wireless charging back cover. When wirelessly charged, the Galaxy Note II shows a notification message embedded in its firmware. The SCH-L900 variant lacks these charging pins, while the SGH-T889 includes them but they remain inactive.

Variant Comparison Table

Galaxy Note II Model Variants

Model	Carrier(s)	2G/3G Network Support	4G LTE Network Support	Remarks
Global Models
GT-N7100	Global	GSM: quad-band UMTS: 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz	No LTE support	Optional inductive charging pins available
GT-N7105	Global		LTE bands: 800(band 20), 900(band 8), 1800(band 3), 2600(band 7)	Includes inductive charging pins No FM radio functionality Supports DC-HSPA+ at speeds up to 42.2 Mbit/s
North American Networks
SCH-i605	Verizon	GSM: quad-band; CDMA/EVDO: 850, 1900 MHz UMTS: quad-band	LTE on 700(band 13)	No inductive charging pins included Home button branded for Verizon
SCH-R950	US Cellular	CDMA/EVDO: 850, 1700, 1900 MHz	LTE bands: 700(band 12), 850, AWS, and 1900(band 2)
SGH-i317	AT&T	GSM: quad-band UMTS: 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz	LTE bands: 700(band 17), 850, AWS, and 1900(band 2)
SGH-i317M	Bell Rogers SaskTel Telus Telcel (Mexico)	GSM: quad-band UMTS: frequencies of 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz	Supports LTE on bands: 700(band 17),850, AWS, and 1900(band 2)
SGH-T889	T-Mobile US	GSM: quad-band Supports UMTS and DC-HSUPA#Dual-Cell HSUPA (DC-HSPA+) Dual-Cell HSUPA (DC-HSPA+) on frequencies of 850, AWS, 1900, and 2100 MHz	LTE on bands:700(band17) and AWS band support starting in early 2013.	Inductive charging pins present but disabled by default.
SGH-T889V	Mobilicity Vidéotron Wind Mobile	Quad-band GSM UMTS/DC-HSPA+: frequencies of850, AWS,1900,2100 MHz.	LTE on bands700 (band17) and AWS supported.
SPH-L900	Sprint Corporation	Quad-band GSM CDMA/EVDO on800,850,and1900 MHz UMTS on1900 and2100 MHz.	LTE operates on band25 (1900 MHz).	No inductive charging pins included; features embedded SIM.
Chinese Carriers
SCH-N719	China Telecom	GSM frequencies of900,1800,and1900 MHz CDMA on800 and1900 MHz.	No LTE support.	Dual-SIM dual-standby functionality.
GT-N7102	China Unicom	Quad-band GSM UMTS at900 and2100 MHz.	No LTE connectivity.
GT-N7108	China Mobile	GSM at900,1800,1900 MHz TD-SCDMA at1800 and2010 MHz WCDMA at900 and2100 MHz (only for international roaming).	No LTE support.
GT-N7108D	China Mobile	Quad-band GSM TD-SCDMA at1880 and2010 MHz WCDMA at850,900,and2100 MHz (international roaming only).	FDD-LTE supports1800 and2600 MHz (international roaming only) TDD-LTE supports1900,2300,and2600 MHz.	Reference to official Samsung site.
Japanese Providers
SGH-N025 / SC-02E	NTT DoCoMo	Quad-band GSM UMTS frequencies of800,850,and2100 MHz.	LTE supported on bands1500 (band11) and2100 (band1).	Includes a built-in 1seg TV tuner.
Korean Operators
SHV-E250K	KT (telecommunication company)	Quad-band GSM UMTS on1900 and2100 MHz.	LTE available on bands900 (band8) from early2013 and1800 MHz.	Equipped with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) tuner and antenna.
SHV-E250L	LG Uplus	Quad-band GSM CDMA2000 operating at1800 MHz UMTS at1900 and2100 MHz.	LTE on bands850 and2100 (band1).	Also contains DMB tuner and antenna.
SHV-E250S	SK Telecom	Quad-band GSM UMTS frequencies of1900 and2100 MHz.	LTE supported on bands850 and1800 MHz.	Includes DMB tuner with antenna.

Notes

• Frequencies highlighted in bold indicate support for the networks of the released carriers.
• All frequency values are expressed in megahertz (MHz).
• The term "GSM: quad-band" refers to GSM/GPRS/EDGE operating on the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands.
• "UMTS: quad-band" signifies UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA+ functioning across the 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz bands.
• "CDMA: dual-band" indicates CDMA 1xRTT/CDMA EV-DO Rev A/CDMA EV-DO Rev B operating on the 800 and 1900 MHz frequencies.

Commercial reception

The Galaxy Note II debuted on September 26, 2012, in South Korea through three network providers, with plans to eventually reach 2760 carriers across 128 nations. Following its official introduction on September 27, 2012, in Hyderabad, India, it became broadly accessible in the market. The device was officially launched in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2012, initially available exclusively at Samsung's flagship outlets located in Stratford and White City. Subsequently, on October 1, it was distributed through major UK carriers such as ThreeUK, Vodafone, and O2, as well as retail outlets including Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U. In Indonesia, pre-orders commenced on September 29, 2012, via Erafone, along with Telkomsel and Indosat.

Samsung's mobile division head Shin Jong-kyun projected sales of three million Galaxy Note II units within the initial three months after release. By November 25, 2012, Samsung reported that worldwide shipments of the Galaxy Note II had reached approximately 8.5 million units. This figure grew to an estimated total of around 30 million devices sold globally by September 2013.

Critical reception

In September 2012, PhoneArena.com highlighted the device for featuring "Samsung's finest phone display to date," also emphasizing enhancements in the S Pen's responsiveness. Stuff magazine granted the smartphone a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, placing it at the top spot in their "Top 10 Smartphones" list. The Verge gave the device an 8.5 out of 10 score, describing the Note II as a clear advancement compared to its predecessor and suggesting it could rival the Galaxy S III as the leading Android handset. The review commended its overall performance and upgraded handwriting recognition but noted a limited selection of S Pen applications as a drawback.

In September 2016, the Indian aviation authority reported an incident involving a Samsung Galaxy Note II that emitted smoke and sparks aboard an IndiGo flight traveling from Singapore to Chennai. Following this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India) planned to issue guidelines advising airlines to instruct passengers to power down all Samsung Note smartphones during flights or refrain from bringing these devices on commercial aircraft altogether.

See also

• Samsung Galaxy Note series
• Samsung Galaxy Mega

External links

• Official website

Template:Succession box