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Samsung Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Official Discussion V9!, Discontinued on 11 October 2016 :(

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Necromancer
post Oct 13 2016, 09:52 PM

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After much consideration, I have placed my order for OP3 in lieu of the replacing the N7 with the S7E. Since the S7E is priced closely to the N7, with the features that S7E provides, I'm not happy with downgrading to something pricey with "missing" features.

Also figured that this is an opportunity for me to try other Android phones cause I've been using Samsung ever since Note 1. Have not regretted anything at all but perhaps this will be a good time for me to have a feel of what other Android devices offer. 6 GB of RAM priced below RM2k seems like good bargain. Will stash the differential sum from the refund to get the new S8 or other variants in late 2017.

If I were to chart a graph on my feelings towards N7, I have arrived at the Acceptance point in Stages of Grief. Anger has almost subsided, learning how to accept that it's truly time to move on. With that said, my heart still aches. bye.gif cry.gif

This post has been edited by Necromancer: Oct 13 2016, 09:53 PM
Necromancer
post Oct 14 2016, 09:00 AM

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Finally something that's clear.

Purchases from Telco are usually lower than RP due to contract bundle. Do you guys think such purchases will be eligible for RP refund?

This post has been edited by Necromancer: Oct 14 2016, 09:00 AM
Necromancer
post Oct 14 2016, 11:23 AM

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The S7E is not the same value compared to the N7. People keep saying it's the best replacement but that would be probably true due to the curved screen. I refuse to pay as much for a phone without stylus. The Note series has always been a powerhouse because of its functions. Basically the lack of stylus really takes away the entire experience.

I'm still using N7 though my OP3 has arrived. Will be taking my sweet time to run some comparisons and assess how wide the gap is between these 2 phones. At this point in time I still charge and use N7 while it's fast charging. If I were to leave it overnight I will use the wireless charger simply because it doesn't heat up at all.
Necromancer
post Oct 17 2016, 05:12 PM

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Would just like to share my experience on switching from the N7 to the OP3. Might aid the decision making for those who have been thinking about the alternatives with this device in mind.

What I'm about to share isn't gonna be in-depth at all because Youtube has plenty of benchmarks. What I'd like to share is my experience of using the OP3 in a non-controlled environment, without deliberately adding/removing variables.

My first impression of the OP3 is that the design/structure is alright, nothing too impressive; not a major downgrade from the N7. The grip is quite slippery actually but this could be fixed with casings. (OP3 has pretty sweet looking official cases that will not burn your wallet). Body is thinner than the N7 so now I can type perfectly fine with one hand; I no longer have to do extreme thumb stretching just to reach the far end of the keyboard (no, I dislike turning on the one sided keyboard on Note models because they look ugly).

Upon powering it up for the first time, my heart kinda ached due to the resolution downgrade from the N7. I won't lie but QHD actually makes a major difference in the overall experience of using a phone. If you're gonna be very bothered by this, probably better to look at newer phones. After using the OP3 for a few days, my eyes and expectations have adjusted and adapted to what the OP3 offers. It actually looks alright.

Some features that I really appreciate about the OP3 over the N7 - the OP3 is definitely a faster phone. With 6GB of RAM, I have not experienced any lagging at all; suffice to say the phone is extremely responsive. The fingerprint scanners is also one of the more responsive and accurate ones to date. The phone embodies minimalism; I appreciate the fact that it doesn't come pre-loaded with bloatwares. Bluetooth works flawlessly (I had major BT issues with my 1st N7 and also the replacement model such as inability/unstable connection with my Fitbit device/car media system).

Things that I miss & always reminisce - stylus (I do a lot of photo editing with the stylus because it's more accurate that way so now things will be challenging); stock apps which I have always taken for granted (this can be easily mitigated with 3rd party apps); the gorgeous looking always on display (this can also be mitigated but it will not look as good so I don't really bother); great looking low light shots (the manual mode is quite a must if you're particular with photography); long battery life (fortunately OP3 charges extremely fast with Dash charge but this only works with its original charger and cable).

So far I am quite happy with replacing the N7 with OP3 instead of swapping for S7E. The OP3 definitely delivers what it promises. It's a solid phone which lives up to its tagline of Never Settle. I guess one could say that for that amount of money paid, one shouldn't settle for less. If you choose to buy the OP3, you WILL feel the stark difference. You WILL feel slightly disappointed and frustrated because the first impression will make you think that it's a major downgrade but if you could be open-minded and take time to appreciate its features as well as to customize it with apps that suit your style of utilization, the OP3 will be a worthy companion until the S8 Note variant comes out. Meanwhile, you can stash the differential sum away and earn some interest.
Necromancer
post Oct 17 2016, 05:54 PM

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QUOTE(jacky91 @ Oct 17 2016, 05:24 PM)
Thanks for the review biggrin.gif may i know where you bought the phone from?
*
Bought mine off Lazada at RM 1,999 (without discount code) and it arrived first thing in the morning the next day. Try checking 11th Street and DirectD for alternatives but I'm not sure about speed of delivery. Also because mine is the A3000 model, it came with two fat pins that require an adapter. Could be a bit troublesome but then again it's nothing major.

It is indeed a good purchase for those who cannot justify the price paid for S7E. With depreciation cost factored in, I've been feeling uncomfortable about swapping for S7E, which has ultimately led to the decision of OP3.

Between the N5 and the N4, I'd rather stick to the N4. I do not have a N5 myself but I do have a N4. If you're a heavy user, you would benefit more from the N4. From toying with my friends' N5, I find the N5 to be rather restrictive in many areas, one being the inability to add on storage. Strangely, the N4 still feels pretty powerful today despite how much it has aged. I've been using it since it was released, equipped it with Spigen's hybrid armor and when I passed the phone to my mom (after factory reset and replacing the screen protector), it's good as new (both the looks and performance). IMHO, do not waste money buying the N5. If you reeeeallly need the stylus, fall back to the N4 instead. icon_rolleyes.gif

Necromancer
post Oct 17 2016, 07:13 PM

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QUOTE(jacky91 @ Oct 17 2016, 07:02 PM)
but wouldn't you be worry about the depreciation value for op3?
*
Good question but ultimately I am still paying lesser. I don't usually sell off my phones because I like keeping spare ones around just in case anything happens. What I'm aiming for here is to save reasonable amount of money so that I do not need to spend more for S8 Note Variant when it releases.

By getting the OP3, I will still have leftover for S8 Note Variant. Some people might think this is Penny Wise Pound Foolish for the value difference between OP3 and S7E but I still stand by my opinion that I do not need what S7E offers. I'd rather save that money. tongue.gif

Necromancer
post Oct 17 2016, 09:57 PM

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Interesting, another piece to the puzzle indeed. I didn't know about the pre-requisite for testing batteries in independent labs.

Anyhow, 40% worth of statistics don't mean anything at this point in time. rolleyes.gif

This post has been edited by Necromancer: Oct 17 2016, 09:58 PM
Necromancer
post Oct 20 2016, 04:56 PM

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Celcom/Blue Cube is extremely inefficient. Said will commence calling on the 19th but no calls throughout the entire day so I decided to initiate the correspondence instead by calling Customer care this morning. Was told to bring my phone with the accessories inside the box to a specific Blue Cube outlet starting from tomorrow onwards. However, the officer in charge could not even provide a concrete answer as to whether I will be able to get a full refund. Do not comprehend why information isn't relayed properly. shakehead.gif


Necromancer
post Oct 20 2016, 08:22 PM

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QUOTE(blackz90 @ Oct 20 2016, 07:48 PM)
Initial Review on the OP3 compared to the Note 7
I'm very very impressed with this phone. If note7 is the king android above 2k. OP3 is the king of android below 2k hands down.

Display:
The display is downright beautiful. To an untrained eye it looks exactly as beautiful as Note 7. But if you put side by side and look carefully, you can see that the Note 7 display color looks more vibrant. But I can assure you the difference is very negligible. One thing I have to highlight is the home screen real estate. I have been using note series for many years and have been used to the 5x5 grid size and now the OP3 on Oxygen OS is 4x4 however this can be easily changed using other launcher like nova or you can root your device and change the dpi.
Weight and On-Hands feel:
Our Note 7 is a pleasure to hold because of it's dual symmetrical curves. Being a 5'7 inch phone with that on hands feel is quite a design. The OP3 has a pretty standard design nothing to shout about. It's comfortable to hold in the hand and being lighter as well but let's not forget it's a 5'5 inch display. However in terms of size I don't find much difference.

Speaker:
Both have the speakers at the bottom. One thing I often find it annoying with the Note 7 is when I hold my phone with one hands and use my pinky finger to support the phone I often will block the speaker at the bottom right side. The OP3 has the speaker grill on the left side and so far less blockage. Sound quality seems very similar but I would favor the Note 7 being fuller and a tad bid louder.

Fingerprint Sensor
This I have to say the OP3 is one of the fastest and accurate fingerprint sensor. It's even faster than the fruit phone.
Note 7 sometimes have to scan few times. For OP3 I almost never have to scan a second time.

Speed
Running on Almost stock android OP3 is definitely faster and more responsive than the note 7. I thought that Note 7 have been very smooth and fast till I tried this phone. With 6GB of ram and the same Snapdragon 820 it's really very snappy and responsive. Have to give it to OP3 on this.
Camera
This one is quite easy. Being top of the class the Note 7 pretty much outclass the OP3 in this category. It's not to say that the OP3 camera is trash, It's very respectable for it's price. On top of having a manual mode it can also save RAW for all your post-processing needs. I haven't tested this extensively but initial thoughts it's pretty easy win for the Note 7

As for Battery life I can't really comment yet as I have only got this phone this morning. But the Dash Charge is no joke. Plug in go have a grab come back battery almost full.

Things that I miss on the Note 7 are: Always on Display, Spen and definitely the Water Resistant. Apart from that I'm very impressed with this beast. For the price you pay there's nothing much you can complain.

I got mine for 1.7k A3000 variant (China) and seller flash the global rom on it. The difference between A3000 and A3003 is just the radio band they support. So unless you plan to use WEBE then the China variants is fine. Other than that It's pretty much the same phone.
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Another happy OP3 user from the N7 Camp. I totally agree with you on the points highlighted! There's a few third party apps which replicate the Always On display but it's quite taxing on the battery.
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