Well, I'm happy to say that my Note 3 experience has been pretty good, so far. About the only thing I've noticed that I don't like so far is the bloatware that comes with the phone and the fact that Samsung did away with the facial recognition lock screen configuration (not that that's a huge deal, given that this option isn't the most secure unlocking mechanism, but none are 100% secure...as well, facial recognition is two-factor; the face and a PIN are used to unlock the phone).
Also, I was hoping to see that Find My Mobile was actually functional for US phones...sadly, it is not, just like the Note 2. Yes, there are tons of apps out there that can assist in finding your lost/stolen mobile, but the Samsung solution is free, native to the Galaxy phones, and offers a crap-load more features (for free) than any other free solution you can find on the Play Store. That being said, I'm now using Prey, which I was using with my Thunderbolt (and laptops). That's the only free solution that I've found offers near the same amount of features as Find My Mobile. Another thing: I've a Norton AV subscription (it includes three licenses). It isn't cheap at all, IMO. Well, they offer a mobile app with AV/lock/lost features...it's not included in the price of the PC solution, although they sure as hell market it within the PC solution's GUI (that's how I knew about it). That's extremely annoying, but it was probably something I didn't need, either...a true AV solution would hog system resources and I'm only looking for something to with features to use in finding lost or stolen phones.
I'm growing used to the Otter Defender case. The built-in screen protector still doesn't sit well with me, but I've found that if I'm quick with the stylus, it isn't as intrusive to the stylus experience.
I've taken some pretty good pictures with the Note 3 so far and have even doe some video of my son's MMA exams (I captured some slow-mo footage of moving nunchaku). The video settings layouts are a bit confusing to navigate.
The Note 3 really doesn't have all that much more to offer than the Note 2, IMO. The only drastic difference are the video settings...there are some seriously high offerings if you want to capture good video. Is that worth an upgrade from a Note 2? It depends on how much of a video nut you are (not everyone cares about having the latest specs as far as video capturing is concerned).
Another thing: I spent a ton of time in creating several themes using the Next launcher on my Note 2. I lost those when I went to the Note 3. I ran a back-up but the Next developer should have it backed up to SD card as well (and have the name and location of the backup noted somewhere within the configuration).
I also got my oldest kid an HTC One M8 (she had an iPhone but wanted to go Android). She loves it. It is a beautiful phone...I couldn't stop telling her and the store consultant that. The only thing I didn't like about that phone is that the battery is not removable. I'm not sure about the 4 Ultra Pixel camera...it's more marketing than anything, and I'm pretty sure it's not going to out-shoot my Note 3. I love the Sense UI, as well. I have not played with it all that much since I got it for my daughter, but one evening I'll have her unlock it so that I can play with it a bit.
I've still been wondering about the LG G3 (and even the G2). I was actually considering the G2 when I was trying to decide which phones to consider. It's cons were: non-removable battery and no SD slot. The G2 is also a free phone (as a contract phone)...I have no idea how much they're charging for it as an Edge upgrade. The G2 has the same hardware as an S4...it's VERY fresh as far as hardware is concerned. I think most people couldn't stomach the volume and power buttons layout, which is why it's a free contract phone with Verizon. I might even consider seeing if I can buy an unlocked G2 as a spare phone (they shouldn't cost too much on Craigslist or eBay).
The G3 is due to be released this summer (it's already been debuted). I'm predicting mid-July as a Verizon release date. I'm on the Vz notification list so that I'll know when they decide to sell it. I want to check it out. It may well replace my Note 3 (and soon). I'd have to pay at least 50% of my Note 3 before I can "edge up", though. The G3 is a great phone and will be running a ground-breaking display. It'll be using the SnapDragon 801 series CPU in the US. It has a removable battery and a micro-SD slot that'll take 128GB cards. (!!) It's almost as big as a Note 3. While it doesn't have a stylus, I rarely use the Note's stylus anyways.
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