Galaxy Note... To LTE or to Not LTE

[blackprophet]

I have pretty much decided to get the Galaxy Note. Screen Size is the main attractor for me.

Would you rather get the Exynos HSPA version or the S3 LTE version?

Is LTE worth it? Is the lag on the S3 really that bad?

Would like to hear from anyone who has used both. If you haven't, which is your priority, faster processor, or faster data.

I use my phone for mostly chatting, but I come from a Blackberry, so I'm looking forward to having more game/app/movie capability.

[Steveanderson13]

Apparently those aren't the only dilemmas. You should also ask about voice during weak LTE reception.

[Aurelian]

I'd actually look at the Galaxy S III before going with the Note... don't worry, you won't have long to wait. It's a lot more portable and much faster, but you don't really make any sacrifices in resolution and only a slight amount in screen size.

If you do get a Note, I'd go for the international version to squeak as much performance out of it as you can. You'll still be sitting behind the GS3/One X/a few others in processor speed, but it's better than having to use a Snapdragon S3.

[Drillbit]

LTE is definitely faster, but that depends totally on the coverage, which LTE is still trying to improve on. At the moment it is less saturated than 3G networks so that's a plus there. However please note the coverage. LTE does eat your battery faster though.

I would go for the international version. The Exynos chip used on the international version seems slightly faster than the Qualcomm used on the LTE version but some people claim that the interface feels smoother with the Exynos version. HSPA+ only with that 2500mah battery means you get even better battery life. The international version also means you get updates faster, in fact, the ICS updates are already pushed out in staggered form (region by region).