Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 Update: 10 Things U.S. Can Expect - Gotta Be Mobile

Earlier this month, Samsung announced that a number of Galaxy-branded devices would be getting the upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat in the United States. Among those updates are Android 4.4 upgrades for Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2, two of Samsung's former flagship smartphones and devices that remain in the hands of many users around the country.

Weeks ago, rumors pointed to Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2, two aging former flagships that have been replaced by newer, arguably better smartphones. Those rumors pointed to a release in March or April though they did not suggest specific devices, regions or dates.

A short time ago, Samsung started pushing out Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades marking the start of the company's roll out. Shortly after Samsung started pushing those updates out, the company finally confirmed the rumors, rumors that had all along pointed to Android 4.4 updates for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2.

The confirmation came in the form of a press release that was issued earlier this month by the American arm of Samsung. While we've seen Samsung Poland confirm a number of Android 4.4 upgrades, it was Samsung USA that was first.

While Samsung USA confirmed a number of Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades, it did not provide a lot of detail. Release dates remain missing and all we know is that the devices will be getting some of the same Android 4.4 KitKat features as the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy S4.

As we approach the month of March, a rumored release window for these two updates, we want to help set expectations for those Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners excited about what's to come.

Here is what we expect from the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 KitKat updates and their release for carriers in the United States.

Releases Within Next Two Months

Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 KitKat update rumors put the releases of these two updates in either March or April. Both rumors are from credible sources so we strongly believe that Samsung plans to start pushing these two updates in either March or April.

Given that the United States saw an official announcement from Samsung, we expect it to be near the front of the pack in terms of timing so we expect that the United States will see these two updates roll out within two months. Doubters only need to look at the speed at which Samsung and its American carrier partners are rolling out Android 4.4 for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3.

Android 4.4 is not a big update for these Galaxy devices and that should lead to a quicker turnaround time, provided that everything goes well in testing.

At this point, expect the start of the roll out to arrive by the end of April.

Android 4.4 Release Dates That Arrive Late

Samsung has provided a way for Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners to track the progress of the Android 4.4 KitKat update roll out but it's not going to provide any dates ahead of time.

American carriers almost never announce release dates ahead of time. They simply don't want to set themselves up to fail in the eyes of consumers. Software release dates are typically moving targets. Testing can go badly, resources get shifted, and carriers simply don't want to commit to dates that they can't honor.

Manufacturers like HTC have begun keeping their users in the loop but even then, that has backfired because of testing and the certification process. Samsung tends to just keep its mouth shut.

So, we expect Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 KitKat release dates to remain a mystery in the United States, right up until the arrival of the dates themselves. At best, we would expect a carrier like AT&T to announce its roll out dates a day early, just like it did today with the Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update.

One or Two Leaks, At Most

We saw the AT&T Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 KitKat updates leak ahead of time but we haven't seen any other carrier-specific updates emerge ahead of their release dates. This is par for the course.

Typically, we do not see an avalanche of major Android software leaks. Samsung and its carrier partners have put the clamps down on that. At the most, we expect there to be a couple of Android 4.4 KitKat leaks for U.S. users. At the very worst, we'll see nothing. We're leaning towards nothing at this point.

Sprint Among the First to Both Updates

We're not sure what's gotten into Sprint these days but we like it. The carrier has been among the first to every single major Samsung Galaxy Android update in recent memory including the updates for the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4. Given that history, we expect Sprint to be out in front again with these two updates.

Verizon Near the Back

We had hoped that the speed at which Verizon pushed out the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update was a sign of better things to come. At the moment, it appears that it was simply an anomaly.

Verizon is notorious for lagging behind the competition when it comes to major Android upgrades. And while the Galaxy S4 update came fast, it was dead last amongst major U.S. carriers to the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 upgrades.

The carrier still hasn't rolled out Android 4.4 KitKat for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 and neither update has a release date in sight. So, it would appear that the carrier has returned to its old ways.

With that in mind, we expect the Verizon Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 KitKat updates to be among the last updates to arrive.

Standard Roll Out from U.S. Carriers

As for the release of Android 4.4 KitKat itself, expect the standard Android update roll out from U.S. carriers. What this means is that we expect these updates to roll out in phases, similar to what Google does with its Nexus Android updates. By pushing these updates out in phases, Samsung and its carrier partners are able to catch major issues before they spread.

The staggered release of a major Android update typically takes around 10 days or so to complete. While we expect many Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners to see their Android 4.4 KitKat updates arrive on day one, expect there to be others that see it roll out in the days after the update's initial release.

Carrier-Specific Enhancements

Samsung announced that its upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat updates for the United States will come with the following features:

• Location Menu: An integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously checking the battery usage of apps running location service capabilities.
• Enhanced Messaging: Enables users to choose between Messages or Hangouts as their preferred default messaging application, and select from a larger assortment of updated Emoji icons.
• Upgraded Google Mobile Service (GMS) apps: Users can automatically back up photos and video and can open, view, rename and share Google Docs and files.

However, users in the United States should expect carriers to put their own spin on these updates. In most cases, that means unique enhancements or fixes but it's possible that we could see carriers add some new features of their own.

Fixes, But More Problems

Expect these Android 4.4 KitKat updates to bring fixes for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

As we've pointed out, there are plenty of Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners dealing with problems left behind by the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. We can't imagine carriers turning a blind eye to some of the major issues so we certainly expect Android 4.4 to fix at least some things that Android 4.3 broke.

That said, these two devices are old, the Galaxy S3 is ancient. The older a device gets, the more susceptible it is to major issues, particularly after major Android updates. So, we expect there to be a number of issues that impact both of these devices once Android 4.4 KitKat arrives in the United States.

With that in mind, we highly recommend backing up files prior to installing Android 4.4 KitKat. We also recommend updating applications ahead of Android 4.4 as outdated apps sometimes can cause things to go awry.

No Surprises

We expect these updates to be pretty straightforward for Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 users in the United States. In other words, there probably won't be any Galaxy S5 features, we probably won't see carriers attach game-changing features to these updates, and we probably won't see release dates land any quicker than March or April.

Last Major Update for Galaxy S3

Finally, expect this to be the last major Android update for the Galaxy S3.

Earlier this month, we told you that Samsung Poland confirmed that it would not be rolling out the Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update due to performance issues. The device only has 1GB of RAM which apparently is not good enough for Android 4.4. So, for some users, it appears that Android 4.3 Jelly Bean was the end of the road.

For those with a Galaxy S3 with 2GB of RAM, we expect Android 4.4 KitKat to be the end given that Google recommends 18 months of software support for Android devices. Samsung usually goes beyond that and offers software upgrades for two years and we're seeing that in action with the Galaxy S3, a device that turns two in May.

An upgrade beyond Android 4.4 KitKat would be an immense surprise to us and to a lot of Galaxy S3 owners.

AndroidAndroid 4.4Android 4.4 KitKatGalaxy Note 2Galaxy S3SamsungSamsung Galaxy Note 2Samsung Galaxy S3

New Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4 KitKat Update Details - Gotta Be Mobile

New Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update details have arrived today thanks to a carrier in France and a Samsung upgrade page that not only details Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades for its Galaxy smartphones and tablets but also shows which updates are currently available.

Earlier this year, Samsung started pushing out Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S4. Those updates have started to pick up speed and they are both now available for some carriers inside of the United States.

There are, of course, plenty of Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades that are still missing. Most carriers do not announce their plans ahead of time particularly in the United States where communication ahead of the release date is virtually non-existent. That is not the case at all carriers, however.

French carrier SFR issues an Android update schedule each and every month and today, the carrier released its plans for the month of March. The carrier lists both the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update release dates for March meaning they won't arrive in February and are currently targeted for next month. Originally, the carrier said that it would push the updates out in February or March.

SFR also likes to give specific release dates ahead of time but in this case, it only provides a vague March window. Once the releases get closer, we should see SFR make an announcement.

SFR's update isn't the only new detail for Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 users. Samsung recently posted an extremely useful page for not only Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 users but for all Galaxy owners who are expecting the Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade in the United States.

The page will continue to list off Galaxy Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades as they become available making it an extremely useful tool for Galaxy users in the U.S. Samsung typically announces updates before they roll out so this is certainly a page that Galaxy smartphone and tablet owners will want to bookmark as a resource.

What's more, Samsung's new page also details exactly what will be coming with all of these Android 4.4 KitKat updates. In other words, it confirms an incremental Android 4.4 KitKat update, not only for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3, but for devices like the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 as well.

While we assumed that updates for older devices would follow in the footsteps of Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 updates, this is the first time we've seen Samsung confirm it.

Here is what U.S. Galaxy owners should expect from their Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades:

• Location Menu: An integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously checking the battery usage of apps running location service capabilities.
• Enhanced Messaging: Enables users to choose between Messages or Hangouts as their preferred default messaging application, and select from a larger assortment of updated Emoji icons.
• Upgraded Google Mobile Service™ (GMS) apps: Users can automatically back up photos and video and can open, view, rename and share Google Docs and files.

As we have pointed out numerous times, carriers tend to put their own unique spin on major Android updates which means that not all updates will be created equal. The Sprint Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade, for example, included Zact Mobile compatibility.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades are both rumored for March or April though Samsung has yet to confirm specific dates. The other updates listed here remain without release dates.

AndroidAndroid 4.4Android 4.4 KitKatGalaxy Note 2Galaxy S3Galaxy S4SamsungSamsung Galaxy Note 2Samsung Galaxy S3Samsung Galaxy S4

EDITOR'S NOTE: 2/21 - Tuscaloosa News (subscription)

Published: Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 4:56 p.m.

Years back, my friend Sister Jenny Jam left on my door a note, one that ended “Don’t be a strangler.” I still believe in that advice, and to this day, continue to cut way back on my forcible choking.

It has been tough, I won’t lie. Because after all the years of guitar-wranglin’ and typin’ and such, these hands are just made for throttlin’ some necks.

The itchin’ commences, though, when I sense the hive mind falling for a manipulation (which literally means “to control by the use of the hands,” incidentally) orchestrated by a media figure.

By media figure, I mean those shiny folks who utilize fame, often through TV or print and online gossip rags, to achieve their ends: Money, power, sex, more fame. This ranges from Lady Gaga — who I kind of like because she’s daffy-smart and can actually play an instrument — to that hotel-heiress thing that seems so all the rage, to your Donald Trump types, spectacularly failed businessmen who rake in riches through sheer gall and pride in their bulbous vulgarity.

Some of them — Gaga, for example — have real talent, something to offer and showcase for the world. Some are hotel heiresses.

Many are sort of in between, like Trump, whose daily eructations could inflate a dirigible. When blimp travel finally catches on, he’ll be a valued national resource.

And then there are athletes.

Hoo boy.

Many of the qualities that go into making someone a world-class exhibitor of physical skills — discipline, dedication, bravado, derring-do and other archaic words — don’t necessarily make for a socially skillful human. We chortle and chuckle at off-field antics, right up to the point when the ‘roids or angst of aging or lifelong sense of entitlement — or all three — kick into overdrive and whoopsie, blood on the floor. Or even beyond, for some, like Jimmy Fallon, who continue to laugh at and bolster the “career” of convicted rapist Mike Tyson, because he used to beat up people real good.

We can connect to jocks through, as the old ABC “Wide World of Sports” clip used to say, “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” It’s simple drama, or really melodrama: Good vs. bad; mylocalsportsteam vs. yourcrumbumcheaters. Depending on where you stand. And the outcomes are easy to read. You win or you lose, sometimes by a mere point or, in the case of speed events, milliseconds.

So it’s easy to get caught up in the players, to feel some kinship. And it’s kinda easy to understand the one-day tempest about Bode Miller crying on camera. Kinda. After all, we’ve all felt loss, and his grief over a dead brother is evident and no doubt real.

However.

People jumped on NBC, and its Olympics reporter Christin Cooper, for asking him questions. See, this is where my stranglin’ fingers start in to jigglin’, even if the thing I most want to throttle — naivete — doesn’t have an actual neckbone.

Ever been on TV? Cameras are involved. Lights. Microphones. And crew guys loitering around. This was not sabotage. Miller himself said later that he’s known Cooper a long time, and called her “… a sweetheart of a person.”

Miller brought up the dead brother. Yes, in the wake of an unexpectedly poor finish, he brought up his dead brother. So Cooper asked him more about that. They’re friends, complicit in this thing. She was playing his game. If I had been the reporter, there would be have been questions about his lack of character, trying to make public his grief to elicit sympathy, and the ‘net would be lighting up about the big noogie-fight that followed, not the tears.

This ain’t Miller’s first rodeo. Like all media stars, he manipulates media. He even won — for a given value of won — this little brouhaha, bringing people to his side. It was smart as a marketing of his brand — himself — otherwise diminished by Olympic failures, and the ugly reporting about his sordid custody battle.

Actors or other public figures who sit for Babwa Wawa or Oprah know they’re going to be dragged to tears, but they do it anyway: There are upsides to being made to look vulnerable.

Samsung Official Android KitKat Update: Galaxy Note 10.1, Note 8.0, Galaxy Tab ... - International Business Times AU

Samsung recently announced qualifiers of Android 4.4 KitKat update coming in February with continuation in the coming months. Galaxy S4, S3, Note 3, Note 2 and more have been named for smartphones but what about tablets? Here are the complete list of larger Galaxy devices getting the latest firmware.

Samsung Official Listing

In addition to the Samsung Galaxy smartphones receiving the official Android KitKat such as Galaxy S4, Note 3, S3 and Note 2, several Galaxy devices with larger screens are also getting the same treatment starting in February and upcoming months.

Selected Galaxy slates receiving Android KitKat update are:

1.      Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition

2.      Galaxy Note 10.1

3.      Galaxy Note 8.0

4.      Galaxy Tab 3 7.0

5.      Galaxy Tab 3 8.0

6.      Galaxy Tab 3 10.1

On top of Android 4.4 KitKat firmware, the devices above may also receive the newest TouchWiz UI magazine-style which can only be found on PRO editions of Galaxy Note and Tab slates.

Samsung Change Logs

Samsung aims to provide more intuitive and better user experience on Galaxy devices running Android 4.4 KitKat OS. Upgrading these devices will improve system performance, app computability and enhancements on Google services.

1.      Location Menu for integrated location menu to easily enable Wi-Fi, GPS and mobile networks with battery usage monitor of apps using location services.

2.      Enhanced Messaging enable users to choose between the default Samsung messaging app or Google’s Hangouts app with SMS/MMS support. Moreover, Emoji icon database also received new additions.

3.      Upgraded GMS or Google Mobile Service for automatic backup of photos and videos which can be opened, viewed, renamed and shared via Google documents.

Update Schedule

Sadly, Samsung Mobile didn’t clarify rollout schedule to their customers and simply imply that an update is coming out. Due to the lack of information when the rollout will strike, you can use these basis in order to find out if your Galaxy Note and Tab slates are receiving updates.

1.      Launch the built-in software update app on your device. Go to Settings > About device > Software update > Check now. Normally, the device will detect any updates if connected to Wi-Fi.

2.      Use your computer by downloading and installing Samsung Kies PC suite. Open the program then connect your device. It will detect any updates automatically as long as your machine is connect to the Internet.

3.      Contact your network carrier especially if you are located in the United States for they need to modify the firmware according their variants. This is highly recommended so you can confirm if the OTA update or new firmware from Samsung Kies is the same with the network carrier’s version.

To contact the editor, e-mail:

KitKat update coming to 14 Samsung Galaxy devices - Geek

Android By Lee Mathews Feb. 19, 2014 12:54 pm

Samsung has detailed rollout plans for the Android 4.4.2 update, and more than a dozen devices have made the cut. As usual, there's good news and bad news for Samsung device owners depending on which Galaxy phone or tablet you're waiting to see updated.

Which Samsung phones and tablets are getting KitKat? The Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S 4 and its variants (mini, Active, and zoom), the Galaxy S3 and S3 mini, the oversized Galaxy Mega, Galaxy Light, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Tab 3, and both the original Galaxy Note 10.1 and its 2014 update.

It's good to see the Galaxy Note 10.1 is getting KitKat, because Samsung didn't exactly do a great job pushing updates out to the first big-screen Note. Delays with the delivery of Android 4.1.2 had some Samsung faithful seeing red back in 2012.

Unfortunately, even though Google devoted a lot of time and effort to making sure that KitKat ran well on lower-end Android devices there aren't any Galaxy S2 variants on Samsung's list. That's a bit disappointing, since some — like the Galaxy S2 4G — didn't launch until later on in 2012. The Galaxy S2 Plus isn't included either, and it wasn't announced until CES 2013.

Thanks to Project Svelte, KitKat has a reduced footprint that should have no problem fitting on a phone like the S2 Plus. The fact that Samsung's chosen to leave it off the list may have more to do with the popularity of the phone itself. Still, it's always disappointing to hear that a one-year-old device has already fallen off a manufacturer's update list.

Samsung Galaxy devices that will be getting the Android 4.4.2 should start seeing it any time now. The company didn't specify exactly when particular devices will receive the update, and as always carriers will have their say in scheduling delivery, too.

Moto G, Samsung Note 2, HTC One Max/ Mini set for Android 4.4.2 KitKat update ... - Know Your Mobile India

Android really has a good thing going with version 4.4.2 KitKat. Not only is the operating system functional and convenient, it is light and able to run on a host of devices.

Moto G Android 4.4.2 KitKat update arrives in India

The much anticipated Android 4.4.2 KitKat update has finally hit the dual-SIM Moto G smartphone in India.

The update (v 171.44.31.en.03) which weighs 230.7 MB in size is available over-the-air, however if you haven’t received the notification yet, head over to your Moto G’s phone settings-> select About phone -> System update- > Check now.

The update brings a gamut of changes on board, the full change-log has been documented below:

• Android 4.4, KitKat – Enhancements such as restyled status and navigation bars, a new full-screen mode, color emoji support, improved closed captioning support, stronger security, smarter power use, and more tools and capabilities for better app development.
• Phone dialer – Improved phone app with the ability to look up contacts directly from the dial pad, see and tap frequent contacts, and search your corporate directory easily.
• Camera – Locked exposure during Panorama capture, additional language support, Manual control of focus and exposure, Bug fixes
• Gallery – New photo editing options including new filter effects, draw on your photos, advanced cropping, and adjustments to color, exposure, contrast and more.
• Printing documents and pictures – Support for printing photos, Google Docs, GMail messages, and other content via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and hosted services like Google Cloud Print and HP ePrinters.
• Hangouts – SMS/MMS support Incorporated a new version of Google Hangouts that supports integrated SMS/MMS messaging. Hangouts can be set as the default SMS app under Settings > Wireless > Default SMS app.

HTC Android 4.4.2 KitKat line up – One Max in March, One Mini in April

HTC has been working on getting the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update pushed out to its One flagship family line. An HTC executive had earlier spoken about the giant’s roll out plans and stated that, ‘HTC will work with carriers to begin the roll-out of Android 4.4 with Sense 5.5 for the HTC One from end of January.’

Developer LlabTooFeR had also suggested that, ‘all new devices such as One, One dual-Sim, One Max, One Mini will get 4.4.2 update in time frame January-February.’  Well it seems that the developer was bang on target.

On a recent reddit AMA (Ask me anything), HTC USA Product Team revealed that while the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for One Max will arrive in March, it will hit One Mini in April.

‘We already have 4.4 updates in the works for both Mini and Max devices and you can track the progress on our software updates page. You should see this land as early as March for the Max and April for Mini.’

Unfortunately while the company has promised to update all future flagship devices for two years – this remains true only for the HTC smartphone owners in North America.

‘We are making a commitment to support all new North America flagship devices going forward with all major Android updates for 2 years after their release date.’

While this does not mean (entirely) that the company will be ignoring its clientele in other regions, they will not get any preferential treatment as their NA counterparts.

Source: Reddit AMA

Samsung Android 4.4 KitKat line up

According to a close Phandroid source, apart from the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, there is a list of other devices in the pipeline that are set to receive the much awaited update. The list includes:

•     Samsung Galaxy Note 2 SGH-i317
•     Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-i747
•     Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-t217a
•     Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-i337 – Started to receive official rollout
•     Samsung Galaxy S4 Active SGH-i537
•     Samsung Galaxy Mega SGH-i527
•     Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom SM-c105a
•     Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900a – Started to receive official rollout
•     Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 SGH-i467
•     Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini SM-g730a

The earlier firmware reports from both Galaxy S4 and Note 3 suggested very minor changes after the upgrade like enhanced performance and changes in Samsung's UI. Samsung flagship devices received a major facelift with the earlier Android 4.3 upgrade which brought in a gamut of changes including new camera features, Galaxy Gear compatibility among others.

There is no news on when the rollout to the devices mentioned above will happen, but with Samsung’s commitment in bringing better smartphone experience to its consumers, we did say it’s just a matter of time.

TechnologyTell Review: Casefanatic HunterF Case (Galaxy Note 2) - TechnologyTell

It's no secret that I love my Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Almost two years ago, my laptop prematurely died. I've owned only two laptops in my life so far, and neither of them lived much longer than three years, despite my careama and vigilance.

Instead of getting a replacement which would, ultimately, be too bulky, too expensive, and too craptastic with real-use battery life, I upgraded my Galaxy S2 to the Note 2 and haven't looked back since. I have the same (or better) productivity and far greater mobility with a "phablet." If I need some serious photo/video editing or equivalent, my desktop gets that done handily.

So with all the saved money, what do I do? Accessorize! A Logitech K810 Bluetooth keyboard, Brainy Gadgets tablet stand, Anker external battery pack, and Nomad ChargeKey cable round out my gear nicely. I've gone through a few different cases – I try not to get crazy on that. But this most recent gem I discovered one late night while surfing the web just might be my very last one.

Let's just get it out of the way – the Casefanatic HunterF case borrows from Apple's iPhone design, even down to the look and feel of the buttons. The case is flat on both sides, with rounded corners and angled edges all around. What can I say except that it's a good look, especially for the Galaxy Note 2. And as far as I know, it's the only aluminum case just like this.

"Apple is really making the iPhablet?? No way! How did you get that one to test out??" -Gullible Best Buy Employee

The two-piece HunterF case comes with a thin, plastic screen protector, a microfiber cloth, mini screwdriver, and four teeny screws. Only two screws are used to secure the parts of the case together. The extras are spares.

Although thin, the aluminum is far from being weak or flimsy. I wouldn't necessarily put much force to test it, but it readily resists strong finger pinches. The HunterF case consists of the bumper edge and the back plate, which also replaces the Samsung Galaxy Note 2?s back plate.

Installation is simple. Set the bumper face down. Gently slide the Note 2 in and and seat it. Insert the back plate (top first) into the little nocks, and then let it drop to close it up. The two screw holes are located on the bottom to keep both of the case pieces together.

The inside of the HunterF case has felt lining to keep the smartphone from rubbing up against the metal. It wouldn't be fun to have metal chewing up the exterior edges of the Note 2.

The HunterF case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 provides a snug, rattle-free fit. If you are serious about shaking the smartphone, you'll be able to hear a noise as it shifts slightly, but that's about it. The battery stays put and secure as well.

How it looks, ready for the back cover

The cutouts for the ports are good, but not perfectly centered. The rear speaker port, microphone ports, and hole for the camera lens are off by about 1.5mm.

This is more of an aesthetic, since there isn't any impact to performance. The S-Pen is only slightly deeper for when it needs to be pulled out. No big deal to me.

What I really like about this HunterF bumper case is that it covers the very edges of the Note 2?s glass screen all the way around. The screen can take an angled corner hit and not instantly shatter. It also provides a lip so I can lie the smartphone face-down without having the screen touch surfaces.

The back is in place, then just needs 2 screws in the bottom

The HunterF case will give enough berth to most screen protectors out there. I have 1mm of leeway on the bottom end of my tempered glass screen protector. The rest of the edges have more room than that.

Almost all of my 3.5mm audio cables plug in fine for both the straight and L-shaped ends. Fat cables won't. Audio port accessories are not likely to work either. I can attest that my Thermodo won't fit. The Pressy button will fit, but won't be able to be reached easily. The iBlazr LED flash should work, since it sticks out some even when fully plugged in.

Because of the curvature of the Galaxy Note 2, the Micro USB port seems like it would have problems with cables fitting. Out of all the cables I have (which is many), the only plug that needs a slight wiggle is my Anker 18W car charger. That's it.

Notice the felt lining in the corner, on the edges too

While it was a little disappointing at first, I've shrugged off how the back panel of the HunterF case doesn't lie flush and seamless with the bumper edge.

There is a 1mm gap on a side and the top. If you're really looking it over, you'll definitely see it.

For all intents and purposes, I regard the HunterF case more for looks and less for protection. While it will prevent scratches and can handle minor drops, this case isn't designed to absorb and prevent shock-related damage. I haven't tested any drops greater than three feet. If I'm lucky, I won't have to know how it handles a chest-high fall haha.

The major sacrifice that comes with owning and using the Casefanatic HunterF case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is NFC capability.

Only slightly off on the cutouts

The smartphone's NFC antenna is built into the plastic cover, which had to be removed in order to install the HunterF. Again, no big deal. My use for NFC is simply lazy-Bluetooth.

But the big question most have is about how the aluminum case affects reception and data speeds. On a wireless network, the effect is negligible.

But if I am running on my 3G Sprint network, the decrease in speed can be felt and it also shows in the numbers. Sprint 4G? That's a pipe dream that's not fully realized in my area (Sacramento, CA) yet, so I have no idea about the HunterF case with that.

Here are the typical pings, download speeds, and upload speeds I get (SpeedTest.net app used for these numbers):

CASE ON Wireless (4/4 reception bars) : CASE OFF Wireless (4/4 reception bars)

Ping 42ms, down 17.51Mpbs, up 1.61Mpbs : ping 44ms, down 17.82Mbps, up 1.49Mbps

Ping 46ms, down 16.97Mpbs, up 1.53Mpbs : ping 40ms, down 18.10Mbps, up 1.57Mbps

Ping 42ms, down 17.82Mbps, up 1.61Mbps : ping 43ms, down 17.69Mbps, up 1.56Mbps

CASE ON 3G (3/5 reception bars) : CASE OFF 3G (4/6 reception bars)

Ping 133ms, down 0.16Mbps, up 0.09Mbps : ping 92ms, down 0.69Mbps, up 0.87Mbps

Ping 119ms, down 0.29Mbps, up 0.10Mbps : ping 91ms, down 0.65Mbps, up 0.83Mbps

Ping 212ms, down 0.17Mbps, up 0.16Mbps : ping 103ms, down 0.53Mbps, up 0.85Mbps

As far as I can tell, the Bluetooth wireless connection strength and range hasn't been affected by the aluminum case.

For all intents and purposes, the Casefanantic HunterF case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 leans more towards fashion instead of protection. It's great against scratches and tame bounces, but it's not meant to handle heavy-duty shocks or serious drops.

Clean edges and buttons

Owning this case also means sacrificing NFC connectivity and 3G speeds. But since I spend most of my productive time on a wireless network, the trade is easy to overlook.

The appeal of the HunterF case is the unique style (to Android), as well as the feel of cool metal instead of some plastic or polymer.

The case does get warm during extended gaming sessions, but my Note 2 doesn't end up any hotter (internally) than with other cases I've owned.

The HunterF case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is available from Casefanatic.com in a few different color choices. Those who have a Galaxy Note 3 can find similar, aluminum bumper cases on the site as well. Sure, it's not the most practical smartphone case to own, but to me it's pretty awesome.