What makes Samsung Galaxy Note a cut above the rest?

Big -- that's how you would summarise Samsung Galaxy Note, the latest smartphone that claims to be a tablet too. The question that needs to be answered is why there is a buzz about the Samsung Galaxy Note, when the Dell Streak 5 too tried the same thing and pretty much collapsed in the process.

For starters, Samsung has taken the Streak 5 and changed every detail possible. The Note has a newer version of Android, a dual-core processor, a higher clockspeed on each core, a larger screen with higher resolution and better screen technology (TFT of Streak vs Super AMOLED HD on Note).

Overall, Samsung Note's 5.3-inch crisp display, a diminutive weight of just 178 g and 9.7 mm thickness come together really well.

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We also found that although the dual-core 1.4 GHz processor sounds extremely powerful on paper, navigating the Android 2.3 operating system did not feel quite as smooth as on the Motorola RAZR or the Galaxy S2.

Although apps open quickly, the transition between home screens is slightly jumpy. There's 16GB of on-board storage, which can be upgraded with the use of a microSD card (of up to 32GB). Also, the 5.3-inch screen looks awkward to hold next to your ear for making calls, and not quite large enough for serious writing.

But what impresses you the most is Note's screen -- the visibility it gives under sunlight or the way it lights up while watching HD videos on it. There's no smartphone that can claim to deliver this level (1280x800 pixels) of clarity on to the mobile screen.

You will find it hard to resist showing off the video viewing experience on Note to friends. It is better suited in size for the flights than a separate 10-inch tablet PC.

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Another advantage of Samsung Note is the gargantuan 2,500 mAh battery as against Dell Streak 5's 1,530 mAh battery support. We got a full day of usage from the Note despite some heavy apps, videos and social networking. The improved battery is definitely a big thing for a device of the Note's size and capabilities.

Equally impressive is the Note's 8-megapixel camera and LED flash. Images are sharp, full of detail and the screen makes them look incredible.

The camera also shoots 1080p video at 30 frames a second and that's impressive for a phone. The front-facing camera is 2 megapixels and handles video calls and chats admirably.

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A stylus is included with the Note, an add-on that we thought was buried with Symbian and resistive touchscreen devices.

The stylus is very well integrated into the Note and a host of apps which allow sketching and drawing.

The stylus fits securely into the body of the Note and should be a boon for those who feel they need to actually write rather than type. You won't need the stylus for general business applications such as mail and browsing.

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At Rs 34,900, the Samsung Galaxy Note is not an impulse buy but meant for those who have factored in what the device can do as a smartphone and tablet PC. The Dell Streak 5 retails for around Rs 24,500.

Who should buy: Samsung Galaxy Note is a must-buy for those wants to make heads turn, or anyone who wants to experience the best display or anyone who thinks tablets are cumbersome to lug around.

The Samsung Galaxy Note is a technical tour de force and clearly not meant for those who wish for subtlety in their smartphone.