Samsung Galaxy Note 3: To Buy Or Not To Buy?

The slogan is “Design the Story of your Life” and the phone is due to be released in early October. The phone, of course, is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the follow-up to Samsung’s original Note that burst onto the scene in 2011 and its subsequent Note 2.

So what’s changed and what’s stayed the same? Is it worth the upgrade or new purchase now? Here are the important things you need to know:

Basic specifications of Galaxy Note 3Galaxy Note 3

Let’s get the basics out of the way. The Galaxy Note 3 has a screen measuring 5.7-inches wide, a 1.9GHz processor, a 3GB RAM, and 32GB of storage space. This storage space will come in handy given that the rear camera is an excellent 13-megapixel camera. The front camera is a much simpler 2-megapixel camera, and of course, the operating system is Android 4.3.

Look and feel

Hardware and specifications is one thing, look and feel is another. The Galaxy Note 3 doesn’t offer a drastic change in appearance. Rather, it harks back to the original Note with its straighter lines – kind of like the Galaxy S4 when it replaced the S3.

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Size-wise, it is similar to the Note and Note 2, although it is, Samsung would surely like to advertise, a hair thinner and around an ounce lighter. One disappointing factor is that its sides are still made of a faux-metal band, which seems strange considering how much a metallic band could add to the look and feel of the phone.

As for the screen

Technically speaking, the Note 3 includes a full HD Super AMOLED screen. What does this mean for you? It simply means that the screen looks great. Colours are bright and blacks are about as black as you can get.

If you’re into video, you’ll be impressed too, with wide viewing angles further adding to the viewing experience. If you’re one for the great outdoors, you’ll also be impressed with the screen being clearly visible in daylight without you needing to drastically turn up the brightness.

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Like a tablet, but not

So what about actual functionality? Due to the size of its screen, many treat the Note like a mini tablet. Indeed, this may be no surprise since the Note includes a key, defining feature known as the S Pen. Samsung has updated technologies accordingly to make better use of the stylus, retaining old “S” apps such as S Voice, S Planner, and S Health as well as additions such as “My Magazine”.

And how much will you have to fork out, you ask?

If you decide that the Note 3 is for you, you’re looking to pay at minimum $999 for the phone outright. If you decide to go on a contract, then prices vary. Generally speaking, this puts the Note 3 far above the price you’d pay for an iPhone 5S or Samsung Galaxy S4.

However, it is bigger and much more functional for those looking for dual tablet-ebook-phone functionality. Should you buy it then? As with everything, ultimately it’s up to you and your wallet.

  Lucy Holmes

About the Author:

Lucy Holmes is a university student who is interested in new smartphones. She’s decided to Flexirent her next phone.