Samsung’s New Lineup Roll in: The Galaxy Note III, Tablet 10.1 & Gear Smart Watch Review


Samsung 1This Wednesday, Samsung announced the revamp of its Galaxy lineup with the following: an updated Galaxy Note III smart phone, a Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet as well as their Galaxy Gear smart watch. At first glance, the Note III looks a lot like is predecessor, but with a larger 5.7 inch, 1920x1080 display. But don't be fooled by its appearance, another upgrade is the 2.3 GHz, quad-core processor option for the LTE, and a 1.9 GHz Octa Core for the 3G version. For shooting purposes, the camera comes with 13 megapixels, a jump from 8 in the Note II, as well as 2 Mp for front facing shots. Additionally, 3GB of RAM are crammed into this slim and light device (8.33 mm and only 168 grams), as well as Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC. Externally, it sports a soft, leather-ish back that feels very professional and fancy. Owed to the screen's nice resolution and clarity, video looks crisp and a delight to watch.

Galaxy_Note_2According to The Guardian's press release, some issues reside. Nothings perfect, right? Between the multitudes of applications you are given in the device, there can be too much going on, plain and simple. Don't get me wrong, the features on the Galaxy Note III are pretty neat, but apparently some are hard to find, hard to use and to manipulate the way you wish they would. With one of the biggest additions being the redesigned S Pen, use isn't always easy because of how small and thin it is, as well as the teensy button on the stylus. The feature list is worth researching, as five of the major apps can create a very pleasant and efficient work station for your phone.

samsung-galaxy-note3Moving onto the tablet version of the phone, the Note 10.1 is not much different than it's mini-me, as it has the same features, but a nice 10 inch screen. Display is also lovely and so is sound, with stereo speakers and cameras on both the front and back. Also encased in the leather-like backing and grooves on the side, the tablet has some extra features worth mentioning. A big perk: a file organization method that will undoubtedly remind you of using an actual PC! Create folders and sub-folders, create up to 8 profiles for family friendly use. Finally, get ready for some freebies. Trial subscriptions to various news sources, online storage with extra space such as Dropbox.

Samsung2The last and very least, bet you don't hear that very often is the Gear smart watch. It has plenty of use as a companion piece for your phone, designed to make phone calls, take photos, listen to music, take voice commands and more. But visually, it is strange. With a large interface, strap and metal clasp, at first glance it might not be so bad, yet when you see the side angle where the camera is so oddly placed, you may start hoping for a redesign. Is it silly that the camera is even there, as it only supports 1.9 megapixels and can shoot a mere ten second video? I will give credit where credit is due: the 1.63 inch, 320x320 display ain’t bad, and to be able to access these features from your wrist is kinda cool. However, the price is too much ($299) and with upcoming Apple and Android watches coming soon, I don't see this making it too far.

Topics: Technology News Samsung Smartphones & Mobile Devices Tablets

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