Samsung Galaxy S3

Samsung Galaxy S3 review:

There’s a lot riding on the Samsung Galaxy S3 – it’s the successor to the 20million selling S2, it’s the Android phone best-placed to take on Apple’s iPhone, and it’s the device that Samsung hopes will cement its reputation as an innovator.

The huge 4.8” screen was too big, although it’s heading that way. The compelling thing about the S3 is the package it offers. Like the iPhone 4S after the 4, it offers iterative improvements over its predecessor, but the total effect is to create a radically innovative new device.

In among those things is a new sensor that tracks your eyes – so long as you’re looking at the S3’s screen, it won’t dim or lock itself. Yes, you could just set the screen timer to longer, but “Smart Stay” means you don’t have to. In use, the feature seemed to work very well, with a little icon indicating the phone is watching your eyes.

When it comes to features such as S-Beam, which transfers files quickly between devices by touching them together, or sharing the phone’s screen content with other devices, these are increasingly becoming more widespread industry standards, as indicated on the new Motorola Razr, which offers similar concepts. The Samsung processor is fast enough to allow crystal clear video to play in a window on your homescreens, which again is nifty, but not vital.
Overall, the device is in many ways much like its predecessor: does it feel as solid or heavy in the hand as the iPhone? No, although it’s certainly a lot bigger. Is it a different, superb product in its own right? Absolutely.it’s a worthy successor to the globally popular S2. But we shall see how much all those new features make a real difference in everyday use to form a fuller opinion.
Specifications:

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is available in 'Pebble Blue' and 'Marble White'

The Samsung Galaxy S3 automatically detects when users are looking at it 

The Samsung S3 features a 4.8" Amoled HD screen that feels big in the hand 

Screen: 
4.8” Super Amoled HD display

Network:

2G Network-- GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network-- HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G Network-- LTE (regional)

Storage: 
16/32/64GB depending on model, plus expandable MicroSD card
Cloud storage: 
50GB Dropbox for two years
Colour: 
Pebble blue or marble white
Battery: 
2,100mAh (wireless charging optional extra)
Camera: 
8MP rear; 1.9 MP front
Resolution: 
720 x 1280 px (306ppi)
RAM: 
1GB
Dimensions: 
136.6 x 70.6 x 8.55 mm
Weight: 
133g
Operating System: 
Android 4.0.4
Processor: 
Exynos 4 Quad (1.4GHz)

Features at a glance:

4.8” Amoled HD screen
The S3’s enormous screen feels big in the hand, although the device is just 16 per cent larger than its predecessor, the 20 million selling S2.

Smart StayThe phone tracks your eyes, so as long as you’re looking at it, the display won’t dim or turn off.

Direct CallIf you’ve got a contact on your screen, there’s no need to hit call: simply hold the device up to your face and the number will be dialled automatically.

Smart AlertSamsung’s enhanced notifications centre tells you what’s happened since you last looked at your phone in order of importance.

Burst shot and best photoThe 8MP camera now offers a 20-shot burst mode and will choose the best photo for you. Photos now possible at the same time as video filming.

Face Zoom and Slide ShowDouble tap a face to zoom in; automatic slide show generation zooms in on faces as individual pictures for pictures with lots of people

Social network and camera integrationAutomatic tagging of pictures, and the option to send images directly to those identified in them, called Buddy Photo Share, or display social media profile information on screen. Group Tag lets you tag multiple people in one go, if you set up a group first.

Dropbox storage50GB of free Dropbox storage for two years.

S-VoiceThat’s S for Samsung, not Siri. This feature allows you to control your phone through voice, eg to turn up the volume, and to ask it questions.

S-BeamHigh speed file transfer via NFC and WiFi Direct, between two phones touched together, operating at up to 300Mbps.

Pop Up PlayPlay video in a window on any homescreen.

All Share Play and Cast
Share your S3’s screen to a TV, or use the screen as a remote control.