One of the brightest releases of the autumn was, undoubtedly, the entry of the phablet into the market. Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Today, the editors of the site, one of the first in Russia, got the opportunity to test this smartphone. Representatives of the Galaxy Note line have always stood apart in the Galaxy family, and this is not surprising: it was the first Note that opened a new direction in the development of smartphones. Samsung Galaxy Note 3 no exception, he became a worthy continuation of his predecessors.
One of the highlights of the series is a large screen, special software, and SPen stylus. The update itself is expected, the hardware and the screen in the second version needed to be updated to a modern level. At the same time, like the Samsung Galaxy S4, the improvements did not increase the thickness of the smartphone, just as importantly, this did not affect battery life. As in the case of the S4, several versions will hit the market, differing in the processor used, as well as a budget version and a variant with a flexible screen towards the end of the year. We are unlikely to see the latter in Russia, it will appear in a limited series. This year, sales of Samsung GALAXY Note 3 started immediately in more than 140 countries. So let's get started.
Appearance Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The design was a pleasant surprise during the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Instead of using a glossy body that differs from other representatives of the Galaxy family only in size, a leather-like styling is used.
The shape of the case has changed, it has become more rectangular, a camera protrusion has appeared. As for me, it is very reminiscent of the features of the Samsung Galaxy S2, which is still very popular to this day.
The metal-like edging along the body has been preserved, only here it is superfluous, it looks a little mottled.
The case, as before, is made of plastic, it is pleasant to the touch, plastic. The back cover, if you do not look closely, really looks like leather trim. Up close, stylized seams and a protruding rim betray themselves.
Despite the dimensions, it is held at ease in the hands, there is no feeling that you are calling on the tablet. As expected, the display diagonal has increased from 5.5 to 5.7 inches and the battery capacity has increased from 3100 to 3200 mAh. But at the same time, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has become lighter (from 183 to 168 grams) and thinner (from 9.4 to 8.3 mm), only the body length has increased by 0.1 mm.
There are three body options available: black, pink and white. If these colors do not satisfy or do not like the back cover, you can choose a case from a whole palette, for every taste.
Now for the buttons and ports on the case. Right: power button.
Above is an infrared port and a 3.5mm audio jack.
On the left is the volume rocker and on the bottom is the stylus holder, as well as the micro USB connector.
By the way, this connector now supports USB 3.0, data transfer via cable will take noticeably less time, and it will charge twice as fast.
It makes no sense to talk about the squeak and backlash of the case, everything is done at the highest level.
Inside the Samsung Galaxy Note 3
On the filling, like the Galaxy S4, there are several versions for different markets. In Russia, apparently, both will appear, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and Samsung Exynos Octa 5420. The first one works with Adreno 330 graphics, and the second one with ARM Mali-T628 MP6. They also differ in support for LTE, only Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 has it.
Installed 3 GB of RAM, this will be the maximum bar before switching to 64-bit processors. By the way, it is felt that the memory is in place, it works more harmoniously than S4, and a large number of open applications will not affect performance.
The minimum available amount of memory for data storage now goes from 32 GB, there is also a version with twice the amount. You can expand the memory traditionally using micro SD cards.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS/GNONASS and a number of other data transfer technologies are supported. There was no surprise, FM radio did not appear here either.
Antutu Benchmark Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Vellamo Benchmark Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Screen
If everything was satisfactory with the hardware of the second version, then the screen asked for a replacement against the backdrop of flagship releases not only from Samsung, but also from competitors. Here is the well-known Super AMOLED matrix with Full HD resolution, protected by Gorilla Glass.
The diagonal has increased from 5.55 to 5.7 inches. Pixel density 386ppi. Uses PenTile technology. Unlike the first displays with this technology, there is no notch problem here, the pixel density and diamond orientation positively affect.
The display data is similar to the S4. The maximum brightness is 323 cd/m2, in Standard mode - 337 cd/m2. In some situations, it can rise up to 420 cd/m2. It's almost twice as bright as the Note 2.
A distinctive feature of this type of matrix is high contrast. Even small parts look deep and detailed. The viewing angles are all right, only a bluish tint appears with a strong deviation.
You can choose a palette according to your taste: "Dynamic", "Standard", "Professional Photography" and "Cinema". "Standard" - 7500K, "Professional photography" - a successful attempt to match Adobe RGB, 6700K, "Cinema" - 6700K, sRGB.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 camera
Trends in the increased attention of manufacturers have also touched the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. A block is used, like the S4, paired with a flash. The software component also does its job. Various modes are available to the user: Motion photo, Photo with sound, Animated picture, Corrector, best photo, Best face, Retouch, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama, Sports, Golf, 360 degrees, Live photo.
photo clickable
Software Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is controlled by the Google Android 4.3 operating system with TouchWiz proprietary shell. Everything is familiar, I personally do not really like gurgling sounds, cartoonish graphics and bright icons. But this is a matter of taste and can be solved if desired.
There are some differences from S4, for example, when the stylus is removed, the "context commands" menu appears. Conveniently, it does not take time to learn the commands. It is not necessary to touch the screen, the stylus is recognized at a distance of about 1cm.
Active Notes - allows you to convert handwritten text to typed text, make calls with commands, add contacts and create a to-do list.
Album of fragments - collects pictures, photos and even websites in one place. Convenient access to data and quick return if necessary.
Instant Comments - takes a screenshot with the ability to write a comment.
S Finder is an advanced content search on your smartphone. Various filters are provided such as date, location, file type or keywords.
Window within a window - work with several windows at once in multitasking mode. Window sizes are set manually. Now it is not necessary to tear away from running applications.
S Note - updated, the service allows you to edit, add and view entries using a user-friendly interface. Provides synchronization with cloud services such as Evernote.
My Magazine - Provides access to personalized news, social networking and media entertainment.
Samsung KNOX is an application that was first introduced at the presentation of the Galaxy S4. This application is interesting in the corporate segment, it allows you to store important personal information in a special container with system-level protection against theft. If you lose your smartphone, you will not be able to access them.
Smartphone Finder – allows you to lock your smartphone if it is lost or stolen. The user can remotely block the return to factory settings, as well as, if necessary, delete personal data.
Video review of Samsung Galaxy Gear
Results for Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung GALAXY Note 3 became a worthy and expected update to the popular series. Almost everything has improved, many changes are significant. Such as, for example, a new display, processor, camera and memory. All improvements did not increase the dimensions of the case, it became even lighter and thinner. I was pleasantly surprised by the back cover, you can have different attitudes to such styling, but you are already starting to get tired of blind copying of the glossy case. Of course, you can argue a lot about the convenience of phablets and the feasibility of having two devices - a smartphone and a tablet. But for people who are often on the road or when a smartphone is needed not only for wasting time on social networks and playing with birds, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 can become a convenient and functional working tool.
In the meantime, I can name the disadvantage of the cost of Samsung GALAXY Note 3, it will cost 34,990 rubles. Based on the results of the test, he receives an award "Gold..
Samsung Galaxy Gear review
Preview video review, full version will be published in the coming days.
Overview of Samsung View Covers for Note 3
Preliminary video review, full version will be published in the coming days.
Presentation of Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in Kazan
You can see the video and photo report of the official presentation inWhen Samsung began to actively fight Apple in the field of smartphone construction, Korean products began to attract massive attention of counterfeiters. The more popular the model, the more often they try to copy it and pass it off as the original: the flagships were doomed, including the Galaxy Note brand - an expensive and therefore attractive device. With the development of online commerce in Russia and the emergence of the possibility of purchasing electronics on foreign sites, the question of how to distinguish Samsung Galaxy Note 3 from a fake has become especially relevant. Released in 2013, it gave way to its fellow Note 4, which made it more affordable in Russia - the cost has decreased. The flagships of past years are attractive precisely because of this: the performance is still at the level, but the price is much more interesting. True, scammers are also perking up: buyers are not so critical of the price tag, writing off the reduction in price for a while.
A fake smartphone is an expensive pleasure, although it will save several thousand rubles. Do not confuse it with a cheap replica - a copy of the appearance. A fake requires minimal differences from the original, but at the same time less quality materials and own software: it should pay off in the same way as the original. With the development of technology and constant leaks of information from developers, counterfeit becomes almost indistinguishable.
The table below lists the main signs by which you can find out whether a fake is in hand or an original.
| Original Samsung Galaxy Note 3 | Fake Samsung Galaxy Note 3 |
| Stylus S Pen plastic, collapsible | Stylus plastic molded or metal |
| The button on the stylus is functional | Button on the stylus - imitation |
| The tip of the stylus is plastic, hard, movable (goes into the case), thin | Stylus tip rubber, soft, thick |
| The stylus interacts with the screen until touched (a dot appears when approaching) | The stylus interacts with the screen only when touched |
| Device weight 168 g | The weight of the device is usually much less |
| SuperAmoled FHD Screen* | TFT screen* |
| Slot for microsim | Two or more slots for standard Sims (common, but not always) |
| Processor Snapdragon 800 Quad Core 2.3 or Exynos 5 Octa 5420 | MTK processor of various versions |
| Operating system Android 4.3 or Android 4.4 | Operating system Android 4.1 or Android 4.2 |
| The menu is completely Russified, with the exception of some names of branded applications | The menu contains symbols in English and abbreviations |
| It is possible to customize color profiles | Themes are unchanged, design elements change manually |
| Supports gesture control | Doesn't support gestures |
| There are proprietary applications My Magazine, Samsung Apps | Proprietary applications have been replaced with third-party ones |
| There are no symbols next to the buttons on the case | The power button is signed |
| Has Google Chrome browser | There is a Chinese browser |
| Samsung Kies clearly detects smartphone connected to PC | Samsung Kies does not understand what to work with |
*SuperAmoled and TFT matrices use completely different technologies, so you can distinguish a real Samsung Galaxy Note 3 from a fake with a simple test. In absolutely dark room you need to open a black picture in your smartphone (often used to determine dead pixels). Even high-resolution TFT screens have a backlight, it will be noticeable. SuperAmoled does without it, using luminous pixels, so the original Note 3 with a black picture (background) open through image viewing in the dark will not show itself in any way - the screen will remain completely dark.
Tablet phone from the Korean manufacturer Samsung - Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 32Gb.
Appearance Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Touch monoblock. Made of plastic, stylized under the skin. Available in two colors: black and white.
Screen with a diagonal of 5.7 inches and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, 386 ppi.
Dimensions - 151 × 79 × 8.3 mm, weight - 168 g.
Specifications Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Processor - 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2300 MHz.
RAM - 3 GB. Built-in memory - 32GB. The phone also supports memory cards.
The operating system is Android 4.3. (Jelly Bean), which is updated to new versions.
The battery is removable, 3200 mAh. This is enough for a day of active use of the phone. Of course, if you play games on it, then the charge will last for several hours.
Main camera good quality- 13 MP. And the front is only 2 megapixels.
You can buy Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in our online store by placing an order through the website basket or by calling us at. Delivery in Moscow is possible on the day of order. Delivery cost within the Moscow Ring Road - 400 rubles. Delivery in the Moscow region is calculated individually. Pickup from a retail store two minutes from Savelovskaya metro station.
Probably two years ago, when Samsung's bosses launched the very first Note with a diagonal of 5.3 inches, they could not even imagine in their wildest fantasies what a crazy hype their new product would cause. At that time, flagship smartphones boasted 4.3-inch screens, and a device with a 4.8-inch display was already considered gigantic (“And in general, how can you carry this in your pocket?” They liked to say at that time).
The first Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 was scattered in an insane number of copies around the world - everyone who needed it could fit it in their pockets, and they also said thanks to the manufacturer. Since then, the South Korean corporation every year at the September IFA exhibition, held in Berlin, presents an updated version of its now not the largest, but the most technically advanced smartphone. The main changes usually concern the filling of the device and they begin with the words "we increased here, here and here." So it was in the case of the Galaxy Note 3 - with one remark: the company's designers have finally moved a couple of steps away from their standard design, which has repeatedly migrated from one device to another and is already rather tired.
⇡ Appearance and ergonomics
However, the main changes concern the rear panel. The “face” of the smartphone has remained almost the same. The main area of the front panel is occupied by a giant 5.7-inch screen. The thickness of the side frames around it has decreased by 1.5 mm - 4 mm for the Galaxy Note II versus 2.5 mm for the Galaxy Note 3. There is less free space under and above the display, due to which the dimensions of the new Note remain almost the same. like its predecessor.
At first glance, distinguishing the third Galaxy Note from the second is not so easy - can you do it?
Due to the not so strongly rounded corners, the smartphone looks more strictly. The central key has lost a little in size, but due to the slightly protruding edge, it will not be difficult to blindly hit it with your finger. On the sides of it, as before, are the touch keys "Menu" and "Back", equipped with a backlight and invisible without it.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (left, black) compared to iPhone 4s
The pseudo-chrome edging, common to Galaxies, slightly protruding above the surface of the panel, has not gone anywhere either. True, compared to how it was in the second Note, it acts much "sharper". The speaker is still covered with a metallic mesh, to the right of it are the sensors and the front camera lens, to the left is an indicator that glows in different colors depending on the event it wants to report.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - in modern realities is not so big
The company's designers are constantly experimenting with the back cover. In the first two Galaxy Note, the “backs” of the devices were quite ordinary - matte textured in the first and glossy in the second. In the third generation of Note, the design idea has gone much further - the back cover has a coating that looks and feels vaguely reminiscent of leather.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with back panel removed
The decision is strongly on the fan. In our opinion, it would be much more appropriate if the back panel of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was not removable. After all, if the panel is removed - and this will have to be done at least to install a SIM card and a memory card - cognitive dissonance involuntarily arises. After all, this is obviously plastic, it doesn’t smell of any skin - who did you want to deceive? Well, of course, anyone to whom you give a smartphone in your hands will first of all climb under the cover - to find out if this is really the elite skin of a young polycarbonate. And he will definitely find out - it’s good if the latches do not break in the process.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - back panel and sides
The physical power and volume keys located on the side faces are shifted upwards in the updated model, which greatly simplifies working with them. An infrared port appeared on the upper end, which the Galaxy Note II did not have, and the external speaker had to move to the lower edge due to the new cover. Its location, interestingly, is very good - the speaker does not overlap with your hand, even if you hold the smartphone in landscape orientation. Next to it is a micro-USB 3.0 interface that is compatible with standard micro-USB 2.0. By the way, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the first “wearable” gadget that supports latest version micro USB. The signature S Pen stylus is still huddled in the lower right corner.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - side texture
Another difference of the third Note is that the traditional chrome-plated edging, which runs along all sides, has become corrugated. This is probably done so that the smartphone looks like a notebook from the ends, and such a relief should resemble the pages in it. It looks, however, somehow quite Asian.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - slots for microSIM and microSD cards
Under the back cover, everything is quite normal - the main area under it is occupied by a 3200 mAh battery. Connectors for MicroSD and micro-SIM cards are located one under the other, with the former implying the possibility of "hot" replacement, and the latter not.
Size comparison of Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Samsung Galaxy Note II and iPhone 4s
Despite the significantly more powerful filling, the smartphone has become a little thinner and lighter than its predecessor. If you do not take into account the slightly protruding rear camera lens, the thickness of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 lost more than a millimeter (9.4 vs. 8.3 mm) and became 15 grams lighter (183 vs. 168 g). It's nice that even such a big gadget keeps track of its figure and throws off extra millimeters and grams from one version to another.
⇡ Specifications
We have specially combined those cells of the table, in which the characteristics of SGN2 and SGN3 are the same. As you can see, there were quite a few of them: despite the external similarity, the new model has changed in almost all respects.
| Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7100) | Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9000) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Touch screen | 5.55" 1280x720 Super AMOLED |
5.7" 1920x1080 Super AMOLED Capacitive, up to 10 simultaneous touches |
|
| Air gap | No | ||
| Oleophobic coating | Eat | ||
| Polarizing filter | Eat | ||
| CPU | Samsung Exynos 4412: quad-core Cortex-A9 (ARMv7), 1.6 GHz; process technology 32 nm HKMG | Samsung Exynos Octa 5420: quad-core Cortex-A15 (ARMv7), 1.9 GHz; four Cortex-A7 cores (ARMv7); frequency 1.3 GHz; process technology 28 nm HKMG | |
| Graphics controller | ARM Mali-400 MP4 | ARM Mali-T628 MP6 | |
| RAM | 2 GB LPDDR2-1066 | 3 GB LPDDR3-1600 | |
| Flash memory | 16 GB (~11.5 GB available) + MicroSD | 32 GB (~25.5 GB available) + MicroSD | |
| Connectors | 1 x Micro-USB 2.0 (MHL) 1 x Micro SD 1 x Micro-SIM |
1 x Micro-USB 3.0 (MHL) 1 x 3.5mm headset jack 1 x Micro SD 1 x Micro-SIM |
|
| cellular | Intel XMM 6260 platform (PMB9811 modem + PMB5712 transceiver): 3G: HSPA+ (21 Mbps) 850/900/1900/2100 MHz 4G: No* Micro-SIM |
Intel XMM 6360 platform (PMB9820 modem + PMB5745 transceiver): 2G: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz 3G: DC-HSPA+ (42 Mbps) 850/900/1900/2100 MHz 4G: No** Micro-SIM |
|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | ||
| NFC | Eat | ||
| IR port | No | Eat | |
| Navigation | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS (Broadcom BCM4752) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS (Broadcom BCM47521) | |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer/gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass) | Ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer/gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass), pressure sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor | |
| Main camera | 8 MP (3264x2448), autofocus, LED flash | 13 MP (4128x3096), Sony Exmor RS IMX135 sensor autofocus, LED flash | |
| Front-camera | 1.2 MP (1280x960), no autofocus | 2 MP (1920x1080), Samsung S5K6B2YX03 sensor, no autofocus | |
| Nutrition | Removable battery 11.78 Wh (3100 mAh, 3.8 V) | Removable battery 12.16 Wh (3200 mAh, 3.8 V) | |
| Size | 80.5x151.1 mm, body thickness 9.4 mm | 79x151.2 mm, body thickness 8.3 mm | |
| Weight | 183 g | 168 g | |
| Water and dust protection | Absent | ||
| operating system | Google Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) | Google Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) | |
| recommended price | 19 990 rubles | 24 990 rubles | |
| * 4G is supported in GT-N7105 version. ** 4G is supported in the SM-N9005 version with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, in Russia it is currently exclusively sold by MegaFon. |
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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - system and hardware information
With prices for the Galaxy Note 3, the situation has become quite confusing. The fact is that the official, snow-white price of the 3G version of this device recommended by Samsung is 34,990 rubles, traditional for Samsung's super-flagship product. Theoretically, if you go to a communication salon or an electronics store of a large network, then you can see a price tag there with such an extremely inhumane figure.
It's almost unlikely that this will happen to you. Because MegaFon managed to negotiate with Samsung to sell this Galaxy Note 3 for 24,990 (on advertising banners you will see even more beautiful figures - 21,990 rubles - but another 3,000 will have to be added to the account without fail). For this price, you will receive a device locked under the specified operator. And since this MegaFon super offer already exists, all “gray” devices are sold at similar prices - about 22-25 thousand rubles, depending on the particular online store.
As for the LTE version of the Galaxy Note 3, at the moment only the same MegaFon is officially selling it in Russia - exactly on the same conditions as the 3G version, but a thousand rubles more expensive. It is not a problem to find "gray" smartphones with LTE support on sale for about the same money, but surprises are possible with them.
⇡ Equipment
The smartphone comes in a small cardboard box, textured under a tree. The inscriptions on the box are printed soy ink- such an unreal environmental friendliness. Inside, we found the following accessories:
- Charger with USB connector power 10 W (5 V, 2 A);
- USB cable ↔ micro-USB 3.0;
- In-ear headphones with volume buttons and call answer key;
- Printed Quick Start Guide in English.
Not yet edited gg in the person of Technoslav Bergamot and our newsmen, to sleep well and heal battle blisters on the fingers after IFA 2013, how we got one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year (more precisely, its pre-sale sample), presented at this same IFA 2013 a couple of weeks ago - Samsung Galaxy Note 3 . Now we have the opportunity to study in more detail the update of the Galaxy Note line of smartphones, which, over two generations of existence, has ceased to be a bold experiment and turned into a successful solution (especially considering the exotic size of the device) and exciting the minds of not only capricious geeks.
Specifications
With the Galaxy Note 3, Samsung followed the same path as with the Galaxy S4. For example, the Galaxy Note 3 is even smaller and lighter than the Galaxy Note II (which is incredibly valuable at this size), while the display is two tenths of an inch larger. Of course, with FullHD with all the beauties that follow from here. Of course, Super AMOLED. The smartphone received the latest version of the Android 4.3 operating system available to Google partners, and it even surpassed the flagship in the OS serial number, which rather indicates that Google is releasing Android updates too quickly. The processor has also been updated to a new generation. Exynos 5 Octa 5420 for models with 3G (this should be expected in Ukraine) and Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 for versions with LTE. To all this, add 3 GB of RAM - and you get the most productive smartphone at the time of release. If we also think about Wacom's S Pen stylus, which recognizes 1024 gradations of pressure, and additions to the interface (S Note, Air Command) to work with it, as well as temperature and humidity sensors in the case, then in the end we will get the most sophisticated smartphone from introduced to the market by the middle of 2013.
| Specifications Samsung Galaxy Note 3 | |
|---|---|
| operating system | Google Android 4.3 |
| Display | Super AMOLED, 5.7"", FullHD, 1920x1080 pixels, 16 million colors, pixel density 386 ppi |
| CPU | Exynos 5 Octa 5420, four ARM Cortex-A15 cores (1.9 GHz) + four ARM Cortex-A7 cores (1.3 GHz); graphics Mali-T628 |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Flash memory | 32/64 GB + microSDXC card slot (up to 64 GB) |
| Camera | 13 MP, autofocus, 1080p video recording, LED-backlit; front camera for video calls (2 MP) |
| Wireless technologies | Wi-Fi a/ac/b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.0, GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA+ 850/900/1900/2100, NFC, IR (transmitter only) ) |
| Interfaces | micro-USB with MHL 2.0 and USB-host support, 3.5 mm headphone output |
| GPS | Yes |
| Additionally | temperature, humidity and barometric pressure sensors, S Pen stylus |
| Frame | 151x79x8 mm, 168 grams |
| Battery | 3200 mAh |
Frame
It seems to me that the biggest surprise at the time of the announcement of the Galaxy Note 3 was the material of the case back. No seriously. A full HD display, 3 GB of RAM, a flagship camera and the best processors available - it was all quite predictable. But the fact that the new Samsung model will depart from the established tradition of using glossy plastic, moreover, will return to a "square" design, was completely unexpected (although not that important). And the most amazing thing is that the tactile sensations from a smartphone, apparently paired with visual ones (a line along the edges plus a “leather” texture) really make the brain identify the material, if not like leather, then exactly like leatherette. The effect was tested on several people who are far from technology. Even turning the smartphone in their hands, they were sure that they were not holding a product made of plastic. The truth is revealed if you run your fingernail over the surface of the smartphone.
In general, the body of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 looks really noble. In addition, it does not slip in the hand and does not collect scratches - which are also advantages of the material. But I suspect that with such a coating it will be more difficult to scrub dirty stains.
Surely many potential buyers who have not yet encountered in ordinary life with "plafonds" the question of whether it is possible to operate them with one hand still worries. Galaxy Note 3 in a large male brush may not be perceived as a giant. For women's hands, the device is large, but if there is really a need for it, then you can handle a smartphone (launch an application, call somewhere, write a message) without the help of a second hand. The menu has a separate section in which you can adapt the menu display for "one-handed" control. But I, for example, have long been accustomed to working with large smartphones with both hands. It is much more convenient, especially if you have a pen at hand. Yes, and the likelihood of dropping an expensive thing is reduced.
All the usual connectors and buttons on the smartphone case are located in their typical places. The reduced thickness and width of the body made the work with the "plafond" more comfortable. Almost nothing is left of the frame around the screen, it even seemed to me that it was even thinner than that of the Galaxy S4.
The Galaxy Note 3 uses microUSB 3.0 as a connector for connecting to a computer (and charger). It looks a little different (larger) than the previously known microUSB. The connector is compatible with old-style chargers, but the package will include a cable of a new format, which should provide the gadget with faster charging and data transfer. We had a smartphone in the review without a box with a complete set, so we will trust the specifications.
At one end with microUSB 3.0 is a speaker - loud and high quality. There are a couple of microphones on the case. When recording video this way, the sound is better. The microphones are highly sensitive. And if you talk on the headset at a time when the phone is close to your face or somewhere shallow in your clothes, you can hear the sound of your own breathing or steps, and quite clearly.
The S Pen has not changed its location on the case for the third generation. Finding the place where it is stored, blindly, is not so easy, which I would rather attribute to pluses. Because in this case, the likelihood is reduced that, after thinking, the user will remove the S Pen and forget something else or lose it somewhere. And so to extract the pen, you need to make at least a conscious effort.
The build of the Galaxy Note 3 is excellent. The lid adheres to the body perfectly and does not bend anywhere. This is despite the fact that it itself is very thin and flexible. And in general, the body of the Galaxy Note 3 is another refined and improved detail that makes working with a flagship smartphone very pleasant.
Screen
If the Galaxy S4 had an almost standard screen (excellent color reproduction, viewing angles, bright colors, no PenTile “sins” are visible, readability under the sun), then the Galaxy Note 3 has it even better by 10 percent. Actually, because it’s about as much he is more. Very high resolution paired with high device performance, rich colors and a minimal bezel around the display make watching videos a great pleasure. I don't talk about games at all. Even me, a person who is indifferent to them, they were able to captivate, and for a long time. Looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie.
For technical reasons, I was unable to measure the smartphone screen with a colorimeter (alas, I hope that one of these days it will be possible to correct this matter and supplement the review). To the eye, the screen is exactly the same in terms of color reproduction and brightness as the Galaxy S4 (you can read more about the screen of this device in a separate article). There was no bright sun in those days when the Galaxy Note 3 was in my hands in Kyiv. On a cloudy day, the picture looks predictably great. There is no reason to think that in sunny weather there will be problems with brightness. But I hope (forecasters promise, more precisely) what else I can check one of these days.
Like the Galaxy S4, the Note 3 supports gloved operation. This option must be enabled in the display settings menu for winter closer. In the gallery below - various other display settings.
Performance, heating, autonomy
So, we have a smartphone with top performance for today. I have never been able to load the Galaxy Note 3 so that its resources become insufficient for work, or that the slightest brakes appear (the exception is KNOX when you first turn it on and install applications, but I suspect that this is how it should be with him). Below are screenshots with predictably high benchmark results. By the way, even at times of very high load, the smartphone did not overheat. During testing and during gaming, the top of the device got slightly warm. By the standards of the flagship device, which are heated strongly and all without exception, this is another reason for pride.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 demonstrates a very good autonomy by the standards of an Android smartphone, especially by the standards of a smartphone with a huge 5.7-inch display. In the AnTuTu test, he scored 547 points, discharged at maximum load in 3 hours by 80%. A similar result was demonstrated by Sony Xperia Z/ZL. According to subjective impressions, the battery life of the Galaxy Note 3 is less than that of the Galaxy S4 and S4 Mini. It can last a day or more with my typical usage pattern. But about the same could boast of his predecessor. Thus, autonomy is the indicator by which the Galaxy Note 3 has not surpassed it by a head. On the other hand, there is no one to compare it with yet, to say that it is better or worse than competitors existing on the market.
Interface
Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is running Android 4.3 from the point of view of the user, especially the user of a Samsung smartphone, the changes compared to Android 4.2 are almost imperceptible here, since they are either “cosmetic” and concern the native shell of the OS (camera, fonts, buttons, etc.). details) and are not visible under the “mask” of TouchWiz, or relate to those functions that are not too striking for ordinary users (improved power saving capabilities when working with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, for example). However, even small improvements are good for the user. And for Samsung, this is also another plus in the treasury of the image of an advanced company, because it is again ahead of the rest of the planet presented its flagship device on fresh Android.
Pre-installed applications (most, with the exception of those presented exclusively in the Note line), smart functions, and interface are familiar to us from the Galaxy S4 smartphone. Absolute novelties in the Galaxy Note 3 are KNOX and My Magazine. In the screenshots below you can see full list possibilities out of the box.
Please note that this is the first Samsung device in which we see an out-of-the-box menu with application folders. It's good that the company approached the issue of "packaging" without fanaticism and grouped only branded applications and a number of Google applications. I am not a fan of daddies in smartphones, so I usually pull everything I need out of them regularly “to light” for a long time and painfully (the interfaces of Oppo Find 5, Huawei Ascend D2 and Alcatel OneTouch Idol X managed to cause trouble). The Galaxy Note 3 has only three folders - with proprietary Samsung services, with Google services, and with several third-party applications adapted for Samsung devices.
The settings menu has changed a bit. Title and classification, as well as the placement of individual sections.
But the essence remains the same.
Light changes also affected the player settings. The equalizer menu has become clearer. Such a function as adapting the sound to the characteristics of the hearing of a particular person appeared in the Galaxy S4, but only in the Galaxy Note 3 I finally decided to use it, because it works pretty well.
Galaxy Note 3 camera records video in FullHD and allows you to take photos at the same time.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 video review
In the dry matter
So, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is not only a good upgrade of the previous representative of the “feathered” line, but also the most productive and most technically advanced device at the time of its appearance. Not only due to the presence of a stylus, but also due to the too rapid development of technology, the smartphone turned out even if not by half a head, then by a third - that's for sure, stronger than the older device of 2013 in the S line - Galaxy S4. Performance, well-developed TouchWiz interface with tested S Pen apps, excellent camera and player, fresh version of Android, compact body (for a 5.7-inch smartphone) - all this allows us to award the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with the most honorary editorial award . The disadvantages of a smartphone include its not the most massive size (but it is also its advantage) and the budget of a purchase that not everyone can afford. If you are one of those users for whom it is important to have the very best device, then prepare the money (8000 UAH at the start of sales) and take the queue. The same applies to those who are looking for a worthy update to the first representative of the Galaxy Note line, because two years is a great life cycle for a smartphone.
6 reasons to buy Samsung Galaxy Note 3:
- the presence of sensors for temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure (as in the Galaxy S4);
- impressive Super AMOLED screen with FullHD resolution;
- high-quality 13-megapixel camera with a large number of preset shooting modes;
- record performance (at the time of writing);
- stylus that recognizes 1024 gradations of pressure;
- and thoughtful applications for working with it;
2 reasons not to buy Samsung Galaxy Note 3:
- the price is not for everyone;
- the size is not for everyone.
