A Sneak Peek at the Samsung Galaxy S3
At Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012, Samsung announced the Galaxy S3, the follow up to the very popular (and currently top-ranked) Galaxy S2. Even though the Galaxy S2 is still one of the fastest smartphones on the market, Samsung is pushing the performance envelope once again, and the Galaxy S3 may very well be the mark for other manufacturers to beat.
The Specs
Just about every aspect of the Galaxy S3 is intended to one-up the competition, and its specs certainly suggest as much.
| Operating System | Android 4.0 |
| Display | 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED (1280×720) |
| Processor | 1.4GHz Quad-Core Exynos 4 |
| Network | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz; HSPA+ (21Mbps):850/900/1900/2100 MHz; LTE coming soon. |
| Camera | Rear: 8MP w/ LED Flash & Zero Shutter Lag, 1080p HD VideoFront: 1.9MP, HD recording @30fps w/ Zero Shutter Lag |
| Connectivity | WiFi a/b/g/n, WiFi HT40, GPS/GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Storage | 16/32GB (64GB coming soon) + microSD slot |
| Dimensions | 136.6 x 720.6 x 8.6 mm, 133g |
| Battery | 2100 mAh |
Design
The Galaxy S3’s design is inspired by nature. According to Samsung, its round shape is based on the look of a smooth pebble, and its audio feedback cues are recorded from real water drops. For those concerned with thinness, it sits at a mere 8.6mm thick.
Samsung is also heavily playing on its “Designed for Humans” slogan with several unique features. While in use, the Galaxy S3 tracks its user’s eyes so that it knows when to turn off the screen. It also understands voice commands, much like Apple’s Siri.
Display
Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology is certainly a favorite among smartphone displays. The Galaxy S3 uses this display technology, and in HD form with a 720p resolution, currently the highest resolution a smartphone can offer.
At 4.8 inches, it’s not quite as large as the Galaxy Note, but it is still one of the largest smartphone displays on the market. Fortunately, thanks to a reduced bezel and on-screen controls, its overall size is only a few millimeters larger than the Galaxy S2, which has only a 4.27-inch display.
Performance
The quad-core Exynos processor inside the Galaxy S3 is very similar to the A5X processor in the new iPad, except that it has 4 cores instead of the iPad’s 2. The Galaxy S3 outclasses the iPhone 4S considerably (though it’s important to keep in mind that Apple has plans to announce the iPhone 5 possibly in June or more likely in October). The HTC One X, the only other quad-core phone currently on the market, does outperform the Galaxy S3 in some scenarios, but certainly not the majority of them.
Camera
While an 8MP image sensor isn’t exactly groundbreaking, the Galaxy S3 improves it with many additional features. A Backlight Illuminated Sensor helps considerably in low light situation, and Zero Shutter Lag allows you to time your shots perfectly. Samsung has also thrown in a handful of smart features, such as a “Best Photo” mode that takes a burst of photos and automatically selects the best one.
Features
While the Galaxy S3 is capable of amazing performance, its features are what will really make it stand apart with truly unique additions that other devices simply don’t have. ”Smart Stay” for instance, tracks your eyes to keep the screen on when you’re looking at it. Similarly, it will remind you of notifications when you pick it up. These are things that (hopefully) fix all of those little frustrations users have had with smartphones in the past and one of the Galaxy S3’s greatest selling points.
Availability
Samsung has announced an official launch date for Europe of May 29th. That gives you plenty of time to save of the cash to buy one – pricing is expected to be similar to the Galaxy Note. Following the launch, Samsung will be taking the Galaxy S3 on tour to North American and around the rest of the world, introducing new version, such as the LTE model.
