Having successfully bridged the gap between phone and tablets, and popularised the ‘Phablet’ genre of smart phones, Samsung is back with the third iteration of its immensely well-loved Galaxy Note series. Unveiled on
4 September at Berlin, the Note III is already on the wish list of most gadget-aficionados before its official September end release, not least Yantrick’s.
Not content with the Note II’s already sizeable 5.5 inch screen, Samsung has decided on a full high-definition 5.7 inch screen for the NOTE III and initial screen grabs and videos appear stunning, as you would expect from a full HD screen. High end Samsung smart phones have let down users in the past by their cheap looking plastic feel and design. However, Samsung has set the Note III in a textured faux-leather case, giving the NOTE III a premium feel.
Running on the company’s favourite Android Mobile OS (4.3 version) and powered by a beefy Quad-core 2.3 GHZ processer further supported by a massive 3GB RAM, the Note III is Samsung’s answer to your communication and multimedia needs, fitted into one (impressive) multi-tasking capable device. Samsung has also listened to feedback from customers disgruntled with the traditional 16GB of internal storage on most smart phones and has opted for a minimum of 32GB internal storage for the Note III, which shall be further expandable by 64GB, meaning quickly running out of storage space will no longer be a problem. Capable of recording videos at full HD 1080p mode and taking pictures at a crystal clear 13 megapixels, the extra storage space is a blessing for those of us hooked to social media. The new Note’s battery has also undergone an improvement and users will be pleased with the added battery life that it affords. The Note Series has also been credited with the re-emergence of the stylus Pen and the S-Pen is further expected be integrated in to the Note III experience, making it a necessary feature, rather than a gimmick.
Bigger, faster, and lighter than the Note II, the Galaxy Note III already looks like it will carry on its predecessor’s success. Naturally a top piece of kit is expected with a price tag to match. The Note III’s price in Nepal is pegged at Rs 80,000, similar to the price of a decent laptop. However, the gadget is essentially a phone and a tablet both rolled in to one very capable and must-have device, thereby justifying the high cost. Further, to make smart phones more affordable to the masses, banks like Laxmi Bank are offering loans on zero per cent interest for 12 months on EMI basis. So what are you waiting for?
Yantrick’s verdict: beyond its hefty price tag, the Galaxy Note III is a phablet par excellence. Technophiles start queueing up outside Samsung outlets.
Samsung Galaxy Note