Models hold the Samsung's latest smartphone, the Galaxy S3, during its unveiling ceremony for the domestic market in Seoul. South Korea's Samsung Electronics, the world's largest smartphone maker, said it expects to have sold 10 million of its newest Galaxy S3 model by the end of July, two months after its launch. (Samsung Electronics, AFP/GettyImages)
The Samsung Galaxy S III, easily the most hyped smartphone release since the iPhone 4S, is worthy of the attention.
It succeeds â€" not in dismantling Apple's beloved phone â€" but in offering consumers a great alternative, perhaps the best.
To be sure, these are two very different devices. If you like simplicity, stability and a smaller form factor, the iPhone would suit you well.
But if you crave a bigger screen, which vastly improves mobile Web browsing and video viewing, and access to innovative features not yet available from Apple, like TecTiles, the S III is the way to go.
Unlike the iPhone and other competitors, Samsung's flagship smartphone launched in June on all four major U.S. carriers. That's another win for consumers.
The S III, or S3, is powered by Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest Android mobile operating system. The phone sports a 4.8-inch HD touchscreen, offering an impressive 1280-by-720 resolution.
The S3 is big, but not bulky. Wrapped in a smooth polycarbonate shell, the phone weighs just 4.7 ounces and is roughly 0.34 inches thin. Despite the huge screen â€" which is about the size of the iPhone 4's body â€" the S3 feels good in the hand and pocket.
Features you won't find on the iPhone:
•TecTiles â€" When the S3 is placed on top of these tiny square stickers, a quick command is sent to the phone, such as turning WiFi or Bluetooth on and off. The feature uses Near Field Communication wireless technology. TecTiles cost $3 a pop and are programmed via the free TecTiles app, available in the Google Play store. Some are calling the feature a gimmick. But with the next generation of smartphones, including the next iPhone, expected to be equipped with NFC capability, the technology will likely replace QR codes. Companies can program TecTiles to have a user like their page or follow them on Twitter. The tags can also prepare a text message or load up a phone contact.
• Endless customization â€" Android phones have long been noted for allowing users to tailor the home screen's appearance to their liking, whereas Apple handcuffs users to the bland app display. The S3 takes it to another level by allowing its owners to customize the lock screen with a news feed and quick camera access.
• Motion controls â€" The controls are simple and very effective. For example, when in a text message conversation, all you have to do to make a call to the person you're texting is raise the phone to your ear. No button pressing, no swiping, and it worked every time.
Like many of the latest smartphones, the S3 is equipped with two cameras and a dual-core processor. Battery life and overall processing performance were stellar. We found virtually no lag scrolling through full-scale websites. The removable battery can support up to eight hours of continuous talk time, though we didn't test this claim.
The phone also does need some polishing. The voice-recognition software, S Voice, is a work in progress, frequently failing to recognize commands.
We were unable sync the phone with a MacBook running the most recent version on Mac OS X. We downloaded the required software from Android's website, and followed directions, but the computer never recognized the phone. An update to the syncing software may fix the problem. But as it stands, this is a huge gaffe for those who use their phone as an MP3 player.
For Windows users, we were able to connect the phone to a Windows XP device and move music and data after a few "new hardware setups."
An S3 with 16 gigabytes of storage sells for $200 with a two-year service contract. The phone's software and user interface are identical across all carriers, though each carrier includes a couple of brand-specific apps.
For a video clip of Samsung's S3 flip cover and case, visit our TechKnow Bytes blog at blogs.denverpost.com/techknowbytes.
Andy Vuong : 303-954-1209 or facebook.com/byandyvuong
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