This summer?s blockbuster from Samsung is packed with new features. It even recognises your voice and understands your intention.
Apple, watch out?Samsung Galaxy S III is the next big thing. Samsung has finally entered the realm once reserved for the iPhone. At a time when other smartphone majors are ramping up their offerings with increasing ferocity, Samsung?s efforts to stay at the top are wrapped up in the Galaxy S III, a 4.8-inch powerhouse of a smartphone. This summer?s blockbuster Android smartphone has created quite a bit of buzz in the marketplace these days.
A quick recap in the fast-paced, action-packed smartphone segment. Last year, Samsung made waves with its Galaxy S II and Galaxy Note; the massive success of the former helped propel the Korean tech behemoth into becoming the largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. But is the Galaxy S III a worthy successor to the venerable Galaxy S II and does it help keep Samsung ahead of its rivals? Take my word, the answer is a resounding yes! The Galaxy S III features cutting edge hardware paired with an extremely responsive software along with innovative apps that make it an attractive option for the buyer.
The 16 GB review model we received features a contoured design that?s reminiscent of the Samsung-built Google Galaxy Nexus. Samsung has moved away from the squarish shape of the Galaxy S II and has gone back to the rounded corners and softer lines that the original Galaxy S of 2010 featured. The S III?s rounded shape does help it cradle nicely in your hand and makes it comfortable to hold, despite its rather large dimensions. I feel that that the Galaxy S III is one of the few super-sized Android smartphones that most people will be able to comfortably use with one hand.
Like the Nexus, the S III also has plastic casing, but this device features a new finish, available in either Pebble Blue or Marble White colour. The S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen boasting a resolution of 1280 x 720?this has now become pretty much standard for high-end phones. The Galaxy S III?s screen is noticeably better looking and very crisp to the eye. Colours on the phone?s display are stunning and very vibrant.
The right side of the phone is home to the power/sleep/unlock key, while the left side houses the volume rocker. Above the display you can find the light sensors, earpiece, and 1.9 megapixel (MP) front-facing camera. An 8 MP camera and a 1.9 MP front camera offer users a variety of intelligent camera features and face recognition related options that ensure all moments are captured easily. Below the display, there is a physical home button and capacitive keys for menu and back. I must admit that the keys are very responsive to the touch. Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Android, remains very solid even with Samsung?s TouchWiz layered on.
Samsung has added several enhanced features into the Android platform with its Galaxy S III phone. With the ?Smart stay? feature, the S III recognises how you are using your phone?reading an e-book or browsing the Web?by having the front camera identify your eyes; the phone maintains a bright display for continued viewing pleasure.
The S III features ?S Voice,? a souped-up voice recognition and command system. This actually sounds pretty cool: the advanced natural language user interface enables the phone to listen and respond to your words. In addition to allowing information search and basic device-user communication, S Voice presents powerful functions in regards to device control and commands. When your phone alarm goes off but you need a little extra rest, just tell the S III ?snooze.? You can also use S Voice to play your favourite songs, turn the volume up or down, send text messages and emails, organise your schedules, or automatically launch the camera and capture a photo.
In addition to recognising your face and voice, the S III understands your motions to offer maximised usability. If you are messaging someone but decide to call them instead, simply lift your phone to your ear and ?Direct call? will dial their number. With ?Smart alert,? the S III will also save you from trouble by catching any missed messages or calls; your phone will vibrate to notify missed statuses when picked up after being idle.
The S III introduces ?Pop up play,? a feature that allows you to play a video anywhere while simultaneously running other tasks, eliminating the need to close and restart videos when checking new emails or surfing the Web. With the ?Burst shot? function that instantly captures 20 continuous shots, and the ?Best photo? feature that selects the best of eight photographs for you, the S III ensures users a more enhanced and memorable camera experience.
Given the breakneck pace of the smartphone world, there?s always something good now, but something better around the corner?and you want your investment to last. Take my advice, the Samsung Galaxy S III is a great phone and undoubtedly, the next big thing.
SPECS
Dimension: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm (H x W x D)
Display type & size: HD Super AMOLED, 12.19 cms
Display resolution: 720 x 1280 (HD)
Operating system: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera: 8 MP (Rear); (Front) CMOS, 1.9 MP
Memory: 16 GB
Video format: MPEG4, H.264, H.263
Audio format: MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA
Weight: 133g
Estimated street price: Rs 43,180