What makes one smartphone of higher quality than another? Among large terminals it is usually a matter of simply small details. But Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has taken a qualitative leap. It is the first smartphone of a new generation of phabletsThe precursor to what would set the trend in its segment.
A while back, I published an article in which I said that the Samsung Galaxy S4 was the best smartphone I'd ever tried. Many would agree, and many others disagreed, stating that there were better ones out there, like the HTC One. That's very likely, as it's also a high-end smartphone of impressive quality, and the small details that made me choose the South Korean device could be what made others choose the HTC One. However, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is different. has reached the next level.
Until now, Samsung had launched the Galaxy S as its flagship, and the Galaxy Note as another flagship smartphone, but with lesser importance, which is entirely logical. But with this generation, things have changed. Samsung Galaxy Note 3 it's going to be as important as the Galaxy S4. Perhaps it is simply because of the times in which we live, in which the screens of the Note and the S are already almost the same. Be that as it may, the South Koreans have bet very hard on the Galaxy Note 3, and that's why they've managed to launch what will be one of the best smartphones on the market.
And it is that, with an unbeatable processor, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, Samsung might have thought that was enough, but that wasn't the case. They decided to opt for implementing a 3GB RAM, instead of 2 GB of memory. This means that in terms of cumulative processing capacity, the Galaxy Note 3 will be more capable than other devices. And we're not talking about an unimportant quality, but probably one of the most relevant when evaluating the performance of a smartphone. We give a lot of importance to the processor, when in reality it can only give us enough power to execute a specific process at a higher speed. However, RAM allows the smartphone to operate perfectly for a prolonged period of time. Basically, we can compare the processor to the top speed of an athlete, while RAM is the resistanceThe more RAM, the more processes it can support simultaneously.
If you've ever owned an entry-level Android smartphone, you'll have noticed that it runs slowly, the keyboard takes a while to react, letters don't appear when you type them, or the screens take a long time to load. This is due to insufficient RAM. In fact, RAM with less than 512 MB can't run Jelly Bean reliably. Therefore, RAM is really important if we want a high-end smartphone with outstanding performance. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has a 3GB RAM, the largest smartphone in its class. And we're not talking about just anything: desktop computers not so long ago had less and ran programs like Photoshop.
A slow processor could make 3GB of RAM worthless, but it also has one of the best mobile processors of its time, the Snapdragon 800.
Even in terms of design, Samsung has decided to improve the materials, opting for a back that simulates leather With a nice finish and more grip. It seemed like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 wouldn't be that important, but rather the last one the company would release before revamping its entire smartphone line. However, this is a device that competes head-to-head with any flagship.
Design and construction
The Note 3 reduces frames and maintains a body thin and light for its size. Its dimensions are around 151,2 x 79,2 x 8,3 mm and its weight is 168 g, a remarkable mark for 5,7 inches. The side imitates a wrought metal which improves grip compared to previous Galaxy, while the back with a “leather effect” exudes more quality, scratches less and allows the cover to be removed further. change battery.
On the bottom edge we find the speaker, the microUSB port and the cavity of the S Pen. There are two microphones for noise cancellation and a IR emitter to use it as a remote control. The tray microSD stacks on top of the microSIM, saving space and allowing the integration of a 3.200 mAh battery.
Screen
The panel Super AMOLED FullHD The 5,7-inch display reaches a density of 386 ppi. It is sharp, with deep blacks and a wide viewing angle. Samsung refined the calibration by offering picture modes: Movie reduces saturation for more accurate colors, while Dynamic mode enhances visual impact. Under direct sunlight, readability is very good for an AMOLED, with a high contrast and automatic brightness that responds correctly.
Hardware and performance
The heart of the Note 3 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (quad-core at 2,3 GHz) along with the Adreno 330 GPU and the aforementioned 3 GB of RAMIn practice, there's no trace of lag: it opens apps instantly, runs demanding games, and allows for true multitasking without breaking a sweat. benchmarks such as AnTuTu X It rubs shoulders with high-level rivals, while in real use it stands out for its sustained fluidity, even with multiple windows and services in the background.
Storage part of 32 GB (64 GB version also available), expandable via microSD up to 64 GB. In mobile connectivity it has LTE in the supported variants.
Connectivity and ports
In addition to LTE, the Note 3 integrates 802.11 WiFi a / b / g / n (with ac support depending on version), Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, GPS with GLONASS and infrared. It has a new port microUSB 3.0 Backwards compatible with 2.0 cables: allows much faster transfers and faster charging with the included cable. To get the most out of USB 3.0, it's a good idea to enable it before making large copies; otherwise, it will operate at 2.0 speed. The 2A charger speeds up charging from the wall.
The bottom speaker delivers a loud and clear volume, with no noticeable distortion at maximum volume. During calls, the earpiece sounds powerful and natural; when pushed to the maximum level, a slight crackling noise may appear, which can be corrected by lowering the volume a few notches. The interlocutor may occasionally perceive a slightly stifled voice. robotics, although the overall experience is good.
Software, S Pen and productivity
Arrives with Android 4.3 and the Samsung layer TouchWiz, loaded with features: Air View, Air Gestures, Smart scroll y Smart Pause, among others. Some are limited to native apps, but they add value in specific scenarios. Multi Window allows you to open two apps at the same time and even duplicate the same app for simultaneous conversations. My Magazine (integrated with Flipboard) aggregates news and networks into one feed accessible with a swipe.
There is a one hand mode which shrinks the entire interface, useful when we need to operate with just one thumb, and a Kids Mode based on limited profiles so that the youngest users only use what is permitted. In the corporate environment, Samsung Knox separate your personal and professional environment with separate passwords and isolated data, justifying part of those 3 GB of RAM by keeping two profiles active without penalizing fluidity.
El S Pen It's the star: Wacom technology with high pressure sensitivity, detection when removing it and palm rejection. When you take it out, it appears Air Command with five key shortcuts: Action Memo (recognizes numbers, emails or addresses and launches actions), Scrap Booker (cut content by saving metadata such as the URL), Write Screen (capture and annotate on screen), S finder (advanced search engine capable of reading your handwriting) and Pen Window (Opens mini apps in windows by drawing a rectangle.) Handwriting is integrated into the keyboard, and can be switched between dictation and swiping.
Camera and video
The rear camera is 13 SM with BSI sensor and software stabilization; the front camera is 2 MP. The app is agile, almost without shutter lag, and offers modes such as HDRPanorama, burst, immersive Street View-style capture, and other creative options. In bright light, the photos look amazing. detail and color Very accurate. In low-light conditions, the automatic mode keeps the ISO level low and plays with speed, so a steady hand or support is recommended to avoid camera shake; noise remains at acceptable levels. The high CRI flash respects skin tones well.
Record video in 4K (2160p) and in 1080p is 60 fps4K offers more detail at the expense of larger file sizes. There's also slow motion in 720p (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8), with a noticeable loss of detail, but useful for effects. The audio is clear, and the focus remains stable in good light.
Autonomy and charging
Your battery of 3.200 mAh This translates into ample battery life: a heavy user can complete the day without any issues, while moderate use can reach two. In video playback and browsing, it offers competitive figures for its screen size. The stand USB 3.0 speeds up charging with the included cable and accelerates copying of large videos or music libraries. Plus, the ability to remove the battery and expanding storage with microSD extends its useful life.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 combines a brilliant display, sustained power, competent battery life, and a true productivity ecosystem with the S Pen that sets it apart from any other phablet; details like Knox, Multi Window, microUSB 3.0, and audio 24-bit/192 kHz They round out a proposal designed to work, create and entertain without compromise.
