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After having this smartphone for a week now, I decided to write a quick review. So here it is...

You've already heard about all the major features of this smartphone and I would be focusing on the real-world use. but first, just to be complete here are its notable features:

HARDWARE
4.8 HD Super AMOLED, Quad-core Exynos 4412, (LTE+2GB mem in the US),
10-finger multi-touch, Corning Gorilla Glass 2, SD slot, Bluetooth v4 w/ A2DP, NFC, Zero shutter lag, HD photo & Video (1080p@30fps), low light, burst mode, image stabilization, A-GPS & GLONASS, 2100mAh battery, etc.

SOFTWARE
Smart Stay, Direct Call, Smart Alert, Socail Tag, S Voice, S Beam, Pop up play, ICS 4.0.4, 50GB Dropbox, etc.


So what did I notice from the get-go?....Well, performance-performance-performance.

From the get-go, what immediately got my attention from initially using the phone is that it was fast. One of the first thing I did (aside from checking for usual defects) was to download/open/switch app/play games/download/install/video/camera as much and as fast as I could to unscientifically test its practical limits.....it didn't happen.

So I ran benchies on Antutu and needless to say, the S3 is on the top of the list ahead of HTC One X and Asus Transformer Prime. Even though the HTC One X has higher clock speed at 1.5Ghz (am not bashing on the One X, just wondering why the marks seems far apart). After that ran Quadrant, same story.

Next, I tested S-Voice (who couldn't resist? unless you're coming from from an iPhone). Well in short, it was relatively accurate but you really have to spend some time on it to make it work great. But I only plan to use this feature while driving anyways so the novelty was kinda short-lived, for now.

Face to unlock was fairly fast for me but it just takes longer than swiping or pattern.

"Tap to top" (like tapping the status bar to scroll to top on the iPhone) was quirky at best.

Pop-out Video would be a boon to the on the go power users.

Camera zoom up to 4X on default app. You can just watch those youtube camera & display comparison between Galaxy & One X to get better info and it seem the One X has a slight edge on this. But remember, the S3 has four different screen modes: Standard (default), Dynamic, Natural, and Movie (just like what you can do to your LCD monitor or TV). 1080p videos at 30fps compared to One X's 23fps.

Panoramic shot is good. Capture still photos while recording video is quite useful if you really-really don't want to miss those 'kodak' moments (RIP Kodak).

Cover the screen with your palm to pause or silence audio. quite handy if you get used to it. One of those "made for Humans" marketing from Samsung.

Smart Stay is one of those little things that you would only notice if it is not running. This one is going to be a standard I tell you.

You can use the camera right from the lock screen if you use Swipe or Motion unlock. You can do it two ways by swiping the camera icon or tapping the screen then tilting it to landscape.Quick access to the camera is essential, or you'll miss those memorable shots. I really think there should be a dedicated hard button for this (like the Xperia S).

Removable battery. Although buying an extra battery will cost you more since its where the NFC chip is.

Now on to the apps......
Free 50GB on Box.com and now 50.75GB on Dropbox! niiiice!!!...Physical storage still hasn't dropped yet, so it's great.

Loving the Flipboard app. Previously exclusive to the iPad and I think it's only available on the Samsung store app for now. but of course the Flipboard guys would be releasing one for android (assuming they won't get bought up first)

Keis is the iTunes for Samsung Smartphones.

And now, I'm loving the free Jango app. Popular Music service apps are still not offered in the Philippines (MOG, Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, Slacker, Deezer, emusic, etc).

Games? I'm playing Blood & Glory (it's like "Infinity Blaaaade" for the iPhone/iPad. yes, you have to say it like that) since this game seems to be graphics & processor intensive. If this would run smoothly I believe it could run any game easily. And it does! Good times.

Time/Weather apps (Beautiful Widgets) is nice... was ignoring weather time/weather apps every since. but if your phone can handle it, it's nice to know the weather where you are at the very time you check your phone. Even the animations are nice (but I know I'm gonna get bored with it eventually)

Did I mention ICS 4.0.4?

Pleasant surprises...
I didn't realize that my SGS3 is automatically uploading all my camera photos (hi-res) and videos to Picasa, Dropbox and my PC (thru wi-Fi) at the same time. And all my photos and videos from Picasa are already on my phone. I'll let you know the first time I experience lag on this phone. hehe (I experience more lag in my desktop machines than this phone.)

Got my flip cover the next day at Greenhills. Didn't find any blue ones so i have a white galaxy s3 with white flip cover (boo). By this time I know there are already lots of them, I'll buy more soon. I still want a hardcase. I miss my SwitchEasy Capsule Rebel M!!

Environmentally friendly LED light signal on full charge. Other colors for different notifications.

It can play MKV files by default.

I know you can squeeze more out of it upon rooting, but I am finding no reason yet to do that. Especially since the bootloader in not locked (S-off) and the carrier also.

Not so pleasant surprises...
My only gripe with #GalaxySIII is that it's not iPod compatible so I can't just plug it into my car stereo and control the audio from the dashboard.

Oh, and it does not include a free NFC smart tag like the Xperia S. Where can I buy one of those (aside from the Xperia S smart tags itself)?

That's it for now. A lot of reviews will be coming out now since it's rolling out in the US and other countries.

'Til next time. Enjoy your new GALAXY S3!!!!!

Labels: Galaxy S3, S III, Samsung, smartphone, smartphones, top android smartphones