Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Review: World's most capable Android smartphone gets even better

1 of 50 NEXT PREV
  • Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in hand

    Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in hand

    Last year I bought a Galaxy Note II and used if for about six months before moving to the HTC One. The Note II remains one of the best Android smartphones available , but the new Galaxy Note 3 is even better with advanced S Pen functionality, a slightly larger display, improved internals, and Android 4.3 with a back that looks and feels like it belongs in the enterprise.

    Hardware

    Samsung was able to squeeze in a larger display measuring 5.7 inches, was 5.5 inches, diagonally while actually reducing the width by 1.3 mm. While the removable back panel, available in black or white, is still made of rather thin plastic, the outside has an almost leather feel to it. It feels sticky to your hand and helps with the grip. There is fake stitching around the edges too, giving it a classy look.

    You can buy the Note 3 with 32GB or 64GB internal memory and both come with a microSD card slot for further memory expansion. You can also pop out the 3,200 mAh battery if you need the Note 3 on the road and when your capacity degrades over time. The Note 3 is a device that should last you for a couple of years.

    The Super AMOLED display is fantastic, as expected, with colors popping off of the display and blacks looking dark as night. You will still find the center physical button below the display with two backlit capacitive areas, one on either side of the button.

    The volume button is on the upper left side, embedded in the plastic grooved metal looking frame of the Note 3. The audio jack, a microphone, and the IR port are found on the top while the right side houses the traditional Samsung power button and a microphone opening down low.

    I was a bit confused by the port on the bottom since it was the first USB 3.0 port I have seen in person. The Note 3 comes with a USB 3.0 cable, but don't worry, you can still connect your existing microUSB cable to the right side of the new elongated port opening. The mono speaker is also found on the bottom of the Note 3.

    At the right edge of the bottom is the opening of the S Pen silo. The S Pen has been redesigned to fit in either way and is a bit longer than the one found on the Note II. I like the feel of the S Pen, but personally would like it to be a bit heftier with metal used in the body.

    The 13 megapixel camera is found centered near the top of the back with a LED flash positioned below it. The 2 megapixel front facing camera is located in the top right corner of the front.

    Most of the improvements to the Note 3 hardware are found internally with the fast Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM (this is awesome!), higher resolution camera, 3,200 mAh battery, and more. My HTC One made me a fan of the IR port and I am happy to report that one is available, along with the WatchON application, on the Note 3.

    Software

    In addition to the improved hardware specifications, Samsung significantly improved the S Pen functionality. I used the S Pen a bit on my Note II, but didn't really find it essential. Samsung's new Air Command controller that appears when you slide the S Pen out of the silo so far has helped me use the S Pen more on a daily basis.

    With Air Command you can choose to launch Action Memo, Scrapbooker, Screen Write, S Finder, and Pen Window with a single tap of the S Pen.

    Action Memo lets you use handwritten text on the display to then initiate actions. These actions include placing a phone call, opening a contact, sending a text message, sending an email, opening the web browser, mapping a location, and creating a task. It is a very handy feature that I think will be used quite often.

    With the Scrapbooker selector turned on you can capture content from your device (web pages, images, YouTube videos, music, videos, and more) and organize it into different collections. These can have tags and other meta data to help you use this information in the future.

    After selecting Screen Write from Air Command, the display you are on is captured as a screen shot. You then have a number of editing tools available along the top of the screen. These include pen types, line thickness, pen color, an eraser, cropping tool, and sharing tool.

    It was a bit tough to test out the S Finder functionality since I currently just have a review device and there is not much content yet created. I saw S Finder in action at a launch event and love how it can find handwritten notes in addition to text-based data. You can also easily filter your search results by date and type of data.

    LG has a function similar to Pen Windows where you can open up and use small utilities over the top of primary apps. As you can see in my screenshots, Pen Window utilities appear in the same size box after you draw a small square and select a tool. Available tools include calculator, clock, YouTube, phone dialer, contacts, Hangouts, and web browser. The app selection is limited, but you may find one or two useful.

    There are other S Pen functions, such as the ability to draw around areas on your display while pressing in on the S Pen button to capture this part of your display for future use, using the S Pen as an alternative to your finger for navigation, and using the S Pen with the improved S Note application that offers more templates, syncing with Evernote, and a slick Easy Chart function that may work out pretty well for engineers like me who want to show some visuals in the field.

    In addition to the S Pen improvements, the Note 3 is loaded with Android 4.3. Since the TouchWiz UI is installed too, you likely won't find many differences in the overall UI and experiences of Android.

    There are quite a few Samsung and Sprint apps loaded on this evaluation Note 3, but I found many useful. I would still like the ability to remove them when I wanted, but haven't found a lot of support for that on Android. Business users will appreciate Knox, S Translator, VPN client, and more.

    The Note 3 is currently the only device that works with the Galaxy Gear . I am really enjoying the Gear experience and can't wait for my own T-Mobile Note 3 and Gear to arrive.

    Usage and experiences

    I like the Note 3 as much as I did my Note II and appreciate the S Pen improvements. My Note II was sold because I found I wasn't using the S Pen as much as I had hoped. I think with the improvements, specifically with Air Command and S Note, I will be using the S Pen more often and will try to replace all of the paper notebooks I have around my office.

    The Note 3 is a large device, but you won't see me list that as a con since that is exactly what it is designed to be. As a data centric user, I feel it offers the perfect experience for my productivity, media, social networking, and browsing needs. I also have a large build with larger hands so do not find the size to be unreasonably large for me.

    Even with very heavy usage, I was able to go more than a day with the Note 3 and love having a smartphone in hand again where I don't have to search for a cable during the day or worry about topping it off. I wish it had Qi wireless charging and hope that Samsung launches a back cover that supports that capability soon.

    Pros and Cons

    To summarize my experiences with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, here are my pros and cons.

    Pros

    • Fantastic display with comfortable size
    • Useful S Pen enhancements
    • Good camera quality and excellent software
    • Super fast performance
    • Excellent battery life
    • Replaceable battery and microSD card expansion

    Cons

    • Exchange client folder access is limited
    • Bit overloaded with apps and utilities

    Pricing and availability

    The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be available from carriers in the US for a contract price between $300 and $350. The full price looks to be around $700. I bought a SIM-unlocked, no-contract T-Mobile USA version from Negri Electronics for $689.50.

    The competition

    These smartphones with displays larger than 5 inches have become known as phablets. Samsung really set the bar with the first Galaxy Note and showed there is a viable market for such a device. LG has the Optimus G Pro and some older clunky large smartphones, Sony has th Xperia Z Ultra, and HTC is rumored to be launching the HTC One Max.

    While the Optimus G Pro is a great device, Samsung still stands alone with the fantastic S Pen functionality and they are the leaders in the large smartphone market.

    Specifications

    • Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS
    • 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor
    • 3GB RAM and 32GB flash storage memory (option for 64GB)
    • microSD expansion capability
    • 5.7 inch 1920x1080 HD SUPER AMOLED display
    • 13 megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)
    • 2 megapixel front facing camera
    • S Pen and optimized pen features
    • 3,200 mAh removable battery
    • Sensors include proximity, barometer, temperature & humidity, accelerometer, gyroscope
    • Dimensions of 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm and 168 grams

    Conclusion

    If you are a heavy data user and want a large smartphone, nothing beats the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect 10, with the base assumption that size is not a factor since you are a buyer of a large smartphone, is that the Exchange client still needs work and Samsung should lighten up a bit more on the included apps and utilities.

    The Exchange client in Samsung Android phones has always disappointed me, especially when compared to what HTC offers in their email client. On the Note 3 I am unable to access my local folders that I can on every other smartphone I have. I hope Samsung releases an update that provides this local access and if that happens then I will become even more of a fan of this large, lovely device.

    Contributor's rating: 9.5 out of 10

    Further reading

    • Samsung gives Note 3 'no questions asked' protection for South Africa
    • Samsung attempts to preempt Apple with Note 3, Galaxy Gear event
    • Samsung Galaxy Note II accessories: Colored Flip Covers and AllShare Cast Wireless Hub
    • CNET: Samsung Galaxy Note II review: The ultimate anti-iPhone
    • Better hardware and software make the Galaxy Note II the best Android available
    • Top 5 smartphones for the holiday season
    • T-Mobile Galaxy Note II first impressions: Samsung stepped up to the plate with this upgrade
    • Camera phone comparison; iPhone 5, Note II, HTC 8X, Lumia 920
    • T-Mobile Galaxy Note II available today for $379.99, I'm upgrading to it from the GSIII
    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Back of the Note 3 with updated back cover

    Back of the Note 3 with updated back cover

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Camera module and Samsung branding

    Camera module and Samsung branding

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • S Pen on the Note 3

    S Pen on the Note 3

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Front hardware button and capacitive backlit areas

    Front hardware button and capacitive backlit areas

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Top view with 3.5mm audio jack and IR port

    Top view with 3.5mm audio jack and IR port

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Battery and microSD are removable

    Battery and microSD are removable

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Back cover feels good, but is thin plastic

    Back cover feels good, but is thin plastic

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Flipboard partnership brings you My Magazine app

    Flipboard partnership brings you My Magazine app

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Terms of My Magazine

    Terms of My Magazine

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Quick access to other functions while reading

    Quick access to other functions while reading

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Apps on the Note 3

    Apps on the Note 3

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Galaxy Plus folder contents

    Galaxy Plus folder contents

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Google folder contents

    Google folder contents

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Samsung folder contents

    Samsung folder contents

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Sprint folder contents

    Sprint folder contents

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Lumen toolbar option in the browser

    Lumen toolbar option in the browser

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Intro to S Note

    Intro to S Note

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Selecting a S Note template

    Selecting a S Note template

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Choose where to sync content

    Choose where to sync content

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Select S Note entry options

    Select S Note entry options

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Data roaming guard appeared on my Sprint eval unit

    Data roaming guard appeared on my Sprint eval unit

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Plethora of Samsung utilities to choose from

    Plethora of Samsung utilities to choose from

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Motion control toggles

    Motion control toggles

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Palm motion options

    Palm motion options

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • S Pen options

    S Pen options

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Air gesture options

    Air gesture options

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Speedtest on my Sprint eval unit with LTE

    Speedtest on my Sprint eval unit with LTE

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Intro to Scrapbook

    Intro to Scrapbook

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Story Album application

    Story Album application

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Air Command controlling on the home screen

    Air Command controlling on the home screen

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Launching Action Memo

    Launching Action Memo

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Jot down a phone number and take action

    Jot down a phone number and take action

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Dialing from a handwritten note

    Dialing from a handwritten note

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Air Command from the web browser

    Air Command from the web browser

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Launch Scrapbooker capture tool

    Launch Scrapbooker capture tool

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Selected content appears in Scrapbook

    Selected content appears in Scrapbook

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Initiating Screen Write from the home screen

    Initiating Screen Write from the home screen

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Editing with Screen Write

    Editing with Screen Write

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Initiating S Finder from the home screen

    Initiating S Finder from the home screen

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Search results for ZDNet

    Search results for ZDNet

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Launching Pen Window with Air Command

    Launching Pen Window with Air Command

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Choose an available Pen Window utility

    Choose an available Pen Window utility

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • You can have multiple Pen Window apps up and running

    You can have multiple Pen Window apps up and running

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • When minimized Pen Window apps appear like a Chat Head

    When minimized Pen Window apps appear like a Chat Head

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Three Pen Window apps are here while I browse the web

    Three Pen Window apps are here while I browse the web

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Many camera options are available

    Many camera options are available

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Camera settings appear along the top with a single tap

    Camera settings appear along the top with a single tap

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Love the functional Note 3 calendar

    Love the functional Note 3 calendar

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Samsung Galaxy trio with brilliant color wallpaper

    Samsung Galaxy trio with brilliant color wallpaper

    Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 50 NEXT PREV
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT) | Topic: Reviews

  • Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in hand
  • Back of the Note 3 with updated back cover
  • Camera module and Samsung branding
  • S Pen on the Note 3
  • Front hardware button and capacitive backlit areas
  • Top view with 3.5mm audio jack and IR port
  • Battery and microSD are removable
  • Back cover feels good, but is thin plastic
  • Flipboard partnership brings you My Magazine app
  • Terms of My Magazine
  • Quick access to other functions while reading
  • Apps on the Note 3
  • Galaxy Plus folder contents
  • Google folder contents
  • Samsung folder contents
  • Sprint folder contents
  • Lumen toolbar option in the browser
  • Intro to S Note
  • Selecting a S Note template
  • Choose where to sync content
  • Select S Note entry options
  • Data roaming guard appeared on my Sprint eval unit
  • Plethora of Samsung utilities to choose from
  • Motion control toggles
  • Palm motion options
  • S Pen options
  • Air gesture options
  • Speedtest on my Sprint eval unit with LTE
  • Intro to Scrapbook
  • Story Album application
  • Air Command controlling on the home screen
  • Launching Action Memo
  • Jot down a phone number and take action
  • Dialing from a handwritten note
  • Air Command from the web browser
  • Launch Scrapbooker capture tool
  • Selected content appears in Scrapbook
  • Initiating Screen Write from the home screen
  • Editing with Screen Write
  • Initiating S Finder from the home screen
  • Search results for ZDNet
  • Launching Pen Window with Air Command
  • Choose an available Pen Window utility
  • You can have multiple Pen Window apps up and running
  • When minimized Pen Window apps appear like a Chat Head
  • Three Pen Window apps are here while I browse the web
  • Many camera options are available
  • Camera settings appear along the top with a single tap
  • Love the functional Note 3 calendar
  • Samsung Galaxy trio with brilliant color wallpaper

With the highest specs on an Android phone, one of the largest displays with S Pen support, and enhanced Samsung software we see Samsung continue to improve on a fantastic device with the size staying about the same.

Read More Read Less

Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in hand

Last year I bought a Galaxy Note II and used if for about six months before moving to the HTC One. The Note II remains one of the best Android smartphones available , but the new Galaxy Note 3 is even better with advanced S Pen functionality, a slightly larger display, improved internals, and Android 4.3 with a back that looks and feels like it belongs in the enterprise.

Hardware

Samsung was able to squeeze in a larger display measuring 5.7 inches, was 5.5 inches, diagonally while actually reducing the width by 1.3 mm. While the removable back panel, available in black or white, is still made of rather thin plastic, the outside has an almost leather feel to it. It feels sticky to your hand and helps with the grip. There is fake stitching around the edges too, giving it a classy look.

You can buy the Note 3 with 32GB or 64GB internal memory and both come with a microSD card slot for further memory expansion. You can also pop out the 3,200 mAh battery if you need the Note 3 on the road and when your capacity degrades over time. The Note 3 is a device that should last you for a couple of years.

The Super AMOLED display is fantastic, as expected, with colors popping off of the display and blacks looking dark as night. You will still find the center physical button below the display with two backlit capacitive areas, one on either side of the button.

The volume button is on the upper left side, embedded in the plastic grooved metal looking frame of the Note 3. The audio jack, a microphone, and the IR port are found on the top while the right side houses the traditional Samsung power button and a microphone opening down low.

I was a bit confused by the port on the bottom since it was the first USB 3.0 port I have seen in person. The Note 3 comes with a USB 3.0 cable, but don't worry, you can still connect your existing microUSB cable to the right side of the new elongated port opening. The mono speaker is also found on the bottom of the Note 3.

At the right edge of the bottom is the opening of the S Pen silo. The S Pen has been redesigned to fit in either way and is a bit longer than the one found on the Note II. I like the feel of the S Pen, but personally would like it to be a bit heftier with metal used in the body.

The 13 megapixel camera is found centered near the top of the back with a LED flash positioned below it. The 2 megapixel front facing camera is located in the top right corner of the front.

Most of the improvements to the Note 3 hardware are found internally with the fast Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM (this is awesome!), higher resolution camera, 3,200 mAh battery, and more. My HTC One made me a fan of the IR port and I am happy to report that one is available, along with the WatchON application, on the Note 3.

Software

In addition to the improved hardware specifications, Samsung significantly improved the S Pen functionality. I used the S Pen a bit on my Note II, but didn't really find it essential. Samsung's new Air Command controller that appears when you slide the S Pen out of the silo so far has helped me use the S Pen more on a daily basis.

With Air Command you can choose to launch Action Memo, Scrapbooker, Screen Write, S Finder, and Pen Window with a single tap of the S Pen.

Action Memo lets you use handwritten text on the display to then initiate actions. These actions include placing a phone call, opening a contact, sending a text message, sending an email, opening the web browser, mapping a location, and creating a task. It is a very handy feature that I think will be used quite often.

With the Scrapbooker selector turned on you can capture content from your device (web pages, images, YouTube videos, music, videos, and more) and organize it into different collections. These can have tags and other meta data to help you use this information in the future.

After selecting Screen Write from Air Command, the display you are on is captured as a screen shot. You then have a number of editing tools available along the top of the screen. These include pen types, line thickness, pen color, an eraser, cropping tool, and sharing tool.

It was a bit tough to test out the S Finder functionality since I currently just have a review device and there is not much content yet created. I saw S Finder in action at a launch event and love how it can find handwritten notes in addition to text-based data. You can also easily filter your search results by date and type of data.

LG has a function similar to Pen Windows where you can open up and use small utilities over the top of primary apps. As you can see in my screenshots, Pen Window utilities appear in the same size box after you draw a small square and select a tool. Available tools include calculator, clock, YouTube, phone dialer, contacts, Hangouts, and web browser. The app selection is limited, but you may find one or two useful.

There are other S Pen functions, such as the ability to draw around areas on your display while pressing in on the S Pen button to capture this part of your display for future use, using the S Pen as an alternative to your finger for navigation, and using the S Pen with the improved S Note application that offers more templates, syncing with Evernote, and a slick Easy Chart function that may work out pretty well for engineers like me who want to show some visuals in the field.

In addition to the S Pen improvements, the Note 3 is loaded with Android 4.3. Since the TouchWiz UI is installed too, you likely won't find many differences in the overall UI and experiences of Android.

There are quite a few Samsung and Sprint apps loaded on this evaluation Note 3, but I found many useful. I would still like the ability to remove them when I wanted, but haven't found a lot of support for that on Android. Business users will appreciate Knox, S Translator, VPN client, and more.

The Note 3 is currently the only device that works with the Galaxy Gear . I am really enjoying the Gear experience and can't wait for my own T-Mobile Note 3 and Gear to arrive.

Usage and experiences

I like the Note 3 as much as I did my Note II and appreciate the S Pen improvements. My Note II was sold because I found I wasn't using the S Pen as much as I had hoped. I think with the improvements, specifically with Air Command and S Note, I will be using the S Pen more often and will try to replace all of the paper notebooks I have around my office.

The Note 3 is a large device, but you won't see me list that as a con since that is exactly what it is designed to be. As a data centric user, I feel it offers the perfect experience for my productivity, media, social networking, and browsing needs. I also have a large build with larger hands so do not find the size to be unreasonably large for me.

Even with very heavy usage, I was able to go more than a day with the Note 3 and love having a smartphone in hand again where I don't have to search for a cable during the day or worry about topping it off. I wish it had Qi wireless charging and hope that Samsung launches a back cover that supports that capability soon.

Pros and Cons

To summarize my experiences with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, here are my pros and cons.

Pros

  • Fantastic display with comfortable size
  • Useful S Pen enhancements
  • Good camera quality and excellent software
  • Super fast performance
  • Excellent battery life
  • Replaceable battery and microSD card expansion

Cons

  • Exchange client folder access is limited
  • Bit overloaded with apps and utilities

Pricing and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be available from carriers in the US for a contract price between $300 and $350. The full price looks to be around $700. I bought a SIM-unlocked, no-contract T-Mobile USA version from Negri Electronics for $689.50.

The competition

These smartphones with displays larger than 5 inches have become known as phablets. Samsung really set the bar with the first Galaxy Note and showed there is a viable market for such a device. LG has the Optimus G Pro and some older clunky large smartphones, Sony has th Xperia Z Ultra, and HTC is rumored to be launching the HTC One Max.

While the Optimus G Pro is a great device, Samsung still stands alone with the fantastic S Pen functionality and they are the leaders in the large smartphone market.

Specifications

  • Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS
  • 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor
  • 3GB RAM and 32GB flash storage memory (option for 64GB)
  • microSD expansion capability
  • 5.7 inch 1920x1080 HD SUPER AMOLED display
  • 13 megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • 2 megapixel front facing camera
  • S Pen and optimized pen features
  • 3,200 mAh removable battery
  • Sensors include proximity, barometer, temperature & humidity, accelerometer, gyroscope
  • Dimensions of 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm and 168 grams

Conclusion

If you are a heavy data user and want a large smartphone, nothing beats the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect 10, with the base assumption that size is not a factor since you are a buyer of a large smartphone, is that the Exchange client still needs work and Samsung should lighten up a bit more on the included apps and utilities.

The Exchange client in Samsung Android phones has always disappointed me, especially when compared to what HTC offers in their email client. On the Note 3 I am unable to access my local folders that I can on every other smartphone I have. I hope Samsung releases an update that provides this local access and if that happens then I will become even more of a fan of this large, lovely device.

Contributor's rating: 9.5 out of 10

Further reading

  • Samsung gives Note 3 'no questions asked' protection for South Africa
  • Samsung attempts to preempt Apple with Note 3, Galaxy Gear event
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II accessories: Colored Flip Covers and AllShare Cast Wireless Hub
  • CNET: Samsung Galaxy Note II review: The ultimate anti-iPhone
  • Better hardware and software make the Galaxy Note II the best Android available
  • Top 5 smartphones for the holiday season
  • T-Mobile Galaxy Note II first impressions: Samsung stepped up to the plate with this upgrade
  • Camera phone comparison; iPhone 5, Note II, HTC 8X, Lumia 920
  • T-Mobile Galaxy Note II available today for $379.99, I'm upgrading to it from the GSIII
Published: October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT)

Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 50 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Reviews Google Hardware Mobility Printers Laptops
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | October 1, 2013 -- 13:33 GMT (06:33 PDT) | Topic: Reviews

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel, Xiaomi Mi 11, and more: ZDNet's reviews roundup

    From innovative folding devices to elegant displays and a sturdy SSD, here's what our reviewers get their hands on during February.

  • Mous cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21: Drop protection and magnetic accessory features

    Mous has a couple of case options for the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup. Both models offer AiroShock drop protection while the Limitless 3.0 case includes strategically placed magnets ...

  • Incipio and Survivor cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Dual-layer and compostable options

    Wrapping your expensive phone in a case is a good way to provide extra protection. Dual-layers, enhanced grip, and even cases you can easily recycle are available from Incipio and ...

  • Gear4 and InvisibleShield for Galaxy S21 Ultra: Impact protection and anti-microbial treatment

    ZAGG has Gear4 case options and InvisibleShield screen protection for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Various levels of drop protection are provided in different case models. ...

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Speck Presidio cases: Drop and antimicrobial protection

    Speck cases are designed to help you hold onto your phone and if you happen to drop it then the case is there to aid in the likelihood of survival. 13-feet drop protection and Microban ...

  • Spigen cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21 series: Affordable prices, professional looks

    Spigen offers a wide range of case options for the new Galaxy S21 series with prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99. All the cases are available in black with a couple subtle color options ...

  • Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3, Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 9310, and more: ZDNet's reviews roundup

    From a couple of strong Samsung mobile devices to a slew of new laptops and a retro-looking microphone, here's the kit we got our hands on in January.

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums