After months of waiting, finally Samsung offers the new flagship of its line Android 2012, the Galaxy S3. The latest manufacturer will he be as convincing as its glorious predecessors?
Say that the Galaxy S3 is the most anticipated Android smartphone of the year is the euphemism. In just two years, the Korean manufacturer has successfully created a dynasty with his Galaxy S. The first model was launched in summer 2010. And it was just the first truly high-end Android Samsung. The first Galaxy S has indeed passed 24 million copies when the Galaxy S2 has found 28 million policyholders in just one year. A success story such as this family of smartphones is the only power today to do a bit of shade to the success of the iPhone.
In this context, the Galaxy S3 is logically expected to turn. He carries on his shoulders many expectations and it has little room for error. Samsung was obviously aware when designing its new flagship. The Korean manufacturer has made an embroidered sheet rather exceptional for the Galaxy S3.
Test Galaxy S3: smartphone on its box
The first thing that catches the eye is its large screen HD Super AMOLED 4.8 inch, a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, and covered with a protective layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 2. Despite the presence of this display substantial size, the dimensions of the device remains reasonable with 13.7 x 70.6 x 8.6 cm. It is certainly bigger than the Galaxy S2, but the gap is nothing insurmountable between the two devices. The whole shell is composed of the smartphone Hyperglaze plastic (polycarbonate).
Under the hood is a quadruple heart chipset Samsung Exynos 4212 brand new. This is indeed the first time the Korean automaker proposed in one of its aircraft. The cores are clocked at 1.4 GHz each, backed up by 1GB of memory (RAM).
In terms of capturing photos and videos, it is ensured by a 8-megapixel autofocus sensor (3264 x 2448 pixels), capable of shooting in full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The Galaxy S3 also has a 2 megapixel front sensor, capable of shooting in HD 720p.
The smartphone sold out in terms of connectivity and network compatibility. It turns out to be compatible with 3G + (HSDPA 21 Mbps and HSUPA at 5.76 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n Wi-Fi hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA , Bluetooth 4.0 (A2DP), GPS (A-GPS) and even the NFC. The audio-video output connector is provided by MHL which merges with the microUSB connector.
Test Galaxy S3: Box
Pack contents
The pack is provided in which the Galaxy S3 is a bit stingy for a device as upscale. It includes:
• A battery 2100 mAh
• A wired stereo headset
• A microUSB cable
• A mains charger
• The quick start manual
Despite the presence of a microSD slot, the manufacturer does not have memory card, but its smartphone is available with 16 or 32GB of internal memory, we can not blame him.
Design
When the Galaxy S3 was introduced with much fanfare in London by Samsung, a point has not failed to disappoint many people: the design of the smartphone and the fact that the manufacturer has even used plastic. It must be said that the wildest rumors regarding a ceramic coating had run before the official announcement. But is it really the fault of the Korean if these rumors have placed the level of expectation too high? However, coming back only to the smartphone itself, the use of plastics in this form gives clearly less cachet than some of its competitors like HTC X One, the Lumia Nokia 900 ... not to mention the iPhone 4 / 4S. What's really amazing is that the material used by Samsung, namely Hyperglaz plastic is polycarbonate. Like that of the hull of Lumia Nokia 800 and 900. It is truly amazing to see the difference between the final result achieved in part by the Korean teams, and secondly by the Finns.
Test Galaxy S3: smartphone lying
Despite these few criticisms, the manufacturing quality of the Galaxy S3 remains very good. No game comes to be felt between the different parts of the instrument. In addition, the plastic used has really nothing "cheap". Combined with 130 grams on the scale, the device seems solid and does not in any case the feeling of holding a toy.
Side look, the design of the beast does not necessarily please everyone. Samsung has equipped its new smartphone effect of edges quite rounded as you can see the different pictures that dot this part of the test. This gives the whole a certain bonhomie which should attract the greatest number. But the more sober design enthusiasts or classical, will be for their expenses. Because Samsung has not done either in the sober in color. Next to the white version which is becoming more democratic among all manufacturers, Korean has a split second version of its flagship model blue! Obviously, it is not there a bright blue, but a dark blue rather quiet. But again, it's a matter of taste and color, and this may offend some users.
Test Galaxy S3: Test smartphone face Galaxy S3: smartphone back
But beyond the sensitivities of individuals, what we reproach "objectively" the manufacturer is once again the choice of all-plastic. If this does not pose unduly for the white version which features a glossy back and united, it does not hold true for the blue version. Samsung is in indeed felt compelled to suggest an effect of the ceramic colors. At a time when other manufacturers out of smartphones with a ceramic shell really, this is not very serious side of Korean. Especially for a model as iconic as the Galaxy S3. Fortunately, the rendering is not awful either.
The display occupies no surprise most of the front. It is placed in a conventional manner, with edges of a few millimeters on each side. From this display throne key labeled "Home". When the smartphone is handled, two other sensitive keys light up on both sides of this button. Above the screen, this is still very traditional with light sensors and proximity, the manufacturer's logo and the front camera of 2 megapixels.
Test Galaxy S3: top of the front
Test Galaxy S3: bottom of the front
The rear panel is home to no surprise. The battery cover occupies almost entirely, leaving just a grid to show the speaker, the optical sensor camera and LED flash. Under this cover, there is a removable battery, a slot for the micro-SIM card and one for the microSD memory card. If there is need to remove the battery cover to retrieve the memory card, there is no need to remove the battery itself, which is very good news.
Test Galaxy S3: microSIM and microSD card slot
Otherwise, this smartphone offers fairly reasonable size given its huge screen, including 8.6 mm thick. It appears quite stingy in terms of buttons since it provides the bare minimum, with just two buttons for volume on the left side and one for on / off / lock / unlock the device to the right. Otherwise, the lower part houses the connector micro-USB/MHL smartphone while on the top, we find the mini-jack 3.5 mm. We would have appreciated that the builder from splitting a button to function on the camera side.
Handling and ergonomics
At a time when most of its competitors have followed suit to Apple for some aspects of their phone, especially as the lack of memory card and battery non-removable, Samsung remained the same configuration as for the Galaxy S2. The same goes for the front, which still bears the same three keys inherited from the first Galaxy S, namely a button labeled "Home" flanked by two hover buttons to go back and to display the menu. Again, the Korean automaker could easily do without it since Android 4.0 enables ICS to break free as they are now integrated into the same interface to the latest version of the operating system from Google.
All these decisions when designing Samsung's smartphone show very clearly that he did not want the bulk of its users lost is found. And indeed, if you had one of the first two Galaxy S before it, you'll find yourself immediately in familiar territory with the Galaxy S3. The keys are all arranged in the same way, the microSD card slot is present and the keys below the screen offer exactly the same functions as in the past.
In terms of handling, the Galaxy S3 may frighten some on paper. With a 4.8 inch, the manufacturer could certainly not provide a compact smartphone. Yet he's doing with honors in bulk. If the Galaxy S3 is definitely larger than its predecessor, it is nevertheless perfectly suited for mobile use. Great finesse (8.6 mm) and lightweight for (133 grams) are in terms of feeling, this smartphone does not seem much larger than the previous generation who board 4.3-inch screens. If the choice of all-plastic does not seem to be the best ideas for the coating of the hull to the design and feeling, it is however crucial in terms of handling the device. This is thanks this material Hyperglaze the smartphone seems to be both light and strong. Samsung's engineers deserve a real nod to have been able to enlarge the screen size without their smartphone looks like a tennis racket. In terms of grip, not surprisingly, those with small mimines will hold with both hands. In contrast, those who have hands big enough can always handle one of them for most actions. Only actions that require support at the top of the screen can be problematic. For if the range of the thumb to cover the entire width without problem, it does not hold true for the height.
To conclude this part of the test, remember that despite its large screen size, the Galaxy S3 will fit in your pocket or purse without a problem. And once hidden in his lair, he will not remember your good memories with you annoying from time to time as can the Galaxy Rating. No, the Galaxy S3 shows high and he knows to be forgotten.
Operating system (OS) + User Interface
When Google unveiled the latest update of its operating system, namely Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, last November, some rumors have suggested that all manufacturers would do without their own user interfaces (UI) in the future. This has of course proved totally wrong. However, all manufacturers seem to have realized that overburdening Android with a heavy interface slowed considerably smartphones. They are (almost) all harnessed to make their UI a bit lighter, including Samsung.
The Galaxy S3 comes immediately with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This is also the version 4.0.4 that is found in the smartphone at its release. The manufacturer added TouchWiz 4, his IU house. The general philosophy of this interface does not change and remains in line with what it has proposed so far. It aims merely to simplify some Android, but not revolutionize it. In fact, the operating logic is the same with one hand up to seven reception desks where you can place shortcuts to applications, folders, and widgets. HD monitor required, the shortcut bar found on the homepages from four to five icons.
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
On the other hand, the main menu contains all the applications downloaded. ICS requires Android 4.0, this menu changes to the extent that it includes a second tab in most applications, that contains the widgets. Now is this way that we should move to add widgets on the home screens. It is more practical than in the past because it offers a visualization widgets and inform them of their size.
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
The lock screen is also changing a lot. It now includes four customizable icons that can launch applications while unlocking the smartphone. The missed calls and SMS are also available more quickly on the same principle. Finally, you also have the ability to enable a flow of information which is available in a dropdown menu from the bottom of the page lock. Note that the usual notification bar is also accessible from this page locking, simply by unrolling from the top, as usual.
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
And since we are to discuss the notification bar, know that it contains shortcuts to enable or disable the smartphone connectivity (Wi-Fi, mobile data, GPS, etc..). This is also where we see the control buttons appear to the music player when it is running.
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
Unlike the vast majority of other smartphones running Android 4.0 ICS, those of Samsung do not offer dedicated keys to access the task manager that includes all active applications. However, the Korean manufacturer has left unchanged the new visualization system very practical implementation in Android 4.0. But it is really unfortunate that we should still do a long press the central button to activate it. It did seem like much, but it is ultimately significantly less ergonomic than making a push of a button. Otherwise, the driver in question is very effective since it provides a thumbnail of running applications and those recently launched. For a close, simply slide it on one side.
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
Finally, it is quite surprising that there is no file manager preinstalled in the Galaxy S3. However, this did nothing dramatic in that Google Play (formerly Market) account number, both free and quality.
Another more embarrassing default, menus are not always clear and explicit. Two examples of this fact (but there are others): we had a good time to get one which is used to set the home screen. And because it was hidden in the security settings and not display. Similarly, when you are on the web browser and the settings you posted, it is not necessarily obvious whether a drop down menu and other options that come to nest in those exposed.
OS: Reactivity of the operating system and user interface
Always take the lead in terms of specifications when it comes to its Galaxy S, Samsung could not give her not a Galaxy S3 chipset quadruple heart. The fact that the new flagship of the fleet of Android Korean manufacturer was therefore long overdue. And it is this type of chipset sported the Galaxy S3. However, it is not an Nvidia Tegra 3 as proposed by its competitors as heavily armed. No, as with the first Galaxy S and S2, the Korean has once again opted for a homemade solution. This chipset is a gleaming Samsung Exynos 4212 found in his latest. This is also the first smartphone that offers this component. The four cores are each clocked at 1.4 GHz. They are supported by 1 GB of memory (RAM). From this perspective, the Galaxy S3 does not progress from the Galaxy S2 which offered the same amount of RAM.
Test Galaxy S3: reactivity
But we know from experience that a gleaming sheet and a stack of hearts do not always guarantee a fluidity and reactivity foolproof on Android. It cites as evidence the Optimus 2X or to a much lesser extent HTC X. One The smartphone from LG was the first chipset to board a double heart for his release. However, a fairly catastrophic management of its RAM afflicted users of slowdowns fairly frequent unbearable. As for the One X, it was the first chipset to offer a quadruple heart two months ago. It suffers fortunately not the same kind of defects afflicting the Optimus 2X, but its interface has some microlags not annoying in the absolute, but are still quite annoying on a smartphone of this caliber.
All examples that we invited so as not to ignite too before we thoroughly test the Galaxy S3. If you wait this smartphone at a halt and you are obsessed with the fluidity and responsiveness of a smartphone, take heart, Samsung has done well. If the Galaxy S2 is now a model of fluidity, it was not necessarily to the exit and took a few updates to achieve this result. With the new Galaxy S3, we are left with a deliciously smooth, responsive camera right out of the box. Whether it is to navigate through menus, launch an application or view the task manager, the Galaxy S3 is doing superbly throughout. This is clearly the most successful Android smartphone of this view to date. Everything is full of animations and graphical effects highly successful, giving a modern look overall.
Test Galaxy S3: Conclusion
But as always with Android, not everything is rosy. Sometimes the Galaxy S3 finds himself running out of available RAM. A fact unfortunately very common for Android smartphones. Where applicable, the icons and widgets on the home screens of Galaxy S3 recharge when you go out an application and you return it. The latest addition to Samsung is so powerful that the transaction in question takes no more than a second. But this can be repeated several times a day depending on your use of the smartphone. It is especially those who use it extensively and launched following several intensive applications will notice that this concern for display. Again, this has nothing dramatic and it does not penalize as much use as other Android. This is mostly nitpicking perfectionist. But it remains no less (a little) annoying firepower seen covered in the certification the Galaxy S3. The good news is that Samsung will certainly make a lot of updates over time, as he did for the first two Galaxy. Suddenly, this little problem of RAM will certainly be improved over time. And even if it is not at all, the Galaxy S3 is the best Android smartphone available to date this view, even if not completely perfect.
S-Voice and New Features
On the sidelines of the technical characteristics of high-end new Galaxy S3, the Korean manufacturer has placed great emphasis on the software and new features make meaningful interactions with the smartphone more "human". And the least we can say is that Samsung has struggled to offer a large number of new interactions, sometimes anecdotal, sometimes very important. Or believed to be important because as we shall see all these new features are far from any point. Far even for some of them.
• Voice S
Let's start with the new feature that will remain the most disappointing of the launch: S Voice Voice wizard. Samsung clearly is inspired by the Siri's iPhone 4S (and soon the new iPad). Siri has suffered, and continues to wipe elsewhere, strong criticism. However, the wizard voice of Apple appears to us as much as S Voice resulted in reliability of speech recognition. In terms of features and promises, S Voice is at least as good as its main competitor. But speech recognition struck us as being still in almost embryonic. Especially for the French language, in fact. For English, the possibilities are more numerous, although recognition is a bit chaotic. All is not throwing in the current version of S Voice as it recognizes all the same few phrases like "I want to take a picture" (he then launches photo function). But the manufacturer's cut out if he wants to make a service equivalent to Siri.
Test Galaxy S3: Test system OS Galaxy S3: OS operating system
• Stay Smart
This function is not very evocative behalf proposes not to idle the smartphone as you exit the screen. It can be very convenient for those who read many long articles on the Web, or who regularly engage in the joys of digital books on the smartphone. However, this system becomes less effective if you are in a dark environment.
Test Galaxy S3: Stay Smart
• In bulk
Aside from these two functions are presented as the most important by Samsung, the manufacturer has also introduced other practices as the use you make of it. "Direct Call" allows to call if the contact name is displayed on the screen, in the directory, or even in SMS, and you're wearing ear. You also can now double-tap the top of the smartphone for the display automatically returns to top of page. There are also more conventional gestures, but just as effective as turning off the ringing of his smartphone, turning, shake to update certain functions. Our favorite is the one that is to get their hands on the screen to mute the sound when a media player is running. As soon as you remove the hand, the sound starts again. The only downside of some of these possibilities is that they only work with native apps. So, if you are using an application for SMS, SMS Handcent as such, the party with whom you are chatting is not automatically called if you wear the smartphone to your ear.
The screen
If the power of four cores or significant improvements of the photo sensor will not necessarily be interesting for everyone, there is a point that affects the other hand absolutely all potential users of the Galaxy S3: the giant screen of 4.8 inches. This display is clearly one of the main strengths of the new flagship smartphone from Samsung. For the record, one that was found in the S2 did "only" 4.3 inches. The extra half inch, and especially the resolution increases significantly, almost refer to the Stone Age all the predecessors of S3.
Test Galaxy S3: grip
In arriving at this point to increase the screen size without blowing the dimensions of the device, the manufacturer has already passed a first tour de force. But who would have been unnecessary if the screen in question had shown a disappointing quality. However, Samsung produces its own display, we had no particular fear in this regard. The Galaxy S3 features a Super AMOLED screen HD has a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. This is the highest resolution available today for a smartphone, and it should remain so for quite a while. Unlike the Galaxy S2 so that we were a little disappointed on this point at its output as there was already a screen resolution of 940 x 560 pixels when 800 x 480 pixels of the Galaxy S2 was born there one year. This time, Samsung offers the outset, therefore what is the best. At least for the resolution. As intrinsic to the technology of the display, that's another story. While the screen is the S2 Super AMOLED Plus, the smartphone that we are testing here is "only" Super HD AMOLED, the same technology as that used for rating the Galaxy. To explain it simply, this latest version uses a matrix PenTile that "cheating" in sub-dividing each pixel, which is not the case of the Plus version. Specifically, the purists are not fans because this can cause a reduced display accuracy.
Test Galaxy S3: Screen Test Galaxy S3: the screen
However, the density of pixels on the screen is such that it is indistinguishable to the naked eye. You really have to stick his nose as close to starting to think. Which obviously has nothing to conventional use. One can safely say that the fine display of Galaxy S3 is simply perfect. Associated with its large size, it makes viewing Web pages, multimedia content and digital books very (but then very) pleasant. Even sunlight readability is quite good. The brightness of this smartphone is not the highest possible. But the screen is showing less reflective than on most mobile competitors, it allows the latest addition to Samsung to have a very good outdoor readability.
The only gripe that we can really do it is that the screen in question takes a little blue in it. But Samsung has had the good sense to provide different profiles for rendering in the display settings, everyone should find his account.
Video / photo capture (half)
When Samsung finally unveiled the characteristics of its Galaxy S3, some were disappointed that the photo sensor still showed 8 megapixels, exactly like the Galaxy or the Galaxy S2 rating. The Korean manufacturer has used us to progress in this area with each new model of the Galaxy S, many expected a 12-megapixel sensor for the newcomer. However, we repeat length tests that do not do the megapixel camera phone. And this is true again in the case of the Galaxy S3.
Test Galaxy S3: photo sensor
As mentioned above, the sensor characteristics are equivalent to those of the Galaxy S2, with the same resolution and an opening to f2: 6. But Samsung is not sat idly by during the past year. The manufacturer seems to have seriously revised management software photo function. The result is a Galaxy S3 whose photographs quite clearly surpass those of his predecessor. It can even make a par with the iPhone 4S, which remains the reference type. It has indeed a dive equivalent to that of Apple's smartphone. And it can even take advantage of very faithful colors. They can appear as bland for some users. But they approach actually more real colors, while other smartphones tend to saturate them too.
Note that it can be accessed in two ways depending on the camera when the smartphone is locked. You can either do it with the unlock icon present by default or through a gesture that only the original S3 offers. It suffices to hold the smartphone in portrait mode, letting your finger on the lock screen, then put the mobile in landscape mode. The photo function starts automatically and without losing time. Handling very convenient since it is fast enough naturally.
The S3 also stands in the lot is simply excellent for revealing the macro. At least if the lighting is good. In low light, the Galaxy S3 does, however, no miracle, but he fared respectably for a smartphone. Its LED flash can shoot subjects as close as 1.5 or 2 meters. However, the colors are a little less faithful in this case and the resulting photographs are adorned with a blue tint. It is light enough, but this. However, the record remains one of the best we have ever given among smartphones when the flash is used.
Video / photo capture (2/2)help to unlocking your phone or smartphone like samsung galaxy s2 s3 s4 or iphone 3 3s 4 4s 5 5s or nokia lumia or android ios windows phone 2013 .
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