Galaxy S III Review

I haven't done a phone review since I started writing primarily because I haven't been really impressed by a new phone in the past several months.  This all changed when I get to spend a little bit of time with the Galaxy S III, Samsung's new flagship phone.  The GS3 will be launching on all the major US carriers and will be available internationally as well (meaning my Russian and British readers are in luck).  I was able to attend  a training event hosted by Samsung in Philadelphia and had the opportunity to tinker with the phone in between the training segments.

Why Should You Care

The phone has some pretty amazing specs and won't require you to open up your wallet as far as the Motorola Razr Maxx ($299) and will get you more bang for your buck than an iPhone 4S ($199).  The phone is a 4G LTE device with a blazing fast 1.5GHz processor and comes loaded with 2 GB of RAM to keep the device running very smoothly.  The 4.8" Super AMOLED screen displays HD videos with incredible image clarity and is protected by second generation Corning Gorilla Glass.

I'm going to break down that last sentence for everyone really quick.  It has a big, gorgeous screen that will be very durable.  Don't be scared by the size of the screen as Samsung reduced the bezel (the white and black stuff around the screen) in order to keep the size of the phone becoming uncomfortable.  The phone is comparable in size to the Droid X or Droid 4 which both have 4.3" screens.

The camera really shined in the short time I got to use the phone.  The phone sports an 8 MP main camera and 1.9MP front facing camera.  The phone features a "burst" mode enabling the phone to take 20 pictures in rapid succession and a "best" mode that highlights the "best" picture based off the number of faces in focus, smiles, and eyes open.  Lastly, the phone has a "smile" mode, in which the phone will automatically snap the photo when it senses the subject smiling.  The camera alone will be enough to move the phone as customers look for a suitable replacement for a point and click camera.

Battery life? While I haven't seen the phone in action for an extended period of time, I would expect the battery to hold up well in comparison to most other phones.  At 2100 mAh, the GS3's battery is second only to the Razr Maxx (3300 mAh) in Verizon's current line up.  Most phones average 1600 mAh and Samsung's Super AMOLED screens have been lauded for their efficient battery use in comparison to energy hungry screens featured by Motorola and HTC.

Lastly, Samsung has developed a new accessory called TecTiles. TecTiles are small adhesive chips that can be programmed to give the phone a specific command.  For instance, you can leave one at work and when you wave your phone across the TecTile, your phone will text your significant other that you're leaving.  Swipe your phone over another tile in your car to turn on GPS and Bluetooth.  Arrive home and swipe over the tile near the phone to mute the device and enjoy some quality quiet time.

Should You Buy It?

Resoundingly, yes!  Like I said before the Galaxy S III is the first phone in a while that has really impressed me.  I would buy the phone ahead of every phone in Verizon's lineup with the exception of the Razr Maxx.  If you're a heavy duty user or just find yourself unable to rely on having a charger handy then the extra battery life on the Maxx should put it over the top.  For everyone else, I'd recommend picking up the Galaxy and using the savings to pick up some TecTiles.