Samsung Galaxy Note 3 preview Q&A: We answer

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is one of the fastest Android phones we've come across recently. We did not experience any lag during our testing, nor any overheating issues.

It is too early to give a definite answer to that question. Prototype units, such as the one we tested, are very likely to give us misleading results if benchmarked, which is why we test the batteries on final units only. But if you insist on knowing, it held up pretty well.

The actual formatted space you get on the 32GB Note 3 model is a little under 30GB. Out of that, 5.64GB are occupied by system files , which leaves you with a tad over 24GB for files, photos, music, movies, and apps. Expect about 56GB of user-available space on the 64GB Galaxy Note 3.


Key word here is "feel". The transition animations on the LG G2 are brief and fast, which is why we assume it might give you that impression if you compare the two side by side. In reality, we'd say that both are pretty much equally fast and responsive. As for your second question, the extra gig of RAM is definitely in use by the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. We noticed that the OS would occupy up to 85% of its RAM, and probably more in some instances, which is a good thing, especially for a device optimized for multitasking like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Switching to apps we had running the previous day was instant as they were still stored in RAM - that counts as a benefit.


It sounds great with a pair of quality headphones, but we have yet to test it thoroughly in that respect. It is worth noting that the Note 3 can play back 192kHz/24bit lossless audio.


We'd say it is better than the glossy finish on other Samsungs in several ways. For starters, little to no fingerprints stick to the leather-like surface on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and it isn't slippery at all. It may be soft-touch plastic, but it does feel similar to leather. The stitching, however, is clearly fake, especially on the white and pink models, but many would need a second look to notice. 


The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 can tell the difference between the S Pen and your fingers. In the S Note app, there's an option to have finger input ignored so that only S Pen taps and strokes would register. We couldn't make it recognize our finger as an eraser, however. 


Nope, not out of the box. If your carrier or retailer is willing to give you one for free, however, that's a different story.

Air View is present on the Note 3. We tried it, but it works only with the S Pen. And yes, the Note 3 does have an RGB notification light, just like the one on the Galaxy S4.


Yes, and it works like a charm.


No FM radio app was present on the Galaxy Note 3 we tested. Carrier-specific models, however, might support the feature, but that's just a guess. 

We had no troubles using the S Pen comfortably. The button is usually slightly higher than the thumb, but it is easy to reach. 


The tip of the S Pen is made of soft rubber-like material, which might lose its accuracy over time if used extensively. In case it wears out, the user can replace its tip with a spare one.


Yes, there are several display modes that affect color saturation. The "Professional Photo" mode is meant to give most realistic results. 


Like a giant phone, which the Samsung Galaxy note 3 actually is. It won't get along well with a pair of skinny jeans.


Say hello to the new USB 3.0 connector! That's how it looks, and we know it isn't pretty. But any generic USB 2.0 cable fits in there, too. It is just that you won't be able to get USB 3.0's higher data speeds with it. And yes, S Health is installed.


We'd say the speaker is loud enough, just don't expect it to be as good as the HTC One's. The screen is bright enough to be usable outdoors and it easily outshines the Samsung Galaxy S4.