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Samsung is known for its fierce production pace and extremely up-to-date launch of new products that are often devices with very similar characteristics and performance, and it is understandable that technically less educated customers (but also customers who understand mobile technologies) are sometimes indecisive. choosing the right device that will best suit their needs. Lately, we often get questions about the decision to choose a high-end device, so we decided to deal with two very current competing models Samsung Galaxy I9300 S3 and Samsung N7100 Galaxy Note 2. Although both models are “tailored with the same tailor”, up to at the end of this comparison we will deal with the details, whether size is always important, which device is more convenient to use, which makes better images, etc. So, Samsung Galaxy I9300 S3 vs Samsung Galaxy N7100 Note 2
Hardware
It is logical to start from the look and design, ie what we first notice when we take these two models in hand. The exterior of these two models looks practically the same, with the same design and the same (plastic) materials used in the production. The first and main difference relates to the dimensions of these two models. The dimensions of the Galaxy S III are 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm while the Note 2 is larger in “all directions” with dimensions of 151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm. The thickness of these two models is not an item to compare because, but the length of the device itself certainly is. Even the predecessor of the Note 2 model (Galaxy Note N7000) was called a tele / tablet because of its dimensions, which definitely applies to the youngest member of the Note family. While the large dimensions are in favor of users who enjoy the opportunity to use their phone as a tablet, from a practical point of view, the Note 2 is not one of those models that you can “slip” into your jeans pocket like with any other phone. What is probably even less practical or, to say the least, problematic is the width of the Note 2. Due to its width, it borders on the feeling of comfort (ie not comfort) of using one device with one hand.
The weight of these two models is also one interesting thing. The Galaxy S3 weighs 133 grams in accordance with its dimensions and class. We say harmoniously because this weight is approximate for devices of this class (HTC One X weighs 130g, and LG Optimus 4X HD 133g). Galaxy Note 2 weighs exactly 183 grams and this weight sounds quite large (we have to admit that it is), but we must point out that this weight is evenly distributed, and we did not get the feeling that the Note 2 “pulls” by weight towards the top of the phone. At the moment, the Galaxy s3 also has a wider color palette on the side in which this model is available, but we believe that the Note 2 will catch up with the expansion of the choice of available colors as time goes on.
Furthermore, both models are equipped with a removable back cover, as well as a battery that the user can access (unlike some models that have appeared recently and in which the replacement of the battery is disabled to the user without professional service assistance). The Galaxy S3 is equipped with a 2100mAh Li-Ion battery which is a capacity to appreciate, while the compared Note 2 is equipped with a 3100mAh battery which is again in line with its size. Both models have almost the same chipset installed (although the Note 2 is “clocked” at 1.6GHz), but the difference in display size is hardly negligible. Precisely because of this, the battery of the Galaxy Note 2 has been boosted by almost 50% compared to its competitor in this comparison. Clocked Processor and display size aside, according to battery tests, the Galaxy s3 lasted 10 hours and 15 minutes of 3G talk, 6:27 minutes of web browsing, and 9:27 minutes of video review (the battery has proven better performance when the S3 update is It runs on the newer Jelly Bean OS). According to testing, the Galaxy Note 2 showed where and where better battery performance. Specifically 16h and 57 min of 3G conversations, 8:48 min of web browsing, and 11:27 min of video content review. These are not small differences in battery performance at all and according to the above data, the Note 2 will serve its owner longer with a single battery charge
When we compare Samsung Galaxy I9300 S3 vs Samsung Galaxy N7100 Note 2, the power of the processor itself is almost the same, thanks to the already mentioned chipset, but the expected improvement of the clocked set of Galaxy Note 2 models brings it about 15% better performance. Jelly Bean has brought fantastic improvements to these models when it comes to web browsing speed and they have “dangerously” come close to the performance of Apple’s undisputed iPhone 5 model.
Software
Software-wise considered these two models, again we come to the conclusion that both devices use the same Android Jelly Bean operating system, as well as the same TouchWiz user interface. The only special accessories that apply are related to the Note 2 model, but only thanks to the options provided by its S-Pen (pen) and the recently announced split screen (possibility of splitting the display when working with the phone). Home screen widgets can be rearranged according to the user’s wishes on both models, while the dimensions of some can also be changed. Jelly Bean on these models also brings a slider to adjust the brightness on the home page, which we find a very convenient option. One of the great novelties is the application called S Voice, which allows you to control your phone with a voice command (for example, call the contact this and that, ask for instructions, or turn on the Wi Fi connection). The S Voice application itself can also be activated with a voice command, for example Hello S3. While we are talking about voice commands, we must mention some other benefits that Jelly Bean provides. With this OS, google has introduced a new Google Now that, connected to their Knowledge Engine, provides support for recognizing voice commands (albeit a smaller range than S Voice), but this app provides you with voice dictation of an SMS message that this app transmits into written text. What is positive about this application is the fact that it works without an internet connection, ie while you are offline.
There is no end to smart applications here. One of the biggest innovations in these models is the one called Smart Stay. This app uses the front camera to recognize whether you are looking at the display or not. When it registers to watch, the display light does not go out while you are watching. This is a handy solution when, say, you are reading a longer article.
Camera
Both compared models use an 8MP camera with LED flash and 720p video quality. By comparing the capabilities of the cameras of both models, we came to the same results, the Galaxy Note 2 model added an option called Best faces that “shoots” 5 images and software composes one final image of them, allowing you to select the facial expressions of each person photos. This is a really interesting novelty. In addition to these options, both phones and their cameras have an editable user interface and options such as HDR, Panorama, Touch focus as well as the ability to capture images in 6MP quality during 1080p video. When we talk about image quality, the difference is almost negligible. You can place 2 pictures taken with these devices next to each other, and claim that they were taken with the same camera. Only by more detailed analysis, the Galaxy S3 deserves a small advantage when it comes to image sharpness.
When it comes to video quality, both models have the option of 1080p @ 30fps video, and when it comes to the quality of the video itself, we again came to the conclusion that there are no significant differences.
Audio quality
In terms of audio quality, we found the same results as with the camera. When testing the sound quality, the quality was almost identical. So identical that we are almost convinced that these two models share the same hardware when it comes to this aspect of the phone. The final decision is: whichever of these two models you choose, you will listen to the highest available sound quality. Speakerphone tests gave results that differ only in nuances. The Galaxy S3 is louder when it comes to the sound of the interlocutor, while the Note 2 gives better performance when it comes to ringtones. Listening to music, ie the quality of music, does not differ.
Conclusion
Summarizing these two models, it seems that we are still not sure which of these two exceptional models to declare a “winner”. Both models cleverly compensate for their shortcomings in relation to the other and both have their pros and cons in relation to the other. We assume that it is best to make an individual decision depending on the needs of the user, ie the purpose for which the user needs the device.
The Galaxy S3 looks more like everything in 1 device, and leaves the impression of a more complete model, and certainly provides a better “feel” if you are looking for a phone with some tablet elements. It is great for outdoor use (we primarily mean the sound quality of the interlocutor), taking pictures, viewing video content and all in all, it is a well-balanced “portable” phone.
The Galaxy Note 2 has “sacrificed” some of its phone features for the sake of being able to have tele / tablet features in one device. The display of this model is adapted for all types of multimedia pleasure, gaming, less strenuous web browsing, and its S Pen and user interface where display sharing can be a very useful option give this model a wider and more productive role.
Some users will say – phone size matters! Others will say again that he does not want to carry a backpack for a mobile device. After all, it all comes down to the needs and tastes of the users right?