Samsung Galaxy Note 3 main disadvantage

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 main disadvantage

Main disadvantages

• N9000 model (Exynos) lacks LTE and 2160p video capture
• Large size makes single-hand operation problematic
• No OIS
• No dedicated camera key
• No FM radio
• Shared camera interface makes framing tricky

Besides putting the Exynos-powered model in question, the list of disadvantages is grasping at straws - Samsung went all out with the Galaxy Note 3 and may well have created the best Android device to date.

Yes, it's large but ask anyone who has used a 5.5+ inch device - it takes a while to get used to, but after that regular phones feel like tiny toys. And it's not that big - it's the same size as the Note II except thinner and lighter.

   
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 visits us at the office

The phone launches with the latest Android version available - 4.3 Jelly Bean - on which Samsung has grafted its government-approved security feature called Knox. Samsung is aiming hard for the "bring your own device to work" business crowd that BlackBerry and its secure services have now lost.

It helps that Samsung decided to quell the "glossy plastic" complaints with a surprising move to a faux-leather look that feels almost like the real thing - instead of being tacky, it adds a touch of class.

Samsung also invites power users to the Galaxy Note 3 with tons of bespoke features, customization options, easy expansion with a removable battery and card slot, not to mention two of the most powerful mobile chipsets available. The 2160p (or UHD) video capture is nearly unique and with millions of Note 3s to be sold, Samsung is setting up nicely for its UHD 4K TVs.

As you can see from the bulging list of features, we have plenty of ground to cover, so let's get started with a peek at the design on the next page.