More and more die-hard apple fans are making the switch to android smart phones. My phone is several years old, and it hasn’t been working properly since the last IOS update. I’ve been due for an upgrade, but I really wanted to make sure I considered all types of phones to see which one is right for me. The first on my list to try was the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, which runs on the super fast Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.
My first impression was that this phone was very large, maybe even too big. It features a 5.7-inch full HD display. After using it for a few weeks, it doesn’t feel so big anymore. I guess I became accustomed to the nice large display, and I loved being able to easily read books right on my phone without having to squint. You could say it’s a cross between a phone and a tablet in terms of size but it’s still very thin and lightweight. I was relieved that it still fit into my back pocket, because I always like to have my phone easily within reach.
This phone features a magazine-style layout so that you can place all of the apps and tools that you use daily in a convenient place for quick access. For me, those apps are Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, text messages and my website. I love the talk to text feature and love how the phone offers word suggestions as a shortcut.
Because I use a mac, it was not easy figuring out how to download photos and videos. I discovered the Android File Transfer app which made downloading a breeze. Just don’t expect automatic download to your mac, because it won’t happen. The other adjustment for me was the app download process. Instead of the Apple App Store, I realized that I can now only purchase apps through Amazon and Google Play.
For me, the best feature on this phone is the camera. I’m always taking photos, and the Galaxy Note 3 takes beautiful, bright photos. I found myself using this phone in place of my DSLR for food photography for my blog, family photos and images detailing our travels. I love the double camera feature which allows you take a selfie and a photo at the same time as seen above – so you can not only capture your view but also yourself.
This is an amazing phone and I wish it were mine to keep. The full price on the Galaxy Note 3 is $699.99, and Verizon Wireless is currently offering it for $149.99 with a 2-year aggreement. I’m a big fan of Samsung products, but in the end I think I’d like a phone that’s slightly smaller. The next phone I’ll be looking at is the Galaxy S5. More on that later!
We received a loaner for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
Looks like a pretty amazing phone. I also have samsung phone and so far so good. I think they are the next innovators when it comes to phones.
The camera quality looks great! I currently have an s2 and I am thinking about upgrading soon!
That is a nice phone. I am totally an apple girl
I am an android girl and probably always will be of course until the next technology comes knocking. I refuse however to buy any apple products mostly because you pay for the name.
Thanks for the review! My contract will be up soon so I’m starting to look at different phones.
Sounds like a great phone! I just got my first smart phone a couple weeks ago and i think it’s great, but i haven’t even tried the current popular phones
This looks like a really nice phone. I have the iPhone and I do love it.
My son just purchases a Galaxy S5 and I think I would really love it. We already have the model below it. He was telling me about the Note but I have an iPad so I don’t really need it. I will have to see what is available when I can upgrade.
I don’t know if I’d be able to restart & buy all my apps again. Plus, I do love my iPhone! But kudos for making the switch :)
Wow! What a beautiful phone. I just upgraded to a bigger iPhone.